Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 17

It is impossible. It must happen. Such is the state of things that it will be. See these verses explained in See Barnes, Matthew 18:6.

See Barnes, Matthew 18:7.

Trespass against you. Sin against you, or does anything that gives you an offence or does you an injury.

Rebuke. Reprove. Go and tell him his fault, and seek an explanation. Acquaint him with what has been the effect of his conduct, and the state of your feelings, that he may acknowledge his error and repent.

Increase our faith. This duty of forgiving offenses seemed so difficult to the disciples that they strongly felt the need for an increase of faith. They felt that they themselves were prone to harbor resentments, and that it required an additional increase of true religion to enable them to comply with the requirements of Jesus. We may learn from this:

1. That Jesus has the power of increasing the faith of his people. Strength comes from him, and especially strength to believe the gospel. Hence he is called the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

2. The duty of forgiving offenses is one of the most difficult duties of the Christian religion. It is so contrary to our natural feelings; it implies such elevation above the petty feelings of malice and revenge, and is so contrary to the received maxims of the world, which teach us to cherish rather than to forgive the memory of offenses, that it is no wonder our Savior dwells much on this duty, and so strenuously insists on it, so that we may have evidence that our hearts have been changed.

   Some have thought that this prayer, that he would increase their faith, refers to the power of working miracles, and especially to the case recorded in Matthew 17:16-20.

Sycamine-tree. This name, as well as sycamore, is given among us to the large tree commonly called the buttonwood; however, the tree mentioned here is different.

The Latin Vulgate and the Syriac versions translate it as mulberry-tree. It is said to have been a tree that commonly grew in Egypt, similar in size and appearance to a mulberry-tree, but bearing a species of figs. This tree was common in Palestine.

It is probable that our Lord was standing by one as He addressed these words to His disciples. Dr. Thomson (in The Land and the Book, volume 1, pages 22-24) says of this tree:

"It is generally planted by the wayside, in the open space where several paths meet."

"This sycamore is a remarkable tree. It not only bears several crops of figs during the year, but these figs grow on short stems along the trunk and large branches, and not at the end of twigs, as in other fruit-bearing trees.

"The figs are small, and of a greenish-yellow colour. At Gaza and Askelon I saw them of a purple tinge, and much larger than they are in this part of the country. They were carried to market in large quantities and appeared to be more valued there than with us. Still, they are, at best, very insipid, and only the poorer classes eat them.

"It is easily propagated, merely by planting a stout branch in the ground and watering it until it has struck its roots into the soil. This it does with great rapidity and to a vast depth. It was with reference to this latter fact that our Lord selected it to illustrate the power of faith.

"Now, look at this tree—its ample girth, its wide-spread arms branching off from the parent trunk only a few feet from the ground. Then examine its enormous roots, as thick, as numerous, and as wide-spread into the deep soil below as the branches extend into the air above—the very best type of invincible steadfastness. What power on earth can pluck up such a tree? Heaven's thunderbolt may strike it down, the wild tornado may tear it to fragments, but nothing short of miraculous power can fairly pluck it up by the roots."

Having a servant. This parable appears to have been spoken with reference to the rewards that the disciples were expecting in the kingdom of the Messiah. The occasion on which it was spoken cannot be ascertained. It does not seem to have any particular connection with what goes before. It may be supposed that the disciples were somewhat impatient to have the kingdom restored to Israel (Acts 1:6)—that is, that he would assume his kingly power, and that they were impatient of the delay, and anxious to enter on the rewards which they expected, and which they not improbably were expecting in consequence of their devotedness to him. In answer to these expectations, Jesus spoke this parable, showing them:

1. That they should be rewarded as a servant would be provided for; but,
2. That this was not the first thing; that there was a proper order of things, and that thus the reward might be delayed, as a servant would be provided for, but at the proper time, and at the pleasure of the master; and,
3. That this reward was not to be expected as a matter of merit, but would be given at the good pleasure of God, for they were but unprofitable servants.

By and by. This should have been translated immediately. He would not, as the first thing, or as soon as he returned from the field, direct him to eat and drink. Hungry and weary he might be, yet it would be proper for him first to attend upon his master. So the apostles were not to be impatient because they did not at once receive the reward for which they were looking.

To meat. To eat; or, rather, place yourself at the table.