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Luke 18:8
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He will avenge them speedily - Or, He will do them justice speedily - εν ταχει, instantly, in a trice. 1. Because he has promised it; and 2. Because he is inclined to do it. When the Son of man cometh - To require the produce of the seed of the kingdom sown among this people. Shall he find faith on the earth? - Or rather, Shall he find fidelity in this land? Shall he find that the soil has brought forth a harvest proportioned to the culture bestowed on it? No! And therefore he destroyed that land.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
speedily--as if pained at the long delay, impatient for the destined moment to interpose. (Compare Pro 29:1.) Nevertheless, &c.--that is, Yet ere the Son of man comes to redress the wrongs of His Church, so low will the hope of relief sink, through the length of the delay, that one will be fain to ask, Will He find any faith of a coming avenger left on the earth? From this we learn: (1) That the primary and historical reference of this parable is to the Church in its widowed, desolate, oppressed, defenseless condition during the present absence of her Lord in the heavens; (2) That in these circumstances importunate, persevering prayer for deliverance is the Church's fitting exercise; (3) That notwithstanding every encouragement to this, so long will the answer be delayed, while the need of relief continues the same, and all hope of deliverance will have nearly died out, and "faith" of Christ's coming scarcely to be found. But the application of the parable to prayer in general is so obvious as to have nearly hidden its more direct reference, and so precious that one cannot allow it to disappear in any public and historical interpretation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily,.... As he did in a few years after the death of Christ, when God's elect among the Jews were singled out, and gathered in from them, and were delivered from their persecutors, and saved from temporal ruin and destruction, whilst the Roman army made sad havoc of their enemies; and so will he do in the end of the world. Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh; either to destroy Jerusalem, or to judge the world: shall he find faith on the earth? either in the land of Judea, the believers being removed from thence, and scattered among the Gentiles, and not a man, at least in Jerusalem, that had any faith in Jesus, as the Messiah; or in the world at the last day: there will then be little of the doctrine of faith, and less of the grace of faith, and still less of the exercise of faith, particularly in prayer, and especially about the coming of Christ; it will be little thought of, and expected, or faith little exercised about it. With this agree some expressions in the Jewish writings (s): "Says R. Jose, the holy, blessed God, will not be revealed to Israel, but in the time, , "that faith is not found among them."'' And elsewhere (t), speaking of the times of the Messiah, and of a star that shall then appear, it is said "when that star shall be seen in the world at that time mighty wars shall be stirred up in the world, on all the four sides, , "and faith will not be found" among them.'' They seem to regard the first coming of the Messiah: and which was true with respect to the majority of their nation; and the same holds good with regard to his second coming; in the apocrypha it says: "Nevertheless as coming the tokens, behold, the days shall come, that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great number, and the way of truth shall be hidden, and the land shall be barren of faith.'' (2 Esdras 5:1) (s) Zohar in Gen. fol. 118. 1. (t) Ib. in Num. fol. 86. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:8 when the Son of Man returns: This is an allusion to Dan 7:13-14. • how many will he find on the earth who have faith? The question is whether believers will remain faithful through the trials that will precede the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt 24:10-12; 2 Thes 2:3; 1 Tim 4:1).
Luke 18:8
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
7Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help?8I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(A Heavenly Church) 4. the Faith of Jesus
By Zac Poonen3.6K1:07:09New Covenant LivingFaithISA 55:8EZK 36:27MAT 6:21LUK 18:8ROM 4:201CO 2:162CO 2:14PHP 2:13HEB 11:401JN 2:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of true faith and love in today's world, referencing Luke 18:8, where Jesus questions if He will find faith on earth upon His return. He critiques the shallow, intellectual understanding of faith that many believers possess, which leads to a lack of spiritual depth and experience of God's power. Poonen encourages believers to seek a deeper, experiential faith that aligns with the New Testament, where faith is not merely belief in facts but a transformative relationship with God that empowers them to live as Jesus did. He highlights the importance of surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing God to write His laws in our hearts, and living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of Heaven rather than earthly concerns. Ultimately, he calls for a faith that is active, vibrant, and reflective of Christ's own faith, urging believers to evaluate their lives and priorities in light of eternal truths.
