Abstract:
The parable of the unjust judge teaches disciples the proper response to the delay of the parousia alluded to by Jesus in Luke 17:22–37. The a peiore ad melius reasoning of the parable is that if the unjust judge yielded to the continuous cries of the widow, who was a stranger to him, and granted her the vindication she sought, how
much more will God, who is just, hear the cries of his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night. In his application of the parable Jesus emphasizes that during the delay of the parousia it was important for the disciples to follow the example of the persevering widow by continuing to pray for God's vindication. The idea is of
continual prayer, not continuous, non-stop prayer. Jesus also emphasizes that even though God is patient and longsuffering he will not delay the vindication of the elect much longer.
