When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. When thou goest with thine adversary - This and the next verse are a part of our Lord's sermon upon the mount. See them explained Matthew 5:25, Matthew 5:26 (note). St. Luke is very particular in collecting and relating every word and action of our blessed Lord, but seldom gives them in the order of time in which they were spoken or done. See the Preface to this Gospel.
Give diligence - Δος εργασιαν, Give labor, do every thing in thy power to get free before a suit commences.
The officer - Πρακτωρ properly signifies such an officer as was appointed to levy the fines imposed by the law for a violation of any of its precepts. See Kypke.