11:9 “So 16 I tell you: Ask, 17 and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door 18 will be opened for you.
1 sn The two questions of vv. 11-12 expect the answer, “No father would do this!”
2 sn Joseph went to Pilate and asked for the body because he sought to give Jesus an honorable burial. This was indeed a bold move on the part of Joseph of Arimathea, for it clearly and openly identified him with a man who had just been condemned and executed, namely, Jesus. His faith is exemplary, especially for someone who was a member of the council that handed Jesus over for crucifixion (cf. Mark 15:43).
3 tn Grk “And he.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
4 sn The writing tablet requested by Zechariah would have been a wax tablet.
5 tn Grk “and wrote, saying.” The participle λέγων (legwn) is redundant is English and has not been translated.
6 sn The response, they were all amazed, expresses a mixture of surprise and reflection in this setting where they were so certain of what the child’s name would be.
4 sn Jesus advocates a generosity and a desire to meet those in dire need with the command give to everyone who asks you. This may allude to begging; giving alms was viewed highly in the ancient world (Matt 6:1-4; Deut 15:7-11).
5 tn Grk “your things,” sometimes translated “what is yours” or “what belongs to you.”
6 sn Do not ask for your possessions back… is an example of showing forgiveness. Paul’s remarks in 1 Cor 6:7 may reflect this principle.
5 sn The actions of asking, seeking, and knocking are repeated here from v. 9 with the encouragement that God does respond.
6 tn Grk “it”; the referent (a door) is implied by the context and has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
7 tc Most
8 sn The snake probably refers to a water snake.
7 tn Though a different Greek term is used here (BDAG 373 s.v. ἐπίκειμαι), this remark is like 23:5.
8 tn Here καί (kai, from καγώ [kagw]) has been translated as “so” to indicate the conclusion drawn from the preceding parable.
9 sn The three present imperatives in this verse (Ask…seek…knock) are probably intended to call for a repeated or continual approach before God.
10 tn Grk “it”; the referent (a door) is implied by the context and has been specified in the translation for clarity.
9 tn Grk “your soul,” but ψυχή (yuch) is frequently used of one’s physical life. It clearly has that meaning in this context.
10 tn Or “required back.” This term, ἀπαιτέω (apaitew), has an economic feel to it and is often used of a debt being called in for repayment (BDAG 96 s.v. 1).
11 tn Grk “the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” The words “for yourself” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
10 tn Or “delivered up.”
11 sn He handed Jesus over to their will. Here is where Luke places the major blame for Jesus’ death. It lies with the Jewish nation, especially the leadership, though in Acts 4:24-27 he will bring in the opposition of Herod, Pilate, and all people.
11 tn The participle ὑπάρχοντες (Juparconte") has been translated as a concessive participle.
12 sn The provision of the Holy Spirit is probably a reference to the wisdom and guidance supplied in response to repeated requests. Some apply it to the general provision of the Spirit, but this would seem to look only at one request in a context that speaks of repeated asking. The teaching as a whole stresses not that God gives everything his children want, but that God gives the good that they need. The parallel account in Matthew (7:11) refers to good things where Luke mentions the Holy Spirit.
12 tn Grk “did not know”; the phrase “his master’s will” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the contemporary English reader.
13 tn Grk “blows.”
14 tn Grk “will receive few (blows).”
15 tn Grk “required from him”; but the words “from him” are redundant in English and have not been translated.
16 sn Entrusted with much. To be gifted with precious responsibility is something that requires faithfulness.
17 tn Grk “they will ask even more.”