Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 17:5

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith." — Luke 17:5 (ASV)

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.