What does Luke 17:5 mean?

Explanation

Luke 17:5 features a request from the apostles to Jesus: "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith." The apostles are essentially asking Jesus to amplify their faith.

This plea for an increase implies that the apostles recognized their own limitations or weaknesses in faith, particularly in the face of the demanding teachings Jesus had been delivering.

It suggests a desire for a deeper, stronger trust in God that can sustain them through challenges and enable them to fulfill their mission.

At a deeper level, this verse reflects the human condition, the recognition of insufficiency, and the dependence on God. The apostles understand that faith is not static, but something that can grow.

Moreover, they acknowledge that such growth comes from God and is not merely the result of personal effort.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke is believed to have been written around AD 80 to 110.

During this time, the early Christian communities were struggling to understand and integrate the teachings of Jesus into their lives.

The apostles had lived with Jesus and witnessed his ministry, but like all humans, they faced the challenge of doubt and uncertainty.

In the verses leading up to this request, Jesus had been teaching about forgiveness and the need to forgive those who sin against us repeatedly.

He also spoke of servanthood, which requires a humble spirit and a willingness to serve without expecting thanks.

These teachings, which are radical even by today's standards, were profound and likely seemed daunting to the apostles.

Their request for increased faith can be seen as a response to the weight of these moral and spiritual challenges.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches on the nature of faith and its origin.

In Christianity, faith is often seen as a gift from God rather than a human achievement.

The apostle's plea to Jesus acknowledges that God is the source of faith and that it is by His will that faith can be increased.

Different theological viewpoints might also touch on the efficacy of asking for such spiritual gifts.

Some traditions stress the importance of prayer and supplication in growing closer to God, while others might highlight the necessity of active cooperation with divine grace.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Luke 17:5 centers on the recognition of personal limitations and the willingness to turn to a higher power for assistance.

It teaches that when facing difficulty or feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, one can seek divine help to strengthen their resolve and capabilities.

For modern believers, it suggests the value of prayer in seeking spiritual growth and understanding the need to remain humble and depend on God.

Cross-References

• Matthew 17:20 - "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
• Mark 9:24 - "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
• 1 Corinthians 12:9 - "To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;"

Language Study

In the original Greek, the verb translated as "increase" is προσθες (prosthes), which means "add to" or "give more." The word for faith, πίστις (pistis), often implies trust, belief, or confidence.

The apostles are not just asking for more belief in doctrine, but for a more profound sense of trust and reliance on God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths and religions, humans are depicted as supplicants who turn to the gods for favor and assistance.

In Greek mythology, for example, followers might ask the gods to increase their strength, wisdom, or favor.

In this context, the apostles' request to Jesus can be seen as similar to this universal religious theme of seeking divine aid to enhance human qualities or capabilities.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives generally do not engage directly with matters of faith, psychology and related sciences have studied belief systems and their effects on human behavior and well-being.

Studies in the psychology of religion explore how faith impacts a person's mental health, coping mechanisms, and social interactions, thus indirectly affirming the importance many people place on spiritual beliefs in navigating life.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer varied insights into Luke 17:5.

Some highlight the direct relationship between the disciples and Jesus, illustrating a model of prayer and dependency on God. Others note that the apostles' request follows a teaching on forgiveness, emphasizing that an increase in faith is often sought in the context of moral challenges.

Commentators may also discuss the size and quality of faith, referencing Jesus' teaching about faith the size of a mustard seed having great power, thereby underscoring that the measure of faith is not its volume, but its authenticity and trust in God's power.