17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, {1} It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come!
(1) The Church is of necessity subject to offences, but the Lord will not suffer them unpunished, if any of the least be offended.
17:1,2 Various Sayings of Christ
SUMMARY OF LUKE 17:
Offenders and Offenses. The Power of Faith. The Ten Lepers Cleansed. The Kingdom of God. The Coming of Christ. Lot's Wife.
It is impossible but that causes of sin will come. See notes on Mt 18:6-7.
17:1 It is impossible but offences will come - And they ever did and do come chiefly by Pharisees, that is, men who trust in themselves that they are righteous, and despise others. Mt 18:6; Mr 9:42.
17:1-10 It is no abatement of their guilt by whom an offence comes, nor will it lessen their punishment that offences will come. Faith in God's pardoning mercy, will enable us to get over the greatest difficulties in the way of forgiving our brethren. As with God nothing is impossible, so all things are possible to him that can believe. Our Lord showed his disciples their need of deep humility. The Lord has such a property in every creature, as no man can have in another; he cannot be in debt to them for their services, nor do they deserve any return from him.
