Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew Mark and Luke John Calvin (continued)
Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
1. And he spake also a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to grow weary: 2. Saying, There was a judge in a city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. 3. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice on my adversary. 4. And he refused for some time, 930 but afterwards said within himself, Though I neither fear God, nor regard man, 5. Yet because this widow is troublesome to me, 931 I will do her justice, lest by coming perpetually she weary me out. 932 6. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7. And will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him night and day, even though he forbear with respect to them? 933 8. I tell you that he will speedily avenge them. But when the Son of man shall come, will he find faith on the earth? 934
We know that perseverance in prayer is a rare and difficult attainment; and it is a manifestation of our unbelief that, when our first prayers are not successful, we immediately throw away not only hope, but all the ardor of prayer. But it is an undoubted evidence of our Faith, if we are disappointed of our wish, and yet do not lose courage. Most properly, therefore, does Christ recommend to his disciples to persevere in praying.
The parable which he employs, though apparently harsh, was admirably fitted to instruct his disciples, that they ought to be importunate in their prayers to God the Father, till they at length draw from him what He would otherwise appear to be unwilling to give. Not that by our prayers we gain a victory over God, and bend him slowly and reluctantly to compassion, but because the actual facts do not all at once make it evident that he graciously listens to our prayers. In the parable
930"Et par un temps il n'en voulut rien faire;" — "and for a time he would do nothing in it." 931"Pourtant que ceste vefue me donne fascherie;" —"because this widow gives me annoyance." 932"Et me rompe la teste.". 933"Combien qu'il il differe de se courroucer pour eux; ou, et aura-il patience quant a eux?" — "Though he delay to be offended on their account; or, and will he have patience in reference to them?"
934"Pensez-vous qu'il trouve foy en terre?" — "Do you think that he will find faith on the earth?"