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rwp@1Corinthians:12:3 @{Wherefore I give you to understand} (\dio gn“riz“ humin\). Causative idea (only in Aeschylus in old Greek) in papyri (also in sense of recognize) and N.T., from root \gn“\ in \gin“sk“\, to know. {Speaking in the Spirit of God} (\en pneumati theou lal“n\). Either sphere or instrumentality. No great distinction here between \lale“\ (utter sounds) and \leg“\ (to say). {Jesus is anathema} (\anathema Iˆsous\). On distinction between \anathema\ (curse) and \anathˆma\ (offering strkjv@Luke:21:5|) see discussion there. In LXX \anathˆma\ means a thing devoted to God without being redeemed, doomed to destruction (Leviticus:27:28f.; strkjv@Joshua:6:17; strkjv@7:12|). See strkjv@1Corinthians:16:22; strkjv@Galatians:1:8f.; strkjv@Romans:9:3|. This blasphemous language against Jesus was mainly by the Jews (Acts:13:45; strkjv@18:6|). It is even possible that Paul had once tried to make Christians say \Anathema Iˆsous\ (Acts:26:11|). {Jesus is Lord} (\Kurios Iˆsous\). The term \Kurios\, as we have seen, is common in the LXX for God. The Romans used it freely for the emperor in the emperor worship. "Most important of all is the early establishment of a polemical parallelism between the cult of Christ and the cult of Caesar in the application of the term \Kurios\, 'lord.' The new texts have here furnished quite astonishing revelations" (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 349). Inscriptions, ostraca, papyri apply the term to Roman emperors, particularly to Nero when Paul wrote this very letter (_ib._, p. 353f.): "One with 'Nero Kurios' quite in the manner of a formula (without article, like the 'Kurios Jesus' in strkjv@1Corinthians:12:3|." "The battle-cries of the spirits of error and of truth contending at Corinth" (Findlay). One is reminded of the demand made by Polycarp that he say \Kurios Caesar\ and how each time he replied \Kurios Iˆsous\. He paid the penalty for his loyalty with his life. Lighthearted men today can say "Lord Jesus" in a flippant or even in an irreverent way, but no Jew or Gentile then said it who did not mean it.

rwp@1Corinthians:12:7 @{Manifestation} (\phaner“sis\). Late word, in papyri, in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:4:2|, from \phanero“\, to make manifest (\phaneros\). Each instance of the whole (verse 6|) is repeatedly given (\didotai\, present passive indicative of \did“mi\). {To profit withal} (\pros to sumpheron\). See on strkjv@6:12; strkjv@10:23,33| for Paul's guiding principle in such matters.

rwp@1Corinthians:12:8 @{To one} (\h“i men\). Demonstrative \hos\ with \men\ in dative case, to this one. The distribution or correlation is carried on by \all“i de\ (verses 8,9,10|), \heter“i de\ (verses 9,10|) for variety, nine manifestations of the Spirit's work in verses 8-10|. {The Word of wisdom} (\logos sophias\). Old words. \Logos\ is reason, then speech. Wisdom is intelligence, then practical action in accord with it. Here it is speech full of God's wisdom (2:7|) under the impulse of the Spirit of God. This gift is placed first (revelation by the Spirit). {The word of knowledge} (\logos gn“se“s\). This gift is insight (illumination) according to (\kata\) the same Spirit.

rwp@1Corinthians:12:14 @{Is not one member} (\ouk estin hen melos\). The point sounds like a truism, but it is the key to the whole problem of church life both local and general. Vincent refers to the fable of the body and the members by Menenius Agrippa (Livy, II, 32), but it was an old parable. Socrates pointed out how absurd it would be if feet and hands should work against one another when God made them to cooperate (Xen., _Mem_. II. iii. 18). Seneca alludes to it as does Marcus Aurelius and Marcus Antoninus.

rwp@1Corinthians:12:15 @{If the foot shall say} (\ean eipˆi ho pous\). Condition of third class (\ean\ and second aorist subjunctive \eipˆi\). In case the foot say. {I am not of the body} (\ouk eimi ek tou s“matos\). I am independent of the body, not dependent on the body. {It is not therefore not of the body} (\ou para touto ouk estin ek tou s“matos\). Thinking or saying so does not change the fact. \Para touto\ here means "alongside of this" (cf. IV Macc. strkjv@10:19) and so "because of," a rare use (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 616). The two negatives (\ou--ouk\) do not here destroy one another. Each retains its full force.

rwp@1Corinthians:12:22 @{Nay, much rather} (\alla poll“i mallon\). Adversative sense of \alla\, on the contrary. Songs:far from the more dignified members like the eye and the head being independent of the subordinate ones like the hands and feet, they are "much more" (_argumentum a fortiori_, "by much more" \poll“i mallon\, instrumental case) in need of therm. {Those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary} (\ta dokounta melˆ tou s“matos asthenestera huparchein anagkaia estin\). Things are not always what they seem. The vital organs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys) are not visible, but life cannot exist without them.

rwp@1Corinthians:12:30 @{Do all interpret?} (\mˆ pantes diermˆneuousin?\). He adds this query to the list in 28|, but it is in 10|.

rwp@1Corinthians:12:31 @{The greater gifts} (\ta charismata ta meizona\). Paul unhesitatingly ranks some spiritual gifts above others. \Zˆlo“\ here has good sense, not that of envy as in strkjv@Acts:7:9; strkjv@1Corinthians:13:4|. {And a still more excellent way} (\kai eti kath' huperbolˆn hodon\). In order to gain the greater gifts. "I show you a way _par excellence_," beyond all comparison (superlative idea in this adjunct, not comparative), like \kath' huperbolˆn eis huperbolˆn\ (2Corinthians:4:17|). \Huperbolˆ\ is old word from \huperball“\, to throw beyond, to surpass, to excel (2Corinthians:3:10; strkjv@Ephesians:1:19|). "I show you a supremely excellent way." Chapter strkjv@1Corinthians:13| is this way, the way of love already laid down in strkjv@8:1| concerning the question of meats offered to idols (cf. strkjv@1John:4:7|). Poor division of chapters here. This verse belongs with chapter strkjv@1Corinthians:13|.

rwp@1Corinthians:13:1 @{With the tongues} (\tais gl“ssais\). Instrumental case. Mentioned first because really least and because the Corinthians put undue emphasis on this gift. Plato (_Symposium_, 197) and many others have written on love, but Paul has here surpassed them all in this marvellous prose-poem. It comes like a sweet bell right between the jangling noise of the gifts in chapters 12 and 14. It is a pity to dissect this gem or to pull to pieces this fragrant rose, petal by petal. Fortunately Paul's language here calls for little comment, for it is the language of the heart. "The greatest, strongest, deepest thing Paul ever wrote" (Harnack). The condition (\ean\ and present subjunctive, \lal“ kai mˆ ech“\, though the form is identical with present indicative) is of the third class, a supposable case. {But have not love} (\agapˆn de mˆ ech“\). This is the _crux_ of the chapter. Love is the way _par excellence_ of strkjv@12:31|. It is not yet clearly certain that \agapˆ\ (a back-formation from \agapa“\) occurs before the LXX and the N.T. Plutarch used \agapˆsis\. Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, p. 198) once suspected it on an inscription in Pisidia. It is still possible that it occurs in the papyri (Prayer to Isis). See _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 75 for details. The rarity of \agapˆ\ made it easier for Christians to use this word for Christian love as opposed to \er“s\ (sexual love). See also Moffatt's Love in the N.T. (1930) for further data. The word is rare in the Gospels, but common in Paul, John, Peter, Jude. Paul does not limit \agapˆ\ at all (both toward God and man). Charity (Latin _caritas_) is wholly inadequate. "Intellect was worshipped in Greece, and power in Rome; but where did St. Paul learn the surpassing beauty of love?" (Robertson and Plummer). Whether Paul had ever seen Jesus in the flesh, he knows him in the spirit. One can substitute Jesus for love all through this panegyric. {I am become} (\gegona\). Second perfect indicative in the conclusion rather than the usual future indicative. It is put vividly, "I am already become." Sounding brass (\chalchos ˆch“n\). Old words. Brass was the earliest metal that men learned to use. Our word _echoing_ is \ˆch“n\, present active participle. Used in strkjv@Luke:21:25| of the roaring of the sea. Only two examples in N.T. {Clanging cymbal} (\kumbalon alalazon\). Cymbal old word, a hollow basin of brass. \Alalaz“\, old onomatopoetic word to ring loudly, in lament (Mark:5:38|), for any cause as here. Only two N.T. examples.

rwp@1Corinthians:13:3 @{Bestow to feed} (\Ps“mis“\). First aorist active subjunctive of \ps“miz“\, to feed, to nourish, from \ps“mos\, morsel or bit, and so to feed, by putting a morsel into the mouth like infant (or bird). Old word, but only here in N.T. {To be burned} (\hina kauthˆs“mai\). First future passive subjunctive (Textus Receptus), but D \kauthˆsomai\ (future passive indicative of \kai“\, old word to burn). There were even some who courted martyrdom in later years (time of Diocletian). This Byzantine future subjunctive does not occur in the old MSS. (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 876). Aleph A B here read \kauchˆs“mai\, first aorist middle subjunctive of \kauchaomai\ (so Westcott and Hort), "that I may glory." This is correct. {It profiteth me nothing} (\ouden “pheloumai\). Literally, I am helped nothing. \Ouden\ in the accusative case retained with passive verb. See two accusatives with \“phele“\ in strkjv@14:6|. Verb is old and from \ophelos\ (profit).

rwp@1Corinthians:13:4 @Verses 4-7| picture the character or conduct of love in marvellous rhapsody. {Suffereth long} (\makrothumei\). Late _Koin‚_ word (Plutarch) from \makros\, long, \thumos\, passion, ardour. Cf. strkjv@James:5:7f|. {Is kind} (\chrˆsteuetai\). From \chrˆstos\ (useful, gracious, kind) and that from \chraomai\, to use. Not found elsewhere save in Clement of Rome and Eusebius. "Perhaps of Paul's coining" (Findlay). Perhaps a vernacular word ready for Paul. Gentle in behaviour. {Envieth not} (\ou zˆloi\). Present active indicative of \zˆlo“\ (contraction \oei=oi\, same as subjunctive and optative forms). Bad sense of \zˆlos\ from \ze“\, to boil, good sense in strkjv@12:31|. Love is neither jealous nor envious (both ideas). {Vaunteth not itself} (\ou perpereuetai\). From \perperos\, vainglorious, braggart (Polybius, Epictetus) like Latin _perperus_. Only here in N.T. and earliest known example. It means play the braggart. Marcus Anton. V. 5 uses it with \areskeuomai\, to play the toady. {Is not puffed up} (\ou phusioutai\). Present direct middle indicative of \phusio“\ from \phusis\ (late form for \phusa“, phusia“\ from \phusa\, bellows), to puff oneself out like a pair of bellows. This form in Herodas and Menander. Is not arrogant. See on ¯4:6|.

rwp@1Corinthians:13:5 @{Doth not behave itself unseemly} (\ouk aschˆmonei\). Old verb from \aschˆm“n\ (12:23|). In N.T. only here and strkjv@7:36|. Not indecent. {Seeketh not its own} (\ou zˆtei ta heautˆs\). Its own interests (10:24,33|). {Is not provoked} (\ou paroxunetai\). Old word. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:17:16| which see. Irritation or sharpness of spirit. And yet Paul felt it in Athens (exasperation) and he and Barnabas had \paroxusmos\ (paroxysm) in Antioch (15:39|). See good sense of \paroxusmos\ in strkjv@Hebrews:10:24|. {Taketh not account of evil} (\ou logizetai to kakon\). Old verb from \logos\, to count up, to take account of as in a ledger or note-book, "the evil" (\to kakon\) done to love with a view to settling the account.

rwp@1Corinthians:13:7 @{Beareth all things} (\panta stegei\). \Steg“\ is old verb from \stegˆ\, roof, already in strkjv@1Corinthians:9:12; strkjv@1Thessalonians:3:1,5| which see. Love covers, protects, forbears (_suffert_, Vulgate). See strkjv@1Peter:4:8| "because love covers a multitude of sins" (\hoti agapˆ kaluptei phˆthos hamarti“n\), throws a veil over. {Believeth all things} (\panta pisteuei\). Not gullible, but has faith in men. {Hopeth all things} (\panta elpizei\). Sees the bright side of things. Does not despair. \Endureth all things\ (\panta hupomenei\). Perseveres. Carries on like a stout-hearted soldier. If one knows Sir Joshua Reynolds's beautiful painting of the Seven Virtues (the four cardinal virtues of the Stoics--temperance, prudence, fortitude, justice--and the three Christian graces--faith, hope, love), he will find them all exemplified here as marks of love (the queen of them all).

rwp@1Corinthians:13:8 @{Love never faileth} (\Hˆ agapˆ oudepote piptei\). New turn for the perpetuity of love. \Piptei\ correct text, not \ekpiptei\, as in strkjv@Luke:16:17|. Love survives everything. {They shall be done away} (\katargˆthˆsontai\). First future passive of \katarge“\. Rare in old Greek, to make idle (\argos\), inoperative. All these special spiritual gifts will pass. It is amazing how little of human work lasts. {They shall cease} (\pausontai\). Future middle indicative of \pau“\, to make cease. They shall make themselves cease or automatically cease of themselves.

rwp@1Corinthians:13:13 @{Abideth} (\menei\). Singular, agreeing in number with \pistis\ (faith), first in list. {The greatest of these} (\meiz“n tout“n\). Predicative adjective and so no article. The form of \meiz“n\ is comparative, but it is used as superlative, for the superlative form \megistos\ had become rare in the _Koin‚_ (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 667ff.). See this idiom in strkjv@Matthew:11:11; strkjv@18:1; strkjv@23:11|. The other gifts pass away, but these abide forever. Love is necessary for both faith and hope. Does not love keep on growing? It is quite worth while to call attention to Henry Drummond's famous sermon _The Greatest Thing in the World_ and to Dr. J.D. Jones's able book _The Greatest of These_. Greatest, Dr. Jones holds, because love is an attribute of God.

rwp@1Corinthians:14:3 @{Edification} (\oikodomˆn\). Building up. {Comfort} (\paraklˆsin\). Encouragement, calling to one's side. {Consolation} (\paramuthian\). Old word (from \para, muthos, paramutheomai\ strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:12| which see, a stimulating word), nowhere else in N.T., but \paramuthion\ in strkjv@Phillipians:2:1| with \paraklˆsis\ as here. Edification, cheer, incentive in these words.

rwp@1Corinthians:14:15 @{With the understanding also} (\kai t“i no‹\). Instrumental case of \nous\. Paul is distinctly in favour of the use of the intellect in prayer. Prayer is an intelligent exercise of the mind. {And I will sing with the understanding also} (\psal“ de kai t“i no‹\). There was ecstatic singing like the rhapsody of some prayers without intelligent words. But Paul prefers singing that reaches the intellect as well as stirs the emotions. Solos that people do not understand lose more than half their value in church worship. \Psall“\ originally meant to play on strings, then to sing with an accompaniment (Ephesians:5:19|), and here apparently to sing without regard to an instrument.

rwp@1Corinthians:14:16 @{Else if thou bless with the spirit} (\epei ean eulogˆis en pneumati\). Third class condition. He means that, if one is praying and praising God (10:16|) in an ecstatic prayer, the one who does not understand the ecstasy will be at a loss when to say "amen" at the close of the prayer. In the synagogues the Jews used responsive amens at the close of prayers (Nehemiah:5:13; strkjv@8:6; strkjv@1Chronicles:16:36; strkjv@Psalms:106:48|). {He that filleth the place of the unlearned} (\ho anaplˆr“n ton topon tou idi“tou\). Not a special part of the room, but the position of the \idi“tou\ (from \idios\, one's own), common from Herodotus for private person (Acts:4:13|), unskilled (2Corinthians:11:6|), uninitiated (unlearned) in the gift of tongues as here and verses 23f|. {At thy giving of thanks} (\epi tˆi sˆi eucharistiƒi\). Just the prayer, not the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper, as is plain from verse 17|.

rwp@1Corinthians:14:18 @{More than you all} (\pant“n hum“n mallon\). Ablative case after \mallon\. Astonishing claim by Paul that doubtless had a fine effect.

rwp@1Corinthians:14:34 @{Keep silence in the churches} (\en tais ekklˆsiais sigat“san\). The same verb used about the disorders caused by speakers in tongues (verse 28|) and prophets (30|). For some reason some of the women were creating disturbance in the public worship by their dress (11:2-16|) and now by their speech. There is no doubt at all as to Paul's meaning here. In church the women are not allowed to speak (\lalein\) nor even to ask questions. They are to do that {at home} (\en oik“i\). He calls it a shame (\aischron\) as in strkjv@11:6| (cf. strkjv@Ephesians:5:12; strkjv@Titus:1:11|). Certainly women are still in subjection (\hupotassesth“san\) to their husbands (or ought to be). But somehow modern Christians have concluded that Paul's commands on this subject, even strkjv@1Timothy:2:12|, were meant for specific conditions that do not apply wholly now. Women do most of the teaching in our Sunday schools today. It is not easy to draw the line. The daughters of Philip were prophetesses. It seems clear that we need to be patient with each other as we try to understand Paul's real meaning here.

rwp@1Corinthians:15:3 @{First of all} (\en pr“tois\). Among first things. _In primis_. Not to time, but to importance. {Which I also received} (\ho kai parelabon\). Direct revelation claimed as about the institution of the Lord's Supper (11:23|) and same verbs used (\pared“ka, parelabon\). Four items given by Paul in explaining "the gospel" which Paul preached. Stanley calls it (verses 1-11|) the creed of the early disciples, but "rather a sample of the exact form of the apostle's early teaching, than a profession of faith on the part of converts" (Vincent). The four items are presented by four verbs (died, \apethanen\, was buried, \etaphˆ\, hath been raised, \egˆgertai\, appeared, \“phthˆ\). {Christ died} (\Christos apethanen\). Historical fact and crucial event. {For our sins} (\huper t“n hamarti“n hˆm“n\). \Huper\ means literally over, in behalf, even instead of (Galatians:3:13|), where used of persons. But here much in the sense of \peri\ (Galatians:1:14|) as is common in _Koin‚_. In strkjv@1Peter:3:18| we have \peri hamarti“n, huper adik“n\. {According to the Scriptures} (\kata tas graphas\). As Jesus showed (Luke:22:37; strkjv@24:25|) and as Peter pointed out (Acts:2:25-27; strkjv@3:35|) and as Paul had done (Acts:13:24f.; strkjv@17:3|). Cf. strkjv@Romans:1:2ff|.

rwp@1Corinthians:15:4 @{And that he was buried} (\kai hoti etaphˆ\). Note \hoti\ repeated before each of the four verbs as a separate item. Second aorist passive indicative of \thapt“\, old verb, to bury. This item is an important detail as the Gospels show. {And that he hath been raised} (\kai hoti egˆgertai\). Perfect passive indicative, not \ˆgerthˆ\ like {rose} of the King James' Version. There is reason for this sudden change of tense. Paul wishes to emphasize the permanence of the resurrection of Jesus. He is still risen. {On the third day} (\tˆi hˆmerƒi tˆi tritˆi\). Locative case of time. Whether Paul had seen either of the Gospels we do not know, but this item is closely identified with the fact of Christ's resurrection. We have it in Peter's speech (Acts:10:40|) and Jesus points it out as part of prophecy (Luke:24:46|). The other expression occasionally found "after three days" (Mark:10:34|) is merely free vernacular for the same idea and not even strkjv@Matthew:12:40| disturbs it. See on ¯Luke:24:1| for record of the empty tomb on the first day of the week (the third day).

rwp@1Corinthians:15:5 @{And that he appeared to Cephas} (\kai hoti “phthˆ Kˆphƒi\). First aorist passive indicative of the defective verb \hora“\, to see. Paul means not a mere "vision," but actual appearance. John uses \ephaner“thˆ\ (John:21:14|) from \phanero“\, to make manifest, of Christ's appearance to the seven by the Sea of Galilee. Peter was listed first (\pr“tos\) among the Apostles (Matthew:10:2|). Jesus had sent a special message to him (Mark:16:7|) after his resurrection. This special appearance to Peter is made the determining factor in the joyful faith of the disciples (Luke:24:34|), though mentioned incidentally here. Paul had told all these four facts to the Corinthians in his preaching. He gives further proof of the fact of Christ's resurrection. There are ten appearances given besides the one to Paul. Nine are in the Gospels (Mary Magdalene in John and Mark, the other women in Matthew, the two going to Emmaus in Luke, Simon Peter in Luke and I Corinthians, the ten apostles and others in Luke and John and Mark, the eleven and others in John, the seven by the sea in John, to over five hundred in Galilee in Matthew and Paul and Mark, to the apostles in Jerusalem in Luke and Mark and Acts and I Corinthians) and one in I Corinthians above (to James). It will be seen that Paul mentions only five of the ten, one, that to James, not given elsewhere. What he gives is conclusive evidence of the fact, particularly when re-enforced by his own experience (the sixth appearance mentioned by Paul). The way to prove this great fact is to start with Paul's own witness given in this undoubted Epistle. The natural way to understand Paul's adverbs of time here is chronological: {then} (\eita\), {then} (\epeita\), {then} (\epeita\), {then} (\eita\), {last of all} (\eschaton pant“n\). {To the twelve} (\tois d“deka\). The technical name. Only ten were present, for Judas was dead and Thomas was absent (John:20:24|).

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:3 @{Let no man beguile you in any wise} (\mˆ tis humas exapatˆsˆi kata mˆdena tropon\). First aorist active subjunctive of \exapata“\ (old verb to deceive, strengthened form of simple verb \apata“\) with double negative (\mˆ tis, mˆdena\) in accord with regular Greek idiom as in strkjv@1Corinthians:16:11| rather than the aorist imperative which does occur sometimes in the third person as in strkjv@Mark:13:15| (\mˆ katabat“\). Paul broadens the warning to go beyond conversation and letter. He includes "tricks" of any kind. It is amazing how gullible some of the saints are when a new deceiver pulls off some stunts in religion. {For it will not be} (\hoti\). There is an ellipse here of \ouk estai\ (or \genˆsetai\) to be supplied after \hoti\. Westcott and Hort make an anacoluthon at the end of verse 4|. The meaning is clear. \Hoti\ is causal, because, but the verb is understood. The second coming not only is not "imminent," but will not take place before certain important things take place, a definite rebuff to the false enthusiasts of verse 2|. {Except the falling away come first} (\ean mˆ elthˆi hˆ apostasia pr“ton\). Negative condition of the third class, undetermined with prospect of determination and the aorist subjunctive. \Apostasia\ is the late form of \apostasis\ and is our word apostasy. Plutarch uses it of political revolt and it occurs in I Macc. strkjv@2:15 about Antiochus Epiphanes who was enforcing the apostasy from Judaism to Hellenism. In strkjv@Joshua:22:22| it occurs for rebellion against the Lord. It seems clear that the word here means a religious revolt and the use of the definite article (\hˆ\) seems to mean that Paul had spoken to the Thessalonians about it. The only other New Testament use of the word is in strkjv@Acts:21:21| where it means apostasy from Moses. It is not clear whether Paul means revolt of the Jews from God, of Gentiles from God, of Christians from God, or of the apostasy that includes all classes within and without the body of Christians. But it is to be {first} (\pr“ton\) before Christ comes again. Note this adverb when only two events are compared (cf. strkjv@Acts:1:1|). {And the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition} (\kai apokaluphthˆi ho anthr“pos tˆs anomias, ho huios tˆs ap“leias\). First aorist passive subjunctive after \ean mˆ\ and same condition as with \elthˆi\. The use of this verb \apokalupt“\, like \apokalupsin\ of the second coming in strkjv@1:7|, seems to note the superhuman character (Milligan) of the event and the same verb is repeated in verses 6,8|. The implication is that {the man of sin} is hidden somewhere who will be suddenly manifested just as false apostles pose as angels of light (2Corinthians:11:13ff.|), whether the crowning event of the apostasy or another name for the same event. Lightfoot notes the parallel between the man of sin, of whom sin is the special characteristic (genitive case, a Hebraism for the lawless one in verse 8|) and Christ. Both Christ and the adversary of Christ are revealed, there is mystery about each, both make divine claims (verse 4|). He seems to be the Antichrist of strkjv@1John:2:18|. The terrible phrase, the son of perdition, is applied to Judas in strkjv@John:17:12| (like Judas doomed to perdition), but here to the lawless one (\ho anomos\, verse 8|), who is not Satan, but some one definite person who is doing the work of Satan. Note the definite article each time.

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:4 @{He that opposeth and exalteth himself} (\ho antikeimenos kai huperairomenos\). Like John's Antichrist this one opposes (\anti-\) Christ and exalts himself (direct middle of \huperair“\, old verb to lift oneself up {above} others, only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:12:7| in N.T.), but not Satan, but an agent of Satan. This participial clause is in apposition with the two preceding phrases, the man of sin, the son of perdition. Note strkjv@1Corinthians:8:5| about one called God and strkjv@Acts:17:23| for \sebasma\ (from \sebazomai\), object of worship, late word, in N.T. only in these two passages. {Songs:that he sitteth in the temple of God} (\h“ste auton eis ton naon tou theou kathisai\). Another example of the infinitive with \h“ste\ for result. Caius Caligula had made a desperate attempt to have his statue set up for worship in the Temple in Jerusalem. This incident may lie behind Paul's language here. {Setting himself forth as God} (\apodeiknunta heauton hoti estin theos\). Present active participle (\mi\ form) of \apodeiknumi\, agreeing in case with \auton\, {showing himself that he is God}. Caligula claimed to be God. Moffatt doubts if Paul is identifying this deception with the imperial cultus at this stage. Lightfoot thinks that the deification of the Roman emperor supplied Paul's language here. Wetstein notes a coin of Julius with \theos\ on one side and \Thessalonike“n\ on the other. In strkjv@1John:2:18| we are told of "many antichrists" some of whom had already come. Hence it is not clear that Paul has in mind only one individual or even individuals at all rather than evil principles, for in verse 6| he speaks of \to katechon\ (that which restraineth) while in verse 7| it is \ho katech“n\ (the one that restraineth). Frame argues for a combination of Belial and Antichrist as the explanation of Paul's language. But the whole subject is left by Paul in such a vague form that we can hardly hope to clear it up. It is possible that his own preaching while with them gave his readers a clue that we do not possess.

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:5 @{When I was yet with you} (\eti “n pros humas\). The present participle takes the time of the verb \elegon\ (imperfect active), {I used to tell you these things}. Songs:Paul recalls their memory of his words and leaves us without the clue to his idea. We know that one of the charges against him was that Jesus was another king, a rival to Caesar (Acts:17:7|). That leads one to wonder how far Paul went when there in contrasting the kingdom of the world of which Rome was ruler and the kingdom of God of which Christ is king. Frame notes Paul's abrupt question here "with an unfinished sentence behind him" (verses 3f.|), even "with a trace of impatience."

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:6 @{That which restraineth} (\to katechon\). {And now you know} (\kai nun oidate\), says Paul in this cryptic apocalyptic passage. Unfortunately we do not know what Paul means by {that which restrains} (holds back, \katechon\), neuter here and masculine in verse 7| \ho katech“n\. "This impersonal principle or power is capable also of manifesting itself under a personal form" (Milligan). "He is Satan's messiah, an infernal caricature of the true Messiah" (Moffatt). Warfield (_Expositor_, III, iv, pp. 30ff.) suggested that the man of lawlessness is the imperial line with its rage for deification and that the Jewish state was the restraining power. But God overrules all human history and his ultimate purpose is wrought out. {To the end that} (\eis to\). Another example of \eis to\ and the infinitive for purpose. {In his own season} (\en t“i autou kair“i\). Note \autou\ (his), not \heautou\ (his own), {revealed in his time}, in the time set him by God.

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:7 @{For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work} (\to gar mustˆrion ˆdˆ energeitai tˆs anomias\). See strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:13| for \energeitai\. The genitive \tˆs anomias\ (lawlessness) describes \to mustˆrion\ (note emphatic position of both). This mystery (\mustˆrion\ secret, from \mustˆs\, an initiate, \mue“\, to wink or blink) means here the secret purpose of lawlessness already at work, the only instance of this usage in the N.T. where it is used of the kingdom of God (Matthew:13:11|), of God (1Corinthians:2:1|) and God's will (Ephesians:1:9|), of Christ (Ephesians:3:4|), of the gospel (Ephesians:6:9|), of faith (1Timothy:3:9|), of godliness (1Timothy:3:16|), of the seven stars (Revelation:1:20|), of the woman (Revelation:17:7|). But this secret will be "revealed" and then we shall understand clearly what Paul's meaning is here. {Until he be taken out of the way} (\he“s ek mesou genˆtai\). Usual construction with \he“s\ for the future (aorist middle subjunctive, \genˆtai\). Note absence of \an\ as often in N.T. and the \Koin‚\. Paul uses \he“s\ only here and strkjv@1Corinthians:4:5|. When the obstacle is removed then the mystery of lawlessness will be revealed in plain outline.

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:8 @{And then} (\kai tote\). Emphatic note of time, {then} when the restraining one (\ho katech“n\) is taken out of the way, then \the lawless one\ (\ho anomos\), the man of sin, the man of perdition, will be revealed. {Whom the Lord [Jesus] shall slay} (\hon ho kurios [Iˆsous] anelei\). Whether Jesus is genuine or not, he is meant by Lord. \Anelei\ is a late future from \anaire“\, in place of \anairˆsei\. Paul uses strkjv@Isaiah:11:4| (combining {by the word of his mouth} with {in breath through lips}) to picture the triumph of Christ over this adversary. It is a powerful picture how the mere breath of the Lord will destroy this arch-enemy (Milligan). {And bring to naught by the manifestation of his coming} (\kai katargˆsei tˆi epiphaneiƒi tˆs parousias autou\). This verb \katarge“\ (\kata, argos\) to render useless, rare in ancient Greek, appears 25 times in Paul and has a variety of renderings. In the papyri it has a weakened sense of hinder. It will be a grand fiasco, this advent of the man of sin. Paul here uses both \epiphaneia\ (\epiphany\, elsewhere in N.T. in the Pastorals, familiar to the Greek mind for a visit of a god) and \parousia\ (more familiar to the Jewish mind, but common in the papyri) of the second coming of Christ. "The apparition of Jesus heralds his doom" (Moffatt). The mere appearance of Christ destroys the adversary (Vincent).

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:9 @{Whose coming is} (\hou estin hˆ parousia\). Refers to \hon\ in verse 8|. The Antichrist has his \parousia\ also. Deissmann (_Light from the Ancient East_, pp. 374, 378) notes an inscription at Epidaurus in which "Asclepius manifested his \Parousia\." Antiochus Epiphanes is called _the manifest god_ (III Macc. strkjv@5:35). Songs:the two Epiphanies coincide. {Lying wonders} (\terasin pseudous\). "In wonders of a lie." Note here the three words for the miracles of Christ (Hebrews:2:4|), power (\dunamis\), signs (\sˆmeia\), wonders (\terata\), but all according to the working of Satan (\kata energeian tou Satana\, the energy of Satan) just as Jesus had foretold (Matthew:24:24|), wonders that would almost lead astray the very elect.

rwp@2Thessalonians:2:15 @{Songs:then} (\ara oun\). Accordingly then. The illative \ara\ is supported (Ellicott) by the collective \oun\ as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:6; strkjv@Galatians:6:10|, etc. Here is the practical conclusion from God's elective purpose in such a world crisis. {Stand fast} (\stˆkete\). Present imperative active of the late present \stˆko\ from \hestˆka\ (perfect active of \histˆmi\). See on ¯1Thessalonians:3:8|. {Hold the traditions} (\krateite tas paradoseis\). Present imperative of \krate“\, old verb, to have masterful grip on a thing, either with genitive (Mark:1:31|) or usually the accusative as here. \Paradosis\ (tradition) is an old word for what is handed over to one. Dibelius thinks that Paul reveals his Jewish training in the use of this word (Galatians:1:14|), but the word is a perfectly legitimate one for teaching whether oral, {by word} (\dia logou\), or written, {by epistle of ours} (\di' epistolˆs hˆm“n\). Paul draws here no distinction between oral tradition and written tradition as was done later. The worth of the tradition lies not in the form but in the source and the quality of the content. Paul in strkjv@1Corinthians:11:23| says: "I received from the Lord what I also handed over (\pared“ka\) unto you." He praises them because ye "hold fast the traditions even as I delivered them unto you." The {tradition} may be merely that of men and so worthless and harmful in place of the word of God (Mark:7:8; strkjv@Colossians:2:6-8|). It all depends. It is easy to scoff at truth as mere tradition. But human progress in all fields is made by use of the old, found to be true, in connection with the new if found to be true. In Thessalonica the saints were already the victims of theological charlatans with their half-baked theories about the second coming of Christ and about social duties and relations. {Which ye were taught} (\has edidachthˆte\). First aorist passive indicative of \didask“\, to teach, retaining the accusative of the thing in the passive as is common with this verb like _doce“_ in Latin and teach in English.

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:1 @{Finally} (\to loipon\). Accusative of general reference. Cf. \loipon\ strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:1|. {Pray} (\proseuchesthe\). Present middle, keep on praying. Note \peri\ as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:25|. {That the word of the Lord may run and be glorified} (\hina ho logos tou kuriou trechˆi kai doxazˆtai\). Usual construction of \hina\ after \proseuchomai\, sub-final use, content and purpose combined. Note present subjunctive with both verbs rather than aorist, may keep on running and being glorified, two verbs joined together nowhere else in the N.T. Paul probably derived this metaphor from the stadium as in strkjv@1Corinthians:9:24ff.; strkjv@Galatians:2:2; strkjv@Romans:9:16; strkjv@Phillipians:2:16; strkjv@2Timothy:4:7|. Lightfoot translates "may have a triumphant career." On the word of the Lord see on ¯1Thessalonians:1:8|. Paul recognizes the close relation between himself and the readers. He needs their prayers and sympathy and he rejoices in their reception of the word of the Lord already, {even as also it is with you} (\kath“s kai pros humas\). "As it does in your case" (Frame).

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:2 @{And that we may be delivered} (\kai hina rusth“men\). A second and more personal petition (Milligan). First aorist passive subjunctive of \ruomai\, old verb to rescue. Note change in tense from present to aorist (effective aorist). {From unreasonable and evil men} (\apo t“n atop“n kai ponˆr“n anthr“p“n\). Ablative case with \apo\. Originally in the old Greek \atopos\ (\a\ privative and \topos\) is out of place, odd, unbecoming, perverse, outrageous, both of things and persons. \Ponˆros\ is from \pone“\, to work (\ponos\), looking on labour as an annoyance, bad, evil. Paul had a plague of such men in Corinth as he had in Thessalonica. {For all have not faith} (\ou gar pant“n hˆ pistis\). Copula \estin\ not expressed. \Pant“n\ is predicate possessive genitive, faith (article with abstract substantive) does not belong to all. Hence their evil conduct.

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:4 @{And we have confidence} (\pepoithomen\). Second perfect indicative of \peith“\, to persuade, intransitive in this tense, we are in a state of trust. {In the Lord touching you} (\en kuri“i eph' humas\). Note the two prepositions, \en\ in the sphere of the Lord (1Thessalonians:4:1|) as the _ground_ of Paul's confident trust, \eph'\ (\epi\) with the accusative (towards you) where the dative could have been used (cf. strkjv@2Corinthians:2:3|). {Ye both do and will do} (\[kai] poieite kai poiˆsete\). Compliment and also appeal, present and future tenses of \poie“\. {The things which we command} (\ha paraggellomen\). Note of apostolic authority here, not advice or urging, but command.

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:5 @{Direct} (\kateuthunai\). First aorist active optative of wish for the future as in strkjv@2:17; strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:23| from \kateuthun“\, old verb, as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:3:11| (there {way}, here {hearts}) and strkjv@Luke:1:79| of {feet} (\podas\). Perfective use of \kata\. Bold figure for making smooth and direct road. The Lord here is the Lord Jesus. {Into the love of God} (\eis tˆn agapˆn tou theou\). Either subjective or objective genitive makes sense and Lightfoot pleads for both, "not only as an objective attribute of deity, but as a ruling principle in our hearts," holding that it is "seldom possible to separate the one from the other." Most scholars take it here as subjective, the characteristic of God. {Into the patience of Christ} (\eis tˆn hupomnˆn tou Christou\). There is the same ambiguity here, though the subjective idea, the patience shown by Christ, is the one usually accepted rather than "the patient waiting for Christ" (objective genitive).

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:6 @{Now we command you} (\paraggellomen de humin\). Paul puts into practice the confidence expressed on their obedience to his commands in verse 4|. {In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ} (\en onomati tou kuriou Iˆsou Christou\). {Name} (\onoma\) here for authority of Jesus Christ with which compare {through the Lord Jesus} (\dia tou kuriou Iˆsou\) in strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:2|. For a full discussion of the phrase see the monograph of W. Heitmuller, _Im Namen Jesu_. Paul wishes his readers to realize the responsibility on them for their obedience to his command. {That ye withdraw yourselves} (\stellesthai humas\). Present middle (direct) infinitive of \stell“\, old verb to place, arrange, make compact or shorten as sails, to move oneself from or to withdraw oneself from (with \apo\ and the ablative). In strkjv@2Corinthians:8:20| the middle voice (\stellomenoi\) means taking care. {From every brother that walketh disorderly} (\apo pantos adelphou atakt“s peripatountos\). He calls him "brother" still. The adverb \atakt“s\ is common in Plato and is here and verse 11| alone in the N.T., though the adjective \ataktos\, equally common in Plato we had in strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:14| which see. Military term, out of ranks. {And not after the tradition} (\kai mˆ kata tˆn paradosin\). See on ¯2:15| for \paradosin\. {Which they received of us} (\hˆn parelabosan par hˆm“n\). Westcott and Hort put this form of the verb (second aorist indicative third person plural of \paralamban“\, the \-osan\ form instead of \-on\, with slight support from the papyri, but in the LXX and the Boeotian dialect, Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 335f.) in the margin with \parelabete\ (ye received) in the text. There are five different readings of the verb here, the others being \parelabon, parelabe, elabosan\.

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:11 @{For we hear} (\akouomen gar\). Fresh news from Thessalonica evidently. For the present tense compare strkjv@1Corinthians:11:18|. The accusative and the participle is a regular idiom for indirect discourse with this verb (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 1040-2). Three picturesque present participles, the first a general description, \peripatountas atakt“s\, the other two specifying with a vivid word-play, {that work not at all, but are busy-bodies} (\mˆden ergazomenous alla periergazomenous\). Literally, {doing nothing but doing around}. Ellicott suggests, {doing no business but being busy bodies}. "The first persecution at Thessalonica had been fostered by a number of fanatical loungers (Acts:17:5|)" (Moffatt). These theological dead-beats were too pious to work, but perfectly willing to eat at the hands of their neighbours while they piddled and frittered away the time in idleness.

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:13 @{But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing} (\humeis de, adelphoi, mˆ enkakˆsˆte kalopoiountes\). Emphatic position of \humeis\ in contrast to these piddlers. \Mˆ\ and the aorist subjunctive is a prohibition against beginning an act (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 851-4). It is a late verb and means to behave badly in, to be cowardly, to lose courage, to flag, to faint, (\en, kakos\) and outside of strkjv@Luke:18:1| in the N.T. is only in Paul's Epistles (2Thessalonians:3:13; strkjv@2Corinthians:4:1,16; strkjv@Galatians:6:9; strkjv@Ephesians:3:13|). It occurs in Polybius. The late verb \kalopoie“\, to do the fair (\kalos\) or honourable thing occurs nowhere else in the N.T., but is in the LXX and a late papyrus. Paul uses \to kalon poiein\ in strkjv@2Corinthians:13:7; strkjv@Galatians:6:9; strkjv@Romans:7:21| with the same idea. He has \agathopoie“\, to do good, in strkjv@1Timothy:6:18|.

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:14 @{And if any one obeyeth not our word by this epistle} (\ei de tis ouch hupakouei t“i log“i hˆm“n dia tˆs epistolˆs\). Paul sums up the issue bluntly with this ultimatum. Condition of the first class, with negative \ou\, assuming it to be true. {Note that man} (\touton sˆmeiousthe\). Late verb \sˆmeio“\, from \sˆmeion\, sign, mark, token. Put a tag on that man. Here only in N.T. "The verb is regularly used for the signature to a receipt or formal notice in the papyri and the ostraca of the Imperial period" (Moulton & Milligan's _Vocabulary_). How this is to be done (by letter or in public meeting) Paul does not say. {That ye have no company with him} (\mˆ sunanamignusthai aut“i\). The MSS. are divided between the present middle infinitive as above in a command like strkjv@Romans:12:15; strkjv@Phillipians:3:16| or the present middle imperative \sunanamignusthe\ (\-ai\ and \-e\ often being pronounced alike in the _Koin‚_). The infinitive can also be explained as an indirect command. This double compound verb is late, in LXX and Plutarch, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Corinthians:5:9,11|. \Aut“i\ is in associative instrumental case. {To the end that he may be ashamed} (\hina entrapˆi\). Purpose clause with \hina\. Second aorist passive subjunctive of \entrep“\, to turn on, middle to turn on oneself or to put to shame, passive to be made ashamed. The idea is to have one's thoughts turned in on oneself.

rwp@2Thessalonians:3:16 @{The Lord of peace himself} (\autos ho kurios tˆs eirˆnˆs\). See strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:23| for {the God of peace himself}. {Give you peace} (\doiˆ humin tˆn eirˆnˆn\). Second aorist active optative (_Koin‚_) of \did“mi\, not \d“ˆi\ (subjunctive). Songs:also strkjv@Romans:15:5; strkjv@2Timothy:1:16,18|. The Lord Jesus whose characteristic is peace, can alone give real peace to the heart and to the world. (John:14:27|).

rwp@2Timothy:1:3 @{I thank} (\charin ech“\). "I have gratitude." As in strkjv@1Timothy:1:12|. Robinson cites examples of this phrase from the papyri. It occurs also in strkjv@Luke:17:9; strkjv@Acts:2:47|. \Charis\ in doxologies Paul uses (1Corinthians:15:57; strkjv@2:14; strkjv@8:16; strkjv@9:15; strkjv@Romans:6:17; strkjv@7:25|). His usual idiom is \eucharist“\ (1Corinthians:1:4; strkjv@Romans:1:8; strkjv@Philemon:1:4; strkjv@Phillipians:1:3|) or \eucharistoumen\ (1Thessalonians:1:2; strkjv@Colossians:1:3|) or \ou pauomai eucharist“n\ (Ephesians:1:16|) or \eucharistein opheilomen\ (2Thessalonians:1:3|). {Whom I serve from my forefathers} (\h“i latreu“ apo progon“n\). The relative \h“i\ is the dative case with \latreu“\ (see strkjv@Romans:1:9| for this verb), progressive present (I have been serving). For \progon“n\ (forefathers) see strkjv@1Timothy:5:4|. Paul claims a pious ancestry as in strkjv@Acts:24:14; strkjv@Acts:26:5; strkjv@Galatians:2:14; strkjv@Phillipians:3:4-7|. {In a pure conscience} (\en katharƒi suneidˆsei\). See strkjv@1Timothy:1:5; strkjv@Acts:23:1|. {Unceasing} (\adialeipton\). Late and rare compound, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:9:2| which see. The adverb \adialeipt“s\ is more frequent (in the papyri, literary _Koin‚_, strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:2; strkjv@Romans:1:9|). The adjective here is the predicate accusative, "how I hold the memory concerning thee unceasing." The use of \adialeipt“s\ (adverb) is a sort of epistolary formula (papyri, strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:2; strkjv@2:13; strkjv@5:17; strkjv@Romans:1:9|). {Remembrance} (\mneian\). Old word, in N.T. only Pauline (seven times, strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:2; strkjv@Romans:1:9; strkjv@Phillipians:1:3|).

rwp@2Timothy:1:6 @{For the which cause} (\di' hˆn aitian\). "For which cause," stronger than \dio\. Songs:in verse 12; strkjv@Titus:1:13|. Only example of \aitia\ by Paul save in strkjv@Acts:28:20|. {I put thee in remembrance} (\anamimnˆsk“\). Old compound to remind (1Corinthians:4:17; strkjv@2Corinthians:7:15|). {That thou stir up} (\se anaz“purein\). Present active infinitive of \anaz“pure“\, old double compound (\ana\ and \z“puron\, live coal, \z“os\ and \pur\, then the bellows for kindling), to rekindle, to stir into flame, to keep blazing (continuous action, present time), only here in N.T. See strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:19| for the figure of fire concerning the Holy Spirit. See \anapt“\ in strkjv@Luke:12:49|. {The gift of God} (\to charisma tou theou\). See strkjv@1Timothy:4:14|. Here Paul says \mou\ (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See strkjv@1Corinthians:7:7; strkjv@Romans:6:23; strkjv@11:29| for the gift of God.

rwp@2Timothy:1:7 @{A spirit of fearfulness} (\pneuma deilias\). Here \pneuma\ is the \charisma\ of verse 6|, the human spirit as endowed by the Holy Spirit (Romans:8:15|). \Deilia\ is an old word (\deilos, deid“\) and always in a bad sense of cowardice, only here in N.T. {Of power} (\duname“s\). One of Paul's characteristic words (Romans:1:16|). {Of love} (\agapˆs\). One of the gifts of the Spirit (Galatians:5:22|). "Which drives out fear" (Lock) as in strkjv@1John:4:18|. {Of discipline} (\s“phronismou\). Late _Koin‚_ word (from \s“phroniz“\, to control), self-control, here only in N.T. See strkjv@1Timothy:2:9| for \s“phrosunˆ\.

rwp@2Timothy:1:8 @{Be not ashamed of} (\mˆ epaischunthˆis\). First aorist (ingressive) passive subjunctive (in prohibition) of \epaischunomai\, old word, to be ashamed. Again in verse 16| without augment (\epaischunthˆn\), transitive use of the passive voice as often in the _Koin‚_ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 818). See strkjv@Romans:1:16; strkjv@6:21|. "Do not become ashamed" (as he had not). {The testimony of our Lord} (\to marturion tou kuriou\). For the old word \marturion\ see strkjv@1Corinthians:1:6; strkjv@2:1|. Paul probably has in mind the saying of Jesus preserved in strkjv@Mark:8:38| (Luke:9:26|). See also strkjv@2:12|. {His prisoner} (\ton desmion autou\). As in strkjv@Phillipians:1:12; strkjv@Philemon:1:1,9; strkjv@Ephesians:3:1; strkjv@4:1| (the first Roman captivity). Paul is in his last captivity and refers to it again in verse 16; strkjv@2:9|. {Suffer hardship with} (\sunkakopathˆson\). First aorist active imperative of the double compound \sunkakopathe“\, first known use and in N.T. only here and strkjv@2:3| (in eccles. writers). But \kakopathe“\, to suffer evil, is old verb (2:9; strkjv@4:5|). Paul is fond of compounds of \sun\. Paul challenges Timothy by this verb which he apparently coins for the purpose to a joint (\sun\) suffering with the Lord Jesus and Paul "for the gospel" (\t“i euaggeli“i\, dative case rather than associative instrumental "with"). {According to the power of God} (\kata dunamin theou\). Given by God (2Corinthians:6:7|).

rwp@2Timothy:1:9 @{Called us with a holy calling} (\kalesantos klˆsei hagiƒi\). Probably dative, "to a holy calling." \Klˆsis\ here apparently not the invitation, but the consecrated service, "the upward calling" (Phillipians:3:14|). See strkjv@1Corinthians:7:20; strkjv@Ephesians:4:1,4| for the use of \kale“\ with \klˆsis\. Paul often uses \kale“\ of God's calling men (1Thessalonians:2:12; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:9; strkjv@Galatians:1:6; strkjv@Romans:8:20; strkjv@9:11|). {Purpose} (\prothesin\). See strkjv@Romans:9:11; strkjv@Ephesians:1:11| for \prothesin\. {Which was given} (\tˆn dotheisan\). First aorist passive articular participle agreeing with \charis\ (grace), a thoroughly Pauline expression (1Corinthians:3:10; strkjv@Romans:12:3,6|, etc.), only here in Pastoral Epistles. {Before times eternal} (\pro chron“n ai“ni“n\). See strkjv@Titus:1:2|.

rwp@2Timothy:1:12 @{These things} (\tauta\). His imprisonment in Rome. {Yet I am not ashamed} (\all' ouk epaischunomai\). Plain reference to the exhortation to Timothy in verse 8|. {Him whom I have believed} (\h“i pepisteuka\). Dative case of the relative (\h“i\) with the perfect active of \pisteu“\, the antecedent to the relative not expressed. It is not an indirect question. Paul knows Jesus Christ whom he has trusted. {I am persuaded} (\pepeismai\). See verse 5|. {To guard} (\phulaxai\). First aorist active infinitive of \phulass“\, the very word used in strkjv@1Timothy:6:20| with \parathˆkˆn\ as here, to guard against robbery or any loss. {That which I have committed unto him} (\tˆn parathˆkˆn mou\). Literally, "my deposit," as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew:6:19f.|). See this word also in verse 14|. Some MSS. have the more common \parakatathˆkˆ\ (a sort of double deposit, \para\, beside, down, \kata\). {Against that day} (\eis ekeinˆn tˆn hˆmeran\). The day of Christ's second coming. See also strkjv@1:18; strkjv@4:8; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:10|, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1Thessalonians:5:2; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:2; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:8; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:14|), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Phillipians:1:6,10; strkjv@2:16|), the day (1Thessalonians:5:4; strkjv@1Corinthians:3:13; strkjv@Romans:13:12|), the day of redemption (Ephesians:4:20|), the day of judgment (Romans:2:5,16|).

rwp@2Timothy:1:16 @{Grant mercy} (\d“iˆ eleos\). The phrase nowhere else in the N.T. Second aorist active optative of \did“mi\, the usual form being \doiˆ\. This is the usual construction in a wish about the future. {Unto the house of Onesiphorus} (\t“i Onˆsiphorou oik“i\). The same phrase in strkjv@4:19|. Apparently Onesiphorus is now dead as is implied by the wish in strkjv@1:18|. {For he oft refreshed me} (\hoti pollakis me anepsuxen\). First aorist active indicative of \anapsuch“\, old verb, to cool again, in LXX and _Koin‚_ often, here only in N.T., but \anapsuxis\ in strkjv@Acts:3:20|. In the first imprisonment or the second. If he lost his life for coming to see Paul, it was probably recently during this imprisonment. {Was not ashamed of my chain} (\halusin mou ouk epaischunthˆ\). Passive deponent again (first aorist indicative) with accusative as in strkjv@1:8|. For \halusin\ (chain) see strkjv@Ephesians:6:20|. Note absence of augment in \epaischunthˆ\.

rwp@2Timothy:2:3 @{Suffer hardship with me} (\sunkakopathˆson\). See strkjv@1:8| for this verb. The old preacher challenges the young one to share hardship with him for Christ. {As a good soldier} (\hos kalos strati“tˆs\). Paul does not hesitate to use this military metaphor (this word only here for a servant of Christ) with which he is so familiar. He had already used the metaphor in strkjv@1Corinthians:9:7; strkjv@2Corinthians:10:3f.; strkjv@1Timothy:1:18|. In strkjv@Phillipians:2:25| he called Epaphroditus "my fellow-soldier" (\sunstrati“tˆn mou\) as he did Archippus in strkjv@Philemon:1:2|.

rwp@2Timothy:2:5 @{If also a man contend in the games} (\ean de kai athlˆi tis\). Condition of third class with present (linear) active subjunctive of \athle“\, old and common verb (from \athlos\, a contest), only this verse in N.T., but \sunathle“\ in strkjv@Phillipians:1:27|. Note sharp distinction between \athlˆi\ (present subjunctive, engage in a contest in general) and \athlˆsˆi\ (first aorist active subjunctive, engage in a particular contest). Not "except he have contended," but simply "unless he contend" (in any given case) "lawfully" (\nomim“s\). Old adverb, agreeably to the law, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Timothy:1:8|. {Is not crowned} (\ou stephanoutai\). Present passive indicative of \stephano“\, old verb (from \stephanos\, crown), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Hebrews:2:7,9|. One apodosis for two protases. The victor in the athletic contests was crowned with a garland.

rwp@2Timothy:2:9 @{Wherein} (\en h“i\). In my gospel. {I suffer hardship} (\kakopath“\). "I suffer evil." Old compound (\kakon, pasch“\), elsewhere in N.T., strkjv@4:5; strkjv@James:5:13|. {Unto bonds} (\mechri desm“n\). "Up to bonds." A common experience with Paul (2Corinthians:11:23; strkjv@Phillipians:1:7,13,14; strkjv@Colossians:4:18|). {As a malefactor} (\h“s kakourgos\), old compound (\kakon, erg“\, doer of evil), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:23:32ff.| (of the robbers). One of the charges made against Paul. {Is not bound} (\ou dedetai\). Perfect passive indicative of \de“\, to bind. Old verb. See strkjv@1Corinthians:7:27,39; strkjv@Romans:7:2|. I am bound with a chain, but no fetters are on the word of God (Pauline phrase; strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:13; strkjv@1Corinthians:14:36; strkjv@2Corinthians:2:17; strkjv@Phillipians:1:14; strkjv@Titus:2:5|).

rwp@2Timothy:2:10 @{For the elect's sake} (\dia tous eklektous\). "Because of the elect." God's elect (Romans:8:33; strkjv@Colossians:3:12; strkjv@Titus:1:1|) for whom Paul suffered so much (Colossians:1:6; strkjv@12:15; strkjv@Phillipians:2:17; strkjv@Ephesians:3:1,13|). {That they also may obtain} (\hina kai autoi tuch“sin\). Purpose clause with second aorist (effective) active subjunctive of \tugchan“\ with genitive. "They as well as I," Paul means. {The salvation} (\tˆs s“tˆrias\). The final salvation "with eternal glory" (\meta doxˆs ai“niou\). This phrase only here and strkjv@1Peter:5:10|, but in strkjv@2Corinthians:4:17| we have "eternal weight of glory."

rwp@2Timothy:2:11 @{Faithful is the saying} (\pistos ho logos\). The saying which follows here though it can refer to the preceding as in strkjv@1Timothy:4:9|. See strkjv@1Timothy:1:15|. It is possible that from here to the end of 13| we have the fragment of an early hymn. There are four conditions in these verses (11-13|), all of the first class, assumed to be true. Parallels to the ideas here expressed are found in strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:5; strkjv@1Corinthians:4:8; strkjv@2Corinthians:7:3; strkjv@Romans:6:3-8; strkjv@Colossians:3:1-4|. Note the compounds with \sun\ (\sunapethanomen\, {we died with}, from \sunapothnesko\ as in strkjv@2Corinthians:7:3|; \sunzˆsomen\, {we shall live with}, from \sunza“\ as in strkjv@2Corinthians:7:3|; \sumbasileusomen\, {we shall reign with}, from \sumbasileu“\ as in strkjv@1Corinthians:4:8|). For \hupomenomen\ (we endure) see strkjv@1Corinthians:13:7| and for \apistoumen\ (we are faithless) see strkjv@Romans:3:3|. The verb \arneomai\, to deny (\arnˆsometha\, we shall deny, \arnˆsetai\, he will deny, \arnˆsasthai\, deny, first aorist middle infinitive) is an old word, common in the Gospels in the sayings of Jesus (Matthew:10:33; strkjv@Luke:12:9|), used of Peter (Mark:14:70|), and is common in the Pastorals (1Timothy:5:8; strkjv@Titus:2:12; strkjv@2Timothy:3:5|). Here in verse 13| it has the notion of proving false to oneself, a thing that Christ "cannot" (\ou dunatai\) do.

rwp@2Timothy:2:14 @{That they strive not about words} (\mˆ logomachein\). Word apparently coined by Paul from \logomachia\ (1Timothy:6:4| which see), a back formation in that case. A mere war of words displeases Paul. (Titus:3:9|). {Useful} (\chrˆsimon\). Late and rare word from \chraomai\, here only in N.T. {To the subverting} (\epi katastrophˆi\). Old word (from \katastreph“\, to turn down or over), here only in N.T. (except strkjv@2Peter:2:6| in some MSS., not in Westcott and Hort)." Because of the overthrow" (result \epi\, not aim), useless for this reason. Such war of words merely upsets the hearers.

rwp@2Timothy:2:15 @{Give diligence} (\spoudason\). First aorist active imperative of \spoudaz“\, old word, as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:17; strkjv@Galatians:2:10|. {To present} (\parastˆsai\). First aorist active infinitive of \paristˆmi\ as in strkjv@Colossians:1:22,28|. {Approved unto God} (\dokimon t“i the“i\). Dative case \the“i\ with \dokimon\, predicate accusative, old adjective (from \dechomai\), for which see strkjv@1Corinthians:11:19; strkjv@2Corinthians:10:18|. {A workman} (\ergatˆn\). See strkjv@2Corinthians:11:3; strkjv@Phillipians:3:2|. {That needeth not to be ashamed} (\anepaischunton\). Late double compound verbal adjective (\a\ privative, \epaischun“\), in Josephus and here alone. {Handling aright} (\orthotomounta\). Present active participle of \orthotome“\, late and rare compound (\orthotomos\), cutting straight, \orthos\ and \temn“\), here only in N.T. It occurs in strkjv@Proverbs:3:6; strkjv@11:5| for making straight paths (\hodous\) with which compare strkjv@Hebrews:12:13| and "the Way" in strkjv@Acts:9:2|. Theodoret explains it to mean ploughing a straight furrow. Parry argues that the metaphor is the stone mason cutting the stones straight since \temn“\ and \orthos\ are so used. Since Paul was a tent-maker and knew how to cut straight the rough camel-hair cloth, why not let that be the metaphor? Certainly plenty of exegesis is crooked enough (crazy-quilt patterns) to call for careful cutting to set it straight.

rwp@2Timothy:2:17 @{Will eat} (\nomˆn hexei\). "Will have (future active of \ech“\) pasturage or increase" (\nomˆ\, old word from \nem“\, to pasture, in N.T. only here and strkjv@John:10:9|). {As doth gangrene} (\h“s gaggraina\). Late word (medical writers and Plutarch), only here in N.T. From \gra“\ or \grain“\, to gnaw, to eat, an eating, spreading disease. Hymenaeus is probably the one mentioned in strkjv@1Timothy:1:20|. Nothing is known of Philetus.

rwp@2Timothy:2:20 @{In a great house} (\en megalˆi oikiƒi\). Metaphor of a palace. He doubtless has the Kingdom of God in mind, but he works out the metaphor of a great house of the rich and mighty. {Vessels} (\skeuˆ\). Old word \skeuos\. See strkjv@Romans:9:21| for the same double use as here. {Of gold} (\chrusƒ\). Old contracted adjective \chruseos\, only here by Paul. {Of silver} (\argurƒ\). Old contracted adjective \argureos\, in N.T. here, strkjv@Acts:19:24; strkjv@Revelation:9:20|. {Of wood} (\xulina\). Old adjective, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:9:20|. {Of earth} (\ostrakina\). Late adjective, from \ostrakon\, baked clay, in LXX, in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:4:7|.

rwp@2Timothy:2:25 @{Correcting} (\paideuonta\). See strkjv@Titus:2:12|. "Schooling" (Parry). {Oppose themselves} (\antidiatithemenous\). Present middle (direct) participle of \antidiatithˆmi\, late double compound (Diodorus, Philo) to place oneself in opposition, here only in N.T. {If peradventure God may give} (\mˆ pote d“iˆ ho theos\). Here Westcott and Hort read the late form of the second aorist active optative of \did“mi\ for the usual \doiˆ\ as they do in strkjv@1:18|. But there it is a wish for the future and so regular, while here the optative with \mˆ pote\ in a sort of indirect question is used with a primary tense \dei\ (present) and parallel with an undoubted subjunctive \ananˆps“sin\, while in strkjv@Luke:3:15| \mˆ pote eie\ is with a secondary tense. Examples of such an optative do occur in the papyri (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 989) so that we cannot go as far as Moulton does and say that we "must" read the subjunctive \d“ˆi\ here (_Prolegomena_, pp. 55, 193). {Repentance} (\metanoian\). "Change of mind" (2Corinthians:7:10; strkjv@Romans:2:4|). {Unto the knowledge of the truth} (\eis epign“sin alˆtheias\). Paul's word "full knowledge" (Co strkjv@1:9|).

rwp@2Timothy:2:26 @{They may recover themselves} (\ananˆps“sin\). First aorist active subjunctive of \ananˆph“\, late and rare word, to be sober again, only here in N.T., though \nˆph“\ is in strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:6|. {Out of the snare of the devil} (\ek tˆs tou diabolou pagidos\). They have been caught while mentally intoxicated in the devil's snare (1Timothy:3:7|). See strkjv@Romans:11:9| for \pagis\. {Taken captive} (\ez“grˆmenoi\). Perfect passive participle of \z“gre“\, old verb, to take alive (\z“os, agre“\), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:5:10| (of Peter). "Taken captive alive." {By him unto his will} (\hup' autou eis to ekeinou thelˆma\). This difficult phrase is understood variously. One way is to take both \autou\ and \ekeinou\, to refer to the devil. Another way is to take both of them to refer to God. Another way is to take \autou\ of the devil and \ekeinou\, of God. This is probably best, "taken captive by the devil" "that they may come back to soberness to do the will of God." There are difficulties in either view.

rwp@2Timothy:3:3 @{Implacable} (\aspondoi\). Truce-breakers. Old word, only here in N.T. though in MSS. in strkjv@Romans:1:31| (from \a\ privative and \spondˆ\, a libation).

rwp@2Timothy:3:4 @{Traitors} (\prodotai\). Old word (from \prodid“mi\), in N.T. only here, strkjv@Luke:6:16; strkjv@Acts:7:52|. {Headstrong} (\propeteis\). Old word (from \pro\ and \pipt“\), falling forward, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:19:36|. {Puffed up} (\tetuph“menoi\). Perfect passive participle of \tupho“\. See strkjv@1Timothy:3:6|. {Lovers of pleasure} (\philˆdonoi\). Literary _Koin‚_ word (\philos, hˆdonˆ\), only here in N.T. {Lovers of God} (\philotheoi\). Old word (\philos, theos\), only here in N.T.

rwp@2Timothy:3:6 @{That creep} (\hoi endunontes\). Old and common verb (also \endu“\) either to put on (1Thessalonians:5:8|) or to enter (to slip in by insinuation, as here). See same idea in strkjv@Jude:1:4| (\pareiseduˆsan\), strkjv@2Peter:2:1| (\pareisaxousin\), strkjv@Galatians:2:4| (\pareisˆlthon\ and \pareisaktous\). These stealthy "creepers" are pictured also in strkjv@Titus:1:11|. {Take captive} (\aichmal“tizontes\). "Taking captive." Present active participle of \aichmal“tiz“\, for which see strkjv@2Corinthians:10:5; strkjv@Romans:7:23|. {Silly women} (\gunaikaria\). Literally, "little women" (diminutive of \gunˆ\), found in Diocles (comedian of 5 century B.C.) and in Epictetus. The word here is neuter (grammatical gender) plural. Used contemptuously here (only N.T. example). Ramsay suggests "society ladies." It is amazing how gullible some women are with religious charlatans who pose as exponents of "new thought." {Laden with sins} (\ses“reumena hamartiais\). Perfect passive participle of \s“reu“\, old word from Aristotle down (from \s“ros\, a heap) to heap up. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:12:20|. Associative instrumental case \hamartiais\. {Divers} (\poikilais\). Many coloured. See strkjv@Titus:3:3|. One has only to recall Schweinfurth, the false Messiah of forty odd years ago with his "heavenly harem" in Illinois and the recent infamous "House of David" in Michigan to understand how these Gnostic cults led women into licentiousness under the guise of religion or of liberty. The priestesses of Aphrodite and of Isis were illustrations ready to hand. \Agomena\ (present passive participle) means "continually led astray or from time to time."

rwp@2Timothy:3:8 @{Like as} (\hon tropon\). "In which manner." Adverbial accusative and incorporation of the antecedent \tropon\ into the relative clause. {Jannes and Jambres} (\Iannˆs kai Iambrˆs\). Traditional names of the magicians who withstood Moses (_Targum of Jonathan_ on strkjv@Exodus:7:11|). {Withstood} (\antestˆsan\). Second aorist active (intransitive) of \anthistˆmi\, to stand against, "they stood against" (with dative \M“usei\). Same word used of Elymas in strkjv@Acts:13:8| and repeated here \anthistantai\ (present middle indicative). Paul here pictures the seducers of the \gunaikaria\ above. {Corrupted in mind} (\katephtharmenoi ton noun\). Perfect passive participle of \kataphtheir“\, old compound, in N.T. only here in critical text. See strkjv@2Corinthians:11:3; strkjv@1Timothy:6:5| for \diaphtheir“\. The accusative \noun\ is retained in the passive. {Reprobate} (\adokimoi\). See strkjv@1Corinthians:9:27; strkjv@Titus:1:16|. They had renounced their trust (\pistin\) in Christ.

rwp@2Timothy:3:12 @{That would live godly} (\hoi thelontes zˆin euseb“s\). "Those who desire (will, determine) to live godly." Paul does not regard his experience as peculiar, but only part of the price of loyal service to Christ. {Shall suffer persecution} (\di“chthˆsontai\). Future passive of \di“k“\, "shall be persecuted" (shall be hunted as wild beasts).

rwp@2Timothy:3:16 @{Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable} (\pƒsa graphˆ theopneustos kai “phelimos\). There are two matters of doubt in this clause. One is the absence of the article \hˆ\ before \graphˆ\, whether that makes it mean "every scripture" or "all scripture" as of necessity if present. Unfortunately, there are examples both ways with both \pƒs\ and \graphˆ\. Twice we find \graphˆ\ in the singular without the article and yet definite (1Peter:2:6; strkjv@2Peter:1:20|). We have \pƒs Israˆl\ (Romans:11:26|) for all Israel (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 772). Songs:far as the grammatical usage goes, one can render here either "all scripture" or "every scripture." There is no copula (\estin\) in the Greek and so one has to insert it either before the \kai\ or after it. If before, as is more natural, then the meaning is: "All scripture (or every scripture) is inspired of God and profitable." In this form there is a definite assertion of inspiration. That can be true also of the second way, making "inspired of God" descriptive of "every scripture," and putting \estin\ (is) after \kai\: "All scripture (or every scripture), inspired of God, is also profitable." {Inspired of God} (\theopneustos\). "God-breathed." Late word (Plutarch) here only in N.T. Perhaps in contrast to the commandments of men in strkjv@Titus:1:14|. {Profitable} (\“phelimos\). See strkjv@1Timothy:4:8|. See strkjv@Romans:15:4|. Four examples of \pros\ (facing, with a view to, for): \didaskalian\, teaching; \elegmon\, reproof, in LXX and here only in N.T.; \epanorth“sin\, correction, old word, from \epanortho“\, to set up straight in addition, here only in N.T., with which compare \epidiortho“\ in strkjv@Titus:1:5|; \paideian\, instruction, with which compare strkjv@Ephesians:6:4|.

rwp@2Timothy:4:1 @{I charge thee} (\diamarturomai\). Rather, "I testify." See strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:6|. See strkjv@1Timothy:5:21| for this verb and appeal to God and Christ. {Who shall judge} (\tou mellontos krinein\). "The one going or about to judge" (regular idiom with \mell“\). The quick and the dead (\z“ntas kai nekrous\). "Living and dead." See strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:16f|. {And by his appearing} (\kai tˆn epiphaneian\). Accusative of conjuration (verbs of swearing), after \diamarturomai\ as is \basileian\ (by his kingdom). See strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:27|. For \epiphaneian\, see strkjv@1:10; strkjv@Titus:2:13; strkjv@1Timothy:6:14; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:8|.

rwp@2Timothy:4:5 @{But be thou sober} (\su de nˆphe\). Present active imperative of \nˆph“\, for which see strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:6,8|. "Be sober in thy head." {Suffer hardship} (\kakopathˆson\). See strkjv@2:9|. {Do the work of an evangelist} (\ergon poiˆson euaggelistou\). See strkjv@1Corinthians:1:17; strkjv@Ephesians:4:11| for \euaggelistˆs\, gospelizer. {Fulfil} (\plˆrophorˆson\). First aorist active imperative of \plˆrophore“\, for which see strkjv@Colossians:4:12|. In strkjv@Colossians:4:17| Paul uses \plˆro“\ to Archippus about his ministry as he here employs \plˆrophore“\. Both verbs mean to fill full.

rwp@2Timothy:4:6 @{I am already being offered} (\ˆdˆ spendomai\). Present (progressive) passive indicative of \spend“\, old verb, to pour out a libation or drink offering. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Phillipians:2:17|. "What was then a possibility is now a certainty" (Parry). The sacrifice of Paul's life-blood has begun. {Of my departure} (\tˆs analuse“s mou\). Our very word "analysis." Old word from \analu“\, to loosen up or back, to unloose. Only here in N.T., though \analusai\ for death is used by Paul in strkjv@Phillipians:1:23| which see for the metaphor. {Is come} (\ephestˆken\). Perfect active indicative of \ephistˆmi\ (intransitive use). See strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:3; strkjv@Luke:21:34|. The hour has struck. The time has come.

rwp@2Timothy:4:10 @{Forsook me} (\me egkateleipen\). Imperfect (MSS. also have aorist, \egkatelipen\) active of the old double compound verb \egkataleip“\, for which see strkjv@Romans:9:29|. Clearly in contrast to verse 9| and in the sense of strkjv@1Timothy:6:17|, wilful desertion. Only mentioned elsewhere in strkjv@Colossians:4:14|. {Crescens} (\Krˆskˆs\). No other mention of him. {Titus to Dalmatia} (\Titos eis Dalmatian\). Titus had been asked to rejoin Paul in Nicopolis where he was to winter, probably the winter previous to this one (Titus:3:12|). He came and has been with Paul.

rwp@2Timothy:4:13 @{The cloke} (\tˆn phelonˆn\). More common form \pheilonˆ\. By metathesis for \phainolˆ\, Latin _paenula_, though which language transliterated the word into the other is not known. The meaning is also uncertain, though probably "cloke" as there are so many papyri examples in that sense (Moulton and Milligan, _Vocabulary_). Milligan (N.T. _Documents_, p. 20) had previously urged "book wrap" as probable but he changed his mind and rightly so. {With Carpus} (\para Karp“i\). "Beside Carpus," at his house. Not mentioned elsewhere. Probably a visit to Troas after Paul's return from Crete. {The books} (\ta biblia\). Probably papyrus rolls. One can only guess what rolls the old preacher longs to have with him, probably copies of Old Testament books, possibly copies of his own letters, and other books used and loved. The old preacher can be happy with his books. {Especially the parchments} (\malista tas membranas\). Latin _membrana_. The dressed skins were first made at Pergamum and so termed "parchments." These in particular would likely be copies of Old Testament books, parchment being more expensive than papyrus, possibly even copies of Christ's sayings (Luke:1:1-4|). We recall that in strkjv@Acts:26:24| Festus referred to Paul's learning (\ta grammata\). He would not waste his time in prison.

rwp@2Timothy:4:17 @{But the Lord stood by me} (\ho de kurios moi parestˆ\). Second aorist active of \paristˆmi\ (intransitive use), "took his stand by my side." See strkjv@Romans:16:2|. Clearly Jesus appeared to Paul now at this crisis and climax as he had done so many times before. {Strengthened me} (\enedunam“sen me\). "Poured power into me." See strkjv@Phillipians:4:13|. {That through me the message might be fully proclaimed} (\hina di' emou to kˆrugma plˆrophorˆthˆi\). Final clause with \hina\ and first aorist passive subjunctive of \plˆrophore“\ (see verse 5|). Either to the rulers in Rome now or, if the first imprisonment, by his release and going to Spain. {And that all the Gentiles might hear} (\kai akous“sin panta ta ethnˆ\). Continuation of the purpose with the aorist active subjunctive of \akou“\. {I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion} (\erusthˆn ek stomatos leontos\). First aorist passive indicative of \ruomai\ (1Thessalonians:1:10|). A proverb, but not certain what the application is whether to Nero or to Satan (1Thessalonians:2:18|) or to the lion in the arena where Paul could not be sent because a Roman citizen.

rwp@2Timothy:4:18 @{Will deliver me} (\rusetai me\). Future middle. Recall the Lord's Prayer. Paul is not afraid of death. He will find his triumph in death (Phillipians:1:21f.|). {Unto his heavenly kingdom} (\eis tˆn basileian autou tˆn epouranion\). The future life of glory as in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:24,50|. He will save (\s“sei\, effective future) me there finally and free from all evil. {To whom be the glory} (\h“i hˆ doxa\). No verb in the Greek. Paul's final doxology, his Swan Song, to Christ as in strkjv@Romans:9:5; strkjv@16:27|.