Seeking God for Power - Coming to an End of Ourselves
By Zac Poonen2.6K1:01:11PowerISA 40:29HOS 10:12LUK 18:2LUK 18:8JHN 7:38ACT 3:19REV 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea of being filled by God. He uses the analogy of a boat being filled with fish and a net being filled with fish to illustrate this concept. The preacher also highlights the importance of waiting upon the Lord and exchanging our own human strength for God's strength. He encourages those who are tired and worn out to come to Jesus and find renewal. The sermon concludes with the message that when we come to the end of ourselves and give up all hope, that is when the Lord can fill our lives with abundance.
Serve the Lord
By Vance Havner1.7K43:36Serving GodJOS 24:15LUK 18:8GAL 1:61TI 6:62TI 4:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of standing firm in the truth and not being easily swayed by the trends and temptations of the times. He references historical figures like Patrick Henry and Joshua as examples of individuals who remained steadfast in their convictions. The speaker warns against watering down the truth and emphasizes the need to make a firm decision to follow God's commands. He also highlights the danger of compromising the message of the Bible and encourages listeners to strive for a sound message with a sound motive.
(Through the Bible) Romans 13-14
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:05:18Through The BibleGEN 6:5LUK 18:8ROM 13:12TI 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and how it fulfills the law. He also highlights the significance of being aware of the times we live in and the prophecies given by God. The preacher encourages believers to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, living honestly and avoiding sinful behaviors. Additionally, he addresses the issue of pornography addiction and its detrimental effects on individuals, comparing it to alcohol or drug addiction. The sermon concludes with a call to wake up from spiritual lethargy and engage with biblical scholarship that is more impactful.
A Hindrance to Revival
By William McCrea1.3K36:57NEH 1:4ISA 59:14MAT 6:33MRK 16:16LUK 18:8ACT 1:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the lack of concern and tears among believers for the cause of Christ and the affliction of God's people. He highlights the indifference towards the sweeping sin and debauchery in society, particularly among young people. The preacher laments that believers often show little concern for lost souls and the judgment that follows. However, he also reminds listeners that God's hand is not shortened to save and his ear is not heavy to hear prayers. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to have faith and overcome the hindrances to revival.
The King Is Coming: Faith 1: Church Life & His Return
By Hoseah Wu1.3K1:03:58Church LifeDEU 7:9LUK 18:8JHN 5:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years and was waiting by the pool of Bethesda for healing. The man's heart was directed towards the Lord, but his mind was fixed on the water and waiting for someone to assist him. The preacher emphasizes the need for the mind to be renewed and the soul to be redeemed, so that our hearts and minds are aligned in faith. The sermon also raises the question of whether there will be faith on earth when the Son of Man returns.
The King Is Coming: Faith 2: Church Life and His Return
By Hoseah Wu1.3K1:12:55Church LifeGEN 18:14LUK 18:8JHN 1:38In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the shrinking world we live in due to mass media and instantaneous communication. He emphasizes the blessings of being able to connect with brothers and sisters from different parts of the world. The speaker then focuses on the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18, specifically highlighting the promise of a son and Sarah's initial disbelief. He concludes by posing the question of what we seek when we come to conferences or meetings, urging listeners to examine their motives and seek the Lord Himself.
Proof God Lives
By Ray Brubaker1.1K12:30God's ExistenceJER 29:13JOL 2:32MAT 6:33LUK 18:8ACT 2:211TI 4:1HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an American weightlifter named Paul Anderson who traveled to Moscow to compete against Russian weightlifters. The speaker describes the anticipation and pressure Paul felt before the competition, as well as the support he received from his parents and the power of prayer. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of faith and readiness for the second coming of Jesus Christ. The speaker encourages listeners to spread the message of hope and faith, highlighting the need to prioritize the proclamation of the gospel over other worldly causes.
Precious Faith
By Erlo Stegen1.1K39:58FaithGEN 19:24MAT 7:13MAT 24:44MRK 7:25LUK 18:8EPH 5:27HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. He emphasizes the importance of having a faith that perseveres and does not lose heart. The preacher warns that without this kind of faith, one is destined for damnation. He urges the congregation to deeply consider whether they possess this kind of faith and to pray for God to grant them such faith.
