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Chapter 18

The Parable of the Persistent Widow. [a]Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.(A) He said,

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Footnotes

  1. 18:1–14 The particularly Lucan material in the travel narrative concludes with two parables on prayer. The first (Lk 18:1–8) teaches the disciples the need of persistent prayer so that they not fall victims to apostasy (Lk 18:8). The second (Lk 18:9–14) condemns the self-righteous, critical attitude of the Pharisee and teaches that the fundamental attitude of the Christian disciple must be the recognition of sinfulness and complete dependence on God’s graciousness. The second parable recalls the story of the pardoning of the sinful woman (Lk 7:36–50) where a similar contrast is presented between the critical attitude of the Pharisee Simon and the love shown by the pardoned sinner.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.(A)

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12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.(A)

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12 Be joyful in hope,(A) patient in affliction,(B) faithful in prayer.(C)

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Constant Prayer. 18 With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones(A) 19 and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel(B) 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.(C)

V. Conclusion

A Final Message.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 6:21–24 Tychicus: the bearer of the letter; see note on Col 4:7. Eph 6:21–22 parallel Col 4:7–8, often word for word. If Ephesians is addressed to several Christian communities (see Introduction), it is understandable that no greetings to individual members of these communities should have been included in it.

18 And pray in the Spirit(A) on all occasions(B) with all kinds of prayers and requests.(C) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying(D) for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me,(E) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly(F) make known the mystery(G) of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador(H) in chains.(I) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

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17 Pray without ceasing.

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17 pray continually,(A)

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