rwp@2Timothy:4:21 @{Before winter} (\pro cheim“nos\). Pathetic item if Paul was now in the Mamertine Dungeon in Rome with winter coming on and without his cloak for which he asked. How long he had been in prison this time we do not know. He may even have spent the previous winter or part of it here. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia are all unknown otherwise. Irenaeus does speak of Linus. {The Lord be with thy Spirit} (\ho kurios meta tou pneumatos sou\). Let us hope that Timothy and Mark reached Paul before winter, before the end came, with the cloak and with the books. Our hero, we may be sure, met the end nobly. He is already more than conqueror in Christ who is by his side and who will welcome him to heaven and give him his crown. Luke, Timothy, Mark will do all that mortal hands can do to cheer the heart of Paul with human comfort. He already had the comfort of Christ in full measure.

rwp@Info_3John THIRD JOHN ABOUT A.D. 85 TO 90 BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION Certainly III John is addressed to an individual, not to a church, though which Gaius we do not know. There are three friends of Paul with this name; Gaius of Corinth (1Corinthians:1:14|), Gaius of Macedonia (Acts:19:29|), Gaius of Derbe (Acts:20:4|), but it is unlikely that this Gaius of Pergamum (Findlay would call him) is either of these, though the _Apostolical Constitutions_ does identify him with Gaius of Derbe. It is possible that in strkjv@3John:1:9| there is an allusion to II John and, if so, then both letters went to individuals in the same church (one a loyal woman, the other a loyal man). Three persons are sharply sketched in III John (Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius). Gaius is the dependable layman in the church, Diotrephes the dominating official, Demetrius the kindly messenger from Ephesus with the letter, a vivid picture of early church life and missionary work. John is at Ephesus, the last of the apostles, and with an eagle's eye surveys the work in Asia Minor. The same Gnostic deceivers are at work as in the other Johannine Epistles. Pergamum is described in strkjv@Revelation:2:13| as the place "where Satan's throne is." strkjv@3John:1:1 @{The beloved} (\t“i agapˆt“i\). Four times in this short letter this verbal adjective is used of Gaius (here, 2,5,11|). See strkjv@2John:1:1| for the same phrase here, "whom I love in truth."

rwp@3John:1:2 @{I pray} (\euchomai\). Here only in John's writings. See strkjv@Romans:9:3|. {In all things} (\peri pant“n\). To be taken with \euodousthai\ and like \peri\ in strkjv@1Corinthians:16:1|, "concerning all things." {Thou mayest prosper} (\se euodousthai\). Infinitive in indirect discourse (object infinitive) after \euchomai\, with accusative of general reference \se\ (as to thee). \Euodo“\ is old verb (from \euodos\, \eu\ and \hodos\, prosperous in a journey), to have a good journey, to prosper, in LXX, in N.T. only this verse (twice), strkjv@1Corinthians:16:2; strkjv@Romans:1:10|. {Be in health} (\hugiainein\). In Paul this word always means sound teaching (1Timothy:1:10; strkjv@6:3|), but here and in strkjv@Luke:5:31; strkjv@7:10; strkjv@15:27|, of bodily health. Brooke wonders if Gaius' health had caused his friends anxiety. {Even as thy soul prospereth} (\kath“s euodoutai sou hˆ psuchˆ\). A remarkable comparison which assumes the welfare (present middle indicative of \euodo“\) of his soul (\psuchˆ\ here as the principle of the higher life as in strkjv@John:12:27|, not of the natural life as in strkjv@Matthew:6:25|).

rwp@3John:1:4 @{Greater} (\meizoteran\). A double comparative with \-teros\ added to \meiz“n\, like our "lesser" and like \mallon kreisson\ (more better) in strkjv@Phillipians:1:23|. In strkjv@Ephesians:3:8| we have \elachistoter“i\, a comparative on a superlative. Like forms occur in the vernacular papyri and even in Homer (\cheiroteros\, more worse) as also in Shakespeare. {Joy} (\charan\). B reads \charin\ (grace). {Than this} (\tout“n\). Ablative neuter plural after the comparative. {To hear of} (\hina akou“\). Object clause (epexegetic) with \hina\ and \akou“\, the present active subjunctive (keep on hearing of) in apposition with \tout“n\, {Walking in truth} (\en alˆtheiƒi peripatounta\). As in strkjv@2John:1:4|, which see. By the use of \tekna\ John may mean that Gaius is one of his converts (1Timothy:1:1|).

rwp@3John:1:5 @{A faithful work} (\piston\). Either thus or "thou makest sure," after an example in Xenophon quoted by Wettstein (\poiein pista\) and parallel to \kaina poie“\ in strkjv@Revelation:21:5|. But it is not certain. {In whatsoever thou doest} (\ho ean ergasˆi\). Indefinite relative with modal \ean\ (=\an\) and the first aorist middle subjunctive of \ergazomai\. See strkjv@Colossians:3:23| for both \poie“\ and \ergazomai\ in the same sentence. {And strangers withal} (\kai touto xenous\). "And that too" (accusative of general reference as in strkjv@1Corinthians:6:6; strkjv@Phillipians:1:28; strkjv@Ephesians:2:8|). This praise of hospitality (Romans:12:13; strkjv@1Peter:4:9; strkjv@1Timothy:3:2; strkjv@5:10; strkjv@Titus:1:8; strkjv@Hebrews:13:2|) shows that in strkjv@2John:1:10| John has a peculiar case in mind.

rwp@3John:1:6 @{Before the church} (\en“pion ekklˆsias\). Public meeting as the anarthrous use of \ekklˆsia\ indicates, like \en ekklˆsiƒi\ in strkjv@1Corinthians:14:19,35|. {Thou wilt do well} (\kal“s poiˆseis\). Future active of \poie“\ with adverb \kal“s\, a common polite phrase in letters (papyri) like our "please." See also strkjv@Acts:10:33; strkjv@James:2:19; strkjv@1Corinthians:7:37f.; strkjv@Phillipians:4:14; strkjv@2Peter:1:19|. {To set forward on their journey} (\propempsas\). First aorist active participle (simultaneous action) of \propemp“\, to send forward, "sending forward," old word, in N.T. in strkjv@Acts:15:3; strkjv@20:38; strkjv@21:5; strkjv@1Corinthians:16:6,11; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:16; strkjv@Romans:15:24; strkjv@Titus:3:13|. {Worthily of God} (\axi“s tou theou\). Precisely this phrase in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:12| and the genitive with \axi“s\ also in strkjv@Romans:16:2; strkjv@Phillipians:1:27; strkjv@Colossians:1:10; strkjv@Ephesians:4:1|. See strkjv@John:13:20| for Christ's words on the subject. "Since they are God's representatives, treat them as you would God" (Holtzmann). From Homer's time (_Od_. XV. 74) it was customary to speed the parting guest, sometimes accompanying him, sometimes providing money and food. Rabbis were so escorted and Paul alludes to the same gracious custom in strkjv@Romans:15:24; strkjv@Titus:3:13|.

rwp@3John:1:7 @{For the sake of the Name} (\huper tou onomatos\). The name of Jesus. See strkjv@Acts:5:4; strkjv@Romans:1:5| for \huper tou onomatos\ and strkjv@James:2:7| for the absolute use of "the name" as in strkjv@1Peter:4:16|. "This name is in essence the sum of the Christian creed" (Westcott) as in strkjv@1Corinthians:12:3; strkjv@Romans:10:9|. It is like the absolute use of "the Way" (Acts:9:2; strkjv@19:9,23; strkjv@24:22|). {Taking nothing} (\mˆden lambanontes\). Present active participle with the usual negative with participles (1John:2:4|). {Of the Gentiles} (\apo t“n ethnik“n\). Instead of the usual \ethn“n\ (Luke:2:32|), late adjective for what is peculiar to a people (\ethnos\) and then for the people themselves (Polybius, Diodorus, not in LXX), in N.T. only here, strkjv@Matthew:5:47; strkjv@6:7; strkjv@18:17|. Like our heathen, pagan. John is anxious that Christian missionaries receive nothing from the heathen, as our missionaries have to watch against the charge of being after money. There were many travelling lecturers out for money. Paul in strkjv@1Corinthians:9| defends the right of preachers to pay, but refuses himself to accept it from Corinth because it would be misunderstood (cf. strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:6ff.; strkjv@2Corinthians:12:16ff. strkjv@12:16ff.|). Note \apo\ here as in collecting taxes (Matthew:17:25|) rather than \para\, which may be suggestive.

rwp@3John:1:9 @{I wrote somewhat unto the church} (\egrapsa ti tˆi ekklˆsiƒi\). A few MSS. add \an\ to indicate that he had not written (conclusion of second-class condition), clearly spurious. Not epistolary aorist nor a reference to II John as Findlay holds, but an allusion to a brief letter of commendation (Acts:18:27; strkjv@2Corinthians:3:1; strkjv@Colossians:4:10|) sent along with the brethren in verses 5-7| or to some other itinerant brethren. Westcott wrongly thinks that \ti\ is never used of anything important in the N.T. (Acts:8:9; strkjv@Galatians:6:3|), and hence that this lost letter was unimportant. It may have been brief and a mere introduction. \Diotrephes\ (\Dios\ and \treph“\, nourished by Zeus). This ambitious leader and sympathiser with the Gnostics would probably prevent the letter referred to being read to the church, whether it was II John condemning the Gnostics or another letter commending Demetrius and John's missionaries. Hence he sends Gaius this personal letter warning against Diotrephes. {Who loveth to have the preeminence among them} (\ho philopr“teu“n aut“n\). Present active articular participle of a late verb, so far found only here and in ecclesiastical writers (the example cited by Blass being an error, Deissmann, _Light_ etc., p. 76), from \philopr“tos\, fond of being first (Plutarch), and made like \philopone“\ (papyri), to be fond of toil. This ambition of Diotrephes does not prove that he was a bishop over elders, as was true in the second century (as Ignatius shows). He may have been an elder (bishop) or deacon, but clearly desired to rule the whole church. Some forty years ago I wrote an article on Diotrephes for a denominational paper. The editor told me that twenty-five deacons stopped the paper to show their resentment against being personally attacked in the paper. {Receiveth us not} (\ouk epidechetai hˆmƒs\). Present active indicative of this old compound, in N.T. only here and verse 10|. Diotrephes refused to accept John's authority or those who sided with him, John's missionaries or delegates (cf. strkjv@Matthew:10:40|).

rwp@3John:1:10 @{If I come} (\ean elth“\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and second aorist active subjunctive of \erchomai\. He hopes to come (verse 14|), as he had said in strkjv@2John:1:12| (one argument for identifying II John with the letter in strkjv@3John:1:9|). {I will bring to remembrance} (\hupomnˆs“\). Future active indicative of \hupomimnˆsk“\, old compound (John:14:26; strkjv@2Peter:1:12|). The aged apostle is not afraid of Diotrephes and here defies him. {Which he doeth} (\ha poiei\). Present active indicative, "which he keeps on doing." {Prating against us} (\phluar“n hˆmƒs\). Present active participle of old verb (from \phluaros\, babbling strkjv@1Timothy:5:13|), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative \hˆmƒs\ (us). {With wicked words} (\logois ponˆrois\). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words. {Not content} (\mˆ arkoumenos\). Present passive participle of \arke“\ with usual negative \mˆ\. For this verb in this sense see strkjv@1Timothy:6:8; strkjv@Hebrews:13:5|, only there \epi\ is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul's threats of exposure (1Corinthians:4:21; strkjv@2Corinthians:10:11; strkjv@13:1-3|). And John is the apostle of love all the same. {He himself} (\autos\). That was bad enough. {Them that would} (\tous boulomenous\). "Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren" from John. {He forbiddeth} (\k“luei\). "He hinders." Present active indicative of \k“lu“\ and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in strkjv@Matthew:3:14| (this same verb) and strkjv@John:10:32|. {Casteth them out of the church} (\ek tˆs ekklˆsias ekballei\). Here again \ekballei\ can be understood in various ways, like \k“luei\. This verb occurs in strkjv@John:2:15| for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John:9:34f.|). If this ancient "church-boss" did not succeed in expelling John's adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it.

rwp@3John:1:11 @{Imitate not} (\mˆ mimou\). Present middle imperative in prohibition (do not have the habit of imitating) of \mimeomai\ (from \mimos\, actor, mimic), old word, in N.T. only here, strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:7,9; strkjv@Hebrews:13:7|. {That which is evil} (\to kakon\). "The bad," as in strkjv@Romans:12:21| (neuter singular abstract). {But that which is good} (\alla to agathon\). "But the good." As in strkjv@Romans:12:21| again. Probably by the contrast between Diotrephes and Demetrius. {He that doeth good} (\ho agathopoi“n\). Articular present active participle of \agathopoie“\, late and rare verb, in contrast with \ho kakopoi“n\ (old and common verb) as in strkjv@Mark:3:4; strkjv@Luke:6:9; strkjv@1Peter:3:17|. {Is of God} (\ek tou theou estin\). As in strkjv@1John:3:9f|. {Hath not seen God} (\ouch he“raken ton theon\). As in strkjv@1John:3:6|. He does not say \ek tou diabolou\ as Jesus does in strkjv@John:8:44|, but he means it.

rwp@3John:1:13 @{I had} (\eichon\). Imperfect active of \ech“\, when I began to write (\grapsai\, ingressive aorist active infinitive of \graph“\). {I am unwilling to write} (\ou thel“ graphein\). "I do not wish to go on writing them. {With ink and pen} (\dia melanos kai kalamou\), "by means of (\dia\) black (ink) and reed (used as pen)." See strkjv@2John:1:12| for \melanos\ and strkjv@Matthew:11:7| for \kalamos\, used for papyrus and parchment, as \grapheion\ (a sharp stilus) for wax tablets.

rwp@Info_Acts @ THE AUTHOR OF THE GOSPEL ALSO The author of the Acts expressly states that he wrote "the first treatise (\ton pr“ton logon\) concerning all things, O Theophilus, that Jesus began both to do and to teach until which day he gave command through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen and was received up" (Acts:1:1f.|). There is no room for dispute that the reference is directly to the Gospel according to Luke as we have it now. Like the Gospel the book is dedicated to Theophilus. And, what is even more important, the same style appears in both Gospel and Acts. This fact Harnack has shown with great pains and conclusiveness. There is the same interest in medical matters and even Cadbury, who denies by implication the Lukan authorship, admits identity of authorship for both books.

rwp@Info_Acts @ THE UNITY OF THE ACTS There are some scholars who are willing to admit the Lukan authorship of the "we" sections when the author uses "we" and "us" as in chapter strkjv@16:10-40; strkjv@20:6-28:31|. It has been argued that Luke wrote a travel-document or diary for these sections, but that this material was used by the editor or redactor of the whole book. But, unfortunately for that view, the very same style appears in the Acts as a whole and in the Gospel also as Harnack has proven. The man who said "we" and "us" in the "we" sections wrote "I" in strkjv@1:1| and refers to the Gospel as his work. The effort to disprove the unity of the Acts has failed. It stands as the work of the same author as a whole and the same author who wrote the Gospel.

rwp@Info_Acts @ SOURCES OF THE ACTS Beyond a doubt Luke employed a variety of sources for this great history as he did for the Gospel (Luke:1:1-4|). In fact, Cadbury argues that this Prologue was meant to apply to the Acts also as Volume II whether he intended to write a third volume or not. Certainly we are entitled to say that Luke used the same historical method for Acts. Some of these sources are easy to see. Luke had his own personal experience for the "we" sections. Then he had the benefit of Paul's own notes or suggestions for all that portion where Paul figures from chapters 8 to 28, since Luke was apparently with Paul in Rome when he finished the Book. This would include Paul's sermons and addresses which Luke gives unless one wishes to say, as some do, that Luke followed the style of Thucydides and composed the kind of addresses that he thought Paul would make. I see no evidence of that for each address differs from the others and suits precisely the occasion when it was delivered. The ancients frequently employed shorthand and Paul may have preserved notes of his addresses. Prof. C. C. Torrey, of Yale University, argues in his _Composition and Date of Acts_ (1916) that Luke used an Aramaic document for the first fifteen chapters of the Acts. There is an Aramaic element in certain portions of these chapters, but nothing like so pronounced as in Luke 1 and 2 after strkjv@Luke:1:1-4|. It cannot be said that Torrey has made out his case for such a single document. Luke may have had several such documents besides access to others familiar with the early days of the work in Jerusalem. There was Simon Peter whom Paul visited for two weeks in Jerusalem (Galatians:1:18|) besides other points of contact with him in Jerusalem and Antioch (Acts:15| and strkjv@Galatians:2|). There was also Barnabas who was early Paul's friend (Acts:9:27|) and who knew the beginnings as few did (Acts:4:36f.|). Besides many others it is to be observed that Paul with Luke made a special visit to Caesarea where he spent a week with the gifted Philip and his daughters with the gift of prophecy (Acts:21:8f.|). But with all the inevitable variety of sources for the information needed to cover the wide field of the Book of Acts the same mind has manifestly worked through it and it is the same style all through that appears in the "we" sections where the writer is confessedly a companion of Paul. No other companion of Paul carries this claim for the authorship and no other was a physician and no author has the external evidence from early writers.

rwp@Info_Acts @ THE DATE There are three views about the date of the Acts. Baur and his Tubingen School held the second century to be the date of this late pamphlet as they termed it after the fashion of the Clementine Homilies. But that view is now practically abandoned save by the few who still strangely oppose the Lukan authorship. Probably the majority of those who accept the Lukan authorship place it in the latter part of the first century for two reasons. One is that the Gospel according to Luke is dated by them after the destruction of Jerusalem because of the prophecy by Jesus of the encompassing of the city by armies. Predictive prophecy that would be and so it is considered a prophecy _post eventum_. The other reason is the alleged use of the _Antiquities_ of Josephus by Luke. Josephus finished this work A.D. 93 so that, if Luke did use it, he must have written the Acts after that date. Usually this argument is made to show that Luke could not have written it at all, but some hold that he may have lived to an age that would allow it. But it cannot be assumed that Luke used Josephus because of his mention of Theudas and Judas the Galilean. They differ so widely (Acts:5:36f|. and Josephus, _Ant_. XX. v, 1, 2) that Von Dobschutz (_Dictionary of the Apostolic Church_, art. Josephus) argues that the two accounts are entirely independent of each other. Songs:Luke (Luke:13:1f.|) alludes to a Galilean revolt not mentioned by Josephus and Josephus records three revolts under Pilate not referred to by Luke. A comparison of the accounts of the death of Agrippa I in strkjv@Acts:12:20-23| and _Ant_. XIX. viii, 2 redounds to the credit of Luke. The Josephus phase of the argument may be brushed to one side. The third view, held by Harnack and adopted here, is that Luke wrote the Acts while with Paul in Rome and finished the book before Paul's release, that is by A.D. 63. This is the obvious and natural way to take the language of Luke at the close of Acts. Events had gone no farther and so he ends the narrative right there. It is argued against this that Luke contemplated a third volume and for this reason closed with the arrival of Paul in Rome. But the use of \pr“ton\ (first) in strkjv@Acts:1:1| is a common _Koin‚_ idiom and does not imply three volumes any more than first and second stories with us means that the house has three. Of course this date for the Acts puts the date of the Gospel further back either in Caesarea (57 to 59) or in Rome (60 to 62). And that means that Mark's Gospel is still earlier since Luke used it for his Gospel and the Logia (Q) earlier still. But all these dates are probable in the light of all the known facts.

rwp@Info_Acts @ THE HISTORICAL VALUE It was once a fad with a certain school of critics to decry Luke in the Acts as wholly untrustworthy, not above the legendary stage. But the spade has done well by Luke for inscriptions and papyri have brought remarkable confirmation for scores of points where Luke once stood all alone and was discounted because he stood alone. These will be duly noted in the proper places as they occur. Ramsay has done most in this restoration of the rank of Luke as a credible historian, as shown in particular in his _St. Paul the Traveller and the Roman Citizen_ and in _The Bearing of Recent Discovery on the Trustworthiness of the New Testament_. In every instance where discoveries have been made they have confirmed the testimony of Luke as concerning _politarchs_ in Thessalonica, _proconsul_ in Cyprus, etc. The result is that the balance of evidence is now in favour of Luke even when he still stands alone or seems to be opposed by Josephus. Luke, as it stands today, is a more credible historian than Josephus. Ramsay dares to call Luke, all things considered, the greatest of all historians, even above Thucydides. An interesting book on this phase of the subject is Chase's _The Credibility of the Acts of the Apostles_ (1902).

rwp@Info_Acts @ THE PURPOSE OF THE ACTS It is not easy to say in a word precisely the object of Luke in writing this book. It is not the Acts of all the apostles. Outside of Peter and John little is told of any of them after chapter 3. And all the acts of Peter and John are not given for Peter disappears from the narrative after chapter 15, though he has been the central figure through chapter 11. Paul is not one of the twelve apostles, but Luke follows Paul's career mainly after chapter 8. Stephen and Barnabas come in also. Still (_St. Paul on Trial_, 1923) argues that Luke meant the book as an apology to be used in Paul's trial at Rome or at any rate to put Paul in the right light with the Jews in Rome. Hence the full account of Paul's series of defences in Jerusalem, Caesarea, Rome. There may be an element of truth in this idea, but it clearly does not cover the whole purpose of Luke. Others hold that Luke had a dramatic plan to get Paul to Rome as the climax of his campaign to win the Roman Empire to Christ. The book is not a history of all early Christianity. Peter and Paul dominate the atmosphere of the book with Paul as the great hero of Luke. But one can easily see that the work is done with consummate skill. The author is a man of culture, of Christian grace, of literary power. The book pulses with life today.

rwp@Acts:1:1 @_The Title_ is simply _Acts_ (\Praxeis\) in Aleph, Origen, Tertullian, Didymus, Hilary, Eusebius, Epiphanius. _The Acts of the Apostles_ (\Praxeis apostol“n\) is the reading of B D (Aleph in subscription) Athanasius, Origen, Tertullian, Cyprian, Eusebius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Theodoret, Hilary. _The Acts of the Holy Apostles_ (\Praxeis t“n hagi“n apostol“n\) is read by A2 E G H A K Chrysostom. It is possible that the book was given no title at all by Luke, for it is plain that usage varied greatly even in the same writers. The long title as found in the Textus Receptus (Authorized Version) is undoubtedly wrong with the adjective "Holy." The reading of B D, "_The Acts of the Apostles_," may be accepted as probably correct.

rwp@Acts:1:1 @{The former treatise} (\ton men pr“ton\). Literally, the first treatise. The use of the superlative is common enough and by no means implies, though it allows, a third volume. This use of \pr“tos\ where only two are compared is seen between the Baptist and Jesus (John:1:15|), John and Peter (John:20:4|). The idiom is common in the papyri (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 662, 669). The use of \men solitarium\ here, as Hackett notes, is common in Acts. It is by no means true that \men\ requires a following \de\ by contrast. The word is merely a weakened form of \mˆn\=surely, indeed. The reference is to the "first treatise" and merely emphasizes that. The use of \logos\ (word) for treatise or historical narrative is common in ancient Greek as in Herodotus 6 and 9. Plato (_Phaedo_, p. 61 B) makes a contrast between \muthos\ and \logos\. {I made} (\epoiˆsamˆn\). Aorist middle indicative, the middle being the usual construction for mental acts with \poie“\. {O Theophilus} (\O Theophile\). The interjection \O\ here as is common, though not in strkjv@Luke:1:3|. But the adjective \kratiste\ (most excellent) is wanting here. See remarks on Theophilus on ¯Luke:1:3|. Hackett thinks that he lived at Rome because of the way Acts ends. He was a man of rank. He may have defrayed the expense of publishing both Luke and Acts. Perhaps by this time Luke may have reached a less ceremonious acquaintance with Theophilus. {Which Jesus began} (\h“n ˆrxato Iˆsous\). The relative is attracted from the accusative \ha\ to the genitive \h“n\ because of the antecedent \pant“n\ (all). The language of Luke here is not merely pleonastic as Winer held. Jesus "began" "both to do and to teach" (\poiein te kai didaskein\). Note present infinitives, linear action, still going on, and the use of \te--kai\ binds together the life and teachings of Jesus, as if to say that Jesus is still carrying on from heaven the work and teaching of the disciples which he started while on earth before his ascension. The record which Luke now records is really the Acts of Jesus as much as the Acts of the Apostles. Dr. A. T. Pierson called it "The Acts of the Holy Spirit," and that is true also. The Acts, according to Luke, is a continuation of the doings and teachings of Jesus. "The following writings appear intended to give us, and do, in fact, profess to give us, that which Jesus _continued_ to do and teach after the day in which he was taken up" (Bernard, _Progress of Doctrine in the N.T._).

rwp@Acts:1:2 @{Until the day in which} (\achri hˆs hˆmeras\). Incorporation of the antecedent into the relative clause and the change of case \hˆi\ (locative) to \hˆs\ (genitive). {Was received up} (\anelˆmpthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \analamban“\. Common verb to lift anything up (Acts:10:16|) or person as Paul (Acts:20:13|). Several times of the Ascension of Jesus to heaven (Mark:16:19; strkjv@Acts:1:2,11,22; strkjv@1Timothy:3:16|) with or without "into heaven" (\eis ton ouranon\). This same verb is used of Elijah's translation to heaven in the LXX (2Kings:2:11|). The same idea, though not this word, is in strkjv@Luke:24:51|. See strkjv@Luke:9:51| for \analˆmpsis\ of the Ascension. {Had given commandment} (\enteilamenos\). First aorist middle participle of \entell“\ (from \en\ and \tell“\, to accomplish), usually in the middle, old verb, to enjoin. This special commandment refers directly to what we call the commission given the apostles before Christ ascended on high (John:20:21-23; strkjv@Matthew:28:16-20; strkjv@Mark:16:15-18; strkjv@1Corinthians:15:6; strkjv@Luke:24:44-49|). He had given commands to them when they were first chosen and when they were sent out on the tour of Galilee, but the immediate reference is as above. {Through the Holy Spirit} (\dia pneumatos hagiou\). In his human life Jesus was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the choice of the apostles (Luke:6:13|) and to these special commands before the Ascension. {Whom he had chosen} (\hous exelexato\). Aorist middle indicative, not past perfect. The same verb (\eklexamenos\) was used by Luke in describing the choice of the twelve by Jesus (Luke:6:13|). But the aorist does not stand "for" our English pluperfect as Hackett says. That is explaining Greek by English. The Western text here adds: "And ordered to proclaim the gospel."

rwp@Acts:1:3 @{To whom also} (\hois kai\). He chose them and then also manifested himself to these very same men that they might have personal witness to give. {Shewed himself alive} (\parestˆsen heauton z“nta\). To the disciples the first Sunday evening (Mark:16:14; strkjv@Luke:24:36-43; strkjv@John:20:19-25|), the second Sunday evening (John:20:26-29|), at the Sea of Tiberias (John:21:1-23|), on the mountain in Galilee (Matthew:28:16-20; strkjv@Mark:16:15-18; strkjv@1Corinthians:15:6|), to the disciples in Jerusalem and Olivet (Luke:24:44-53; strkjv@Mark:16-19f.; strkjv@Acts:1:1-11|). Luke uses this verb \paristˆmi\ 13 times in the Acts both transitively and intransitively. It is rendered by various English words (present, furnish, provide, assist, commend). The early disciples including Paul never doubted the fact of the Resurrection, once they were convinced by personal experience. At first some doubted like Thomas (Mark:16:14; strkjv@Luke:24:41; strkjv@John:20:24f.; strkjv@Matthew:28:17|). But after that they never wavered in their testimony to their own experience with the Risen Christ, "whereof we are witnesses" Peter said (Acts:3:15|). They doubted at first, that we may believe, but at last they risked life itself in defence of this firm faith. {After his passion} (\meta to pathein auton\). Neat Greek idiom, \meta\ with the articular infinitive (second aorist active of \pasch“\) and the accusative of general reference, "after the suffering as to him." For \pathein\ used absolutely of Christ's suffering see also strkjv@Acts:17:3; strkjv@26:23|. {By many proofs} (\en pollois tekmˆriois\). Literally, "in many proofs." \Tekmˆrion\ is only here in the N.T., though an old and common word in ancient Greek and occurring in the _Koin‚_ (papyri, etc.). The verb \tekmair“\, to prove by sure signs, is from \tekmar\, a sign. Luke does not hesitate to apply the definite word "proofs" to the evidence for the Resurrection of Christ after full investigation on the part of this scientific historian. Aristotle makes a distinction between \tekmˆrion\ (proof) and \sˆmeion\ (sign) as does Galen the medical writer. {Appearing} (\optanomenos\). Present middle participle from late verb \optan“\, late _Koin‚_ verb from root \opt“\ seen in \opsomai, “phthˆn\. In LXX, papyri of second century B.C. (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 83). Only here in the N.T. For \optasia\ for vision see strkjv@Acts:26:19; strkjv@Luke:1:22; strkjv@24:23|. {By the space of forty days} (\di' hˆmer“n tesserakonta\). At intervals (\dia\, between) during the forty days, ten appearances being known to us. Jesus was not with them continually now in bodily presence. The period of forty days is given here alone. The Ascension was thus ten days before Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came. Moses was in the mount forty days (Exodus:24:18|) and Jesus fasted forty days (Matthew:4:2|). In the Gospel of Luke 24 this separation of forty days between the Resurrection and the Ascension is not drawn. {The things concerning the Kingdom of God} (\ta peri tˆs basileias tou theou\). This phrase appears 33 times in Luke's Gospel, 15 times in Mark, 4 times in Matthew who elsewhere has "the kingdom of heaven," once in John, and 6 times in Acts. No essential distinction is to be drawn between the two for the Jews often used "heaven" rather than "God" to avoid using the Tetragrammaton. But it is noticeable how the word kingdom drops out of Acts. Other words like gospel (\euaggelion\) take the place of "kingdom." Jesus was fond of the word "kingdom" and Luke is fond of the idiom "the things concerning" (\ta peri\). Certainly with Jesus the term "kingdom" applies to the present and the future and covers so much that it is not strange that the disciples with their notions of a political Messianic kingdom (Acts:1:6|) were slow to comprehend the spiritual nature of the reign of God.

rwp@Acts:1:4 @{Being assembled together with them} (\sunalizomenos\). Present passive participle from \sunaliz“\, an old verb in Herodotus, Xenophon, etc., from sun, with, and \haliz“\, from \halˆs\, crowded. The margin of both the Authorized and the Revised Versions has "eating with them" as if from \sun\ and \hals\ (salt). Salt was the mark of hospitality. There is the verb \halisthˆte en aut“i\ used by Ignatius _Ad Magnes_. X, "Be ye salted in him." But it is more than doubtful if that is the idea here though the Vulgate does have _convescens illis_ "eating with them," as if that was the common habit of Jesus during the forty days (Wendt, Feine, etc.). Jesus did on occasion eat with the disciples (Luke:24:41-43; strkjv@Mark:16:14|). {To wait for the promise of the Father} (\perimenein tˆn epaggelian tou patros\). Note present active infinitive, to keep on waiting for (around, \peri\). In the Great Commission on the mountain in Galilee this item was not given (Matthew:28:16-20|). It is the subjective genitive, the promise given by the Father (note this Johannine use of the word), that is the Holy Spirit ("the promise of the Holy Spirit," objective genitive). {Which ye heard from me} (\hˆn ˆkousate mou\). Change from indirect discourse (command), infinitives \ch“rizesthai\ and \perimenein\ after \parˆggeilen\ to direct discourse without any \ephˆ\ (said he) as the English (Italics). Luke often does this (_oratior ariata_). Note also the ablative case of \mou\ (from me). Luke continues in verse 5| with the direct discourse giving the words of Jesus.

rwp@Acts:1:5 @{Baptized with water} (\ebaptisen hudati\) {and with the Holy Ghost} (\en pneumati baptisthˆsesthe hagi“i\). The margin has "in the Holy Ghost" (Spirit, it should be). The American Standard Version renders "in" both with "water" and "Holy Spirit" as do Goodspeed (American Translation) and Mrs. Montgomery (Centenary Translation). John's own words (Matthew:3:11|) to which Jesus apparently refers use \en\ (in) both with water and Spirit. There is a so-called instrumental use of \en\ where we in English have to say "with" (Revelation:13:10| \en machairˆi\, like \machairˆi\, strkjv@Acts:12:2|). That is to say \en\ with the locative presents the act as located in a certain instrument like a sword (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 589f.). But the instrumental case is more common without \en\ (the locative and instrumental cases having the same form). Songs:it is often a matter of indifference which idiom is used as in strkjv@John:21:8| we have \t“i ploiari“i\ (locative without \en\). They came {in} (locative case without \en\) the boat. Songs:in strkjv@John:1:31| \en hudati baptiz“n\ baptizing in water. No distinction therefore can be insisted on here between the construction \hudati\ and \en pneumati\ (both being in the locative case, one without, one with \en\). Note unusual position of the verb \baptisthˆsesthe\ (future passive indicative) between \pneumati\ and \hagi“i\. This baptism of the Holy Spirit was predicted by John (Matthew:3:11|) as the characteristic of the Messiah's work. Now the Messiah himself in his last message before his Ascension proclaims that in a few days the fulfilment of that prophecy will come to pass. The Codex Bezae adds here "which ye are about to receive" and "until the Pentecost" to verse 5|. {Not many days hence} (\ou meta pollas tautas hˆmeras\). A neat Greek idiom difficult to render smoothly into English: "Not after many days these." The litotes (not many=few) is common in Luke (Luke:7:6; strkjv@15:13; strkjv@Acts:17:27; strkjv@19:11; strkjv@20:12; strkjv@21:39; strkjv@28:14; strkjv@28:2|). The predicate use of \tautas\ (without article) is to be noted. "These" really means as a starting point, "from these" (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 702). It was ten days hence. This idiom occurs several times in Luke (Luke:24:21; strkjv@Acts:24:21|), as elsewhere (John:4:18; strkjv@2Peter:3:1|). In strkjv@Luke:2:12| the copula is easily supplied as it exists in strkjv@Luke:1:36; strkjv@2:2|.

rwp@Acts:1:6 @{They therefore} (\hoi men oun\). Demonstrative use of \hoi\ with \men oun\ without any corresponding \de\ just as in strkjv@1:1| \men\ occurs alone. The combination \men oun\ is common in Acts (27 times). Cf. strkjv@Luke:3:18|. The \oun\ is resumptive and refers to the introductory verses (1:1-5|), which served to connect the Acts with the preceding Gospel. The narrative now begins. {Asked} (\ˆr“t“n\). Imperfect active, repeatedly asked before Jesus answered. {Lord} (\kurie\). Here not in the sense of "sir" (Matthew:21:30|), but to Jesus as Lord and Master as often in Acts (19:5,10|, etc.) and in prayer to Jesus (7:59|). {Dost thou restore} (\ei apokathistaneis\). The use of \ei\ in an indirect question is common. We have already seen its use in direct questions (Matthew:12:10; strkjv@Luke:13:23| which see for discussion), possibly in imitation of the Hebrew (frequent in the LXX) or as a partial condition without conclusion. See also strkjv@Acts:7:1; strkjv@19:2; strkjv@21:37; strkjv@22:25|. The form of the verb \apokathistan“\ is late (also \apokathista“\) omega form for the old and common \apokathistˆmi\, double compound, to restore to its former state. As a matter of fact the Messianic kingdom for which they are asking is a political kingdom that would throw off the hated Roman yoke. It is a futuristic present and they are uneasy that Jesus may yet fail to fulfil their hopes. Surely here is proof that the eleven apostles needed the promise of the Father before they began to spread the message of the Risen Christ. They still yearn for a political kingdom for Israel even after faith and hope have come back. They need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John:14-16|) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts:1:4f.|).

rwp@Acts:1:7 @{Times or seasons} (\chronous ˆ kairous\). "Periods" and "points" of time sometimes and probably so here, but such a distinction is not always maintained. See strkjv@Acts:17:26| for \kairous\ in the same sense as \chronous\ for long periods of time. But here some distinction seems to be called for. It is curious how eager people have always been to fix definite dates about the second coming of Christ as the apostles were about the political Messianic kingdom which they were expecting. {Hath set} (\etheto\). Second aorist middle indicative, emphasizing the sovereignty of the Father in keeping all such matters to himself, a gentle hint to people today about the limits of curiosity. Note also "his own" (\idiƒi\) "authority" (\exousiƒi\).

rwp@Acts:1:8 @{Power} (\dunamin\). Not the "power" about which they were concerned (political organization and equipments for empire on the order of Rome). Their very question was ample proof of their need of this new "power" (\dunamin\), to enable them (from \dunamai\, to be able), to grapple with the spread of the gospel in the world. {When the Holy Ghost is come upon you} (\epelthontos tou hagiou pneumatos eph' humas\). Genitive absolute and is simultaneous in time with the preceding verb "shall receive" (\lˆmpsesthe\). The Holy Spirit will give them the "power" as he comes upon them. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit referred to in verse 5|. {My witnesses} (\mou martures\). Correct text. "Royal words of magnificent and Divine assurance" (Furneaux). Our word martyrs is this word \martures\. In strkjv@Luke:24:48| Jesus calls the disciples "witnesses to these things" (\martures tout“n\, objective genitive). In strkjv@Acts:1:22| an apostle has to be a "witness to the Resurrection" of Christ and in strkjv@10:39| to the life and work of Jesus. Hence there could be no "apostles" in this sense after the first generation. But here the apostles are called "my witnesses." "His by a direct personal relationship" (Knowling). The expanding sphere of their witness when the Holy Spirit comes upon them is "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (\he“s eschatou tˆs gˆs\). Once they had been commanded to avoid Samaria (Matthew:10:5|), but now it is included in the world program as already outlined on the mountain in Galilee (Matthew:28:19; strkjv@Mark:16:15|). Jesus is on Olivet as he points to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the uttermost (last, \eschatou\) part of the earth. The program still beckons us on to world conquest for Christ. "The Acts themselves form the best commentary on these words, and the words themselves might be given as the best summary of the Acts" (Page). The events follow this outline (Jerusalem till the end of chapter 7, with the martyrdom of Stephen, the scattering of the saints through Judea and Samaria in chapter 8, the conversion of Saul, chapter 9, the spread of the gospel to Romans in Caesarea by Peter (chapter 10), to Greeks in Antioch (chapter 11), finally Paul's world tours and arrest and arrival in Rome (chapters 11 to 28).

rwp@Acts:1:12 @{Olivet} (\Elai“nos\). Genitive singular. Vulgate _Olivetum_. Made like \ampel“n\. Here only in the N.T., usually \to oros t“n Elai“n\ (the Mount of Olives), though some MSS. have Olivet in strkjv@Luke:19:29; strkjv@21:37|. Josephus (_Ant_. VII. 9, 2) has it also and the papyri (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 170). {A sabbath day's journey off} (\Sabbatou ech“n hodon\). Luke only says here that Olivet is a Sabbath day's journey from Jerusalem, not that Jesus was precisely that distance when he ascended. In the Gospel Luke (24:50|) states that Jesus led them "over against" (\he“s pros\) Bethany (about two miles or fifteen furlongs). The top of Olivet is six furlongs or three-fourths of a mile. The Greek idiom here is "having a journey of a Sabbath" after "which is nigh unto Jerusalem" (\ho estin eggus Ierousalˆm\), note the periphrastic construction. Why Luke mentions this item for Gentile readers in this form is not known, unless it was in his Jewish source. See strkjv@Exodus:16:29; strkjv@Numbers:35:5; strkjv@Joshua:3:4|. But it does not contradict what he says in strkjv@Luke:24:50|, where he does not say that Jesus led them all the way to Bethany.

rwp@Acts:1:13 @{Into the upper chamber} (\eis to huper“ion\). The upstairs or upper room (\huper\ is upper or over, the adjective \huper“ios\), the room upstairs where the women staid in Homer, then a room up under the flat roof for retirement or prayer (Acts:9:37,39|), sometimes a large third story room suitable for gatherings (Acts:20:9|). It is possible, even probable, that this is the "large upper room" (\an“geon mega\) of strkjv@Mark:14:15; strkjv@Luke:22:12|. The Vulgate has _coenaculum_ for both words. The word is used in the N.T. only in Acts. It was in a private house as in strkjv@Luke:22:11| and not in the temple as strkjv@Luke:24:53| might imply, "continually" (\dia pantos\) these words probably meaning on proper occasions. {They were abiding} (\ˆsan katamenontes\). Periphrastic imperfect active. Perfective use of \kata\, to abide permanently. It is possible that this is the house of Mary the mother of John Mark where the disciples later met for prayer (Acts:12:12|). Here alone in the N.T., though old compound. Some MSS. here read \paramenontes\. This could mean constant residence, but most likely frequent resort for prayer during these days, some being on hand all the time as they came and went. {Simon the Zealot} (\Simon ho Zˆl“tˆs\). Called Simon the Cananaean (\ho Cananaios\) in strkjv@Matthew:10:4, strkjv@Mark:3:18|, but Zealot in strkjv@Luke:6:16| as here giving the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic word because Luke has Gentiles in mind. The epithet (member of the party of Zealots) clung to him after he became an apostle and distinguishes him from Simon Peter. See Vol. I on the Gospel of Matthew for discussion of the four lists of the apostles. {Judas the son of James} (\Joudas Iak“bou\). Literally, Judas of James, whether son or brother (cf. strkjv@Jude:1:1|) we do not really know. "Of James" is added to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot (John:14:22|). However we take it, he must be identified with the Thaddaeus (=Lebbaeus) of Mark and Matthew to make the list in the third group identical. No name appears in Acts for that of Judas Iscariot.

rwp@Acts:1:14 @{With one accord} (\homothumadon\). Old adverb in \-don\ from adjective \homothumos\ and that from \homos\, same, and \thumos\, mind or spirit, with the same mind or spirit. Common in ancient Greek and papyri. In the N.T. eleven times in Acts and nowhere else save strkjv@Romans:15:6|. See strkjv@Matthew:18:19|. {Continued} (\ˆsan proskarterountes\). Periphrastic imperfect active of \proskartere“\, old verb from \pros\ (perfective use) and \kartere“\ from \karteros\, strong, steadfast, like the English "carry on." Already in strkjv@Mark:3:9| which see and several times in Acts and Paul's Epistles. They "stuck to" the praying (\tˆi proseuchˆi\, note article) for the promise of the Father till the answer came. {With the women} (\sun gunaixin\). Associative instrumental case plural of \gunˆ\ after \sun\. As one would expect when praying was the chief work on hand. More women certainly included than in strkjv@Luke:8:2; strkjv@Mark:15:40f.; strkjv@Matthew:27:55f.; strkjv@Luke:23:49; strkjv@Mark:15:47; strkjv@Matthew:27:61; strkjv@Luke:23:55f.; strkjv@Mark:16:1; strkjv@Matthew:28:1; strkjv@Luke:24:1f.; strkjv@John:20:1, 11-18; strkjv@Matthew:28:9f|. There were probably other women also whose testimony was no longer scouted as it had been at first. Codex Bezae adds here "and children." {And Mary the mother of Jesus} (\kai Mariam tˆi mˆtri tou Iˆsou\). A delicate touch by Luke that shows Mary with her crown of glory at last. She had come out of the shadow of death with the song in her heart and with the realization of the angel's promise and the prophecy of Simeon. It was a blessed time for Mary. {With his brethren} (\sun tois adelphois autou\). With his brothers, it should be translated. They had once disbelieved in him (John:7:5|). Jesus had appeared to James (1Corinthians:15:7|) and now it is a happy family of believers including the mother and brothers (half-brothers, literally) of Jesus. They continue in prayer for the power from on high.

rwp@Acts:1:15 @{Brethren} (\adelph“n\). Codex Bezae has "disciples." {Multitude of persons} (\ochlos onomat“n\). Literally, multitude of names. This Hebraistic use of \onoma\=person occurs in the LXX (Numbers:1:2; strkjv@18:20; strkjv@3:40,43; strkjv@26:53|) and in strkjv@Revelation:3:4; strkjv@11:13|. {Together} (\epi to auto\). The word "gathered" is not in the Greek here, but it does occur in strkjv@Matthew:22:34| and that is undoubtedly the idea in strkjv@Luke:17:35| as in strkjv@Acts:2:1,44,47; strkjv@1Corinthians:11:20; strkjv@14:23|. Songs:also here. They were in the same place (\to auto\). {About a hundred and twenty} (\h“s hekaton eikosi\). A crowd for "the upper room." No special significance in the number 120, just the number there.

rwp@Acts:1:16 @{Brethren} (\andres adelphoi\). Literally, men, brethren or brother men. More dignified and respectful than just "brethren." Demosthenes sometimes said \Andres Athˆnaioi\. Cf. our "gentlemen and fellow-citizens." Women are included in this address though \andres\ refers only to men. {It was needful} (\edei\). Imperfect tense of the impersonal \dei\ with the infinitive clause (first aorist passive) and the accusative of general reference as a loose subject. Peter here assumes that Jesus is the Messiah and finds scripture illustrative of the treachery of Judas. He applies it to Judas and quotes the two passages in verse 20| (Psalms:69:25; strkjv@109:8|). The Holy Spirit has not yet come upon them, but Peter feels moved to interpret the situation. He feels that his mind is opened by Jesus (Luke:24:45|). It is a logical, not a moral, necessity that Peter points out. Peter here claims the Holy Spirit as speaking in the scriptures as he does in strkjv@2Peter:1:21|. His description of Judas as "guide" (\hodˆgou\) to those who seized (\sullabousin\) Jesus is that of the base traitor that he was. This very verb occurs in strkjv@Luke:22:54| of the arrest of Jesus.

rwp@Acts:1:19 @{Language} (\dialekt“i\). Not a dialect of the Greek, but a different language, the Aramaic. Songs:also in strkjv@2:6; strkjv@21:40|. \Dialektos\ is from \dialegomai\, to converse, to speak between two (\dia\). {Akeldama} (\Hakeldamach\). This Aramaic word Peter explains as "the field of blood." Two traditions are preserved: one in strkjv@Matthew:27:7| which explains that the priests purchased this potter's field with the money which Judas flung down as the price of the blood of Jesus. The other in Acts describes it as the field of blood because Judas poured out his blood there. Hackett and Knowling argue that both views can be true. "The ill-omened name could be used with a double emphasis" (Hackett).

rwp@Acts:1:25 @{Apostleship} (\apostolˆs\). Jesus had called the twelve apostles. An old word for sending away, then for a release, then the office and dignity of an apostle (Acts:1:25; strkjv@Romans:1:5; strkjv@1Corinthians:9:2; Gal strkjv@2:8|). {To his own place} (\eis ton topon ton idion\). A bold and picturesque description of the destiny of Judas worthy of Dante's _Inferno_. There is no doubt in Peter's mind of the destiny of Judas nor of his own guilt. He made ready his own berth and went to it.

rwp@Acts:1:26 @{He was numbered} (\sunkatepsˆphisthˆ\). To the Jews the lot did not suggest gambling, but "the O.T. method of learning the will of Jehovah" (Furneaux). The two nominations made a decision necessary and they appealed to God in this way. This double compound \sunkatapsˆphiz“\ occurs here alone in the N.T. and elsewhere only in Plutarch (_Them_. 21) in the middle voice for condemning with others. \Sunpsˆphiz“\ occurs in the middle voice in strkjv@Acts:19:19| for counting up money and also in Aristophanes. \Psˆphiz“\ with \dapanˆn\ occurs in strkjv@Luke:14:28| for counting the cost and in strkjv@Revelation:13:18| for "counting" the number of the beast. The ancients used pebbles (\psˆphoi\) in voting, black for condemning, white (Revelation:2:17|) in acquitting. Here it is used in much the same sense as \katarithme“\ in verse 17|.

rwp@Acts:2:1 @{Was now come} (\en t“i sunplˆrousthai\). Luke's favourite idiom of \en\ with the articular present infinitive passive and the accusative of general reference, "in the being fulfilled completely (perfective use of \sun-\) as to the day of Pentecost." Common verb, but only in Luke in N.T. In literal sense of filling a boat in strkjv@Luke:8:23|, about days in strkjv@Luke:9:51| as here. Whether the disciples expected the coming of the Holy Spirit on this day we do not know. Blass holds that the present tense shows that the day had not yet come. It is a Hebrew idiom (Exodus:7:25|) and Luke may mean that the day of Pentecost was not yet over, was still going on, though Hackett takes it for the interval (fifty days) between Passover and Pentecost. Apparently this day of Pentecost fell on the Jewish Sabbath (our Saturday). It was the feast of first fruits. {All together in one place} (\pantes homou epi to auto\). All together in the same place. Note \homou\ here (correct text), not \homothumadon\ as in strkjv@1:14|, and so a bit of tautology.

rwp@Acts:2:2 @{Suddenly} (\aphn“\). Old adverb, but in the N.T. only in Acts (2:2; strkjv@16:26; strkjv@28:6|). Kin to \exaiphnˆs\ (Acts:22:61|). {A sound} (\ˆchos\). Our \echo\. Old word, already in strkjv@Luke:4:37| for rumour and strkjv@Luke:21:25| for the roar of the sea. It was not wind, but a roar or reverberation "as of the rushing of a mighty wind" (\h“sper pheromenˆs pnoˆs biaias\). This is not a strict translation nor is it the genitive absolute. It was "an echoing sound as of a mighty wind borne violently" (or rushing along like the whirr of a tornado). \Pnoˆ\ (wind) is used here (in the N.T. only here and strkjv@17:25| though old word) probably because of the use of \pneuma\ in verse 4| of the Holy Spirit. In strkjv@John:3:5-8| \pneuma\ occurs for both wind and Spirit. {Filled} (\eplˆr“sen\). "As a bath is filled with water, that they might be baptized with the Holy Ghost, in fulfilment of strkjv@Acts:1:5|" (Canon Cook). {They were sitting} (\ˆsan kathˆmenoi\). Periphrastic imperfect middle of \kathˆmai\.

rwp@Acts:2:3 @{Parting asunder} (\diamerizomenai\). Present middle (or passive) participle of \diameriz“\, old verb, to cleave asunder, to cut in pieces as a butcher does meat (aorist passive in strkjv@Luke:11:17f.|). Songs:middle here would mean, parting themselves asunder or distributing themselves. The passive voice would be "being distributed." The middle is probably correct and means that "the fire-like appearance presented itself at first, as it were, in a single body, and then suddenly parted in this direction and that; so that a portion of it rested on each of those present" (Hackett). The idea is not that each tongue was cloven, but each separate tongue looked like fire, not real fire, but looking like (\h“sei\, as if) fire. The audible sign is followed by a visible one (Knowling). "Fire had always been, with the Jews, the symbol of the Divine presence (cf. strkjv@Exodus:3:2; strkjv@Deuteronomy:5:4|). No symbol could be more fitting to express the Spirit's purifying energy and refining energy" (Furneaux). The Baptist had predicted a baptizing by the Messiah in the Holy Spirit and in fire (Matthew:3:11|). {It sat} (\ekathisen\). Singular verb here, though plural \“pthˆsan\ with tongues (\gl“ssai\). A tongue that looked like fire sat upon each one.

rwp@Acts:2:4 @{With other tongues} (\heterais gl“ssais\). Other than their native tongues. Each one began to speak in a language that he had not acquired and yet it was a real language and understood by those from various lands familiar with them. It was not jargon, but intelligible language. Jesus had said that the gospel was to go to all the nations and here the various tongues of earth were spoken. One might conclude that this was the way in which the message was to be carried to the nations, but future developments disprove it. This is a third miracle (the sound, the tongues like fire, the untaught languages). There is no blinking the fact that Luke so pictures them. One need not be surprised if this occasion marks the fulfilment of the Promise of the Father. But one is not to confound these miraculous signs with the Holy Spirit. They are merely proof that he has come to carry on the work of his dispensation. The gift of tongues came also on the house of Cornelius at Caesarea (Acts:10:44-47; strkjv@11:15-17|), the disciples of John at Ephesus (Acts:19:6|), the disciples at Corinth (1Corinthians:14:1-33|). It is possible that the gift appeared also at Samaria (Acts:8:18|). But it was not a general or a permanent gift. Paul explains in strkjv@1Corinthians:14:22| that "tongues" were a sign to unbelievers and were not to be exercised unless one was present who understood them and could translate them. This restriction disposes at once of the modern so-called tongues which are nothing but jargon and hysteria. It so happened that here on this occasion at Pentecost there were Jews from all parts of the world, so that some one would understand one tongue and some another without an interpreter such as was needed at Corinth. The experience is identical in all four instances and they are not for edification or instruction, but for adoration and wonder and worship. {As the Spirit gave them utterance} (\kath“s to pneuma edidou apophtheggesthai autois\). This is precisely what Paul claims in strkjv@1Corinthians:12:10,28|, but all the same without an interpreter the gift was not to be exercised (1Corinthians:14:6-19|). Paul had the gift of tongues, but refused to exercise it except as it would be understood. Note the imperfect tense here (\edidou\). Perhaps they did not all speak at once, but one after another. \Apophtheggesthai\ is a late verb (LXX of prophesying, papyri). Lucian uses it of the ring of a vessel when it strikes a reef. It is used of eager, elevated, impassioned utterance. In the N.T. only here, verse 14; strkjv@26:25|. \Apophthegm\ is from this verb.

rwp@Acts:2:6 @{When this sound was heard} (\genomenˆs tˆs ph“nˆs tautˆs\). Genitive absolute with aorist middle participle. Note \ph“nˆ\ this time, not \ˆcho\ as in verse 1|. \Ph“nˆ\ originally meant sound as of the wind (John:3:8|) or an instrument (1Corinthians:14:7,8,10|), then voice of men. The meaning seems to be that the excited "other tongues" of verse 4| were so loud that the noise drew the crowd together. The house where the 120 were may have been (Hackett) on one of the avenues leading to the temple. {Were confounded} (\sunechuthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \sunche“\ or \sunchun“\, to pour together precisely like the Latin _confundo_, to confound. The Vulgate has it _mente confusa est_. It is an old verb, but in the N.T. only in Acts five times (2:6; strkjv@9:22; strkjv@19:32; strkjv@21:27,31|). {In his own language} (\tˆi idiƒi dialekt“i\). Locative case. Each one could understand his own language when he heard that. Every one that came heard somebody speaking in his native tongue.

rwp@Acts:2:7 @{Were amazed} (\existanto\). Imperfect middle of \existˆmi\, to stand out of themselves, wide-open astonishment. {Marvelled} (\ethaumazon\). Imperfect active. The wonder grew and grew. {Galileans} (\Galilaioi\). There were few followers of Jesus as yet from Jerusalem. The Galileans spoke a rude Aramaic (Mark:14:70|) and probably crude Greek vernacular also. They were not strong on language and yet these are the very people who now show such remarkable linguistic powers. These people who have come together are all Jews and therefore know Aramaic and the vernacular _Koin‚_, but there were various local tongues "wherein we were born" (\en hˆi egennˆthˆmen\). An example is the Lycaonian (Acts:14:11|). These Galilean Christians are now heard speaking these various local tongues. The lists in verses 9-11| are not linguistic, but geographical and merely illustrate how widespread the Dispersion (\Diaspora\) of the Jews was as represented on this occasion. Jews were everywhere, these "Jews among the nations" (Acts:21:21|). Page notes four main divisions here: (I) The Eastern or Babylonian, like the Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians. (2) The Syrian like Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia. (3) The Egyptian like Egypt, Libya, Cyrene. (4) The Roman. {Jews and proselytes} (\prosˆlutoi\). These last from \proserchomai\, to come to, to join, Gentile converts to Judaism (circumcision, baptism, sacrifice). This proselyte baptism was immersion as is shown by I. Abrahams (_Studies in Pharisaism and the Gospels_, p. 38). Many remained uncircumcised and were called proselytes of the gate.

rwp@Acts:2:11 @{Cretes and Arabians}. These two groups "seem to have been added to the list as an afterthought" (Knowling). Crete is an island to itself and Arabia was separate also though near Judea and full of Jews. The point is not that each one of these groups of Jews spoke a different language, but that wherever there was a local tongue they heard men speaking in it. {We do hear them speaking} (\akouomen lalount“n aut“n\). Genitive case \aut“n\ with \akou“\ the participle \lalount“n\ agreeing with \aut“n\, a sort of participial idiom of indirect discourse (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 1040ff.). {The mighty works} (\ta megaleia\). Old adjective for magnificent. In LXX, but only here (not genuine in strkjv@Luke:1:49|) in the N.T. Cf. strkjv@2Peter:1:16| for \megaleiotˆs\ (majesty).

rwp@Acts:2:12 @{Were perplexed} (\diˆporounto\). Imperfect middle of \diapore“\ (\dia\, \a\ privative, \poros\) to be wholly at a loss. Old verb, but in N.T. only in Luke and Acts. They continued amazed (\existanto\) and puzzled. {What meaneth this?} (\Ti thelei touto einai\). Literally, what does this wish to be?

rwp@Acts:2:17 @{In the last days} (\en tais eschatais hˆmerais\). Joel does not have precisely these words, but he defines "those days" as being "the day of the Lord" (cf. strkjv@Isaiah:2:2; strkjv@Micah:4:1|). {I will pour forth} (\ekche“\). Future active indicative of \ekche“\. This future like \edomai\ and \piomai\ is without tense sign, probably like the present in the futuristic sense (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 354). Westcott and Hort put a different accent on the future, but the old Greek had no accent. The old Greek had \ekcheus“\. This verb means to pour out. {Of my Spirit} (\apo tou pneumatos\). This use of \apo\ (of) is either because of the variety in the manifestations of the Spirit (1Corinthians:12|) or because the Spirit in his entirety remains with God (Holtzmann, Wendt). But the Hebrew has it: "I will pour out my Spirit" without the partitive idea in the LXX. {And your daughters} (\kai hai thugateres h–m“n\). Anna is called a prophetess in strkjv@Luke:2:36| and the daughters of Philip prophesy (Acts:21:9|) and verse 18| (handmaidens). See also strkjv@1Corinthians:11:5| (\prophˆtousa\). {Visions} (\horaseis\). Late word for the more common \horama\, both from \hora“\, to see. In strkjv@Revelation:4:3| it means appearance, but in strkjv@Revelation:9:17| as here an ecstatic revelation or vision. {Dream dreams} (\enupniois enupniasthˆsontai\). Shall dream with (instrumental case) dreams. First future passive of \enupniaz“\ from \enupnios\ (\en\ and \hupnos\, in sleep), a common late word. Only here in the N.T. (this from Joel as all these verses 17-21| are) and strkjv@Jude:1:8|. {Yea and} (\kai ge\). Intensive particle \ge\ added to \kai\ (and), an emphatic addition (=Hebrew _vegam_). {Servants} (\doulous\), {handmaidens} (\doulas\). Slaves, actual slaves of men. The humblest classes will receive the Spirit of God (cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:1:26-31|). But the word "prophesy" here is not in the LXX (or the Hebrew).

rwp@Acts:2:20 @{Shall be turned} (\metastraphˆsetai\). Second future passive of \metastreph“\, common verb, but only three times in the N.T. (Acts:2:20| from Joel; strkjv@James:4:9; strkjv@Galatians:1:7|). These are the "wonders" or portents of verse 19|. It is worth noting that Peter interprets these "portents" as fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, though no such change of the sun into darkness or of the moon into blood is recorded. Clearly Peter does not interpret the symbolism of Joel in literal terms. This method of Peter may be of some service in the Book of Revelation where so many apocalyptic symbols occur as well as in the great Eschatological Discourse of Jesus in strkjv@Matthew:24,25|. In strkjv@Matthew:24:6,29| Jesus had spoken of wars on earth and wonders in heaven. {Before the day of the Lord come, that great and notable day} (\prin elthein hˆmeran kuriou tˆn megalˆn kai epiphanˆ\). The use of \prin\ with the infinitive and the accusative of general reference is a regular Greek idiom. The use of the adjectives with the article is also good Greek, though the article is not here repeated as in strkjv@1:25|. The Day of the Lord is a definite conception without the article. {Notable} (\epiphanˆ\) is the same root as epiphany (\epiphaneia\) used of the Second Coming of Christ (2Thessalonians:2:8; strkjv@1Timothy:6:14; strkjv@2Timothy:4:1; strkjv@Titus:2:13|). It translates here the Hebrew word for "terrible." In the Epistles the Day of the Lord is applied (Knowling) to the Coming of Christ for judgment (1Thessalonians:5:2; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:8; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:14; strkjv@Phillipians:1:10|).

rwp@Acts:2:22 @{Hear these words} (\akousate tous logous toutous\). Do it now (aorist tense). With unerring aim Peter has found the solution for the phenomena. He has found the key to God's work on this day in his words through Joel. {as ye yourselves know} (\kath“s autoi oidate\). Note \autoi\ for emphasis. Peter calls the audience to witness that his statements are true concerning "Jesus the Nazarene." He wrought his miracles by the power of God in the midst of these very people here present.

rwp@Acts:2:23 @{Him} (\touton\). "This one," resumptive and emphatic object of "did crucify and slay." {Being delivered up} (\ekdoton\). Verbal adjective from \ekdid“mi\, to give out or over. Old word, but here only in the N.T. Delivered up by Judas, Peter means. {By the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God} (\tˆi h“rismenˆi boulˆi kai progn“sˆi tou theou\). Instrumental case. Note both purpose (\boulˆ\) and foreknowledge (\progn“sis\) of God and "determined" (\h“rismenˆ\, perfect passive participle, state of completion). God had willed the death of Jesus (John:3:16|) and the death of Judas (Acts:1:16|), but that fact did not absolve Judas from his responsibility and guilt (Luke:22:22|). He acted as a free moral agent. {By the hand} (\dia cheiros\). Luke is fond of these figures (hand, face, etc.) very much like the Hebrew though the vernacular of all languages uses them. {Lawless men} (\anom“n\). Men without law, who recognize no law for their conduct, like men in high and low stations today who defy the laws of God and man. Old word, very common in the LXX. {Ye did crucify} (\prospˆxantes\). First aorist active participle of \prospˆgnumi\, rare compound word in Dio Cassius and here only in the N.T. One must supply \t“i staur“i\ and so it means "fastened to the cross," a graphic picture like Paul's "nailed to the cross" (\prosˆl“sas t“i staur“i\) in strkjv@Colossians:2:14|. {Did slay} (\aneilate\). Second aorist active indicative with first aorist vowel \a\ instead of \o\ as is common in the _Koin‚_. This verb \anaire“\, to take up, is often used for kill as in strkjv@Acts:12:2|. Note Peter's boldness now under the power of the Holy Spirit. He charges the people to their faces with the death of Christ.

rwp@Acts:2:24 @{God raised up} (\ho theos anestˆsen\). _Est hoc summum orationis_ (Blass). Apparently this is the first public proclamation to others than believers of the fact of the Resurrection of Jesus. "At a time it was still possible to test the statement, to examine witnesses, to expose fraud, the Apostle openly proclaimed the Resurrection as a fact, needing no evidence, but known to his hearers" (Furneaux). {The pangs of death} (\tas “dinas tou thanatou\). Codex Bezae has "Hades" instead of death. The LXX has \“dinas thanatou\ in strkjv@Psalms:18:4|, but the Hebrew original means "snares" or "traps" or "cords" of death where sheol and death are personified as hunters laying snares for prey. How Peter or Luke came to use the old Greek word \“dinas\ (birth pangs) we do not know. Early Christian writers interpreted the Resurrection of Christ as a birth out of death. "Loosing" (\lusas\) suits better the notion of "snares" held a prisoner by death, but birth pangs do bring deliverance to the mother also. {Because} (\kathoti\). This old conjunction (\kata, hoti\) occurs in the N.T. only in Luke's writings. {That he should be holden} (\krateisthai auton\). Infinitive present passive with accusative of general reference and subject of \ˆn adunaton\. The figure goes with "loosed" (\lusas\) above.

rwp@Acts:2:27 @{In Hades} (\eis Hƒidˆn\). Hades is the unseen world, Hebrew Sheol, but here it is viewed as death itself "considered as a rapacious destroyer" (Hackett). It does not mean the place of punishment, though both heaven and the place of torment are in Hades (Luke:16:23|). "Death and Hades are strictly parallel terms: he who is dead is in Hades" (Page). The use of \eis\ here=\en\ is common enough. The Textus Receptus here reads \eis Hƒidou\ (genitive case) like the Attic idiom with \domon\ (abode) understood. "Hades" in English is not translation, but transliteration. The phrase in the Apostles' Creed, "descended into hell" is from this passage in Acts (Hades, not Gehenna). The English word "hell" is Anglo-Saxon from \helan\, to hide, and was used in the Authorized Version to translate both Hades as here and Gehenna as in strkjv@Matthew:5:22|. {Thy Holy One} (\ton hosion sou\). Peter applies these words to the Messiah. {Corruption} (\diaphthoran\). The word can mean destruction or putrefaction from \diaphtheir“\, old word, but in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:13:34-37|. The Hebrew word in strkjv@Psalms:16| can mean also the pit or the deep.

rwp@Acts:2:28 @{The ways of life} (\hodous z“ˆs\). Though dead God will show him the ways back to life.

rwp@Acts:2:34 @{Ascended not} (\ou--anebˆ\). It is more emphatic than that: For not David ascended into the heavens. Peter quotes strkjv@Psalms:110:1| as proof. No passage in the O.T. is so constantly quoted as Messianic as this. "St. Peter does not demand belief upon his own assertion, but he again appeals to the Scriptures, and to words which could not have received a fulfilment in the case of David" (Knowling). {Sit thou} (\kathou\). Late _Koin‚_ form for earlier \kathˆso\, present middle imperative second singular of \kathˆmai\.

rwp@Acts:2:35 @{Till I make} (\he“s an th“\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \tithˆmi\ with \an\ after \he“s\ for the future, a common Greek idiom. This dominion of Christ as Mediator will last till the plan of the kingdom is carried out (1Corinthians:15:23-28|). Complete subjugation will come, perhaps referring to the custom of victorious kings placing their feet upon the necks of their enemies (Joshua:10:24|). {Therefore assuredly} (\Asphal“s oun\). Assuredly therefore, without any slip or trip (\asphalˆs\ from \a\ privative and \sphall“\, to trip, to slip. Peter draws a powerfully pungent conclusion by the use of the adverb \asphal“s\ and the inferential conjunction \oun\. Peter's closing sentence drives home the point of his sermon: "This very Jesus whom ye crucified (note \humeis\, strongly emphatic {ye}), him God made both Lord and Messiah" (\kai kurion kai Christon\), as David foretold in strkjv@Psalms:110| and as the events of this day have confirmed. The critics are disturbed over how Luke could have gotten the substance of this masterful address spoken on the spur of the moment with passion and power. They even say that Luke composed it for Peter and put the words in his mouth. If so, he made a good job of it. But Peter could have written out the notes of the address afterwards. Luke had plenty of chances to get hold of it from Peter or from others.

rwp@Acts:2:37 @{They were pricked in their heart} (\katenugˆsan tˆn kardian\). Second aorist indicative of \katanuss“\, a rare verb (LXX) to pierce, to sting sharply, to stun, to smite. Homer used it of horses dinting the earth with their hoofs. The substantive \katanuxis\ occurs in strkjv@Romans:11:8|. Here only in the N.T. It is followed here by the accusative of the part affected, the heart. {What shall we do?} (\Ti poiˆs“men\). Deliberative subjunctive first aorist active. The sermon went home, they felt the sting of Peter's words, compunction (\compungo\). Codex Bezae adds: "Show us."

rwp@Acts:2:38 @{Repent ye} (\metanoˆsate\). First aorist (ingressive) active imperative. Change your mind and your life. Turn right about and do it now. You _crucified_ this Jesus. Now _crown_ him in your hearts as Lord and Christ. This first. {And be baptized every one of you} (\kai baptisthˆt“ hekastos h–m“n\). Rather, "And let each one of you be baptized." Change of number from plural to singular and of person from second to third. This change marks a break in the thought here that the English translation does not preserve. The first thing to do is make a radical and complete change of heart and life. Then let each one be baptized after this change has taken place, and the act of baptism be performed "in the name of Jesus Christ" (\en t“i onomati Iˆsou Christou\). In accordance with the command of Jesus in strkjv@Matthew:28:19| (\eis to onoma\). No distinction is to be insisted on between \eis to onoma\ and \en t“i onomati\ with \baptiz“\ since \eis\ and \en\ are really the same word in origin. In strkjv@Acts:10:48| \en t“i onomati Iˆsou Christou\ occurs, but \eis\ to \onoma\ in strkjv@8:16; strkjv@19:5|. The use of \onoma\ means in the name or with the authority of one as \eis onoma prophˆtou\ (Matthew:10:41|) as a prophet, in the name of a prophet. In the Acts the full name of the Trinity does not occur in baptism as in strkjv@Matthew:28:19|, but this does not show that it was not used. The name of Jesus Christ is the distinctive one in Christian baptism and really involves the Father and the Spirit. See on ¯Matthew:28:19| for discussion of this point. "Luke does not give the form of words used in baptism by the Apostles, but merely states the fact that they baptized those who acknowledged Jesus as Messiah or as Lord" (Page). {Unto the remission of your sins} (\eis aphesin t“n hamarti“n h–m“n\). This phrase is the subject of endless controversy as men look at it from the standpoint of sacramental or of evangelical theology. In themselves the words can express aim or purpose for that use of \eis\ does exist as in strkjv@1Corinthians:2:7| \eis doxan hˆm“n\ (for our glory). But then another usage exists which is just as good Greek as the use of \eis\ for aim or purpose. It is seen in strkjv@Matthew:10:41| in three examples \eis onoma prophˆtou, dikaiou, mathˆtou\ where it cannot be purpose or aim, but rather the basis or ground, on the basis of the name of prophet, righteous man, disciple, because one is, etc. It is seen again in strkjv@Matthew:12:41| about the preaching of Jonah (\eis to kˆrugma I“na\). They repented because of (or at) the preaching of Jonah. The illustrations of both usages are numerous in the N.T. and the _Koin‚_ generally (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 592). One will decide the use here according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not. My view is decidedly against the idea that Peter, Paul, or any one in the New Testament taught baptism as essential to the remission of sins or the means of securing such remission. Songs:I understand Peter to be urging baptism on each of them who had already turned (repented) and for it to be done in the name of Jesus Christ on the basis of the forgiveness of sins which they had already received. {The gift of the Holy Ghost} (\tˆn d“rean tou hagiou pneumatos\). The gift consists (Acts:8:17|) in the Holy Spirit (genitive of identification).

rwp@Acts:2:39 @{The promise} (\hˆ epaggelia\). The promise made by Jesus (1:4|) and foretold by Joel (verse 18|). {To you} (\humin\). You Jews. To your descendants, sons and daughters of verse 17|. {To all that are afar off} (\pƒsin tois eis makran\. The horizon widens and includes the Gentiles. Those "afar off" from the Jews were the heathen (Isaiah:49:1; strkjv@57:19; strkjv@Ephesians:2:13,17|). The rabbis so used it. {Shall call} (\an proskalesˆtai\). First aorist middle subjunctive with \an\ in an indefinite relative clause, a perfectly regular construction. The Lord God calls men of every nation anywhere whether Jews or Gentiles. It may be doubted how clearly Peter grasped the significance of these words for he will have trouble over this very matter on the housetop in Joppa and in Caesarea, but he will see before long the full sweep of the great truth that he here proclaims under the impulse of the Holy Spirit. It was a great moment that Peter here reaches.

rwp@Acts:2:40 @{With many other words} (\heterois logois pleiosin\). Instrumental case. Not necessarily "different" (\heterois\), but "further," showing that Luke does not pretend to give all that Peter said. This idea is also brought out clearly by \pleiosin\ ("more," not "many"), more than these given by Luke. {He testified} (\diemarturato\). First aorist middle of \diamarturomai\, old verb, to make solemn attestation or call to witness (perfective use of \dia\), while \marture“\ is to bear witness. Page insists that here it should be translated "protested solemnly" to the Jews as it seems to mean in strkjv@Luke:16:28; strkjv@Acts:20:23; strkjv@1Timothy:5:21; strkjv@2Timothy:2:14; strkjv@4:1|. {And exhorted} (\kai parekalei\). Imperfect active, kept on exhorting. {Save yourselves} (\s“thˆte\). First aorist passive of \s“z“\. Literally, Be ye saved. {Crooked} (\skolias\). Old word, opposite of \orthos\, straight. _Pravus_ the opposite of _rectus_, a perversity for turning off from the truth. Cf. strkjv@Luke:9:41; strkjv@Phillipians:2:15|.

