Luke 18:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And he spake a parable, &c.— But, [δε,] he taught them by a parable, that men ought to persevere in prayer, and not to be discouraged. Heylin. The particle. δε, but, plainly implies, that this parable has a relation to the discourse in the preceding chapter, and was delivered at the same time. The evangelist says it was designed to shew, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; that is, ought frequently to pray; for so the word παντοτε signifies, John 18:20. The figure is carried still higher in the epithet given to the morning and evening sacrifices; which, because of their frequency, are called, a continual burnt-offering: and, in allusion to this, men are directed to pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. See on Luke 2:37. It is plain, therefore, that the parable was spoken to recommend continual praying, not in the strict sense of the words, but frequency, earnestness, and perseverance in the duty, not only for blessings on ourselves, but also for blessings on the church of God militant on earth; and being delivered on this occasion, it is designed to inspire the disciples with earnestness and perseverance in their prayers, particularly for the coming of the Son of man, to put an end to the Jewish polity, notwithstanding God should long defer the accomplishment of their desires. The comingof Christ to destroy the Jewish polity, is in this and other passages of scripture, spoken of as a thing exceedingly to be wished for by the disciples in those days; the reason was, the Jews in every country, being their bitter persecutors, were the chief opposers of the Christian religion. Our Lord often in the course of his ministry recommended frequency, earnestness, and perseverance in prayer; not because the Divine Being is tired out by our importunity, but because it is both an expression and exerciseof our firm belief and confidence in his goodness, without which it would not be fit for God to bestow his blessings upon us, nor should we be capable of receiving and using them. See Matthew 7:11.Luke 11:8. The word εκκακειν, rendered to faint, is expressive, and signifies, "to faint under pressures and persecutions,—to yield to evils, and despond under them,—to be so wholly wearied out with them, as to give place to them,—and to cease from prayer as unavailing to procure relief." See Ephesians 3:13. 2 Thessalonians 3:13.Hebrews 12:3.