Luke 17:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 17:5
5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Chapter Context
Luke 17 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 17:5
5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Analysis
The apostles respond: 'Lord, Increase our faith' (Κύριε, πρόσθες ἡμῖν πίστιν). Jesus' demanding teachings on forgiveness (vv.3-4) prompt this request. The verb 'prostithēmi' (πρόσθες, increase/add to) assumes faith is quantifiable. Jesus corrects this misunderstanding: faith's power is not its size but its object. 'If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed' (v.6)—the smallest seed—'ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up...and it should obey you.' The point is not faith's amount but its focus: even tiny faith in the omnipotent God accomplishes impossibilities. The disciples seek more faith; Jesus says use the faith you have.
Historical Context
Mustard seeds were proverbially tiny (see Luke 13:19). Sycamine trees (black mulberry) had deep root systems, making them difficult to uproot—hence the illustration's power. Jesus' teaching on faith's power appears throughout the Gospels (Matthew 17:20, 21:21, Mark 11:22-24), emphasizing prayer's effectiveness through trust in God. The disciples' request for increased faith reveals their misunderstanding—they sought something to add to themselves rather than recognizing faith as simple trust in God's character and promises.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching about faith's quality versus quantity challenge contemporary emphasis on strong versus weak faith?
- What would change in your prayer life if you truly believed that small faith in a great God can move mountains?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Faith: Mark 9:24, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Hebrews 12:2
- References Lord: Luke 7:13
- Parallel theme: Mark 6:30, Philippians 4:13