Luke 17 Footnotes

17:1-7 The sayings in this section have different settings in Matthew and Mark and are somewhat differently expressed there, indicating that the version in Luke may have come from a unique source. Because of their proverbial character, they were probably used by Jesus numerous times in his ministry, and thus the tradition carried multiple versions of them.

17:20-21,24 By failing to recognize that the kingdom of God was present in the ministry of Jesus, the Pharisees wrongly looked for a future sign of its coming. He said in effect, “If you want to find the kingdom, you have to deal with me now. You have gotten all the signs you need” (11:20). But he did not thereby deny a future “coming” of the kingdom with signs, as v. 24 makes clear. The manifestation of the kingdom began in the ministry of Jesus, continues in the work of the Spirit in the church, and will culminate in the return and subsequent world rule of Christ.