rwp@Acts:2:42 @{They continued steadfastly} (\ˆsan proskarturountes\). Periphrastic active imperfect of \proskarture“\ as in strkjv@Acts:1:14| (same participle in verse 46|). {Fellowship} (\koin“niƒi\). Old word from \koin“nos\ (partner, sharer in common interest) and this from \koinos\ what is common to all. This partnership involves participation in, as the blood of Christ (Phillipians:2:1|) or co-operation in the work of the gospel (Phillipians:1:5|) or contribution for those in need (2Corinthians:8:4; strkjv@9:13|). Hence there is wide diversity of opinion concerning the precise meaning of \koin“nia\ in this verse. It may refer to the distribution of funds in verse 44| or to the oneness of spirit in the community of believers or to the Lord's Supper (as in strkjv@1Corinthians:10:16|) in the sense of communion or to the fellowship in the common meals or \agapae\ (love-feasts). {The breaking of bread} (\tˆi klasei tou artou\). The word \klasis\ is an old word, but used only by Luke in the N.T. (Luke:24:35; strkjv@Acts:2:42|), though the verb \kla“\ occurs in other parts of the N.T. as in verse 46|. The problem here is whether Luke refers to the ordinary meal as in strkjv@Luke:24:35| or to the Lord's Supper. The same verb \kla“\ is used of breaking bread at the ordinary meal (Luke:24:30|) or the Lord's Supper (Luke:22:19|). It is generally supposed that the early disciples attached so much significance to the breaking of bread at the ordinary meals, more than our saying grace, that they followed the meal with the Lord's Supper at first, a combination called \agapai\ or love-feasts. "There can be no doubt that the Eucharist at this period was preceded uniformly by a common repast, as was the case when the ordinance was instituted" (Hackett). This led to some abuses as in strkjv@1Corinthians:11:20|. Hence it is possible that what is referred to here is the Lord's Supper following the ordinary meal. "To simply explain \tˆi klasei tou artou\ as='The Holy Communion' is to pervert the plain meaning of words, and to mar the picture of family life, which the text places before us as the ideal of the early believers" (Page). But in strkjv@Acts:20:7| they seem to have come together especially for the observance of the Lord's Supper. Perhaps there is no way to settle the point conclusively here. {The prayers} (\tais proseuchais\). Services where they prayed as in strkjv@1:14|, in the temple (Acts:3:1|), in their homes (4:23|).

rwp@Acts:2:43 @{Came} (\egineto\). Imperfect middle, kept on coming. {Were done} (\egineto\). Same tense. Awe kept on coming on all and signs and wonders kept on coming through the apostles. The two things went on \pari passu\, the more wonders the more fear.

rwp@Acts:2:46 @{With one accord in the temple} (\homothumadon en t“i hier“i\). See on ¯1:14| for \homothumadon\. They were still worshipping in the temple for no breach had yet come between Christians and Jews. Daily they were here and daily breaking bread at home (\kat' oikon\) which looks like the regular meal. {They did take their food} (\metelambanon trophˆs\). Imperfect tense again and clearly referring to the regular meals at home. Does it refer also to the possible \agapai\ or to the Lord's Supper afterwards as they had common meals "from house to house" (\kat' oikon\)? We know there were local churches in the homes where they had "worship rooms," the church in the house. At any rate it was "with singleness" (\aphelotˆti\) of heart. The word occurs only here in the N.T., though a late _Koin‚_ word (papyri). It comes from \aphelˆs\, free from rock (\phelleus\ is stony ground), smooth. The old form was \apheleia\.

rwp@Acts:3:5 @{Gave heed unto them} (\epeichen autois\). Imperfect active of \epech“\, to hold to. For the idiom with \ton noun\ understood see strkjv@7:14; strkjv@1Timothy:4:16|. He held his eyes right on Peter and John with great eagerness "expecting to receive something" (\prosdok“n ti labein\). He took Peter's invitation as a promise of a large gift.

rwp@Acts:3:6 @{In the name} (\en t“i onomati\). The healing power is in that name (Page) and Peter says so. Cf. strkjv@Luke:9:49; strkjv@10:17; strkjv@Acts:4:7,10; strkjv@19:27; strkjv@16:18|. {Walk} (\peripatei\). Present imperative, inchoative idea, begin to walk and then go on walking. But the beggar does not budge. He knows that he cannot walk.

rwp@Acts:3:7 @{Took him by the right hand} (\piasas auton tˆs dexiƒs cheiros\). Doric form \piaz“\ for \piez“\. Genitive of the part affected. Peter had to pull him up on his feet before he would try to walk.

rwp@Acts:3:12 @{Answered} (\apekrinato\). First aorist middle indicative. The people looked their amazement and Peter answered that. {Ye men of Israel} (\Andres Israˆleitai\). Covenant name and so conciliatory, the stock of Israel (Phillipians:3:5|). {At this man} (\epi tout“i\). Probably so, though it could be "at this thing." {Fasten you your eyes} (\atenizete\). The very verb used about Peter in verse 4|. {On us} (\hˆmin\). Dative case, emphatic proleptical position before \ti atenizete\. {On us why do ye fasten your eyes? As though} (\h“s\). \H“s\ with the participle gives the alleged reason, not always the true one. {Power} (\dunamei\). Instrumental case, _causa effectiva_. {Godliness} (\eusebeiƒi\). _Causa meritoria_. {Had made} (\pepoiˆkosin\). Perfect active participle of \poie“\. {To walk} (\tou peripatein\). Articular infinitive in the genitive case of result, purpose easily shading off into result (ecbatic infinitive) as here as is true also of \hina\.

rwp@Acts:3:13 @{His servant Jesus} (\ton paida Iˆsoun\). This phrase occurs in strkjv@Isaiah:42:1; strkjv@52:13| about the Messiah except the name "Jesus" which Peter adds, the first part of the quotation is from strkjv@Exodus:3:6; strkjv@5:30|. The LXX translated the Hebrew _ebhedh_ by \pais\, the servant of Jehovah being a Messianic designation. But the phrase "servant of God" (\pais theou\) is applied also to Israel (Luke:1:54|) and to David (Luke:1:69; strkjv@Acts:4:25|). Paul terms himself \doulos theou\ (Titus:1:1|). \Pais\ is just child (boy or girl), and it was also used of a slave (Matthew:8:6,8,13|). But it is not here \huios\ (son) that Peter uses, but \pais\. Luke quotes Peter as using it again in this Messianic sense in strkjv@Acts:3:26; strkjv@4:27,30|. {Whom ye delivered up} (\hon humeis men pared“kate\). Note emphatic use of \humeis\ (ye). No \de\ to correspond to \men\. First aorist active (\k\ aorist) plural indicative of \paradid“mi\ (usual form \paredote\, second aorist). {When he} (\ekeinou\). Emphatic pronoun, that one, in contrast with "ye" (\humeis\), genitive absolute with \krinantos\, here the nearest word (Pilate), the latter.

rwp@Acts:3:15 @{But the Prince of life ye killed} (\ton de archˆgon tˆs z“ˆs apekteinate\). "The magnificent antithesis" (Bengel) Peter here draws between their asking for a murderer and killing the Prince (or Author) of life. Peter pictures Jesus as the source of all life as is done in strkjv@John:1:1-18; strkjv@Colossians:1:14-20; strkjv@Hebrews:1:2f|. \Archˆgos\ (\archˆ\, beginning, \ag“\, to lead) is an adjective "furnishing the first cause or occasion" in Euripides, Plato. Thence substantive, the originator, the leader, the pioneer as of Jesus both Beginner and Finisher (Hebrews:12:2|). See also strkjv@Hebrews:2:10; strkjv@Acts:5:31| where it is applied to Jesus as "Prince and Saviour." But God raised him from the dead in contrast to what they had done. {Whereof we are witnesses} (\hou hˆmeis martures esmen\). Of which fact (the resurrection) or of whom as risen, \hou\ having the same form in the genitive singular for masculine or neuter. Peter had boldly claimed that all the 120 have seen the Risen Christ. There is no denial of that claim.

rwp@Acts:3:16 @{By faith in his name} (\tˆi pistei tou onomatos autou\). Instrumental case of \pistei\ (Aleph and B do not have \epi\) and objective genitive of \onomatos\. {His name} (\to onoma autou\). Repeats the word name to make the point clear. Cf. verse 6| where Peter uses "the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" when he healed the man. {Made strong} (\estere“sen\). Same verb used in verse 7| (and strkjv@16:5|). Nowhere else in the N.T. Old verb from \stereos\, firm, solid. {Through him} (\di' autou\). Through Jesus, the object of faith and the source of it. {Perfect soundness} (\holoklˆrian\). Perfect in all its parts, complete, whole (from \holos\, whole, \klˆros\, allotment). Late word (Plutarch) once in LXX (Isaiah:1:6|) and here alone in the N.T., but adjective \holoklˆros\, old and common (James:1:4; strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:23|).

rwp@Acts:3:17 @{And now} (\kai nun\). Luke is fond of these particles of transition (7:34; strkjv@10:5; strkjv@20:25; strkjv@22:16|) and also \kai ta nun\ (4:29; strkjv@5:38; strkjv@22:32; strkjv@27:22|), and even \kai nun idou\ (13:11; strkjv@20:22|). {I wot} (\oida\). Old English for "I know." {In ignorance} (\kata agnoian\). This use of \kata\ occurs in the _Koin‚_. See also strkjv@Philemon:1:14|. One may see strkjv@Luke:23:34| for the words of the Saviour on the Cross. "They had sinned, but their sin was not of so deep a dye that it could not have been still more heinous" (Hackett). If they had known what they were doing, they would not knowingly have crucified the Messiah (1Corinthians:2:8|).

rwp@Acts:3:18 @{Foreshewed} (\prokatˆggeilen\). First aorist active indicative of \prokataggell“\, late compound to announce fully beforehand. Only twice in the N.T. in the critical text (Acts:3:18; strkjv@7:52|). {That his Christ should suffer} (\pathein ton Christon autou\). Accusative of general reference with the aorist active infinitive (\pathein\ of \pasch“\) in indirect discourse (predictive purpose of God). Their crime, though real, was carrying out God's purpose (2:23; strkjv@John:3:16|). See the same idea in strkjv@Acts:17:3; strkjv@26:23|. This "immense paradox" (Page) was a stumbling block to these Jews as it is yet (1Corinthians:1:23|). Peter discusses the sufferings of Christ in strkjv@1Peter:4:13; strkjv@5:1|.

rwp@Acts:3:19 @{Repent therefore} (\metanoˆsate oun\). Peter repeats to this new crowd the command made in strkjv@Acts:2:38| which see. God's purpose and patience call for instant change of attitude on their part. Their guilt does not shut them out if they will turn. {And turn again} (\kai epistrepsate\). Definitely turn to God in conduct as well as in mind. {That your sins may be blotted out} (\pros to exaliphthˆnai hum“n tas hamartias\). Articular infinitive (first aorist passive of \exaleiph“\, to wipe out, rub off, erase, smear out, old verb, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Colossians:2:14|) with the accusative of general reference and with \pros\ and the accusative to express purpose. {That so} (\hop“s an\). Final particle with \an\ and the aorist active subjunctive \elth“sin\ (come) and not "when" as the Authorized Version has it. Some editors put this clause in verse 20| (Westcott and Hort, for instance). {Seasons of refreshing} (\kairoi anapsuxe“s\). The word \anapsuxis\ (from \anapsuch“\, to cool again or refresh, strkjv@2Timothy:1:16|) is a late word (LXX) and occurs here alone in the N.T. Surely repentance will bring "seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord."

rwp@Acts:3:21 @{Restoration} (\apokatastase“s\). Double compound (\apo, kata, histˆmi\), here only in the N.T., though common in late writers. In papyri and inscriptions for repairs to temples and this phrase occurs in Jewish apocalyptic writings, something like the new heaven and the new earth of strkjv@Revelation:21:1|. Paul has a mystical allusion also to the agony of nature in strkjv@Romans:8:20-22|. The verb \apokathistˆmi\ is used by Jesus of the spiritual and moral restoration wrought by the Baptist as Elijah (Matthew:17:11; strkjv@Mark:9:12|) and by the disciples to Jesus in strkjv@Acts:1:6|. Josephus uses the word of the return from captivity and Philo of the restitution of inheritances in the year of jubilee. As a technical medical term it means complete restoration to health. See a like idea in \palingenesia\ (renewal, new birth) in strkjv@Matthew:19:28; strkjv@Titus:3:5|. This universalism of Peter will be clearer to him after Joppa and Caesarea.

rwp@Acts:4:1 @{The captain of the temple} (\ho stratˆgos tou hierou\). Twenty-four bands of Levites guarded the temple, one guard at a time. They watched the gates. The commander of each band was called captain (\stratˆgos\). Josephus names this captain of the temple police next to the high priest (_War_. VI. 5, 3). {The Sadducees} (\hoi Saddoukaioi\). Most of the priests were Sadducees now and all the chief priests since John Hyrcanus I deserted the Pharisees (Josephus, _Ant_. XVII. 10, 6; XVIII. 1, 4; XX. 9, 1). The Sadducees were slow to line up with the Pharisees against Jesus, but they now take the lead against Peter and John. {Came upon them} (\epestˆsan autois\). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive). Burst upon them suddenly or stood by them in a hostile attitude here (Luke:20:1; strkjv@24:4; strkjv@Acts:6:12; strkjv@17:5; strkjv@22:20; strkjv@23:11|).

rwp@Acts:4:7 @{In the midst} (\en t“i mes“i\). The Sanhedrin sat in a semicircle. {They inquired} (\epunthanonto\). Imperfect middle, began to inquire. {Or in what name} (\ˆ en poi“i onomati\). As if by some magical formula such as exorcists practised (Acts:19:13|) as if to catch them by (Deuteronomy:13:1|). {Have ye done this} (\epoiˆsate touto humeis\). Note emphatic use of \humeis\ (ye).

rwp@Acts:4:9 @{Concerning a good deed done to an impotent man} (\epi euergesiƒi anthr“pou asthenous\). Objective genitive. Note \euergesia\ (old word, in the N.T. only here and strkjv@1Timothy:6:2|), as a benefactor, not a malefactor. Skilful turn made by Peter. {Is made whole} (\ses“stai\). Perfect passive indicative of \s“z“\, stands whole.

rwp@Acts:4:10 @{Be it known} (\gn“ston est“\). Imperative present active third singular of \eimi\, to be, and the verbal adjective \gn“ston\. {Whom ye crucified} (\hon humeis estaur“sate\). Too good a chance to miss, and so Peter boldly charges the Sanhedrin with responsibility for the death of Jesus. Note \humeis\ (ye) again. {Whom God raised from the dead} (\hon ho theos ˆgeiren ek nekr“n\). Note repetition of \hon\ (whom). This is God's answer to their act of crucifixion. {In him doth this man stand} (\en tout“i houtos parestˆken\). Rather (note play on \houtos\), "In this one (\hon, hon\) this one stands (present perfect active indicative, intransitive)." In Jesus this man stands before you whole (\hugiˆs\). It was a centre shot.

rwp@Acts:4:11 @{Of you the builders} (\huph' hum“n t“n oikodom“n\). The experts, the architects, had rejected Jesus for their building (Psalms:118:22|) as Jesus himself had pointed out (Matthew:21:42; strkjv@Luke:21:17|). This very Rejected Stone God had made the head of the corner (either the highest corner stone right under the roof or the corner stone under the building, strkjv@Isaiah:28:16|) as Jesus showed, as Peter here declares and repeats later (1Peter:2:6f.|).

rwp@Acts:4:13 @{The boldness} (\tˆn parrˆsian\). Telling it all (\pan, rˆsia\). See also verses 29,31|. Actually Peter had turned the table on the Sanhedrin and had arraigned them before the bar of God. {Had perceived} (\katalabomenoi\). Second aorist middle participle of \katalamban“\, common verb to grasp strongly (\kata\), literally or with the mind (especially middle voice), to comprehend. The rulers recalled Peter and John from having seen them often with Jesus, probably during the temple teaching, etc. {They were unlearned} (\agrammatoi eisin\). Present indicative retained in indirect discourse. Unlettered men without technical training in the professional rabbinical schools of Hillel or Shammai. Jesus himself was so regarded (John:7:15|, "not having learned letters"). {And ignorant} (\kai idi“tai\). Old word, only here in the N.T. and strkjv@1Corinthians:14:24; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:6|. It does not mean "ignorant," but a layman, a man not in office (a private person), a common soldier and not an officer, a man not skilled in the schools, very much like \agrammatos\. It is from \idios\ (one's own) and our "idiosyncracy" is one with an excess of such a trait, while "idiot" (this very word) is one who has nothing but his idiosyncracy. Peter and John were men of ability and of courage, but they did not belong to the set of the rabbis. {They marvelled} (\ethaumazon\). Imperfect (inchoative) active, began to wonder and kept it up. {Took knowledge of them} (\epegin“skon autous\). Imperfect (inchoative) active again, they began to recognize them as men that they had seen with Jesus.

rwp@Acts:4:16 @{What shall we do?} (\Ti poiˆs“men\). Deliberative aorist active subjunctive (ingressive and urgent aorist). {Notable miracle} (\gn“ston sˆmeion\). Or sign. It was useless to deny it with the man there. {We cannot deny it} (\ou dunametha arneisthai\). That is, it will do no good.

rwp@Acts:4:17 @{That it spread no further} (\hina mˆ epi pleion dianemˆthˆi\). First aorist passive subjunctive of \dianem“\, to distribute with \hina mˆ\, negative purpose. {Let us threaten them} (\apeilˆs“metha autois\). Hortatory aorist middle subjunctive of \apeile“\, old verb (note middle voice). In the N.T. only here and strkjv@1Peter:2:23|. {That they speak henceforth to no man in this name} (\mˆketi lalein epi t“i onomati tout“i mˆdeni anthr“p“n\). Indirect command with the infinitive and double negative (\mˆketi, mˆdeni\). They will not say "Jesus," but make a slur at "this name," contemptuous use of \houtos\, though they apparently do mention the name "Jesus" in verse 18|.

rwp@Acts:4:21 @{When they had further threatened them} (\prosapeilˆsamenoi\). The "further" is in "pros" (in addition), {Finding nothing how they might punish them} (\mˆden heuriskontes to p“s kolas“ntai autous\). Note the article "to" before \p“s\ (how), "the how." Aorist middle deliberative subjunctive \kolas“ntai\ in indirect question after \p“s\ from \kolaz“\, to lop (\kolos\, lopped), to curb, to prune, to correct, to punish. Old verb, in the N.T. only here and strkjv@2Peter:2:9|. {Glorified God} (\edoxazon ton theon\). Imperfect active, kept on glorifying God while the Sanhedrin were threatening Peter and John. It was to laugh at the helplessness of the Sanhedrin.

rwp@Acts:4:24 @{With one accord} (\homothumadon\). A concert of voices as already seen by the word in strkjv@1:14; strkjv@2:46| and later in strkjv@5:12; strkjv@7:57; strkjv@15:25|. {O Lord} (\Despota\). Our word despot. Old word for relation of master to slaves or household servants (1Timothy:6:1; strkjv@2Timothy:2:21; strkjv@Titus:2:9; strkjv@1Peter:2:18|). Simeon thus addressed God (Luke:2:29|). Songs:in strkjv@2Peter:2:1; strkjv@Jude:1:4; strkjv@Revelation:6:10|. See "slaves" in verse 29|.

rwp@Acts:4:25 @{By the mouth of our father David} (\tou patros hˆm“n dia pneumatos hagiou stomatos Daueid\). From strkjv@Psalms:2:1f|. here ascribed to David. Baumgarten suggests that the whole company sang the second Psalm and then Peter applied it to this emergency. The Greek MSS. do not have \dia\ (by) here before \stomatos\, but only \dia\ before \pneumatos hagiou\ (the Holy Spirit). Hort calls this a "primitive error" perhaps due to an early scribe who omitted this second \dia\ so close to the first \dia\ (Robertson, _Introduction to the Textual Criticism of the N.T._, p. 238). A small list of such primitive errors is there given as suggested by Dr. Hort. {Why} (\hina ti\). This Greek idiom calls for \genˆtai\ (second aorist middle subjunctive), {That what may happen}. {The Gentiles} (\ethnˆ\). Songs:always in LXX, while \laoi\ (peoples) can include Jews. {Did rage} (\ephruaxan\). First aorist active indicative of \phruass“\, late word, to neigh like a horse, to prance or stamp the ground, to put on lofty airs. Only here in the N.T. in this quotation from strkjv@Psalms:2:1|. {Imagine} (\emeletˆsan\). First aorist active indicative of \meleta“\. Old verb from \meletˆ\ (care), to practise, to caution, as orators and rhetoricians. Only here in the N.T. in this quotation.

rwp@Acts:4:29 @{And now} (\kai ta nun\). "And as to (accusative of general reference) the now things (the present situation)." Only in the Acts in the N.T. (5:38; strkjv@17:30; strkjv@20:32; strkjv@27:22|). {Grant} (\dos\). Second aorist active imperative of \did“mi\, urgency of the aorist, Do it now. {To speak thy word with all boldness} (\meta parrˆsias pasˆs lalein ton logon sou\). Literally, "with all boldness to go on speaking (present active infinitive) thy word." Peter and John had defied the Sanhedrin in verse 20|, but all the same and all the more they pray for courage in deed to live up to their brave words. A wholesome lesson.

rwp@Acts:4:30 @{While thou stretchest forth thy hand} (\en t“i tˆn cheira ekteinein se\). Luke's favourite idiom, "In the stretching out (articular present active infinitive) the hand as to thee" (accusative of general reference), the second allusion to God's "hand" in this prayer (verse 28|). {To heal} (\eis iasin\). For healing. See verse 22|. {And that signs and wonders may be done} (\kai sˆmeia kai terata ginesthai\). Either to be taken as in the same construction as \ekteinein\ with \en t“i\ as Revised Version has it here or to be treated as subordinate purpose to \en t“i ekteinein\ (as Knowling, Page, Wendt, Hackett). The latter most likely true. They ask for a visible sign or proof that God has heard this prayer for courage to be faithful even unto death.

rwp@Acts:4:33 @{Gave their witness} (\apedidoun to marturion\). Imperfect active of \apodid“mi\, old verb to give back, to pay back a debt (Luke:7:42|), but a late omega form instead of the usual \apedidosan\. They kept on giving their witness with power after the answer to their prayer (verse 31|). {Of the resurrection} (\tˆs anastase“s\). It was on this issue that the Sadducees had arrested them (4:1-3|).

rwp@Acts:4:35 @{Distribution was made} (\diedideto\). Imperfect passive of \diadid“mi\, late omega form for \diedidoto\ (the stem vowel \o\ displaced by \e\). Impersonal use of the verb here. {According as any one had need} (\kathoti an tis chreian eichen\). Imperfect active of \ech“\ with \kathoti\ and \an\ with the notion of customary repetition in a comparative clause (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 967).

rwp@Acts:4:36 @{Barnabas} (\Barnabas\). His name was Joseph (correct text, and not Jesus) and he is mentioned as one illustration of those in verse 34| who selling brought the money. The apostles gave him the nickname Barnabas by which later he was known because of this noble deed. This fact argues that all did not actually sell, but were ready to do so if needed. Possibly Joseph had a larger estate than some others also. The meaning of the nickname is given by Luke as "son of consolation or exhortation" (\huios paraklˆse“s\). Doubtless his gifts as a preacher lay along this same line. Rackham thinks that the apostles gave him this name when he was recognized as a prophet. In strkjv@Acts:11:23| the very word \parekalei\ (exhorted) is used of Barnabas up at Antioch. He is the type of preacher described by Paul in strkjv@1Corinthians:14:3|. Encouragement is the chief idea in \paraklˆsis\ though exhortation, comfort, consolation are used to render it (Acts:9:31; strkjv@13:15; strkjv@15:31|). See also strkjv@16:9; strkjv@20:12|. It is not necessary to think that the apostles coined the name Barnabas for Joseph which originally may have come from \Barnebous\ (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 308-10), son of Nebo, or even the Hebrew _Bar Nebi_ (son of a prophet). But, whatever the origin, the popular use is given by Luke. He was even called apostle along with Paul (Acts:14:14|) in the broad sense of that word.

rwp@Acts:5:5 @{Hearing} (\akou“n\). Present active participle of \akou“\, while hearing. {Fell down} (\pes“n\). Second aorist active participle of \pipt“\, fell all of a sudden while listening. {Gave up the ghost} (\exepsuxen\). First aorist active indicative of \ekpsuch“\, late verb in LXX and Hippocrates, to breathe out, to expire. In the N.T. only here, verse 10; strkjv@12:23|. It is needless to blame Peter for the death of Ananias. He had brought the end upon himself. It was the judgment of God. Physically the nervous shock could have caused the collapse.

rwp@Acts:5:9 @{Ye have agreed together} (\suneph“nˆthˆ humin\). First aorist passive indicative of \sumph“ne“\ (to voice together, symphony), impersonal with dative; It was agreed together by you (or for you). "Your souls were allured together respecting this deceit" (Vincent). {To tempt the Spirit of the Lord} (\peirasai to pneuma kuriou\). Like "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." It was close to the unpardonable sin which was attributing the manifest work of the Holy Spirit to Beelzebub. {The feet} (\hoi podes\). Graphic picture by Peter as he heard the steps of the young men at the door.

rwp@Acts:5:11 @{Upon the whole church} (\eph' holˆn tˆn ekklˆsian\). Here \ekklˆsia\ for the first time in Acts of the believers in Jerusalem. Twice already in the Gospels, once of the whole body of believers or the Kingdom (Matthew:16:18|), the other of the local body (Matthew:18:17|). In strkjv@Acts:7:38| it is used of the whole congregation of Israel while in strkjv@19:32| it is used of a public assembly in Ephesus. But already in strkjv@Acts:8:3| it is applied to the church which Saul was persecuting in their homes when not assembled. Songs:here the etymological meaning of "assembly" disappears for "the church" were now the scattered saints hiding in their separate homes. The whole body of believers in Jerusalem and all who heard of the fate of Ananias and Sapphira (beautiful, her name means) were in awe and dread. It was already a dangerous thing to be a follower of Christ unless one was willing to walk straight.

rwp@Acts:5:12 @{Were wrought} (\egineto\). Imperfect middle, wrought from time to time. {With one accord} (\homothumadon\). As already in strkjv@1:14; strkjv@2:46; strkjv@4:24| and later strkjv@7:57; strkjv@8:6; strkjv@12:20; strkjv@15:25; strkjv@18:21; strkjv@19:29|, old adverb and only in Acts in the N.T. Here "all" is added. In Solomon's Porch again as in strkjv@3:11| which see.

rwp@Acts:5:15 @{Insomuch that} (\h“ste\). With the present infinitive \ekpherein\ and \tithenai\, regular Greek idiom for result. {Into the streets} (\eis tas plateias\). Supply \hodous\ (ways), into the broad ways. {On beds and couches} (\epi klinari“n kai krabatt“n\). Little beds (\klinaria\ diminutive of \klinˆ\) and camp beds or pallets (see on ¯Mark:2:4,9,11|). {As Peter came by} (\erchomenou Petrou\). Genitive absolute with present middle participle. {At the least his shadow might overshadow} (\kan hˆ skia episkiasei\). Future active indicative with \hina\ (common with \hop“s\ in ancient Greek) and \kan\ (crasis for \kai ean\=even if), even if only the shadow. The word for shadow (\skia\, like our "sky") is repeated in the verb and preserved in our "overshadow." There was, of course, no virtue or power in Peter's shadow. That was faith with superstition, of course, just as similar cases in the Gospels occur (Matthew:9:20; strkjv@Mark:6:56; strkjv@John:9:5|) and the use of Paul's handkerchief (Acts:19:12|). God honours even superstitious faith if it is real faith in him. Few people are wholly devoid of superstition.

rwp@Acts:5:17 @{Which is the sect of the Sadducees} (\hˆ ousa hairesis t“n Saddoukai“n\). Literally, "the existing sect of the Sadducees" or "the sect which is of the Sadducees," \hˆ\ being the article, not the relative. \Hairesis\ means a choosing, from \haireomai\, to take for oneself, to choose, then an opinion chosen or tenet (possibly strkjv@2Peter:2:1|), then parties or factions (Gal strkjv@5:20; strkjv@1Corinthians:11:19|; possibly strkjv@2Peter:2:1|). It is applied here to the Sadducees; to the Pharisees in strkjv@Acts:15:5; strkjv@26:5|; to the Christians in strkjv@24:5-14; strkjv@28:22|. Already Luke has stated that the Sadducees started the persecution of Peter and John (Acts:4:1f.|). Now it is extended to "the apostles" as a whole since Christianity has spread more rapidly in Jerusalem than before it began.

rwp@Acts:5:18 @{With jealousy} (\zˆlou\). Genitive case. Old word from ze“, to boil, our zeal. In itself it means only warmth, ardour, zeal, but for a bad cause or from a bad motive, jealousy, envy, rivalry results (Acts:13:45|). Common in the epistles. {In public ward} (\en tˆrˆsei dˆmosiƒi\). As in strkjv@4:3| only with \dˆmosiƒi\ (public) added, in the public prison, perhaps not the "common" prison, but any prison is bad enough. In verse 19| it is called "the prison" (\tˆs phulakˆs\), the guardhouse.

rwp@Acts:5:21 @{About daybreak} (\hupo ton orthron\). From \ornumi\, to stir up, to arouse, so the dawn (Luke:24:1; strkjv@John:8:2|). Old word, but in the N.T. only these three passages. "Under the dawn" or "about dawn." _Sub lucem_. The temple doors would be open for early worshippers and traffickers (John:2:14|). {Taught} (\edidaskon\). Imperfect active, began to teach. {The council} (\to sunedrion\). The Sanhedrin. {The senate} (\tˆn gerousian\). From \ger“n\, an old man, just as the Latin _senatus_ is from _senex_, old. Like the \gerontes\ in Homer and the Elder Statesmen in Japan. Apparently the senate of the people were also part of the Sanhedrin and the use of "and" (\kai\) is explanatory and adds this item in particular. Page thinks that this group of elders were not members of the Sanhedrin at all. {To the prison house} (\eis to desm“tˆrion\), another word for prison (\tˆrˆsis dˆmosia\ in verse 18|, \hˆ phulakˆ\ in verse 19|). See also verses 22,23,25|. This from \desmos\, bond, and \tˆre“\, to keep, place where bound men are kept.

rwp@Acts:5:22 @{The officers} (\hoi hupˆretai\). Under-rowers, literally (Matthew:5:25|). The servants or officers who executed the orders of the Sanhedrin. {Shut} (\kekleismenon\). Perfect passive participle of \klei“\. Shut tight. {Standing at the doors} (\hest“tas epi t“n thur“n\). Graphic picture of the sentinels at the prison doors.

rwp@Acts:5:26 @{Brought} (\ˆgen\). Imperfect active of \ag“\, was bringing (leading), slowly no doubt, and solemnly. {But without violence} (\ou meta bias\). Literally, not with violence. {For they feared} (\ephobounto gar\). Imperfect middle, still feared, kept on fearing. {Lest they be stoned} (\mˆ lithasth“sin\). Negative purpose with \mˆ\ (like \hina mˆ\), probably with "not with violence," though possible with "they feared." They handled the apostles gently for fear of being stoned themselves by the people. First aorist passive subjunctive of \lithaz“\ (from \lithos\, stone), old verb to pelt with stones (Acts:14:19; strkjv@John:10:31-33|).

rwp@Acts:5:30 @{Ye slew} (\diecheirisasthe\). First aorist middle indicative of \diacheirizomai\, old verb from \dia\ and \cheir\ (hand), to take in hand, manage, to lay hands on, manhandle, kill. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:26:21|. {Hanging him upon a tree} (\kremasantes epi xulou\). First aorist active participle of \kremannumi\ (\kremannu“\ seen already in strkjv@Matthew:18:6| and strkjv@Luke:23:39|). Peter refers to strkjv@Deuteronomy:21:23| as Paul does in strkjv@Galatians:3:13|, the curse pronounced on every one who "hangs upon a tree."

rwp@Acts:5:31 @{Exalt} (\ups“sen\) In contrast to their murder of Christ as in strkjv@2:23f|. Peter repeats his charges with increased boldness. {With his right hand} (\tˆi dexiƒi autou\). Songs:instrumental case, or at his right hand (locative case), or even "to his right hand" (dative case) as in strkjv@2:33|. {Prince and Saviour} (\archˆgon kai s“tˆra\). See on ¯3:15|. Clearly "Prince" here. {To give} (\tou dounai\). Genitive of articular infinitive (second aorist active of \did“mi\) of purpose.

rwp@Acts:5:34 @{Gamaliel} (\Gamaliˆl\). The grandson of Hillel, teacher of Paul (Acts:22:3|), later president of the Sanhedrin, and the first of the seven rabbis termed "Rabban." It is held by some that he was one of the doctors who heard the Boy Jesus in the temple (Luke:2:47|) and that he was a secret disciple like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, but there is no evidence of either position. Besides, he appears here as a loyal Pharisee and "a doctor of the law" (\nomodidaskalos\). This word appears already in strkjv@Luke:5:17| of the Pharisaic doctors bent on criticizing Jesus, which see. Paul uses it of Judaizing Christians (1Timothy:1:7|). Like other great rabbis he had a great saying: "Procure thyself a teacher, avoid being in doubt; and do not accustom thyself to give tithes by guess." He was a man of judicial temper and not prone to go off at a tangent, though his brilliant young pupil Saul went to the limit about Stephen without any restraint on the part of Gamaliel so far as the record goes. Gamaliel champions the cause of the apostles as a Pharisee to score a point against the Sadducees. He acts as a theological opportunist, not as a disciple of Christ. He felt that a temporizing policy was best. There are difficulties in this speech of Gamaliel and it is not clear how Luke obtained the data for the address. It is, of course, possible that Saul was present and made notes of it for Luke afterwards. {Had in honour of all the people} (\timios panti t“i la“i\). Ethical dative. \Timios\ from \timˆ\, old word meaning precious, dear. {The men} (\tous anthr“pous\). Correct text as in verse 35|, not "the apostles" as Textus Receptus.

rwp@Acts:5:36 @{Theudas} (\Theudas\). Luke represents Gamaliel here about A.D. 35 as speaking of a man who led a revolt before that of Judas the Galilean in connection with the enrolment under Quirinius (Cyrenius) in A.D. 6. But Josephus (_Ant_. XX. 5, 1) tells of a Theudas who led a similar insurrection in the reign of Claudius about A.D. 44 or 45. Josephus (_Ant_. XVIII. 1, 6; XX. 5, 2; _War_ ii. 8, 1 and 17, 8) also describes Judas the Galilean or Gaulonite and places him about A.D. 6. It is not certain that Josephus and Luke (Gamaliel) refer to the same Theudas as the name is an abbreviation of Theodosus, a common name. "Josephus gives an account of four men named Simon who followed each other within forty years, and of three named Judas within ten years, who were all instigators of rebellion" (Hackett). If the same Theudas is meant, then either Josephus or Luke (Gamaliel) has the wrong historical order. In that case one will credit Luke or Josephus according to his estimate of the two as reliable historians. {To be somebody} (\einai tina\). Indirect assertion with the infinitive and the accusative of general reference (\heauton\) and \tina\, predicate accusative. \Tina\ could be "anybody" or "somebody" according to context, clearly "somebody" of importance here. {Joined themselves} (\proseklithˆ\). Correct text and not \prosekollˆthˆ\ (Textus Receptus). First aorist passive indicative of \prosklin“\, old verb to lean towards, to incline towards. Here only in the N.T. {Was slain} (\anˆirethˆ\). First aorist passive of \anaire“\ (cf. verse 33|). {Obeyed} (\epeithonto\). Imperfect middle, kept on obeying. {Were dispersed} (\dieluthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative (effective aorist) of \dialu“\, old verb to dissolve, to go to pieces. Here only in the N.T.

rwp@Acts:5:38 @{Refrain from} (\apostˆte apo\). Second aorist (ingressive) active imperative of \aphistˆmi\ of verse 37|. Do ye stand off from these men. "Hands off" was the policy of Gamaliel. {For if--be} (\hoti ean--ˆi\). \Hoti\ gives the reason for the advice. Gamaliel presents two alternatives in terms of two conditional clauses. The first one is stated as a condition of the third class, \ean\ with the present subjunctive \ˆi\, undetermined with prospect of determination. Assuming that it is from men, "it will be overthrown" (\kataluthˆsetai\, first future passive of \katalu“\, to loosen down like a falling house) as was true of the following of Theudas and Judas the Galilean.

rwp@Acts:5:39 @{But if it is of God} (\ei de ek theou estin\). The second alternative is a condition of the first class, determined as fulfilled, \ei\ with the present indicative. By the use of this idiom Gamaliel does put the case more strongly in favor of the apostles than against them. This condition _assumes_ that the thing is so without _affirming_ it to be true. On the basis of this alternative Gamaliel warns the Sanhedrin that they cannot "overthrow" (\katalusai\) these men for they in that case must "overthrow" God, {lest haply ye be found} (\mˆ pote--hurethˆte\, negative purpose with first aorist passive subjunctive) {even to be fighting against God} (\kai theomachoi\, late adjective from \theos\ and \machomai\, in LXX and here only in the N.T.).

rwp@Acts:5:41 @{They therefore} (\hoi men oun\). No answering \de\. {They were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the Name} (\katˆxi“thˆsan huper tou onomatos atimasthˆnai\). First aorist passive indicative of \kataxio“\, old verb to count worthy. Three times in N.T. (Luke:20:35; strkjv@Acts:5:41; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:5|). First aorist passive infinitive of \atimaz“\, old verb to make one dishonoured (\atimos\). Forms here an oxymoron (\oxus\, sharp, \moros\, foolish) pointedly foolish saying "which is witty or impressive through sheer contradiction or paradox as laborious idleness, sublime indifference" (Vincent). The apostles felt honoured by dishonour. Note the same use of "the Name" as in strkjv@James:2:7; strkjv@3John:1:7|. With the Jews this absolute use of "the Name" meant Jehovah. The Christians now apply it to Jesus.

rwp@Acts:5:42 @{Every day} (\pƒsan hˆmeran\). Accusative of extent of time, all through every day. {In the temple and at home} (\en t“i hier“i kai kat' oikon\). This was a distinct triumph to go back to the temple where they had been arrested (verse 25|) and at home or from house to house, as it probably means (cf. strkjv@2:46|). It was a great day for the disciples in Jerusalem. {They ceased not} (\ouk epauonto\). Imperfect middle. They kept it up. {Jesus as the Christ} (\ton Christon Iˆsoun\). Jesus is the direct object of the participles \didaskontes\ (teaching) and \euaggelizomenoi\ (preaching or evangelizing) while "the Christ" (\ton Christon\) is the predicate accusative. These words give the substance of the early apostolic preaching as these opening chapters of Acts show, that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah of promise. Gamaliel had opened the prison doors for them and they took full advantage of the opportunity that now was theirs.

rwp@Acts:6:1 @{When the number of the disciples was multiplying} (\plˆthunont“n t“n mathˆt“n\). Genitive absolute of \plˆthun“\, old verb from \plˆthos\, fulness, to increase. The new freedom from the intercession of Gamaliel was bearing rich fruit. {A murmuring of the Grecian Jews} (\goggusmos t“n Hellˆnist“n\). Late onomatopoetic word (LXX) from the late verb \gogguz“\, to mutter, to murmur. The substantive occurs also in strkjv@John:7:12; strkjv@Phillipians:2:14; strkjv@1Peter:4:9|. It is the secret grumblings that buzz away till they are heard. These "Grecian Jews" or Hellenists are members of the church in Jerusalem who are Jews from outside of Palestine like Barnabas from Cyprus. These Hellenists had points of contact with the Gentile world without having gone over to the habits of the Gentiles, the Jews of the Western Dispersion. They spoke Greek. {Against the Hebrews} (\pros tous Ebraious\). The Jewish Christians from Jerusalem and Palestine. The Aramaean Jews of the Eastern Dispersion are usually classed with the Hebrew (speaking Aramaic) as distinct from the Grecian Jews or Hellenists. {Were neglected} (\parethe“rounto\). Imperfect passive of \parathe“re“\, old verb, to examine things placed beside (\para\) each other, to look beyond (\para\ also), to overlook, to neglect. Here only in the N.T. These widows may receive daily (\kathˆmerinˆi\, late adjective from \kath' hˆmeran\, only here in the N.T.) help from the common fund provided for all who need it (Acts:4:32-37|). The temple funds for widows were probably not available for those who have now become Christians. Though they were all Christians here concerned, yet the same line of cleavage existed as among the other Jews (Hebrew or Aramaean Jews and Hellenists). It is not here said that the murmuring arose among the widows, but because of them. Women and money occasion the first serious disturbance in the church life. There was evident sensitiveness that called for wisdom.

rwp@Acts:6:2 @{The multitude} (\to plˆthos\). The whole church, not just the 120. {Fit} (\areston\). Pleasing, verbal adjective from \aresk“\, to please, old word, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:12:3; strkjv@John:8:29; strkjv@1John:3:22|. _Non placet_. {Should forsake} (\kataleipsantas\). Late first aorist active participle for usual second aorist \katalipontas\ from \kataleip“\, to leave behind. {Serve tables} (\diakonein trapezais\). Present active infinitive of \diakone“\ from \diakonos\ (\dia\ and \konis\, dust), to raise a dust in a hurry, to serve, to minister either at table (John:12:20|), or other service (John:12:25f.|), to serve as deacon (1Timothy:3:10,13|). "Tables" here hardly means money-tables as in strkjv@John:2:15|, but rather the tables used in the common daily distribution of the food (possibly including the love-feasts, strkjv@Acts:2:43-47|). This word is the same root as \diakonia\ (ministration) in verse 1| and \diakonos\ (deacon) in strkjv@Phillipians:1:1; strkjv@1Timothy:3:8-13|. It is more frequently used in the N.T. of ministers (preachers) than of deacons, but it is quite possible, even probable, that the office of deacon as separate from bishop or elder grew out of this incident in strkjv@Acts:6:1-7|. Furneaux is clear that these "seven" are not to be identified with the later "deacons" but why he does not make clear.

rwp@Acts:6:3 @{Of good report} (\marturoumenous\). Present passive participle of \marture“\, to bear witness to. Men with a good reputation as well as with spiritual gifts (the Holy Spirit and wisdom). {We may appoint} (\katastˆsomen\). Future active indicative of \kathistˆmi\, we shall appoint. The action of the apostles follows the choice by the church, but it is promised as a certainty, not as a possibility. The Textus Receptus has a first aorist active subjunctive here (\katastˆs“men\).

rwp@Acts:6:5 @{Pleased} (\ˆresen\). Aorist active indicative of \aresk“\ like Latin _placuit_ when a vote was taken. The use of \en“pion\ before "the whole multitude" is like the LXX. {They chose} (\exelexanto\). First aorist middle indicative of \ekleg“\, to pick out for oneself. Each one of the seven has a Greek name and was undoubtedly a Hellenist, not an Aramaean Jew. Consummate wisdom is here displayed for the murmuring had come from the Hellenists, seven of whom were chosen to take proper care of the widows of Hellenists. This trouble was settled to stay settled so far as we know. Nothing is here told of any of the seven except Stephen who is "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit" and Nicolas "a proselyte of Antioch" (who was not then born a Jew, but had come to the Jews from the Greek world).

rwp@Acts:6:8 @{Wrought} (\epoiei\). Imperfect active, repeatedly wrought. Evidently a man like Stephen would not confine his "ministry" to "serving tables." He was called in verse 5| "full of faith and the Holy Spirit." Here he is termed "full of grace (so the best MSS., not faith) and power." The four words give a picture of remarkable attractiveness. The grace of God gave him the power and so "he kept on doing great wonders and signs among the people." He was a sudden whirlwind of power in the very realm of Peter and John and the rest.

rwp@Acts:6:9 @{The synagogue of the Libertines} (\ek tˆs sunag“gˆs tˆs legomenˆs Libertin“n\). The Libertines (Latin _libertinus_, a freedman or the son of a freedman) were Jews, once slaves of Rome (perhaps descendants of the Jews taken to Rome as captives by Pompey), now set free and settled in Jerusalem and numerous enough to have a synagogue of their own. Schuerer calls a Talmudic myth the statement that there were 480 synagogues in Jerusalem. There were many, no doubt, but how many no one knows. These places of worship and study were in all the cities of the later times where there were Jews enough to maintain one. Apparently Luke here speaks of five such synagogues in Jerusalem (that of the Libertines, of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, of Cilicia, and of Asia). There probably were enough Hellenists in Jerusalem to have five such synagogues. But the language of Luke is not clear on this point. He may make only two groups instead of five since he uses the article \t“n\ twice (once before \Libertin“n kai Kurˆnai“n kai Alexandre“n\, again before \apo Kilikias kai Asias\). He also changes from the genitive plural to \apo\ before Cilicia and Asia. But, leaving the number of the synagogues unsettled whether five or two, it is certain that in each one where Stephen appeared as a Hellenist preaching Jesus as the Messiah he met opposition. Certain of them "arose" (\anestˆsan\) "stood up" after they had stood all that they could from Stephen, "disputing with Stephen" (\sunzˆtountes t“i Stephan“i\). Present active participle of \sunzˆte“\, to question together as the two on the way to Emmaus did (Luke:24:15|). Such interruptions were common with Jews. They give a skilled speaker great opportunity for reply if he is quick in repartee. Evidently Stephen was fully equipped for the emergency. One of their synagogues had men from Cilicia in it, making it practically certain that young Saul of Tarsus, the brilliant student of Gamaliel, was present and tried his wits with Stephen. His ignominious defeat may be one explanation of his zest in the stoning of Stephen (Acts:8:1|).

rwp@Acts:6:10 @{They were not able to withstand} (\ouk ischuon antistˆnai\). Imperfect active of \ischu“\, to have strength, and ingressive second aorist active (intransitive) infinitive of \anthistˆmi\. They continued unable (without strength enough) to take a stand against. Stephen knocked them down, Saul included, as fast as they got up. Stephen was like a battery charged and in action. {The wisdom and spirit} (\tˆi sophiƒi kai pneumati\). Dative case. They stood up against Stephen's wisdom and the Holy Spirit "by whom he spoke" (\h“i elalei\). Instrumental case and the relative agrees with "Spirit." He kept on speaking so (\elalei\, imperfect active). It was a desperate situation.

rwp@Acts:6:14 @{We have heard him say} (\akˆkoamen autou legontos\). The only direct testimony and evidently wrong. Curiously like the charge brought against Jesus before Caiaphas that he would destroy the temple and build it again in three days. Undoubtedly Stephen had said something about Christianity before as meant for others besides Jews. He had caught the spirit of Jesus about worship as shown to the woman at Sychar in strkjv@John:4| that God is spirit and to be worshipped by men anywhere and everywhere without having to come to the temple in Jerusalem. It was inflammable material surely and it was easy to misrepresent and hard to clear up. {This Jesus of Nazareth} (\Iˆsous ho Naz“raios houtos\). With contempt.

rwp@Acts:6:15 @{As if the face of an angel} (\h“sei pros“pon aggelou\). Even his enemies saw that, wicked as they were. See strkjv@Exodus:34:30| for the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai (2Corinthians:3:7|). Page quotes Tennyson: "God's glory smote him on the face." Where were Peter and John at this crisis? Apparently Stephen stands alone before the Sanhedrin as Jesus did. But he was not alone for he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts:7:56|). There was little that Peter and John could have done if they had been present. Gamaliel did not interpose this time for the Pharisees were behind the charges against Stephen, false though they were as Gamaliel could have found out.

rwp@Acts:7:1 @{Are these things so?} (\ei tauta hout“s echei\). On this use of \ei\ in a direct question see on ¯1:6|. Literally "Do these things hold thus?" A formal question by the high priest like our "Do you plead guilty, or not guilty?" (Furneaux). The abrupt question of the high priest would serve to break the evident spell of the angelic look on Stephen's face. Two charges had been made against Stephen (1) speaking against the holy temple, (2) changing the customs which Moses had delivered. Stephen could not give a yes or no answer to these two charges. There was an element of truth in each of them and a large amount of error all mixed together. Songs:he undertakes to explain his real position by the historical method, that is to say, by a rapid survey of God's dealing with the people of Israel and the Gentiles. It is the same method adopted by Paul in Pisidian Antioch (Acts:13:16ff.|) after he had become the successor of Stephen in his interpretation of the universal mission of Christianity. If one is disposed to say that Luke made up this speech to suit Stephen's predicament, he has to explain how the style is less Lukan than the narrative portions of Acts with knowledge of Jewish traditions that a Greek would not be likely to know. Precisely how Luke obtained the data for the speech we do not know, but Saul heard it and Philip, one of the seven, almost certainly. Both could have given Luke help about it. It is even possible that some one took notes of this important address. We are to remember also that the speech was interrupted at the end and may not include all that Stephen meant to say. But enough is given to give us a good idea of how Stephen met the first charge "by showing that the worship of God is not confined to Jerusalem or the Jewish temple" (Page). Then he answers the second charge by proving that God had many dealings with their fathers before Moses came and that Moses foretold the coming of the Messiah who is now known to be Jesus. It is at this point (verse 51|) that Stephen becomes passionate and so powerful that the wolves in the Sanhedrin lose all self-control. It is a great and masterful exposition of the worldwide mission of the gospel of Christ in full harmony with the Great Commission of Christ. The apostles had been so busy answering the Sadducees concerning the Resurrection of Christ and maintaining their freedom to teach and preach that they had not pushed the world-wide propaganda of the gospel as Jesus had commanded after they had received the Promise of the Father. But Stephen had proclaimed the same message of Christ and was now facing the same fate. Peter's mind had been enlightened by the Holy Spirit so that he could rightly interpret Joel and David in the light of Pentecost. "Songs:Stephen read the history of the Old Testament with new eyes in the light of the life and death of Jesus" (Furneaux).

rwp@Acts:7:2 @{Brethren and fathers} (\andres adelphoi kai pateres\). The spectators (brethren) and members of the Sanhedrin (fathers) as Paul in strkjv@Acts:22:1|. {Hearken} (\akousate\). First aorist (ingressive) active imperative, Give me your attention now. {The God of glory} (\Hosea:theos tˆs doxˆs\). The God characterized by glory (genitive case, genus or kind) as seen in the Shekinah, the visible radiance of God. Jesus is also called "the Glory"=the Shekinah in strkjv@James:2:1|. Cf. strkjv@Exodus:25:22; strkjv@40:34; strkjv@Leviticus:9:6; strkjv@Hebrews:9:5|. By these words Stephen refutes the charge of blasphemy against God in strkjv@Acts:6:11|. {Appeared} (\“phthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \hora“\. See on ¯Luke:23:43|. Before there was temple or tabernacle and away over in Mesopotamia (Ur of the Chaldees, strkjv@Genesis:11:31|), even before (\prin ˆ\ with the infinitive) he dwelt in Haran (\Charran\, or Carrae not far from Edessa, where Crassus met death after his defeat by the Parthians B.C. 53).

rwp@Acts:7:5 @{Not so much as to set his foot on} (\oude bˆma podos\). From strkjv@Deuteronomy:2:5|. Old word from \bain“\, to go, to step. "Stepping of a foot," only instance of this original meaning in the N.T. From this it comes to mean a platform reached by steps, official seat of a judge (Matthew:27:19|). The field purchased by Abraham (Genesis:23:9-17|) was not a gift from God. {Promised} (\epˆggeilato\). First aorist middle indicative of \epaggell“\, common verb. See strkjv@Genesis:12:7; strkjv@17:8; strkjv@48:4| for this promise. Songs:God appeared again to Abraham in a strange land. {In possession} (\eis kataschesin\). Late word, in LXX, and in N.T. only here and verse 45|. From \katech“\, to hold back, then to hold fast (or down), to possess. It was fulfilled in the descendants of Abraham. {When as yet he had no child} (\ouk ontos aut“i teknou\). Genitive absolute with negative \ouk\ rather than \mˆ\ to emphasize actual absence of a child. He had only the promise of God about the land and the child.

rwp@Acts:7:12 @{That there was corn} (\onta sitia\). Participle (present active of \eimi\) in indirect discourse, after \akousas\, "heard of corn being in Egypt." \Sitia\ is diminutive of \sitos\ and means grain (wheat, barley, not our maize or Indian corn), old word also for provisions, victuals, here only in the N.T. {The first time} (\pr“ton\). While Jacob himself remained in Canaan before he went down to Egypt and died there (verse 15f.|).

rwp@Acts:7:14 @{Three-score and fifteen souls} (\en psuchais hebdomˆkonta pente\). Stephen follows the LXX which counts some grandchildren of Joseph and so makes it 75 whereas strkjv@Genesis:46:26| has 66 and then the next verse makes it 70| including Jacob and Joseph with his two sons. The use of \en\ means "consisting in."

rwp@Acts:7:16 @{They were carried over unto Shechem} (\metetethˆsan eis Suchem\). First aorist passive of \metatithˆmi\, only here in the N.T. in this sense of changing places. Jacob was buried in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis:50:13|). The O.T. does not say where the sons of Jacob were buried save that Joseph was buried in Shechem (Joshua:24:32|). Possibly only "our fathers" without Jacob is the subject of "were carried." {Which Abraham bought} (\h“i “nˆsato Abraam\). Hackett is sure that our present text is wrong. Hort notes some sixty "primitive errors" in the critical text of the N.T. It is possible that this is also one. If "Jacob" is substituted for "Abraham," the matter is cleared up. "It is quite as likely, judging _a priori_, that the word producing the error escaped from some early copyist as that so glaring an error was committed by Stephen" (Hackett). At any rate Abraham bought a burying-place, the cave of Machpelah, from Ephron the Hittite at Hebron (Genesis:23:16|), while Jacob bought a field from the sons of Hamor at Shechem (Genesis:33:19; strkjv@Joshua:24:32|). Abraham had built an altar at Shechem when he entered Canaan (Genesis:12:6f.|). It is possible, of course, that Abraham also bought the ground on which the altar stood. {In Shechem} (\en Suchem\). This is the reading of Aleph B C instead of the Textus Receptus \tou Suchem\ which makes it "Hamar the father of Sichem." "In Shechem" is the true reading.

rwp@Acts:7:19 @{Dealt subtilly} (\katasophisamenos\). First aorist middle participle of \katasophizomai\, late compound (\kata\ and \sophiz“\, old verb, to make wise, to become wise, then to play the sophist), perfective use of \kata\. In the LXX, but here only in the N.T. To use fraud, craft, deceit. {That they should cast out their babes} (\tou poiein ta brephˆ ektheta\). \Tou poiein\ (genitive of the articular present infinitive) can be either design or result. The Revised Version here takes it as purpose while the Authorized as result. In either case Pharaoh required the Israelites to expose their children to death, a possible practice done voluntarily in heathen China and by heathen in so-called Christian lands. But the Israelites fought against such an iniquity. The word \ektheta\ (exposed, cast out) is a verbal adjective from \ektithˆmi\. It is an old word, but here only in the N.T. and not in the LXX. {To the end they might not live} (\eis to mˆ z“ogoneisthai\). Purpose with \eis\ and the articular infinitive (present middle). This compound verb is from \z“ogonos\ (from \z“os\, alive, and \gen“\, to bear) and is used by late writers and the LXX. It is three times in the N.T. (here, strkjv@Luke:17:33; strkjv@1Timothy:6:13|) in the sense to preserve alive.

rwp@Acts:7:21 @{When he was cast out} (\ektethentos autou\). Genitive absolute with first aorist passive participle of \ektithˆmi\. {Took up} (\aneilato\). Second aorist middle indicative (with first aorist vowel \a\ instead of \e\ as often in the _Koin‚_) of \anaire“\, common in the N.T. in the sense of take up and make away with, to kill as in verse 28|, but here only in the N.T. in the original sense of taking up from the ground and with the middle voice (for oneself). Quoted here from strkjv@Exodus:2:5|. The word was used of old for picking up exposed children as here. Vincent quotes Aristophanes (_Clouds_, 531): "I exposed (the child), and some other women, having taken it, adopted (\aneileto\) it." Vulgate has _sustulit_. "Adopted" is the idea here. "After the birth of a child the father took it up to his bosom, if he meant to rear it; otherwise it was doomed to perish" (Hackett). {Nourished him for her own son} (\anethrepsato auton heautˆi eis huion\). Literally, "she nursed him up for herself (\heautˆi\ besides middle voice) as a son." This use of \eis\=as occurs in the old Greek, but is very common in the LXX as a translation of the Hebrew _le_. The tradition is that she designed Moses for the throne as the Pharaoh had no son (Josephus, _Ant_. ii. 9, 7).

rwp@Acts:7:24 @{Suffer wrong} (\adikoumenon\). Present passive participle of \adikˆo\. By blows (Exodus:2:11|). {Avenged} (\epoiˆsen ekdikˆsin\). First aorist active indicative of \poie“\. This idiom occurs in strkjv@Luke:18:7| with \ekdikˆsin\ (this from \ekdike“\ and that from \ekdikos\ without right or law \dikˆ\ and then exacting law of right out of \ek\ one, exacting vengeance). {Him that was oppressed} (\t“i kataponoumen“i\). Present passive articular participle in the dative case of \kataponeo\, to tire down with toil, to treat roughly, common in late Greek, in the N.T. only here and strkjv@2Peter:2:7| (sore distressed). The man was on the point of being overcome. {Smiting} (\pataxas\). First aorist active participle of \patass“\, in the old Greek the beat of the heart, only in the LXX and N.T. to smite a deadly blow as here like \plˆss“\.

rwp@Acts:7:26 @{The day following} (\tˆi epiousˆi hˆmerƒi\). Locative case, "on the following day" (from \epeimi\, to come upon, to approach, present active participle \epi“n -ousa, -on\). Common phrase in old Greek both with \hˆmera\ (day) as here and without as strkjv@16:11|. Only in Acts in the N.T. {Appeared} (\“phthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \hora“\ not with idea that only a vision but rather that it was sudden or unexpected. {As they strove} (\machomenois\). Present middle participle of \machomai\, actually fighting. {Would have set them at one again} (\sunˆllassen autous eis eirˆnen\). Better, he tried to reconcile them (or change them into peace). It is the conative imperfect active as in strkjv@Matthew:3:14| of \sunallass“\, only here in the N.T. though common in the old Greek. Vulgate has _reconciliabat_. The usual word in the N.T. for reconcile is \katallass“\. {Do ye wrong one to another} (\adikeite allˆlous\). The same word used in verse 24| of the wrong done one of the Hebrews by the Egyptian, but here both are "brethren."

rwp@Acts:7:27 @{Thrust him away} (\ap“sato auton\). First aorist middle indicative (_Koin‚_ for Attic \ape“sato\) of \ap“the“\, to push away from oneself in middle voice as here, common in old Greek. Again in verse 39; strkjv@13:46; strkjv@Romans:11:1; strkjv@1Timothy:1:19|. It is always the man who is doing the wrong who is hard to reconcile.

rwp@Acts:7:28 @{Wouldest thou kill me?} (\mˆ anelein me su theleis\). Expecting the answer no, but a thrust direct at Moses, Do you wish to kill me (note \me su\ right together, {me thou}). See strkjv@Exodus:2:14| quoted by Stephen.

rwp@Acts:7:31 @{The sight} (\to horama\). Used of visions in the N.T. as in strkjv@Matthew:17:9|. {As he drew near} (\proserchomenou autou\). Genitive absolute with present middle participle of \proserchomai\. {A voice of the Lord} (\ph“nˆ kuriou\). Here the angel of Jehovah of verse 30| is termed Jehovah himself. Jesus makes powerful use of these words in his reply to the Sadducees in defence of the doctrine of the resurrection and the future life (Mark:12:26; strkjv@Matthew:22:32; strkjv@Luke:20:37f.|) that God here describes himself as the God of the living. {Trembled} (\entromos genomenos\). Literally, becoming tremulous or terrified. The adjective \entromos\ (\en, tromos\ from \trem“\, to tremble, to quake) occurs in Plutarch and the LXX. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:16:29|. {Durst not} (\ouk etolma\). Imperfect active, was not daring, negative conative imperfect.

rwp@Acts:7:34 @{I have surely seen} (\id“n eidon\). Imitation of the Hebrew infinitive absolute, (Exodus:3:7|) "Seeing I saw" (cf. strkjv@Hebrews:6:14|). {The affliction} (\tˆn kak“sin\). From \kako“\, to treat evilly (from \kakos\, evil). Old word, here only in the N.T. and from strkjv@Exodus:3:7|. {Groaning} (\stenagmou\). Old word from \stenaz“\, to sigh, to groan. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:8:26|. Root \sten\ in our word stentorian. {I am come down} (\katebˆn\). Second aorist active indicative of \katabain“\, I came down. {To deliver} (\exelesthai\). Second aorist middle infinitive of \exaire“\, to take out for myself. {I will send} (\aposteil“\). First aorist active subjunctive (hortatory of \apostell“\, "Let me send").

rwp@Acts:7:37 @{Like unto me} (\h“s eme\). This same passage Peter quoted to the crowd in Solomon's Porch (Acts:3:22|). Stephen undoubtedly means to argue that Moses was predicting the Messiah as a prophet like himself who is no other than Jesus so that these Pharisees are in reality opposing Moses. It was a neat turn.

rwp@Acts:7:38 @{In the church in the wilderness} (\en tˆi ekklˆsiƒi en tˆi erˆm“i\). Better rendered "congregation" here as in strkjv@Hebrews:2:12| (Psalms:22:22|), the people of Israel gathered at Mt. Sinai, the whole nation. Moses is here represented as receiving the law from an angel as in strkjv@Hebrews:2:2; strkjv@Galatians:3:19| (Deuteronomy:33:2|, LXX) and so was a mediator (\mesitˆs\) or middle man between the angel and the people whereas Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews:8:6|). But Exodus does not speak of an angel. {Living oracles} (\logia z“nta\). A \logion\ is a little word (diminutive of \logos\). Common in the old Greek, LXX, Philo, in ecclesiastical writers for sayings of Christ, Papias (for instance) saying that Matthew wrote in Hebrew (Aramaic) "Logia of Jesus." Oxyrhynchus papyri fragments called "Logia of Jesus" are of much interest though only fragments. The Greeks used it of the "oracles" or brief sayings from Delphi. In the N.T. the word occurs only four times (Acts:7:38; strkjv@Romans:3:2; strkjv@Hebrews:5:12; strkjv@1Peter:4:11|). Here the participle \z“nta\, living, is the same used by Peter (1Peter:2:4f|.), stone (\lithos\) of Christ and Christians. The words from God to Moses are still "living" today. In strkjv@1Peter:4:11| the word is applied to one who speaks \logia theou\ (oracles of God). In strkjv@Romans:3:2| Paul refers to the substance of the law and of prophecy. In strkjv@Hebrews:5:12| the writer means the substance of the Christian religious teaching.

rwp@Acts:7:40 @{Gods which shall go before us} (\theous hoi proporeusontai hˆm“n\). strkjv@Exodus:32:1|. As guides and protectors, perhaps with some allusion to the pillar of fire and of cloud that had gone before them (Exodus:13:21|). The future indicative here with \hoi\ (relative) expresses purpose. {Ye wot not} (\ouk oidamen\). We do not know. How quickly they had forgotten both God and Moses while Moses was absent in the mount with God. {Become of him} (\egeneto aut“i\). Happened to him. "This" (\houtos\) here is a contemptuous allusion to Moses by the people.

rwp@Acts:7:41 @{They made a calf} (\emoschopoiˆsan\). First aorist active indicative of \moschopoie“\, here only in the N.T. and unknown elsewhere. The LXX (Exodus:32:3|) has \epoiˆse moschon\ from which phrase the word is evidently made. Aaron made the calf, but so did the people (Exodus:32:35|). {The idol} (\t“i eid“l“i\). Stephen calls it by the right name. The people said it was their way of worshipping Jehovah! Songs:the Egyptians worshipped the bull Apis at Memphis as the symbol of Osiris (the sun). They had another sacred bull Mnevis at Leontopolis. \Eid“lon\ (from \eidos\, form or figure) is the image or likeness of anything. The heathen worship the god through the image or idol. {Rejoiced} (\euphrainonto\). Imperfect, middle, kept on rejoicing (Exodus:32:6,18|) or making merry.

rwp@Acts:7:42 @{Gave them up} (\pared“ken\). First aorist active indicative of \paradid“mi\. This same form occurs three times like clods on a coffin in a grave in strkjv@Romans:1:24,26,28| where Paul speaks of God giving the heathen up to their lusts. {To serve the host of heaven} (\latreuein tˆi stratiƒi tou ouranou\). The verb \latreu“\ is used of the worship of God (Matthew:4:10|) as well as of idols as here (from \latron\, hire, \latris\, hireling, then to serve). But the worship of the host of heaven (Deuteronomy:17:3; strkjv@2Kings:17:16; strkjv@21:3; strkjv@2Chronicles:33:3,5; strkjv@Jeremiah:8:2; strkjv@19:13|) is Sabaism or worship of the host (\stratia\) of heaven (sun, moon, and stars) instead of the Lord of hosts. This star-worship greatly injured the Jews. {In the book of the prophets} (\en bibl“i t“n prophˆt“n\). That is the twelve minor prophets which the Jews counted as one book (cf. strkjv@Acts:13:40|). This quotation is from strkjv@Amos:5:25-27|. The greater prophets were Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel. {Slain beasts} (\sphagia\). Here only in the N.T. (from strkjv@Amos:5:25|) \sphagˆ\, slaughter, \sphaz“\, to slay.

rwp@Acts:7:44 @{The tabernacle of the testimony} (\hˆ skˆnˆ tou marturiou\). Probably suggested by the mention of "the tabernacle of Moloch" (verse 43|). See on ¯Matthew:17:4| for discussion of \skˆnˆ\ (from \skia\, shadow, root \ska\, to cover). This first sanctuary was not the temple, but the tent in the wilderness. "Stephen passes on from the conduct of the Israelites to his other argument that God is not necessarily worshipped in a particular spot" (Page). {According to the figure} (\kata ton tupon\). According to the type or pattern. \Tupos\ is from \tupt“\, to strike, to smite, and is the print of the blow (John:20:25|), then the figure formed by a blow or impression like our type, a model or example. Quoted from strkjv@Exodus:25:40|. Common word in the old Greek. {That he had seen} (\hon he“rakei\). Past perfect active of \hora“\, to see (double reduplication).

rwp@Acts:7:45 @{Which} (\hˆn\). Agreeing with \skˆnˆn\, not with \tupon\. {In their turn} (\diadexamenoi\). First aorist middle participle of \diadechomai\, to receive through another, to receive in sucession or in turn. Late Greek, only here in N.T. Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, p. 115) argues from a second century B.C. papyrus that \diadochos\ means rather deputy or court official than successor. {With Joshua} (\meta Iˆsou\). With Jesus, the Greek form of Joshua (contracted from Jehoshua, strkjv@Matthew:1:21|), as in strkjv@Hebrews:4:8|. {When they entered on the possession of the nations} (\en tˆi kataschesei t“n ethn“n\). Literally "in (or at the time of) the possession of the nations." See on ¯7:5| for the only other N.T. instance of \kataschesis\. {Which} (\h“n\). The nations, genitive by attraction to case of \ethn“n\. {Thrust out} (\ex“sen\). First aorist active indicative of \ex“the“\, to push out, common verb, here, only in N.T. save some MSS. in strkjv@Acts:27:39|.

rwp@Acts:7:48 @{Howbeit} (\all'\). By contrast with what Solomon did and David planned. Note emphatic position of "not" (\all' ouch\), "But not does the Most High dwell." The presence of the Most High is not confined in any building, even one so splendid as Solomon's Temple as Solomon himself foresaw and acknowledged in his prayer (1Kings:8:27; strkjv@2Chronicles:6:18|). {In houses made with hands} (\en cheiropoiˆtois\). No word here for "houses" or "temples" in correct text (\naois\ temples in Textus Receptus). Literally, "In things made with hands" (\cheir\, hand, \poiˆtos\, verbal adjective of \poie“\). It occurs in strkjv@Mark:14:58| of the temple and of the sanctuary of Moab (Isaiah:16:12|). It occurs also in strkjv@Acts:7:24; strkjv@Hebrews:9:11,24; strkjv@Ephesians:2:11|. Common in the old Greek. {The prophet} (\ho prophˆtˆs\). strkjv@Isaiah:66:1|. Isaiah taught plainly that heaven is God's throne.

rwp@Acts:7:49 @{What manner of house} (\Poion oikon\). What sort of a house? This interrogative is sometimes scornful as in strkjv@4:7; strkjv@Luke:6:32ff.| (Page). Songs:Stephen shows by Isaiah that Solomon was right that the temple was not meant to "confine" God's presence and that Jesus had rightly shown that God is a spirit and can be worshipped anywhere by any individual of any race or land. It is a tremendous argument for the universality and spirituality of Christianity free from the shackles of Jewish racial and national limitations, but its very strength only angered the Sanhedrin to desperation.

rwp@Acts:7:52 @{Which of the prophets} (\tina t“n prophˆt“n\). Jesus (Luke:11:47; strkjv@Matthew:23:29-37|) had charged them with this very thing. Cf. strkjv@2Chronicles:36:16|. {Which shewed before} (\prokataggeilantas\). The very prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah their fathers killed. {The coming} (\tˆs eleuse“s\). Not in ancient Greek or LXX and only here in the N.T. (in a few late writers). {Betrayers} (\prodotai\). Just like Judas Iscariot. He hurled this old biting word at them. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:6:16; strkjv@2Timothy:3:4|. It cut like a knife. It is blunter than Peter in strkjv@Acts:3:13|. {Murderers} (\phoneis\). The climax with this sharp word used of Barabbas (3:14|).

rwp@Acts:7:54 @{When they heard} (\akouontes\). Present active participle of \akou“\, while hearing. {They were cut to the heart} (\dieprionto tais kardiais\). See strkjv@5:33| where the same word and form (imperfect passive of \diapri“\) is used of the effect of Peter's speech on the Sadducees. Here Stephen had sent a saw through the hearts of the Pharisees that rasped them to the bone. {They gnashed on him with their teeth} (\ebruchon tous odontas ep' auton\). Imperfect (inchoative) active of \bruch“\ (Attic \bruk“\), to bite with loud noise, to grind or gnash the teeth. Literally, They began to gnash their teeth at (\ep'\) him (just like a pack of hungry, snarling wolves). Stephen knew that it meant death for him.

rwp@Acts:7:57 @{Stopped their ears} (\suneschon ta “ta aut“n\). Second aorist active of \sunech“\, to hold together. They held their ears together with their hands and affected to believe Stephen guilty of blasphemy (cf. strkjv@Matthew:26:65|). {Rushed upon him with one accord} (\h“rmˆsan homothumadon ep' auton\). Ingressive aorist active indicative of \horma“\, to rush impetuously as the hogs did down the cliff when the demons entered them (Luke:8:33|). No vote was taken by the Sanhedrin. No scruple was raised about not having the right to put him to death (John:8:31|). It may have taken place after Pilate's recall and before his successor came or Pilate, if there, just connived at such an incident that did not concern Rome. At any rate it was mob violence like modern lynching that took the law into the hands of the Sanhedrin without further formalities. {Out of the city} (\ek tˆs pole“s\). To keep from defiling the place with blood. But they sought to kill Paul as soon as they got him out of the temple area (Acts:21:30f.|). {Stoned} (\elithoboloun\). Imperfect active indicative of \lithobole“\, began to stone, from \lithobolos\ (\lithos\, stone, \ball“\, to throw), late Greek verb, several times in the N.T. as strkjv@Luke:13:34|. Stoning was the Jewish punishment for blasphemy (Leviticus:24:14-16|). {The witnesses} (\hoi martures\). The false testifiers against Stephen suborned by the Pharisees (Acts:6:11,13|). These witnesses had the privilege of casting the first stones (Deuteronomy:13:10; strkjv@17:7|) against the first witness for Christ with death (_martyr_ in our modern sense of the word). {At the feet of a young man named Saul} (\para tous podas neaniou kaloumenou Saulou\). Beside (\para\) the feet. Our first introduction to the man who became the greatest of all followers of Jesus Christ. Evidently he was not one of the "witnesses" against Stephen, for he was throwing no stones at him. But evidently he was already a leader in the group of Pharisees. We know from later hints from Saul (Paul) himself that he had been a pupil of Gamaliel (Acts:22:3|). Gamaliel, as the Pharisaic leader in the Sanhedrin, was probably on hand to hear the accusations against Stephen by the Pharisees. But, if so, he does not raise his voice against this mob violence. Saul does not seem to be aware that he is going contrary to the views of his master, though pupils often go further than their teachers.

rwp@Acts:7:60 @{Kneeled down} (\theis ta gonata\). Second aorist active participle of \tithˆmi\, placing the knees (on the ground). This idiom is not in the old Greek for kneeling, but Luke has it five times (Luke:22:41; strkjv@Acts:7:60; strkjv@9:40; strkjv@22:36; strkjv@21:5|) and Mark once (15:19|). Jesus was standing at the right hand of God and Stephen knelt before him in worship and called on him in prayer. {Lay not this sin to their charge} (\mˆ stˆsˆis autois tautˆn tˆn hamartian\). First aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive with \mˆ\, regular Greek idiom, Place not to them or against them (dative \autois\) this sin. The very spirit of Jesus towards his enemies as he died upon the Cross (Luke:23:34|). {He fell asleep} (\ekoimˆthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \koima“\, to put to sleep. Old verb and the metaphor of sleep for death is common in all languages, but it is peculiarly appropriate here as Jesus used it of Lazarus. See also strkjv@Acts:13:36; strkjv@1Corinthians:15:18|, etc. Our word cemetery (\koimˆtˆrion\) is the sleeping place of the dead. Knowling calls \ekoimˆthˆ\ here "a picture word of rest and calmness which stands in dramatic contrast to the rage and violence of the scene."

rwp@Acts:8:1 @{Was consenting} (\ˆn suneudok“n\). Periphrastic imperfect of \suneudoke“\, a late double compound (\sun, eu, doke“\) that well describes Saul's pleasure in the death (\anairesis\, taking off, only here in the N.T., though old word) of Stephen. For the verb see on ¯Luke:23:32|. Paul himself will later confess that he felt so (Acts:22:20|), coolly applauding the murder of Stephen, a heinous sin (Romans:1:32|). It is a gruesome picture. Chapter 7 should have ended here. {On that day} (\en ekeinˆi tˆi hˆmerƒi\). On that definite day, that same day as in strkjv@2:41|. {A great persecution} (\di“gmos megas\). It was at first persecution from the Sadducees, but this attack on Stephen was from the Pharisees so that both parties are now united in a general persecution that deserves the adjective "great." See on ¯Matthew:13:21| for the old word \di“gmos\ from \di“k“\, to chase, hunt, pursue, persecute. {Were all scattered abroad} (\pantes diesparˆsan\). Second aorist passive indicative of \diaspeir“\, to scatter like grain, to disperse, old word, in the N.T. only in strkjv@Acts:8:1,4; strkjv@11:19|. {Except the apostles} (\plˆn t“n apostol“n\). Preposition \plˆn\ (adverb from \pleon\, more) with the ablative often in Luke. It remains a bit of a puzzle why the Pharisees spared the apostles. Was it due to the advice of Gamaliel in strkjv@Acts:5:34-40|? Or was it the courage of the apostles? Or was it a combination of both with the popularity of the apostles in addition?

rwp@Acts:8:3 @{Laid waste} (\elumaineto\). Imperfect middle of \lumainomai\, old verb (from \lumˆ\, injury), to dishonour, defile, devastate, ruin. Only here in the N.T. Like the laying waste of a vineyard by a wild boar (Psalms:79:13|). Picturesque description of the havoc carried on by Saul now the leader in the persecution. He is victor over Stephen now who had probably worsted him in debate in the Cilician synagogue in Jerusalem. {Into every house} (\kata tous oikous\). But Luke terms it "the church" (\tˆn ekklˆsian\). Plainly not just an "assembly," but an organized body that was still "the church" when scattered in their own homes, "an unassembled assembly" according to the etymology. Words do not remain by the etymology, but travel on with usage. {Haling} (\sur“n\). Literally, dragging forcibly (=hauling). Present active participle of \sur“\, old verb. {Men and women} (\andras kai gunaikas\). A new feature of the persecution that includes the women. They met it bravely as through all the ages since (cf. strkjv@9:2; strkjv@22:4|). This fact will be a bitter memory for Paul always. {Committed} (\paredidou\). Imperfect active of \paradid“mi\, old verb, kept on handing them over to prison.

rwp@Acts:8:6 @{Gave heed} (\proseichon\). Imperfect active as in verses 10,11|, there with dative of the person (\aut“i\), here with the dative of the thing (\tois legomenois\). There is an ellipse of \noun\ (mind). They kept on giving heed or holding the mind on the things said by Philip, spell-bound, in a word. {When they heard} (\en t“i akouein autous\). Favourite Lukan idiom, \en\ and the locative case of the articlar infinitive with the accusative of general reference "in the hearing as to them." {Which he did} (\ha epoiei\). Imperfect active again, which he kept on doing from time to time. Philip wrought real miracles which upset the schemes of Simon Magus.

rwp@Acts:8:10 @{That power of God which is called Great} (\hˆ Dunamis tou theou hˆ kaloumenˆ Megalˆ\). Apparently here already the oriental doctrine of emanations or aeons so rampant in the second century. This "power" was considered a spark of God himself and Jerome (in strkjv@Matthew:24|) quotes Simon (Page) as saying: _Ego sum sermo Dei,... ego omnipotens, ego omnia Dei_. Simon claimed to _impersonate God_.

rwp@Acts:8:12 @{They were baptized} (\ebaptizonto\). Imperfect passive (repetition, from time to time), while {believed} (\episteusan\) is constative aorist antecedent to the baptism. Note dative case of Philip with \episteusan\. Note the gospel of Philip "concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ."

rwp@Acts:8:13 @{And Simon also himself believed} (\Hosea:de Sim“n kai autos episteusen\). Note the same verb in the aorist tense \episteusen\. What did he believe? Evidently that Jesus was this "power of God" not himself (Simon). He saw that the miracles wrought by Philip in the name of Christ were genuine while he knew that his own were frauds. He wanted this power that Philip had to add to his own pretensions. "He was probably half victim of self-delusion, half conscious impostor" (Furneaux). He was determined to get this new "power," but had no sense of personal need of Jesus as Saviour for his sins. Songs:he submitted to baptism (\baptistheis\, first aorist passive participle of \baptiz“\), clear proof that baptism does not convey salvation. {He continued with Philip} (\ˆn proskarter“n t“i Philipp“i\). Periphrastic imperfect of the verb \proskartere“\ (see on ¯2:46|). He stuck to Philip (dative case) to find out the secret of his power. {Beholding} (\the“r“n\). Watching the signs and miracles (powers, \dunameis\ that threw his "power" in the shade) as they were wrought (\ginomenas\, present middle participle of \ginomai\). The more he watched the more the wonder grew (\existato\). He had "amazed" (verse 9|) the people by his tricks and he was himself more "amazed" than they by Philip's deeds.

rwp@Acts:8:14 @{That Samaria had received} (\hoti dedektai hˆ Samaria\). The district here, not the city as in verse 5|. Perfect middle indicative of \dechomai\ retained in indirect discourse. It was a major event for the apostles for now the gospel was going into Samaria as Jesus had predicted (1:8|). Though the Samaritans were nominally Jews, they were not held so by the people. The sending of Peter and John was no reflection on Philip, but was an appropriate mission since "many Christian Jews would be scandalized by the admission of Samaritans" (Furneaux). If Peter and John sanctioned it, the situation would be improved. John had once wanted to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village (Luke:9:54|).

rwp@Acts:8:15 @{That they might receive} (\hop“s lab“sin\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \lamban“\, final clause with \hop“s\. Did they wish the Samaritan Pentecost to prove beyond a doubt that the Samaritans were really converted when they believed? They had been baptized on the assumption that the Holy Spirit had given them new hearts. The coming of the Holy Spirit with obvious signs (cf. strkjv@10:44-48|) as in Jerusalem would make it plain.

rwp@Acts:8:19 @{Me also} (\kamoi\). This is the whole point with this charlatan. He wants the power to pass on "this power." His notion of "The Holy Spirit" was on this low level. He regarded spiritual functions as a marketable commodity. Money "can buy diamonds, but not wisdom, or sympathy, or faith, or holiness" (Furneaux).

rwp@Acts:8:22 @{Wickedness} (\kakias\). Only here in Luke's writings, though old word and in LXX (cf. strkjv@1Peter:2:1,16|). {If perhaps} (\ei ara\). _Si forte_. This idiom, though with the future indicative and so a condition of the first class (determined as fulfilled), yet minimizes the chance of forgiveness as in strkjv@Mark:11:13|. Peter may have thought that his sin was close to the unpardonable sin (Matthew:12:31|), but he does not close the door of hope. {The thought} (\hˆ epinoia\). Old Greek word from \epinoe“\, to think upon, and so purpose. Only here in the N.T.

rwp@Acts:9:25 @{Through the wall} (\dia tou teichous\). Paul in strkjv@2Corinthians:11:33| explains \dia tou teichous\ as being \dia thuridos\ (through a window) which opened into the house on the inside of the wall as is true today in Damascus as Hackett saw there. See strkjv@Joshua:2:15f.| (cf. strkjv@1Samuel:19:12|) for the way that Rahab let out the spies "by a cord through the window." {Lowering him} (\auton chalasantes\). First aorist active participle of \chala“\, old and common verb in a nautical sense (Acts:27:17,30|) as well as otherwise as here. Same verb used by Paul of this experience (2Corinthians:11:33|). {In a basket} (\en sphuridi\). The word used when the four thousand were fed (Mark:8:8; strkjv@Matthew:15:37|). A large basket plaited of reeds and distinguished in strkjv@Mark:8:19f.| (Matthew:16:9f.|) from the smaller \kophinos\. Paul uses \sarganˆ\, a basket made of ropes. This escape by night by the help of the men whom he had come to destroy was a shameful memory to Paul (2Corinthians:11:33|). Wendt thinks that the coincidences in language here prove that Luke had read II Corinthians. That, of course, is quite possible.

rwp@Acts:9:28 @{Going in and going out} (\eisporeumenos kai ekporeuomenos\). Barnabas and Peter and James opened all the doors for Saul and the fear of the disciples vanished.

rwp@Acts:9:29 @{Preaching boldly} (\parrˆsiazomenos\). For a while. Evidently Saul did not extend his preaching outside of Jerusalem (Galatians:1:22|) and in the city preached mainly in the synagogues of the Hellenists (\pros tous Hellenistas\) as Stephen had done (Acts:8:9|). As a Cilician Jew he knew how to speak to the Hellenists. {Disputed} (\sunezˆtei\). Imperfect active of \sunzˆte“\, the very verb used in strkjv@6:9| of the disputes with Stephen in these very synagogues in one of which (Cilicia) Saul had probably joined issue with Stephen to his own discomfort. It was intolerable to these Hellenistic Jews now to hear Saul taking the place of Stephen and using the very arguments that Stephen had employed. {But they went about to kill him} (\Hoi de epecheiroun anelein auton\). Demonstrative \hoi\ with \de\ and the conative imperfect of \epicheire“\, to put the hand to, to try, an old verb used in the N.T. only three times (Luke:1:1; strkjv@Acts:9:29; strkjv@19:3|). They offer to Saul the same conclusive answer that he gave to Stephen, death. Paul tells how the Lord Jesus appeared to him at this juncture in a vision in the temple (Acts:22:17-21|) with the distinct command to leave Jerusalem and how Paul protested that he was willing to meet the fate of Stephen in whose death he had a shameful part. That is to Saul's credit, but the Lord did not want Saul to be put to death yet. His crown of martyrdom will come later.

rwp@Acts:9:30 @{Knew it} (\epignontes\). Second aorist active participle of \epigin“sk“\, to know fully. The disciples saw it clearly, so they {conducted} (\katˆgagon\, effective second aorist active indicative of \katag“\). {Sent forth} (\exapesteilan\). Double compound (\ex\, out, \apo\, away or off). Sent him out and off {to Tarsus} (\eis Tarson\). Silence is preserved by Luke. But it takes little imagination to picture the scene at home when this brilliant young rabbi, the pride of Gamaliel, returns home a preacher of the despised Jesus of Nazareth whose disciples he had so relentlessly persecuted. What will father, mother, sister think of him now?

rwp@Acts:9:31 @{Songs:the church} (\Hˆ men oun ekklˆsia\). The singular \ekklˆsia\ is undoubtedly the true reading here (all the great documents have it so). By this time there were churches scattered over Judea, Galilee, and Samaria (Galatians:1:22|), but Luke either regards the disciples in Palestine as still members of the one great church in Jerusalem (instance already the work of Philip in Samaria and soon of Peter in Joppa and Caesarea) or he employs the term \ekklˆsia\ in a geographical or collective sense covering all of Palestine. The strictly local sense we have seen already in strkjv@8:1,3| (and strkjv@Matthew:18:17|) and the general spiritual sense in strkjv@Matthew:16:18|. But in strkjv@Acts:8:3| it is plain that the term is applied to the organization of Jerusalem Christians even when scattered in their homes. The use of \men oun\ (so) is Luke's common way of gathering up the connection. The obvious meaning is that the persecution ceased because the persecutor had been converted. The wolf no longer ravined the sheep. It is true also that the effort of Caligula A.D. 39 to set up his image in the temple in Jerusalem for the Jews to worship greatly excited the Jews and gave them troubles of their own (Josephus, _Ant_. XVIII. 8, 2-9). {Had peace} (\eichen eirˆnˆn\). Imperfect active. Kept on having peace, enjoying peace, because the persecution had ceased. Many of the disciples came back to Jerusalem and the apostles began to make preaching tours out from the city. This idiom (\ech“ eirˆnˆn\) occurs again in strkjv@Romans:5:1| (\eirˆnˆn ech“men\, present active subjunctive) where it has been grievously misunderstood. There it is an exhortation to keep on enjoying the peace with God already made, not to make peace with God which would be \eirˆnˆn sch“men\ (ingressive aorist subjunctive). {Edified} (\oikodomoumenˆ\). Present passive participle, linear action also. One result of the enjoyment of peace after the persecution was the continued edification (Latin word _aedificatio_ for building up a house), a favourite figure with Paul (1Corinthians:14; strkjv@Ephesians:3|) and scattered throughout the N.T., old Greek verb. In strkjv@1Peter:2:5| Peter speaks of "the spiritual house" throughout the five Roman provinces being "built up" (cf. strkjv@Matthew:16:18|). {In the comfort of the Holy Spirit} (\tˆi paraklˆsei tou hagiou pneumatos\). Either locative ({in}) or instrumental case ({by}). The Holy Spirit had been promised by Jesus as "another Paraclete" and now this is shown to be true. The only instance in Acts of the use of \paraklˆsis\ with the Holy Spirit. The word, of course, means calling to one's side (\parakale“\) either for advice or for consolation. {Was multiplied} (\eplˆthuneto\). Imperfect middle passive. The multiplication of the disciples kept pace with the peace, the edification, the walking in the fear of the Lord, the comfort of the Holy Spirit. The blood of the martyrs was already becoming the seed of the church. Stephen had not borne his witness in vain.

rwp@Acts:9:34 @{Healeth} (\iƒtai\). Aoristic present middle indicative, heals here and now. {Make thy bed} (\str“son seaut“i\). First aorist (ingressive) active imperative of \str“nnumi\ (\-u“\). Old word with "bed" (\krabatton\) understood as the object. Literally, spread thy bed for thyself (dative case), what others for eight years have done for thee.

rwp@Acts:9:36 @{At Joppa} (\En Ioppˆi\). The modern Jaffa, the port of Jerusalem (2Chronicles:2:16|). {Disciple} (\mathˆtria\). Feminine form of \mathˆtˆs\, a learner from \manthan“\, to learn, a late word and only here in the N.T. {Tabitha} (\Tabeitha\). Aramaic form of the Hebrew _Tsebi_ and, like the Greek word {Dorcas} (\Dorkas\), means Gazelle, "the creature with the beautiful look" (or eyes), from \derkomai\. The gazelle was a favourite type for beauty in the orient (Song of Solomon strkjv@2:9,17; strkjv@4:5; strkjv@7:3|). She may have had both the Aramaic and the Greek name, Tabitha Dorcas like John Mark. There is nothing said about a husband and so she was probably unmarried. She is the second woman mentioned by name after Pentecost (Sapphira the other). She did her beautiful deeds by herself. She did not have a Dorcas society. {Did} (\epoiei\). Imperfect active, her habit.

rwp@Acts:9:38 @{Delay not} (\mˆ oknˆsˆis\). Ingressive aorist active subjunctive in prohibition. Direct discourse and not indirect as late MSS. have (aorist active infinitive, \oknˆsai\). Possibly the two messengers started before Dorcas was quite dead, though we do not know. Peter had recently healed Aeneas and the disciples may have had faith enough to believe that he could raise the dead by the power of Christ. W. M. Ramsay doubts if Dorcas was really dead, but why see legends in these supernatural events?

rwp@Acts:9:39 @{Stood by him} (\parestˆsan aut“i\). Second aorist active indicative, intransitive, of \paristˆmi\). Vivid picture of this group of widows as they stood around Peter, weeping (\klaiousai\) and showing (\epideiknumenai\, present middle as belonging to themselves, pointing with pride to) the very inner garments (\chit“nas\) and outer garments (\himatia\), like the Latin _tunica_ and _toga_, which she made from time to time (\epoiei\, imperfect active, repeated action). It was a heart-breaking scene.

rwp@Acts:9:40 @{Put them all forth} (\ekbal“n ex“ pantas\). Second aorist (effective) active participle of \ekball“\, a rather strong word, perhaps with some difficulty. Cf. strkjv@Mark:5:40| which incident Peter may have recalled. The words are not genuine in strkjv@Luke:8:54|. Peter's praying alone reminds one of Elijah (1Kings:17:20|) and the widow's son and Elisha for the Shunammite's son (2Kings:4:33|). {Tabitha, arise} (\Tabeitha, anastˆthi\). With sublime faith like \Taleitha koum\ of Jesus in strkjv@Mark:5:41|. {She sat up} (\anekathisen\). Effective aorist active indicative of \anakathiz“\. Often in medical writers, only here in the N.T. and strkjv@Luke:7:15| where Westcott and Hort have in the margin the uncompounded form \ekathisen\. Vivid picture.

rwp@Acts:9:41 @{Raised her up} (\anestˆsen autˆn\). First aorist active indicative, transitive, of \anistˆmi\. {Presented} (\parestˆsen\). First aorist active indicative, transitive of \paristˆmi\ (cf. intransitive second aorist in verse 39| above). It was a joyful time for Peter, the widows, all the saints, and for Dorcas.

rwp@Acts:9:43 @{Many days} (\hˆmeras hikanas\). See on verse ¯23|. Luke is fond of the phrase and uses it for time, number, size. It might be "ten days, ten months, or ten years" (Page). {With one Simon a tanner} (\para tini Sim“ni bursei\). The use of \para\ is usual for staying with one (by his side). "The more scrupulous Jews regarded such an occupation as unclean, and avoided those who pursued it. The conduct of Peter here shows that he did not carry his prejudices to that extent" (Hackett). One of the rabbis said: "It is impossible for the world to do without tanners; but woe to him who is a tanner." A Jewess could sue for divorce if she discovered that her husband was a tanner. And yet Peter will have scruples on the housetop in the tanner's house about eating food considered unclean. "The lodging with the tanner was a step on the road to eating with a Gentile" (Furneaux).

rwp@Acts:10:2 @{Devout} (\eusebˆs\). Old word from \eu\ (well) and \sebomai\ (to worship, to reverence), but rare in the N.T. (Acts:10:2,7; strkjv@2Peter:2:1|). It might refer to a worshipful pagan (Acts:17:23|, \sebasmata\, objects of worship), but connected with "one that feared God" (\phoboumenos ton theon\) Luke describes "a God-fearing proselyte" as in strkjv@10:22,35|. This is his usual term for the Gentile seekers after God (13:16, 26;17:4,17|, etc.), who had come into the worship of the synagogue without circumcision, and were not strictly proselytes, though some call such men "proselytes of the gate" (cf. strkjv@Acts:13:43|); but clearly Cornelius and his family were still regarded as outside the pale of Judaism (10:28,34; strkjv@11:1,8; strkjv@15:7|). They had seats in the synagogue, but were not Jews. {Gave much alms} (\poi“n eleemosunas pollas\). Doing many alms (the very phrase in strkjv@Matthew:6:2|), a characteristic mark of Jewish piety and from a Gentile to the Jewish people. {Prayed} (\deomenos\). Begging of God. Almsgiving and prayer were two of the cardinal points with the Jews (Jesus adds fasting in his picture of the Pharisee in strkjv@Matthew:6:1-18|).

rwp@Acts:10:9 @{On the morrow} (\tˆi epaurion\). Locative case of article with the compound adverb (\hˆmerƒi\ day being understood), the second day after leaving Caesarea, 28 miles from Joppa. The third day (the next morrow, verse 23|) they start back home and the fourth day (on the morrow again, verse 24|) they reach Caesarea. {As they} (\ekein“n\). The party of three from Caesarea. Genitive absolute with present participle \hodoiporount“n\ (journeying) and \eggizont“n\ (drew nigh). {The housetop} (\to d“ma\). Old word and in Gospels (Luke:3:19|, etc.), but only here in Acts. From \dem“\, to build, and so any part of the building (hall, dining room, and then roof). The roof was nearly flat with walls around and so was a good place for meditation and prayer and naps.

rwp@Acts:10:11 @{Beholdeth} (\the“rei\). Vivid historical present and change from past time. {Opened} (\ane“igmenon\, perfect passive participle with double reduplication, state of completion). {Descending} (\katabainon\). Present active participle describing the process. {Sheet} (\othonˆn\). Old word for linen cloth and only here in the N.T. Accusative case in apposition with \skeuos\ (vessel). {Let down} (\Kathiemenon\). Present passive participle of \Kathiˆmi\. Old verb, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:5:19; strkjv@Acts:9:25|. Linear action here picturing the process, "being let down." {By four corners} (\tessarsin archais\). Instrumental case of \archˆ\, beginning. We say "end" or extremity for this use of the word. The picture is the sheet held up by four cords to which the sheet is fastened. strkjv@Isaiah:11:12| had said that Israel would be gathered from the four corners of the earth. Knowling follows Hobart in taking the four corners of the sheet to be a medical phrase for bandage (the end of a bandage).

rwp@Acts:10:14 @{Not so, Lord} (\Mˆdam“s, kurie\). The negative \mˆdam“s\ calls for the optative \eiˆ\ (may it not be) or the imperative \est“\ (let it be). It is not \oudam“s\, a blunt refusal (I shall not do it). And yet it is more than a mild protest as Page and Furneaux argue. It is a polite refusal with a reason given. Peter recognizes the invitation to slay (\thuson\) the unclean animals as from the Lord (\kurie\) but declines it three times. {For I have never eaten anything} (\hoti oudepote ephagon pan\). Second aorist active indicative, I never did anything like this and I shall not do it now. The use of \pan\ (everything) with \oudepote\ (never) is like the Hebrew (_lo--k“l_) though a like idiom appears in the vernacular _Koin‚_ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 752). {Common and unclean} (\koinon kai akatharton\). \Koinos\ from epic \xunos\ (\xun, sun\, together with) originally meant common to several (Latin _communis_) as in strkjv@Acts:2:44; strkjv@4:32; strkjv@Titus:1:4; strkjv@Jude:1:3|. The use seen here (also strkjv@Mark:7:2,5; strkjv@Romans:14:14; strkjv@Hebrews:10:29; strkjv@Revelation:21:27; strkjv@Acts:10:28; strkjv@11:8|), like Latin _vulgaris_ is unknown in ancient Greek. Here the idea is made plain by the addition of \akatharton\ (unclean), ceremonially unclean, of course. We have the same double use in our word "common." See on ¯Mark:7:18f.| where Mark adds the remarkable participle \kathariz“n\ (making all meats clean), evidently from Peter who recalls this vision. Peter had been reared from childhood to make the distinction between clean and unclean food and this new proposal even from the Lord runs against all his previous training. He did not see that some of God's plans for the Jews could be temporary. This symbol of the sheet was to show Peter ultimately that Gentiles could be saved without becoming Jews. At this moment he is in spiritual and intellectual turmoil.

rwp@Acts:10:15 @{Make not thou common} (\su mˆ koinou\). Note emphatic position of \su\ (thou). Do thou stop making common what God cleansed (\ekatharisen\). The idiom of \mˆ\ with the present active imperative \koinou\ means precisely this. Peter had just called "common" what God had invited him to slay and eat.

rwp@Acts:10:19 @{Thought} (\dienthumoumenou\). Genitive absolute of present middle participle of \dienthumeomai\, a double compound (\dia\ and \en-\ with \thumos\) and another \hapax legomenon\ save in ecclesiastical writers, though \enthumeomai\ is common enough and Textus Receptus so reads here. Peter was revolving in his mind, through and through, in and out, to find the meaning of the strange vision.

rwp@Acts:10:20 @{But} (\alla\). Songs:usually, though it is open to question whether \alla\ is adversative here and not rather, "Now then." {Get thee down} (\katabˆthi\). Second aorist active imperative, at once. {Go} (\poreuou\). Present middle imperative, go on. {Nothing doubting} (\mˆden diakrinomenos\). Another compound of \dia\, old and common verb for a divided mind (\dia\ like \duo\, two). Note usual negative of the present middle participle, the subjective \mˆden\. The notion of wavering (James:1:6|) is common with this verb in the middle voice. In strkjv@Acts:11:12| the aorist active (\mˆden diakrinanta\) is used perhaps with the idea of conduct towards others rather than his own internal doubt as here (Page). {For I} (\hoti eg“\). The Holy Spirit assumes responsibility for the messengers from Cornelius and thus connects their mission with the vision which was still troubling Peter. Peter had heard his name called by the man (verse 19|).

rwp@Acts:10:22 @{Righteous} (\dikaios\). In the Jewish sense as in strkjv@Luke:1:6; strkjv@2:25|. {Well reported of} (\marturoumenos\). Present passive participle as in strkjv@6:3|. Cf. the other centurion in strkjv@Luke:7:4|. {Nation} (\ethnous\). Not \laou\, for the speakers are Gentiles. {Was warned} (\echrˆmatisthˆ\). First aorist passive of \chrˆmatiz“\, old word for doing business, then consulting an oracle, and here of being divinely (word God not expressed) warned as in strkjv@Matthew:2:12,22; strkjv@Luke:2:26; strkjv@Hebrews:11:7|. Then to be called or receive a name from one's business as in strkjv@Acts:11:26; strkjv@Romans:7:3|.

rwp@Acts:10:23 @{Lodged them} (\exenisen\). Active voice here rather than passive as in strkjv@10:6|. {Accompanied him} (\sunˆlthan aut“i\). Associative instrumental case after verb. The wisdom of having these half dozen Jewish Christians from Joppa with Peter in the house of Cornelius in Caesarea becomes manifest in Jerusalem (11:12|).

rwp@Acts:10:24 @{Was waiting} (\ˆn prosdok“n\). Periphrastic imperfect active, in eager expectation and hope, directing the mind (\doka“\) towards (\pros\) anything. Old and common verb. {Near} (\anagkaious\). Only instance in the N.T. of this sense of \anagkaios\ from \anagkˆ\, necessity, what one cannot do without, necessary (1Corinthians:12:22|), duty (Acts:13:46|), or blood relations as here. The ancient Greek writers combined these two words (\suggeneis\, kinsmen, \anagkaious\, necessary friends) as here. It was a homogeneous group of Gentiles close to Cornelius and predisposed to hear Peter favourably.

rwp@Acts:10:25 @{That Peter entered} (\tou eiselthein ton Petron\). This is a difficult construction, for the subject of \egeneto\ (it happened) has to be the articular genitive infinitive \tou eiselthein\ with the accusative of general reference \ton Petron\. Most commentators consider it inexplicable. It is probably an extension of the ordinary articular infinitive under the influence of the Hebrew infinitive construct without regard to the case, regarding it as a fixed case form and so using it as nominative. Precisely this construction of \tou\ and the infinitive as the subject of a verb occurs in the LXX (2Chronicles:6:7|, etc.). See Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 1067f. for full discussion of this obvious Hebraism. Somewhat similar examples appear in strkjv@Acts:20:3; strkjv@27:1|. But the Codex Bezae avoids this awkward idiom by the genitive absolute (\proseggizontos tou Petrou\) and some additional details (one of the servants ran forward and announced that he was come). {Worshipped him} (\prosekunˆsen\). "Cornelius was not an idolator and would not have honoured Peter as a god" (Furneaux). The word probably means here reverence like old English usage (Wycliff) and not actual worship, though Peter took it that way (verse 26|). Jesus accepted such worship (Matthew:8:2; strkjv@Luke:5:8| by Peter).

rwp@Acts:10:28 @{How that it is an unlawful thing} (\h“s athemiton estin\). The conjunction \h“s\ is sometimes equivalent to \hoti\ (that). The old form of \athemitos\ was \athemistos\ from \themisto\ (\themiz“, themis\, law custom) and \a\ privative. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@1Peter:4:3| (Peter both times). But there is no O.T. regulation forbidding such social contact with Gentiles, though the rabbis had added it and had made it binding by custom. There is nothing more binding on the average person than social custom. On coming from the market an orthodox Jew was expected to immerse to avoid defilement (Edersheim, _Jewish Social Life_, pp. 26-28; Taylor's _Sayings of the Jewish Fathers_, pp. 15, 26, 137, second edition). See also strkjv@Acts:11:3; strkjv@Galatians:2:12|. It is that middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians:2:14|) which Jesus broke down. {One of another nation} (\allophul“i\). Dative case of an old adjective, but only here in the N.T. (\allos\, another, \phulon\, race). Both Juvenal (_Sat_. XIV. 104, 105) and Tacitus (_History_, V. 5) speak of the Jewish exclusiveness and separation from Gentiles. {And yet unto} (\kamoi\). Dative of the emphatic pronoun (note position of prominence) with \kai\ (\crasis\) meaning here "and yet" or adversative "but" as often with \kai\ which is by no means always merely the connective "and" (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 1182f.). Now Peter takes back both the adjectives used in his protest to the Lord (verse 14|) "common and unclean." It is a long journey that Peter has made. He here refers to "no one" (\mˆdena\), not to "things," but that is great progress.

rwp@Acts:10:33 @{And thou hast well done that thou art come} (\su te kal“s epoiˆsas paragenomenos\). "And thou didst well in coming." A regular formula for expressing thanks as in strkjv@Phillipians:4:14; strkjv@3John:1:6; strkjv@2Peter:1:19|. The participle completes the idea of \kal“s poie“\ neatly. Cornelius commends Peter for his courage in breaking away from Jewish custom and takes no offence at the implied superiority of the Jews over the Gentiles. Cornelius and his circle of kinsmen and close friends are prepared soil for a new era in the history of Christianity. The Samaritans were now nominal Jews and the Ethiopian eunuch was a single case, but here Peter the chief apostle, not Philip the preaching deacon (evangelist), was involved. It was a crisis. Cornelius reveals an open mind for the message of God through Peter. {Commanded thee} (\prostetagmena soi\). Perfect passive participle with the dative case (\soi\). Cornelius is a military man and he employs a military term (\prostass“\, old word to command). He is ready for orders from the Lord.

rwp@Acts:10:34 @{Opened his mouth} (\anoixas to stoma\). Solemn formula for beginning his address (8:35; strkjv@18:14; strkjv@Matthew:5:2; strkjv@13:35|). But also good elocution for the speaker. {I perceive} (\katalambanomai\). Aoristic present middle of \katalamban“\, to take hold of, the middle noting mental action, to lay hold with the mind (Acts:4:13; strkjv@10:34; strkjv@25:25; strkjv@Ephesians:3:18|). It had been a difficult thing for Peter to grasp, but now "of a truth" (\ep' alˆtheias\) the light has cleared away the fogs. It was not until Peter had crossed the threshold of the house of Cornelius in the new environment and standpoint that he sees this new and great truth. {Respecter of persons} (\pros“polˆmptˆs\). This compound occurs only here and in Chrysostom. It is composed of \pros“pon\ face or person (\pros\ and \ops\, before the eye or face) and \lamban“\. The abstract form \pros“polˆmpsia\ occurs in strkjv@James:2:1| (also strkjv@Romans:2:11; strkjv@Ephesians:6:9; strkjv@Colossians:3:25|) and the verb \pros“polempte“\ in strkjv@James:2:9|. The separate phrase (\lambanein pros“pon\) occurs in strkjv@Luke:20:21; strkjv@Galatians:2:6|. The phrase was already in the LXX (Deuteronomy:10:17; strkjv@2Chronicles:19:7; strkjv@Psalms:82:6|). Luke has simply combined the two words into one compound one. The idea is to pay regard to one's looks or circumstances rather than to his intrinsic character. The Jews had come to feel that they were the favourites of God and actually sons of the kingdom of heaven because they were descendants of Abraham. John the Baptist rebuked them for this fallacy.

rwp@Acts:10:37 @{Ye know} (\humeis oidate\). Peter reminds his Gentile audience that the main facts concerning Jesus and the gospel were known to them. Note emphatic expression of \humeis\ (you). {Beginning} (\arxamenos\). The Textus Receptus has \arxamenon\ (accusative), but the nominative is given by Aleph A B C D E H and is certainly correct. But it makes a decided anacoluthon. The accusative would agree with \rhˆma\ used in the sense of message or story as told by the disciples. The nominative does not agree with anything in the sentence. The same phrase occurs in strkjv@Luke:23:5|. Here is this aorist middle participle almost used like an adverb. See a similar loose use of \arxamenos\ in the same sense by Peter in strkjv@Acts:1:22|. The baptism of John is given as the _terminus a quo_. The story began with a skip to Galilee after the baptism just like the Gospel of Mark. This first message of Peter to the Gentiles (10:37-44|) corresponds in broad outline with Mark's Gospel. Mark heard Peter preach many times and evidently planned his Gospel (the Roman Gospel) on this same model. There is in it nothing about the birth and childhood of Jesus nor about the intervening ministry supplied by John's Gospel for the period (a year) between the baptism and the Galilean Ministry. Peter here presents an objective statement of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus with proof from the Scriptures that he is the Messiah. It is a skilful presentation.

rwp@Acts:10:38 @{Jesus of Nazareth} (\Iˆsoun ton apo Nazareth\). Jesus the one from Nazareth, the article before the city identifying him clearly. The accusative case is here by \prolepsis\, Jesus being expressed for emphasis before the verb "anointed" and the pronoun repeated pleonastically after it. "Jesus transfers the mind from the gospel-history to the personal subject of it" (Hackett). {God anointed him} (\echrisen, auton, ho theos\). First aorist active of the verb \chri“\, to anoint, from which the verbal \Christos\ is formed (Acts:2:36|). The precise event referred to by Peter could be the Incarnation (Luke:1:35f.|), the Baptism (Luke:3:22|), the Ministry at Nazareth (Luke:4:14|). Why not to the life and work of Jesus as a whole? {Went about doing good} (\diˆlthen euerget“n\). Beautiful description of Jesus. Summary (constative) aorist active of \dierehomai\, to go through (\dia\) or from place to place. The present active participle \euerget“n\ is from the old verb \euergete“\ (\eu\, well, \ergon\, work) and occurs only here in the N.T. The substantive \euergetˆs\ (benefactor) was often applied to kings like Ptolemy Euergetes and that is the sense in strkjv@Luke:22:25| the only N.T. example. But the term applies to Jesus far more than to Ptolemy or any earthly king (Cornelius a Lapide). {And healing} (\kai i“menos\). And in particular healing. Luke does not exclude other diseases (cf. strkjv@Luke:13:11,16|), but he lays special emphasis on demoniacal possession (cf. strkjv@Mark:1:23|). {That were oppressed} (\tous katadunasteuomenous\). Present passive articular participle of \katadunasteu“\. A late verb in LXX and papyri. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@James:2:6| (best MSS.). One of the compounds of \kata\ made transitive. The reality of the devil (the slanderer, \diabolos\) is recognized by Peter. {For God was with him} (\hoti ho theos ˆn met' autou\). Surely this reason does not reveal "a low Christology" as some charge. Peter had used the same language in strkjv@Acts:7:9| and earlier in strkjv@Luke:1:28,66| as Nicodemus does in strkjv@John:3:2|.

rwp@Acts:10:41 @{Chosen before} (\prokecheirotonˆmenois\). Perfect passive participle dative plural from \procheirotone“\, to choose or designate by hand (\cheirotone“, cheir\, hand, and \tein“\, to stretch, as in strkjv@Acts:14:23; strkjv@2Corinthians:8:19|), beforehand (\pro\), a double compound as old as Plato, but here alone in the N.T. Peter is evidently stating the thing as it happened and not trying to make a convincing story by saying that both friends and foes saw him after his resurrection. It is the "historian's candour" (Paley) in Luke here that adds to the credibility of the narrative. The sceptical Jews would not have believed and Jesus was kept from open contact with the world of sin after his Passion. {To us who did eat and drink with him} (\hˆmin hoitines sunephagomen kai sunepiomen aut“i\). The "who" (\hoitines\) is first person agreeing with "us" (\hˆmin\). Second aorist active indicative of the common verbs \sunesthi“\ and \sumpin“\. \Aut“i\ is associative instrumental case. There are difficulties to us in understanding how Jesus could eat and drink after the resurrection as told here and in strkjv@Luke:24:41-3|, but at any rate Peter makes it clear that it was no hallucination or ghost, but Jesus himself whom they saw after he rose from the dead, "after the rising as to him" (\meta to anastˆnai auton\, \meta\ with the accusative articular infinitive second aorist active and the accusative \auton\ of general reference). Furneaux dares to think that the disciples misunderstood Jesus about eating after the resurrection. But that is to deny the testimony merely because we cannot explain the transition state of the body of Jesus.

rwp@Acts:10:42 @{He charged} (\parˆggeilen\). First aorist active indicative as in strkjv@1:4|. There Jesus is the subject and so probably here, though Page insists that \ho theos\ (God) is here because of verse 40|. {To testify} (\diamarturasthai\). First aorist middle infinitive. See on ¯2:40|. {Ordained} (\h“rismenos\). Perfect passive participle of \horiz“\, old verb, to mark out, to limit, to make a horizon. {Judge} (\kritˆs\). The same point made by Peter in strkjv@1Peter:4:5|. He does not use the word "Messiah" to these Gentiles though he did say "anointed" (\echrisen\) in verse 38|. Peter's claim for Jesus is that he is the Judge of Jew and Gentile (living and dead).

rwp@Acts:10:43 @{Every one that believeth} (\panta ton pisteuonta\). This accusative active participle of general reference with the infinitive in indirect discourse is the usual idiom. Only \labein\ (second aorist active infinitive of \lamban“\) is not indirect statement so much as indirect command or arrangement. The prophets bear witness to Jesus Christ to this effect. It is God's plan and no race distinctions are drawn. Peter had already said the same thing at Pentecost (2:38|), but now he sees himself that Gentiles do not have to become Jews, but have only to believe in Jesus as Messiah and Judge as foretold by the prophets. It was glorious news to Cornelius and his group. {Through his name} (\dia tou onomatos autou\), not as a _title_ or magic formula (Acts:18:13|), but the power of Christ himself represented by his name.

rwp@Acts:10:46 @{They heard} (\ˆkouon\). Imperfect active, were hearing, kept on hearing. {Speak} (\lalount“n\). Present active participle, speaking, for they kept it up. {With tongues} (\gl“ssais\). Instrumental case as in strkjv@2:4,11| which see. The fuller statement there makes it clear that here it was new and strange tongues also as in strkjv@19:6; strkjv@1Corinthians:14:4-19|. This sudden manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power on uncircumcised Gentiles was probably necessary to convince Peter and the six brethren of the circumcision that God had opened the door wide to Gentiles. It was proof that a Gentile Pentecost had come and Peter used it effectively in his defence in Jerusalem (Acts:11:15|).

rwp@Acts:10:48 @{Commanded} (\prosetaxen\). First aorist active indicative. Peter himself abstained from baptizing on this occasion (cf. Paul in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:14|). Evidently it was done by the six Jewish brethren. {Them to be baptized} (\autous baptisthˆnai\). Accusative of general reference with the first aorist passive infinitive. {In the name of Jesus Christ} (\en t“i onomati Iˆsou Christou\). The essential name in Christian baptism as in strkjv@2:38; strkjv@19:5|. But these passages give the authority for the act, not the formula that was employed (Alvah Hovey in Hackett's _Commentary_. See also chapter on the Baptismal Formula in my _The Christ of the Logia_). "Golden days" (\aurei dies\, Bengel) were these for the whole group.

rwp@Acts:11:3 @{Thou wentest in} (\eisˆlthes\). Direct form, but Westcott and Hort have it \eisˆlthen\ (he went in), indirect form. Songs:with \sunephages\ (didst eat) and \sunephagen\ (did eat). The direct is more vivid. {Men uncircumcised} (\andras akrobustian echontas\). "Men having uncircumcision." It is a contemptuous expression. They did not object to Peter's preaching to the Gentiles, but to his going into the house of Cornelius and eating with them, violating his supposed obligations as a Jew (Hackett). It was the same complaint in principle that the Pharisees had made against Jesus when he ate with publicans and sinners (Luke:15:12|). The Jews had not merely the Mosaic regulations about clean and unclean food, but also the fact that at a Gentile table some of the meat may have been an idol sacrifice. And Peter himself had similar scruples when the vision came to him at Joppa and when he entered the house of Cornelius in Caesarea strkjv@10:28|). Peter had been led beyond the circumcision party.

rwp@Acts:11:5 @{Let down} (\kathiemenˆn\). Here agreeing with the "sheet" (\othonˆn\, feminine), not with "vessel" (\skeuos\, neuter) as in strkjv@10:11|. {Even unto me} (\achri emou\). Vivid detail added here by Peter.

rwp@Acts:11:6 @{When I had fastened my eyes} (\atenisas\). This personal touch Peter adds from his own experience. See on strkjv@Luke:4:20; strkjv@Acts:3:4,12| for this striking verb \ateniz“\, to stretch the eyes towards, first aorist active participle here. {I considered} (\katanoe“\). Imperfect active of \kataneo“\ to put the mind down on, to ponder, I was pondering. {And saw} (\kai eidon\). Second aorist active indicative, saw in a flash.

rwp@Acts:11:12 @{Making no distinction} (\mˆden diakrinanta\). Songs:Westcott and Hort (first aorist active participle) instead of \mˆden diakrinomenon\ "nothing doubting" (present middle participle) like strkjv@10:20|. The difference in voice shows the distinction in meaning. {We entered into the man's house} (\eisˆlthomen eis ton oikon tou andros\). Peter confesses it, but shows that the other six went in also. He avoids mention of Cornelius's name and office.

rwp@Acts:11:15 @{As I began to speak} (\en t“i arxasthai me lalein\). \En\ with the locative of the articular aorist infinitive \arxasthai\ (punctiliar action simply) and the accusative of general reference. The second infinitive \lalein\ (to speak) is dependent on \arxasthai\, "In the beginning to speak as to me." {Even as on us at the beginning} (\h“sper kai eph' hˆmƒs en archˆi\). Peter recalls vividly the events at Pentecost, the speaking with tongues and all. It is noteworthy that Peter does not here repeat his sermon. "He rests his defence, not on what he said, but on what God did" (Furneaux).

rwp@Acts:11:16 @{I remembered} (\emnˆsthˆn\). First aorist passive indicative of the common verb \mimnˆsk“\, to remind. Peter recalls the very words of Jesus as reported in strkjv@Acts:1:5|. Peter now understands this saying of Jesus as he had not done before. That is a common experience with us all as new experiences of grace open richer veins in God's truth (John:12:16|). Peter clearly sees that the water baptism is merely the symbol or picture of the spiritual baptism in the heart.

rwp@Acts:11:18 @{Held their peace} (\hˆsuchasan\). Ingressive aorist active indicative of \hˆsuchaz“\, old verb to be quiet, to keep quiet. The wrangling (verse 2|) ceased. The critics even "glorified God" (\edoxasan\, ingressive aorist again). {Then to the Gentiles also} (\Ara kai tois ethnesin\). \Ergo\ as in strkjv@Luke:11:20,48| and like \ara oun\ in strkjv@Romans:5:18|. In ancient Greek inferential \ara\ cannot come at the beginning of a clause as here. It was reluctant acquiescence in the undoubted fact that God had "granted repentance unto life" to these Gentiles in Caesarea, but the circumcision party undoubtedly looked on it as an exceptional case and not to be regarded as a precedent to follow with other Gentiles. Peter will see in this incident (Acts:15:8|) the same principle for which Paul contends at the Jerusalem Conference. Furneaux suggests that this conduct of Peter in Caesarea, though grudgingly acquiesced in after his skilful defence, decreased his influence in Jerusalem where he had been leader and helped open the way for the leadership of James the Lord's brother.

rwp@Acts:11:20 @{Spake} (\elaloun\). Inchoative imperfect active, began to speak. For them it was an experiment. {Unto the Greeks also} (\kai pros tous Hellˆnas\). This is undoubtedly the correct reading in spite of Hellenists (\Hellˆnistas\) or Grecian Jews in B E H L P. \Hellˆnas\ is read by A and D and a corrector of Aleph. The presence of "also" or "even" (\kai\) in Aleph A B makes no sense unless "Greeks" is correct. Hellenists or Grecian Jews as Christians were common enough as is seen in strkjv@Acts:2; 6|. Saul also had preached to the Hellenists in Jerusalem (9:29|). Hellenists were merely one kind of Jews in contrast with those who spoke Aramaic (Acts:6|). It is true that the case of Cornelius was first in importance, but it is not clear that it was before the work in Antioch. Probably the report of the work among the Greeks in Antioch reached Jerusalem after Peter's defence in strkjv@11:1-18|. That explains the calm tone about it and also why Barnabas and not Peter was sent to investigate. Peter and John (Acts:8|) had condoned Philip's work in Samaria and Peter was the agent in the work among the Romans in Caesarea. His position was now well-known and his services discounted for this new crisis. These Greeks in Antioch were apparently in part pure heathen and not "God-fearers" like Cornelius. A man of wisdom was called for. These preachers were themselves Hellenists (verse 19|) and open to the lessons from their environment without a vision such as Peter had at Joppa. "It was a departure of startling boldness" (Furneaux) by laymen outside of the circle of official leaders.

rwp@Acts:11:22 @{Came to the ears} (\ˆkousthˆ eis ta “ta\). First aorist passive indicative of \akou“\, was heard in the ears. {Of the church which was in Jerusalem} (\tˆs ekklˆsias tˆs en Ierousalˆm\). Not yet was the term "church" applied to the group of disciples in Antioch as it is in strkjv@11:26; strkjv@13:1|. {They sent forth} (\exapesteilan\). First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb \ex-apo-stell“\, to send out and away. The choice of Barnabas was eminently wise. He already had a position of leadership in Jerusalem because of his generosity (4:36f.|) and his championship of Saul after his conversion (9:27|). He was originally from Cyprus and probably had personal friends among some of the leaders in this new movement. He was to investigate the work of the travelling preachers (verse 19|) all the way to Antioch (\he“s Antiocheias\).

rwp@Acts:11:25 @{To seek for Saul} (\anazˆtˆsai Saulon\). First aorist (effective) active infinitive of purpose. \Anazˆte“\ is a common verb since Plato, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:2:44,45|, to seek up and down (\ana\), back and forth, to hunt up, to make a thorough search till success comes. It is plain from strkjv@Galatians:1:21| that Saul had not been idle in Cilicia. Tarsus was not very far from Antioch. Barnabas probably knew that Saul was a vessel of choice (Acts:9:15|) by Christ for the work among the Gentiles. He knew, of course, of Saul's work with the Hellenists in Jerusalem (9:29|) and echoes of his work in Cilicia and Syria had probably come to him. Songs:to Tarsus he goes when he saw the need for help. "He had none of the littleness which cannot bear the presence of a possible rival" (Furneaux). Barnabas knew his own limitations and knew where the man of destiny for this crisis was, the man who already had the seal of God upon him. The hour and the man met when Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch. The door was open and the man was ready, far more ready than when Jesus called him on the road to Damascus. The years in Cilicia and Syria were not wasted for they had not been idle. If we only knew the facts, it is probable that Saul also had been preaching to Hellenes as well as to Hellenists. Jesus had definitely called him to work among the Gentiles (9:15|). In his own way he had come to the same place that Peter reached in Caesarea and that Barnabas now holds in Antioch. God always has a man prepared for a great emergency in the kingdom. The call of Barnabas was simply the repetition of the call of Christ. Songs:Saul came.

rwp@Acts:11:26 @{Even for a whole year} (\kai eniauton holon\). Accusative of extent of time, probably the year A.D. 44, the year preceding the visit to Jerusalem (11:30|), the year of the famine. The preceding years with Tarsus as headquarters covered A.D. 37 (39) to 44. {They were gathered together with the church} (\sunachthˆnai en tˆi ekklˆsiƒi\). First aorist passive infinitive of \sunag“\, old verb, probably here to meet together as in strkjv@Matthew:28:12|. In strkjv@Acts:14:27| the verb is used of gathering together the church, but here \en tˆi ekklˆsiƒi\ excludes that idea. Barnabas met together "in the church" (note first use of the word for the disciples at Antioch). This peculiar phrase accents the leadership and co-operation of Barnabas and Saul in teaching (\didaxai\, first aorist active infinitive) much people. Both infinitives are in the nominative case, the subject of \egeneto\ (it came to pass). {And that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch} (\chrˆmatisai te pr“t“s en Antiocheiƒi tous mathˆtas Christianous\). This first active infinitive \chrˆmatisai\ is also a subject of \egeneto\ and is added as a separate item by the use of \te\ rather than \kai\. For the word itself in the sense of divine command see on ¯Matthew:2:12,22; strkjv@Luke:2:26; strkjv@Acts:10:22|. Here and in strkjv@Romans:7:3| it means to be called or named (assuming a name from one's business, \chrˆma\, from \chraomai\, to use or to do business). Polybius uses it in this sense as here. \Tous mathˆtas\ (the disciples) is in the accusative of general reference with the infinitive. \Christianous\ (Christians) is simply predicate accusative. This word is made after the pattern of \Herodianus\ (Matthew:22:16|, \Her“idianoi\, followers of Herod), \Caesarianus\, a follower of Caesar (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 377, gives papyri examples of the genitive \Kaisaros\ meaning also "belonging to Caesar" like the common adjective \Caesarianus\). It is made thus like a Latin adjective, though it is a Greek word, and it refers to the Hebrew belief in a Messiah (Page). The name was evidently given to the followers of Christ by the Gentiles to distinguish them from the Jews since they were Greeks, not Grecian Jews. The Jews would not call them Christians because of their own use of \Christos\ the Messiah. The Jews termed them Galileans or Nazarenes. The followers of Christ called themselves disciples (learners), believers, brethren, saints, those of the Way. The three uses of Christian in the N.T. are from the heathen standpoint (here), strkjv@Acts:26:28| (a term of contempt in the mouth of Agrippa), and strkjv@1Peter:4:16| (persecution from the Roman government). It is a clear distinction from both Jews and Gentiles and it is not strange that it came into use first here in Antioch when the large Greek church gave occasion for it. Later Ignatius was bishop in Antioch and was given to the lions in Rome, and John Chrysostom preached here his wonderful sermons.

rwp@Acts:11:28 @{Signified} (\esˆmainen\). Imperfect active in Westcott and Hort, but aorist active \esˆmƒnen\ in the margin. The verb is an old one from \sˆma\ (\sˆmeion\) a sign (cf. the symbolic sign in strkjv@21:11|). Here Agabus (also in strkjv@21:10|) does predict a famine through the Holy Spirit. {Should be} (\mellein esesthai\). \Mell“\ occurs either with the present infinitive (16:27|), the aorist infinitive (12:6|), or the future as here and strkjv@24:15; strkjv@27:10|. {Over all the world} (\eph' holˆn tˆn oikoumenˆn\). Over all the inhabited earth (\gˆn\, understood). Probably a common hyperbole for the Roman empire as in strkjv@Luke:2:1|. Josephus (_Ant_. VIII. 13, 4) appears to restrict it to Palestine. {In the days of Claudius} (\epi Klaudiou\). He was Roman Emperor A.D. 41-44. The Roman writers (Suetonius, Dio Cassius, Tacitus) all tell of dearths (_assiduae sterilitates_) during the brief reign of Claudius who was preceded by Caligula and followed by Nero.

rwp@Acts:12:1 @{About that time} (\kat' ekeinon ton kairon\). Same phrase in strkjv@Romans:9:9|. That is, the early part of A.D. 44 since that is the date of Herod's death. As already suggested, Barnabas and Saul came down from Antioch to Jerusalem after the persecution by Herod at the end of 44 or the beginning of 45. {Herod the king} (\Hˆr“idˆs ho basileus\). Accurate title at this particular time. Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, was King of Palestine A.D. 42 to 44; only for these three years was a Herod king over Palestine since the death of Herod the Great and never afterwards. Archelaus never actually became king though he had the popular title at first (Matthew:2:22|). {Put forth his hands} (\epebalen tas cheiras\). Second aorist active indicative of \epiball“\, old verb, to cast upon or against. The same idiom with \tas cheiras\ (the hands, common Greek idiom with article rather than possessive pronoun) in strkjv@4:3; strkjv@5:18|. {To afflict} (\kak“sai\). First aorist active infinitive of \kako“\, old word to do harm or evil to (\kakos\), already in strkjv@7:6,19|. Outside of Acts in the N.T. only strkjv@1Peter:5:13|. Infinitive of purpose. Probably the first who were afflicted were scourged or imprisoned, not put to death. It had been eight years or more since the persecution over the death of Stephen ceased with the conversion of Saul. But the disciples were not popular in Jerusalem with either Sadducees or Pharisees. The overtures to the Gentiles in Caesarea and Antioch may have stirred up the Pharisees afresh (cf. strkjv@6:14|). Herod Agrippa I was an Idumean through his grandfather Herod the Great and a grandson of Mariamne the Maccabean princess. He was a favourite of Caligula the Roman Emperor and was anxious to placate his Jewish subjects while retaining the favour of the Romans. Songs:he built theatres and held games for the Romans and Greeks and slew the Christians to please the Jews. Josephus (_Ant_. XIX. 7, 3) calls him a pleasant vain man scrupulously observing Jewish rites. Here we have for the first time political power (after Pilate) used against the disciples.

rwp@Acts:12:2 @{James the brother of John} (\Iak“bon ton adelphon I“anou\). He had been called by Jesus a son of thunder along with his brother John. Jesus had predicted a bloody death for both of them (Mark:10:38ff.; strkjv@Matthew:20:23|). James is the first of the apostles to die and John probably the last. He is not James the Lord's brother (Galatians:1:19|). We do not know why Luke tells so little about the death of James and so much about the death of Stephen nor do we know why Herod selected him as a victim. Eusebius (_H.E_. ii. 9) quotes Clement of Alexandria as saying that a Jew made accusations against James and was converted and beheaded at the same time with him. {Killed with the sword} (\aneilen machairˆi\). The verb is a favourite one with Luke (Acts:2:33; strkjv@5:33,36; strkjv@7:28; strkjv@9:23-29; strkjv@10:39|, etc.). Instrumental case and Ionic form of \machaira\. The Jews considered beheading a shameful death as in the case of the Baptist (Matthew:14:10|).

rwp@Acts:12:6 @{Was about to bring him forth} (\ˆmellen prosagagein\ or \proagagein\). The MSS. vary, but not \anagagein\ of verse 4|. {The same night} (\tˆi nukti ekeinˆi\). Locative case, {on that (very) night}. {Was sleeping} (\ˆn koim“menos\). Periphrastic middle imperfect. {Bound with two chains} (\dedemenos halusesin dusin\). Perfect passive participle of \de“\, to bind, followed by instrumental case. One chain was fastened to each soldier (one on each side of Peter). {Kept} (\etˆroun\). Imperfect active, were keeping. Two guards outside before the door and two inside, according to Roman rule. Did Peter recall the prophecy of Jesus that he should be put to death in his old age (John:21:18|)? Jesus had not said, as Furneaux does, that he would die by crucifixion.

rwp@Acts:12:8 @{Gird thyself} (\z“sai\). Direct middle first aorist (ingressive) imperative (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 806f.) from \z“nnumi\ (\z“nnu“\). Old verb, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@John:21:18| (twice to Peter) where the active voice and the reflexive pronoun occur in the first example. The girdle was worn round the \chit“n\ or undergarment. {Bind on} (\hupodˆsai\). Indirect middle (by yourself or for yourself) first aorist imperative of \hupode“\, to bind under, old verb, only three times in the N.T. (Mark:6:9; strkjv@Acts:12:8; strkjv@Ephesians:6:15| (middle)). {Sandals} (\sandalia\). Persian word common from Herodotus on, a sole made of wood or leather covering the bottom of the foot and bound on with thongs. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@Mark:6:9|. In the LXX used indiscriminately with \hupodˆma\. {Cast about thee} (\peribalou\). Second aorist middle (indirect) imperative of \periball“\, old and common verb to throw around, especially clothing around the body as here. The \himation\ (outer garment) was put over the \chit“n\. It was not a hurried flight. {Follow me} (\akolouthei moi\). Present (linear) active imperative, keep on following me (associative instrumental case).

rwp@Acts:12:9 @{Wist not} (\ouk ˆidei\). Past perfect of \oida\ used as imperfect, did not know. {Followed} (\ˆkolouthei\). Imperfect active, kept on following as the angel had directed (verse 8|). That it was true (\hoti alˆthes estin\). Indirect assertion and so present tense retained. Note "true" (\alˆthes\) in the sense of reality or actuality. {Which was done} (\to ginomenon\). Present middle participle, that which was happening. {Thought he saw a vision} (\edokei horama blepein\). Imperfect active, kept on thinking, puzzled as he was. \Blepein\ is the infinitive in indirect assertion without the pronoun (he) expressed which could be either nominative in apposition with the subject as in strkjv@Romans:1:22| or accusative of general reference as in strkjv@Acts:5:36; strkjv@8:9| (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 1036-40). Peter had had a vision in Joppa (10:10|) which Luke describes as an "ecstasy," but here is objective fact, at least Luke thought so and makes that distinction. Peter will soon know whether he is still in the cell or not as we find out that a dream is only a dream when we wake up.

rwp@Acts:12:10 @{When they were past} (\dielthontes\). Second aorist active participle of \dierchomai\, transitive with \dia\ in composition. {The first and the second ward} (\pr“tˆn phulakˆn kai deuteran\). It is not clear to what this language refers. Some take it to mean single soldiers, using \phulakˆn\ in the sense of a guard (one before the door, one at the iron gate). But it seems hardly likely that the two soldiers with whom Peter had been stationed are meant. Probably the "first ward" means the two soldiers of the quaternion stationed by the door and the second ward some other soldiers, not part of the sixteen, further on in the prison by the iron gate. However understood, the difficulties of escape are made plain. {Unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city} (\epi tˆn pulˆn tˆn sidˆrƒn tˆn pherousan eis tˆn polin\). Note the triple use of the article (the gate the iron one the one leading into the city). For this resumptive use of the article see Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 762, 764. This iron gate may have opened from a court out into the street and effectually barred escape. {Opened to them} (\ˆnoigˆ autois\). Second aorist passive indicative of \anoig“\, the usual later form though \ˆnoichthˆ\ (first aorist passive) occurs also, was opened. {Of its own accord} (\automatˆ\). Old compound adjective (\autos\, self, obsolete \ma“\, to desire eagerly, feminine form though masculine \automatos\ also used as feminine). In the N.T. only here and strkjv@Mark:4:28|. It was a strange experience for Peter. The Codex Bezae adds here "went down the seven steps" (\katebˆsan tous hepta bathmous\), an interesting detail that adds to the picture. {One street} (\rhumˆn mian\). The angel saw Peter through one of the narrow streets and then left him. We have no means of knowing precisely the location of the prison in the city. On "departed" (\apestˆ\) see on verse ¯7|.

rwp@Acts:12:11 @{Was come to himself} (\en heaut“i genomenos\). Second aorist middle participle of \ginomai\ with \en\ and the locative case, "becoming at himself." In strkjv@Luke:15:17| we have \eis heauton elth“n\ (coming to himself, as if he had been on a trip away from himself). {Now I know of a truth} (\nun oida alˆth“s\). There was no further confusion of mind that it was an ecstasy as in strkjv@10:10|. But he was in peril for the soldiers would soon learn of his escape, when the change of guards came at 6 A.M. {Delivered me} (\exeilato me\). Second aorist middle indicative of \exaire“\. The Lord rescued me of himself by his angel. {Expectation} (\prosdokias\). Old word from \prosdoka“\, to look for. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:21:26|. James had been put to death and the Jewish people were eagerly waiting for the execution of Peter like hungry wolves.

rwp@Acts:12:12 @{When he had considered} (\sunid“n\). Second aorist active participle of \suneidon\ (for the defective verb \sunora“\), to see together, to grasp as a whole, old verb, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@14:6|, save the perfect indicative \sunoida\ (1Corinthians:4:4|) and participle (Acts:5:2|). It is the word from which \suneidˆsis\ (conscience) comes (Romans:2:15|). Peter's mind worked rapidly and he decided what to do. He took in his situation clearly. {To the house of Mary} (\epi tˆn oikian tˆs Marias\). Another Mary (the others were Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, Mary wife of Cleopas, Mary the mother of James and Joses). She may have been a widow and was possessed of some means since her house was large enough to hold the large group of disciples there. Barnabas, cousin of John Mark her son (Colossians:4:10|), was also a man of property or had been (Acts:4:36f.|). It is probable that the disciples had been in the habit of meeting in her house, a fact known to Peter and he was evidently fond of John Mark whom he afterwards calls "my son" (1Peter:5:13|) and whom he had met here. The upper room of strkjv@Acts:1:13| may have been in Mary's house and Mark may have been the man bearing a pitcher of water (Luke:22:10|) and the young man who fled in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark:14:51f.|). There was a gate and portress here as in the house of the highpriest (John:18:16|). Peter knew where to go and even at this early hour hoped to find some of the disciples. Mary is one of the many mothers who have become famous by reason of their sons, though she was undoubtedly a woman of high character herself. {Were gathered together and were praying} (\ˆsan sunˆthroismenoi kai proseuchomenoi\). Note difference in the tenses, one periphrastic past perfect passive (\sunathroiz“\ old verb, in the N.T. here only and strkjv@19:25| and the uncompounded \throiz“\ in strkjv@Luke:24:33|) and the periphrastic imperfect. The praying apparently had been going on all night and a large number (many, \hikanoi\) of the disciples were there. One recalls the time when they had gathered to pray (4:31|) after Peter had told the disciples of the threats of the Sanhedrin (4:23|). God had rescued Peter then. Would he let him be put to death now as James had been?

rwp@Acts:12:13 @{When he knocked at the door of the gate} (\krousantos autou tˆn thuran tou pul“nos\). Genitive absolute with aorist active participle of \krou“\, common verb to knock or knock at. Songs:from the outside (Luke:13:25|). \Pul“n\ here is the gateway or passageway from the door (\thura\) that leads to the house. In verse 14| it is still the passageway without the use of \thura\ (door, so for both door and passageway). {To answer} (\hupakousai\). To listen under before opening. First aorist active infinitive of \hupakou“\, common verb to obey, to hearken. {A maid} (\paidiskˆ\). Portress as in strkjv@John:18:17|. A diminutive of \pais\, a female slave (so on an ostracon of second century A.D., Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 200). {Rhoda}. A rose. Women can have such beautiful names like Dorcas (Gazelle), Euodia (Sweet Aroma), Syntyche (Good Luck). Mark or Peter could tell Luke her name.

rwp@Acts:12:14 @{When she knew} (\epignousa\). Second aorist (ingressive) active participle of \epigin“sk“\, to know fully or in addition (\epi\), to recognize. She knew Peter and his voice from his frequent visits there. {For joy} (\apo tˆs charƒs\). From her joy (ablative case), life-like picture of the maid who left Peter standing outside with the door to the passageway unopened. Note the aorist tenses for quick action (\ouk ˆnoixen\), \eisdramousa\ (from \eistrech“\, defective verb, only here in the N.T.), \apˆggeilen\. {Stood} (\hestanai\). Second perfect active infinitive of \histˆmi\, intransitive, in indirect assertion with \ton Petron\ (Peter) accusative of general reference. The slave girl acted as if she were a member of the family (Furneaux), but she left Peter in peril.

rwp@Acts:12:15 @{Thou art mad} (\mainˆi\). Present middle indicative second person singular. Old verb, only in the middle voice. Festus used the same word to Paul (26:24|). The maid was undoubtedly excited, but it was a curious rebuff from those who had been praying all night for Peter's release. In their defence it may be said that Stephen and James had been put to death and many others by Saul's persecution. {She confidently affirmed} (\diischurizeto\). Imperfect middle of \diischurizomai\, an old word of vigorous and confident assertion, originally to lean upon. Only here in the N.T. The girl stuck to her statement. {It is his angel} (\Hosea:aggelos estin autou\). This was the second alternative of the disciples. It was a popular Jewish belief that each man had a guardian angel. Luke takes no position about it. No scripture teaches it.

rwp@Acts:12:17 @There were probably loud exclamations of astonishment and joy. {Beckoning with the hand} (\kataseisas tˆi cheiri\). First aorist active participle of \katasei“\, old verb to signal or shake down with the hand (instrumental case \cheiri\). In the N.T. only in strkjv@Acts:12:17; strkjv@13:16; strkjv@19:33; strkjv@21:40|. The speaker indicates by a downward movement of the hand his desire for silence (to hold their peace, \sigƒin\, present active infinitive, to keep silent). Peter was anxious for every precaution and he wanted their instant attention. {Declared} (\diˆgˆsato\). First aorist middle of \diˆgeomai\, old verb to carry through a narrative, give a full story. See also strkjv@Acts:9:27| of Barnabas in his defence of Saul. Peter told them the wonderful story. {Unto James and the brethren} (\Iak“b“i kai tois adelphois\). Dative case after \apaggeilate\ (first aorist active imperative). Evidently "James and the brethren" were not at this meeting, probably meeting elsewhere. There was no place where all the thousands of disciples in Jerusalem could meet. This gathering in the house of Mary may have been of women only or a meeting of the Hellenists. It is plain that this James the Lord's brother, is now the leading presbyter or elder in Jerusalem though there were a number (11:30; strkjv@21:18|). Paul even terms him apostle (Gal strkjv@1:19|), though certainly not one of the twelve. The twelve apostles probably were engaged elsewhere in mission work save James now dead (Acts:12:2|) and Peter. The leadership of James is here recognized by Peter and is due, partly to the absence of the twelve, but mainly to his own force of character. He will preside over the Jerusalem Conference (Acts:15:13|). {To another place} (\eis heteron topon\). Probably Luke did not know the place and certainly it was prudent for Peter to conceal it from Herod Agrippa. Probably Peter left the city. He is back in Jerusalem at the Conference a few years later (Acts:15:7|) and after the death of Herod Agrippa. Whether Peter went to Rome during these years we do not know. He was recognized later as the apostle to the circumcision (Gal strkjv@2:7; strkjv@1Peter:1:1|) and apparently was in Rome with John Mark when he wrote the First Epistle (1Peter:5:13|), unless it is the real Babylon. But, even if Peter went to Rome during this early period, there is no evidence that he founded the church there. If he had done so, in the light of strkjv@2Corinthians:10:16| it would be strange that Paul had not mentioned it in writing to Rome, for he was anxious not to build on another man's foundation (Romans:15:20|). Paul felt sure that he himself had a work to do in Rome. Unfortunately Luke has not followed the ministry of Peter after this period as he does Paul (appearing again only in chapter strkjv@Acts:15|). If Peter really left Jerusalem at this time instead of hiding in the city, he probably did some mission work as Paul says that he did (1Corinthians:9:5|).

rwp@Acts:12:19 @{He examined} (\anakrinas\). First aorist active participle of \anakrin“\, old verb to sift up and down, to question thoroughly, in a forensic sense (Luke:23:14; strkjv@Acts:4:9; strkjv@12:19; strkjv@28:18|). {That they should be put to death} (\apachthˆnai\). First aorist passive infinitive (indirect command) of \apag“\, old verb to lead away, especially to execution as in strkjv@Matthew:27:31|. Here it is used absolutely. This was the ordinary Roman routine and not a proof of special cruelty on the part of Herod Agrippa. {Tarried} (\dietriben\). Imperfect active. Herod Agrippa made his home in Jerusalem, but he went to Caesarea to the public games in honour of Emperor Claudius.

rwp@Acts:12:20 @{Was highly displeased} (\ˆn thumomach“n\). Periphrastic imperfect active of \thumomache“\, late compound of \thumos\ (passionate heat) and \machomai\, to fight. Only here in the N.T., to fight desperately, to have a hot quarrel. Whether it was open war with the Phoenicians or just violent hostility we do not know, save that Phoenicia belonged to Syria and Herod Agrippa had no authority there. The quarrel may have been over commercial matters. {They came with one accord} (\homothumadon parˆsan\). The representatives of Tyre and Sidon. See on ¯1:14| for \homothumadon\. Tyre was a colony of Sidon and had become one of the chief commercial cities of the world by reason of the Phoenician ships. {The king's chamberlain} (\ton epi tou koit“nos tou basileos\). The one over the bedchamber (\koit“nos\, late word from \koitˆ\, bed, here only in the N.T.). {Made their friend} (\peisantes\). First aorist active participle of \peith“\, to persuade. Having persuaded (probably with bribes as in strkjv@Matthew:28:14|). {They asked for peace} (\ˆitounto eirˆnˆn\). Imperfect middle of \aite“\, kept on asking for peace. {Because their country was fed} (\dia to trephesthai aut“n tˆn choran\). Causal sentence with \dia\ and the articular infinitive (present passive of \treph“\, to nourish or feed) and the accusative of general reference, "because of the being fed as to their country." Tyre and Sidon as large commercial cities on the coast received large supplies of grain and fruits from Palestine. Herod had cut off the supplies and that brought the two cities to action.

rwp@Acts:12:21 @{Upon a set day} (\taktˆi hˆmerƒi\). Locative case and the verbal adjective of \tass“\, to arrange, appoint, old word, here only in the N.T. Josephus (_Ant_. XVII. 6, 8; XIX. 8, 2) gives a full account of the occasion and the death of Herod Agrippa. It was the second day of the festival in honour of the Emperor Claudius, possibly his birthday rather than the _Quinquennalia_. The two accounts of Luke and Josephus supplement each other with no contradiction. Josephus does not mention the name of Blastus. {Arrayed himself in royal apparel} (\endusamenos esthˆta basilikˆn\). First aorist middle (indirect) participle of \endun“\ or \endu“\, common verb to put on. Literally, having put royal apparel on himself (a robe of silver tissue, Josephus says). The rays of the sun shone on this brilliant apparel and the vast crowd in the open amphitheatre became excited as Herod began to speak. {Made an oration} (\edˆmˆgorei\). Imperfect active of \dˆmˆgore“\, old verb from \dˆmˆgoros\ (haranguer of the people), and that from \dˆmos\ (people) and \agoreu“\, to harangue or address the people. Only here in the N.T. He kept it up.

rwp@Acts:12:23 @{Smote him} (\epataxen auton\). Effective aorist active indicative of \patass“\, old verb, used already in verse 7| of gentle smiting of the angel of the Lord, here of a severe stroke of affliction. Like Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel:4:30|) pride went before a fall. He was struck down in the very zenith of his glory. {Because} (\anth' h“n\). \Anti\ with the genitive of the relative pronoun, "in return for which things." He accepted the impious flattery (Hackett) instead of giving God the glory. He was a nominal Jew. {He was eaten of worms} (\genomenos sk“lˆkobr“tos\). Ingressive aorist middle participle, "becoming worm-eaten." The compound verbal adjective (\sk“lˆx\, worm, \br“tos\, eaten, from \bibr“sk“\) is a late word (II Macc. strkjv@9:9) of the death of Antiochus Epiphanes, used also of a tree (Theophrastus), here only in the N.T. The word \sk“lˆx\ was used of intestinal worms and Herodotus (IV. 205) describes Pheretima, Queen of Cyrene, as having swarms of worms which ate her flesh while still alive. Josephus (_Ant_. XIX. 8, 2) says that Herod Agrippa lingered for five days and says that the rotting of his flesh produced worms, an item in harmony with the narrative in Luke. Josephus gives further details, one a superstitious sight of an owl sitting on one of the ropes of the awning of the theatre while the people flattered him, an omen of his death to him. Luke puts it simply that God smote him. {Gave up the ghost} (\exepsuxen\). Effective aorist active of \ekpsuch“\, to breathe out, late verb, medical term in Hippocrates, in the N.T. only in strkjv@Acts:5:5,10; strkjv@12:23|. Herod was carried out of the theatre a dying man and lingered only five days.