An Example Not to Follow
By Conrad Murrell71123:07ExampleGEN 25:21GEN 32:31GEN 35:1MAT 6:33LUK 18:8REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of Christianity and the signs that indicate the end is near. He points out that while Christianity may appear to be growing in size, prosperity, and influence, it is actually becoming further removed from the truth of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and obeying His commands, rather than getting caught up in worldly concerns. He also highlights the story of Jacob from the Bible, showing how his life was characterized by unbelief and struggle, but ultimately led to a call to return to God and worship Him in spirit and truth.
(Luke) 43 - the Unjust Judge
By Ed Miller55945:45LUK 9:31LUK 17:20LUK 18:1LUK 18:8LUK 19:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the second summary of Jesus' teaching, which is illustrated by the revelation of the Son of all mankind. The passage being discussed is Luke 17:20-21, where the Pharisees ask Jesus about the coming of the kingdom of God. Jesus responds by saying that the kingdom of God does not come with observation, but rather it is within the hearts of believers. The speaker then goes on to discuss a parable in Luke 18:1-8, where Jesus teaches about the importance of persistent prayer and faith in the coming of the Son of Man. Overall, the sermon focuses on the theme of the second coming of Christ and the need for genuine faith and worship.
Prayer and Faith
By E.M. Bounds0PrayerFaithISA 26:3MAT 6:11MAT 17:20MRK 11:24LUK 18:8JHN 14:13PHP 4:6HEB 11:1JAS 1:61PE 1:5E.M. Bounds emphasizes the foundational role of faith in prayer, asserting that true prayer is an expression of faith that claims God's promises and power. He illustrates that faith is essential for a vibrant spiritual life, as it enables believers to trust in God's ability to answer prayers, even amidst delays and trials. Bounds encourages believers to focus their prayers on present needs, trusting that God will provide for tomorrow, and highlights the importance of obedience and patience in the life of faith. He concludes that faith, when centered on Christ, empowers believers to pray effectively and experience God's blessings.
American Idol
By David Servant0MAT 6:19MAT 7:21MAT 24:44LUK 13:3LUK 18:8JHN 8:311JN 2:3David Servant preaches about the dangers of creating a version of Jesus that aligns with our preferences rather than the Jesus revealed in Scripture. He contrasts 'American Jesus' with 'Bible Jesus,' highlighting how American Jesus emphasizes grace without transformation, eternal security without obedience, and prosperity without sacrificial giving. The core difference lies in how Bible Jesus calls for repentance, discipleship, and passionate devotion, while American Jesus offers a diluted version of faith that lacks true commitment and obedience.
The End Time
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareFaithPSA 35:1LUK 18:8ROM 16:20Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency of prayer in the end times, highlighting that as the return of the Son of Man approaches, faith and prayer will be in short supply among believers. He points out that many lack the faith to pray against Satan's influence, doubting the power of their prayers despite God's promises. Nee calls for a faithful minority to rise up and engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, opposing Satan's authority and seeking God's intervention. He reminds believers that the end times are marked by increased activity from evil forces, making prayer more crucial than ever. The sermon challenges the congregation to be vigilant and proactive in their prayers against the enemy.
Jesus Is Coming to Earth Again! What if It Was Today?
By Paris Reidhead0Readiness for His ComingImminent Return of ChristLUK 18:8ACT 1:111CO 15:502CO 5:101TH 4:16TIT 2:131JN 3:2REV 19:11REV 21:4REV 22:20Paris Reidhead emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ, urging believers to live in anticipation and readiness for His coming. He outlines the significance of Christ's return, highlighting the power and love with which He will reign, the gathering of His chosen Bride, and the ultimate defeat of Satan. Reidhead challenges the congregation to reflect on their faith and readiness, asking if they would be found faithful if Christ were to return today. He encourages a life of purity and expectation, reminding them of the joy and glory that awaits the faithful at His coming.
Luke 18:8
By Chuck Smith0FaithPreparedness for Christ's ReturnLUK 18:8JAS 2:14Chuck Smith emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for the return of Jesus, reminding believers that His coming is imminent and will mark the end of earthly life and opportunities. He poses a critical question: when Jesus returns, will He find faith on the earth? Smith challenges the congregation to reflect on their faith and actions, highlighting that true faith is evidenced by works, as illustrated in James 2:14-20. He stresses that while salvation is not earned by works, genuine belief should naturally lead to active service for God.
Jesus Encourages His Followers to Trust Him for Justice Luke 18:1-8
By David Servant0LUK 18:8David Servant preaches about the reality of persecution faced by Jesus' followers throughout history, ranging from mild to severe forms of mistreatment. He addresses the common question of why God allows His people to be persecuted, emphasizing reasons such as giving persecutors a chance to repent, testing the faith of believers, fostering spiritual growth, and preparing for eternal rewards. Jesus encourages persistence in prayer for justice, assuring that God, the perfectly just Father, will bring about justice for His people in His perfect timing.
Some Queries Concerning the Work of God in the World
By Isaac Penington0PSA 2:10ISA 2:11LUK 18:8HEB 12:26REV 11:15REV 14:6REV 18:4Isaac Penington preaches about the queries concerning the work of God in the world, focusing on the kingdoms of the earth becoming the kingdoms of the Lord, the expected events in the latter ages, and the need for nations to submit to God's laws and righteousness. He questions whether the current generation is ready for the Son of man's rule and emphasizes the importance of seeking righteousness and meekness. Penington warns England about the consequences of opposing God's work and advises the powers and people of the nation to align with God's truth and righteousness to avoid His judgment.
Luke 18:1-8. the Parable of the Unjust Judge.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 34:17LUK 18:1LUK 18:8ROM 8:32HEB 12:62PE 3:9Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the comfort Christians find in the parable of the unjust judge, as they wait for the second coming of Jesus. Despite the church feeling like a widow and Satan's continued attacks, God is not indifferent but delays for a purpose - to strengthen the faith of His people. Just as the unjust judge eventually avenges the widow, God will one day deliver His people and defeat their enemies when the appointed time comes. While waiting, believers can find solace in knowing that God hears their prayers, understands their distress, and works all things for their good, even in times of trial and apparent neglect.
Faith Grows in God's Presence
By David Wilkerson0FaithIntimacy With GodISA 55:6MAT 6:33LUK 18:8JHN 15:5HEB 11:1HEB 11:4HEB 11:7JAS 4:8David Wilkerson emphasizes that true faith is rooted in intimacy with Christ, contrasting it with the corrupted faith prevalent in today's church, which often focuses on personal gain and materialism. He reflects on Jesus' question in Luke 18:8 about whether He will find faith on earth, suggesting that much of what is called faith today is not acceptable to God. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Lord, as true faith is born from spending time in His presence. He cites examples from Hebrews 11, highlighting that the great figures of faith had personal connections with God. Ultimately, he calls for a yearning for a closer walk with the Lord to cultivate genuine faith.
True Salvation, the Righteousness of God in Man
By Alan Martin0MRK 9:23LUK 18:8JHN 14:26ROM 8:29GAL 5:22HEB 12:1JAS 1:6JAS 2:261JN 4:7Alan Martin preaches about the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in righteousness. He emphasizes the need to believe in Jesus and allow the Spirit to purify and transform individuals, producing the righteousness of God in their lives. Martin challenges the congregation to choose between serving sin or serving Jesus wholeheartedly, urging them to be honest about the fruit in their lives and to seek victory through faith. He calls for repentance from unbelief and a deep desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit to manifest the power and wisdom of Christ in their daily lives.
Earlier Years of the Modern Tongues Movement
By G.H. Lang0LUK 18:8JHN 8:36ACT 2:1ACT 2:41CO 12:311CO 14:191CO 14:271CO 14:39G.H. Lang delves into the history of the Brethren and the modern Movement associated with speaking in tongues, aiming to provide a comprehensive and accurate account. He shares little-known facts and reflections on the Movement, highlighting the importance of understanding its origins and development. Lang emphasizes the need to approach the subject with an open mind, presenting various sources and personal experiences to shed light on the Movement's evolution. Despite acknowledging the legitimacy of speaking in tongues, he raises concerns about certain practices and manifestations within the Movement, urging believers to discern between the genuine work of the Spirit and potential deceptions.
