¹ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

² sn This time of temporary faith represented by the description believe for a while is presented rather tragically in the passage. The seed does not get a chance to do all it can.

³ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

⁴ tn Traditionally, “temptation.” Such a translation puts the emphasis on temptation to sin rather than testing of faith, which is what the context seems to indicate.

⁵ sn Fall away. On the idea of falling away and the warnings against it, see 2 Tim 3:1; Heb 3:12; Jer 3:14; Dan 9:9.

⁶ tn The aorist participle ἀκούσαντες (akousante") has been taken temporally, reflecting action antecedent (prior to) that of the main verb.

⁷ sn There is a tenacity that is a part of spiritual fruitfulness.

⁸ sn In an ancient context, the qualifier good described the ethical person who possessed integrity. Here it is integrity concerning God’s revelation through Jesus.

⁹ sn Given the pressures noted in the previous soils, bearing fruit takes time (steadfast endurance), just as it does for the farmer. See Jas 1:2-4.

¹⁰ tn Grk “And wherever.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

¹¹ tn Grk “all those who do not receive you.”

¹² tn Or “city.”

¹³ sn To shake the dust off represented shaking off the uncleanness from one’s feet; see Luke 10:11; Acts 13:51; 18:6. It was a sign of rejection.

¹⁴ tn Or “destroy.”

¹⁵ tc Most mss, especially the later ones (A C D W Θ Ψ Ë^1,13 33 Ï it), read here “as also Elijah did,” making the allusion to 2 Kgs 1:10, 12, 14 more explicit. The shorter reading has better and earlier support (Ì^45,75 א B L Ξ 579 700* 1241 pc lat sa). It is difficult to explain how the shorter reading could have arisen from the longer, especially since it is well represented early on. However, the longer reading looks to have been a marginal note originally, incorporated into the text of Luke by early scribes.

sn An allusion to 2 Kgs 1:10, 12, 14.

¹⁶ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

¹⁷ tn Grk “he”; the referent has been specified in the translation for clarity.

¹⁸ sn The fig tree is a variation on the picture of a vine as representing the nation; see Isa 5:1-7.

¹⁹ tn Grk “to complete it, lest.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation and ἵνα μήποτε ({ina mhpote, “lest”) has been translated as “Otherwise.”

²⁰ tn The participle θέντος (qentos) has been taken temporally.

²¹ tn The words “the tower” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.

²² tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.

²³ tn Or “mock,” “ridicule.” The person who did not plan ahead becomes an object of joking and ridicule.

²⁴ tn This is a present tense in the Greek text. In contrast to waiting and looking for the kingdom, it is now available.

²⁵ tn This is a far better translation than “in you.” Jesus would never tell the hostile Pharisees that the kingdom was inside them. The reference is to Jesus present in their midst. He brings the kingdom. Another possible translation would be “in your grasp.” For further discussion and options, see D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 2:1414-19.

²⁶ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast.

²⁷ tn Grk “they”; the referent (the twelve, v. 31) has been specified in the context for clarity.

²⁸ tn Grk “And this.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

²⁹ sn This failure of the Twelve to grasp what Jesus meant probably does not mean that they did not understand linguistically what Jesus said, but that they could not comprehend how this could happen to him, if he was really God’s agent. The saying being hidden probably refers to God’s sovereign timing.

³⁰ tn Grk “the things having been said.” The active agent, Jesus, has been specified for clarity, and “said” has been translated as “meant” to indicate that comprehension of the significance is really in view here.

³¹ tn Grk “This will turn out to you for [a] testimony.”

³² sn You are witnesses. This becomes a key concept of testimony in Acts. See Acts 1:8.