rwp@Acts:12:25 @{From Jerusalem} (\ex Ierousalˆm\). Probably correct text, though D has \apo\. Westcott and Hort follow Aleph B in reading \eis\ (to) Jerusalem, an impossible reading contradicted by strkjv@11:29f.; strkjv@13:1|. The ministration (\diakonian\) referred to is that in strkjv@11:29f.| which may have taken place, in point of time, after the death of Herod. {Taking with them} (\sunparalabontes\). Taking along (\para\) with (\sun\) them, John Mark from Jerusalem (12:12|) to Antioch (13:1|). The aorist participle does not express subsequent action as Rackham here argues (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 861-863).

rwp@Acts:13:1 @{In the church that was there} (\kata tˆn ousan ekklˆsian\). Possibly distributed throughout the church (note "in the church" strkjv@11:26|). Now a strong organization there. Luke here begins the second part of Acts with Antioch as the centre of operations, no longer Jerusalem. Paul is now the central figure instead of Peter. Jerusalem had hesitated too long to carry out the command of Jesus to take the gospel to the whole world. That glory will now belong to Antioch. {Prophets and teachers} (\prophˆtai kai didaskaloi\). All prophets were teachers, but not all teachers were prophets who were for-speakers of God, sometimes fore-speakers like Agabus in strkjv@11:28|. The double use of \te\ here makes three prophets (Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius) and two teachers (Manaen and Saul). Barnabas heads the list (11:22|) and Saul comes last. Symeon Niger may be the Simon of Cyrene who carried the Saviour's cross. Lucius of Cyrene was probably one of the original evangelists (11:20|). The name is one of the forms of Luke, but it is certainly not Luke the Physician. Manaen shows how the gospel was reaching some of the higher classes (home of Herod Antipas). {Foster-brother} (\suntrophos\). Old word for nourished with or brought up with one _collactaneus_ (Vulgate). These are clearly the outstanding men in the great Greek church in Antioch.

rwp@Acts:13:2 @{As they ministered to the Lord} (\leitourgount“n aut“n toi kuri“i\). Genitive absolute of \leitourge“\, old verb, used of the Attic orators who served the state at their own cost \le“s\ or \laos\, people, and \ergon\, work or service). Common in the LXX of the priests who served in the tabernacle (Exodus:28:31,39|) like \leitourgia\ (Luke:1:23|) which see. Songs:in strkjv@Hebrews:10:11|. In strkjv@Romans:15:27| of aiding others in poverty. Here of worship (prayer, exhortation, fasting). The word liturgy grows out of this use. {And fasted} (\kai nˆsteuont“n\). Genitive absolute also. Christian Jews were keeping up the Jewish fast (Luke:18:12|). Note fasting also in the choice of elders for the Mission Churches (Acts:14:23|). Fasting was not obligatory on the Christians, but they were facing a great emergency in giving the gospel to the Gentile world. {Separate me} (\aphorisate dˆ moi\). First aorist active imperative of \aphoriz“\, old verb to mark off boundaries or horizon, used by Paul of his call (Romans:1:1; strkjv@Galatians:1:15|). The Greek has \dˆ\, a shortened form of \ˆdˆ\ and like Latin _jam_ and German _doch_, now therefore. It ought to be preserved in the translation. Cf. strkjv@Luke:2:15; strkjv@Acts:15:36; strkjv@1Corinthians:6:20|. \Moi\ is the ethical dative. As in verse 1| Barnabas is named before Saul. Both had been called to ministry long ago, but now this call is to the special campaign among the Gentiles. Both had been active and useful in such work. {Whereunto} (\ho\). Here \eis\ has to be repeated from \eis to ergon\ just before, "for which" as Jesus sent the twelve and the seventy in pairs, so here. Paul nearly always had one or more companions.

rwp@Acts:13:3 @{When they had fasted} (\nˆsteusantes\). Either finishing the same fast in verse 2| or another one (Hackett), but clearly a voluntary fast. {Laid their hands upon them} (\epithentes tas cheiras autois\). Second aorist active participle of \epitithˆmi\. Not ordination to the ministry, but a solemn consecration to the great missionary task to which the Holy Spirit had called them. Whether the whole church took part in this ceremony is not clear, though in strkjv@15:40| "the brethren" did commend Paul and Silas. Perhaps some of them here acted for the whole church, all of whom approved the enterprise. But Paul makes it plain in strkjv@Phillipians:4:15| that the church in Antioch did not make financial contribution to the campaign, but only goodwill. But that was more than the church at Jerusalem would have done as a whole since Peter had been arraigned there for his activities in Caesarea (Acts:11:1-18|). Clearly Barnabas and Saul had to finance the tour themselves. It was Philippi that first gave money to Paul's campaigns. There were still heathen enough in Antioch, but the church approved the going of Barnabas and Saul, their very best.

rwp@Acts:13:6 @{Unto Paphos} (\achri Paphou\). The new Paphos at the other end of the island, reached by a fine Roman road, some eight miles north of the old Paphos famous for the worship of Venus. {A certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew} (\andra tina magon pseudoprophˆtˆn Ioudaion\). Literally, "a certain man" (\andra tina\) with various descriptive epithets. The word \magon\ does not necessarily mean "sorcerer," but only a \magus\ (Matthew:2:1,7,10| which see). The bad sense occurs in strkjv@Acts:8:9,11| (Simon Magus) and is made plain here by "false prophet." In verse 8| here Barjesus (Son of Jesus) is called "Elymas the sorcerer (or Magian)," probably his professional title, as Luke interprets the Arabic or Aramaic word Elymas. These Jewish mountebanks were numerous and had great influence with the uneducated. In strkjv@Acts:19:13| the seven sons of Sceva, Jewish exorcists, tried to imitate Paul. If one is surprised that a man like Sergius Paulus should fall under the influence of this fraud, he should recall what Juvenal says of the Emperor Tiberius "sitting on the rock of Capri with his flock of Chaldaeans around him."

rwp@Acts:13:7 @{With the proconsul Sergius Paulus} (\sun t“i anthupat“i Sergi“i Paul“i\). Luke used to be sharply criticized for applying this term to Sergius Paulus on the ground that Cyprus was a province under the appointment of the emperor with the title of propraetor and not under the control of the senate with the title of proconsul. That was true B.C. 30, but five years later it was changed to proconsul by Augustus and put under the control of the Senate. Two inscriptions have been found with the date A.D. 51 and 52 with the names of proconsuls of Cyprus and one is in the Cesnola Collection, an inscription found at Soli with the name of Paulus as Proconsul, undoubtedly this very man, though no date occurs. {A man of understanding} (\andri sunet“i\). All the more amazing that he should be a victim of Barjesus. He had given up idolatry at any rate and was eager to hear Barnabas and Saul.

rwp@Acts:13:9 @{But Saul, who is also called Paul} (\Saulos de, ho kai Paulos\). By this remarkably brief phrase Luke presents this epoch in the life of Saul Paul. The "also" (\kai\) does not mean that the name Paul was given now for the first time, rather than he had always had it. As a Jew and a Roman citizen, he undoubtedly had both names all the time (cf. John Mark, Symeon Niger, Barsabbas Justus). Jerome held that the name of Sergius Paulus was adopted by Saul because of his conversion at this time, but this is a wholly unlikely explanation, "an element of vulgarity impossible to St. Paul " (Farrar). Augustine thought that the meaning of the Latin _paulus_ (little) would incline Saul to adopt, "but as a proper name the word rather suggested the glories of the Aemilian family, and even to us recalls the name of another Paulus, who was 'lavish of his noble life'" (Page). Among the Jews the name Saul was naturally used up to this point, but from now on Luke employs Paul save when there is a reference to his previous life (Acts:22:7; strkjv@26:14|). His real career is work among the Gentiles and Paul is the name used by them. There is a striking similarity in sound between the Hebrew Saul and the Roman Paul. Paul was proud of his tribe of Benjamin and so of King Saul (Phillipians:3:5|). {Filled with the Holy Spirit} (\plˆstheis pneumatos hagiou\). First aorist (ingressive) passive participle of \pimplˆmi\ with the genitive case. A special influx of power to meet this emergency. Here was a cultured heathen, typical of the best in Roman life, who called forth all the powers of Paul plus the special help of the Holy Spirit to expose the wickedness of Elymas Barjesus. If one wonders why the Holy Spirit filled Paul for this emergency rather than Barnabas, when Barnabas was named first in strkjv@13:2|, he can recall the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in his choice of agents (1Corinthians:12:4-11|) and also the special call of Paul by Christ (Acts:9:15; strkjv@26:17f.|). {Fastened his eyes} (\atenisas\). As already in strkjv@Luke:4:20; strkjv@22:56; strkjv@Acts:3:4,12; strkjv@6:15; strkjv@10:4|.

rwp@Acts:13:10 @{Of all guile} (\pantos dolou\). From \del“\, to catch with bait, old word, already seen in strkjv@Matthew:26:4; strkjv@Mark:7:22; strkjv@14:1|. Paul denounces Elymas as a trickster. {All villainy} (\pƒsˆs rhƒidiourgias\). Late compound from \rhƒidiourgos\ (\rhƒidios\, easy, facile, \ergon\, deed, one who does a thing adroitly and with ease). Songs:levity in Xenophon and unscrupulousness in Polybius, Plutarch, and the papyri. Only here in the N.T., though the kindred word \rhƒidiourgˆma\ occurs in strkjv@Acts:18:14|. With deadly accuracy Paul pictured this slick rascal. {Thou son of the devil} (\huie diabolou\). Damning phrase like that used by Jesus of the Pharisees in strkjv@John:8:44|, a slanderer like the \diabolos\. This use of son (\huios\) for characteristic occurs in strkjv@Acts:3:25; strkjv@4:36|, a common Hebrew idiom, and may be used purposely by Paul in contrast with the name Barjesus (son of Jesus) that Elymas bore (13:6|). {Enemy of all righteousness} (\echthre pƒsˆs dikaiosunˆs\). Personal enemy to all justice, sums up all the rest. Note triple use of "all" (\pantos, pƒsˆs, pƒsˆs\), total depravity in every sense. {Wilt thou not cease?} (\ou pausˆi\). An impatient rhetorical question, almost volitive in force (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 874). Note \ou\, not \mˆ\, {To pervert} (\diastreph“n\). Present active participle describing the actual work of Elymas as a perverter or distorter (see verse 8|). More exactly, Wilt thou not cease perverting? {The right ways of the Lord} (\tas hodous tou kuriou tas eutheias\). The ways of the Lord the straight ones as opposed to the crooked ways of men (Isaiah:40:4; strkjv@42:16; strkjv@Luke:3:5|). The task of John the Baptist as of all prophets and preachers is to make crooked paths straight and to get men to walk in them. This false prophet was making even the Lord's straight ways crooked. Elymas has many successors.

rwp@Acts:13:19 @{When he had destroyed} (\kathel“n\). Second aorist active participle of \kathaire“\, to tear down, old verb. {He gave them for an inheritance} (\kateklˆronomˆsen\). First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb \kata-klˆro-nome“\, late verb in LXX (Numbers:34:18; strkjv@Deuteronomy:3:28; strkjv@Joshua:14:1|) and only here in the N.T., to distribute by lot, to distribute as an inheritance. This is the correct reading and not \kateklˆrodotˆsen\ from \kataklˆrodote“\ of the Textus Receptus. These two verbs were confused in the MSS. of the LXX as well as here. {For about four hundred and fifty years} (\h“s etesin tetrakosiois kai pentˆkonta\). Associative instrumental case with an expression of time as in strkjv@8:11; strkjv@Luke:8:29| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 527). The oldest MSS. (Aleph A B C Vg Sah Boh) place these figures before "after these things" and so in verse 19|. This is the true reading and is in agreement with the notation in strkjv@1Kings:6:1|. The difficulty found in the Textus Receptus (King James Version) thus disappears with the true text. The four hundred and fifty years runs therefore from the birth of Isaac to the actual conquest of Canaan and does not cover the period of the Judges. See on ¯Acts:7:6|.

rwp@Acts:13:21 @{They asked} (\ˆitˆsanto\). First aorist indirect middle indicative, they asked for themselves. They were tired of a theocracy. Cf. strkjv@1Samuel:8:5; strkjv@10:1|. Paul mentions with pride that Benjamin was the tribe of Saul (his name also), but he does not allude to Saul's sin (Furneaux). {For the space of forty years} (\etˆ tesserakonta\). Accusative of extent of time. Not in the O.T., but in Josephus, _Ant_. VI. 14, 9.

rwp@Acts:13:24 @{When John had first preached} (\prokˆruxantos I“anou\). Literally, John heralding beforehand, as a herald before the king (Luke:3:3|). Genitive absolute of first aorist active participle of \prokˆruss“\, old verb to herald beforehand, here alone in the N.T., though Textus Receptus has it also in strkjv@Acts:3:20|. {Before his coming} (\pro pros“pou tˆs eisodou autou\). Literally, before the face of his entering in (here act of entrance as strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:9|, not the gate as in strkjv@Hebrews:10:19|). See strkjv@Malachi:3:1| quoted in strkjv@Matthew:11:10| (Luke:7:27|) for this Hebrew phrase and also strkjv@Luke:1:76|. {The baptism of repentance} (\baptisma metanoias\). Baptism marked by, characterized by (genitive case, case of kind or species) repentance (change of mind and life). The very phrase used of John's preaching in strkjv@Mark:1:4; strkjv@Luke:3:3|. It is clear therefore that Paul understood John's ministry and message as did Peter (Acts:2:38; strkjv@10:37|).

rwp@Acts:13:26 @{To us} (\hˆmin\). Both Jews and Gentiles, both classes in Paul's audience, dative of advantage. {Is sent forth} (\exapestalˆ\). Second aorist passive indicative of the double compound verb \exapostell“\, common verb to send out (\ex\) and forth (\apo\). It is a climacteric or culminative aorist tense. It has come to us in one day, this glorious promise. {The word of this salvation} (\ho logos tˆs s“tˆrias tautˆs\). The message of Jesus as Saviour (verse 23|), long ago promised and now come to us as Saviour.

rwp@Acts:13:27 @{Because they knew him not} (\touton agnoˆsantes\). First aorist active participle (causal) of \agnoe“\, old verb, not to know. Peter gives "ignorance" (\agnoia\) as the excuse of the Jews in the death of Christ (3:17|) and Paul does the same about his conduct before his conversion (1Timothy:1:13|). This ignorance mitigated the degree of their guilt, but it did not remove it, for it was willing ignorance and prejudice. {The voices of the prophets which are read} (\tas ph“nas t“n prophˆt“n tas anagin“skomenas\). Object also of \agnoˆsantes\, though it could be the object of \eplˆr“san\ (fulfilled) if \kai\ is taken as "also". The "voices" were heard as they were read aloud each Sabbath in the synagogue. In their ignorant condemnation they fulfilled the prophecies about the suffering Messiah.

rwp@Acts:13:29 @{From the tree} (\apo tou xulou\). Not here strictly a tree, but wood as already in strkjv@5:30; strkjv@10:29| and later in strkjv@Galatians:3:13|. Strictly speaking, it was Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who took the body of Jesus down from the cross, though the Jews had asked Pilate to have the bones of Jesus broken that his body should not remain on the cross during the Sabbath (John:19:31|). Paul does not distinguish the details here. {Laid} (\ethˆkan\). First (kappa) aorist active indicative third plural of \tithˆmi\ in place of \ethesan\ the usual second aorist active plural form. {Tomb} (\mnˆmeion\). Memorial, common in the Gospels.

rwp@Acts:13:39 @{And by him every one that believeth is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses} (\kai apo pant“n h“n ouk ˆdunˆthˆte en nom“i M“use“s dikaiothˆnai en tout“i pƒs ho pisteu“n dikaioutai\). This is a characteristic Greek sentence with the principal clause at the end and Pauline to the core. A literal rendering as to the order would be: "And from all the things from (\apo\ not repeated in the Greek, but understood, the ablative case being repeated) which ye were not able to be justified in this one every one who believes is justified." The climax is at the close and gives us the heart of Paul's teaching about Christ. "We have here the germ of all that is most characteristic in Paul's later teaching. It is the argument of the Epistle to Galatians and Romans in a sentence" (Furneaux). The failure of the Mosaic law to bring the kind of righteousness that God demands is stated. This is made possible in and by (\en\) Christ alone. Paul's favourite words occur here, \pisteu“\, believe, with which \pistis\, faith, is allied, \dikaio“\, to set right with God on the basis of faith. In strkjv@Romans:6:7| Paul uses \apo\ also after \dikaio“\. These are key words (\pisteu“\ and \dikaio“\) in Paul's theology and call for prolonged and careful study if one is to grasp the Pauline teaching. \Dikaio“\ primarily means to make righteous, to declare righteous like \axio“\, to deem worthy (\axios\). But in the end Paul holds that real righteousness will come (Romans:6-8|) to those whom God treats as righteous (Romans:3-5|) though both Gentile and Jew fall short without Christ (Romans:1-3|). This is the doctrine of grace that will prove a stumbling block to the Jews with their ceremonial works and foolishness to the Greeks with their abstract philosophical ethics (1Corinthians:1:23-25|). It is a new and strange doctrine to the people of Antioch.

rwp@Acts:13:41 @{Ye despisers} (\hoi kataphronˆtai\). Not in the Hebrew, but in the LXX. It is pertinent for Paul's purpose. {Perish} (\aphanisthˆte\). Or vanish away. First aorist passive imperative. Added by the LXX to the Hebrew. {If one declare it unto you} (\ean tis ekdiˆgˆtai humin\). Condition of third class with present middle subjunctive, if one keep on outlining (double compound, \ek-di-ˆgeomai\) it unto you. Paul has hurled a thunderbolt at the close.

rwp@Acts:13:42 @{And as they went out} (\Exiont“n de aut“n\). Genitive absolute with present active participle of \exeimi\, to go out, old verb, in the N.T. only in strkjv@Acts:12:42; strkjv@17:15; strkjv@20:7; strkjv@27:43|. As they (Paul and Barnabas) were going out with all the excitement and hubbub created by the sermon. {They besought} (\parekaloun\). Imperfect active, inchoative, began to beseech. The Textus Receptus inserts wrongly \ta ethnˆ\ (the Gentiles) as if the Jews were opposed to Paul from the first as some doubtless were. But both Jews and Gentiles asked for the repetition of the sermon (\lalˆthˆnai\, first aorist passive infinitive object of \parekaloun\ with accusative of general reference). {The next Sabbath} (\eis to metaxu sabbaton\). Late use (Josephus, Plutarch, etc.) of \metaxu\ (\meta\ and \xun\=\sun\) in sense of after or next instead of between (sense of \meta\ prevailing). Note use of \eis\ for "on" or "by."

rwp@Acts:13:44 @{The next Sabbath} (\t“i erchomen“i sabbat“i\). Locative case, on the coming (\erchomen“i\, present middle participle of \erchomai\) Sabbath. Songs:the best MSS., though some have \echomen“i\ (present middle participle of \ech“\ in sense of near, bordering, following as in strkjv@Luke:13:33; strkjv@Acts:29:15|). {Almost} (\schedon\). Old word, but in N.T. only here, strkjv@Acts:19:26; strkjv@Hebrews:9:22|. {Was gathered together} (\sunˆchthˆ\). First aorist (effective) passive indicative of \sunag“\, old and common verb. The "whole city" could hardly all gather in the synagogue. Perhaps Paul spoke in the synagogue and Barnabas to the overflow outside (see verse 46|). It was an eager and earnest gathering "to hear (\akousai\, first aorist active infinitive of purpose) the word of God" and a great opportunity for Paul and Barnabas. The Codex Bezae has it "to hear Paul." It was the new preacher (Paul) that drew the big crowd. It was a crowd such as will later hang on the words of John Wesley and George Whitfield when they preach Jesus Christ.

rwp@Acts:13:45 @{The Jews} (\hoi Ioudaioi\). Certainly not the proselytes of verse 43|. Probably many of the Jews that were then favourably disposed to Paul's message had reacted against him under the influence of the rabbis during the week and evidently on this Sabbath very many Gentiles ("almost the whole city," "the multitudes" \tous ochlous\) had gathered, to the disgust of the stricter Jews. Nothing is specifically stated here about the rabbis, but they were beyond doubt the instigators of, and the ringleaders in, the opposition as in Thessalonica (17:5|). No such crowds (\ochlous\) came to the synagogue when they were the speakers. {With jealousy} (\zˆlou\). Genitive case of \zˆlos\ (from \ze“\, to boil) after \eplˆsthˆsan\ (effective first aorist passive indicative of \pimplˆmi\). Envy and jealousy arise between people of the same calling (doctors towards doctors, lawyers towards lawyers, preachers towards preachers). Songs:these rabbis boiled with jealousy when they saw the crowds gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas. {Contradicted} (\antelegon\). Imperfect active of \antileg“\, old verb to speak against, to say a word in opposition to (\anti\, face to face). It was interruption of the service and open opposition in the public meeting. Paul and Barnabas were guests by courtesy and, of course, could not proceed further, when denied that privilege. {Blasphemed} (\blasphˆmountes\). Blaspheming. Songs:the correct text without the addition \antilegontes\ (repeated from \antelegon\ above). Common verb in the Gospels for saying injurious and harmful things. Doubtless these rabbis indulged in unkind personalities and made it plain that Paul and Barnabas were going beyond the limitations of pure Judaism in their contacts with Gentiles.

rwp@Acts:13:46 @{Spake out boldly} (\parrˆsiasamenoi\). First aorist middle participle of \parrˆsiazomai\, to use freedom in speaking, to assume boldness. Both Paul and Barnabas accepted the challenge of the rabbis. They would leave their synagogue, but not without a word of explanation. {It was necessary to you first} (\Humin ˆn anagkaion pr“ton\). They had done their duty and had followed the command of Jesus (1:8|). They use the very language of Peter in strkjv@3:26| (\humin pr“ton\) "to you first." This position Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles will always hold, the Jew first in privilege and penalty (Romans:1:16; strkjv@2:9,10|). {Ye thrust it from you} (\ap“theisthe auton\). Present middle (indirect, from yourselves) indicative of \ap“the“\, to push from. Vigorous verb seen already in strkjv@Acts:7:27,39| which see. {Judge yourselves unworthy} (\ouk axious krinete heautous\). Present active indicative of the common verb \krin“\, to judge or decide with the reflexive pronoun expressed. Literally, Do not judge yourselves worthy. By their action and their words they had taken a violent and definite stand. {Lo, we turn to the Gentiles} (\idou strephometha eis ta ethnˆ\). It is a crisis (\idou\, lo): "Lo, we turn ourselves to the Gentiles." Probably also aoristic present, we now turn (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 864-70). \Strephometha\ is probably the direct middle (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 806-08) though the aorist passive \estraphˆn\ is so used also (7:39|). It is a dramatic moment as Paul and Barnabas turn from the Jews to the Gentiles, a prophecy of the future history of Christianity. In strkjv@Romans:9-11| Paul will discuss at length the rejection of Christ by the Jews and the calling of the Gentiles to be the real (the spiritual) Israel.

rwp@Acts:13:47 @{For so hath the Lord commanded us} (\hout“s gar entetaltai hˆmin ho kurios\). Perfect middle indicative of \entell“\, poetic (Pindar) and late verb to enjoin (1:2|). The command of the Lord Paul finds in strkjv@Isaiah:49:6| quoted by Simeon also (Luke:2:32|). The conviction of Paul's mind was now made clear by the fact of the rejection by the Jews. He could now see more clearly the words of the prophet about the Gentiles: The Messiah is declared by God in Isaiah to be "a light to the Gentiles" (\ethn“n\, objective genitive), "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (\ph“s eis apokalupsin ethn“n\, strkjv@Luke:2:32|). Songs:Paul is carrying out the will of God in turning to the Gentiles. He will still appeal to the Jews elsewhere as they allow him to do so, but not here. {That thou shouldest be} (\tou einai se\). Genitive articular infinitive of purpose with the accusative of general reference. This is all according to God's fixed purpose (\tetheika\, perfect active indicative of \tithˆmi\). {Unto the uttermost part of the earth} (\he“s eschatou tˆs gˆs\). Unto the last portion (genitive neuter, not feminine) of the earth. It is a long time from Paul to now, not to say from Isaiah to now, and not yet has the gospel been carried to half of the people of earth. God's people are slow in carrying out God's plans for salvation.

rwp@Acts:13:48 @{As the Gentiles heard this they were glad} (\akouonta ta ethnˆ echairon\). Present active participle of \akou“\ and imperfect active of \chair“\, linear action descriptive of the joy of the Gentiles. {Glorified the word of God} (\edoxazon ton logon tou theou\). Imperfect active again. The joy of the Gentiles increased the fury of the Jews. "The synagogue became a scene of excitement which must have been something like the original speaking with tongues" (Rackham). The joy of the Gentiles was to see how they could receive the higher blessing of Judaism without circumcision and other repellent features of Jewish ceremonialism. It was the gospel of grace and liberty from legalism that Paul had proclaimed. Whether strkjv@Galatians:4:13| describes this incident or not (the South Galatian theory), it illustrates it when Gentiles received Paul as if he were Christ Jesus himself. It was triumph with the Gentiles, but defeat with the Jews. {As many as were ordained to eternal life} (\hosoi ˆsan tetagmenoi eis z“ˆn ai“nion\). Periphrastic past perfect passive indicative of \tass“\, a military term to place in orderly arrangement. The word "ordain" is not the best translation here. "Appointed," as Hackett shows, is better. The Jews here had voluntarily rejected the word of God. On the other side were those Gentiles who gladly accepted what the Jews had rejected, not all the Gentiles. Why these Gentiles here ranged themselves on God's side as opposed to the Jews Luke does not tell us. This verse does not solve the vexed problem of divine sovereignty and human free agency. There is no evidence that Luke had in mind an _absolutum decretum_ of personal salvation. Paul had shown that God's plan extended to and included Gentiles. Certainly the Spirit of God does move upon the human heart to which some respond, as here, while others push him away. {Believed} (\episteusan\). Summary or constative first aorist active indicative of \pisteu“\. The subject of this verb is the relative clause. By no manner of legerdemain can it be made to mean "those who believe were appointed." It was saving faith that was exercised only by those who were appointed unto eternal life, who were ranged on the side of eternal life, who were thus revealed as the subjects of God's grace by the stand that they took on this day for the Lord. It was a great day for the kingdom of God.

rwp@Acts:14:1 @{They entered together} (\kata to auto eiselthein\). Like \epi to auto\ in strkjv@3:1|. The infinitive \eiselthein\ is the subject of \egeneto\. {Songs:spake that} (\lalˆsai hout“s h“ste\). Infinitive again parallel to \eiselthein\. With the result that, actual result here stated with \h“ste\ and the aorist infinitive \pisteusai\ (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 999f.) rather than \h“ste\ and the indicative like strkjv@John:3:16|. It was a tremendous first meeting.

rwp@Acts:14:2 @{That were disobedient} (\hoi apeithˆsantes\). First aorist active articular participle, not the present \apeithountes\ as the Textus Receptus has it. But the meaning is probably the Jews that disbelieved, rather than that disobeyed. Strictly \apeithe“\ does mean to disobey and \apiste“\ to disbelieve, but that distinction is not observed in strkjv@John:3:36| nor in strkjv@Acts:19:9; strkjv@28:24|. The word \apeithe“\ means to be \apeithˆs\, to be unwilling to be persuaded or to withhold belief and then also to withhold obedience. The two meanings run into one another. To disbelieve the word of God is to disobey God. {Made them evil affected} (\ekak“san\). First aorist active indicative of \kako“\, old verb from \kakos\, to do evil to, to ill-treat, then in later Greek as here to embitter, to exasperate as in strkjv@Psalms:105:32| and in Josephus. In this sense only here in the N.T. Evidently Paul preached the same message as in Antioch for it won both Jews and Gentiles, and displeased the rabbis. Codex Bezae adds here that "the chiefs of the synagogue and the rulers" brought persecution upon Paul and Barnabas just as was argued about Antioch. Outside the synagogue the Jews would poison the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. "The story of Thecla suggests a means, and perhaps the apostles were brought before the magistrates on some charge of interference with family life. The magistrates however must have seen at once that there was no legal case against them; and by a sentence of acquittal or in some other way the Lord gave peace" (Rackham). As we have it, the story of Paul and Thecla undoubtedly has apocryphal features, though Thecla may very well be an historical character here at Iconium where the story is located. Certainly the picture of Paul herein drawn cannot be considered authentic though a true tradition may underlie it: "bald, bowlegged, strongly built, small in stature, with large eyes and meeting eyebrows and longish nose; full of grace; sometimes looking like a man, sometimes having the face of an angel."

rwp@Acts:14:3 @{Long time therefore} (\hikanon men oun chronon\). Accusative of duration of time (possibly six months) and note \men oun\. There is an antithesis in \eschisthˆ de\ (verse 4|) and in verse 5| (\egeneto de\). After the persecution and vindication there was a season of great opportunity which Paul and Barnabas used to the full, "speaking boldly" (\parrˆsiazomenoi\ as in strkjv@13:46| at Antioch in Pisidia, "in the Lord" (\epi t“i kuri“i\), upon the basis of the Lord Jesus as in strkjv@4:17f|. And the Lord Jesus "bore witness to the word of his grace" as he always does, "granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands" (\didonti sˆmeia kai terata ginesthai dia t“n cheir“n aut“n\). Present participle (\didonti\) and present infinitive (\ginesthai\) repetition of both signs and wonders (note both words) just as had happened with Peter and John and the other apostles (2:43; strkjv@4:29f.; strkjv@5:12|; cf. strkjv@Hebrews:2:4|). The time of peace could not last forever with such a work of grace as this. A second explosion of persecution was bound to come and some of the MSS. actually have \ek deuterou\ (a second time).

rwp@Acts:14:4 @{But the multitude of the city was divided} (\eschisthˆ de to plˆthos tˆs pole“s\). First aorist passive indicative of \schiz“\, old verb to split, to make a schism or factions as Sadducees and Pharisees (23:7|). This division was within the Gentile populace. Part held (\hoi men ˆsan\), literally "some were with the Jews" (\sun tois Ioudaiois\), part with the apostles (\hoi de sun tois apostolois\). Common demonstrative of contrast (\hoi men, hoi de\, Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 694). The Jewish leaders made some impression on the Gentiles as at Antioch in Pisidia and later at Thessalonica (17:4f.|). This is the first time in the Acts that Paul and Barnabas are termed "apostles" (see also verse 14|). Elsewhere in the Acts the word is restricted to the twelve. Certainly Luke does not here employ it in that technical sense. To have followed Jesus in his ministry and to have seen the Risen Christ was essential to the technical use (1:22f.|). Whether Barnabas had seen the Risen Christ we do not know, but certainly Paul had (1Corinthians:9:1f.; strkjv@15:8|). Paul claimed to be an apostle on a par with the twelve (Galatians:1:1,16-18|). The word originally means simply one sent (John:13:16|) like messengers of the churches with the collection (2Corinthians:8:23|). The Jews used it of those sent from Jerusalem to collect the temple tribute. Paul applies the word to James the Lord's brother (Galatians:1:19|), to Epaphroditus (Phillipians:2:25|) as the messenger of the church in Philippi, to Silvanus and Timothy (1Thessalonians:2:6; strkjv@Acts:18:5|), apparently to Apollos (1Corinthians:4:9|), and to Andronicus and Junias (Romans:16:6f.|). He even calls the Judaizers "false apostles" (2Corinthians:11:13|).

rwp@Acts:14:6 @{They became aware of it} (\sunidontes\). Second aorist (ingressive) active participle of \sunora“\ (\suneidon\), old word to see together, to become conscious of as already in strkjv@12:12|. In the N.T. only by Luke and Paul. {Fled} (\katephugon\). Second aorist (effective) active indicative of \katapheug“\, old verb, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Hebrews:6:18|. Paul and Barnabas had no idea of remaining to be stoned (lynched) by this mob. It is a wise preacher who always knows when to stand his ground and when to leave for the glory of God. Paul and Barnabas were following the directions of the Lord Jesus given to the twelve on their special tour of Galilee (Matthew:10:23|). Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia (still part of the Province of Galatia, though in another _Regio_), not far from the base of the Black Mountain. Professor Sterrett has apparently identified Lystra by an inscription about six hours (18 miles) south-southwest from Iconium near the village Khatyn Serai and Derbe probably near the village Losta or Zosta though its location is really not known. Lystra had been made a colony in B.C. 6 and Derbe was the frontier city of the Roman empire in the southeast. These are the only cities mentioned, but they were of importance and show that Paul kept to his plan of going to centres of influence. The new imperial road from Antioch and Iconium reached these cities. {The region round about} (\tˆn perich“ron\) was "a high table land, ill-watered, bleak, but suited for sheep pasture" (Page).

rwp@Acts:14:8 @{At Lystra} (\en Lustrois\). Neuter plural as in strkjv@16:2; strkjv@2Timothy:3:11| while feminine singular in strkjv@14:6,21; strkjv@16:1|. There was apparently no synagogue in Lystra and so not many Jews. Paul and Barnabas had to do open-air preaching and probably had difficulty in being understood by the natives though both Greek and Latin inscriptions were discovered here by Professor Sterrett in 1885. The incident narrated here (verses 8-18|) shows how they got a real hearing among these rude heathen. {There sat} (\ekathˆto\). Imperfect middle of \kathˆmai\. Was sitting. This case is very much like that in strkjv@3:1-11|, healed by Peter. Possibly outside the gate (verse 13|) or some public place. {Impotent in his feet} (\adunatos tois posin\). Old verbal, but only here in the N.T. in this sense except figuratively in strkjv@Romans:15:1|. Elsewhere it means "impossible" (Matthew:19:26|). Locative case. Common in medical writers in the sense of "impotent." Songs:Tobit strkjv@2:10; strkjv@5:9. {Had walked} (\periepatˆsen\). Songs:best MSS., first aorist active indicative "walked," not \periepepatˆkei\, "had walked" (past perfect active).

rwp@Acts:14:10 @{Upright} (\orthos\). Predicate adjective. In this sense Galen and Hippocrates frequently use \orthos\ (erect, straight). Paul spoke in a loud (\megalˆi\) voice so that all could hear and know. {He leaped up and walked} (\hˆlato kai periepatei\). Rather, He leaped up with a single bound and began to walk. The second aorist middle indicative (with first aorist vowel \a\) of \hallomai\ (late verb, in papyri) and inchoative imperfect active of \peripate“\, common verb to walk around. This graphic picture is concealed by the usual English rendering. It is possible that Luke obtained the vivid report of this incident from Timothy who may have witnessed it and who was probably converted during Paul's stay here (16:3|). His father was a prominent Greek and his mother Eunice, possibly a widow, may have lived here with her mother Lois (2Timothy:1:5|).

rwp@Acts:14:13 @{Whose temple was before the city} (\tou ontos pro tˆs p“le“s\). The god (Zeus) is identified with his temple. He had a statue and temple there. {Oxen and garlands} (\taurous kai stemmata\). Probably garlands to put on the oxen before they were slain. It was common to sacrifice bullocks to Jupiter and Mercury. {Would have done sacrifice} (\ˆthelen thuein\). Imperfect indicative, wanted to offer sacrifice. He was planning to do it, and his purpose now became plain to Paul and Barnabas.

rwp@Acts:14:15 @{Sirs} (\andres\). Literally, Men. Abrupt, but courteous. {We also are men of like passions with you} (\kai hˆmeis homoiopatheis esmen humin anthr“poi\). Old adjective from \homoios\ (like) and \pasch“\, to experience. In the N.T. only here and strkjv@James:5:17|. It means "of like nature" more exactly and affected by like sensations, not "gods" at all. Their conduct was more serious than the obeisance of Cornelius to Peter (10:25f.|). \Humin\ is associative instrumental case. {And bring you good tidings} (\euaggelizomenoi\). No "and" in the Greek, just the present middle participle, "gospelizing you." They are not gods, but evangelists. Here we have Paul's message to a pagan audience without the Jewish environment and he makes the same line of argument seen in strkjv@Acts:17:21-32; strkjv@Romans:1:18-23|. At Antioch in Pisidia we saw Paul's line of approach to Jews and proselytes (Acts:13:16-41|). {That ye should turn from these vain things} (\apo tout“n t“n matai“n epistrephein\). He boldly calls the worship of Jupiter and Mercury and all idols "vain" or empty things, pointing to the statues and the temple. {Unto the living God} (\epi theon z“nta\). They must go the whole way. Our God is a live God, not a dead statue. Paul is fond of this phrase (2Corinthians:6:16; strkjv@Romans:9:26|). {Who made} (\hos epoiˆsen\). The one God is alive and is the Creator of the Universe just as Paul will argue in Athens (Acts:17:24|). Paul here quotes strkjv@Psalms:146:6| and has strkjv@Genesis:1:1| in mind. See also strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:9| where a new allegiance is also claimed as here.

rwp@Acts:14:16 @{In the generations gone by} (\en tais par“ichˆmenais geneais\). Perfect middle participle from \paroichomai\, to go by, old verb, here alone in the N.T. {Suffered} (\eiasen\). Constative aorist active indicative of \ea“\ (note syllabic augment). Paul here touches God in history as he did just before in creation. God's hand is on the history of all the nations (Gentile and Jew), only with the Gentiles he withdrew the restraints of his grace in large measure (Acts:17:30; strkjv@Romans:1:24,26,28|), judgment enough for their sins. {To walk in their ways} (\poreuesthai tais hodois aut“n\). Present middle infinitive, to go on walking, with locative case without \en\. This philosophy of history does not mean that God was ignorant or unconcerned. He was biding his time in patience.

rwp@Acts:14:17 @{And yet} (\kaitoi\). Old Greek compound particle (\kai toi\). In the N.T. twice only, once with finite verb as here, once with the participle (Hebrews:4:3|). {Without witness} (\amarturon\). Old adjective (\a\ privative and \martus\, witness), only here in the N.T. {Left} (\aphˆken\). First aorist active (\k\ aorist indicative of \aphiˆmi\). {In that he did good} (\agathourg“n\). Present active causal participle of \agathourge“\, late and rare verb (also \agathoerge“\ strkjv@1Timothy:6:18|), reading of the oldest MSS. here for \agathopoie“\, to do good. Note two other causal participles here parallel with \agathourg“n\, viz., \didous\ ("giving you") present active of \did“mi, empipl“n\ ("filling") present active of \empimpla“\ (late form of \empimplˆmi\). This witness to God (his doing good, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness) they could receive without the help of the Old Testament revelation (Romans:1:20|). Zeus was regarded as the god of rain (Jupiter Pluvius) and Paul claims the rain and the fruitful (\karpophorous, karpos\, and \pher“\, fruit bearing, old word, here alone in N.T.) seasons as coming from God. Lycaonia was often dry and it would be an appropriate item. "Mercury, as the God of merchandise, was also the dispenser of food" (Vincent). Paul does not talk about laws of nature as if they governed themselves, but he sees the living God "behind the drama of the physical world" (Furneaux). These simple country people could grasp his ideas as he claims everything for the one true God. {Gladness} (\euphrosunˆs\). Old word from \euphr“n\ (\eu\ and \phrˆn\), good cheer. In the N.T. only strkjv@Acts:2:28| and here. Cheerfulness should be our normal attitude when we consider God's goodness. Paul does not here mention Christ because he had the single definite purpose to dissuade them from worshipping Barnabas and himself.

rwp@Acts:14:18 @{Scarce} (\molis\). Adverb in same sense as old \mogis\, from \molos\, toil. {Restrained} (\katepausan\). Effective first aorist active indicative of \katapau“\, old verb in causative sense to make abstain from. {From doing sacrifice unto them} (\tou mˆ thuein autois\). Ablative case of the articular infinitive with redundant negative after \katepausan\, regular Greek idiom (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 1094, 1171). It had been a harrowing and well-nigh a horrible ordeal, but finally Paul had won. If only nobody else had interposed!

rwp@Acts:14:19 @{But there came thither Jews from Antioch and Iconium} (\Epˆlthan de apo Antiocheias kai Ikoniou Ioudaioi\). Came to or upon them, \epˆlthan\, second aorist (ingressive) indicative of \eperchomai\. Whether news of the miracle had reached those cities we do not know. These may have been travelling grain merchants. At any rate there was an interval in which Paul and Barnabas won some disciples (verse 22|). There would be a natural reaction, even revulsion, in the minds of many who had come so near to worshipping Paul and Barnabas. The pendulum swings easily from one extreme to the other. The hostile Jews from Antioch and Iconium may even have followed Paul and Barnabas along the fine Roman road on purpose to keep them on the run. They had driven them out of Antioch and out of Iconium and now appear at Lystra at an opportune moment for their work. {Having persuaded the multitudes} (\peisantes tous ochlous\). First aorist (effective) active participle of \peith“\. They had complete success with many and struck at the psychological moment. {They stoned Paul} (\lithasantes ton Paulon\). First aorist active participle of \lithaz“\, late verb from \lithos\ for throwing stones (used by Paul referring to this one incident when alone he was stoned, strkjv@2Corinthians:11:25|). The wounds inflicted may have left some of the scars (\stigmata\) mentioned in strkjv@Galatians:6:17|. They stoned Paul as the chief speaker (Mercury) and passed by Barnabas (Jupiter). It was a Jewish mode of punishment as against Stephen and these Jews knew that Paul was the man that they had to deal with. Hackett notes that the Jews with two exceptions incited the persecutions which Paul endured. The exceptions were in Philippi (16:16-40|) and Ephesus (19:23-41|). {Dragged him out of the city} (\esuron ex“ tˆs pole“s\). They hurled Stephen outside of the city before stoning him (\7:58\). It was a hurried and irregular proceeding, but they were dragging (imperfect active of \sur“\, old verb) Paul out now. {Supposing that he were dead} (\nomizontes auton tethnˆkenai\). Present active participle with infinitive (second perfect active of \thnˆsk“\) in indirect discourse with accusative of general reference. The Jews are jubilant this time with memories of Paul's escape at Antioch and Iconium. The pagan mob feel that they have settled accounts for their narrow escape from worshipping two Jewish renegade preachers. It was a good day's work for them all. Luke does not say that Paul was actually dead.

rwp@Acts:14:21 @{When they had preached the gospel to that city} (\euaggelisamenoi tˆn polin ekeinˆn\). Having evangelized (first aorist middle participle) that city, a smaller city and apparently with no trouble from the Jews. {Had made many disciples} (\mathˆteusantes hikanous\). First aorist active participle of \mathˆteu“\ from \mathˆtˆs\, a learner or disciple. Late verb in Plutarch, to be a disciple (Matthew:27:57| like strkjv@John:19:38|) and then to disciple (old English, Spenser), to make a disciple as in strkjv@Matthew:28:19| and here. Paul and Barnabas were literally here obeying the command of Jesus in discipling people in this heathen city. {They returned to Lystra and to Iconium, and to Antioch} (\hupestrepsan eis tˆn Lustran kai eis Ikonion kai eis Antiocheian\). Derbe was the frontier city of the Roman empire. The quickest way to return to Antioch in Syria would have been by the Cilician Gates or by the pass over Mt. Taurus by which Paul and Silas will come to Derbe in the second tour (Acts:15:41-16:1|), but difficult to travel in winter. But it was necessary to revisit the churches in Lystra, Iconium, Antioch in Pisidia and to see that they were able to withstand persecution. Paul was a Roman citizen though he had not made use of this privilege as yet for his own protection. Against mob violence it would count for little, but he did not hesitate. Paul had been stoned in Lystra, threatened in Iconium, expelled in Antioch. He shows his wisdom in conserving his work.

rwp@Acts:14:22 @{Confirming} (\epistˆrizontes\). Late verb (in LXX), in N.T. only in strkjv@Acts:14:22; strkjv@15:32,41|, to make more firm, to give additional (\epi\) strength. Each time in Acts the word is used concerning these churches. {To continue in the faith} (\emmenein tˆi pistei\). To remain in with locative, old verb. It is possible that \pistis\ here has the notion of creed as Paul uses it later (Colossians:1:23| with \epimen“\; strkjv@1Timothy:5:8|). It seems to be here more than trust or belief. These recent converts from heathenism were ill-informed, were persecuted, had broken family and social ties, greatly needed encouragement if they were to hold out. {We must} (\dei hˆmƒs\). It does not follow from this use of "we" that Luke was present, since it is a general proposition applying to all Christians at all times (2Timothy:3:12|). Luke, of course, approved this principle. Knowling asks why Timothy may not have told Luke about Paul's work. It all sounds like quotation of Paul's very language. Note the change of construction here after \parakalountes\ (infinitive of indirect command, \emmenein\, but \hoti dei\, indirect assertion). They needed the right understanding of persecution as we all do. Paul frankly warned these new converts in this heathen environment of the many tribulations through which they must enter the Kingdom of God (the culmination at last) as he did at Ephesus (Acts:20:20|) and as Jesus had done (John:16:33|). These saints were already converted.

rwp@Acts:14:23 @{And when they had appointed for them elders in every church} (\cheirotonˆsantes de autois kat' ekklˆsian presbuterous\). They needed also some form of organization, though already churches. Note distributive use of \kata\ with \ekklˆsian\ (2:46; strkjv@5:42; strkjv@Titus:1:5|). \Cheirotone“\ (from \cheirotonos\, extending the hand, \cheir\, hand, and \tein“\, to stretch) is an old verb that originally meant to vote by show of the hands, finally to appoint with the approval of an assembly that chooses as in strkjv@2Corinthians:8:19|, and then to appoint without regard to choice as in Josephus (_Ant_. XIII. 2, 2) of the appointment of Jonathan as high priest by Alexander. Songs:in strkjv@Acts:10:41| the compound \procheiratone“\ is used of witnesses appointed by God. But the seven (deacons) were first selected by the Jerusalem church and then appointed (\katastˆsomen\) by the apostles. That is probably the plan contemplated by Paul in his directions to Titus (Titus:1:5|) about the choice of elders. It is most likely that this plan was the one pursued by Paul and Barnabas with these churches. They selected the elders in each instance and Paul and Barnabas "ordained" them as we say, though the word \cheirotone“\ does not mean that. "Elders" were mentioned first in strkjv@11:30|. Later Paul will give the requirements expected in these "elders" or "bishops" (Phillipians:1:1|) as in strkjv@1Timothy:3:1-7; strkjv@Titus:1:5-9|. It is fairly certain that these elders were chosen to correspond in a general way with the elders in the Jewish synagogue after which the local church was largely copied as to organization and worship. Paul, like Jesus, constantly worshipped and spoke in the synagogues. Already it is plain, as at Antioch in Syria (11:26|), that the Christians can no longer count on the use of the Jewish synagogue. They must have an organization of their own. The use of the plural here implies what was true at Philippi (Phillipians:1:1|) and Ephesus (Acts:20:17,28|) that each church (one in each city) "had its college of elders" (Hackett) as in Jerusalem (21:18|). Elder (\presbuteros\) was the Jewish name and bishop (\episkopos\) the Greek name for the same office. "Those who are called elders in speaking of Jewish communities are called bishops in speaking of Gentile communities" (Hackett). Hovey rightly holds against Hackett that teaching was a normal function of these elders, pastors or bishops as they were variously called (1Timothy:3:2; strkjv@Titus:1:9; strkjv@1Corinthians:12:28,30; strkjv@Ephesians:4:11|). {Had prayed with fasting} (\proseuxamenoi meta nˆstei“n\). It was a serious matter, this formal setting apart of these "elders" in the churches. Songs:it was done in a public meeting with prayer and fasting as when Paul and Barnabas were sent forth from Antioch in Syria (13:3|) on this mission tour. {They commended them to the Lord} (\parethento autous t“i kuri“i\). Second aorist middle indicative of \paratithˆmi\. Old and solemn word, to entrust, to deposit as in a bank (1Timothy:1:18; strkjv@2Timothy:2:2|). Cf. \parathˆkˆ\ in strkjv@1Timothy:6:20; strkjv@2Timothy:1:12,14|. It was all that they could now do, to commit them to the Lord Jesus. Jesus used this word on the cross (Luke:22:32|). {On whom they had believed} (\eis hon pepisteukeisan\). Past perfect indicative (without augment) of \pisteu“\. They had "trusted" in Jesus (2Timothy:1:12|) and Paul now "entrusts" them to him with confidence. It was a solemn and serious occasion in each instance as it always is to set apart men for the ministry. These men may not have been ideal men for this service, but they were the only ones available and they were chosen from the actual membership in each instance, men who knew local conditions and problems.

rwp@Acts:14:24 @{When they had spoken the word in Perga} (\lalˆsantes en Pergˆi ton logon\). Now they stopped and preached in Perga which they had apparently not done before (see strkjv@13:13f.|). After leaving Antioch they passed on through Pisidia, as if Antioch was not strictly in Pisidia (see on strkjv@13:14|) and into Pamphylia. They crossed from Perga to Attaleia, the port of Perga, sixteen miles down the Cestus, and capital of Pamphylia, to find a ship for Antioch in Syria. It is now called Adala and for long was the chief harbour of the south coast of Asia Minor. We do not know why they did not revisit Cyprus, perhaps because no permanent Gentile churches were founded there.

rwp@Acts:14:26 @{They sailed away to Antioch} (\apepleusan eis Antiocheian\). Effective aorist active indicative of \apople“\, to sail off. They had been gone some eighteen months. {They had been committed} (\ˆsan paradedomenoi\). Periphrastic past perfect passive of \paradid“mi\, old and common verb. High and serious thoughts filled the hearts of these first returned missionaries as they neared home. The grace of God had been with them. They had fulfilled (\eplˆr“san\) the work to which they had been set apart by the Holy Spirit with the prayers of the Antioch church. They now had a wondrous story to tell.

rwp@Acts:14:27 @{Gathered the church together} (\sunagagontes tˆn ekklˆsian\). Second aorist active participle of \sunag“\. It "was the first missionary meeting in history" (Furneaux). It was not hard to get the church together when the news spread that Paul and Barnabas had returned. "The suitability of the Gospel to become the religion of the world had not before been put to the test" (Furneaux). Doubtless many "wise-acres" had predicted failure as they did for William Carey and for Adoniram Judson and Luther Rice. {Rehearsed} (\anˆggellon\). Imperfect active. It was a long story for they had many things to tell of God's dealings "with them" (\met' aut“n\) for God had been "with them" all the while as Jesus had said he would be (Matthew:28:20|, \meth' h–m“n\). Paul could recount some of the details given later in strkjv@2Corinthians:11|. {And how} (\kai hoti\). Or "and that" in particular, as the upshot of it all. {He had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles} (\ˆnoixen tois ethnesin thuran piste“s\). Three times in Paul's Epistles (1Corinthians:16:9; strkjv@2Corinthians:2:12; strkjv@Colossians:4:3|) he employed the metaphor of "door," perhaps a reminiscence of the very language of Paul here. This work in Galatia gained a large place in Paul's heart (Galatians:4:14f.|). The Gentiles now, it was plain, could enter the kingdom of God (verse 22|) through the door of faith, not by law or by circumcision or by heathen philosophy or mythology.

rwp@Acts:15:1 @{And certain men came down from Judea} (\kai tines katelthontes apo tˆs Ioudaias\). Evidently the party of the circumcision in the church in Jerusalem (11:2|) had heard of the spread of the gospel among the Gentiles in Cyprus, Pamphylia, and South Galatia (Phrygia, Pisidia, Lycaonia). Possibly John Mark after his desertion at Perga (13:13|) told of this as one of his reasons for coming home. At any rate echoes of the jubilation in Antioch in Syria would be certain to reach Jerusalem. The Judaizers in Jerusalem, who insisted that all the Gentile Christians must become Jews also, had acquiesced in the case of Cornelius and his group (11:1-18|) after plain proof by Peter that it was the Lord's doing. But they had not agreed to a formal campaign to turn the exception into the rule and to make Christianity mainly Gentile with a few Jews instead of mainly Jewish with a few Gentiles. Since Paul and Barnabas did not come up to Jerusalem, the leaders among the Judaizers decided to go down to Antioch and attack Paul and Barnabas there. They had volunteered to go without church action in Jerusalem for their activity is disclaimed by the conference (Acts:15:24|). In strkjv@Galatians:2:4| Paul with some heat describes these Judaizers as "false brethren, secretly introduced who sneaked in to spy out our liberty." It is reasonably certain that this visit to Jerusalem described in strkjv@Galatians:2:1-10| is the same one as the Jerusalem Conference in Acts strkjv@15:5-29| in spite of the effort of Ramsay to identify it with that in strkjv@11:29f|. Paul in Galatians is not giving a list of his visits to Jerusalem. He is showing his independence of the twelve apostles and his equality with them. He did not see them in strkjv@11:29f.|, but only "the elders." In strkjv@Acts:15| Luke gives the outward narrative of events, in strkjv@Galatians:2:1-10| Paul shows us the private interview with the apostles when they agreed on their line of conduct toward the Judaizers. In strkjv@Galatians:2:2| by the use of "them" (\autois\) Paul seems to refer to the first public meeting in Acts before the private interview that came in between verses strkjv@15:5-6|. If we recall the difficulty that Peter had on the subject of preaching the gospel to the heathen (10:1-11:18|), we can the better understand the attitude of the Judaizers. They were men of sincere convictions without a doubt, but they were obscurantists and unable and unwilling to receive new light from the Lord on a matter that involved their racial and social prejudices. They recalled that Jesus himself had been circumcised and that he had said to the Syro-Phoenician woman that he had come only save to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew:15:24ff.|). They argued that Christ had not repealed circumcision. Songs:one of the great religious controversies of all time was begun, that between spiritual religion and ritualistic or ceremonial religion. It is with us yet with baptism taking the place of circumcision. These self-appointed champions of circumcision for Gentile Christians were deeply in earnest. {Taught the brethren} (\edidaskon tous adelphous\). Inchoative imperfect active, began to teach and kept it up. Their attitude was one of supercilious superiority. They probably resented the conduct of Barnabas, who, when sent by the Church in Jerusalem to investigate the conversion of the Greeks in Antioch (11:20-26|), did not return and report till a strong church had been established there with the help of Saul and only then with a big collection to confuse the issue. Paul and Barnabas were on hand, but the Judaizers persisted in their efforts to force their views on the church in Antioch. It was a crisis. {Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved} (\ean me peritmˆthˆte t“i ethei M“use“s, ou dunasthe s“thˆnai\). There was the dictum of the Judaizers to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas had been circumcised. This is probably the precise language employed, for they spoke in Greek to these Greeks. It is a condition of the third class (undetermined, but with prospect of being determined, \ean\ plus the first aorist passive subjunctive of \peritemn“\). There was thus hope held out for them, but only on condition that they be circumcised. The issue was sharply drawn. The associative instrumental case (\t“i ethei\) is customary. "Saved" (\s“thˆnai\) here is the Messianic salvation. This doctrine denied the efficacy of the work of Christ.

rwp@Acts:15:2 @{When Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them} (\Genomenˆs stase“s kai zˆtˆse“s ouk oligˆs t“i Paul“i kai Barnabƒi pros autous\). Genitive absolute of second aorist middle participle of \ginomai\, genitive singular agreeing with first substantive \stase“s\. Literally, "No little (litotes for much) strife and questioning coming to Paul and Barnabas (dative case) with them " (\pros autous\, face to face with them). Paul and Barnabas were not willing to see this Gentile church brow-beaten and treated as heretics by these self-appointed regulators of Christian orthodoxy from Jerusalem. The work had developed under the leadership of Paul and Barnabas and they accepted full responsibility for it and stoutly resisted these Judaizers to the point of sedition (riot, outbreak in strkjv@Luke:23:25; strkjv@Acts:19:40|) as in strkjv@23:7|. There is no evidence that the Judaizers had any supporters in the Antioch church so that they failed utterly to make any impression. Probably these Judaizers compelled Paul to think through afresh his whole gospel of grace and so they did Paul and the world a real service. If the Jews like Paul had to believe, it was plain that there was no virtue in circumcision (Galatians:2:15-21|). It is not true that the early Christians had no disagreements. They had selfish avarice with Ananias and Sapphira, murmuring over the gifts to the widows, simony in the case of Simon Magus, violent objection to work in Caesarea, and now open strife over a great doctrine (grace vs. legalism). {The brethren appointed} (\etaxan\). "The brethren" can be supplied from verse 1| and means the church in Antioch. The church clearly saw that the way to remove this deadlock between the Judaizers and Paul and Barnabas was to consult the church in Jerusalem to which the Judaizers belonged. Paul and Barnabas had won in Antioch. If they can win in Jerusalem, that will settle the matter. The Judaizers will be answered in their own church for which they are presuming to speak. The verb \etaxan\ (\tass“\, to arrange) suggests a formal appointment by the church in regular assembly. Paul (Galatians:2:2|) says that he went up by revelation (\kat' apokalupsin\), but surely that is not contradictory to the action of the church. {Certain others of them} (\tinas allous\). Certainly Titus (Galatians:2:1,3|), a Greek and probably a brother of Luke who is not mentioned in Acts. Rackham thinks that Luke was in the number. {The apostles and elders} (\tous apostolous kai presbuterous\). Note one article for both (cf. "the apostles and the brethren" in strkjv@11:1|). "Elders" now (11:30|) in full force. The apostles have evidently returned now to the city after the death of Herod Agrippa I stopped the persecution.

rwp@Acts:15:5 @{But there rose up} (\exanestˆsan de\). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive). Note both \ex\ and \an\. These men rose up out of the crowd at a critical moment. They were believers in Christ (\pepisteukotes\, having believed), but were still members of "the sect of the Pharisees" (\tˆs hairese“s t“n Pharisai“n\). Evidently they still held to the Pharisaic narrowness shown in the attack on Peter (11:2f.|). Note the dogmatism of their "must" (\dei\) after the opposition of Paul and Barnabas to their "except" (\ean me\) at Antioch (15:1|). They are unconvinced and expected to carry the elders with them. Codex Bezae says that they had appealed to the elders (15:2,5|). At any rate they have made the issue in open meeting at the height of the jubilation. It is plain from verse 6| that this meeting was adjourned, for another gathering came together then. It is here that the private conference of which Paul speaks in strkjv@Galatians:2:1-10| took place. It was Paul's chance to see the leaders in Jerusalem (Peter, James, and John) and he won them over to his view of Gentile liberty from the Mosaic law so that the next public conference (Acts:15:6-29|) ratified heartily the views of Paul, Barnabas, Peter, James, and John. It was a diplomatic triumph of the first order and saved Christianity from the bondage of Jewish ceremonial sacramentalism. Songs:far as we know this is the only time that Paul and John met face to face, the great spirits in Christian history after Jesus our Lord. It is a bit curious to see men saying today that Paul surrendered about Titus and had him circumcised for the sake of peace, the very opposite of what he says in Galatians, "to whom I yielded, no not for an hour." Titus as a Greek was a red flag to the Judaizers and to the compromisers, but Paul stood his ground.

rwp@Acts:15:7 @{When there had been much questioning} (\pollˆs zˆtˆse“s genomenˆs\). Genitive absolute with second aorist middle participle of \ginomai\. Evidently the Judaizers were given full opportunity to air all their grievances and objections. They were allowed plenty of time and there was no effort to shut off debate or to rush anything through the meeting. {Peter rose up} (\anastas Petros\). The wonder was that he had waited so long. Probably Paul asked him to do so. He was the usual spokesman for the apostles and his activities in Jerusalem were well-known. In particular his experience at Caesarea (Acts:10|) had caused trouble here in Jerusalem from this very same party of the circumcism (Acts:11:1-18|). It was fitting that Peter should speak. This is the last time that Peter appears in the Acts. {A good while ago} (\aph' hˆmer“n archai“n\). From ancient days. The adjective \archaios\ is from \archˆ\, beginning, and its actual age is a matter of relativity. Songs:Mnason (Acts:21:16|) is termed "an ancient disciple." It was probably a dozen years since God "made choice" (\exelexato\) to speak by Peter's mouth to Cornelius and the other Gentiles in Caesarea. His point is that what Paul and Barnabas have reported is nothing new. The Judaizers made objection then as they are doing now.

rwp@Acts:15:8 @{Which knoweth the heart} (\kardiogn“stˆs\). Late word from \kardia\ (heart) and \gn“stˆs\ (known, \gin“sk“\). In the N.T. only here and strkjv@1:24| which see. {Giving them the Holy Spirit} (\dous to pneuma to hagion\). And before their baptism. This was the Lord's doing. They had accepted (11:18|) this witness of God then and it was true now of these other Gentile converts.

rwp@Acts:15:10 @{Why tempt ye God?} (\ti peirazete ton theon;\). By implying that God had made a mistake this time, though right about Cornelius. It is a home-thrust. They were refusing to follow the guidance of God like the Israelites at Massah and Meribah (Exodus:17:7; strkjv@Deuteronomy:6:16; strkjv@1Corinthians:10:9|). {That ye should put} (\epitheinai\). Second aorist active infinitive of \epitithˆmi\, epexegetic, explaining the tempting. {A yoke upon the neck} (\zugon epi ton trachˆlon\). Familiar image of oxen with yokes upon the necks. Paul's very image for the yoke of bondage of the Mosaic law in strkjv@Galatians:5:1|. It had probably been used in the private interview. Cf. the words of Jesus about the Pharisees (Matthew:23:4|) and how easy and light his own yoke is (Matthew:11:30|). {Were able to bear} (\ischusamen bastasai\). Neither our fathers nor we had strength (\ischu“\) to carry this yoke which the Judaizers wish to put on the necks of the Gentiles. Peter speaks as the spiritual emancipator. He had been slow to see the meaning of God's dealings with him at Joppa and Caesarea, but he has seen clearly by now. He takes his stand boldly with Paul and Barnabas for Gentile freedom.

rwp@Acts:15:11 @{That we shall be saved} (\s“thˆnai\). First aorist passive infinitive in indirect discourse after \pisteuomen\. More exactly, "We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in like manner as they also." This thoroughly Pauline note shows that whatever hopes the Judaizers had about Peter were false. His doctrine of grace is as clear as a bell. He has lifted his voice against salvation by ceremony and ritualism. It was a great deliverance.

rwp@Acts:15:12 @{Kept silence} (\esigˆsen\). Ingressive first aorist active of \siga“\, old verb, to hold one's peace. All the multitude became silent after Peter's speech and because of it. {Hearkened} (\ˆkouon\). Imperfect active of \akou“\, descriptive of the rapt attention, were listening. {Unto Barnabas and Paul} (\Barnaba kai Paulou\). Note placing Barnabas before Paul as in verse 25|, possibly because in Jerusalem Barnabas was still better known than Paul. {Rehearsing} (\exˆgoumen“n\). Present middle participle of \exˆgeomai\, old verb, to go through or lead out a narrative of events as in strkjv@Luke:24:35; strkjv@Acts:10:8| which see. Three times (14:27; strkjv@15:4,12|) Paul is described as telling the facts about their mission work, facts more eloquent than argument (Page). One of the crying needs in the churches is fuller knowledge of the facts of mission work and progress with enough detail to give life and interest. The signs and wonders which God had wrought among the Gentiles set the seal of approval on the work done through (\dia\) Barnabas and Paul. This had been Peter's argument about Cornelius (11:17|). This same verb (\exˆgˆsato\) is used by James in verse 14| referring to Peter's speech.

rwp@Acts:15:14 @{Hearken unto me} (\akousate mou\). Usual appeal for attention. James was termed James the Just and was considered a representative of the Hebraic as opposed to the Hellenistic wing of the Jewish Christians (Acts:6:1|). The Judaizers had doubtless counted on him as a champion of their view and did later wrongfully make use of his name against Peter at Antioch (Galatians:2:12|). There was instant attention when James began to speak. {Symeon} (\Sume“n\). The Aramaic form of Simon as in strkjv@2Peter:2:1|. This little touch would show his affinities with the Jewish Christians (not the Judaizers). This Aramaic form is used also in strkjv@Luke:2:25,34| of the old prophet in the temple. Possibly both forms (Symeon, Aramaic, and Simon, Greek) were current in Jerusalem. {How} (\kath“s\). Strictly, "according as," here like \hos\ in indirect discourse somewhat like the epexegetic or explanatory use in strkjv@3John:1:3|. {First} (\pr“ton\). Told by Peter in verse 7|. James notes, as Peter did, that this experience of Barnabas and Paul is not the beginning of work among the Gentiles. {Did visit} (\epeskepsato\). First aorist middle indicative of \episkeptomai\, old verb to look upon, to look after, provide for. This same verb occurs in strkjv@James:1:27| and is one of various points of similarity between this speech of James in Acts and the Epistle of James as shown by Mayor in his _Commentary on James_. Somehow Luke may have obtained notes of these various addresses. {To take from the Gentiles a people for his name} (\labein ex ethn“n laon t“i onomati autou\). Bengel calls this _egregium paradoxon_, a chosen people (\laon\) out of the Gentiles (\ethn“n\). This is what is really involved in what took place at Caesarea at the hands of Peter and the campaign of Barnabas and Paul from Antioch. But such a claim of God's purpose called for proof from Scripture to convince Jews and this is precisely what James undertakes to give. This new Israel from among the Gentiles is one of Paul's great doctrines as set forth in strkjv@Galatians:3; strkjv@Romans:9-11|. Note the use of God's "name" here for "the Israel of God" (Galatians:6:16|).

rwp@Acts:15:15 @{To this agree} (\tout“i sumph“nousin\). Associative instrumental case (\tout“i\) after \sumph“nousin\ (voice together with, symphony with, harmonize with), from \sumph“ne“\, old verb seen already in strkjv@Matthew:18:19; strkjv@Luke:5:36; strkjv@Acts:5:9| which see. James cites only strkjv@Amos:9:11,12| from the LXX as an example of "the words of the prophets" (\hoi logoi t“n prophˆt“n\) to which he refers on this point. The somewhat free quotation runs here through verses 16-18| of strkjv@Acts:15| and is exceedingly pertinent. The Jewish rabbis often failed to understand the prophets as Jesus showed. The passage in Amos refers primarily to the restoration of the Davidic empire, but also the Messiah's Kingdom (the throne of David his father," strkjv@Luke:1:32|).

rwp@Acts:15:16 @{I will build again} (\anoikodomˆs“\). Here LXX has \anastˆs“\. Compound (\ana\, up or again) of \oikodome“\, the verb used by Jesus in strkjv@Matthew:16:18| of the general church or kingdom as here which see. {The tabernacle of David} (\tˆn skˆnˆn Daueid\), a poetical figure of the throne of David (2Samuel:7:12|) now "the fallen tent" (\tˆn pept“kuian\), perfect active participle of \pipt“\, state of completion. {The ruins thereof} (\ta katestrammena autˆs\). Literally, "the ruined portions of it." Perfect passive participle of \katastreph“\, to turn down. It is a desolate picture of the fallen, torn down tent of David. {I will let it up} (\anorth“s“\). Old verb from \anortho“\ (\ana, orthos\), to set upright. See on strkjv@Luke:3:13| of the old woman whose crooked back was set straight.

rwp@Acts:15:17 @{That the residue of men may seek after the Lord} (\hop“s an ekzˆtˆs“sin hoi kataloipoi t“n anthr“p“n ton kurion\). The use of \hop“s\ with the subjunctive (effective aorist active) to express purpose is common enough and note \an\ for an additional tone of uncertainty. On the rarity of \an\ with \hop“s\ in the _Koin‚_ see Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 986. Here the Gentiles are referred to. The Hebrew text is quite different, "that they may possess the remnant of Edom." Certainly the LXX suits best the point that James is making. But the closing words of this verse point definitely to the Gentiles both in the Hebrew and the LXX, "all the Gentiles" (\panta ta ethnˆ\). Another item of similarity between this speech and the Epistle of James is in the phrase "my name is called" (\epikeklˆtai to onoma mou\) and strkjv@James:2:7|. The purpose of God, though future, is expressed by this perfect passive indicative \epikeklˆtai\ from \epi-kale“\, to call on. It is a Jewish way of speaking of those who worship God.

rwp@Acts:15:19 @{Wherefore} (\dio\). "Because of which," this plain purpose of God as shown by Amos and Isaiah. {My judgment is} (\eg“ krin“\). Note expression of \eg“\. {I give my judgment}. (\Ego censeo\). James sums up the case as President of the Conference in a masterly fashion and with that consummate wisdom for which he is noted. It amounts to a resolution for the adoption by the assembly as happened (verse 33|). {That we trouble not} (\mˆ parenochlein\). Present active infinitive with \mˆ\ in an indirect command (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1046) of \parenochle“\, a common late verb, occurring here alone in the N.T. This double compound (\para, en\) is from the old compound \enochle“\ (\en\ and \ochlos\, crowd, annoyance) seen in strkjv@Luke:6:18; strkjv@Hebrews:12:15|, and means to cause trouble beside (\para\) one or in a matter. This is the general point of James which he explains further concerning "those who are turning from the Gentiles unto God," the very kind of people referred to in Amos.

rwp@Acts:15:20 @{But that we write unto them} (\alla episteilai autois\). By way of contrast (\alla\). First aorist active infinitive of \epistell“\, old verb to send to one (message, letter, etc.). Our word \epistle\ (\epistolˆ\ as in verse 30|) comes from this verb. In the N.T. only here, He strkjv@13:22|, and possibly strkjv@Acts:21:25|. {That they abstain from} (\tou apechesthai\). The genitive of the articular infinitive of purpose, present middle (direct) of \apech“\, old verb, to hold oneself back from. The best old MSS. do not have \apo\, but the ablative is clear enough in what follows. James agrees with Peter in his support of Paul and Barnabas in their contention for Gentile freedom from the Mosaic ceremonial law. The restrictions named by James affect the moral code that applies to all (idolatry, fornication, murder). Idolatry, fornication and murder were the outstanding sins of paganism then and now (Revelation:22:15|). Harnack argues ably against the genuineness of the word \pniktou\ (strangled) which is absent from D Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian. It is a nice point, though the best MSS. have it in accord with strkjv@Leviticus:17:10-16|. The problem is whether the words were added because "blood" was understood as not "murder," but a reference to the Mosaic regulation or whether it was omitted to remove the ceremonial aspect and make it all moral and ethical. The Western text omits the word also in verse 29|. But with the word retained here and in verse 29| the solution of James is not a compromise, though there is a wise concession to Jewish feeling. {Pollutions of idols} (\alisgˆmat“n\). From \alisge“\ only in the LXX and this substantive nowhere else. The word refers to idolatrous practices (pollutions) and things sacrificed to idols (\eid“luth“n\) in verse 29|, not to sacrificial meat sold in the market (1Corinthians:10:27|), a matter not referred to here. Cf. strkjv@Leviticus:17:1-9|. All the four items in the position of James (accepting \pniktou\) are mentioned in strkjv@Leviticus:17,18|.

rwp@Acts:15:22 @{Then it seemed good} (\Tote edoxen\). First aorist active indicative of \doke“\. A regular idiom at the beginning of decrees. This Eirenicon of James commended itself to the whole assembly. Apparently a vote was taken which was unanimous, the Judaizers probably not voting. The apostles and the elders (\tois apostolois kai tois presbuterois\, article with each, dative case) probably all vocally expressed their position. {With the whole church} (\sun holei tˆi ekklˆsiƒi\). Probably by acclamation. It was a great victory. But James was a practical leader and he did not stop with speeches and a vote. {To choose men out of their company} (\eklezamenous andras ex aut“n\). Accusative case, though dative just before (\tois apostolois\, etc.), of first aorist middle participle of \ekleg“\, to select. This loose case agreement appears also in \grapsantes\ in verse 23| and in MSS. in verse 25|. It is a common thing in all Greek writers (Paul, for instance), especially in the papyri and in the Apocalypse of John. {Judas called Barsabbas} (\Ioudan ton kaloumenon Barsabban\). Not otherwise known unless he is a brother of Joseph Barsabbas of strkjv@1:23|, an early follower of Jesus. The other, Silas, is probably a shortened form of Silvanus (\Silouanos\, strkjv@1Peter:5:12|), the companion of Paul in his second mission tour (Acts:15:32,41; strkjv@16:25|). {Chief men} (\hˆgoumenous\). Leaders, leading men (participle from \hˆgeomai\, to lead).

rwp@Acts:15:25 @{It seemed good unto us} (\edoxen hˆmin\). See statement by Luke in verse 22|, and now this definite decision is in the epistle itself. It is repeated in verse 28|. {Having come to one accord} (\genomenois homothumadon\). On this adverb, common in Acts, see on ¯1:14|. But \genomenois\ clearly means that the final unity was the result of the Conference (private and public talks). The Judaizers are here brushed to one side as the defeated disturbers that they really were who had lacked the courage to vote against the majority. {To choose out men and send them} (\eklexamenois andras pempsai\ A B L, though Aleph C D read \eklexamenous\ as in verse 22|). Precisely the same idiom as in verse 22|, "having chosen out to send." {With our beloved Barnabas and Paul} (\sun tois agapˆtois hˆm“n Barnabƒi kai Paul“i\). The verbal adjective \agapˆtois\ (common in the N.T.) definitely sets the seal of warm approval on Barnabas and Paul. Paul (Galatians:2:9|) confirms this by his statement concerning the right hand of fellowship given.

