Luke 17:22

The Coming of the Son of Man

17:22 Then ¹  he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days ²  of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.

Luke 17:24

17:24 For just like the lightning flashes ³  and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. ⁴ 

Luke 18:8

18:8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. ⁵  Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith ⁶  on earth?”

¹ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

² sn This is a reference to the days of the full manifestation of Jesus’ power in a fully established kingdom. The reference to “days” instead of “day” is unusual, appearing only here and in v. 26, but it may be motivated merely by parallelism with the “days” of Noah there and the “days of Lot” in v. 28.

³ sn The Son of Man’s coming in power will be sudden and obvious like lightning. No one will need to point it out.

⁴ tc Some very important mss (Ì⁷⁵ B D it sa) lack the words ἐν τῇ ἡμέρα αὐτοῦ (en th Jhmera autou, “in his day”), but the words are included in א A L W Θ Ψ Ë^1,13 Ï lat sy bo. On the one hand, the shorter reading is impressive because it has some of the best Alexandrian and Western witnesses in support; on the other hand, the expression ἐν τῇ ἡμέρα αὐτοῦ is unusual (found nowhere else in the NT), and may be considered the harder reading. A decision is difficult, but it is probably best to retain the words. NA²⁷ rightly has the words in brackets, expressing doubt as to their authenticity.

⁵ tn Some argue this should be translated “suddenly.” When vindication comes it will be quick. But the more natural meaning is “soon.” God will not forget his elect and will respond to them. It may be that this verse has a prophetic perspective. In light of the eternity that comes, vindication is soon.

⁶ sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait.