Luke 7:18-20

Jesus and John the Baptist

7:18 John’s¹ disciples informed him about all these things. So² John called³ two of his disciples 7:19 and sent them to Jesus⁴ to ask,⁵ “Are you the one who is to come,⁶ or should we look for another?” 7:20 When⁷ the men came to Jesus,⁸ they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask,⁹ ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’”¹⁰

¹tn Grk “And John’s.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. This is a reference to John the Baptist as the following context makes clear.

²tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate that John’s action was a result of the report he had heard.

³tn Grk “And calling two of his disciples, John sent.” The participle προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesameno") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

⁴tc ‡ Although most mss (א A W Θ Ψ Ë¹ Ï it sy bo) read πρὸς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν (pro" ton Ihsoun, “to Jesus”), other important witnesses (B L Ξ Ë¹³ 33 pc sa) read πρὸς τὸν κύριον (pro" ton kurion, “to the Lord”). A decision is difficult in this instance, as there are good witnesses on both sides. In light of this, that “Jesus” is more widespread than “the Lord” with almost equally important witnesses argues for its authenticity.

⁵tn Grk “to Jesus, saying,” but since this takes the form of a question, it is preferable to use the phrase “to ask” in English.

⁶sn Aspects of Jesus’ ministry may have led John to question whether Jesus was the promised stronger and greater one who is to come that he had preached about in Luke 3:15-17.

⁷tn Grk “And when.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

⁸tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁹tn Grk “to you, saying,” but since this takes the form of a question, it is preferable to use the phrase “to ask” in English.

¹⁰tn This question is repeated word for word from v. 19.