rwp@Acts:15:27 @{Who themselves also shall tell you the same things by word of mouth} (\kai autous dia logou apaggellontas ta auta\). Literally, "they themselves also by speech announcing the same things." The present participle, as here, sometimes is used like the future to express purpose as in strkjv@3:26| \eulogounta\ after \apesteilen\ and so here \apaggellontas\ after \apestalkamen\ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1128). Judas and Silas are specifically endorsed (perfect active indicative of \apostell“\) as bearers of the epistle who will also verbally confirm the contents of the letter.

rwp@Acts:15:28 @{To the Holy Spirit and to us} (\t“i pneumati t“i hagi“i kai hˆmin\). Dative case after \edoxen\ (third example, verses 22,25,28|). Definite claim that the church in this action had the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That fact was plain to the church from what had taken place in Caesarea and in this campaign of Paul and Barnabas (verse 8|). Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John:16:13|). Even so the church deliberated carefully before deciding. What a blessing it would be if this were always true! But even so the Judaizers are only silenced for the present, not convinced and only waiting for a better day to start over again. {No greater burden} (\mˆden pleon baros\). The restrictions named did constitute some burden (cf. strkjv@Matthew:20:12|), for the old word \baros\ means weight or heaviness. Morality itself is a restraint upon one's impulses as is all law a prohibition against license.

rwp@Acts:15:29 @{Than these necessary things} (\plˆn tout“n t“n epanagkes\). This old adverb (from \epi\ and \anagkˆ\) means on compulsion, of necessity. Here only in the N.T. For discussion of these items see on verses 20,21|. In comparison with the freedom won this "burden" is light and not to be regarded as a compromise in spite of the arguments of Lightfoot and Ramsay. It was such a concession as any converted Gentile would be glad to make even if "things strangled" be included. This "necessity" was not a matter of salvation but only for fellowship between Jews and Gentiles. The Judaizers made the law of Moses essential to salvation (15:16|). {It shall be well with you} (\eu praxete\). Ye shall fare well. A classical idiom used here effectively. The peace and concord in the fellowship of Jews and Gentiles will justify any slight concession on the part of the Gentiles. This letter is not laid down as a law, but it is the judgment of the Jerusalem Christians for the guidance of the Gentiles (16:4|) and it had a fine effect at once (15:30-35|). Trouble did come later from the Judaizers who were really hostile to the agreement in Jerusalem, but that opposition in no way discredits the worth of the work of this Conference. No sane agreement will silence perpetual and professional disturbers like these Judaizers who will seek to unsettle Paul's work in Antioch, in Corinth, in Galatia, in Jerusalem, in Rome. {Fare ye well} (\Err“sthe\). _Valete_. Perfect passive imperative of \rh“nnumi\, to make strong. Common at the close of letters. Be made strong, keep well, fare well. Here alone in the N.T. though some MSS. have it in strkjv@23:30|.

rwp@Acts:15:32 @{Being themselves also prophets} (\kai autoi prophˆtai ontes\). As well as Paul and Barnabas and like Agabus (11:27-30|), for-speakers for Christ who justify the commendation in the letter (verse 27|) "with many words" (\dia logou pollou\), "with much talk," and no doubt with kindly words concerning the part played at the Conference by Paul and Barnabas. {Confirmed} (\epestˆrixan\). See on ¯14:22|. It was a glorious time with no Judaizers to disturb their fellowship as in 1-3|.

rwp@Acts:15:33 @{Some time} (\chronon\). Accusative after \poiˆsantes\, "having done time." How long we do not know.

rwp@Acts:15:34 @{But it seemed good unto Silas to abide there} (\edoxe de Silƒi epimeinai autou\). This verse is not in the Revised Version or in the text of Westcott and Hort, being absent from Aleph A B Vulgate, etc. It is clearly an addition to help explain the fact that Silas is back in Antioch in verse 40|. But the "some days" of verse 36| afforded abundant time for him to return from Jerusalem. He and Judas went first to Jerusalem to make a report of their mission.

rwp@Acts:15:37 @{Was minded to take with them} (\ebouleto sunparalabein\). Imperfect middle (\ebouleto\), not aorist middle \ebouleusato\ of the Textus Receptus. Barnabas willed, wished and stuck to it (imperfect tense). \Sunparalabein\ is second aorist active infinitive of the double compound \sunparalamban“\, old verb to take along together with, used already about John Mark in strkjv@12:25| and by Paul in strkjv@Galatians:2:1| about Titus. Nowhere else in the N.T. Barnabas used the ingressive aorist in his suggestion.

rwp@Acts:15:40 @{Chose} (\epilexamenos\). First aorist middle (indirect) participle of \epileg“\, choosing for himself, as the successor of Barnabas, not of Mark who had no place in Paul's plans at this time. {Commended} (\paradotheis\). First aorist passive of \paradid“mi\, the same verb employed about Paul and Barnabas (14:26|) on their return from the first tour. It is clear now that the sympathy of the church at Antioch is with Paul rather than with Barnabas in the cleavage that has come. The church probably recalled how in the pinch Barnabas flickered and went to the side of Peter and that it was Paul who for the moment stood _Paulus contra mundum_ for Gentile liberty in Christ against the threat of the Judaizers from Jerusalem. Silas had influence in the church in Jerusalem (verse 22|) and was apparently a Roman citizen (16:37|) also. He is the Silas or Silvanus of the epistles (1Thessalonians:1:1; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:1; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:19; strkjv@1Peter:5:12|). It is remarkable that Peter mentions both Mark and Silas as with him (1Peter:5:12f.|) at the same time.

rwp@Acts:16:1 @{And he came also to Derbe and Lystra} (\katˆntˆsen de kai eis Derbˆn kai eis Lustran\). First aorist active of \katanta“\, late verb to come down to, to arrive at. He struck Derbe first of the places in the first tour which was the last city reached then. {Timothy} (\Timotheos\). Apparently a native of Lystra ("there," \ekei\), his Hebrew mother named Eunice and grandmother Lois (2Timothy:1:5|) and his Greek father's name not known. He may have been a proselyte, but not necessarily so as Timothy was taught the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother (2Timothy:3:15|), and, if a proselyte, he would have had Timothy circumcised. It is idle to ask if Paul came on purpose to get Timothy to take Mark's place. Probably Timothy was about eighteen years of age, a convert of Paul's former visit a few years before (1Timothy:1:2|) and still young twelve years later (1Timothy:4:12|). Paul loved him devotedly (1Timothy:1:3; strkjv@5:23; strkjv@2Timothy:3:15; strkjv@Phillipians:2:19f.|). It is a glorious discovery to find a real young preacher for Christ's work.

rwp@Acts:16:3 @{Him would Paul have to go forth with him} (\touton ˆthelˆsen ho Paulos sun aut“i exelthein\). This one (note emphatic position) Paul wanted (first aorist active indicative of \thel“\ with temporal augment as if from \ethel“\ the old form). Here was a gifted young man who was both Jew and Greek. {He took and circumcised him} (\lab“n perietemen auton\). Any one could perform this rite. Paul had stoutly resisted circumcision in the case of Titus, a pure Greek (Galatians:2:3,5|), because the whole principle of Gentile liberty was at stake. But Timothy was both Jew and Greek and would continually give offence to the Jews with no advantage to the cause of Gentile freedom. Songs:here for the sake of expediency, "because of the Jews" (\dia tous Ioudaious\), Paul voluntarily removed this stumbling-block to the ministry of Timothy. Otherwise Timothy could not have been allowed to preach ln the synagogues. _Idem non est semper idem_. But Timothy's case was not the case of Titus. Here it was a question of efficient service, not an essential of salvation. Hovey notes that Timothy was circumcised because of Jewish unbelievers, not because of Jewish believers. {Was a Greek} (\Hellˆn hupˆrchen\). Imperfect active in indirect assertion where ordinarily the present \huparchei\ would be retained, possibly indicating that his father was no longer living.

rwp@Acts:16:4 @{They delivered them} (\paredidosan autois\). Imperfect active, kept on delivering to them in city after city. This is a proof of Paul's loyalty to the Jerusalem compact (Knowling). The circumcision of Timothy would indicate also that the points involved were under discussion and that Paul felt no inconsistency in what he did. {The decrees} (\ta dogmata\). Old word from \doke“\, to give an opinion. It is used of public decrees of rulers (Luke:2:1; strkjv@Acts:17:7|), of the requirements of the Mosaic law (Colossians:2:14|), and here of the regulations or conclusions of the Jerusalem Conference. Silas was with Paul and his presence gave added dignity to the passing out of the decrees, a charter of Gentile freedom, since he was one of the committee from Jerusalem to Antioch (15:22,27,32|). {Which had been ordained} (\ta kekrimena\). Perfect passive articular participle of \krin“\, to judge, emphasizing the permanence of the conclusions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. {For to keep} (\phulassein\). This present active infinitive likewise accents that it is a charter of liberty for continual living, not a temporary compromise.

rwp@Acts:16:6 @{The region of Phrygia and Galatia} (\tˆn Phrugian kai Galatikˆn ch“ran\). This is probably the correct text with one article and apparently describes one "Region" or District in The Province of Galatia which was also Phrygian (the old-ethnographic name with which compare the use of Lycaonia in strkjv@14:6|). Strictly speaking Derbe and Lystra, though in the Province of Galatia, were not Phrygian, and so Luke would here be not resumptive of the record in verses 1-5|; but a reference to the country around Iconium and Antioch in Pisidia in North Galatia is not included. This verse is hotly disputed at every point by the advocates of the North Galatian theory as represented by Chase and the South Galatian theory by Ramsay. Whatever is true in regard to the language of Luke here and in strkjv@18:23|, it is still possible for Paul in strkjv@Galatians:1:2| to use the term Galatia of the whole province of that name which could, in fact, apply to either South or North Galatia or to both. He could, of course, use it also in the ethnographic sense of the real Gauls or Celts who dwelt in North Galatia. Certainly the first tour of Paul and Barnabas was in the Province of Galatia though touching only the Regions of Pisidia, Phrygia, and Lycaonia, which province included besides the Gauls to the north. In this second tour Lycaonia has been already touched (Derbe and Lystra) and now Phrygia. The question arises why Luke here and in strkjv@18:23| adds the term "of Galatia" (\Galatikˆn\) though not in strkjv@13:14| (Pisidian Antioch) nor in strkjv@14:6| (cities of Lycaonia). Does Luke mean to use "of Galatia" in the same ethnographic sense as "of Phrygia" or does he here add the province (Galatia) to the name of the Region (Phrygia)? In itself either view is possible and it really matters very little except that the question is raised whether Paul went into the North Galatian Region on this occasion or later (18:23|). He could have done so and the Epistle be addressed to the churches of South Galatia, North Galatia, or the province as a whole. But the Greek participle \k“luthentes\ ("having been forbidden") plays a part in the argument that cannot be overlooked whether Luke means to say that Paul went north or not. This aorist passive participle of \k“lu“\, to hinder, can only express simultaneous or antecedent action, not subsequent action as Ramsay argues. No example of the so-called subsequent use of the aorist participle has ever been found in Greek as all Greek grammarians agree (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 860-63, 1112-14). The only natural meaning of \k“luthentes\ is that Paul with Silas and Timothy "passed through the region of Phrygia and Galatia" because they were hindered by the Holy Spirit from speaking the word in Asia (the Province of Asia of which Ephesus was the chief city and west of Derbe and Lystra). This construction implies that the country called "the region of Phrygia and Galatia" is not in the direct line west toward Ephesus. What follows in verse 7| throws further light on the point.

rwp@Acts:16:7 @{Over against Mysia} (\kata tˆn Musian\). This was an ill-defined region rather north and west of Phrygia. The Romans finally absorbed most of it in the Province of Asia. {They assayed to go into Bithynia} (\epeirazon eis tˆn Bithunian poreuthˆnai\). Conative imperfect of \peiraz“\ and ingressive aorist passive infinitive of \poreuomai\. Now Bithynia is northeast of Mysia and north of Galatia (province). Clearly Luke means to say that Paul had, when hindered by the Holy Spirit from going west into Asia, gone north so as to come in front of Bithynia. This journey would take him directly through Phrygia and the North Galatian country (the real Gauls or Celts). This is, to my mind, the strongest argument for the North Galatian view in these verses 6,7|. The grammar and the topography bring Paul right up to Bithynia (north of the old Galatia). It is verses 6,7| that make me pause before accepting the plausible arguments of Ramsay for the South Galatian theory. In itself the problem is nothing like so important or so determinative as he makes it. But shall we smash Luke's grammar to pieces to bolster up a theory of criticism? {And the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not} (\kai ouk eiasen autous to pneuma Iˆsou\). The same Spirit who in verse 6| had forbidden going into Asia now closed the door into Bithynia. This expression occurs nowhere else, but we have the spirit of Christ (Romans:8:9|) and the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Phillipians:1:19|). \Eiasen\ is first aorist active indicative of \ea“\, old verb to allow.

rwp@Acts:16:9 @{A vision} (\horama\). Old word, eleven times in Acts, once in strkjv@Matthew:17:9|. Twice Paul had been hindered by the Holy Spirit from going where he wanted to go. Most men would have gone back home with such rebuffs, but not so Paul. Now the call is positive and not negative, to go "far hence to the Gentiles" (22:21|). He had little dreamed of such a call when he left Antioch. Paul's frequent visions always came at real crises in his life. {A man of Macedonia} (\anˆr Maked“n\). Ramsay follows Renan in the view that this was Luke with whom Paul had conversed about conditions in Macedonia. Verse 10| makes it plain that Luke was now in the party, but when he joined them we do not know. Some hold that Luke lived at Antioch in Syria and came on with Paul and Silas, others that he joined them later in Galatia, others that he appeared now either as Paul's physician or new convert. Ramsay thinks that Philippi was his home at this time. But, whatever is true about Luke, the narrative must not be robbed of its supernatural aspect (10:10; strkjv@22:17|). {Was standing} (\ˆn hest“s\). Second perfect active participle of \histˆmi\, intransitive, periphrastic imperfect. Vivid picture. {Help us} (\boˆthˆson hˆmin\). Ingressive first aorist active imperative of \boˆthe“\ (\boˆ, the“\), to run at a cry, to help. The man uses the plural for all including himself. It was the cry of Europe for Christ.

rwp@Acts:16:10 @{We sought} (\ezˆtˆsamen\). This sudden use of the plural, dropped in strkjv@17:1| when Paul leaves Philippi, and resumed in strkjv@20:5| when Paul rejoins Luke in Philippi, argues conclusively that Luke, the author, is in the party ("we" portions of Acts) and shows in a writer of such literary skill as Luke that he is not copying a document in a blundering sort of way. Paul told his vision to the party and they were all ready to respond to the call. {Concluding} (\sunbibazontes\). A very striking word, present active participle of \sunbibaz“\, old verb to make go together, to coalesce or knit together, to make this and that agree and so to conclude. Already in strkjv@9:22| of Paul's preaching. This word here gives a good illustration of the proper use of the reason in connection with revelation, to decide whether it is a revelation from God, to find out what it means for us, and to see that we obey the revelation when understood. God had called them to preach to the Macedonians. They had to go.

rwp@Acts:16:11 @{Setting sail} (\anachthentes\). Same word in strkjv@13:13| which see. {We made a straight course} (\euthudromˆsamen\). First aorist active indicative of compound verb \euthudrome“\ (in Philo) from adjective \euthudromos\ (in Strabo), running a straight course (\euthus, dromos\). In the N.T. only here and strkjv@21:1|. It is a nautical term for sailing before the wind. Luke has a true feeling for the sea. {To Samothrace} (\eis Samothrƒikˆn\). A small island in the Aegean about halfway between Troas and Neapolis. {The day following} (\tˆi epiousˆi\). Locative case of time with \hˆmerƒi\ (day) to be supplied (7:26; strkjv@20:15; strkjv@21:18; strkjv@23:11|). With adverse winds it took five days to make the run of 125 miles (20:6|). {To Neapolis} (\eis Nean Polin\). To New Town (Newton, Naples, Neapolis). The port of Philippi ten miles distant, Thracian, but reckoned as Macedonian after Vespasian.

rwp@Acts:16:12 @{To Philippi} (\eis Philippous\). The plural like \Athˆnai\ (Athens) is probably due to separate sections of the city united (Winer-Moulton, _Grammar_, p. 220). The city (ancient name Krenides or Wells) was renamed after himself by Philip, the father of Alexander the Great. It was situated about a mile east of the small stream Gangites which flows into the river Strymon some thirty miles away. In this valley the Battle of Philippi was fought B.C. 42 between the Second Triumvirate (Octavius, Antonius, Lepidus) and Brutus and Cassius. In memory of the victory Octavius made it a colony (\kol“nia\) with all the privileges of Roman citizenship, such as freedom from scourging, freedom from arrest save in extreme cases, and the right of appeal to the emperor. This Latin word occurs here alone in the N.T. Octavius planted here a colony of Roman veterans with farms attached, a military outpost and a miniature of Rome itself. The language was Latin. Here Paul is face to face with the Roman power and empire in a new sense. He was a new Alexander, come from Asia to conquer Europe for Christ, a new Caesar to build the Kingdom of Christ on the work of Alexander and Caesar. One need not think that Paul was conscious of all that was involved in destiny for the world. Philippi was on the Egnatian Way, one of the great Roman roads, that ran from here to Dyrrachium on the shores of the Adriatic, a road that linked the east with the west. {The first of the district} (\pr“tˆ tˆs meridos\). Philippi was not the first city of Macedonia nor does Luke say so. That honour belonged to Thessalonica and even Amphipolis was larger than Philippi. It is not clear whether by \meris\ Luke means a formal division of the province, though the _Koin‚_ has examples of this geographical sense (papyri). There is no article with \pr“tˆ\ and Luke may not mean to stress unduly the position of Philippi in comparison with Amphipolis. But it was certainly a leading city of this district of Macedonia. {We were tarrying} (\ˆmen diatribontes\). Periphrastic imperfect active.

rwp@Acts:16:13 @{By a river side} (\para potamon\). The little river Gangites (or Gargites) was one mile west of the town. Philippi as a military outpost had few Jews. There was evidently no synagogue inside the city, but "without the gates" (\ex“ tˆs pulˆs\) they had noticed an enclosure "where we supposed" (\hou enomizomen\, correct text, imperfect active), probably as they came into the city, "was a place of prayer" (\proscuchˆn einai\). Infinitive with accusative of general reference in indirect discourse. \Proseuchˆ\ is common in the LXX and the N.T. for the act of prayer as in strkjv@Acts:2:42| then for a place of prayer either a synagogue (III Macc. strkjv@7:20) or more often an open air enclosure near the sea or a river where there was water for ceremonial ablutions. The word occurs also in heathen writers for a place of prayer (Schurer, _Jewish People_, Div. II, Vol. II, p. 69, Engl. Tr.). Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, p. 222) quotes an Egyptian inscription of the third century B.C. with this sense of the word and one from Panticapaeum on the Black Sea of the first century A.D. (_Light from the Ancient East_, p. 102). Juvenal (III. 296) has a sneering reference to the Jewish \proseucha\. Josephus (_Ant_. XIV. 10, 23) quotes a decree of Halicarnassus which allowed the Jews "to make their prayers (\proseuchas\) on the seashore according to the custom of their fathers." There was a synagogue in Thessalonica, but apparently none in Amphipolis and Apollonia (Acts:17:1|). The rule of the rabbis required ten men to constitute a synagogue, but here were gathered only a group of women at the hour of prayer. In pioneer days in this country it was a common thing to preach under bush arbours in the open air. John Wesley and George Whitfield were great open air preachers. Paul did not have an inspiring beginning for his work in Europe, but he took hold where he could. The conjecture was correct. It was a place of prayer, but only a bunch of women had come together (\tais sunelthousais gunaixin\), excuse enough for not preaching to some preachers, but not to Paul and his party. The "man of Macedonia" turned out to be a group of women (Furneaux). Macedonian inscriptions show greater freedom for women in Macedonia than elsewhere at this time and confirm Luke's story of the activities of women in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea. {We sat down and spake} (\kathisantes elaloumen\). Having taken our seats (aorist active participle of \kathiz“\) we began to speak or preach (inchoative imperfect of \lale“\, often used for preaching). Sitting was the Jewish attitude for public speaking. It was not mere conversation, but more likely conversational preaching of an historical and expository character. Luke's use of the first person plural implies that each of the four (Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke) preached in turn, with Paul as chief speaker.

rwp@Acts:16:14 @{Lydia} (\Ludia\). Her birthplace was Thyatira in Lydia. She may have been named after the land, though Lydia is a common female name (see Horace). Lydia was itself a Macedonian colony (Strabo, XIII. 4). Thyatira (note plural form like Philippi and one of the seven churches of Asia here strkjv@Revelation:2:18|) was famous for its purple dyes as old as Homer (Iliad, IV. 141) and had a guild of dyers (\hoi bapheis\) as inscriptions show. {A seller of purple} (\porphurop“lis\). A female seller of purple fabrics (\porphura, p“lis\). Late word, masculine form in an inscription. There was a great demand for this fabric as it was used on the official toga at Rome and in Roman colonies. We still use the term "royal purple." See on ¯Luke:16:19|. Evidently Lydia was a woman of some means to carry on such an important enterprise from her native city. She may have been a freed-woman, since racial names were often borne by slaves. {One that worshipped God} (\sebomenˆ ton theon\). A God-fearer or proselyte of the gate. There was a Jewish settlement in Thyatira which was especially interested in the dyeing industry. She probably became a proselyte there. Whether this was true of the other women we do not know. They may have been Jewesses or proselytes like Lydia, probably all of them employees of hers in her business. When Paul writes to the Philippians he does not mention Lydia who may have died meanwhile and who certainly was not Paul's wife. She was wealthy and probably a widow. {Heard us} (\ˆkouen\). Imperfect active of \akou“\, was listening, really listening and she kept it up, listening to each of these new and strange preachers. {Opened} (\diˆnoixen\). First aorist active indicative of \dianoig“\, old word, double compound (\dia, ana, oig“\) to open up wide or completely like a folding door (both sides, \dia\, two). Only the Lord could do that. Jesus had opened (the same verb) the mind of the disciples to understand the Scriptures (Luke:24:45|). {To give heed} (\prosechein\). To hold the mind (\ton noun\ understood), present active infinitive. She kept her mind centred on the things spoken by Paul whose words gripped her attention. She rightly perceived that Paul was the foremost one of the group. He had personal magnetism and power of intellect that the Spirit of God used to win the heart of this remarkable woman to Christ. It was worth coming to Philippi to win this fine personality to the Kingdom of God. She will be the chief spirit in this church that will give Paul more joy and co-operation than any of his churches. It is not stated that she was converted on the first Sabbath, though this may have been the case. "One solitary convert, a woman, and she already a seeker after God, and a native of that very Asia where they had been forbidden to preach" (Furneaux). But a new era had dawned for Europe and for women in the conversion of Lydia.

rwp@Acts:16:15 @{And when she was baptized} (\h“s de ebaptisthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \baptiz“\. The river Gangites was handy for the ordinance and she had now been converted and was ready to make this public declaration of her faith in Jesus Christ. {And her household} (\kai ho oikos autˆs\). Who constituted her "household"? The term \oikos\, originally means the building as below, "into my house" and then it includes the inmates of a house. There is nothing here to show whether Lydia's "household" went beyond "the women" employed by her who like her had heard the preaching of Paul and had believed. "Possibly Euodia and Syntyche and the other women, strkjv@Phillipians:4:2,3|, may have been included in the family of Lydia, who may have employed many slaves and freed women in her trade" (Knowling). "This statement cannot be claimed as any argument for infant baptism, since the Greek word may mean her servants or her work-people" (Furneaux). In the household baptisms (Cornelius, Lydia, the jailor, Crispus) one sees "infants" or not according to his predilections or preferences. {If ye have judged me} (\ei kekrikate me\). Condition of the first class, assumed to be true (\ei\ and the indicative, here perfect active of \krin“\). She had confessed her faith and submitted to baptism as proof that she was "faithful to the Lord" (\pistˆn t“i kuri“i\), believing on the Lord. "If she was fit for that, surely she was fit to be their hostess" (Furneaux). And Paul and his party had clearly no comfortable place to stay while in Philippi. The ancient hotels or inns were abominable. Evidently Paul demurred for there were four of them and he did not wish to sacrifice his independence or be a burden even to a woman of wealth. {And she constrained us} (\kai parebiasato hˆmas\). Effective first aorist middle of \parabiazomai\, late word, in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:24:29|. Some moral force (\bia\) or hospitable persuasion was required (cf. strkjv@1Samuel:28:23|), but Lydia had her way as women usually do. Songs:he accepted Lydia's hospitality in Philippi, though he worked for his own living in Thessalonica (2Thessalonians:3:8|) and elsewhere (2Corinthians:11:9|). Songs:far only women have been won to Christ in Philippi. The use of "us" shows that Luke was not a householder in Philippi.

rwp@Acts:16:16 @{A spirit of divination} (\pneuma puth“na\). Songs:the correct text with accusative (apparition, a spirit, a python), not the genitive (\puth“nos\). Hesychius defines it as \daimonion manikon\ (a spirit of divination). The etymology of the word is unknown. Bengel suggests \puthesthai\ from \punthanomai\, to inquire. Python was the name given to the serpent that kept guard at Delphi, slain by Apollo, who was called \Puthios Apollo\ and the prophetess at Delphi was termed Pythia. Certainly Luke does not mean to credit Apollo with a real existence (1Corinthians:8:4|). But Plutarch (A.D. 50-100) says that the term \puth“nes\ was applied to ventriloquists (\eggastrimuthoi\). In the LXX those with familiar spirits are called by this word ventriloquists (Leviticus:19:31; strkjv@20:6,27|, including the witch of Endor strkjv@1Samuel:28:7|). It is possible that this slave girl had this gift of prophecy "by soothsaying" (\manteuomenˆ\). Present middle participle of \manteuomai\, old heathen word (in contrast with \prophˆteu“\) for acting the seer (\mantis\) and this kin to \mainomai\, to be mad, like the howling dervishes of later times. This is the so-called instrumental use of the circumstantial participles. {Brought} (\pareichen\). Imperfect active of \parech“\, a steady source of income. {Much gain} (\ergasian pollˆn\). Work, business, from \ergazomai\, to work. {Her masters} (\tois kuriois autˆs\). Dative case. Joint owners of this poor slave girl who were exploiting her calamity, whatever it was, for selfish gain, just as men and women today exploit girls and women in the "white slave" trade. As a fortune-teller she was a valuable asset for all the credulous dupes of the community. Simon Magus in Samaria and Elymas Barjesus in Cyprus had won power and wealth as soothsayers.

rwp@Acts:16:17 @{The Most High God} (\tou theou tou hupsistou\). Pagan inscriptions use this language for the Supreme Being. It looks like supernatural testimony like that borne by the demoniacs to Jesus as "son of the Most High God" (Luke:8:28|. Cf; also strkjv@Mark:1:24; strkjv@3:11; strkjv@Matthew:8:29; strkjv@Luke:4:41|, etc.). She may have heard Paul preach about Jesus as the way of salvation. {The way of salvation} (\hodon s“tˆrias\). A way of salvation, strictly speaking (no article). There were many "ways of salvation" offered to men then as now.

rwp@Acts:16:20 @{Unto the magistrates} (\tois stratˆgois\). Greek term (\stratos, ag“\) for leader of an army or general. But in civic life a governor. The technical name for the magistrates in a Roman colony was _duumviri_ or duumvirs, answering to consuls in Rome. \Stratˆgoi\ here is the Greek rendering of the Latin _praetores_ (praetors), a term which they preferred out of pride to the term _duumviri_. Since they represented consuls, the praetors or duumvirs were accompanied by lictors bearing rods (verse 35|). {These men} (\houtoi hoi anthr“poi\). Contemptuous use. {Being Jews} (\Ioudaioi huparchontes\). The people of Philippi, unlike those in Antioch (11:26|), did not recognize any distinction between Jews and Christians. These four men were Jews. This appeal to race prejudice would be especially pertinent then because of the recent decree of Claudius expelling Jews from Rome (18:2|). It was about A.D. 49 or 50 that Paul is in Philippi. The hatred of the Jews by the Romans is known otherwise (Cicero, _Pro Flacco_, XXVIII; Juvenal, XIV. 96-106). {Do exceedingly trouble} (\ektarassousin\). Late compound (effective use of \ek\ in composition) and only here in the N.T.

rwp@Acts:16:22 @{Rose up together} (\sunepestˆ\). Second aorist (ingressive) active of the double compound \sunephistˆmi\, intransitive, old verb, but only here in the N.T. (cf. \katepestˆsan\ in strkjv@18:12|). There was no actual attack of the mob as Paul and Silas were in the hands of the officers, but a sudden and violent uprising of the people, the appeal to race and national prejudice having raised a ferment. {Rent their garments off them} (\perirˆxantes aut“n ta himatia\). First aorist active participle of \perirˆgnumi\, old verb, to break off all around, to strip or rend all round. Here only in the N.T. The duumvirs probably gave orders for Paul and Silas to be stripped of their outer garments (\himatia\), though not actually doing it with their own hands, least of all not stripping off their own garments in horror as Ramsay thinks. That would call for the middle voice. In II Macc. strkjv@4:38 the active voice is used as here of stripping off the garments of others. Paul in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:2| refers to the shameful treatment received in Philippi, "insulted" (\hubristhentas\). As a Roman citizen this was unlawful, but the duumvirs looked on Paul and Silas as vagabond and seditious Jews and "acted with the highhandedness characteristic of the fussy provincial authorities" (Knowling). {Commanded} (\ekeleuon\). Imperfect active, repeatedly ordered. The usual formula of command was: "Go, lictors; strip off their garments; let them be scourged." {To beat them with rods} (\rhabdizein\). Present active infinitive of \rhabdiz“\, old verb, but in the N.T.=_virgis caedere_ only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:11:25| where Paul alludes to this incident and two others not given by Luke (\tris erhabdisthˆn\). He came near getting another in Jerusalem (Acts:22:25|). Why did not Paul say here that he was a Roman citizen as he does later (verse 37|) and in Jerusalem (22:26f.|)? It might have done no good in this hubbub and no opportunity was allowed for defence of any kind.

rwp@Acts:16:24 @{Into the inner prison} (\eis tˆn es“teran phulakˆn\). The comparative form from the adverb \es“\ (within), Ionic and old Attic for \eis“\. In the LXX, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Hebrews:6:19|. The Roman public prisons had a vestibule and outer prison and behind this the inner prison, a veritable dungeon with no light or air save what came through the door when open. One has only to picture modern cells in our jails, the dungeons in feudal castles, London prisons before the time of Howard, to appreciate the horrors of an inner prison cell in a Roman provincial town of the first century A.D. {Made their feet fast} (\tous podas ˆsphalisato aut“n\). First aorist (effective) middle of \asphaliz“\, from \asphalˆs\ (safe), common verb in late Greek, in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:24:64ff|. The inner prison was safe enough without this refinement of cruelty. {In the stocks} (\eis to xulon\). \Xulon\, from \xu“\, to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts:5:30; strkjv@10:39; strkjv@13:29; strkjv@Galatians:3:13; strkjv@1Peter:2:24|) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, \xulopedˆ\, Latin _vervus_, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job:33:11|). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. \Xulon\ is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew:26:47|) and even a tree (Luke:23:31|). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: _Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo est_ (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven).

rwp@Acts:17:15 @{But they that conducted Paul} (\hoi de kathistanontes ton Paulon\). Articular present active participle of \kathistan“\ (late form in A B of \kathistˆmi\ or \kathista“\), an old verb with varied uses to put down, to constitute, to conduct, etc. This use here is in the LXX (Joshua:6:23|) and old Greek also. {To Athens} (\he“s Athˆn“n\). To make sure of his safe arrival. {That they should come to him with all speed} (\hina h“s tachista elth“sin pros auton\). Note the neat Greek idiom \h“s tachista\ as quickly as possible (good Attic idiom). The indirect command and purpose (\hina-elth“sin\, second aorist active subjunctive) is also neat Greek (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1046). {Departed} (\exˆiesan\). Imperfect active of \exeimi\, old Greek word, but rare in N.T. All in Acts (13:42; strkjv@17:15; strkjv@20:7; strkjv@27:43|)

rwp@Acts:17:16 @{Now while Paul waited for them in Athens} (\En de tais Athˆnais ekdechomenou autous tou Paulou\). Genitive absolute with present middle participle of \ekdechomai\, old verb to receive, but only with the sense of looking out for, expecting found here and elsewhere in N.T We know that Timothy did come to Paul in Athens (1Thessalonians:3:1,6|) from Thessalonica and was sent back to them from Athens. If Silas also came to Athens, he was also sent away, possibly to Philippi, for that church was deeply interested in Paul. At any rate both Timothy and Silas came from Macedonia to Corinth with messages and relief for Paul (Acts:18:5; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:8f.|). Before they came and after they left, Paul felt lonely in Athens (1Thessalonians:3:1|), the first time on this tour or the first that he has been completely without fellow workers. Athens had been captured by Sulla B.C. 86. After various changes Achaia, of which Corinth is the capital, is a separate province from Macedonia and A.D. 44 was restored by Claudius to the Senate with the Proconsul at Corinth. Paul is probably here about A.D. 50. Politically Athens is no longer of importance when Paul comes though it is still the university seat of the world with all its rich environment and traditions. Rackham grows eloquent over Paul the Jew of Tarsus being in the city of Pericles and Demosthenes, Socrates and Plato and Aristotle, Sophocles and Euripides. In its Agora Socrates had taught, here was the Academy of Plato, the Lyceum of Aristotle, the Porch of Zeno, the Garden of Epicurus. Here men still talked about philosophy, poetry, politics, religion, anything and everything. It was the art centre of the world. The Parthenon, the most beautiful of temples, crowned the Acropolis. Was Paul insensible to all this cultural environment? It is hard to think so for he was a university man of Tarsus and he makes a number of allusions to Greek writers. Probably it had not been in Paul's original plan to evangelize Athens, difficult as all university seats are, but he cannot be idle though here apparently by chance because driven out of Macedonia. {Was provoked} (\par“xuneto\). Imperfect passive of \paroxun“\, old verb to sharpen, to stimulate, to irritate (from \para, oxus\), from \paroxusmos\ (Acts:15:39|), common in old Greek, but in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Corinthians:13:5|. It was a continual challenge to Paul's spirit when he beheld (\the“rountos\, genitive of present participle agreeing with \autou\ (his), though late MSS. have locative \the“rounti\ agreeing with \en aut“i\). {The city full of idols} (\kateid“lon ousan tˆn polin\). Note the participle \ousan\ not preserved in the English (either the city being full of idols or that the city was full of idols, sort of indirect discourse). Paul, like any stranger was looking at the sights as he walked around. This adjective \kateid“lon\ (perfective use of \kata\ and \eid“lon\ is found nowhere else, but it is formed after the analogy of \katampelos, katadendron\), full of idols. Xenophon (_de Republ. Ath_.) calls the city \holˆ bomos, holˆ thuma theois kai anathˆma\ (all altar, all sacrifice and offering to the gods). These statues were beautiful, but Paul was not deceived by the mere art for art's sake. The idolatry and sensualism of it all glared at him (Romans:1:18-32|). Renan ridicules Paul's ignorance in taking these statues for idols, but Paul knew paganism better than Renan. The superstition of this centre of Greek culture was depressing to Paul. One has only to recall how superstitious cults today flourish in the atmosphere of Boston and Los Angeles to understand conditions in Athens. Pausanias says that Athens had more images than all the rest of Greece put together. Pliny states that in the time of Nero Athens had over 30,000 public statues besides countless private ones in the homes. Petronius sneers that it was easier to find a god than a man in Athens. Every gateway or porch had its protecting god. They lined the street from the Piraeus and caught the eye at every place of prominence on wall or in the agora.

rwp@Acts:17:17 @{Songs:he reasoned} (\dielegeto men oun\). Accordingly therefore, with his spirit stirred by the proof of idolatry. Imperfect middle of \dialeg“\, same verb used in verse 2| which see. First he reasoned in the synagogue at the services to the Jews and the God-fearers, then daily in the agora or marketplace (southwest of the Acropolis, between it and the Areopagus and the Pnyx) to the chance-comers, "them that met him" (\pros tous paratugchanontas\). Simultaneously with the synagogue preaching at other hours Paul took his stand like Socrates before him and engaged in conversation with (\pros\) those who happened by. This old verb, \paratugchan“\, occurs here alone in the N.T. and accurately pictures the life in the agora. The listeners to Paul in the agora would be more casual than those who stop for street preaching, a Salvation Army meeting, a harangue from a box in Hyde Park. It was a slim chance either in synagogue or in agora, but Paul could not remain still with all the reeking idolatry around him. The boundaries of the agora varied, but there was always the \Poikilˆ Stoa\ (the Painted Porch), over against the Acropolis on the west. In this \Stoa\ (Porch) Zeno and other philosophers and rhetoricians held forth from time to time. Paul may have stood near this spot.

rwp@Acts:17:18 @{And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him} (\tines de kai t“n Epikouri“n kai St“ik“n philosoph“n suneballon aut“i\). Imperfect active of \sunball“\, old verb, in the N.T. only by Luke, to bring or put together in one's mind (Luke:2:19|), to meet together (Acts:20:14|), to bring together aid (18:27|), to confer or converse or dispute as here and already strkjv@4:15| which see. These professional philosophers were always ready for an argument and so they frequented the agora for that purpose. Luke uses one article and so groups the two sects together in their attitude toward Paul, but they were very different in fact. Both sects were eager for argument and both had disdain for Paul, but they were the two rival practical philosophies of the day, succeeding the more abstruse theories of Plato and Aristotle. Socrates had turned men's thought inward (\Gn“thi Seauton\, Know Thyself) away from the mere study of physics. Plato followed with a profound development of the inner self (metaphysics). Aristotle with his cyclopaedic grasp sought to unify and relate both physics and metaphysics. Both Zeno and Epicurus (340-272 B.C.) took a more practical turn in all this intellectual turmoil and raised the issues of everyday life. Zeno (360-260 B.C.) taught in the \Stoa\ (Porch) and so his teaching was called Stoicism. He advanced many noble ideas that found their chief illustration in the Roman philosophers (Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius). He taught self-mastery and hardness with an austerity that ministered to pride or suicide in case of failure, a distinctly selfish and unloving view of life and with a pantheistic philosophy. Epicurus considered practical atheism the true view of the universe and denied a future life and claimed pleasure as the chief thing to be gotten out of life. He did not deny the existence of gods, but regarded them as unconcerned with the life of men. The Stoics called Epicurus an atheist. Lucretius and Horace give the Epicurean view of life in their great poems. This low view of life led to sensualism and does today, for both Stoicism and Epicureanism are widely influential with people now. "Eat and drink for tomorrow we die," they preached. Paul had doubtless become acquainted with both of these philosophies for they were widely prevalent over the world. Here he confronts them in their very home. He is challenged by past-masters in the art of appealing to the senses, men as skilled in their dialectic as the Pharisaic rabbis with whom Paul had been trained and whose subtleties he had learned how to expose. But, so far as we know, this is a new experience for Paul to have a public dispute with these philosophical experts who had a natural contempt for all Jews and for rabbis in particular, though they found Paul a new type at any rate and so with some interest in him. "In Epicureanism, it was man's sensual nature which arrayed itself against the claims of the gospel; in Stoicism it was his self-righteousness and pride of intellect" (Hackett). Knowling calls the Stoic the Pharisee of philosophy and the Epicurean the Sadducee of philosophy. Socrates in this very agora used to try to interest the passers-by in some desire for better things. That was 450 years before Paul is challenged by these superficial sophistical Epicureans and Stoics. It is doubtful if Paul had ever met a more difficult situation. {What would this babbler say?} (\Ti an theloi ho spermologos houtos legein?\). The word for "babbler" means "seed-picker" or picker up of seeds (\sperma\, seed, \leg“\, to collect) like a bird in the agora hopping about after chance seeds. Plutarch applies the word to crows that pick up grain in the fields. Demosthenes called Aeschines a \spermologos\. Eustathius uses it of a man hanging around in the markets picking up scraps of food that fell from the carts and so also of mere rhetoricians and plagiarists who picked up scraps of wisdom from others. Ramsay considers it here a piece of Athenian slang used to describe the picture of Paul seen by these philosophers who use it, for not all of them had it ("some," \tines\). Note the use of \an\ and the present active optative \theloi\, conclusion of a fourth-class condition in a rhetorical question (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1021). It means, What would this picker up of seeds wish to say, if he should get off an idea? It is a contemptuous tone of supreme ridicule and doubtless Paul heard this comment. Probably the Epicureans made this sneer that Paul was a charlatan or quack. {Other some} (\hoi de\). But others, in contrast with the "some" just before. Perhaps the Stoics take this more serious view of Paul. {He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods} (\zen“n daimoni“n dokei kataggeleus einai\). This view is put cautiously by \dokei\ (seems). \Kataggeleus\ does not occur in the old Greek, though in ecclesiastical writers, but Deissmann (_Light from the Ancient East_, p. 99) gives an example of the word "on a marble stele recording a decree of the Mitylenaens in honour of the Emperor Augustus," where it is the herald of the games. Here alone in the N.T. \Daimonion\ is used in the old Greek sense of deity or divinity whether good or bad, not in the N.T. sense of demons. Both this word and \kataggeleus\ are used from the Athenian standpoint. \Xenos\ is an old word for a guest-friend (Latin _hospes_) and then host (Romans:16:23|), then for foreigner or stranger (Matthew:25:31; strkjv@Acts:17:21|), new and so strange as here and strkjv@Hebrews:13:9; strkjv@1Peter:4:12|, and then aliens (Ephesians:2:12|). This view of Paul is the first count against Socrates: Socrates does wrong, introducing new deities (\adikei S“kratˆs, kaina daimonia eispher“n\, Xen. _Mem_. I). On this charge the Athenians voted the hemlock for their greatest citizen. What will they do to Paul? This Athens was more sceptical and more tolerant than the old Athens. But Roman law did not allow the introduction of a new religion (_religio illicita_). Paul was walking on thin ice though he was the real master philosopher and these Epicureans and Stoics were quacks. Paul had the only true philosophy of the universe and life with Jesus Christ as the centre (Colossians:1:12-20|), the greatest of all philosophers as Ramsay justly terms him. But these men are mocking him. {Because he preached Jesus and the resurrection} (\hoti ton Iˆsoun kai tˆn anastasin euˆggelizato\). Reason for the view just stated. Imperfect middle indicative of \euaggeliz“\, to "gospelize." Apparently these critics considered \anastasis\ (Resurrection) another deity on a par with Jesus. The Athenians worshipped all sorts of abstract truths and virtues and they misunderstood Paul on this subject. They will leave him as soon as he mentions the resurrection (verse 32|). It is objected that Luke would not use the word in this sense here for his readers would not under stand him. But Luke is describing the misapprehension of this group of philosophers and this interpretation fits in precisely.

rwp@Acts:17:22 @{Stood in the midst of the Areopagus} (\statheis en mes“i tou Areiou Pagou\). First aorist passive of \histˆmi\ used of Peter in strkjv@2:14|. Majestic figure whether on Mars Hill or in the Stoa Basilica before the Areopagus Court. There would be a crowd of spectators and philosophers in either case and Paul seized the opportunity to preach Christ to this strange audience as he did in Caesarea before Herod Agrippa and the crowd of prominent people gathered by Festus for the entertainment. Paul does not speak as a man on trial, but as one trying to get a hearing for the gospel of Christ. {Somewhat superstitious} (\h“s deisidaimonesterous\). The Authorized Version has "too superstitious," the American Standard "very religious." \Deisidaim“n\ is a neutral word (from \deid“\, to fear, and \daim“n\, deity). The Greeks used it either in the good sense of pious or religious or the bad sense of superstitious. Thayer suggests that Paul uses it "with kindly ambiguity." Page thinks that Luke uses the word to represent the religious feeling of the Athenians (_religiosus_) which bordered on superstition. The Vulgate has _superstitiosiores_. In strkjv@25:19| Festus uses the term \deisidaimonia\ for "religion." It seems unlikely that Paul should give this audience a slap in the face at the very start. The way one takes this adjective here colours Paul's whole speech before the Council of Areopagus. The comparative here as in verse 21| means more religions than usual (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 664f.), the object of the comparison not being expressed. The Athenians had a tremendous reputation for their devotion to religion, "full of idols" (verse 16|).

rwp@Acts:17:23 @{For} (\gar\). Paul gives an illustration of their religiousness from his own experiences in their city. {The objects of your worship} (\ta sebasmata hum“n\). Late word from \sebazomai\, to worship. In N T. only here and strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:4|. The use of this word for temples, altars, statues, shows the conciliatory tone in the use of \deisidaimonesterous\ in verse 22|. {An altar} (\b“mon\). Old word, only here in the N.T. and the only mention of a heathen altar in the N.T {With this inscription} (\en h“i epegegrapto\). On which had been written (stood written), past perfect passive indicative of \epigraph“\, old and common verb for writing on inscriptions (\epigraphˆ\, strkjv@Luke:23:38|). {To an Unknown God} (\AGNOSTO THEO\). Dative case, dedicated to. Pausanias (I. 1, 4) says that in Athens there are "altars to gods unknown" (\b“moi the“n agn“st“n\). Epimenides in a pestilence advised the sacrifice of a sheep to the befitting god whoever he might be. If an altar was dedicated to the wrong deity, the Athenians feared the anger of the other gods. The only use in the N.T. of \agn“stos\, old and common adjective (from \a\ privative and \gn“stos\ verbal of \gin“sk“\, to know). Our word agnostic comes from it. Here it has an ambiguous meaning, but Paul uses it though to a stern Christian philosopher it may be the "confession at once of a bastard philosophy and of a bastard religion" (Hort, _Hulsean Lectures_, p. 64). Paul was quick to use this confession on the part of the Athenians of a higher power than yet known to them. Songs:he gets his theme from this evidence of a deeper religious sense in them and makes a most clever use of it with consummate skill. {In ignorance} (\agnoountes\). Present active participle of \agnoe“\, old verb from same root as \agn“stos\ to which Paul refers by using it. {This set I forth unto you} (\touto ego kataggell“ humin\). He is a \kataggeleus\ (verse 18|) as they suspected of a God, both old and new, old in that they already worship him, new in that Paul knows who he is. By this master stroke he has brushed to one side any notion of violation of Roman law or suspicion of heresy and claims their endorsement of his new gospel, a shrewd and consummate turn. He has their attention now and proceeds to describe this God left out of their list as the one true and Supreme God. The later MSS. here read \hon--touton\ (whom--this one) rather than \ho--touto\ (what--this), but the late text is plainly an effort to introduce too soon the personal nature of God which comes out clearly in verse 24|.

rwp@Acts:17:24 @{The God that made the world} (\Hosea:theos ho poiˆsas ton kosmon\). Not a god for this and a god for that like the 30,000 gods of the Athenians, but the one God who made the Universe (\kosmos\ on the old Greek sense of orderly arrangement of the whole universe). {And all things therein} (\kai panta ta en aut“i\). All the details in the universe were created by this one God. Paul is using the words of strkjv@Isaiah:42:5|. The Epicureans held that matter was eternal. Paul sets them aside. This one God was not to be confounded with any of their numerous gods save with this "Unknown God." {Being Lord of heaven and earth} (\ouranou kai gˆs huparch“n kurios\). \Kurios\ here owner, absolute possessor of both heaven and earth (Isaiah:45:7|), not of just parts. {Dwelleth not in temples made with hands} (\ouken cheiropoiˆtois naois katoikei\). The old adjective \cheiropoiˆtos\ (\cheir, poie“\) already in Stephen's speech (7:48|). No doubt Paul pointed to the wonderful Parthenon, supposed to be the home of Athene as Stephen denied that God dwelt alone in the temple in Jerusalem.

rwp@Acts:17:25 @{As though he needed anything} (\prosdeomenos tinos\). Present middle participle of \prosdeomai\, to want besides, old verb, but here only in the N.T. This was strange doctrine for the people thought that the gods needed their offerings for full happiness. This self-sufficiency of God was taught by Philo and Lucretius, but Paul shows that the Epicurean missed it by putting God, if existing at all, outside the universe. {Seeing he himself giveth to all} (\autos didous pasin\). This Supreme Personal God is the source of life, breath, and everything. Paul here rises above all Greek philosophers.

rwp@Galatians:3:13 @{Redeemed us} (\hˆmas exˆgorasen\). First aorist active of the compound verb \exagoraz“\ (Polybius, Plutarch, Diodorus), to buy from, to buy back, to ransom. The simple verb \agoraz“\ (1Corinthians:6:20; strkjv@7:23|) is used in an inscription for the purchase of slaves in a will (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 324). See also strkjv@Galatians:4:5; strkjv@Colossians:4:5; strkjv@Ephesians:5:16|. Christ purchased us {from the curse of the law} (\ek tˆs kataras tou nomou\). "Out from (\ek\ repeated) under (\hupo\ in verse 10|) the curse of the law." {Having become a curse for us} (\genomenos huper hˆm“n katara\). Here the graphic picture is completed. We were under (\hupo\) a curse, Christ became a curse {over} (\huper\) us and so between us and the overhanging curse which fell on him instead of on us. Thus he bought us out (\ek\) and we are free from the curse which he took on himself. This use of \huper\ for substitution is common in the papyri and in ancient Greek as in the N.T. (John:11:50; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:14f.|). {That hangeth on a tree} (\ho kremamenos epi xulou\). Quotation from strkjv@Deuteronomy:21:23| with the omission of \hupo theou\ (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua:10:26|). \Xulon\ means wood, not usually tree, though so in strkjv@Luke:23:31| and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See strkjv@Acts:5:30; strkjv@10:39; strkjv@1Peter:2:24|. On the present middle participle from the old verb \kremannumi\, to hang, see on ¯Matthew:18:6; strkjv@Acts:5:30|.

rwp@Galatians:3:15 @{After the manner of men} (\kata anthr“pon\). After the custom and practice of men, an illustration from life. {Though it be but a man's covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed} (\hom“s anthr“pou kekur“menˆn diathˆkˆn\). Literally, "Yet a man's covenant ratified." On \Diathˆkˆ\ as both covenant and will see on ¯Matthew:26:28; strkjv@1Corinthians:11:25; strkjv@2Corinthians:3:6; strkjv@Hebrews:9:16f|. On \kuro“\, to ratify, to make valid, see on ¯2Corinthians:2:8|. Perfect passive participle here, state of completion, authoritative confirmation. {Maketh it void} (\athetei\). See on ¯2:21| for this verb. Both parties can by agreement cancel a contract, but not otherwise. {Addeth thereto} (\epidiatassetai\). Present middle indicative of the double compound verb \epidiatassomai\, a word found nowhere else as yet. But inscriptions use \diatassomai, diataxis, diatagˆ, diatagma\ with the specialized meaning to "determine by testamentary disposition" (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 90). It was unlawful to add (\epi\) fresh clauses or specifications (\diataxeis\).

rwp@Galatians:3:16 @{But as of one} (\all' h“s eph' henos\). But as in the case of one. {Which is Christ} (\hos estin Christos\). Masculine relative agreeing with \Christos\ though \sperma\ is neuter. But the promise to Abraham uses \sperma\ as a collective substantive and applies to all believers (both Jews and Gentiles) as Paul has shown in verses 7-14|, and as of course he knew full well Here Paul uses a rabbinical refinement which is yet intelligible. The people of Israel were a type of the Messiah and he gathers up the promise in its special application to Christ. He does not say that Christ is specifically referred to in strkjv@Genesis:13:15| or strkjv@17:7f|.

rwp@Galatians:3:17 @{Now this I say} (\touto de leg“\). Now I mean this. He comes back to his main point and is not carried afield by the special application of \sperma\ to Christ. {Confirmed beforehand by God} (\prokekur“menˆn hupo tou theou\). Perfect passive participle of \prokuro“\, in Byzantine writers and earliest use here. Nowhere else in N.T. The point is in \pro\ and \hupo tou theou\ (by God) and in \meta\ (after) as Burton shows. {Four hundred and thirty years after} (\meta tetrakosia kai triakonta etˆ\). Literally, "after four hundred and thirty years." This is the date in strkjv@Exodus:12:40| for the sojourn in Egypt (cf. strkjv@Genesis:15:13|). But the LXX adds words to include the time of the patriarchs in Canaan in this number of years which would cut the time in Egypt in two. Cf. strkjv@Acts:7:6|. It is immaterial to Paul's argument which chronology is adopted except that "the longer the covenant had been in force the more impressive is his statement" (Burton). {Doth not disannul} (\ouk akuroi\). Late verb \akuro“\, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:15:6; strkjv@Mark:7:13| (from \a\ privative and \kuros\, authority). On \katargˆsai\ see strkjv@1Corinthians:1:28; strkjv@2:6; strkjv@15:24,26|.

rwp@Galatians:3:19 @{What then is the law?} (\ti oun ho nomos?\). Or, why then the law? A pertinent question if the Abrahamic promise antedates it and holds on afterwards. {It was added because of transgressions} (\t“n parabase“n charin prosetethˆ\). First aorist passive of \prostithˆmi\, old verb to add to. It is only in apparent contradiction to verses 15ff.|, because in Paul's mind the law is no part of the covenant, but a thing apart "in no way modifying its provisions" (Burton). \Charin\ is the adverbial accusative of \charis\ which was used as a preposition with the genitive as early as Homer, in favour of, for the sake of. Except in strkjv@1John:3:12| it is post-positive in the N.T. as in ancient Greek. It may be causal (Luke:7:47; strkjv@1John:3:12|) or telic (Titus:1:5,11; strkjv@Jude:1:16|). It is probably also telic here, not in order to create transgressions, but rather "to make transgressions palpable" (Ellicott), "thereby pronouncing them to be from that time forward transgressions of the law" (Rendall). \Parabasis\, from \parabain“\, is in this sense a late word (Plutarch on), originally a slight deviation, then a wilful disregarding of known regulations or prohibitions as in strkjv@Romans:2:23|. {Till the seed should come} (\achris an elthˆi to sperma\). Future time with \achris an\ and aorist subjunctive (usual construction). Christ he means by \to sperma\ as in verse 16|. {The promise hath been made} (\epˆggeltai\). Probably impersonal perfect passive rather than middle of \epaggellomai\ as in II Macc. strkjv@4:27. {Ordained through angels} (\diatageis di' aggel“n\). Second aorist passive participle of \diatass“\ (see on ¯Matthew:11:1|). About angels and the giving of the law see on strkjv@Deuteronomy:33:2| (LXX); strkjv@Acts:7:38,52; strkjv@Hebrews:2:2|; Josephus (_Ant_. XV. 5. 3). {By the hand of a mediator} (\en cheiri mesitou\). \En cheiri\ is a manifest Aramaism or Hebraism and only here in the N.T. It is common in the LXX. \Mesitˆs\, from \mesos\ is middle or midst, is a late word (Polybius, Diodorus, Philo, Josephus) and common in the papyri in legal transactions for arbiter, surety, etc. Here of Moses, but also of Christ (1Timothy:2:5; strkjv@Hebrews:8:6; strkjv@9:15; strkjv@12:24|).

rwp@Galatians:3:22 @{Hath shut up} (\sunekleisen\). Did shut together. First aorist active indicative of \sunklei“\, old verb to shut together, on all sides, completely as a shoal of fish in a net (Luke:5:6|). Songs:verse 23; strkjv@Romans:11:32|. {Under sin} (\hupo hamartian\). See \hupo kataran\ in verse 10|. As if the lid closed in on us over a massive chest that we could not open or as prisoners in a dungeon. He uses \ta panta\ (the all things), the totality of everything. See strkjv@Romans:3:10-19; strkjv@11:32|. {That} (\hina\). God's purpose, personifying scripture again. {Might be given} (\dothˆi\). First aorist passive subjunctive of \did“mi\ with \hina\.

rwp@Galatians:3:26 @{For ye are all sons of God} (\pantes gar huioi theou este\). Both Jews and Gentiles (3:14|) and in the same way "through faith in Christ Jesus" (\dia tˆs piste“s en Christ“i Iˆsou\). There is no other way to become "sons of God" in the full ethical and spiritual sense that Paul means, not mere physical descendants of Abraham, but "sons of Abraham," "those by faith" (verse 7|). The Jews are called by Jesus "the sons of the Kingdom" (Matthew:8:12|) in privilege, but not in fact. God is the Father of all men as Creator, but the spiritual Father only of those who by faith in Christ Jesus receive "adoption" (\huiothesia\) into his family (verse 5; strkjv@Romans:8:15,23|). Those led by the Spirit are sons of God (Romans:8:14|).

rwp@Galatians:3:27 @{Were baptized into Christ} (\eis Christon ebaptisthˆte\). First aorist passive indicative of \baptiz“\. Better, "were baptized unto Christ" in reference to Christ. {Did put on Christ} (\Christon enedusasthe\). First aorist middle indicative of \endu“\ (\-n“\). As a badge or uniform of service like that of the soldier. This verb is common in the sense of putting on garments (literally and metaphorically as here). See further in Paul (Romans:13:14; strkjv@Colossians:3:9f.; strkjv@Ephesians:4:22-24; strkjv@6:11,14|). In strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:8| Paul speaks of "putting on the breastplate of righteousness." He does not here mean that one enters into Christ and so is saved by means of baptism after the teaching of the mystery religions, but just the opposite. We are justified by faith in Christ, not by circumcision or by baptism. But baptism was the public profession and pledge, the soldier's _sacramentum_, oath of fealty to Christ, taking one's stand with Christ, the symbolic picture of the change wrought by faith already (Romans:6:4-6|).

rwp@Galatians:3:28 @{There can be neither} (\ouk eni\). Not a shortened form of \enesti\, but the old lengthened form of \en\ with recessive accent. Songs:\ouk eni\ means "there is not" rather than "there cannot be," a statement of a fact rather than a possibility, as Burton rightly shows against Lightfoot. {One man} (\heis\). No word for "man" in the Greek, and yet \heis\ is masculine, not neuter \hen\. "One moral personality" (Vincent). The point is that "in Christ Jesus" race or national distinctions ("neither Jew nor Greek") do not exist, class differences ("neither bond nor free," no proletarianism and no capitalism) vanish, sex rivalry ("no male and female") disappears. This radical statement marks out the path along which Christianity was to come in the sphere (\en\) and spirit and power of Christ. Candour compels one to confess that this goal has not yet been fully attained. But we are on the road and there is no hope on any way than on "the Jesus Road."

rwp@Galatians:4:1 @{Songs:long as} (\eph' hoson chronon\). "For how long a time," incorporation of the antecedent (\chronon\) into the relative clause. {The heir} (\ho klˆronomos\). Old word (\klˆros\, lot, \nemomai\, to possess). Illustration from the law of inheritance carrying on the last thought in strkjv@3:29|. {A child} (\nˆpios\). One that does not talk (\nˆ, epos\, word). That is a minor, an infant, immature intellectually and morally in contrast with \teleioi\, full grown (1Corinthians:3:1; strkjv@14:20; strkjv@Phillipians:3:15; strkjv@Ephesians:4:13|). {From a bondservant} (\doulou\). Slave. Ablative case of comparison after \diapherei\ for which verb see on ¯Matthew:6:26|. {Though he is lord of all} (\Kurios pant“n “n\). Concessive participle \“n\, "being legally owner of all" (one who has the power, \ho ech“n kuros\).

rwp@Galatians:4:2 @{Under guardians} (\hupo epitropous\). Old word from \epitrep“\, to commit, to intrust. Songs:either an overseer (Matthew:20:8|) or one in charge of children as here. It is common as the guardian of an orphan minor. Frequent in the papyri as guardian of minors. {Stewards} (\oikonomous\). Old word for manager of a household whether freeborn or slave. See strkjv@Luke:12:42; strkjv@1Corinthians:4:2|. Papyri show it as manager of an estate and also as treasurer like strkjv@Romans:16:23|. No example is known where this word is used of one in charge of a minor and no other where both occur together. {Until the time appointed of the father} (\achri tˆs prothesmias tou patros\). Supply \hˆmeras\ (day), for \prothesmios\ is an old adjective "appointed beforehand" (\pro, thesmos\, from \tithˆmi\). Under Roman law the _tutor_ had charge of the child till he was fourteen when the curator took charge of him till he was twenty-five. Ramsay notes that in Graeco-Phrygia cities the same law existed except that the father in Syria appointed both tutor and curator whereas the Roman father appointed only the tutor. Burton argues plausibly that no such legal distinction is meant by Paul, but that the terms here designate two functions of one person. The point does not disturb Paul's illustration at all.

rwp@Galatians:4:3 @{When we were children} (\hote ˆmen nˆpioi\). Before the epoch of faith came and we (Jews and Gentiles) were under the law as paedagogue, guardian, steward, to use all of Paul's metaphors. {We were held in bondage} (\hˆmeis ˆmetha dedoul“menoi\). Periphrastic past perfect of \doulo“\, to enslave, in a permanent state of bondage. {Under the rudiments of the world} (\hupo ta stoicheia tou kosmou\). \Stoichos\ is row or rank, a series. Songs:\stoicheion\ is any first thing in a \stoichos\ like the letters of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2Peter:3:10|), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the rudiments of any act (Hebrews:5:12; strkjv@Acts:15:10; strkjv@Galatians:5:1; strkjv@4:3,9; strkjv@Colossians:2:8,20|). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world (\kosmos\ as the orderly material universe as in strkjv@Colossians:2:8,20|). See on ¯Matthew:13:38; strkjv@Acts:17:24; strkjv@1Corinthians:3:22|. All were in the elementary stage before Christ came.

rwp@Galatians:4:4 @{The fulness of the time} (\to plˆr“ma tou chronou\). Old word from \plˆro“\, to fill. Here the complement of the preceding time as in strkjv@Ephesians:1:10|. Some examples in the papyri in the sense of complement, to accompany. God sent forth his preexisting Son (Phillipians:2:6|) when the time for his purpose had come like the \prothesmia\ of verse 2|. {Born of a woman} (\genomenon ek gunaikos\). As all men are and so true humanity, "coming from a woman." There is, of course, no direct reference here to the Virgin Birth of Jesus, but his deity had just been affirmed by the words "his Son" (\ton huion autou\), so that both his deity and humanity are here stated as in strkjv@Romans:1:3|. Whatever view one holds about Paul's knowledge of the Virgin Birth of Christ one must admit that Paul believed in his actual personal preexistence with God (2Corinthians:8:9; strkjv@Phillipians:2:5-11|), not a mere existence in idea. The fact of the Virgin Birth agrees perfectly with the language here. {Born under the law} (\genomenon hupo nomon\). He not only became a man, but a Jew. The purpose (\hina\) of God thus was plainly to redeem (\exagorasˆi\, as in strkjv@3:13|) those under the law, and so under the curse. The further purpose (\hina\) was that we (Jew and Gentile) might receive (\apolab“men\, second aorist active subjunctive of \apolamban“\), not get back (Luke:15:27|), but get from (\apo\) God the adoption (\tˆn huiothesian\). Late word common in the inscriptions (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 239) and occurs in the papyri also and in Diogenes Laertes, though not in LXX. Paul adopts this current term to express his idea (he alone in the N.T.) as to how God takes into his spiritual family both Jews and Gentiles who believe. See also strkjv@Romans:8:15,23; strkjv@9:4; strkjv@Ephesians:1:5|. The Vulgate uses _adoptio filiorum_. It is a metaphor like the others above, but a very expressive one.

rwp@Galatians:4:7 @{No longer a bondservant} (\ouketi doulos\). Slave. He changes to the singular to drive the point home to each one. The spiritual experience (3:2|) has set each one free. Each is now a son and heir.

rwp@Galatians:4:9 @{Now that ye have come to know God} (\nun de gnontes\). Fine example of the ingressive second aorist active participle of \gin“sk“\, come to know by experience through faith in Christ. {Rather to be known of God} (\mallon de gn“sthentes hupo theou\). First aorist passive participle of the same verb. He quickly turns it round to the standpoint of God's elective grace reaching them (verse 6|). {How} (\p“s\). "A question full of wonder" (Bengel). See strkjv@1:6|. {Turn ye back again?} (\epistrephete palin?\). Present active indicative, "Are ye turning again?" See \metatithesthe\ in strkjv@1:6|. {The weak and beggarly rudiments} (\ta asthenˆ kai pt“cha stoicheia\). The same \stoicheia\ in verse 3| from which they had been delivered, "weak and beggarly," still in their utter impotence from the Pharisaic legalism and the philosophical and religious legalism and the philosophical and religious quests of the heathen as shown by Angus's _The Religious Quests of the Graeco-Roman World_. These were eagerly pursued by many, but they were shadows when caught. It is pitiful today to see some men and women leave Christ for will o' the wisps of false philosophy. {Over again} (\palin an“then\). Old word, from above (\an“\) as in strkjv@Matthew:27:51|, from the first (Luke:1:3|), then "over again" as here, back to where they were before (in slavery to rites and rules).

rwp@Galatians:4:10 @{Ye observe} (\paratˆreisthe\). Present middle indicative of old verb to stand beside and watch carefully, sometimes with evil intent as in strkjv@Luke:6:7|, but often with scrupulous care as here (so in Dio Cassius and Josephus). The meticulous observance of the Pharisees Paul knew to a nicety. It hurt him to the quick after his own merciful deliverance to see these Gentile Christians drawn into this spider-web of Judaizing Christians, once set free, now enslaved again. Paul does not itemize the "days" (Sabbaths, fast-days, feast-days, new moons) nor the "months" (Isaiah:66:23|) which were particularly observed in the exile nor the "seasons" (passover, pentecost, tabernacles, etc.) nor the "years" (sabbatical years every seventh year and the Year of Jubilee). Paul does not object to these observances for he kept them himself as a Jew. He objected to Gentiles taking to them as a means of salvation.

rwp@Galatians:4:13 @{Because of an infirmity of the flesh} (\di' astheneian tˆs sarkos\). All that we can get from this statement is the fact that Paul's preaching to the Galatians "the first time" or "the former time" (\to proteron\, adverbial accusative) was due to sickness of some kind whether it was eye trouble (4:15|) which was a trial to them or to the thorn in the flesh (2Corinthians:12:7|) we do not know. It can be interpreted as applying to North Galatia or to South Galatia if he had an attack of malaria on coming up from Perga. But the narrative in strkjv@Acts:13; 14| does not read as if Paul had planned to pass by Pisidia and by Lycaonia but for the attack of illness. The Galatians understood the allusion for Paul says "Ye know" (\oidate\).

rwp@Galatians:4:20 @{I could with} (\ˆthelon\). Imperfect active, I was wishing like Agrippa's use of \eboulomˆn\ in strkjv@Acts:25:22|, "I was just wishing. I was longing to be present with you just now (\arti\)." {To change my voice} (\allaxai tˆn ph“nˆn mou\). Paul could put his heart into his voice. The pen stands between them. He knew the power of his voice on their hearts. He had tried it before. {I am perplexed} (\aporoumai\). I am at a loss and know not what to do. \Apore“\ is from \a\ privative and \poros\, way. I am lost at this distance from you. {About you} (\en humin\). In your cases. For this use of \en\ see strkjv@2Corinthians:7:16; strkjv@Galatians:1:24|.

rwp@Galatians:4:21 @{That desire to be under the law} (\hoi hupo nomon thelontes einai\). "Under law" (no article), as in strkjv@3:23; strkjv@4:4|, legalistic system. Paul views them as on the point of surrender to legalism, as "wanting" (\thelontes\) to do it (1:6; strkjv@3:3; strkjv@4:11,17|). Paul makes direct reference to these so disposed to "hear the law." He makes a surprising turn, but a legitimate one for the legalists by an allegorical use of Scripture.

rwp@Galatians:4:22 @{By the handmaid} (\ek tˆs paidiskˆs\). From strkjv@Genesis:16:1|. Feminine diminutive of \pais\, boy or slave. Common word for damsel which came to be used for female slave or maidservant (Luke:12:45|) or doorkeeper like strkjv@Matthew:26:29|. Songs:in the papyri.

rwp@Galatians:4:24 @{Which things contain an allegory} (\hatina estin allˆgoroumena\). Literally, "Which things are allegorized" (periphrastic present passive indicative of \allˆgore“\). Late word (Strabo, Plutarch, Philo, Josephus, ecclesiastical writers), only here in N.T. The ancient writers used \ainittomai\ to speak in riddles. It is compounded of \allo\, another, and \agoreu“\, to speak, and so means speaking something else than what the language means, what Philo, the past-master in the use of allegory, calls the deeper spiritual sense. Paul does not deny the actual historical narrative, but he simply uses it in an allegorical sense to illustrate his point for the benefit of his readers who are tempted to go under the burden of the law. He puts a secondary meaning on the narrative just as he uses \tupik“s\ in strkjv@1Corinthians:10:11| of the narrative. We need not press unduly the difference between allegory and type, for each is used in a variety of ways. The allegory in one sense is a speaking parable like Bunyan's _Pilgrim's Progress_, the Prodigal Son in strkjv@Luke:15|, the Good Shepherd in strkjv@John:10|. But allegory was also used by Philo and by Paul here for a secret meaning not obvious at first, one not in the mind of the writer, like our illustration which throws light on the point. Paul was familiar with this rabbinical method of exegesis (Rabbi Akiba, for instance, who found a mystical sense in every hook and crook of the Hebrew letters) and makes skilful use of that knowledge here. Christian preachers in Alexandria early fell victims to Philo's allegorical method and carried it to excess without regard to the plain sense of the narrative. That startling style of preaching survives yet to the discredit of sound preaching. Please observe that Paul says here that he is using allegory, not ordinary interpretation. It is not necessary to say that Paul intended his readers to believe that this allegory was designed by the narrative. He illustrates his point by it. {For these are} (\hautai gar eisin\). Allegorically interpreted, he means. {From Mount Sinai} (\apo orous Sinƒ\). Spoken from Mount Sinai. {Bearing} (\genn“sa\). Present active participle of \genna“\, to beget of the male (Matthew:1:1-16|), more rarely as here to bear of the female (Luke:1:13,57|). {Which is Hagar} (\hˆtis estin Hagar\). Allegorically interpreted.

rwp@Galatians:4:26 @{The Jerusalem that is above} (\hˆ an“ Ierousalˆm\). Paul uses the rabbinical idea that the heavenly Jerusalem corresponds to the one here to illustrate his point without endorsing their ideas. See also strkjv@Revelation:21:2|. He uses the city of Jerusalem to represent the whole Jewish race (Vincent).

rwp@Galatians:4:27 @{Which is our mother} (\hˆtis estin mˆtˆr hˆm“n\). The mother of us Christians, apply the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to us. The Jerusalem above is the picture of the Kingdom of God. Paul illustrates the allegory by quoting strkjv@Isaiah:54:1|, a song of triumph looking for deliverance from a foreign yoke. {Rejoice} (\euphranthˆti\). First aorist passive imperative of \euphrain“\. {Break forth} (\rˆxon\). First aorist active imperative of \rˆgnumi\, to rend, to burst asunder. Supply \euphrosunˆn\ (joy) as in strkjv@Isaiah:49:13|. {The desolate} (\tˆs erˆmou\). The prophet refers to Sarah's prolonged barrenness and Paul uses this fact as a figure for the progress and glory of Christianity (the new Jerusalem of freedom) in contrast with the old Jerusalem of bondage (the current Judaism). His thought has moved rapidly, but he does not lose his line.

rwp@Galatians:5:1 @{With freedom} (\tˆi eleutheriƒi\). Rather dative case instead of instrumental, "for freedom," "for the (article) freedom that belongs to us children of the freewoman" (4:31|). {Did Christ set us free} (\hˆmas Christos ˆleuther“sen\). Effective aorist active indicative of \eleuthero“\ (from \erchomai\, to go, go free). {Stand fast therefore} (\stˆkete oun\). See on strkjv@Mark:3:31; strkjv@1Corinthians:16:13| for this late word from perfect stem of \histˆmi\, "keep on standing therefore," "stay free since Christ set you free." {Be not entangled again} (\mˆ palin enechesthe\). "Stop being held in by a yoke of bondage." Common word for ensnare by trap. The Judaizers were trying to lasso the Galatians for the old yoke of Judaism.

rwp@Galatians:5:4 @{Ye are severed from Christ} (\katˆrgˆthˆte apo Christou\). First aorist passive of \katarge“\, to make null and void as in strkjv@Romans:7:2,6|. {Who would be justified by the law} (\hoitines en nom“i dikaiousthe\). Present passive conative indicative, "ye who are trying to be justified in the law." {Ye are fallen away from grace} (\tˆs charitos exepesate\). Second aorist active indicative of \ekpipt“\ (with \a\ variable vowel of the first aorist) and followed by the ablative case. "Ye did fall out of grace," "ye left the sphere of grace in Christ and took your stand in the sphere of law" as your hope of salvation. Paul does not mince words and carries the logic to the end of the course. He is not, of course, speaking of occasional sins, but he has in mind a far more serious matter, that of substituting law for Christ as the agent in salvation.

rwp@Galatians:5:6 @{Availeth anything} (\ischuei ti\). Old word to have strength (\isch–s\). See on ¯Matthew:5:13|. Neither Jew nor Greek has any recommendation in his state. See strkjv@3:28|. All stand on a level in Christ. {Faith working through love} (\pistis di' agapˆs energoumenˆ\). Middle voice of \energe“\ and "through love," "the moral dynamic" (Burton) of Paul's conception of freedom from law.

rwp@Galatians:5:13 @{Ye were called for freedom} (\ep' eleutheriƒi eklˆthˆte\). The same point as in strkjv@5:1| made plainer by the use of \ep'\ (on the basis of, for the purpose of). See strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:7| for this use of \epi\. {Only use not} (\monon mˆ\). No word for "use" in the Greek. Probably supply \trepete\ or \strephete\, "turn not your liberty into an occasion for the flesh" (\eis aphormˆn tˆi sarki\), as a spring board for license. On \aphormˆ\, see on ¯2Corinthians:5:12|. Liberty so easily turns to license.

rwp@Galatians:5:14 @{Even in this} (\en t“i\). Just the article with \en\, "in the," but it points at the quotation from strkjv@Leviticus:19:18|. Jews (Luke:10:29|) confined "neighbour" (\plˆsion\) to Jews. Paul uses here a striking paradox by urging obedience to the law against which he has been arguing, but this is the moral law as proof of the new love and life. See also strkjv@Romans:13:8|, precisely as Jesus did (Matthew:22:40|).

rwp@Galatians:5:15 @{If ye bite and devour one another} (\ei allˆlous daknete kai katesthiete\). Condition of first class assumed as true. Two common and old verbs often used together of wild animals, or like cats and dogs. {That ye be not consumed one of another} (\mˆ hup' allˆl“n anal“thˆte\). Negative final clause with first aorist passive subjunctive of \analisk“\, old word to consume or spend. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:9:54|. There is a famous story of two snakes that grabbed each other by the tail and each swallowed the other.

rwp@Galatians:5:16 @{Ye shall not fulfil} (\ou mˆ telesˆte\). Rather, "Ye will not fulfil." Strong double negative with aorist active subjunctive. {The lust of the flesh} (\epithumian sarkos\). Bad sense here as usual in Paul, but not so in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:17; strkjv@Phillipians:1:23|. The word is just craving or longing (from \epi, thumos\, yearning after).

rwp@Galatians:5:17 @{Lusteth against} (\epithumei kata\). Like a tug of war. This use of \sarx\ as opposed to the Spirit (Holy Spirit) personifies \sarx\. Lightfoot argues that \epithumei\ cannot be used with the Spirit and so some other verb must be supplied for it. But that is wholly needless, for the verb, like \epithumia\, does not mean evil desire, but simply to long for. Christ and Satan long for the possession of the city of Man Soul as Bunyan shows. {Are contrary the one to the other} (\allˆlois antikeitai\). Are lined up in conflict, face to face (\anti-\), a spiritual duel (cf. Christ's temptations), with dative case of personal interest (\allˆlois\). {That ye may not do} (\hina mˆ poiˆte\). "That ye may not keep on doing" (present active subjunctive of \poie“\). {That ye would} (\ha ean thelˆte\). "Whatever ye wish" (indefinite relative with \ean\ and present subjunctive).

rwp@Galatians:5:19 @{Manifest} (\phanera\). Opposed to "hidden" (\krupta\). Ancient writers were fond of lists of vices and virtues. Cf. Stalker's sermons on _The Seven Cardinal Virtues_ and _The Seven Deadly Sins_. There are more than seven in this deadly list in verses 19-21|. He makes the two lists in explanation of the conflict in verse 17| to emphasize the command in verses 13f|. There are four groups in Paul's list of manifest vices: (I) Sensual sins like fornication (\porneia\, prostitution, harlotry), uncleanness (\akatharsia\, moral impurity), lasciviousness (\aselgeia\, wantonness), sexual vice of all kinds prevailed in heathenism. (2) Idolatry (\eid“latreia\, worship of idols) and witchcraft (\pharmakeia\ from \pharmakon\, a drug, the ministering of drugs), but the sorcerers monopolized the word for a while in their magical arts and used it in connection with idolatry. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:18:23|. See strkjv@Acts:19:19| \perierga\, curious arts. (3) Personal relations expressed by eight words, all old words, sins of the spirit, like enmities (\exthrai\, personal animosities), strife (\eris\, rivalry, discord), jealousies (\zˆlos\ or \zˆloi\, MSS. vary, our very word), wraths (\thumoi\, stirring emotions, then explosions), factions (\eritheiai\, from \erithos\, day labourer for hire, worker in wool, party spirit), divisions (\dichostasiai\, splits in two, \dicha\ and \stasis\), heresies (\haireseis\, the very word, but really choosings from \haireomai\, preferences), envyings (\phthonoi\, feelings of ill-will). Surely a lively list. (4) {Drunkenness} (\methai\, old word and plural, drunken excesses, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:21:34; strkjv@Romans:13:13|), revellings (\k“moi\, old word also for drinking parties like those in honour of Bacchus, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:13:13; strkjv@1Peter:4:3|). {And such like} (\kai ta homoia toutois\). And the things like these (associative instrumental \toutois\ after \homoia\, like). It is not meant to be exhaustive, but it is representative.

rwp@Galatians:5:21 @{Forewarn} (\proleg“\) {--did forewarn} (\proeipon\). Paul repeats his warning given while with them. He did his duty then. Gentile churches were peculiarly subject to these sins. But who is not in danger from them? {Practise} (\prassontes\). \Prass“\ is the verb for habitual practice (our very word, in fact), not \poie“\ for occasional doing. The {habit} of these sins is proof that one is not in the Kingdom of God and will not inherit it.

rwp@Galatians:5:26 @{Let us not be} (\mˆ gin“metha\). Present middle subjunctive (volitive), "Let us cease becoming vainglorious" (\kenodoxoi\), late word only here in N.T. (\kenos, doxa\). Once in Epictetus in same sense. {Provoking one another} (\allˆlous prokaloumenoi\). Old word \prokale“\, to call forth, to challenge to combat. Only here in N.T. and in bad sense. The word for "provoke" in strkjv@Hebrews:10:24| is \paroxusmon\ (our "paroxysm"). {Envying} (\phthonountes\). Old verb from \phthonos\. Only here in N.T.

rwp@Galatians:6:1 @{If a man be overtaken} (\ean kai prolˆmphthˆi anthr“pos\). Condition of third class, first aorist passive subjunctive of \prolamban“\, old verb to take beforehand, to surprise, to detect. {Trespass} (\parapt“mati\). Literally, a falling aside, a slip or lapse in the papyri rather than a wilful sin. In Polybius and Diodorus. _Koin‚_ word. {Ye which are spiritual} (\hoi pneumatikoi\). See on ¯1Corinthians:3:1|. The spiritually led (5:18|), the spiritual experts in mending souls. {Restore} (\katartizete\). Present active imperative of \katartiz“\, the very word used in strkjv@Matthew:4:21| of mending nets, old word to make \artios\, fit, to equip thoroughly. {Looking to thyself} (\skop“n seauton\). Keeping an eye on as in strkjv@2Corinthians:4:18| like a runner on the goal. {Lest thou also be tempted} (\mˆ kai su peirasthˆis\). Negative purpose with first aorist passive subjunctive. Spiritual experts (preachers in particular) need this caution. Satan loves a shining mark.

rwp@Galatians:6:2 @{Bear ye one another's burdens} (\allˆl“n ta barˆ bastazete\). Keep on bearing (present active imperative of \bastaz“\, old word, used of Jesus bearing his Cross in strkjv@John:19:17|. \Baros\ means weight as in strkjv@Matthew:20:12; strkjv@2Corinthians:4:17|. It is when one's load (\phortion\, verse 5|) is about to press one down. Then give help in carrying it. {Fulfil} (\anaplˆr“sate\). First aorist active imperative of \anaplˆro“\, to fill up, old word, and see on ¯Matthew:23:32; strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:16; strkjv@1Corinthians:14:16|. Some MSS. have future indicative (\anaplˆr“sete\).

rwp@Galatians:6:5 @{Each shall bear his own burden} (\to idion phortion bastasei\). \Phortion\ is old word for ship's cargo (Acts:27:10|). Christ calls his \phortion\ light, though he terms those of the Pharisees heavy (Matthew:23:4|), meant for other people. The terms are thus not always kept distinct, though Paul does make a distinction here from the \barˆ\ in verse 2|.

rwp@Galatians:6:7 @{Be not deceived} (\mˆ planƒsthe\). Present passive imperative with \mˆ\, "stop being led astray" (\plana“\, common verb to wander, to lead astray as in strkjv@Matthew:24:4f.|). {God is not mocked} (\ou muktˆrizetai\). This rare verb (common in LXX) occurs in Lysias. It comes from \muktˆr\ (nose) and means to turn the nose up at one. That is done towards God, but never without punishment, Paul means to say. In particular, he means "an evasion of his laws which men think to accomplish, but, in fact, cannot" (Burton). {Whatsoever a man soweth} (\ho ean speirˆi anthr“pos\). Indefinite relative clause with \ean\ and the active subjunctive (either aorist or present, form same here). One of the most frequent of ancient proverbs (Job:4:8|; Arist., _Rhet_. iii. 3). Already in strkjv@2Corinthians:9:6|. Same point in strkjv@Matthew:7:16; strkjv@Mark:4:26f|. {That} (\touto\). That very thing, not something different. {Reap} (\therisei\). See on ¯Matthew:6:26| for this old verb.

rwp@Hebrews:6:18 @{By two immutable things} (\dia duo pragmat“n ametathet“n\). See verse 17|. God's promise and God's oath, both unchangeable. {In which it is impossible for God to lie} (\en hois adunaton pseusasthai theon\). Put this "impossibility" by that in verses 4-6|. {Theon} is accusative of general reference with \pseusasthai\, first aorist middle infinitive of \pseudomai\. {That we may have} (\hina ech“men\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the present active subjunctive of \ech“\, "that we may keep on having." {Strong consolation} (\ischuran paraklˆsin\). "Strong encouragement" by those two immutable things. {Who have fled for refuge} (\hoi kataphugontes\). Articular effective second aorist active participle of \katapheug“\, old verb, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:14:6|. The word occurs for fleeing to the cities of refuge (Deuteronomy:4:42; strkjv@19:5; strkjv@Joshua:20:9|). {To lay hold of} (\kratˆsai\). First aorist active (single act) infinitive of \krate“\ in contrast with present tense in strkjv@4:14| (hold fast). {Set before us} (\prokeimenˆs\). Placed before us as the goal. See this same participle used with the "joy" (\charas\) set before Jesus (12:2|).

rwp@Hebrews:6:20 @{As a forerunner} (\prodromos\). Old word used for a spy, a scout, only here in N.T. Jesus has shown us the way, has gone on ahead, and is the surety (\egguos\, strkjv@Hebrews:7:22|) and guarantor of our own entrance later. In point of fact, our anchor of hope with its two chains of God's promise and oath has laid hold of Jesus within the veil. It will hold fast. All we need to do is to be true to him as he is to us. {A high priest for ever} (\archiereus eis ton ai“na\). There he functions as our great high priest, better than Aaron for he is "after the order of Melchizedek," the point that now calls for elucidation (5:10f.|).

rwp@Hebrews:7:1 @{This Melchizedek} (\houtos ho Melchisedek\). The one already mentioned several times with whose priesthood that of Christ is compared and which is older and of a higher type than that of Aaron. See strkjv@Genesis:14:18-20; strkjv@Psalms:110| for the only account of Melchizedek in the Old Testament. It is a daring thing to put Melchizedek above Aaron, but the author does it. Moffatt calls verses 1-3| "a little sermon" on strkjv@6:20|. It is "for ever" (\eis ton ai“na\) that he explains. Melchizedek is the only one in his line and stands alone in the record in Genesis. The interpretation is rabbinical in method, but well adapted to Jewish readers. The description is taken verbatim from Genesis except that "who met" (\ho sunantˆsas\) is here applied to Melchizedek from strkjv@Genesis:14:17| instead of to the King of Sodom. They both met Abraham as a matter of fact. For this verb (first aorist active participle of \sunanta“\) see strkjv@Luke:9:37|. {Slaughter} (\kopˆs\). Old word for cutting (\kopt“\, to cut), here only in N.T. These kings were Amraphel, Arioch, Chedorlaomer, Tidal. Amraphel is usually taken to be Khammurabi. {Priest of God Most High} (\hiereus tou theou tou hupsistou\). He is called "priest" and note \tou hupsistou\ applied to God as the Canaanites, Phoenicians, Hebrews did. It is used also of Zeus and the Maccabean priest-kings. The demons apply it to God (Mark:5:7; strkjv@Luke:8:28|).

rwp@Hebrews:7:3 @{Without father, without mother, without genealogy} (\apat“r, amˆt“r, agenealogˆtos\). Alliteration like strkjv@Romans:1:30|, the first two old words, the third coined by the author (found nowhere else) and meaning simply "devoid of any genealogy." The argument is that from silence, made much of by Philo, but not to be pressed. The record in Genesis tells nothing of any genealogy. Melchizedek stands alone. He is not to be understood as a miraculous being without birth or death. Melchizedek has been made more mysterious than he is by reading into this interpretation what is not there. {Made like} (\aph“moi“menos\). Perfect passive participle of \aphomoio“\, old verb, to produce a facsimile or copy, only here in N.T. The likeness is in the picture drawn in Genesis, not in the man himself. Such artificial interpretation does not amount to proof, but only serves as a parallel or illustration. {Unto the Son of God} (\t“i hui“i tou theou\). Associative instrumental case of \huios\. {Abideth a priest} (\menei hiereus\). According to the record in Genesis, the only one in his line just as Jesus stands alone, but with the difference that Jesus continues priest in fact in heaven. {Continually} (\eis to diˆnekes\). Old phrase (for the continuity) like \eis ton ai“na\, in N.T. only in Hebrews (7:3; strkjv@10:1,14,21|).

rwp@Hebrews:7:19 @{Made nothing perfect} (\ouden etelei“sen\). Another parenthesis. First aorist active indicative of \teleio“\. See verse 11|. And yet law is necessary. {A bringing in thereupon} (\epeisag“gˆ\). An old double compound (\epi\, additional, \eisag“gˆ\, bringing in from \eisag“\). Here only in N.T. Used by Josephus (_Ant_. XI. 6, 2) for the introduction of a new wife in place of the repudiated one. {Of a better hope} (\kreittonos elpidos\). This better hope (6:18-20|) does bring us near to God (\eggizomen t“i the“i\) as we come close to God's throne through Christ (4:16|).

rwp@Hebrews:7:24 @{Because he abideth} (\dia to menein auton\). Same idiom as in verse 23|, "because of the abiding as to him" (accusative of general reference, \auton\). {Unchangeable} (\aparabaton\). Predicate adjective in the accusative (feminine of compound adjective like masculine), late double compound verbal adjective in Plutarch and papyri, from alpha privative and \parabain“\, valid or inviolate. The same idea in verse 3|. God placed Christ in this priesthood and no one else can step into it. See verse 11| for \hier“sunˆ\.

rwp@Hebrews:8:1 @{In the things which we are saying} (\epi tois legomenois\). Locative case of the articular present passive participle of \leg“\ after \epi\ as in strkjv@Luke:5:5; strkjv@Hebrews:11:4|, "in the matter of the things being discussed." {The chief point} (\kephalaion\). Neuter singular of the adjective \kephalaios\ (from \kephalˆ\, head), belonging to the head. Vulgate _capitulum_, nominative absolute in old and common sense, the main matter (even so without the article as in Thucydides), "the pith" (Coverdale), common in the papyri as in Greek literature. The word also occurs in the sense of the sum total or a sum of money (Acts:22:28|) as in Plutarch, Josephus, and also in the papyri (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_). {Such an high priest} (\toiouton archierea\). As the one described in chapters strkjv@4:16-7:28| and in particular strkjv@7:26| (\toioutos\) strkjv@7:27,28|. But the discussion of the priestly work of Jesus continues through strkjv@12:3|. \Toioutos\ is both retrospective and prospective. Here we have a summary of the five points of superiority of Jesus as high priest (8:1-6|). He is himself a better priest than Aaron (\toioutos\ in strkjv@8:1| such as shown in strkjv@4:16-7:28|); he works in a better sanctuary (8:2,5|); he offers a better sacrifice (8:3f.|); he is mediator of a better covenant (8:6|); his work rests on better promises (8:6|); hence he has obtained a better ministry as a whole (8:6|). In this resum‚ (\kephelaion\) the author gives the pith (\kephalaion\) of his argument, curiously enough with both senses of \kephalaion\ (pith, summary) pertinent. He will discuss the four points remaining thus: (1) the better covenant, strkjv@8:7-13|. (2) The better sanctuary, strkjv@9:1-12|. (3) The better sacrifice, strkjv@9:13-10:18|. (4) The better promises, strkjv@10:19-12:3|. One point (the better high priest, like Melchizedek) has already been discussed (4:16-7:28|). {Sat down} (\ekathisen\). Repetition of strkjv@1:3| with \tou thronou\ (the throne) added. This phrase prepares the way for the next point.

rwp@Hebrews:8:5 @{Serve} (\latreuousin\). Present active indicative of \latreu“\ for which verb see on ¯Matthew:4:10|. {A copy} (\hupodeigmati\). Dative case after \latreuousin\. See already on ¯John:13:15; strkjv@Hebrews:4:11| for this interesting word. {Shadow} (\skiƒi\). Dative case. Old word for which see already strkjv@Matthew:4:16; strkjv@Mark:4:32; strkjv@Colossians:2:17|. See same idea in strkjv@Hebrews:9:23|. For difference between \skia\ and \eik“n\ see strkjv@10:1|. Here "copy and shadow" form a practical hendiadys for "a shadowy out- line" (Moffatt). {Is warned of God} (\kechrˆmatistai\). Perfect passive indicative of \chrˆmatiz“\, old verb (from \chrˆma\, business) for which see on ¯Matthew:2:12,22; strkjv@Luke:2:26|. The word "God" is not used, but it is implied as in strkjv@Acts:10:22; strkjv@Hebrews:12:25|. Songs:in LXX, Josephus, and the papyri. {For saith he} (\gar phˆsi\). Argument from God's command (Exodus:25:40|). {See that thou make} (\Horƒ poiˆseis\). Common Greek idiom with present active imperative of \hora“\ and the volitive future of \poie“\ without \hina\ (asyndeton, Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 949). {The pattern} (\ton tupon\). The very word used in strkjv@Exodus:25:40| and quoted also by Stephen in strkjv@Acts:7:44|. For \tupos\ see already strkjv@John:20:25; strkjv@Romans:6:17|, etc. The tabernacle was to be patterned after the heavenly model.

rwp@Hebrews:8:8 @{Finding fault with them} (\memphomenos autous\). Present middle participle of \memphomai\ (cf. \amemptos\), old verb, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:9:19|. The covenant was all right, but the Jews failed to keep it. Hence God made a new one of grace in place of law. Why do marriage covenants so often fail to hold? The author quotes in verses 8-12; strkjv@Jeremiah:38:31-34| (in LXX strkjv@31:31-34|) in full which calls for little explanation or application to prove his point (verse 13|). {I will make} (\sunteles“\). Future active of \suntele“\, old compound verb to accomplish as in strkjv@Mark:13:4; strkjv@Romans:9:28|. {A new covenant} (\diathˆkˆn kainˆn\). In strkjv@12:24| we have \diathˆkˆs neas\, but \kainˆs\ in strkjv@1Corinthians:11:25|. \Kainos\ is fresh, on new lines as opposed to the old (\palaios\) as in strkjv@2Corinthians:3:6,14|; \neos\ is young or not yet old.

rwp@Hebrews:8:10 @{This} (\hautˆ\). The "new" one of verse 8|. {That I will make} (\hˆn diathˆsomai\). Future middle of \diatithˆmi\, "that I will covenant," cognate accusative (\hˆn\), using the same root in the verb as in \diathˆkˆ\. {I will put} (\didous\). "Giving," present active participle of \did“mi\, to give. {Into their mind} (\eis tˆn dianoian aut“n\). Their intellect, their moral understanding, all the intellect as in Aristotle (Colossians:1:21; strkjv@Ephesians:4:18|). {On their heart} (\epi kardias aut“n\). Either genitive singular or accusative plural. \Kardia\ is the seat of man's personal life (Westcott), the two terms covering the whole of man's inward nature. {A god} (\eis theon\). Note the Hebraistic use of \eis\ in the predicate instead of the usual nominative \theos\ as in "a people" (\eis laon\). This was the ideal of the old covenant (Exodus:6:7|), now at last to be a fact.

rwp@Hebrews:8:11 @{They shall not teach} (\ou mˆ didax“sin\). Strong double negative (\ou mˆ\) with the first aorist active (futuristic) subjunctive of \didask“\. {His fellow-citizen} (\ton politˆn autou\). See strkjv@Luke:15:15; strkjv@19:14|. {Know the Lord} (\Gn“thi ton kurion\). Second aorist active imperative of \gin“sk“\. In the new covenant all will be taught of God (Isaiah:54:13; strkjv@John:6:45|), whereas under the old only the educated scribe could understand the minutiae of the law (Dods). See Paul's comparison in strkjv@2Corinthians:3:7-18|. {Shall know} (\eidˆsousin\). Future perfect active, old form of \oida\ (note \gin“sk“\ just before of recognizing God), one of the rare future perfects (cf. strkjv@2:13|, \esomai pepoith“s\).

rwp@Hebrews:8:12 @{Merciful} (\hile“s\). Old Attic adjective for \hilaos\, common in the LXX, only here in N.T., from which \hilaskomai\ comes (Luke:18:13|). {Will I remember no more} (\ou mˆ mnˆsth“ eti\). Double negative \ou mˆ\ with first aorist passive subjunctive (volitive) of \mimnˆsk“\, to recall.

rwp@Hebrews:9:1 @{Even the first covenant} (\kai hˆ pr“tˆ\). \Kai\ (even) is doubtful. No word for covenant with \pr“te\ (cf. strkjv@8:7|). {Had} (\eiche\). Imperfect active, used to have. {Ordinances} (\dikai“mata\). Regulations (from \dikaio“\) as in strkjv@Luke:1:6; strkjv@Romans:5:16|. {Of divine service} (\latreias\). No word for "divine," though worship is meant as in strkjv@Romans:9:4; strkjv@Phillipians:3:3|. Genitive case. {And its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world} (\to te hagion kosmikon\). By \to hagion\ the author describes the whole sanctuary (Exodus:36:3; strkjv@Numbers:3:38|) like \t“n hagi“n\ in strkjv@8:2|. \Kosmikon\ is a late adjective (Aristotle, Plutarch) from \kosmos\, relating to this world, like \epi gˆs\ (upon earth) of strkjv@8:4|. It is in the predicate position, not attributive.

rwp@Hebrews:9:2 @{A tabernacle the first} (\skˆnˆ hˆ pr“tˆ\). See strkjv@8:2| for \skˆnˆ\. Large tents usually had two divisions (the outer and the inner or the first and the second). Note \pr“tˆ\ for the first of two as with the first covenant (8:7,13; strkjv@9:1|). The large outer tent was entered first and was called \Hagia\ (Holy), the first division of the tabernacle. The two divisions are here termed two tabernacles. {Was prepared} (\kateskeuasthˆ\). First aorist passive of \kataskeuaz“\. See strkjv@3:3|. For the furniture see strkjv@Exodus:25; 26|. Three items are named here: the candlestick (\hˆ luchnia\, late word for \luchnion\) or lampstand, necessary since there were no windows (Exodus:25:31-39|); the table (\hˆ trapeza\, old word, strkjv@Matthew:15:27|) for the bread (Exodus:25:23-30; strkjv@Leviticus:24:6| of pure gold); the shewbread (\hˆ prothesis t“n art“n\) as in strkjv@Exodus:25:30; strkjv@40:23; strkjv@Leviticus:24:5-9|. Probably a hendiadys for the table with the loaves of God's Presence.

rwp@Hebrews:9:3 @{After the second veil} (\meta to deuteron katapetasma\). The first veil opened from outside into the Holy Place, the second veil opened from the Holy Place into the Holy of Holies (\Hagia Hagi“n\). The word \katapetasma\ is from \katapetannumi\, to spread down, and we have already had it in strkjv@6:19|. Cf. also strkjv@Matthew:27:51|.

rwp@Hebrews:9:4 @{Having a golden censer} (\chrusoun echousa thumiatˆrion\). The present active participle \echousa\ (feminine singular) agrees with \skˆnˆ\ (the Holy of Holies). It is not certain whether \thumiatˆrion\ here means censer or altar of incense. In the LXX (2Chronicles:26:19; strkjv@Exodus:8:11|; IV Macc. strkjv@7:11) it means censer and apparently so in the inscriptions and papyri. But in Philo and Josephus it means altar of incense for which the LXX has \thusiastˆrion tou thumiatos\ (Exodus:30:1-10|). Apparently the altar of incense was in the Holy Place, though in strkjv@Exodus:30:1-10| it is left quite vague. B puts it in verse 2|. Songs:we leave the discrepancy unsettled. At any rate the altar of incense was used for the Holy of Holies ("its ritual associations," Dods). {The ark of the covenant} (\tˆn kib“ton tˆs diathˆkˆs\). A box or chest four feet long, two and a half broad and high (Exodus:25:10f.|). The Scotch have a "meal-ark." {Wherein} (\en hˆi\). In the ark. There were three treasures in the ark of the covenant (a pot of manna, Aaron's rod, the tables of the covenant). For the pot of manna (golden added in the LXX) see strkjv@Exodus:16:32-34|. For Aaron's rod that budded (\hˆ blastˆsasa\, first aorist active participle of \blastan“\) see strkjv@Numbers:17:1-11|. For the tables of the covenant see strkjv@Exodus:25:16f.; strkjv@31:18; strkjv@Deuteronomy:9:9; strkjv@10:5|. Not definitely clear about these items in the ark, but on front, except that strkjv@1Kings:8:9| states that it did contain the tables of the covenant. For \plakes\ (tables) see strkjv@2Corinthians:3:3| (only other N.T. example).

rwp@Hebrews:9:5 @{Above it} (\huperan“ autˆs\). Up above, in local sense as in strkjv@Ephesians:4:10|, with ablative case \autˆs\ (it, the ark). {Cherubim of glory} (\Cheroubein doxˆs\). Hebrew word (dual form), two in number, made of gold (Exodus:25:18-22|). They are called \z“a\ (living creatures) in the LXX (Isaiah:6:2f.; strkjv@Ezekiel:1:5-10; strkjv@10:5-20|). {Overshadowing} (\kataskiazonta\). Present active participle of \kataskiaz“\, old verb to shadow down on, cover with shade, only here in the N.T. {The mercy seat} (\to hilastˆrion\). The pinions of the Cherubim spread over the rectangular gold slab on top of the ark termed the mercy seat. Here the adjective \hilastˆrios\ has to mean mercy seat, the place, not the propitiatory gift or propitiation, as in strkjv@Romans:3:25| (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 124-35). {Severally} (\kata meros\). In detail, distributive use of \kata\ with \meros\ (part).

rwp@Hebrews:9:8 @{The Holy Ghost this signifying} (\touto dˆlountos tou pneumatos tou hagiou\). Genitive absolute with present active participle of \dˆlo“\, to make plain. Used as in strkjv@12:27|. {The way into the Holy place} (\tˆn t“n hagi“n hodon\). Here as in verses 12,25| \t“n hagi“n\ is used for the very Presence of God as in strkjv@8:2| and is in the objective genitive. \Hodon\ is the accusative of general reference with the infinitive. {Hath not yet been made manifest} (\mˆp“ pephaner“sthai\). Perfect passive infinitive of \phanero“\, to make plain (\phaneros\) in indirect discourse after \dˆlountos\ with negative \mˆp“\. {While as the first tabernacle is yet standing} (\eti tˆs pr“tˆs skˆnˆs echousˆs stasin\). Another genitive absolute with present active participle of \ech“\ (having standing \stasin\), "the first tabernacle still having a place." The veil at the entrance kept the people out of the first tent as the second veil (verse 3|) kept the priests out of the Holy of Holies (the very Presence of God).

rwp@Hebrews:9:9 @{Which} (\hˆtis\). "Which very thing," the first tent (\tˆs pr“tˆs skˆnˆs\, division of the tabernacle), a parenthesis and explanation. {A parable} (\parabolˆ\). Only in the Synoptic Gospels in the N.T. and strkjv@Hebrews:9:9; strkjv@11:19|. See on ¯Matthew:13:3| for the word (from \paraball“\, to place alongside). Here like \tupos\ (type or shadow of "the heavenly reality," Moffatt). {For the time now present} (\eis ton kairon ton enestˆkota\). "For the present crisis " (\kairon\, not \ai“na\, age, not \chronon\, time). Perfect active articular (repeated article) participle of \enistˆmi\ (intransitive), the age in which they lived, not the past, not the future. See strkjv@1Corinthians:3:22; strkjv@Romans:8:38| for contrast between \enest“ta\ and \mellonta\. This age of crisis, foreshadowed by the old tabernacle, pointed on to the richer fulfilment still to come. {According to which} (\kath' hˆn\). Here the relative refers to \parabolˆ\ just mentioned, not to \skˆnˆs\. See strkjv@5:1; strkjv@8:3|. {As touching the conscience} (\kata suneidˆsin\). For \suneidˆsis\ see strkjv@1Corinthians:8:10; strkjv@10:17; strkjv@Romans:2:15|. This was the real failure of animal sacrifice (10:1-4|). {Make the worshipper perfect} (\telei“sai ton latreuonta\). First aorist active infinitive (2:10|). At best it was only ritual or ceremonial purification (7:11|), that called for endless repetition (10:1-4|).

rwp@Hebrews:9:10 @{Only with meats and drinks and divers washings} (\monon epi br“masin kai pomasin kai diaphorois baptismois\). The parenthesis of the Revised Version here is unnecessary. The use of \epi\ here with the locative case is regular, "in the matter of" (Luke:12:52; strkjv@John:12:16; strkjv@Acts:21:24|). What ritual value these Levitical sacrifices had was confined to minute regulations about diet and ceremonial cleansing (clean and unclean). For "divers" (\diaphorois\, late adjective, in N.T. only in strkjv@Hebrews:1:4; strkjv@8:6; strkjv@9:10; strkjv@Romans:12:6|) say "different" or "various." \Baptismois\ is, of course, the Jewish ceremonial immersions (cf. strkjv@Mark:7:4; strkjv@Exodus:29:4; strkjv@Leviticus:11:25,28f.; strkjv@Numbers:8:7; strkjv@Revelation:6:2|). {Carnal ordinances} (\dikai“masin sarkos\). But the correct text is undoubtedly simply \dikai“mata sarkos\ (nominative case), in apposition with \d“ra te kai thusiai\ (gifts and sacrifices). See strkjv@9:1| for \dikai“mata\. {Imposed} (\epikeimena\). Present middle or passive participle of \epikeimai\, old verb to lie upon (be laid upon). Cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:9:16|. {Until a time of reformation} (\mechri kairou diorth“se“s\). Definite statement of the temporary nature of the Levitical system already stated in strkjv@7:10-17; strkjv@8:13| and argued clearly by Paul in strkjv@Galatians:3:15-22|. \Diorth“sis\ is a late word, here alone in N.T. (from \diortho“\, to set right or straight), used by Hippocrates for making straight misshapen limbs like \anortho“\ in strkjv@Hebrews:12:12|. Here for reformation like \diorth“ma\ (reform) in strkjv@Acts:24:2f|. Christianity itself is the great Reformation of the current Judaism (Pharisaism) and the spiritual Judaism foreshadowed by the old Abrahamic promise (see strkjv@Galatians:3; strkjv@Romans:9|).

rwp@Hebrews:9:13 @{Ashes} (\spodos\). Old word, in N. T. only here, strkjv@Matthew:11:21; strkjv@Luke:10:13|. Common in LXX. {Of a heifer} (\damale“s\). Old word (\damalis\), a red heifer whose ashes mingled with water (\meta hudatos\, verse 19|) were sprinkled (\rantizousa\, present active participle of \rantiz“\, in LXX, though \rain“\ more common) on the contaminated or defiled ones (Numbers:19|) as the blood of bulls and goats was offered for sins (Leviticus:16|). {Sanctify} (\hagiazei\). First-class condition, assumed as true. This ceremonial ritual does serve "for the cleansing (\katharotˆta\, old word here only in N.T.) of the flesh," but not for the conscience (verse 9|). The cow was \am“mon\, the individual \katharos\.

rwp@Hebrews:9:16 @{A testament} (\diathˆkˆ\). The same word occurs for covenant (verse 15|) and will (verse 16|). This double sense of the word is played upon also by Paul in strkjv@Galatians:3:15f|. We say today "The New Testament" (_Novum Testamentum_) rather than " The New Covenant." Both terms are pertinent. {That made it} (\tou diathemenou\). Genitive of the articular second aorist middle participle of \diatithˆmi\ from which \diathˆkˆ\ comes. The notion of will here falls in with \klˆronomia\ (inheritance, strkjv@1Peter:1:4|) as well as with \thanatos\ (death). {Of force} (\bebaia\). Stable, firm as in strkjv@3:6,14|. {Where there hath been death} (\epi nekrois\). "In the case of dead people." A will is only operative then. {For doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth?} (\epei mˆ pote ischuei hote zˆi ho diathemenos;\). This is a possible punctuation with \mˆ pote\ in a question (John:7:26|). Without the question mark, it is a positive statement of fact. Aleph and D read \tote\ (then) instead of \pote\. The use of \mˆ\ in a causal sentence is allowable (John:3:18|, \hoti mˆ\).

rwp@Hebrews:9:19 @{When every commandment had been spoken} (\lalˆtheisˆs\). Genitive absolute with first aorist passive participle feminine singular of \lale“\. The author uses the account in strkjv@Exodus:24:3f.| "with characteristic freedom" (Moffatt). There is nothing there about the water, the scarlet wool (\erion\, diminutive of \eros, eiros\, old word, here and in strkjv@Revelation:1:14|; for \kokkinos\ see on ¯Matthew:27:6,28|), and hyssop (\huss“pou\, a plant mentioned in strkjv@John:19:29|). It had become the custom to mingle water with the blood and to use a wisp of wool or a stem of hyssop for sprinkling (Numbers:10:2-10|). {Both the book itself} (\auto te to biblion\). There is nothing in Exodus about sprinkling the book of the covenant, though it may very well have been done. He omits the use of oil in strkjv@Exodus:40:9f.; strkjv@Leviticus:8:10f.| and applies blood to all the details. {Sprinkled} (\erantisen\). First aorist active indicative from \rantiz“\ (from \rantos\ and this from \rain“\), like \baptiz“\ from \bapt“\. Cf. strkjv@Mark:7:4; strkjv@Hebrews:10:22; strkjv@Revelation:19:13|.

rwp@Hebrews:9:20 @{This is} (\touto\). Instead of \idou\ of the LXX (Exodus:24:8|), just like our Lord's words in strkjv@Mark:14:24|, a possible reminiscence of the Master's words (Dods). The author also has \eneteilato\ (he commanded) for \dietheto\ of the LXX.

rwp@Hebrews:9:21 @{In like manner with the blood} (\t“i haimati homoi“s\). Instrumental case of \haima\ (blood). But the use of the article does not necessarily refer to the blood mentioned in verse 19|. In strkjv@Exodus:40:9| Moses sprinkled the tabernacle with oil. It had not been erected at the time of strkjv@Exodus:24:5f|. Josephus (_Ant_. III. 8, 6) gives a tradition that blood was used also at this dedication. Blood was used annually in the cleansing rites on the day of atonement.

rwp@Hebrews:9:22 @{I may almost say} (\schedon\). Old adverb, only three times in the N.T., here, strkjv@Acts:13:44; strkjv@19:26|. Here it qualifies the entire clause, not just \panta\. {With blood} (\en haimati\). In blood. There were exceptions (Exodus:19:10; strkjv@32:30f.; strkjv@Leviticus:5:11f.; strkjv@15:5; strkjv@Numbers:16:46f.; strkjv@31:23f.|, etc.). {Apart from shedding of blood} (\ch“ris haimatekchusias\). A double compound first found here (coined by the writer) and later in ecclesiastical writers (\haima\, blood, \ek\, out, \che“\, to pour, like \ekchusis haimatos\ strkjv@1Kings:18:28|). "Pouring out of blood." The author seems to have in mind Christ's words in strkjv@Matthew:26:28|: "This is my blood of the covenant which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins." The blood is the vital principle and is efficacious as an atonement. The blood of Christ sets aside all other plans for pardon.

rwp@Hebrews:9:24 @{Made with hands} (\cheiropoiˆta\). See verse 11| for this word. {Like in pattern to the true} (\antitupa t“n alˆthin“n\). Late compound word, only twice in N.T. (here, strkjv@1Peter:3:21|). Polybius uses \antitupos\ for infantry "opposite" to the cavalry. In modern Greek it means a copy of a book. Here it is the "counterpart of reality" (Moffatt). Moses was shown a \tupos\ (model) of the heavenly realities and he made an \antitupon\ on that model, "answering to the type" (Dods) or model. In strkjv@1Peter:3:21| \antitupos\ has the converse sense, "the reality of baptism which corresponds to or is the antitype of the deluge" (Dods). {Now to appear} (\nun emphanisthˆnai\). Purpose clause by the first aorist passive infinitive of \emphaniz“\ (Matthew:27:53; strkjv@John:14:21f.|). For the phrase see strkjv@Psalms:42:3|. For this work of Christ as our High Priest and Paraclete in heaven see strkjv@Hebrews:7:25; strkjv@Romans:8:34; strkjv@1John:2:1f|.

rwp@Hebrews:10:1 @{Shadow} (\skian\). The contrast here between \skia\ (shadow, shade caused by interruption of light as by trees, strkjv@Mark:4:32|) and \eik“n\ (image or picture) is striking. Christ is the \eik“n\ of God (2Corinthians:4:4; strkjv@Colossians:1:15|). In strkjv@Colossians:2:17| Paul draws a distinction between \skia\ for the Jewish rites and ceremonies and \s“ma\ for the reality in Christ. Children are fond of shadow pictures. The law gives only a dim outline of the good things to come (9:11|). {Continually} (\eis to diˆnekes\). See this phrase also in strkjv@7:3; strkjv@9:12,14|. Nowhere else in N.T. From \diˆnegka\ (\diapher“\), to bear through. {They can} (\dunantai\). This reading leaves \ho nomos\ a _nominativus pendens_ (an anacoluthon). But many MSS. read \dunatai\ (it--the law--can). For the idea and use of \telei“sai\ see strkjv@9:9|.

rwp@Hebrews:10:5 @{When he cometh into the world} (\eiserchomenos eis ton kosmon\). Reference to the Incarnation of Christ who is represented as quoting strkjv@Psalms:40:7-9| which is quoted. The text of the LXX is followed in the main which differs from the Hebrew chiefly in having \s“ma\ (body) rather than \“tia\ (ears). The LXX translation has not altered the sense of the Psalm, "that there was a sacrifice which answered to the will of God as no animal sacrifice could" (Moffatt). Songs:the writer of Hebrews "argues that the Son's offering of himself is the true and final offering for sin, because it is the sacrifice, which, according to prophecy, God desired to be made" (Davidson). {A body didst thou prepare for me} (\s“ma katˆrtis“ moi\). First aorist middle indicative second person singular of \katartiz“\, to make ready, equip. Using \s“ma\ (body) for \“tia\ (ears) does not change the sense, for the ears were the point of contact with God's will.

rwp@Hebrews:10:6 @{Thou hadst no pleasure} (\ouk eudokˆsas\). First aorist active indicative of \eudoke“\, common for God's good pleasure (Matthew:3:17|). God took no pleasure in the animal offering (\thusian\), the meal-offering (\prosphoran\), the burnt-offering (\holokaut“mata\), the sin-offering (\peri hamartias\, concerning sin).

rwp@Hebrews:10:7 @{Then} (\tote\). When it was plain that God could not be propitiated by such sacrifices. {Lo, I am come} (\Idou hˆk“\). The Messiah is represented as offering himself to do God's will (\tou poiˆsai to thelˆma sou\, the genitive articular infinitive of purpose). {In the roll of the book it is written of me} (\en kephalidi bibliou gegraptai peri emou\). Stands written (\gegraptai\, perfect passive indicative). \Kephalis\ is a diminutive of \kephalˆ\ (head), a little head, then roll only here in N.T., but in the papyri. Here it refers "to the O.T. as a prediction of Christ's higher sacrifice" (Moffatt).

rwp@Hebrews:10:9 @{The which} (\haitines\). "Which very things" (\thusiai\). {Then hath he said} (\tote eirˆken\). That is Christ. Perfect active indicative with which compare \tote eipon\ (second aorist active) in verse 7| which is quoted again. {He taketh away the first} (\anairei to pr“ton\). Present active indicative of \anaire“\, to take up, to abolish, of a man to kill (Matthew:2:16|). By "the first" (\to pr“ton\) he means the system of animal sacrifices in verse 8|. {That he may establish the second} (\hina to deuteron stˆsˆi\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist active (transitive) subjunctive of \histˆmi\, to place. By "the second" (\to deuteron\) he means doing God's will as shown in verse 9| (following verse 8|). This is the author's exegesis of the Psalm.

rwp@Hebrews:10:12 @{When he had offered} (\prosenegkas\). Second aorist active participle (with first aorist ending \-as\ in place of \-on\) of \prospher“\, single act in contrast to present participle \prospher“n\ above. {One sacrifice} (\mian thusian\). This the main point. The one sacrifice does the work that the many failed to do. One wonders how priests who claim that the "mass" is the sacrifice of Christ's body repeated explain this verse. {For ever} (\eis to diˆnekes\). Can be construed either with \mian thusian\ or with \ekathisen\ (sat down). See strkjv@1:3| for \ekathisen\.

rwp@Hebrews:10:14 @{He hath perfected} (\tetelei“ken\). Perfect active indicative of \teleio“\. He has done what the old sacrifices failed to do (verse 1|). {Them that are sanctified} (\tous hagiazomenous\). Articular participle (accusative case) present passive of \hagiaz“\ (note perfect in verse 10|) either because of the process still going on or because of the repetition in so many persons as in strkjv@2:11|.

rwp@Hebrews:10:17 @Here again the writer adds "their iniquities" (\t“n anomi“n\) to "sins" of strkjv@8:12| and reads \mnˆsthˆsomai\ (first future passive) with \ou mˆ\ rather than \mnˆsth“\ (first aorist passive subjunctive) of strkjv@8:12| (the more common idiom). It is uncertain also whether the writer means verse 17| to be the principal clause with 15,16| as subordinate or the whole quotation to be subordinate to \meta to eirˆkenai\ of verse 15| with anacoluthon in verse 18|. At any rate verse 17| in the quotation does not follow immediately after verse 16| as one can see in strkjv@8:10-12| (skipping part of strkjv@8:10| and all of strkjv@8:11|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:19 @{Having therefore} (\echontes oun\). The author now gives a second (the first in strkjv@8:1-6|) resum‚ of the five arguments concerning the superior priestly work of Christ (10:19-25|) coupled with an earnest exhortation like that in strkjv@4:14-16|, with which he began the discussion, before he proceeds to treat at length the fifth and last one, the better promises in Christ (10:26-12:3|). {Boldness} (\parrˆsian\). This is the dominant note all through the Epistle (3:6; strkjv@4:16; strkjv@10:19,35|). They were tempted to give up Christ, to be quitters. Boldness (courage) is the need of the hour. {Into the holy place} (\t“n hagi“n\). That is, the heavenly sanctuary where Jesus is (6:18-20|). This is the better sanctuary (9:1-12|). {By the blood of Jesus} (\en t“i haimati Iˆsou\). This is the better sacrifice just discussed (9:13-10:18|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:20 @{By the way which he dedicated for us} (\hˆn enekainisen hˆmin hodon\). This "new" (\prosphaton\, freshly killed, newly made, from \pros\ and the root of \phatos\, in the papyri, only here in N.T.) and "living" (\z“san\) Jesus opened ("dedicated") for us by his Incarnation and Death for us. Thus he fulfilled God's promise of the "New Covenant" (8:7-13|) in Jeremiah. The language is highly symbolic here and "through the veil" here is explained as meaning the flesh of Christ, his humanity, not the veil opening into heaven (6:20|). Some do take "veil" here as obscuring the deity of Christ rather than the revelation of God in the human body of Christ (John:1:18; strkjv@14:9|). At any rate because of the coming of Christ in the flesh we have the new way opened for access to God (Hebrews:2:17f.; strkjv@4:16|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:22 @{Let us draw near} (\proserch“metha\). Present middle volitive subjunctive as in strkjv@4:16| with which exhortation the discussion began. There are three exhortations in verses strkjv@22:25| (Let us draw near, \proserch“metha\, let us hold fast, \katech“men\, let us consider one another, \katano“men allˆlous\). Four items are added to this first exhortation. {With a true heart} (\meta alˆthinˆs kardias\). With loyalty and fealty. {In fulness of faith} (\en plˆrophoriƒi piste“s\). See strkjv@6:11| for this very phrase. {Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience} (\rerantismenoi tas kardias apo suneidˆse“s ponˆras\). Perfect passive participle of \rantiz“\ with the accusative retained in the passive, an evident allusion to the sprinkling of blood in the old tabernacle (9:18-22|) and the shedding of Christ's blood for the cleansing of our consciences (10:1-4|). Cf. strkjv@1Peter:1:2| for "the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." {Our body washed with pure water} (\lelousmenoi to s“ma hudati kathar“i\). Perfect passive (or middle) of \lou“\, old verb to bathe, to wash. Accusative also retained if passive. \Hudati\ can be either locative (in) or instrumental (with). See strkjv@Ephesians:5:26; strkjv@Titus:3:5| for the use of \loutron\. If the reference here is to baptism (quite doubtful), the meaning is a symbol (Dods) of the previous cleansing by the blood of Christ.

rwp@Hebrews:10:24 @{Let us consider one another} (\katano“men allˆlous\). Present (keep on doing so) active volitive subjunctive of \katanoe“\. The verb used about Jesus in strkjv@3:1|. {To provoke} (\eis paroxusmon\). Our very word "paroxysm," from \paroxun“\ (\para, oxun“\ from \oxus\, sharp), to sharpen, to stimulate, to incite. Songs:here in good sense (for incitement to), but in strkjv@Acts:15:39| the word is used of irritation or contention as in the LXX and Demosthenes. Hippocrates uses it for "paroxysm" in disease (so in the papyri). {Unto love and good works} (\agapˆs kai kal“n erg“n\). Objective genitive. Songs:Paul seeks to stir up the Corinthians by the example of the Macedonians (2Corinthians:8:1-7|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:25 @{Not forsaking} (\mˆ egkataleipontes\). "Not leaving behind, not leaving in the lurch" (2Timothy:4:10|). {The assembling of yourselves together} (\tˆn episunag“gˆn heaut“n\). Late double compound from \episunag“\, to gather together (\sun\) besides (\epi\) as in strkjv@Matthew:23:37; strkjv@Luke:17:27|. In N.T. only here and strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:1|. In an inscription 100 B.C. for collection of money (Deissmann, _Light_, etc., p. 103). {As the custom of some is} (\kath“s ethos tisin\). "As is custom to some." For \ethos\ (custom) see strkjv@Luke:22:39; strkjv@John:19:40|. Already some Christians had formed the habit of not attending public worship, a perilous habit then and now. {Songs:much the more as} (\tosout“i mallon hos“i\). Instrumental case of measure or degree, "by so much the more as," both with \tosout“i\ and \hos“i\. {The day drawing nigh} (\eggizousan tˆn hˆmeran\). The Second Coming of Christ which draws nearer all the time (Romans:13:12|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:26 @{If we sin wilfully} (\hekousi“s hamartanont“n hˆm“n\). Genitive absolute with the present active participle of \hamartan“\, circumstantial participle here in a conditional sense. {After that we have received} (\meta to labein\). "After the receiving" (accusative case of the articular infinitive second aorist active of \lamban“\ after \meta\). {Knowledge} (\epign“sin\). "Full knowledge," as in strkjv@6:4f|. {There remaineth no more} (\ouketi apoleipetai\). "No longer is there left behind" (present passive indicative as in strkjv@4:9|), for one has renounced the one and only sacrifice for sin that does or can remove sin (10:1-18|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:27 @{Expectation} (\ekdochˆ\). Usually reception or interpretation from \ekdechomai\ (Hebrews:11:10|), only here in N.T. and in unusual sense like \prosdokia\, like \apekdechomai\ (Romans:8:19,23,25|), this sense apparently "coined by the writer" (Moffatt) from his use of \ekdechomai\ in strkjv@10:13|. The papyri have it in the sense of interpretation. {A fierceness of fire} (\puros zˆlos\). An anger (zeal, jealousy) marked (genitive) by fire. Language kin to that in strkjv@Isaiah:26:11; strkjv@Zephaniah:1:19; strkjv@Psalms:79:5|. See also strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:8-10| for a like picture of destined doom. {Devour} (\esthiein\). "To eat" (figuratively), present active infinitive. {The adversaries} (\tous hupenantious\). Old double compound adjective (\hupo, en, antios\), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Colossians:2:14|. Those directly opposite.

rwp@Hebrews:10:29 @{How much} (\pos“i\). Instrumental case of degree or measure. An argument from the less to the greater, "the first of Hillel's seven rules for exegesis" (Moffatt). {Think ye} (\dokeite\). An appeal to their own sense of justice about apostates from Christ. {Sorer} (\cheironos\). "Worse," comparative of \kakos\ (bad). {Punishment} (\tim“rias\). Genitive case with \axi“thˆsetai\ (first future passive of \axio“\, to deem worthy). The word \tim“ria\ originally meant vengeance. Old word, in LXX, only here in N.T. {Who hath trodden under foot the Son of God} (\ho ton huion tou theou katapatˆsas\). First aorist active articular participle of \katapate“\, old verb (Matthew:5:13|) for scornful neglect like strkjv@Zechariah:12:3|. See same idea in strkjv@Hebrews:6:6|. {Wherewith he was sanctified} (\en h“i hˆgiasthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \hagiaz“\. It is an unspeakable tragedy that should warn every follower of Christ not to play with treachery to Christ (cf. strkjv@6:4-8|). {An unholy thing} (\koinon\). Common in the sense of uncleanness as Peter used it in strkjv@Acts:10:14|. Think of one who thus despises "the blood of Christ wherewith he was sanctified." And yet there are a few today who sneer at the blood of Christ and the gospel based on his atoning sacrifice as "a slaughter house" religion! {Hath done despite} (\enubrisas\). First aorist active participle of \enubriz“\, old verb to treat with contumely, to give insult to, here only in the N.T. It is a powerful word for insulting the Holy Spirit after receiving his blessings (6:4|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:31 @{A fearful thing} (\phoberon\). Old adjective (from \phobe“\, to frighten). In N.T. only in Heb. (10:27,31; strkjv@12:21|). The sense is not to be explained away. The wrath of God faces wrongdoers. {To fall} (\to empesein\). "The falling" (articular infinitive second aorist active of \empipt“\, to fall in, followed here by \eis\). We are not dealing with a dead or an absentee God, but one who is alive and alert (3:12|).

rwp@Hebrews:10:36 @{Which} (\hˆtis\). Your boldness of verse 35|. {Recompense of reward} (\misthapodosian\). Late double compound, like \misthapodotˆs\ (Hebrews:11:6|), from \misthos\ (reward, wages) and \apodid“mi\, to give back, to pay (repay). In N.T. only here, strkjv@2:2; strkjv@11:26|. {Of patience} (\hupomonˆs\). Old word for remaining under trial (Luke:8:15|). This was the call of the hour then as now. {Having done the will of God} (\to thelˆma tou theou\). This is an essential prerequisite to the exercise of patience and to obtain the promised blessing. There is no promise to those who patiently keep on doing wrong. {That ye may receive the promise} (\hina komisˆsthe tˆn epaggelian\) Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist middle subjunctive of \komiz“\, old verb to carry (Luke:7:37|), in the middle to get back one's own (Matthew:25:27|), to receive. See also strkjv@11:39|. Now the author is ready to develop this great idea of receiving the promise in Christ.

rwp@Hebrews:10:39 @{But we} (\hˆmeis de\). In contrast to renegades who do flicker and turn back from Christ. {Of them that shrink back unto perdition} (\hupostolˆs eis ap“leian\). Predicate genitive of \hupostolˆ\, as in strkjv@12:11|, from \hupostell“\ with same sense here, stealthy retreat in Plutarch, dissimulation in Josephus. Here alone in the N.T. {Unto the saving of the soul} (\eis peripoiˆsin psuchˆs\). Old word from \peripoie“\, to reserve, to preserve (Luke:17:33|) to purchase (Acts:20:28|). Songs:here preserving or saving one's life as in Plato, but possession in strkjv@Ephesians:1:14|, obtaining in strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:9|. Papyri have it in sense of preservation.

rwp@Hebrews:11:1 @{Now faith is} (\estin de pistis\). He has just said that "we are of faith" (10:39|), not of apostasy. Now he proceeds in a chapter of great eloquence and passion to illustrate his point by a recital of the heroes of faith whose example should spur them to like loyalty now. {The assurance of things hoped for} (\elpizomen“n hupostasis\). {Hupostasis} is a very common word from Aristotle on and comes from \huphistˆmi\ (\hupo\, under, \histˆmi\, intransitive), what stands under anything (a building, a contract, a promise). See the philosophical use of it in strkjv@1:3|, the sense of assurance (une assurance certaine, M‚n‚goz) in strkjv@3:14|, that steadiness of mind which holds one firm (2Corinthians:9:4|). It is common in the papyri in business documents as the basis or guarantee of transactions. "And as this is the essential meaning in strkjv@Hebrews:11:1| we venture to suggest the translation 'Faith is the _title-deed_ of things hoped for'" (Moulton and Milligan, _Vocabulary_, etc.). {The proving of things not seen} (\pragmat“n elegchos ou blepomen“n\). The only N.T. example of \elegchos\ (except Textus Receptus in strkjv@2Timothy:3:16| for \elegmon\). Old and common word from \elegch“\ (Matthew:18:15|) for "proof" and then for "conviction." Both uses occur in the papyri and either makes sense here, perhaps "conviction" suiting better though not in the older Greek.

rwp@Hebrews:11:3 @{By faith} (\pistei\). Instrumental case of \pistis\ which he now illustrates in a marvellous way. Each example as far as verse 31| is formally and with rhetorical skill introduced by \pistei\. After that only a summary is given. {We understand} (\nooumen\). Present active indicative of \noe“\, old verb (from \nous\, intellect) as in strkjv@Matthew:15:17; strkjv@Romans:1:20|. The author appeals to our knowledge of the world in which these heroes lived as an illustration of faith. Recent books by great scientists like Eddington and Jeans confirm the position here taken that a Supreme Mind is behind and before the universe. Science can only stand still in God's presence and believe like a little child. {The worlds} (\tous ai“nas\). "The ages" as in strkjv@1:2| (cf. Einstein's fourth dimension, time). Accusative case of general reference. {Have been framed} (\katˆrtisthai\). Perfect passive infinitive of \katartiz“\, to mend, to equip, to perfect (Luke:6:40|), in indirect discourse after \nooumen\. {Songs:that} (\eis to\). As a rule \eis to\ with the infinitive is final, but sometimes as here it expresses result as in strkjv@Romans:12:3| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1003). {Hath been made} (\gegonenai\). Perfect active infinitive of \ginomai\. {What is seen} (\to blepomenon\). Present passive articular participle (accusative case of general reference) of \blep“\. {Of things which do appear} (\ek phainomen“n\). Ablative case with \ek\ (out of) of the present passive participle. The author denies the eternity of matter, a common theory then and now, and places God before the visible universe as many modern scientists now gladly do.

rwp@Hebrews:11:6 @{Impossible} (\adunaton\). Strong word as in strkjv@6:4,18|. See strkjv@Romans:8:8| for same idea with \aresai\ (\aresk“\, strkjv@Galatians:1:10|). {Must believe} (\pisteusai dei\). Moral necessity to have faith (trust, \pisteu“\). This is true in business also (banks, for instance). {That he is} (\hoti estin\). The very existence of God is a matter of intelligent faith (Romans:1:19ff.|) Songs:that men are left without excuse. {He is a rewarder} (\misthapodotˆs ginetai\). Rather, "becomes a rewarder" (present middle indicative of \ginomai\, not of \eimi\). Only N.T. example of \misthapodotˆs\, late and rare double compound (one papyrus example, from \misthos\ (reward) and \apodid“mi\ (to pay back) like \misthapodosia\ (10:35; strkjv@11:26|). {Seek after} (\ekzˆtousin\). That seek out God.

rwp@Hebrews:11:9 @{Became a sojourner} (\par“ikˆsen\). First aorist active indicative of \paroike“\, old verb to dwell (\oike“\) beside (\para\), common in LXX, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:24:18|. Called \paroikon\ (sojourner) in strkjv@Acts:7:6|. {In the land of promise} (\eis gˆn tˆs epaggelias\). Literally, "land of the promise." The promise made by God to him (Genesis:12:7; strkjv@13:15; strkjv@17:8|). {As in a land not his own} (\h“s allotrian\). For \allotrios\ (belonging to another) see strkjv@9:25; strkjv@11:34|. {The heirs with him of the same promise} (\t“n sunklˆromen“n tˆs epaggelias tˆs autˆs\). Late double compound (\sun, klˆros, nemomai\), found in Philo, inscriptions and papyri, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Romans:8:17; strkjv@Ephesians:3:6; strkjv@1Peter:3:7|. "Co-heirs" with Abraham.

rwp@Hebrews:11:13 @{In faith} (\kata pistin\). Here a break in the routine \pistei\ (by faith), "according to faith," either for literary variety "or to suggest \pistis\ as the sphere and standard of their characters" (Moffatt). {These all} (\houtoi pantes\). Those in verses 9-12| (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob). {Not having the promises} (\mˆ komisamenoi tas epaggelias\). First aorist middle participle of \komiz“\, to obtain, as in strkjv@10:36; strkjv@11:39|. And yet the author mentions Abraham (6:15|) as having obtained the promise. He received the promise of the Messiah, but did not live to see the Messiah come as we have done. It is in this sense that we have "better promises." {Greeted them} (\aspasamenoi\). First aorist middle participle of \aspazomai\, to salute (Matthew:5:47|). Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day in the dim distance (John:8:56|). {Strangers} (\zenoi\). Foreigners. "To reside abroad carried with it a certain stigma" (Moffatt). But they "confessed" it (Genesis:23:4; strkjv@47:9|). {Pilgrims} (\parepidˆmoi\). Late double compound (\para, epi, dˆmos\), a sojourner from another land, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Peter:1:1; strkjv@2:11|.

rwp@Hebrews:11:21 @{Leaning upon the top of his staff} (\epi to akron tˆs rabdou autou\). From strkjv@Genesis:47:31|, but no word for "leaning." The quotation is from the LXX, the Hebrew having "the head of the bed," but the Hebrew word allows either meaning with different vowel points.

rwp@Hebrews:11:22 @{When his end was nigh} (\teleut“n\). Present active participle of \teleuta“\, to finish or close (Matthew:2:19|), "finishing his life." {Of the departure} (\peri tˆs exodou\). Late compound for way out, exit as here, metaphorically of death as here (Luke:9:31; strkjv@2Peter:1:15|). {Concerning his bones} (\peri t“n oste“n autou\). Uncontracted form as in strkjv@Matthew:23:27|.

rwp@Hebrews:11:25 @{Choosing rather} (\mallon helomenos\). "Rather having chosen" (second aorist middle of \haire“\, to take for oneself a position). {To be entreated with} (\sunkakoucheisthai\). Present passive infinitive of the double compound \sunkakouche“\ (from \sun, kakos, ech“\), to treat ill with (associative instrumental case), only known example save one in the papyri (second century A.D.), though \kakouche“\ in strkjv@Hebrews:11:37; strkjv@13:3|. {To enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season} (\proskairon echein hamartias apolausin\). Literally, "to have temporary pleasure of sin." \Apolausis\ is old word from \apolau“\, to enjoy, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Timothy:6:17|. \Proskairos\ (from \pros, kairos\) is a common _Koin‚_ word as the antithesis to \ai“nios\ (eternal) as in strkjv@Matthew:13:21; strkjv@Mark:4:17; strkjv@2Corinthians:4:18| (only N.T. examples). To have been disloyal to God's people would have brought enjoyment to Moses in the Egyptian Court for a short while only.

rwp@Hebrews:11:26 @{The reproach of Christ} (\ton oneidismon tou Christou\). See strkjv@Psalms:89:51| for the language where "the Messiah" ("The Anointed One") is what is meant by \tou Christou\, here rightly applied by the writer to Jesus as the Messiah who had his own shame to bear (12:2; strkjv@13:12|). There is today as then (Hebrews:13:13|) a special reproach (\oneidismos\, already, strkjv@10:33|) in being a follower of Jesus Christ. Moses took this obloquy as "greater riches" (\meizona plouton\) than "the treasures of Egypt" (\t“n Aiguptou thˆsaur“n\, ablative case after comparative \meizona\, for which see strkjv@Matthew:6:19f.|). Moses was laying up treasure in heaven. {For he looked unto the recompense of reward} (\apeblepen gar eis tˆn misthapodosian\). In perfect active of \apoblep“\, "for he was looking away (kept on looking away)." For \misthapodosia\ see strkjv@10:35|.

rwp@Hebrews:11:27 @{Not fearing} (\mˆ phobˆtheis\). Negative \mˆ\ with first aorist passive participle of \phobe“\ here used transitively with the accusative as in strkjv@Matthew:10:26|. Moses did flee from Egypt after slaying the Egyptian (Exodus:2:15|), but the author omits that slaughter and ignores it as the dominant motive in the flight of Moses. \Thumon\ (wrath) is common in the N.T. (Luke:4:28|), though here only in Hebrews. {He endured} (\ekarterˆsen\). First aorist (constative) active indicative of \kartere“\, old word from \karteros\, strong, here only in N.T. Moses had made his choice before slaying the Egyptian. He stuck to its resolutely. {As seeing him who is invisible} (\ton aoraton h“s hor“n\). This is the secret of his choice and of his loyalty to God and to God's people. This is the secret of loyalty in any minister today who is the interpreter of God to man (2Corinthians:4:16-18|).

rwp@Hebrews:11:29 @{Which assaying to do} (\hˆs pieran labontes\). Literally, "of which taking trial" (second aorist active participle of \lamban“\, to take). The idiom \peiran lambanein\ occurs in strkjv@Deuteronomy:28:56|, in N.T. only here and verse 36|, though a classical idiom (Demosthenes, etc.). {Were swallowed up} (\katepothˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \katapin“\, to drink down, to swallow down (Matthew:23:24|).

rwp@Hebrews:11:30 @{Fell down} (\epesan\). "Fell," second aorist active indicative of \pipt“\ with first aorist endings as often in the _Koin‚_. {After they had been compassed} (\kukl“thenta\). First aorist passive participle of \kuklo“\, old verb to encircle (from \kuklos\, circle) as in strkjv@Acts:14:20|. Antecedent action here.

rwp@Hebrews:11:32 @{And what shall I more say?} (\Kai ti eti leg“;\). Deliberative present active subjunctive (same form as indicative, \leg“\). It is both a literary and an oratorical idiom here. He feels helpless to go on in the same style as he has done from Abel to Rahab (11:4-31|). {Will fail me if I tell about} (\epileipsei me diˆgoumenon peri\). Literally, "will leave me telling about." Present middle participle of \diˆgeomai\, to lead through, carry a discussion through, and masculine (disposing of Priscilla as possible author) with \me\. Vivid and picturesque description of the author's embarrassment of riches as he contemplates the long list of the heroes of faith during the long years in Palestine. He mentions six names (Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtha, David, Samuel) and then summarizes the rest under "the prophets" (\t“n prophˆt“n\, the for-speakers for God) of whom Samuel was the leader.

rwp@Hebrews:11:33 @{Through faith} (\dia piste“s\). Change thus from the routine \pistei\ used so far. {Subdued kingdoms} (\katˆg“nisanto basileias\). First aorist middle indicative of \katag“nizomai\, _Koin‚_ verb to struggle against, to overcome, here alone in the N.T. Used by Josephus of David's conquests. The author has here (verses 33,34|), "nine terse clauses" (Moffatt) with no connective (asyndeton) with great rhetorical and oratorical force (sledge-hammer style). For "wrought righteousness" (\ˆrgasanto dikaiosunˆn\, first aorist middle indicative of \ergazomai\) see strkjv@Acts:10:35|. {Obtained promises} (\epetuchon epaggeli“n\). Second aorist active indicative of \epitugchan“\, old verb (already in strkjv@6:15|) with genitive. But they did not see the fulfilment of the Messianic promise (11:39f.|). {Stopped the mouths of lions} (\ephraxan stomata leont“n\). First aorist active indicative of \phrass“\, old verb to fence in, to block up. See strkjv@Daniel:6:18-23|.

rwp@Hebrews:12:1 @{Therefore} (\toigaroun\). Triple compound inferential participle (\toi, gar, oun\) like the German _doch denn nun_, a conclusion of emphasis, old particle, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:8|. There should be no chapter division here, since strkjv@12:1-3| really is the climax in the whole argument about the better promises (10:19-12:3|) with a passionate appeal for loyalty to Christ. {Us also} (\kai hˆmeis\). We as well as "these all" of strkjv@11:39| and all the more because of the "something better" given us in the actual coming of Christ. {Compassed about} (\echontes perikeimenon\). Literally, "having (\echontes\, present active participle of \ech“\) lying around us" (\perikeimenon\, present middle participle of \perikeimai\, old verb as in strkjv@Luke:17:2|). {Cloud of witnesses} (\nephos martur“n\). Old word (Latin _nubes_), here only in the N.T., for vast mass of clouds. \Nephelˆ\ is a single cloud. The metaphor refers to the great amphitheatre with the arena for the runners and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. The \martures\ here are not mere spectators (\theatai\), but testifiers (witnesses) who testify from their own experience (11:2,4,5,33,39|) to God's fulfilling his promises as shown in chapter strkjv@Hebrews:11|. {Laying aside} (\apothemenoi\). Second aorist-middle (indirect, from ourselves) participle of \apotithˆmi\, old verb as in strkjv@Colossians:3:8| (laying off old clothes). The runners ran in the stadium nearly naked. {Every weight} (\ogkon panta\). Old word (kin to \enegkein, pher“\) like \phortos, baros\. Here every encumbrance that handicaps like doubt, pride, sloth, anything. No trailing garment to hinder or trip one. {The sin which doth so easily beset us} (\tˆn euperistaton hamartian\). "The easily besetting sin." There are a dozen possible renderings of this double compound verbal from \eu\, well, and \periistˆmi\, to place around or to stand around (intransitive). The Vulgate has _circumstans nos peccatum_ (the sin standing around us). Probably this is the true idea here, "the easily encompassing (or surrounding) sin." In this case apostasy from Christ was that sin. In our cases it may be some other sin. The verbal adjective reminds one of the ring of wild beasts in the jungle that encircle the camp-fire at night each ready to pounce upon a careless victim. {Let us run} (\trech“men\). Present active volitive subjunctive of \trech“\, "let us keep on running." {With patience} (\di' hupomonˆs\). Not with impatience, doubt, or despair. {The race that is set before us} (\ton prokeimenon hˆmin ag“na\). Note the article and the present middle participle of \prokeimai\, old compound (already in strkjv@6:18|, and also in strkjv@12:2|). Dative case (\hˆmin\) of personal interest.

rwp@Hebrews:12:2 @{Looking unto} (\aphor“ntes eis\). Present active participle of \aphora“\, old verb to look away, "looking away to Jesus." In N.T. only here and strkjv@Phillipians:2:23|. Fix your eyes on Jesus, after a glance at "the cloud of witnesses," for he is the goal. Cf. Moses in strkjv@11:26| (\apeblepen\). {The author} (\ton archˆgon\). See strkjv@2:10| for this word. "The pioneer of personal faith" (Moffatt). {Perfecter} (\telei“tˆn\). A word apparently coined by the writer from \teleio“\ as it has been found nowhere else. Vulgate has _consummator_. {For the joy} (\anti tˆs charas\). Answering to, in exchange for (verse 16|), at the end of the race lay the joy "set before him" (\prokeimenˆs aut“i\), while here was the Cross (\stauron\) at this end (the beginning of the race) which he endured (\hupemeinen\, aorist active indicative of \hupomen“\), {despising shame} (\aischunˆs kataphronˆsas\). The cross at his time brought only shame (most shameful of deaths, "yea, the death of the cross" strkjv@Phillipians:2:8|). But Jesus despised that, in spite of the momentary shrinking from it, and did his Father's will by submitting to it. {Hath sat down} (\kekathiken\). Perfect active indicative of \kathiz“\, and still is there (1:3|).

rwp@Hebrews:12:3 @{Consider} (\analogisasthe\). First aorist middle imperative of \analogizomai\, old word to reckon up, to compare, to weigh, only here in the N.T. See \katanoˆsate\ in strkjv@3:1|. Understanding Jesus is the key to the whole problem, the cure for doubt and hesitation. {Endured} (\hupomemenˆkota\). Perfect active participle of the same verb \hupomen“\ used in verse 2|. {Gainsaying} (\antilogian\). Old word from \antilogos\ (from \antileg“\), already in strkjv@6:16; strkjv@7:7|. {Of sinners} (\hupo t“n hamart“l“n\). "By sinners." {Against themselves} (\eis heautous\). Against their better selves if a genuine reading. But \eis heauton\ (against himself), against Christ, is far more likely correct. {That ye wax not weary} (\hina mˆ kamˆte\). Negative final clause with \hina mˆ\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \kamn“\, old verb to be weary as here or sick as in strkjv@James:5:15|. {Fainting in your souls} (\tais psuchais hum“n ekluomenoi\). Present passive participle of \eklu“\, old verb to loosen out, to set free, and in passive to be enfeebled, to be tired out (here in soul with locative case), as in verse 5|. The rest of the Epistle drives home the argument.

rwp@Hebrews:12:4 @{Resisted} (\antikatestˆte\). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive) of the double compound \antikathistˆmi\, old verb to stand in opposition against in line of battle, intransitively to stand face to face (\anti\) against (\kata\), here only in the N.T. {Unto blood} (\mechris haimatos\). "Up to blood." As was true of Jesus and many of the other heroes of faith in chapter strkjv@Hebrews:11|. {Striving} (\antag“nizomenoi\). Present middle participle of \antag“nizomai\, old verb with the same figure in \antikatestˆte\. {Against sin} (\pros hamartian\). Face to face with sin as in verse 1|.

rwp@Hebrews:12:10 @{They} (\hoi men\). Demonstrative \hoi\ in contrast (\men\). {Chastened} (\epaideuon\). Imperfect active, used to chasten. {As seemed good to them} (\kata to dokoun autois\). "According to the thing seeming good to them." \Dokoun\ is present active neuter singular articular participle of \doke“\. {But he} (\ho de\). Demonstrative with \de\ vs. \men\. {For our profit} (\epi to sumpheron\). Present active articular neuter singular participle of \sumpher“\, to bear together as in strkjv@1Corinthians:12:7|. {That we may be partakers} (\eis to metalabein\). Articular second aorist active infinitive of \metalamban“\ with \eis\ for purpose, "for the partaking." {Of his holiness} (\tˆs hagiotˆtos autou\). Genitive with \metalabein\ (to share in). Rare word, in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:1:12|.

rwp@Hebrews:12:12 @{Wherefore} (\dio\). Because of the chastening. {Lift up} (\anorth“sate\). First aorist active imperative of \anortho“\, old compound (from \ana, orthos\) to make straight, in N.T. here and strkjv@Luke:13:13; strkjv@Acts:15:16|. {Hang down} (\pareimenas\). Perfect passive participle of \pariˆmi\, old verb to let pass, to relax, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:11:42|. {Palsied} (\paralelumena\). Perfect passive participle of \paralu“\, old verb to loosen on the side, to dissolve, to paralyze (Luke:5:18,24|).

