MPV Commentary

1-2. (See Mt 18:6, 7).

3-4. (See on Mt 18:15-17; Mt 18:21, 22).

4. The number seven is mentioned here to emphasize the unlimited nature of forgiveness, as Jesus had previously instructed Peter to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times (Mt 18:21-22). This was in response to Peter's question about how many times he should forgive.

5. Lord--(See on Lu 10:1).

6. Increase our faith--The disciples asked for this because they were struggling with the difficulty of avoiding and forgiving offenses. This is the only time Jesus' followers specifically requested a spiritual operation, but it reflects a similar request made by someone else earlier (Mr 9:24).

6. Sycamine trees are also known as mulberry trees.

7-10. When your faith has grown to the point where you can avoid and forgive offenses, and even accomplish impossible tasks through faith, don't become arrogant, thinking that you've earned God's favor.

9. I wouldn't have thought so--Jesus is expressing his skepticism about the disciples' assumption that they had somehow earned God's gratitude.

10. We haven't profited or benefited God in any way--The word "unprofitable" is used here to convey a sense of not having contributed anything valuable to God, much like Job 22:2-3 and Romans 11:35.