THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 17 - Verse 17

Verse 17. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation! Perverse means that which is twisted or turned from the proper direction; and is often used of the eyes, when one or both are turned from the natural position. Applied to a generation, or race of men, it means that they hold opinions turned or perverted from the truth, and that they were wicked in their conduct. He applied this probably to the Jews, and not to his real disciples.

How long shall I suffer you? That is, how long shall I bear with you? How long is it necessary to show such patience and forbearance with your unbelief and perversity? This was not an expression of impatience or complaint, so much as a proof that they were so slow to believe that he was the Messiah, notwithstanding his miracles, and that even his disciples so slowly learned to put the proper trust in him.

Mark adds, (Mr 9:20-22,) that when he that was possessed was brought, the spirit, by a last desperate struggle, threw him down, and tore him, and left him apparently dead. He adds farther, that the case had existed during the whole life of his son, from a child. This was a case of uncommon obstinacy. The affliction was fixed and lasting. The disciples, seeing the obstinacy of the case—seeing him dumb, wasted away, torn, and foaming—despaired of being able to cure him. They lacked the faith which was necessary; doubted whether they could cure him, and therefore could not.

Jesus said to the father, Mr 9:23 "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." That is, this cure shall be effected if you have faith. Not that his faith would give Jesus the power to heal him, but it would render it proper that he should exert that power in his favour. In this way, and in this only, are all things possible to believers. The man had faith, Mr 9:24. The father came, as a father should do, weeping, and praying that his faith might be increased, so as to make it proper that Jesus should interpose in his behalf, and save his child. "Help my unbelief," (Mr 9:24). This was an expression of humility. If my faith is defective, supply what is lacking. Help me to overcome my unbelief. Let not the defect of my faith be in the way of this blessing.