Luke – Chapter 18

New Testament43 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And he spoke also a parable to them, that we ought always to pray and not to faint," — so begins Luke 18. The chapter centers on David and Peter. Across its 43 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And he spoke also a parable to them, that we ought always to pray and not to faint,

2Saying: There was a judge in a certain city, who feared not God nor regarded man.

3And there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying: Avenge me of my adversary.

4And he would not for a long time. But afterwards he said within himself: Although I fear not God nor regard man,

5Yet because this widow is troublesome to me, I will avenge her, lest continually coming she weary me.

6And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7And will not God revenge his elect who cry to him day and night? And will he have patience in their regard?

8I say to you that he will quickly revenge them. But yet the Son of man, when he cometh, shall he find, think you, faith on earth?

9And to some who trusted in themselves as just and despised others, he spoke also this parable:

10Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican.

11The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican.

12I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.

13And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

14I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

15And they brought unto him also infants, that he might touch them. Which when the disciples saw, they rebuked them.

16But Jesus, calling them together, said: Suffer children to come to me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

17Amen, I say to you: Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child shall not enter into it.

18And a certain ruler asked him, saying: Good master, what shall I do to possess everlasting life?

19And Jesus said to him: Why dost thou call me good? None is good but God alone.

20Thou knowest the commandments: Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Honour thy father and mother.

21Who said: All these things have I kept from my youth.

22Which when Jesus had heard, he said to him: Yet one thing is wanting to thee. Sell all whatever thou hast and give to the poor: and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.

23He having heard these things, became sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24And Jesus seeing him become sorrowful, said: How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God

25For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26And they that heard it said: Who then can be saved?

27He said to them: The things that are impossible with men are possible with God.

28Then Peter said: Behold, we have left all things and have followed thee.

29Who said to them: Amen, I say to you, there is no man that hath left home or parents or brethren or wife or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

30Who shall not receive much more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

31Then Jesus took unto him the twelve and said to them: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man.

32For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles and shall be mocked and scourged and spit upon.

33And after they have scourged him, they will put him to death. And the third day he shall rise again.

34And they understood none of these things, and this word was hid from them: and they understood not the things that were said.

35Now it came to pass, when he drew nigh to Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the way side, begging.

36And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant.

37And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

38And he cried out, saying: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.

39And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out much more: Son of David, have mercy on me.

40And Jesus standing, commanded him to be brought unto him. And when he was come near, he asked him,

41Saying; What wilt thou that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see.

42And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee whole.

43And immediately he saw and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Important Verses in Luke 18

And he would not for a long time. But afterwards he said within himself: Although I fear not God nor regard man,

Luke 18:4

The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican.

Luke 18:11

Amen, I say to you: Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child shall not enter into it.

Luke 18:17

Who said to them: Amen, I say to you, there is no man that hath left home or parents or brethren or wife or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

Luke 18:29

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Luke was written with gentile Christians, assured that salvation in Christ is for all peoples in view. Chapter 18 of 24 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 43 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David and Peter, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "And he spoke also a parable to them, that we ought always to pray and not to faint," The chapter ends with: "And immediately he saw and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. " The wider setting of Luke is this: Luke, the only Gentile author in Scripture, wrote an ordered account 'for Theophilus' emphasizing God's mercy for the poor, sinners, women, and outsiders. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 80-90.

Who Wrote It

Luke, the beloved physician, companion of St. Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 80-90

Catholic Commentary

The text sets forth laws and observances that distinguished Israel as a people consecrated to the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 4: "And he would not for a long time. But afterwards he said within himself: Although I fear not God nor regard man," The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2772). Here, Luke emphasizes God's mercy and the role of the Holy Spirit (CIC 714). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's kingdom and kingship as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

David2 mentionsPeter1 mention

Reflection for Today

Luke Chapter 18 belongs to the New Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. Luke emphasizes God's mercy and the role of the Holy Spirit (CIC 714). Here the believer is invited to ponder the beatitudes as a program of life.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2632) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luke Chapter 18 about?

Luke 18 contains 43 verses. It opens with "And he spoke also a parable to them, that we ought always to pray and not to faint," and closes with "And immediately he saw and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. ". The book as a whole is gospel.

What is a key verse in Luke 18?

One of the most significant verses is verse 4: "And he would not for a long time. But afterwards he said within himself: Although I fear not God nor regard man," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Luke Chapter 18?

This chapter mentions David, Peter.

Who wrote Luke and when?

Luke, the beloved physician, companion of St. Paul. About AD 80-90.

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