The Nature of Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 54:17LUK 18:8JHN 1:13JHN 3:6JHN 5:19ROM 1:4GAL 4:6PHP 2:6HEB 6:1T. Austin-Sparks delves into the essence of 'the faith' as the unique nature of Divine sonship, emphasizing the continuous growth and maturity in the Spirit as the true mark of Christianity. He explores the question posed in Luke 18:8, 'When the Son of man cometh, shall he find the faith on the earth?' not in terms of a Christian system of doctrine, but as a search for genuine spiritual growth and maturity in believers. Sonship is portrayed as something exclusively of God, based on resurrection, and a life in the Spirit, requiring utter dependence on God for every aspect of life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He will avenge them speedily - Or, He will do them justice speedily - εν ταχει, instantly, in a trice. 1. Because he has promised it; and 2. Because he is inclined to do it. When the Son of man cometh - To require the produce of the seed of the kingdom sown among this people. Shall he find faith on the earth? - Or rather, Shall he find fidelity in this land? Shall he find that the soil has brought forth a harvest proportioned to the culture bestowed on it? No! And therefore he destroyed that land.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
speedily--as if pained at the long delay, impatient for the destined moment to interpose. (Compare Pro 29:1.) Nevertheless, &c.--that is, Yet ere the Son of man comes to redress the wrongs of His Church, so low will the hope of relief sink, through the length of the delay, that one will be fain to ask, Will He find any faith of a coming avenger left on the earth? From this we learn: (1) That the primary and historical reference of this parable is to the Church in its widowed, desolate, oppressed, defenseless condition during the present absence of her Lord in the heavens; (2) That in these circumstances importunate, persevering prayer for deliverance is the Church's fitting exercise; (3) That notwithstanding every encouragement to this, so long will the answer be delayed, while the need of relief continues the same, and all hope of deliverance will have nearly died out, and "faith" of Christ's coming scarcely to be found. But the application of the parable to prayer in general is so obvious as to have nearly hidden its more direct reference, and so precious that one cannot allow it to disappear in any public and historical interpretation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily,.... As he did in a few years after the death of Christ, when God's elect among the Jews were singled out, and gathered in from them, and were delivered from their persecutors, and saved from temporal ruin and destruction, whilst the Roman army made sad havoc of their enemies; and so will he do in the end of the world. Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh; either to destroy Jerusalem, or to judge the world: shall he find faith on the earth? either in the land of Judea, the believers being removed from thence, and scattered among the Gentiles, and not a man, at least in Jerusalem, that had any faith in Jesus, as the Messiah; or in the world at the last day: there will then be little of the doctrine of faith, and less of the grace of faith, and still less of the exercise of faith, particularly in prayer, and especially about the coming of Christ; it will be little thought of, and expected, or faith little exercised about it. With this agree some expressions in the Jewish writings (s): "Says R. Jose, the holy, blessed God, will not be revealed to Israel, but in the time, , "that faith is not found among them."'' And elsewhere (t), speaking of the times of the Messiah, and of a star that shall then appear, it is said "when that star shall be seen in the world at that time mighty wars shall be stirred up in the world, on all the four sides, , "and faith will not be found" among them.'' They seem to regard the first coming of the Messiah: and which was true with respect to the majority of their nation; and the same holds good with regard to his second coming; in the apocrypha it says: "Nevertheless as coming the tokens, behold, the days shall come, that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great number, and the way of truth shall be hidden, and the land shall be barren of faith.'' (2 Esdras 5:1) (s) Zohar in Gen. fol. 118. 1. (t) Ib. in Num. fol. 86. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:8 when the Son of Man returns: This is an allusion to Dan 7:13-14. • how many will he find on the earth who have faith? The question is whether believers will remain faithful through the trials that will precede the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt 24:10-12; 2 Thes 2:3; 1 Tim 4:1).