Luke 17 and Samaritans

Christian Alexander

While studying the Gospel of Luke I ran across a passage and have a question that is not covered in my commentary readings. In Luke 17 it appears tat the only one who thanks Jesus is the person from Samaria. Those others showed faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, were obedient, and were healed. The Savior told the one who returned and gave thanks, who was a Samaritan, that his faith had made him “whole” (Luke 17:19). Why is the Samaritan the only one who thanks Jesus in Luke 17? members of the message is that even Samaritans are members of the kingdom, and that God deserves to be praised for all of his love and mercy. The commentary I read was concerned with the Samaritan's thankfulness and prostration at Jesus' feet. But I'm not sure where this thinking comes from. When Jesus invites the 10 cleansed lepers to present themselves to the priests in Luke 17, the Samaritan is the only one who praises and loves Jesus. But why would a Samaritan flee to submit himself to a Jewish priest who will not even speak to him, let alone examine him? I have read these commentaries: Luke (The NIV Application Commentary), Luke Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the NT, Luke in the Moody Bible Commentary, and Luke: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). 

Dave Hooton

Christian Alexander said:

I have read... Luke (The NIV Application Commentary), Luke Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the NT, Luke in the Moody Bible Commentary, and Luke: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries).

TNTC Luke (Perrin) is more helpful than the original Morris volume.

But Search commentaries for (Samaritan OR Samaria)  with a Passage range of Luke 17:14-18. You will find a range of explanations

Christian Alexander said:

why would a Samaritan flee to submit himself to a Jewish priest who will not even speak to him

Read v14 again. Where does it state "Jewish priest"? Where did you get "flee" from (study the Greek word used)?

Dave Hooton

Christian Alexander said:

The commentary I read was concerned with the Samaritan's thankfulness and prostration at Jesus' feet. But I'm not sure where this thinking comes from.

What thinking? Read what others have to say about v15-16

Olli-Pekka Ylisuutari

Christian Alexander said:

why would a Samaritan flee to submit himself to a Jewish priest who will not even speak to him, let alone examine him?

Darrell Bock writes in his BECNT -commentary:

If sacrifices were offered, then Jerusalem would come into view. For the Samaritan, this might mean a trip to Mount Gerizim.

In light of Bock's explanation, it would not have been a Jewish Priest that the healed Samaritan would have gone to, but rather a Samaritan priest.