Luke 17:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

NIV: The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!'

NASB: The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!'

CSB: The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."

NLT: The apostles said to the Lord, 'Show us how to increase our faith.'

KJV: And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

NKJV: And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

Of the four Gospel writers, Luke most frequently refers to the disciples as "the apostles." Perhaps that's how he knew them when he first arrived in Jerusalem (Acts 21:15). He's also known for referring to Jesus as "Lord" when the situation refers to His sovereignty and authority. This section is largely about the responsibilities of the church leaders regarding sin and service (Luke 17:1–10). These leaders turn to their Lord for the faith they need to follow Him and lead others. Jesus' response is surprising: they don't need a large quantity of faith. Their power is not in their faith, but in the object of their faith (Luke 17:6).

In the previous passage, Jesus talked about the responsibilities of His disciples regarding others' sin. A believer's teaching should not cause others to stumble. If another sins, the victim must rebuke the sinner; if the sinner truly repents, the victim must forgive the sinner (Luke 17:1–4).

Now, Jesus responds to the disciples' request for more faith. This abrupt topic change suggests that Luke accumulated the main points of several of Jesus' lessons and put them together. That's highly likely, but it doesn't mean the Holy Spirit didn't have a plan. Jesus has just said that His followers must always forgive those who repent. That would certainly take a lot of faith!

Luke 17:5–6 is Jesus' explanation of how His disciples can accomplish the hard tasks He's set before them: with the smallest amount of faith. Luke has gathered a collection of teachings about faithfulness with money, hardened hearts, valuing the kingdom of God, and the responsibilities the disciples have for others' sin (Luke 16:1—17:4). Only faith can empower us to apply these truths to our lives. Matthew 17:20 includes a similar sentiment, although it is a mountain that is moved, not a mulberry tree.

In his gospel, Luke has often arranged events by theme rather than by strict time order. That seems likely here with a series of teachings about living as Christ followers and ambassadors of God. Christians ought to be careful not to poison the faith of others. Faith is powerful. God's servants should not demand extravagant treatment in return. After healing ten lepers—only one of whom offers thanks—Jesus discusses the state of the world at His future second coming.

Luke 17 continues Jesus' teaching about how to live as citizens and ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Luke 15 describes God's love for the lost. Chapter 16 teaches earthly blessings are far inferior to heavenly rewards. Here, He exhorts His followers to lead well, serve humbly, give thanks, and watch for His second coming. In Luke 18, Jesus gives a series of comparisons to show how we are to approach God—as He approaches Jerusalem and the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.