This section consists of five units tied loosely together by the theme of faith: (1) a warning against causing someone to stumble (vv. 1–3a); (2) a saying on forgiveness (vv. 3b–4); (3) a saying on faith (vv. 5–6); (4) a saying on duty (vv. 7–10); and (5) the cleansing of ten lepers (vv. 11–19). The idea of faith is seen most clearly in the third and fifth units (vv. 5, 6, 19). However, when the concept is broadened in terms of faithfulness it becomes more apparent that the idea of faith runs throughout the section. Only the first six verses are paralleled in the other Gospels (Matt. 18:6–7, 15, 21–22; 21:21; Mark 9:42; 11:22–23).

17:1–3a Jesus now turns his attention away from the Pharisees and speaks to his disciples. The first saying is a warning against causing one of these little one…