1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the parenthetical nature of the comment by the author.
2 sn See the note on tax collectors in 3:12.
3 tn Or “vindicated God”; Grk “justified God.” This could be expanded to “vindicated and responded to God.” The point is that God’s goodness and grace as evidenced in the invitation to John was justified and responded to by the group one might least expect, tax collector and sinners. They had more spiritual sensitivity than others. The contrastive response is clear from v. 30.
4 tn The participle βαπτισθέντες (baptisqente") has been translated as a causal adverbial participle.
5 sn This widow was not necessarily old, since many people lived only into their thirties in the 1st century.
6 tn Or “town.”
7 tn This is an iterative imperfect; the widow did this on numerous occasions.
8 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
9 sn The prayers have to do with the righteous who cry out to him to receive justice. The context assumes the righteous are persecuted.
10 tn The emphatic particles in this sentence indicate that God will indeed give justice to the righteous.
11 sn The issue of delay has produced a whole host of views for this verse. (1) Does this assume provision to endure in the meantime? Or (2) does it mean God restricts the level of persecution until he comes? Either view is possible.
12 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.
13 sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait.