What does Luke 18:2 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:2 introduces a character within one of Jesus' parables, specifically, the Parable of the Persistent Widow.

The verse describes a judge in a certain city who does not fear God nor respect any human being.

Literally, this sets the stage for the story by providing a characterization of the judge: he is presented as someone who is indifferent to moral and social expectations.

This is important because the judge's lack of fear for God implies a disregard for divine authority, and his lack of regard for man suggests he is uninterested in the welfare or opinions of the people he serves.

This characteristic sets up a contrast to the persistent widow who seeks justice from him.

The deeper meaning of the verse can be interpreted as highlighting the themes of persistence in prayer and faith in God's ultimate justice, which are further explored throughout the parable.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been written around 80-110 AD.

Luke is considered to be a Gentile and is often associated with being a companion of the Apostle Paul.

His gospel was written to Theophilus, a Greek individual, and it has a particular focus on the universality of Jesus’ message and His compassion towards the marginalized, including women, Gentiles, and the poor.

At the time the gospel was written, early Christians might have experienced delays in the fulfillment of God's promises, including the return of Jesus.

Thus, this parable would have been particularly relevant for them as it encouraged persistence in faith and prayer, even when justice seemed slow in coming.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted from various angles:

1. Divine Justice - Some believe the unjust judge represents a contrast to God, who is just and merciful. Unlike the judge, God cares deeply for His people and will bring about justice speedily for those who cry out to Him.

2. Persistence in Prayer - The parable is often seen as an illustration of the importance of persevering in prayer.

Theologically, this persistence is not about changing God's mind but rather aligning oneself with God's will and developing trust in Him.

1. Human Responsibility - Although God is sovereign, this parable also suggests an individual responsibility to seek justice and to not lose heart in the process.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can be applied in numerous ways:

1. Never Give Up - In the face of delayed justice or answers to prayer, individuals are encouraged to remain persistent and consistent in their appeals to God.

2. Faith in God’s Timing - Believers can find comfort in the notion that, unlike the unjust judge, God will enact justice according to His perfect timing.

3. Advocacy for Justice - The unjust judge's lack of regard for people can serve as a call to believers to advocate for justice and to show compassion and respect for others, which the judge fails to do.

Cross-References

• Luke 18:7-8: "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?"
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."
• James 5:16: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
• Psalm 146:9: "The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse are:

"Judge" (κριτής, krités) - implies an official responsible for deciding cases in a legal court. 2.

"Feared" (φοβέω, phobeō) - often translated as "reverence" or "respect," typically in relation to God. 3.

"God" (θεός, theos) - represents the deity; in the context of Luke, the monotheistic God of Israel. 4.

"Regarded" (αἰδέομαι, aideomai) - meaning to feel shame, respect, or have regard for someone. It implies a social duty toward others.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient literature, this parable has similarities with certain themes present in other cultures:

Justice Systems - Many ancient civilizations had judges who served as arbiters, and the concept of an unjust judge was not unknown, providing a point of relation for diverse audiences. 2.

Persistence and Virtue - Narratives highlighting the virtue of persistence despite adversity are common in many traditions, including Greek and Roman myths where humans persist against the gods or fate.

Scientific Perspectives

There is not a direct scientific perspective on this verse, as it deals with issues of faith, justice, and behavior, which fall more in the realm of sociology and psychology.

However, the enduring psychological value of hope and persistence can be supported by modern studies on human resilience and the effects of a positive outlook on one's circumstances.

Commentaries

Commentators and scholars offer varied insights on this verse:

1. William Barclay notes that the parable describes a judge "who was neither swayed by fear of God nor moved by compassion for men." This establishes the character as one marked by selfishness and indifference.

2. John MacArthur emphasizes the need to be persistent in prayer, suggesting that the lesson is not about God's reluctance but about believers' faithfulness in prayer.

3. The Expositor's Bible Commentary mentions that this parable teaches about God's willingness to answer prayer, in contrast to the judge's unwillingness, and encourages people to trust in God's timing.

Each interpretation seeks to extract the practical and theological implications of the parable in which this verse is a part.