Parable of the Unrighteous Judge (Lk. only). There is a connexion with the preceding sayings; the Advent may be delayed, yet the disciples should incessantly pray for it it will surely come. The parable has a specific point, it is not simply an exhortation to prayer like Luke 11:5-8. There is a striking parallel with Sir_35:12-19, even to the idea of vengeance on enemies of the community and the faith. The parable is constructed on the a fortiori principle. God is not compared to but contrasted with an unjust judge. If the one yields to the persistency of an unknown widow, how much more will the other hear and answer His own chosen people, though it is not merely because they pray that He will punish the persecutor. Note the use of the Lord for Jesus in Luke 18:6, as in Luke 7:13; Luke 10:39; Luke 12:42; Luke 13:15; Luke 17:6; Luke 22:61. Cf. Luke 16:8 f.
Luke 18:5. wear me out: annoy or pester me, lit., hit me under the eye; buffet as in 1 Corinthians 9:27.
Luke 18:7. and he is long-suffering over them: either (a) will He delay His vengeance in their case? or (b) will He be tolerant towards them (the wicked)?
Luke 18:8 b. The note of encouragement is followed by one of warning. It is not enough to pray for the Parousia; see that you are ready for it. There is no doubt about the Coming, there is grave doubt about the state of the world at the Corning. Who shall stand when He appeareth?