Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 5:19

"And not finding by what [way] they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his couch into the midst before Jesus." — Luke 5:19 (ASV)

The friends of the paralytic were motivated by earnestness and faith. The typical flat roof could be reached by an outside stairway. Roofing materials were separable without being damaged.