Luke 18:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He who hath redeemed thee, hath shewn thee what He would have thee do. He would have thee be instant in prayer, He would have thee ponder in thy heart the blessings thou art praying for, He would have thee ask and receive what His goodness is longing to impart. He never refuses His blessings to them that pray, but rather stirs men up by His mercy not to faint in praying. Gladly accept the Lord’s encouragement: be willing to do what He commands, not to do what He forbids. Lastly, consider what a blessed privilege is granted thee, to talk with God in thy prayers, and make known to Him all thy wants, while He though not in words, yet by His mercy, answers thee, for He despiseth not petitions, He tires not but when thou art silent.

We may observe, that irreverence towards man is a token of a greater degree of wickedness. For as many as fear not God, yet are restrained by their shame before men, are so far the less sinful; but when a man becomes reckless also of other men, the burden of his sins is greatly increased.

Or else; Whenever men inflict injury upon us, we must then think it a noble thing to be forgetful of the evil; but when they offend against the glory of God by taking up arms against the ministers of God’s ordinance, we then approach God imploring His help, and loudly rebuking them who impugn His glory.

Our Lord utters His parables, either for the sake of the comparison, as in the instance of the creditor, who when forgiving his two debtors all that they owed him was most loved by him who owed him most; or on account of the contrast, from which he draws his conclusion; as, for example, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith. So also here when he brings forward the case of the unjust judge.

During the period when this Antichrist exists until he is removed from the midst (2 Thess. 2:7), righteousness is in a state of exile while wickedness dominates. Faith will become so scarce that the Lord Himself seems to ponder: But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth? (Lk. 18.8). This reference may pertain to either our earthly realm or the entirety of creation. Similarly, in another passage: The Lord gazed upon the children of men: is there anyone who comprehends or seeks God? (Ps. 13.2). While God did not express doubt, the rarity of faith among humanity was such that its presence could be questioned from a human perspective.

I assure you that he will provide them with a defense shortly. He will undoubtedly do this, albeit with a slight delay. However, some interpret the unjust judge as representing God in a spiritual sense, who neither fears the true God—since there is no other deity apart from Him—nor feels shame before humanity due to His unwavering nature. The city symbolizes the Church of the faithful, while the widow represents any soul that has become isolated, severing ties with the adversary and her opponent—the devil. Thus, this parable highlights the great importance of steadfastness in prayer. Nevertheless, Chrysostom, labeling this judge as cruel and unfeeling, rejects such a spiritual interpretation. Yet, when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth? He raises this question at the time of His second coming, not out of ignorance, but to indicate that few will be found to believe.

We should say that he is always praying, and faints not, who never fails to pray at the canonical hours. Or all things which the righteous man does and says towards God, are to be counted as praying.

In this context of troubled times, the Lord recognized the necessity to encourage the disciples with the assurance that their suffering would be temporary. The Almighty will safeguard His elect in due time, but they are called to persist in prayer. He shared a parable illustrating how relentless appeals can lead even unjust individuals to grant the requests of those who plead, despite their own reluctance.

The purpose of this parable was to instruct the disciples that they should consistently pray and remain steadfast (v. 1), even amidst the significant trials that the Lord had predicted would come at the conclusion of both the Old and New Testaments. If an unrighteous man, who neither revered God nor held men in esteem, could grant the persistent plea of a widow, how much more will the compassionate and just God safeguard His chosen ones, who call out to Him day and night in times of distress before the return of the Son of Man? This assurance stands even if God appears to delay in His response, as such moments serve to test their faith and reliance on Him. The Lord promises that His devoted followers will indeed receive His protection quickly. Yet, He poses the question, "When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on earth?" This suggests a steadfast faith that remains unwavering despite overwhelming adversity, inspiring believers with a vibrant trust in God's assistance.

Can we truly have confidence that these believers will sustain a genuine faith in His promises? Will this trust endure until the end? Doubts may arise regarding this. However, it is more probable that the faith of the righteous may falter than that God will fail to fulfill His commitments. Therefore, where doubt is absent, there should also be no discouragement. The believer ought to pray and wholeheartedly trust in the possibility of receiving what is requested, striving to demonstrate worthiness through actions, essentially becoming as if chosen, and remaining steadfast even if the desired answer is delayed. Christ assures, "I say unto you," that God will provide them shelter in due time.

The marginalized whom He shared the good news with, the sightless whom He restored their vision, the ill whom He healed, and the lost whom He pursued and redeemed—all gathered around their benevolent Shepherd and ultimate healer with heartfelt and joyful appreciation. He provided hope and blessings in every conceivable manner to those who toil and bear heavy burdens. In the account of the persistent widow, He imparted the importance of faith and demonstrated that unwavering, earnest prayer is certain to receive a response.

What does the unjust judge declare? God will not provide protection, etc. It is clear that the Lord does not intend to equate God with a corrupt judge, highlighting that not every aspect of the parable carries a hidden meaning, nor is every detail relevant to the spiritual truths illustrated in the parables. The Lord’s message here can be understood as follows: if the unjust judge, eventually swayed by the persistent appeals of the widow, granted her request for protection, how much more will the righteous Judge, God, respond to the cries of His chosen ones and safeguard them amidst hardships. He indeed will deliver them swiftly, unlike the unjust judge who was reluctant to assist the widow until pressed.