ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luke 17

Luke 17:2 millstone. A round stone used for grinding grain, probably weighing hundreds of pounds, powered by a donkey walking in circles on a track. one of these little ones. Those who believe in Christ or who have begun to follow him (see Matt. 18:6; see note on Mark 9:42).

Luke 17:3–4 If your brother sins refers here to individual acts of sin. if he repents, forgive him . . . seven times. In Judaism it was considered honorable to forgive three times. (See note on Matt. 18:21–22.)

Luke 17:5–6 Increase our faith! Jesus’ reply to this request indicates that even a very small amount of faith can lead to remarkable results (it would obey you). This passage must be understood in connection with other passages that talk about prayer and the nature of genuine faith (see notes on John 15:7; James 1:6; 1:7–8).

Luke 17:7–10 The question of v. 9 (Does he thank the servant?) implies an answer of no. We are unworthy servants. Christians should acknowledge that God owes them nothing and that they owe him everything, even their very lives (compare 1 Cor. 4:7).

Luke 17:11 On the way to Jerusalem. See 9:51; 13:22. For Samaria, see notes on 10:33; John 4:4.

Luke 17:12–13 ten lepers (see note on 5:12) . . . stood at a distance (see Num. 5:2–4). The law required lepers not to mingle with other people (Lev. 13:45–46; Num. 5:2–4).

Luke 17:14 As they went (to show themselves to the priests) they were cleansed, that is, they were healed; the priests would declare them clean. They had to begin to obey Jesus’ command to go to the priests before they were actually healed.

Luke 17:15–16a One leper turned back, praising God with a loud voice (compare 4:33; 8:28; 19:37).

Luke 17:16b Now he was a Samaritan. On Samaritans, see 9:52; 10:33; and note on John 4:4.

Luke 17:19 The Samaritan’s faith has made him well (literally, “saved” him; see the same Greek verb in 7:50; 8:48; 18:42). The healing here was more than physical.

Luke 17:20 The Pharisees apparently want to know what cosmic signs will precede the coming of the kingdom so that they can be sure not to miss it. Jesus replies that the kingdom will not come in ways that can be observed. In light of vv. 21–37, he probably means that the kingdom will come quietly, evident only in the change in people’s lives.

Luke 17:21 The kingdom of God is in the midst of you, in the person of Jesus and in the reign of God shown in those who are already following Jesus.

Luke 17:22 For Son of Man, see note on Matt. 8:20. One of the days probably means they will long to see a day when Jesus has already returned to the earth and is with them again. Some take it to mean that they will long for the time when Jesus was with them on earth.

Luke 17:23–24 Believers should not follow people who claim that Jesus has come in a secret or hidden way, for he will come in a way that is dramatic and visible to all, like lightning.

Luke 17:25 this generation. See note on 7:31–34.

Luke 17:26–29 Eating and drinking is not a description of specific evils in the days of Noah and Lot. It means that life went on as normal, and people were caught unprepared.

Luke 17:31 On the housetop describes a Palestinian home with a flat roof and outside stairs. in the house . . . in the field. There will be no time to prepare when the Son of Man comes.

Luke 17:32 Lot’s wife turned back, looking longingly at Sodom (see Gen. 19:17, 26). Her death is an example of swift judgment on those who do not wholeheartedly obey the Lord’s commands.

Luke 17:33 See 9:24 and note on Mark 8:35.

Luke 17:34–35 taken . . . left. One is caught up to be with Christ, while the other is left (compare Matt. 24:31).

Luke 17:37 corpse . . . vultures. See note on Matt. 24:28.