Book of Luke - Chapter 17 - Verse 5
Meaning
When the apostles said unto the Lord, "Increase our faith," they were expressing their desire for a stronger and deeper connection to God. This request reflects their recognition of the importance of faith in their journey as disciples of Jesus. The apostles understood that faith is essential in order to believe in the teachings of Jesus, to trust in His guidance, and to carry out His mission. By asking for an increase in faith, the apostles were acknowledging their own limitations and asking for God's help to strengthen their belief and resolve. This verse serves as a reminder for all believers to continually seek to deepen their faith through prayer, study, and obedience to God's word. It encourages us to trust in the Lord's ability to increase our faith and empower us to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
Theological Overview
When the apostles asked Jesus to "increase our faith," they were acknowledging their need for a deeper level of belief and trust in Him. The Greek word used for "increase" in this verse is "προσθέω" (prostheó), which can also be translated as "add" or "supplement." This suggests that the apostles were not asking for a completely new faith, but rather for a strengthening or augmentation of their existing faith.
From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the importance of faith in the life of a believer. Faith is a foundational aspect of the Christian walk, and Jesus frequently emphasized the significance of having faith in God. By asking for their faith to be increased, the apostles showed their recognition that true faith is a gift from God and is necessary for carrying out His will.
Through this request, the apostles also demonstrated their humility and dependence on Jesus as the source of all spiritual growth. They understood that faith is not something that can be mustered up on one's own, but is a gift that comes from God Himself. This verse serves as a reminder to all believers to continually seek after a deeper, more vibrant faith in the Lord.