rwp@Hebrews:12:16 @{Profane} (\bebˆlos\). Trodden under foot, unhallowed (1Timothy:1:9|). {For one mess of meat} (\anti br“se“s mias\). Idea of exchange, "for one act of eating" (1Corinthians:8:4|). {Sold} (\apedeto\). Second aorist middle indicative from strkjv@Genesis:25:31,33|, and with irregular form for \apedoto\ (regular \mi\ form). {His own birthright} (\ta pr“totokia heautou\). From Genesis also and in Philo, only here in N.T. From \pr“totokos\ (first born, strkjv@Hebrews:1:6|).

rwp@Hebrews:12:17 @{Ye know} (\iste\). Regular form for the second person of \oida\ rather than the _Koin‚_ \oidate\. {He was rejected} (\apedokimasthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \apodokimaz“\, old verb to disapprove (Matthew:21:42|). {Place of repentance} (\metanoias topon\). \Metanoia\ is change of mind and purpose, not sorrow though he had tears (\meta dakru“n\) afterwards as told in strkjv@Genesis:27:38|. He sought it (\autˆn\, the blessing \eulogian\) with tears, but in vain. There was no change of mind in Isaac. The choice was irrevocable as Isaac shows (Genesis:27:33|). Esau is a tragic example of one who does a wilful sin which allows no second chance (Hebrews:6:6; strkjv@10:26|). The author presses the case of Esau as a warning to the Christians who were tempted to give up Christ.

rwp@Hebrews:12:23 @{To the general assembly} (\panˆgurei\). Old word (from \pas\ and \aguris, ageir“\). Here only in N.T. \Panˆguriz“\ occurs in strkjv@Isaiah:66:10| for keeping a festal holiday. Possibly to be connected with \aggel“n\, though not certain. {Church of the firstborn} (\ekklˆsiƒi pr“totok“n\). Probably an additional item besides the angelic host as the people of Israel are called firstborn (Exodus:4:22|). The word \ekklˆsia\ here has the general sense of all the redeemed, as in strkjv@Matthew:16:18; strkjv@Colossians:1:18; strkjv@Ephesians:5:24-32|, and equivalent to the kingdom of God. {Who are enrolled in heaven} (\apogegrammen“n en ouranois\). Perfect passive participle of \apograph“\, old verb to write off, to copy, to enroll as in strkjv@Luke:2:1,3,5| (only N.T. examples). Enrolled as citizens of heaven even while on earth (Luke:10:20; strkjv@Phillipians:1:27; strkjv@3:20; strkjv@4:3; strkjv@Revelation:13:8|, etc.). {To God the Judge of all} (\kritˆi the“i pant“n\). All these chief substantives in the dative case. People should not forget that God is the Judge of all men. {Made perfect} (\tetelei“men“n\). Perfect passive participle of \teleio“\, perfected at last (11:40|).

rwp@Hebrews:12:27 @{And this word} (\to de\). He uses the article to point out "\eti hapax\" which he explains (\dˆloi\, signifies, present active indicative of \dˆlo“\). {The removing} (\tˆn metathesin\). For this word see strkjv@7:12; strkjv@11:5|. For the transitory nature of the world see strkjv@1Corinthians:7:31; strkjv@1John:2:17|. "There is a divine purpose in the cosmic catastrophe" (Moffatt). {Made} (\pepoiˆmen“n\). Perfect passive participle of \poie“\. Made by God, but made to pass away. {That those things which are not shaken may remain} (\hina meinˆi ta mˆ saleuomena\). Final clause with \mˆ\ and the first aorist active subjunctive of \men“\. The Kingdom of God is not shaken, fearful as some saints are about it.

rwp@Hebrews:13:4 @{Let marriage be} (\ho gamos\). No verb in the Greek. The copula can be supplied either \estin\ (is) or \est“\ (let be, imperative). {Had in honour} (\timios\). Old adjective from \timˆ\ (honour) as in strkjv@Acts:5:34|. \Gamos\ elsewhere in the N.T., means the wedding or wedding feast (Matthew:22:29; strkjv@John:2:1|). {Undefiled} (\amiantos\). Old compound word (alpha privative and verbal of \miain“\, to defile), already in strkjv@Hebrews:7:26|. \Miain“ tˆn koitˆn\ is a common expression for adultery. {Fornicators} (\pornous\). Unmarried and impure. {Adulterers} (\moichous\). Impure married persons. God will judge both classes whether men do or not.

rwp@Hebrews:13:5 @{Be ye free from the love of money} (\aphilarguros ho tropos\). No copula, but supply \esto\: "Let your manner of life (\tropos\, way, strkjv@Matthew:23:37|), be without love of money" (\aphilarguros\, double compound), once found only in the N.T., here and strkjv@1Timothy:3:3|, but now several times--or the adverb \aphilargur“s\ --in papyri and inscriptions (Deissmann, _Light_, etc., pp. 85f.). Alpha privative and \philos\ and \arguros\. The N.T. is full of the peril of money on the character as modern life is also. {Content with such things as ye have} (\arkoumenoi tois parousin\). Present passive participle of \arke“\, to suffice, to be content as in strkjv@Luke:3:14|. Cf. \autarkˆs\ in strkjv@Phillipians:4:11|. Here in the nominative plural with no substantive or pronoun (anacoluthon, as in strkjv@2Corinthians:1:7|) or the participle used as a principal verb as in strkjv@Romans:12:16|. "Contented with the present things" (\tois parousin\, associative instrumental case of \ta paronta\, present active neuter plural participle of \pareimi\, to be present or on hand). {For himself hath said} (\autos gar eirˆken\). God himself as in strkjv@Acts:20:33| of Christ. Perfect active indicative as in strkjv@1:13; strkjv@4:3f.; strkjv@10:9|. The quotation is a free paraphrase of strkjv@Genesis:28:15; strkjv@Deuteronomy:31:8; strkjv@Joshua:1:5; strkjv@1Chronicles:28:20|. Philo (de Confus. Ling. 32) has it in this form, "a popular paraphrase" (Moffatt). Note the five negatives strengthening each other (\ou mˆ\ with the second aorist active subjunctive \an“\ from \aniˆmi\, to relate, as in strkjv@Acts:16:26|; \oud' ou mˆ\ with second aorist active subjunctive \egkatalip“\ from \egkataleip“\, to leave behind, as in strkjv@Matthew:27:46; strkjv@2Timothy:4:10|). A noble promise in times of depression.

rwp@Hebrews:13:16 @{To do good} (\tˆs eupoiias\). Genitive case. Late compound from \eupoios\ (\eupoie“\), common in Epictetus, but here only in N.T., a doing good. {To communicate} (\koin“nias\). Genitive case. See strkjv@2Corinthians:9:13| for use for contribution, beneficence. Moffatt notes that the three great definitions of worship and religious service in the N.T. (here, strkjv@Romans:12:1f.; strkjv@James:1:27|) are all inward and ethical. {Forget not} (\mˆ epilanthanesthe\). Prohibition with \mˆ\ and the present middle imperative of \epilanthan“\ (6:10; strkjv@13:2|). Here with the genitive case. {Is well pleased} (\euaresteitai\). Present passive indicative of \euareste“\ (Hebrews:11:5|). With the associative instrumental case \thusiais\ (sacrifices).

rwp@Hebrews:13:17 @{Obey} (\peithesthe\). Present middle imperative of \peith“\ with dative case. {Submit} (\hupeikete\). Present active imperative of \hupeik“\, old compound to yield under, to give up. Here only in N.T. {They watch} (\agrupnousin\). Present active indicative of \agrupne“\ old verb (from \agre“\, to search, \hupnos\, sleep), to seek after sleep, to be sleepless, be watchful (Mark:13:33|). {As they that shall give account} (\h“s logon apod“sontes\). Regular Greek idiom with \h“s\ and the future participle. For \logon apodid“mi\, to render account, see strkjv@Matthew:12:36|. These leaders as good shepherds recognize keenly their responsibility for the welfare of the flock. {And not with grief} (\kai mˆ stenazontes\). "And not groaning" (cf. strkjv@Romans:8:23|). {Unprofitable} (\alusiteles\). Old double compound adjective (alpha privative and \lusitelˆs\ and this from \lu“\, to pay, and \telos\, tax, useful or profitable as strkjv@Luke:17:2|), not profitable, not advantageous, by _litotes_, hurtful, pernicious. Common rhetorical _litotes_, here only in N.T.

rwp@Hebrews:13:19 @{That I may be restored to you the sooner} (\hina tacheion apokatastath“ humin\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \apokathistˆmi\, an old double compound as in strkjv@Matthew:12:13|. What is meant by \tacheion\ (John:13:27; strkjv@20:4|) we do not know, possibly sickness. See verse 23| also for \tacheion\.

rwp@Hebrews:13:21 @{Make you perfect} (\katartisai\). First aorist active optative of \katartiz“\, to equip, as in strkjv@10:5|. A wish for the future. See strkjv@1Corinthians:1:10; strkjv@2Corinthians:13:11; strkjv@2Timothy:3:17|. {Working in us} (\poi“n en hemin\). "Doing in us." Some MSS. read "in you." {Well-pleasing} (\euareston\). Compound adjective (\eu, arestos\). Usually with the dative (Romans:12:2|), here with \en“pion autou\ more like the Hebrew. This is one of the noblest doxologies in the N.T.

rwp@Info_James @ THE EPISTLE OF JAMES BEFORE A.D. 50 BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION THE AUTHOR He claims to be James, and so the book is not anonymous. It is either genuine or pseudonymous. He does not claim to be the brother of the Lord Jesus, as one might expect. James the brother of John was put to death by Herod Agrippa I about A.D. 44 (Acts:12:2|). But James the brother of Jesus (Galatians:1:19|) was still alive and became a leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts:12:17|), presiding over the Conference in Jerusalem (Acts:15:13-21|) and apparently writing the message from the Conference to the Gentile churches (Acts:15:22-29|), and was still the leading elder in Jerusalem on Paul's last visit (Acts:21:18-25|). James does not claim here to be an apostle and he was not one of the twelve apostles, and the dispute about accepting it of which Eusebius spoke was about its apostolicity since James was only an apostle by implication (Galatians:1:19|) in the general sense of that term like Barnabas (Acts:14:14|), perhaps Silas and Timothy (1Thessalonians:2:7|), certainly not on a par with Paul, who claimed equality with the twelve. James, like the other brothers of Jesus, had once disbelieved his claims to be the Messiah (John:7:6f.|), but he was won by a special vision of the Risen Christ (1Corinthians:15:7|) and was in the upper room before the great pentecost (Acts:1:14|). It is plain that he had much to overcome as a zealous Jew to become a Christian, though he was not a mere cousin of Jesus or a son of Joseph by a former marriage. He was strictly the half-brother of Jesus, since Joseph was not the actual father of Jesus. There is no reason to believe that he was a Nazirite. We know that he was married (1Corinthians:9:5|). He came to be called James the Just and was considered very devout. The Judaizers had counted on him to agree with them against Paul and Barnabas, but he boldly stood for Gentile freedom from the ceremonial law. The Judaizers still claimed him at Antioch and used his name wrongly to frighten Peter thereby (Galatians:2:12|). But to the end he remained the loyal friend to Paul and his gospel rightly understood (Acts:21:18-25|). Clement of Alexandria (_Hypot_. vii) says that, when he bore strong testimony to Jesus as the Son of man, they flung him down from the gable of the temple, stoned him, and beat him to death with a club. But Josephus (_Ant_. XX. ix. I) says that the Sadducees about A.D. 62 had James and some others brought before the Sanhedrin (Ananus presiding) and had them stoned as transgressors of the law. At any rate he won a martyr's crown like Stephen and James the brother of John.

rwp@Info_James @ THE READERS The author addresses himself "to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion" (Jam strkjv@1:1|). Clearly, then, he is not writing to Gentiles, unless he includes the spiritual children of Abraham in the term \Diaspora\ as Paul does for believers (Galatians:3:29; strkjv@Romans:9:6f.|). The word \diaspora\ occurs elsewhere in the N.T. only in strkjv@John:7:35; strkjv@1Peter:1:1|. It apparently has the spiritual significance in strkjv@1Peter:1:1|, but in strkjv@John:7:35| the usual meaning of Jews scattered over the world. The use here of "the twelve tribes" makes the literal sense probable here. Clearly also James knew nothing of any "lost" tribes, for the Jews of the Dispersion were a blend of all the twelve tribes. It is probable also that James is addressing chiefly the Eastern Dispersion in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Babylonia as Peter writes to five provinces in the Western Dispersion in Asia Minor. It is possible that James has in mind Christian and non-Christian Jews, not wholly non-Christian Jews as some hold. He may have in mind merely Christian Jews outside of Palestine, of whom there were already many scattered since the great pentecost. The use of synagogue as a place of worship (James:2:2|) like church (James:5:14|) argues somewhat for this view. He presents the Mosaic law as still binding (James:2:9-11; strkjv@4:11|). As the leading elder of the great church in Jerusalem and as a devout Jew and half-brother of Jesus, the message of James had a special appeal to these widely scattered Jewish Christians.

rwp@Info_James @ THE PURPOSE If James is writing solely to non-Christian Jews, the purpose is to win them to Christ, and so he puts the gospel message in a way to get a hearing from the Jews. That is true, whether he has them in mind or not, though he does not do it by the suppression of the deity of Jesus Christ. In the very first verse he places him on a par with God as "the Lord Jesus Christ." In strkjv@James:2:1| he presents Jesus as the object of faith: "as you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Glory" (Moffatt's Translation), where Jesus is termed the Shekinah Glory of God. It is true that there is no discussion in the Epistle of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus, but there is an allusion to the murder of Jesus in strkjv@James:5:6| and the second coming in strkjv@James:5:8|. The chief aim of the Epistle is to strengthen the faith and loyalty of the Jewish Christians in the face of persecution from rich and overbearing Jews who were defrauding and oppressing them. It is a picture of early Christian life in the midst of difficult social conditions between capital and labor which also exist today. Songs:then it is a very modern message even if it is the earliest New Testament book. The glory of the New Testament lies precisely at this point in that the revelation of God in Christ meets our problems today because it did meet those of the first century A.D. Christian principles stand out clearly for our present-day living.

rwp@Info_James @ THE STYLE James assumes the doctrinal features of Christianity, but he is concerned mainly with the ethical and social aspects of the gospel that Jewish followers of Christ may square their lives with the gospel which they believe and profess. But this fact does not justify Luther in calling the Epistle of James "a veritable Epistle of straw." Luther imagined that James contradicted Paul's teaching of justification by faith. That is not true and the criticism of Luther is unjust. We shall see that, though James and Paul use the same words (faith, works, justify), they mean different things by them. It is possible that both Paul and Peter had read the Epistle of James, though by no means certain. M. Jones (_New Testament in the Twentieth Century_, p. 316) thinks that the author was familiar with Stoic philosophy. This is also possible, though he may have learned it only indirectly through the Wisdom of Solomon and Philo. What is true is that the author writes in the easy and accurate _Koin‚_ Greek of a cultivated Jew (the literary _Koin‚_, not the vernacular), though not the artificial or stilted language of a professional stylist. Principal Patrick (_James the Lord's Brother_, p. 298) holds that he "had a wide knowledge of Classical Greek." This does not follow, though he does use the manner "of the Hellenistic diatribe" (Ropes, _Int. and Crit. Comm_., p. 19) so common at that time. Ropes (pp. 10-22) points out numerous parallels between James and the popular moral addresses of the period, familiar since the days of Socrates and at its height in Seneca and Epictetus. The use of an imaginary interlocutor is one instance (James:2:18f.; strkjv@5:13f.|) as is the presence of paradox (James:1:2,10; strkjv@2:5|; etc.). But the style of James is even more kin to that seen in the Jewish wisdom literature like Proverbs, the Wisdom of Solomon, etc. It is thus both tract and Epistle, a brief Christian sermon on a high plane for a noble purpose. But it is all natural and not artificial. The metaphors are many, but brief and remind one constantly of the Master's use of them in the Sermon on the Mount. Did not Mary the mother of Jesus and James make frequent use of such homely parables? The author shows acquaintance with the LXX, but there are few Hebraisms in the language, though the style is Hebraic, as is the whole tone of the book (Hebraic and Christian). "The style is especially remarkable for constant hidden allusions to our Lord's sayings, such as we find in the first three Gospels" (Hort).

rwp@Info_James @ RECENT BOOKS ON JAMES Baljon, J. M. S., _Comm. op de katholieke brieven_ (1904). Bardenhewer, O., _Der Brief des hl. Jakobus_ (1928). Bartmann, _St. Paulus und St. Jakobus_. Belser, J. E., _Epistel des hl. Jakobus_ (1909). Beyschlag, W., _Der Brief des Jakobus_. Meyer Komm. 6 Aufl. (1898). Brown, Charles, _The General Epistle of James_. 2nd ed. (1907). Camerlinck, _Commentarius in epistolas catholicas_ (1909). Carpenter, W. Boyd, _The Wisdom of James the Just_ (1903). Carr, Arthur, _The General Epistle of James_. Cambridge Greek Testament. New ed. (1905). Chaine, J., _L Epitre de S. Jacques_ (1927). Dale, R. W., _Discourses on the Epistle of James (1895). Deems, C. F., _The Gospel of Common Sense_. Dibelius, _M., Meyer's Comm. 7 Aufl. (1921). Feine, _Der Jakobusbrief_, etc. (1893). Fitch, _James the Lord's Brother_. Gaugusch, L., _Der Lehrgehalt der Jakobus-epistel_ (1914). Grafe, _Stellung und Bedeutung des Jakobusbriefes_ (1904). Grosheide, F. W., _Deuteronomy:brief aan de Hebreen en de brief des Jakobus_ (1927). Hauck, F., _Der Br. d. Jak. in Zahn's Komm_. (1926). Hollmann, G., _Die Schriften d. N.T_. 3 Aufl. (1917). Holtzmann, O., _Das N.T. II_ (1926). Hort, F. J. A., _The Epistle of James as far as strkjv@4:7_ (1909). Huther, J. E., _Meyer's Komm_. 3 Aufl. (1870). Johnstone, R., _Lectures Exegetical and Practical_. 2nd ed. (1889). Knowling, R. J., _Comm. on the Epistle of St. James_ (1904). Westminster Series. Mayor, J. B., _The Epistle of St. James_. 3rd ed. (1910). Meinertz, _Der Jakobusbrief und sein Verfasser_ (1905). Meyer, A., _Das Ratsel des Jak_. (1930). Moffatt, James, _The General Epistles (James, Peter, and Judas_) (1928). Osterley, W. E., _The Epistle of St. James_. Expos. Gk. Test. (1910). Parry, J., _The General Epistle of James_ (1904). Patrick, W., _James, the Lord's Brother_ (1906). Plummer, A., _The General Epistle of St. James_. Expos. Bible (1891). Rendall, G. H., _The Epistle of St. James and Judaic Chris- tianity_ (1927). Robertson, A. T., _Studies in the Epistle of James_. 3rd ed. (1923). First in 1915 as _Pract. and Social Aspects of Christianity_. Ropes, J. H., _A Crit. and Exeget. Comm. on the Epistle of St. James_. Int. and Crit. Comm. (1916). Smith, H. M., _The Epistle of James_ (1925). Soden, H. Von, _Der Brief des Jakobus_. Hand-Comm. (1893). Spitta, F., _Der Brief des Jakobus untersucht_ (1896). Taylor, J. F., _The Apostle of Patience_ (1907). Weiss, B., _Die Katholische Briefe_ (1902). _Der Jakobusbrief und die neuere Kritik_ (1904). Windisch, H., _Die Katholische Briefe. Handbuch Zum N.T._, 2 Aufl. (1930). strkjv@James:1:1 @{James} (\Iak“bos\). Grecised form (nominative absolute) of the Hebrew \Iak“b\ (so LXX). Common name among the Jews, and this man in Josephus (_Ant_. XX.9.1) and three others of this name in Josephus also. {Servant} (\doulos\). Bond-servant or slave as Paul (Romans:1:1; strkjv@Phillipians:1:1; strkjv@Titus:1:1|). {Of the Lord Jesus Christ} (\kuriou Iˆsou Christou\). Here on a par with God (\theou\) and calls himself not \adelphos\ (brother) of Jesus, but \doulos\. The three terms here as in strkjv@2:1| have their full significance: Jesus is the Messiah and Lord. James is not an Ebionite. He accepts the deity of Jesus his brother, difficult as it was for him to do so. The word \kurios\ is frequent in the LXX for _Elohim_ and _Jahweh_ as the Romans applied it to the emperor in their emperor worship. See strkjv@1Corinthians:12:3| for \Kurios Iˆsous\ and strkjv@Phillipians:2:11| for \Kurios Iˆsous Christos\. {To the twelve tribes} (\tais d“deka phulais\). Dative case. The expression means "Israel in its fulness and completeness" (Hort), regarded as a unity (Acts:26:7|) with no conception of any "lost" tribes. {Which are of the Dispersion} (\tais en tˆi diasporƒi\). "Those in the Dispersion" (repeated article). The term appears in strkjv@Deuteronomy:28:25| (LXX) and comes from \diaspeir“\, to scatter (sow) abroad. In its literal sense we have it in strkjv@John:7:34|, but here and in strkjv@1Peter:1:1| Christian Jews are chiefly, if not wholly, in view. The Jews at this period were roughly divided into Palestinian Jews (chiefly agriculturists) and Jews of the Dispersion (dwellers in cities and mainly traders). In Palestine Aramaic was spoken as a rule, while in the Western Diaspora the language was Greek (_Koin‚_, LXX), though the Eastern Diaspora spoke Aramaic and Syriac. The Jews of the Diaspora were compelled to compare their religion with the various cults around them (comparative religion) and had a wider outlook on life. James writes thus in cultural _Koin‚_ but in the Hebraic tone. {Greeting} (\chairein\). Absolute infinitive (present active of \chair“\) as in strkjv@Acts:15:23| (the Epistle to Antioch and the churches of Syria and Galatia). It is the usual idiom in the thousands of papyri letters known to us, but in no other New Testament letter. But note \chairein legete\ in strkjv@2John:1:10,11|.

rwp@James:1:2 @{Count it} (\hˆgˆsasthe\). First aorist middle imperative of \hˆgeomai\, old verb to consider. Do it now and once for all. {All joy} (\pƒsan charan\). "Whole joy," " unmixed joy," as in strkjv@Phillipians:2:29|. Not just "some joy" along with much grief. {When} (\hotan\). "Whenever," indefinite temporal conjunction. {Ye fall into} (\peripesˆte\). Second aorist active subjunctive (with the indefinite \hotan\) from \peripipt“\, literally to fall around (into the midst of), to fall among as in strkjv@Luke:10:30| \lˆistais periepesen\ (he fell among robbers). Only other N.T. example of this old compound is in strkjv@Acts:27:41|. Thucydides uses it of falling into affliction. It is the picture of being surrounded (\peri\) by trials. {Manifold temptations} (\peirasmois poikilois\). Associative instrumental case. The English word temptation is Latin and originally meant trials whether good or bad, but the evil sense has monopolized the word in our modern English, though we still say "attempt." The word \peirasmos\ (from \peiraz“\, late form for the old \peira“\ as in strkjv@Acts:26:21|, both in good sense as in strkjv@John:6:6|, and in bad sense as in strkjv@Matthew:16:1|) does not occur outside of the LXX and the N.T. except in Dioscorides (A.D. 100?) of experiments on diseases. "Trials" is clearly the meaning here, but the evil sense appears in verse 12| (clearly in \peiraz“\ in verse 13|) and so in strkjv@Hebrews:3:8|. Trials rightly faced are harmless, but wrongly met become temptations to evil. The adjective \poikilos\ (manifold) is as old as Homer and means variegated, many coloured as in strkjv@Matthew:4:24; strkjv@2Timothy:3:6; strkjv@Hebrews:2:4|. In strkjv@1Peter:1:6| we have this same phrase. It is a bold demand that James here makes.

rwp@James:1:3 @{Knowing} (\gin“skontes\). Present active participle of \gin“sk“\ (experimental knowledge, the only way of getting this view of "trials" as "all joy"). {The proof} (\to dokimion\). Now known (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 259ff.) from the papyri examples of \dokimios\ as an adjective in the same sense (good gold, standard gold) as \dokimos\ proved or tested (James:1:12|). The use of \to dokimion\ (neuter article with neuter single adjective) here and in strkjv@1Peter:1:7|, clearly means "the genuine element in your faith," not "crucible" nor "proving." Your faith like gold stands the test of fire and is approved as standard. James here, as in verse 6; strkjv@2:1; strkjv@5:15|, regards faith (\pistis\) like Paul "as the very foundation of religion" (Mayor). {Worketh} (\katergazetai\). Present (durative) middle indicative of the compound verb with the perfective sense of \kata\ as in strkjv@Phillipians:2:12|, which see. {Patience} (\hupomonˆn\). Old and common word for remaining under (\hupomen“\), "staying power" (Ropes), as in strkjv@Colossians:1:11|.

rwp@James:1:5 @{Lacketh wisdom} (\leipetai sophias\). Condition of first class, assumed as true, \ei\ and present passive indicative of \leip“\ to be destitute of, with ablative case \sophias\. "If any one falls short of wisdom." A banking figure, to have a shortage of wisdom (not just knowledge, \gn“se“s\, but wisdom \sophias\, the practical use of knowledge). {Let him ask} (\aiteit“\). Present active imperative of \aite“\, "let him keep on asking." {Of God} (\para tou theou\). "From (from beside) God," ablative case with \para\. Liberally (\hapl“s\). This old adverb occurs here only in the N.T. (from \haplous\, single-fold, strkjv@Matthew:6:22|, and \haplotˆs\, simplicity, generosity, is common-- strkjv@2Corinthians:8:2; strkjv@Romans:12:8|). But the adverb is common in the papyri by way of emphasis as simply or at all (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_). Mayor argues for the sense of "unconditionally" (the logical moral sense) while Hort and Ropes agree and suggest "graciously." The other sense of "abundantly" or "liberally" suits the idea in \haplotˆs\ in strkjv@2Corinthians:8:2; strkjv@Romans:12:8|, but no example of the adverb in this sense has been found unless this is one here. See strkjv@Isaiah:55:1| for the idea of God's gracious giving and the case of Solomon (1Kings:3:9-12; strkjv@Proverbs:2:3|). {Upbraideth not} (\mˆ oneidizontos\). Present active participle of \oneidiz“\ (old verb to reproach, to cast in one's teeth, strkjv@Matthew:5:11|) in the ablative case like \didontos\ agreeing with \theou\ and with the usual negative of the participle (\me\). This is the negative statement of \didontos hapl“s\ (giving graciously). The evil habit of giving stinging words along with the money is illustrated in Sirach strkjv@41:22 and Plutarch (_Deuteronomy:adulat._, p. 64A). ] Cf. strkjv@Hebrews:4:16|. {And it shall be given him} (\kai dothˆsetai aut“i\). First future passive of \did“mi\, a blessed promise in accord with the words of Jesus (Matthew:7:7,11; strkjv@Luke:11:13|), meaning here not only "wisdom," but all good gifts, including the Holy Spirit. There are frequent reminiscences of the words of Jesus in this Epistle.

rwp@James:1:6 @{In faith} (\en pistei\). Faith here "is the fundamental religious attitude" (Ropes), belief in God's beneficent activity and personal reliance on him (Oesterley). {Nothing doubting} (\mˆden diakrinomenos\). Negative way of saying \en pistei\ (in faith), present passive participle of \diakrin“\, old verb to separate (\krin“\) between (\dia\), to discriminate as shown clearly in strkjv@Acts:11:12, strkjv@15:9|, but no example of the sense of divided against oneself has been found earlier than the N.T., though it appears in later Christian writings. It is like the use of \diamerizomai\ in strkjv@Luke:11:18| and occurs in strkjv@Matthew:21:21; strkjv@Mark:11:23; strkjv@Acts:10:20; strkjv@Romans:2:4; strkjv@4:20; strkjv@14:23|. It is a vivid picture of internal doubt. {Is like} (\eoiken\). Second perfect active indicative with the linear force alone from \eik“\ to be like. Old form, but in N.T. only here and verse 23| (a literary touch, not in LXX). {The surge of the sea} (\klud“ni thalassˆs\). Old word (from \kluz“\ to wash against) for a dashing or surging wave in contrast with \kuma\ (successive waves), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:8:24|. In associative instrumental case after \eoiken\. In strkjv@Ephesians:4:14| we have \kludoniz“\ (from \klud“n\), to toss by waves. {Driven by the wind} (\anemizomen“i\). Present passive participle (agreeing in case with \klud“ni\) of \anemiz“\, earliest known example and probably coined by James (from \anemos\), who is fond of verbs in \-iz“\ (Mayor). The old Greek used \anemo“\. In strkjv@Ephesians:4:14| Paul uses both \kludoniz“\ and \peripher“ anem“i\. It is a vivid picture of the sea whipped into white-caps by the winds. {Tossed} (\ripizomen“i\). Present passive participle also in agreement with \klud“ni\ from \ripiz“\, rare verb (Aristophanes, Plutarch, Philo) from \ripis\ (a bellows or fire-fan), here only in N.T. It is a picture of "the restless swaying to and fro of the surface of the water, blown upon by shifting breezes" (Hort), the waverer with slight rufflement.

rwp@James:1:8 @{Man} (\anˆr\). Instead of \anthr“pos\ (general term) in verse 7|, perhaps for variety (Ropes), but often in James (1:12,23; strkjv@2:2; strkjv@3:2|), though in other Epistles usually in distinction from \gunˆ\ (woman). {Double-minded} (\dipsuchos\). First appearance of this compound known and in N.T. only here and strkjv@4:8|. Apparently coined by James, but copied often in early Christian writings and so an argument for the early date of James' Epistle (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_). From \dis\ twice and \psuchˆ\ soul, double-souled, double-minded, Bunyan's "Mr. Facing-both-ways." Cf. the rebuke to Peter (\edistasas\) in strkjv@Matthew:14:31|. {Unstable} (\akatastatos\). Late double compound (alpha privative and \katastatos\ verbal from \kathistˆmi\), in LXX once (Is strkjv@54:11|) and in Polybius, in N.T. only here and strkjv@3:8|. It means unsteady, fickle, staggering, reeling like a drunken man. Surely to James such "doubt" is no mark of intellectuality.

rwp@James:1:9 @{But} (\de\). Return to the point of view in verse 2|. {Of low degree} (\ho tapeinos\). "The lowly" brother, in outward condition (Luke:1:52|), humble and poor as in strkjv@Psalms:9:39; strkjv@Proverbs:30:14|, not the spiritually humble as in strkjv@Matthew:11:29; strkjv@James:4:6|. In the LXX \tapeinos\ was used for either the poor in goods or the poor in spirit. Christianity has glorified this word in both senses. Already the rich and the poor in the churches had their occasion for jealousies. {Glory in his high estate} (\kauchasth“ en t“i hupsei autou\). Paradox, but true. In his low estate he is "in his height" (\hupsos\, old word, in N.T., also in strkjv@Luke:1:78; strkjv@Ephesians:3:1|; etc.).

rwp@James:1:10 @{In that he is made low} (\en tˆi tapein“sei autou\). "In his low estate." Play on \tapein“sis\ (from \tapeino“\, strkjv@Phillipians:3:7|), like \tapeinos\ of verse 9|, old word in various senses, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Luke:1:48; strkjv@Acts:8:33; strkjv@Phillipians:3:21|. The Cross of Christ lifts up the poor and brings down the high. It is the great leveller of men. {As the flower of the grass} (\h“s anthos chortou\). From the LXX (Isaiah:40:6|). \Chortos\ means pasture, then grass (Mark:6:39|) or fodder. \Anthos\ is old word, in N.T. only here, verse 11; strkjv@1Peter:1:24| (same quotation). This warning is here applied to "the rich brother," but it is true of all. {He shall pass away} (\pareleusetai\). Future middle indicative (effective aoristic future, shall pass completely away from earth).

rwp@James:1:11 @{Ariseth} (\aneteilen\). Gnomic or timeless aorist active indicative of the old compound \anatell“\, used here of plants (cf. \anathall“\ in strkjv@Phillipians:4:10|), often of the sun (Matthew:13:6|). {With the scorching wind} (\sun t“i kaus“ni\). Associative instrumental case with \sun\. In the LXX this late word (from \kausos\) is usually the sirocco, the dry east wind from the desert (Job:1:19|). In strkjv@Matthew:20:12; strkjv@Luke:12:55| it is the burning heat of the sun. Either makes sense here. {Withereth} (\exˆranen\). Another gnomic aorist active indicative (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 837) of \xˆrain“\, old verb (from \xˆros\, dry or withered, strkjv@Matthew:12:10|), to dry up. Grass and flowers are often used to picture the transitoriness of human life. {Falleth} (\exepesen\). Another gnomic aorist (second aorist active indicative) of \ekpipt“\ to fall out (off). {The grace} (\hˆ euprepeia\). Old word (from \euprepˆs\ well-looking, not in the N.T.), only here in N.T. Goodly appearance, beauty. {Of the fashion of it} (\tou pros“pou autou\). "Of the face of it." The flower is pictured as having a "face," like a rose or lily. {Perisheth} (\ap“leto\). Another gnomic aorist (second aorist middle indicative of \apollumi\, to destroy, but intransitive here, to perish). The beautiful rose is pitiful when withered. {Shall fade away} (\maranthˆsetai\). Future passive indicative of \marain“\, old verb, to extinguish a flame, a light. Used of roses in Wisdom strkjv@2:8. {Goings} (\poreiais\). Old word from \poreu“\ to journey, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:13:22| (of Christ's journey toward Jerusalem). The rich man's travels will come to "journey's end."

rwp@James:2:25 @{Rahab the harlot} (\Raab hˆ pornˆ\). Her vicious life she left behind, but the name clung to her always. For our purposes the argument of James may seem stronger without the example of Rahab (Joshua:2:1-21; strkjv@6:17; 22-25; strkjv@Matthew:1:5; strkjv@Hebrews:11:31|). It is even said in Jewish Midrash that Rahab married Joshua and became an ancestor of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. {In that she received} (\hupodexamenˆ\). First aorist middle participle of \hupodechomai\, to welcome. {The messengers} (\tous aggelous\). Original meaning of \aggelos\ (Matthew:11:10|). In strkjv@Hebrews:11:31| we have \kataskopous\ (spies, scouts). {Sent out} (\ekbalousa\). Second aorist active participle of \ekball“\, to hurl out. {Another way} (\heterƒi hod“i\). "By another way" (instrumental case), by a window instead of a door (Joshua:2:15f.|).

rwp@James:3:1 @{Be not many teachers} (\mˆ polloi didaskaloi ginesthe\). Prohibition with \mˆ\ and present middle imperative of \ginomai\. "Stop becoming many teachers" (so many of you). There is thus a clear complaint that too many of the Jewish Christians were attempting to teach what they did not clearly comprehend. There was a call for wise teachers (verses 13f.|), not for foolish ones. This soon became an acute question, as one can see in I Cor. 12 to 14. They were not all teachers (1Corinthians:12:28f.; strkjv@14:26|). The teacher is here treated as the wise man (3:13-18|) as he ought to be. The rabbi was the teacher (Matthew:23:7f.; strkjv@John:1:38; strkjv@3:10; strkjv@20:16|). Teachers occupied an honourable position among the Christians (Ephesians:4:11; strkjv@Acts:13:1|). James counts himself a teacher (we shall receive, strkjv@3:1|) and this discussion is linked on with strkjv@1:19-27|. Teachers are necessary, but incompetent and unworthy ones do much harm. {Heavier judgment} (\meizon krima\). "Greater sentence." See strkjv@Mark:12:40; strkjv@Luke:20:47| for \perrisoteron krima\ (the sentence from the judge, strkjv@Romans:13:2|). The reason is obvious. The pretence of knowledge adds to the teacher's responsibility and condemnation.

rwp@James:3:2 @{In many things} (\polla\). Accusative neuter plural either cognate with \ptaiomen\ or accusative of general reference. On \ptaiomen\ (stumble) see on ¯2:10|. James includes himself in this list of stumblers. {If not} (\ei-ou\). Condition of first class with \ou\ (not \mˆ\) negativing the verb \ptaiei\. {In word} (\en log“i\). In speech. The teacher uses his tongue constantly and so is in particular peril on this score. {The same} (\houtos\). "This one" (not \ho autos\ the same). {A perfect man} (\teleios anˆr\). "A perfect husband" also, for \anˆr\ is husband as well as man in distinction from woman (\gunˆ\). The wife is at liberty to test her husband by this rule of the tongue. {To bridle the whole body also} (\chalinag“gˆsai kai holon to s“ma\). See strkjv@1:26| for this rare verb applied to the tongue (\gl“ssan\). Here the same metaphor is used and shown to apply to the whole body as horses are led by the mouth. The man follows his own mouth whether he controls the bridle therein (1:26|) or someone else holds the reins. James apparently means that the man who bridles his tongue does not stumble in speech and is able also to control his whole body with all its passions. See strkjv@Titus:1:11| about stopping people's mouths (\epistomiz“\).

rwp@James:3:3 @{If we put} (\ei ballomen\). Condition of the first class assumed as true. {The horses' bridles} (\t“n hipp“n tous chalinous\). \Hipp“n\ (genitive plural of \hippos\, horse, old word, in N.T. only here except in the Apocalypse), put first because the first of the several illustrations of the power and the peril of the tongue. This is the only N.T. example of \chalinos\, old word for bridle (from \chala“\ to slacken, let down), except strkjv@Revelation:14:20|. {That they may obey us} (\eis to peithesthai autous hˆmin\). Present middle infinitive of \peith“\ with \eis to\ as a purpose clause with the dative \hˆmin\ after \peithesthai\ and \autous\ the accusative of general reference. {We turn about} (\metagomen\). Present active indicative of \metag“\, late compound to change the direction (\meta\, \ag“\), to guide, in N.T. only here and verse 4|. The body of the horse follows his mouth, guided by the bridle.

rwp@James:3:4 @{The ships also} (\kai ta ploia\). Old word from \ple“\, to sail (Matthew:4:21|). Another metaphor like "horses" (\hippoi\). "There is more imagery drawn from mere natural phenomena in the one short Epistle of James than in all St. Paul's epistles put together" (Howson). {Though they are so great} (\tˆlikauta onta\). Concessive participle of \eimi\. The quantitative pronoun \tˆlikoutos\ occurs in the N.T. only here, strkjv@2Corinthians:1:10; strkjv@Hebrews:2:3; strkjv@Revelation:16:18|. If James had only seen the modern mammoth ships. But the ship on which Paul went to Malta carried 276 persons (Acts:27:37|). {And are driven} (\kai elaunomena\). Present passive participle of \elaun“\, old verb, in this sense (2Peter:2:17|) for rowing (Mark:6:48; strkjv@John:6:19|). {Rough} (\sklˆron\). Old adjective (from \skell“\, to dry up), harsh, stiff, hard (Matthew:25:24|). {Are yet turned} (\metagetai\). Present passive indicative of the same verb, \metag“\, in verse 3|. James is fond of repeating words (1:13f.; strkjv@2:14,16; strkjv@2:21,25|). {By a very small rudder} (\hupo elachistou pˆdaliou\). For the use of \hupo\ (under) with things see strkjv@Luke:8:14; strkjv@2Peter:2:7|. There is possibly personification in the use of \hupo\ for agency in strkjv@James:1:14; strkjv@2:9; strkjv@Colossians:2:18|. \Pˆdaliou\ (from \pˆdon\, the blade of an oar) is an old word, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:27:40|. \Elachistou\ is the elative superlative as in strkjv@1Corinthians:4:3| (from the Epic \elachus\ for \mikros\). {The impulse} (\hˆ hormˆ\). Old word for rapid, violent motion, here of the hand that worked the rudder, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:14:5| (rush or onset of the people). {Of the steersman} (\tou euthunontos\). Present active genitive articular participle of \euthun“\, old verb, to make straight (from \euthus\, straight, level, strkjv@Mark:1:3|), in N.T. only here and strkjv@John:1:23|. Used also of the shepherd, the charioteer, and today it would apply to the chauffeur. "The twin figure of the control of horse and of ship are frequently found together in later Greek writers" (Ropes). As in Plutarch and Philo. {Willeth} (\bouletai\). Present middle indicative of \boulomai\, common verb to will. Here intention of the steersman lies back of the impact of the hand on the rudder.

rwp@James:3:5 @{A little member} (\mikron melos\). \Melos\ is old and common word for members of the human body (1Corinthians:12:12, etc.; strkjv@Romans:6:13|, etc.). {Boasteth great things} (\megala auchei\). Present active indicative of \auche“\, old verb, here only in N.T. The best MSS. here separate \megala\ from \auche“\, though \megalauche“\ does occur in Aeschylus, Plato, etc. \Megala\ is in contrast with \mikron\. {How much--how small} (\hˆlikon--hˆlikˆn\). The same relative form for two indirect questions together, "What-sized fire kindles what-sized forest?" For double interrogatives see strkjv@Mark:15:24|. The verb \anaptei\ is present active indicative of \anapt“\, to set fire to, to kindle (Luke:12:49|, only other N.T. example except some MSS. in strkjv@Acts:28:2|). \Hulˆn\ is accusative case, object of \anaptei\, and occurs here only in N.T., though old word for forest, wood. Forest fires were common in ancient times as now, and were usually caused by small sparks carelessly thrown.

rwp@James:3:6 @{The tongue is a fire} (\hˆ gl“ssa pur\). Songs:necessarily since there is no article with \pur\ (apparently same word as German _feuer_, Latin _purus_, English _pure, fire_). This metaphor of fire is applied to the tongue in strkjv@Proverbs:16:27; strkjv@26:18-22|; Sirach strkjv@28:22. {The world of iniquity} (\ho kosmos tˆs adikias\). A difficult phrase, impossible to understand according to Ropes as it stands. If the comma is put after \pur\ instead of after \adikias\, then the phrase may be the predicate with \kathistatai\ (present passive indicative of \kathistˆmi\, "is constituted," or the present middle "presents itself"). Even so, \kosmos\ remains a difficulty, whether it means the "ornament" (1Peter:3:3|) or "evil world" (James:1:27|) or just "world" in the sense of widespread power for evil. The genitive \adikias\ is probably descriptive (or qualitative). Clearly James means to say that the tongue can play havoc in the members of the human body. {Which defileth the whole body} (\hˆ spilousa holon to s“ma\). Present active participle of \spilo“\ late _Koin‚_, verb, to stain from \spilos\ (spot, also late word, in N.T. only in strkjv@Ephesians:5:27; strkjv@2Peter:2:13|), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Judges:1:23|. Cf. strkjv@1:27| \aspilon\ (unspotted). {Setteth on fire} (\phlogizousa\). Present active participle of \phlogiz“\, old verb, to set on fire, to ignite, from \phlox\ (flame), in N.T. only in this verse. See \anaptei\ (verse 5|). {The wheel of nature} (\ton trochon genese“s\). Old word for wheel (from \trech“\, to run), only here in N.T. "One of the hardest passages in the Bible" (Hort). To what does \trochon\ refer? For \genese“s\ see strkjv@1:23| apparently in the same sense. Vincent suggests "the wheel of birth" (cf. strkjv@Matthew:1:1,18|). The ancient writers often use this same phrase (or \kuklos\, cycle, in place of \trochos\), but either in a physiological or a philosophical sense. James may have caught the metaphor from the current use, but certainly he has no such Orphic or Pythagorean doctrine of the transmigration of souls, "the unending round of death and rebirth" (Ropes). The wheel of life may be considered either in motion or standing still, though setting on fire implies motion. There is no reference to the zodiac. {And is set on fire by hell} (\kai phlogizomenˆ hupo gehennˆs\). Present passive participle of \phlogiz“\, giving the continual source of the fire in the tongue. For the metaphor of fire with \gehenna\ see strkjv@Matthew:5:22|.

rwp@James:3:7 @{Kind} (\phusis\). Old word from \phu“\, order of nature (Romans:1:26|), here of all animals and man, in strkjv@2Peter:1:4| of God and redeemed men. {Of beasts} (\thˆri“n\). Old word diminutive from \thˆr\ and so "little beasts" originally, then wild animals in general (Mark:1:13|), or quadrupeds as here. These four classes of animals come from strkjv@Genesis:9:2f|. {Birds} (\petein“n\). Old word for flying animals (from \petomai\, to word from \herp“\, to crawl (Latin _serpo_), hence serpents. {Things in the sea} (\enali“n\). Old adjective (\en, hals\, sea, salt) in the sea, here only in N.T. The four groups are put in two pairs here by the use of \te kai\ with the first two and the second two. See a different classification in strkjv@Acts:10:12; strkjv@11:6|. {Is tamed} (\damazetai\). Present passive indicative of \damaz“\, old verb kin to Latin _dominus_ and English tame, in N.T. only in this passage and strkjv@Mark:5:4|. The present tense gives the general picture of the continuous process through the ages of man's lordship over the animals as stated in strkjv@Genesis:1:28|. {Hath been tamed} (\dedamastai\). Perfect passive indicative of the same verb, repeated to present the state of conquest in some cases (domestic animals, for instance). {By mankind} (\tˆi phusei tˆi anthr“pinˆi\). Instrumental case with repeated article and repetition also of \phusis\, "by the nature the human." For \anthr“pinos\ see strkjv@Acts:17:25|.

rwp@James:3:13 @{Who} (\Tis\). Rhetorical interrogative like strkjv@Luke:11:11|. Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse 1| about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse (1Corinthians:1:5,17; strkjv@2:1-3:20|). {Wise and understanding} (\sophos kai epistˆm“n\). \Sophos\ is used for the practical teacher (verse 1|), \epistˆm“n\ (old word from \epistamai\, here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In strkjv@Deuteronomy:1:13,15; strkjv@4:6|, the two terms are practically synonyms. {Let him shew} (\deixat“\). First aorist active imperative of \deiknumi\, old verb to show. As about faith in strkjv@2:18|. Emphatic position of this verb. {By his good life} (\ek tˆs kalˆs anastrophˆs\). For this literary _Koin‚_ word from \anastrephomai\ (walk, conduct) see strkjv@Galatians:1:13|. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. strkjv@1Peter:1:15|. {In meekness of wisdom} (\en prautˆti sophias\). As in strkjv@1:21| of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. strkjv@Matthew:5:5; strkjv@11:29| and Zac strkjv@9:9| of King Messiah quoted in strkjv@Matthew:21:5|. Startling combination.

rwp@James:3:14 @{Bitter jealousy} (\zˆlon pikron\). \Zˆlos\ occurs in N.T. in good sense (John:2:17|) and bad sense (Acts:5:17|). Pride of knowledge is evil (1Corinthians:8:1|) and leaves a bitter taste. See "root of bitterness" in strkjv@Hebrews:12:14| (cf. strkjv@Ephesians:4:31|). This is a condition of the first class. {Faction} (\erithian\). Late word, from \erithos\ (hireling, from \eritheu“\ to spin wool), a pushing forward for personal ends, partisanship, as in strkjv@Phillipians:1:16|. {In your heart} (\en tˆi kardiƒi hum“n\). The real fountain (\pˆgˆ\, verse 11|). {Glory not} (\mˆ katakauchƒsthe\). Present middle imperative of \katakauchaomai\, for which see strkjv@2:13|. Wisdom is essential for the teacher. Boasting arrogance disproves the possession of wisdom. {Lie not against the truth} (\pseudesthe kata tˆs alˆtheias\). Present middle imperative of \pseudomai\, old verb, to play false, with \mˆ\ carried over. Lying against the truth is futile. By your conduct do not belie the truth which you teach; a solemn and needed lesson. Cf. strkjv@Romans:1:18f., strkjv@2:18,20|.

rwp@James:3:15 @{This wisdom} (\hautˆ hˆ sophia\). All talk and disproved by the life, counterfeit wisdom, not real wisdom (1:5; strkjv@3:17|). {Coming down from above} (\katerchomenˆ an“then\). As in strkjv@1:5,17|. All true wisdom comes from God. {Earthly} (\epigeios\). Old adjective, on earth (\epi, gˆ\), as in strkjv@John:3:12|, then with earthly limitations (Phillipians:3:19|), as here. {Sensual} (\psuchikˆ\). Old adjective, belonging to the \psuchˆ\, the sensuous or animal life (1Corinthians:2:14| and here). {Devilish} (\daimoni“dˆs\). Late adjective from \daimonion\ (demon) and so demoniacal or demon-like, here only in N.T.

rwp@James:3:17 @{First pure} (\pr“ton men hagnˆ\). First in rank and time. \Hagnos\ is from the same root as \hagios\ (holy), old adjective, pure from fault, not half-good and half-bad, like that above. {Then peaceable} (\epeita eirˆnikˆ\). Old adjective from \eirˆnˆ\ (peace), loving peace here, bringing peace in strkjv@Hebrews:12:11| (only N.T. examples). But clearly great as peace is, purity (righteousness) comes before peace and peace at any price is not worth the having. Hence Jesus spurned the devil's peace of surrender. {Gentle} (\epieikˆs\). Old adjective (from \eikos\, reasonable, fair), equitable (Phillipians:4:5; strkjv@1Peter:2:18|). No English word renders it clearly. {Easy to be entreated} (\eupeithˆs\). Old adjective (\eu, peithomai\), compliant, approachable. Only here in N.T. {Mercy} (\eleous\). Practical help (2:13,16|). {Good fruits} (\karp“n agath“n\). \Kaloi karpoi\ in strkjv@Matthew:7:17f|. Good deeds the fruit of righteousness (Phillipians:1:11|). {Without variance} (\adiakritos\). Late verbal adjective (from alpha privative and \diakrin“\, to distinguish). "Unhesitating," not doubting (\diakrinomenos\) like the man in strkjv@1:6|. Here only in N.T. This wisdom does not put a premium on doubt. {Without hypocrisy} (\anupokritos\). Late and rare verbal adjective (alpha privative and \hupokrin“\). Not hypocritical, sincere, unfeigned (Romans:12:9|).

rwp@James:3:18 @{Is sown in peace} (\en eirˆnˆi speiretai\). Present passive indicative of \speir“\, to sow. The seed which bears the fruit is sown, but James catches up the metaphor of \karpos\ (fruit) from verse 17|. Only in peace is the fruit of righteousness found. {For them that make peace} (\tois poiousin eirˆnˆn\). Dative case of the articular participle of \poie“\. See strkjv@Ephesians:2:15| for this phrase (doing peace), and strkjv@Colossians:1:20| for \eirˆnopoie“\, of Christ, and strkjv@Matthew:5:9| for \eirˆnopoioi\ (peacemakers). Only those who act peaceably are entitled to peace.

rwp@James:4:1 @{Whence} (\pothen\). This old interrogative adverb (here twice) asks for the origin of wars and fights. James is full of interrogatives, like all diatribes. {Wars} (\polemoi\) {--fightings} (\machai\). {War} (\polemos\, old word, strkjv@Matthew:24:6|) pictures the chronic state or campaign, while \machˆ\ (also old word, strkjv@2Corinthians:7:5|) presents the separate conflicts or battles in the war. Songs:James covers the whole ground by using both words. The origin of a war or of any quarrel is sometimes hard to find, but James touches the sore spot here. {Of your pleasures} (\ek t“n hˆdon“n hum“n\). Old word from \hˆdomai\. Ablative case here after \ek\, "out of your sinful, sensual lusts," the desire to get what one does not have and greatly desires. {That war} (\t“n strateuomen“n\). Present middle articular participle (ablative case agreeing with \hˆdon“n\) of \strateu“\, to carry on a campaign, here as in strkjv@1Peter:2:11| of the passions in the human body. James seems to be addressing nominal Christians, "among you" (\en humin\). Modern church disturbances are old enough in practice.

rwp@James:4:2 @{Ye lust} (\epithumeite\). Present active indicative of \epithume“\, old word (from \epi, thumos\, yearning passion for), not necessarily evil as clearly not in strkjv@Luke:22:15| of Christ, but usually so in the N.T., as here. Coveting what a man or nation does not have is the cause of war according to James. {Ye kill and covet} (\phoneuete kai zˆloute\). Present active indicatives of \phoneu“\ (old verb from \phoneus\, murderer) and \zˆlo“\, to desire hotly to possess (1Corinthians:12:31|). It is possible (perhaps probable) that a full stop should come after \phoneuete\ (ye kill) as the result of lusting and not having. Then we have the second situation: "Ye covet and cannot obtain (\epituchein\, second aorist active infinitive of \epitugchan“\), and (as a result) ye fight and war." This punctuation makes better sense than any other and is in harmony with verse 1|. Thus also the anticlimax in \phoneuete\ and \zˆloute\ is avoided. Mayor makes the words a hendiadys, "ye murderously envy." {Ye have not, because ye ask not} (\ouk echete dia to mˆ aiteisthai humas\). James refers again to \ouk echete\ (ye do not have) in verse 2|. Such sinful lusting will not obtain. "Make the service of God your supreme end, and then your desires will be such as God can fulfil in answer to your prayer" (Ropes). Cf. strkjv@Matthew:6:31-33|. The reason here is expressed by \dia\ and the accusative of the articular present middle infinitive of \aite“\, used here of prayer to God as in strkjv@Matthew:7:7f|. \Humƒs\ (you) is the accusative of general reference. Note the middle voice here as in \aiteisthe\ in 3|. Mayor argues that the middle here, in contrast with the active, carries more the spirit of prayer, but Moulton (_Prol_., p. 160) regards the distinction between \aite“\ and \aiteomai\ often "an extinct subtlety."

rwp@James:4:3 @{Because ye ask amiss} (\dioti kak“s aiteisthe\). Here the indirect middle does make sense, "ye ask for yourselves" and that is "evilly" or amiss (\kak“s\), as James explains. {That ye may spend it in your pleasures} (\hina en tais hˆdonais hum“n dapanˆsˆte\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist subjunctive of \dapana“\, old verb from \dapanˆ\, cost (Luke:14:28| only in N.T.), to squander (Luke:15:14|). God does not hear prayers like this.

rwp@James:4:5 @{The Scripture} (\hˆ graphˆ\). Personification as in strkjv@Galatians:3:8; strkjv@James:2:23|. But no O.T. passage is precisely like this, though it is "a poetical rendering" (Ropes) of strkjv@Exodus:20:5|. The general thought occurs also in strkjv@Genesis:6:3-5; strkjv@Isaiah:63:8-16|, etc. Paul has the same idea also (Galatians:5:17,21; strkjv@Romans:8:6,8|). It is possible that the reference is really to the quotation in verse 6| from strkjv@Proverbs:3:34| and treating all before as a parenthesis. There is no way to decide positively. {In vain} (\ken“s\). Old adverb (Aristotle) from \ken“s\ (2:20|), here alone in N.T. "Emptily," not meaning what it says. {Made to dwell} (\kat“ikisen\). First aorist active of \katoikiz“\, old verb, to give a dwelling to, only here in N.T. {Long unto envying} (\pros phthonon epipothei\). A difficult phrase. Some even take \pros phthonon\ with \legei\ rather than with \epipothei\, as it naturally does go, meaning "jealously." But even so, with God presented as a jealous lover, does \to pneuma\ refer to the Holy Spirit as the subject of \epipothei\ or to man's spirit as the object of \epipothei\? Probably the former and \epipothei\ then means to yearn after in the good sense as in strkjv@Phillipians:1:8|.

rwp@James:4:6 @{More grace} (\meizona charin\). "Greater grace." Greater than what? "Greater grace in view of the greater requirement" (Ropes), like strkjv@Romans:5:20f|. God does this. {Wherefore} (\dio\). To prove this point James quotes strkjv@Proverbs:3:34|. {God resisteth the proud} (\ho theos huperˆphanois antitassetai\). Present middle (direct) indicative of \antitass“\, old military term, to range in battle against, with dative case (Romans:13:2|) as in strkjv@5:6|. \Huperˆphanois\ (\huper, phainomai\) is like our vernacular "stuck-up folks" (Romans:1:30|), "haughty persons." {But giveth grace to the humble} (\tapeinois de did“sin charin\). Anarthrous adjective again, "to humble or lowly persons," for which word see strkjv@1:9f|. Cf. strkjv@2:5-7; strkjv@5:1-6|.

rwp@James:4:8 @{Draw nigh to God} (\eggisate t“i the“i\). First aorist active imperative of \eggiz“\, late verb from \eggus\ (near) as in strkjv@Matthew:3:2|. With dative case again of personal relation. The priests in the sanctuary drew nigh to God (Exodus:19:22|), as we should now. {Cleanse your hands} (\katharisate cheiras\). First aorist active imperative of \kathariz“\, to cleanse, from dirt in a ritual sense (Exodus:30:19-21; strkjv@Mark:7:3,19|). Here it is figurative, as in strkjv@Hosea:1:16; strkjv@Psalms:24:4|. If we always had clean (from sin) hands and hearts? {Ye sinners} (\hamart“loi\). A sharp term to strike the conscience, "a reproach meant to startle and sting" (Ropes). {Purify your hearts} (\hagnisate kardias\). First aorist active imperative of \hagniz“\, old verb from \hagnos\ (James:3:17|), ceremonially (Acts:21:24,26|), but here morally as in strkjv@1Peter:1:22; strkjv@1John:3:3|. Anarthrous use of \kardias\ as of \cheiras\ (wash hands, purify hearts). {Ye double-minded} (\dipsuchoi\). As in strkjv@1:8|.

rwp@James:4:9 @{Be afflicted} (\talaip“rˆsate\). First aorist active imperative \talaip“re“\, old verb from \talaip“ros\ (Romans:7:24|), to endure toils, here only in N.T. Cf. \talaip“riais\ in strkjv@5:1|. {Mourn} (\penthˆsate\). First aorist active imperative of \penthe“\, old verb from \penthos\ (mourning, strkjv@4:9|), as in strkjv@Matthew:5:4f|. Often in N.T. joined as here with \klai“\, to weep (Mark:16:10; strkjv@Luke:6:25|). A call to the godly sorrow spoken of in strkjv@2Corinthians:7:10| (Mayor), like an O.T. prophet. {Weep} (\klausate\). First aorist active imperative of \klai“\. {Laughter} (\gel“s\). Old word from Homer down, only here in N.T. as \gela“\, to {laugh} (opposite of \klai“\), in N.T. only in strkjv@Luke:6:21,25|, but \katagela“\ in strkjv@Luke:8:53| (Mark:5:40; strkjv@Matthew:9:24|). {Be turned} (\metatrapˆt“\). Second aorist passive imperative of \metatrep“\, old word, to turn about, to transmute, in Homer (not in Attic), here only in N.T. {Heaviness} (\katˆpheian\). Old word from \katˆphˆs\ (of a downcast look, from \kata\, \phaˆ\ eyes), hanging down of the eyes like the publican in strkjv@Luke:18:13|, here only in N.T.

rwp@James:4:11 @{Speak not one against another} (\mˆ katalaleite allˆl“n\). Prohibition against such a habit or a command to quit doing it, with \mˆ\ and the present imperative of \katalale“\, old compound usually with the accusative in ancient Greek, in N.T. only with the genitive (here, strkjv@1Peter:2:12; strkjv@3:16|). Often harsh words about the absent. James returns to the subject of the tongue as he does again in strkjv@5:12| (twice before, strkjv@1:26; strkjv@3:1-12|). {Judgeth} (\krin“n\). In the sense of harsh judgment as in strkjv@Matthew:7:1; strkjv@Luke:6:37| (explained by \katadikaz“\). {Not a doer of the law, but a judge} (\ouk poiˆtˆs nomou, alla kritˆs\). This tone of superiority to law is here sharply condemned. James has in mind God's law, of course, but the point is the same for all laws under which we live. We cannot select the laws which we will obey unless some contravene God's law, and so our own conscience (Acts:4:20|). Then we are willing to give our lives for our rebellion if need be.

rwp@James:4:13 @{Go to now} (\age nun\). Interjectional use of \age\ (from \ag“\) as in strkjv@5:1| (only N.T. instances) with a plural verb (\hoi legontes\, present active articular participle, ye that say) as is common in ancient Greek like \ide nun ˆkousate\ (Matthew:26:65|). {Today or tomorrow} (\sˆmeron ˆ aurion\). Correct text (Aleph B), not \kai\ (and). {Into this city} (\eis tˆnde tˆn polin\). Old demonstrative \hode\, rare in N.T. (Luke:10:39|) save in neuter plural \tade\ (these things strkjv@Acts:21:11|). One would point out the city on the map (Mayor) as he made the proposal (we will go, \poreusometha\). {And spend a year there} (\kai poiˆsomen ekei eniauton\). Another future (active of \poie“\). "We will do a year there." {And trade} (\kai emporeusometha\). Future middle of \emporeuomai\ (\en, poreuomai\, to go in), old verb from \emporos\ (a merchant or trader, a drummer, one going in and getting the trade, strkjv@Matthew:13:45|), a vivid picture of the Jewish merchants of the time. {And get gain} (\kai kerdˆsomen\). Future (Ionic form) active of \kerdain“\, old verb from \kerdos\ (gain, strkjv@Phillipians:1:21|), as in strkjv@Matthew:16:26|.

rwp@James:4:14 @{Whereas ye know not} (\hoitines ouk epistasthe\). The longer relative \hostis\ defines here more precisely (like Latin _qui_) \hoi legontes\ (ye who say) of verse 13| in a causal sense, as in strkjv@Acts:10:47|, "who indeed do not know" (present middle indicative of \epistamai\). {What shall be on the morrow} (\tˆs aurion\). Supply \hˆmeras\ (day) after \aurion\. This is the reading of B (Westcott) "on the morrow" (genitive of time), but Aleph K L cursives have \to tˆs aurion\ ("the matter of tomorrow"), while A P cursives have \ta tˆs aurion\ ("the things of tomorrow"). The sense is practically the same, though \to tˆs aurion\ is likely correct. {What is your life?} (\poia hˆ z“ˆ hum“n\). Thus Westcott and Hort punctuate it as an indirect question, not direct. \Poia\ is a qualitative interrogative (of what character). {As vapour} (\atmis\). This is the answer. Old word for mist (like \atmos\, from which our "atmosphere"), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:2:19| with \kapnou\ (vapour of smoke (from strkjv@Joel:2:30|). {For a little time} (\pros oligon\). See same phrase in strkjv@1Timothy:4:8|, \pros kairon\ in strkjv@Luke:8:13|, \pros h“ran\ in strkjv@John:5:35|. {That appeareth and then vanisheth away} (\phainomenˆ epeita kai aphanizomenˆ\). Present middle participles agreeing with \atmis\, "appearing, then also disappearing," with play on the two verbs (\phainomai, aphaniz“\ as in strkjv@Matthew:6:19|, from \aphanˆs\ hidden strkjv@Hebrews:4:13|) with the same root \phan\ (\phain“, a-phan-ˆs\).

rwp@James:4:17 @{To him that knoweth} (\eidoti\). Dative case of second perfect participle \eid“s\ (from \oida\), and with the infinitive to know how, "to one knowing how." {To do good} (\kalon poiein\). "To do a good deed." {And doeth it not} (\kai mˆ poiounti\). Dative again of the present active participle of \poie“\, "and to one not doing it." Cf. "not a doer" (1:23|) and strkjv@Matthew:7:26|. {Sin} (\hamartia\). Unused knowledge of one's duty is sin, the sin of omission. Cf. strkjv@Matthew:23:23|.

rwp@John:4:38 @{I sent} (\eg“ apesteila\). Emphatic use of \eg“\ and first aorist active indicative of \apostell“\ common in John for to send. {Whereon ye have not laboured} (\ho ouch humeis kekopiakate\). Perfect active indicative of \kopia“\ for which see strkjv@4:6|. Songs:also \kekopiakasin\ in next line. The disciples had done no sowing here in Sychar, only Jesus and the woman. {Others} (\alloi\: Jesus, the Baptist, the prophets). {And ye} (\kai humeis\). Emphatic contrast. {Have entered} (\eiselˆluthate\). Perfect active indicative of \eiserchomai\. {Into their labour} (\eis ton kopon aut“n\). Into the fruit and blessed results of their toil (\kopos\). This is always true as seen in strkjv@Acts:8:5-7,14f|.

rwp@John:4:42 @{Not because of thy speaking} (\ouketi dia tˆn sˆn lalian\). "No longer because of thy talk," good and effective as that was. \Lalia\ (cf. \lale“\) is talk, talkativeness, mode of speech, one's vernacular, used by Jesus of his own speech (John:8:43|). {We have heard} (\akˆkoamen\). Perfect active indicative of \akou“\, their abiding experience. {For ourselves} (\autoi\). Just "ourselves." {The Saviour of the world} (\ho s“tˆr tou kosmou\). See strkjv@Matthew:1:21| for s“sei used of Jesus by the angel Gabriel. John applies the term \s“tˆr\ to Jesus again in strkjv@1John:4:14|. Jesus had said to the woman that salvation is of the Jews (verse 22|). He clearly told the Samaritans during these two days that he was the Messiah as he had done to the woman (verse 26|) and explained that to mean Saviour of Samaritans as well as Jews. Sanday thinks that probably John puts this epithet of Saviour in the mouth of the Samaritans, but adds: "At the same time it is possible that such an epithet might be employed by them merely as synonymous with Messiah." But why "merely"? Was it not natural for these Samaritans who took Jesus as their "Saviour," Jew as he was, to enlarge the idea to the whole world? Bernard has this amazing statement on strkjv@John:4:42|: "That in the first century Messiah was given the title s“tˆr is not proven." The use of "saviour and god" for Ptolemy in the third century B.C. is well known. "The ample materials collected by Magie show that the full title of honour, Saviour of the world, with which St. John adorns the Master, was bestowed with sundry variations in the Greek expression on Julius Caesar, Augustus, Claudius, Vespasian, Titus, Trajan, Hadrian, and other Emperors in inscriptions in the Hellenistic East" (Deissmann, _Light_, etc., p. 364). Perhaps Bernard means that the Jews did not call Messiah Saviour. But what of it? The Romans so termed their emperors and the New Testament so calls Christ (Luke:2:11; strkjv@John:4:42; strkjv@Acts:5:31; strkjv@3:23; strkjv@Phillipians:3:20; strkjv@Ephesians:5:23; strkjv@Titus:1:4; strkjv@2:13; strkjv@3:6; strkjv@2Timothy:1:10; strkjv@2Peter:1:1,11; strkjv@2:20; strkjv@3:2,18|). All these are writings of the first century A.D. The Samaritan villagers rise to the conception that he was the Saviour of the world.

rwp@John:4:43 @{After the two days} (\Meta tas duo hˆmeras\). Those in verse 40|. {Into Galilee} (\eis tˆn Galilaian\). As he had started to do (verse 3|) before the interruption at Sychar.

rwp@John:4:44 @{For Jesus himself testified} (\autos gar Iˆsous emarturˆsen\). John's explanation of the conduct of Jesus by quoting a proverb often used by Jesus (Mark:6:4; strkjv@Matthew:13:57; strkjv@Luke:4:24| in reference to Nazareth), but not necessarily used by Jesus on this occasion. A similar proverb has been found in Plutarch, Pliny, Seneca. {A prophet hath no honour in his own country} (\prophˆtˆs en tˆi idiƒi patridi timˆn ouk echei\). What is meant by \patridi\? In the Synoptics (Luke:4:24; strkjv@Mark:6:4; strkjv@Matthew:13:57|) the reference is to Nazareth where he was twice rejected. But what has John in mind in quoting it here? He probably knew the quotations in the Synoptics. Does John refer to Judea by "his own country"? If so, the application hardly fits for he had already explained that Jesus was leaving Judea because he was too popular there (4:1-3|). If he means Galilee, he immediately mentions the cordial welcome accorded Jesus there (verse 45|). But even so this is probably John's meaning for he is speaking of the motive of Jesus in going into Galilee where he had not yet laboured and where he apparently had no such fame as in Judea and now in Samaria.

rwp@John:4:45 @{Songs:when} (\hote oun\). Transitional use of \oun\, sequence, not consequence. {Received him} (\edexanto auton\). First aorist middle of \dechomai\, "welcomed him." Jesus had evidently anticipated a quiet arrival. {Having seen} (\he“rakotes\). Perfect active participle of \hora“\. Note \the“rountes\ in strkjv@2:23| about this very thing at the feast in Jerusalem. The miracles of Jesus at that first passover made a stir. {For they also went} (\kai autoi gar ˆlthon\). The Samaritans did not go and so Jesus was a new figure to them, but the Galileans, as orthodox Jews, did go and so were predisposed in his favour.

rwp@John:4:47 @{When he heard} (\akousas\). First aorist active participle of \akou“\. The news spread rapidly about Jesus. {Was come} (\hˆkei\). Present active indicative of \hˆk“\, one of the perfective presents, retained in indirect discourse. He had heard the people talk about the miracles in Jerusalem and the first one in Cana. {Went and besought} (\apˆlthen kai ˆr“ta\). Ingressive aorist indicative (went off at once) and imperfect active (\ˆr“ta\, began to beg and kept it up). {That he would come down} (\hina katabˆi\, \hina\ and second aorist active subjunctive of \katabain“\, come down at once) {and heal his son} (\kai iasˆtai autou ton huion\, \hina\ construction, sub-final use or object clause, with first aorist middle subjunctive of \iaomai\, completely heal). {For he was at the point of death} (\ˆmellen gar apothnˆskein\). Reason (\gar\) for the urgency. Imperfect active of \mell“\ with present active infinitive old and common verb for what is about to be and it is used with the infinitive present as here, the aorist infinitive (Revelation:13:16|), or the future infinitive (Acts:11:28|). The idiom is used of the impending death of Jesus (John:11:51; strkjv@12:33; strkjv@18:32|).

rwp@John:4:48 @{Except ye see} (\ean mˆ idˆte\). Condition of the third class (\ean mˆ\, negative, with second aorist active subjunctive of \hora“\). Jesus is not discounting his "signs and wonders" (\sˆmeia kai terata\, both words together here only in John, though common in N.T. as in strkjv@Matthew:24:24; strkjv@Mark:13:22; strkjv@Acts:2:19,22,43; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:9; strkjv@Hebrews:2:4|), though he does seem disappointed that he is in Galilee regarded as a mere miracle worker. {Ye will in no wise believe} (\ou mˆ pisteusˆte\). Strong double negative with aorist active subjunctive of \pisteu“\, picturing the stubborn refusal of people to believe in Christ without miracles.

rwp@John:4:49 @{Sir} (\Kurie\). See strkjv@1:38|. {Come down} (\katabˆthi\). Second aorist active imperative, tense and tone of urgency. \Ere my child die\ (\prin apothanein to paidion mou\). Regular idiom with \prin\ in positive clause, second aorist active infinitive of \apothnˆsk“\ and accusative of general reference, "before dying as to my child." Bengel notes that he only thought Jesus had power before death as even Martha and Mary felt at first (11:21,32|). But the father's heart goes out to Jesus.

rwp@John:4:51 @{As he was now going down} (\ˆdˆ autou katabainontos\). Genitive absolute in-spite of the fact that \aut“i\ (associative instrumental case with \hupˆntˆsan\ aorist active indicative of \hupanta“\) is near. {That his son lived} (\hoti ho pais autou zˆi\). Present active indicative preserved in indirect discourse (cf. the words of Jesus in verse 50|). Note \pais\ here (only example in John), \huios\ in 50|, \paidion\ (diminutive of tenderness) in 49|.

rwp@John:4:52 @{Inquired} (\eputheto\). Second aorist middle indicative of \punthanomai\. {Began to mend} (\kompsoteron eschen\). Second aorist ingressive active indicative of \ech“\ (took a turn, got better) and comparative of adverb \komps“s\. Arrian (_Epictetus iii. 10.13) has \komps“s echeis\ from a physician, "Thou hast it fine," "Thou art doing finely." The papyri give several similar examples. \Komps“s\ (neat) is from \kome“\, to take care of. {At the seventh hour} (\h“ran hebdomˆn\). The accusative case without a preposition as in strkjv@Revelation:3:3|, though we have \peri h“ran enatˆn\ (about the ninth hour) in strkjv@Acts:10:3|. See the accusative also in strkjv@Exodus:9:18| \tautˆn tˆn h“ran aurion\ (tomorrow about this hour). The accusative has the notion of extension and can be thus loosely used. It can even mean here "during the seventh hour." In verse 53| the locative is more exact, "at that hour" (\en ekeinˆi tˆi h“rƒi\). The seventh hour would be (Roman time) seven P.M.

rwp@John:5:1 @{After these things} (\meta tauta\). John is fond of this vague phrase (3:22; strkjv@6:1|). He does not mean that this incident follows immediately. He is supplementing the Synoptic Gospels and does not attempt a full story of the work of Jesus. Some scholars needlessly put chapter 5 after chapter 6 because in chapter 6 Jesus is in Galilee as at the end of chapter 4. But surely it is not incongruous to think of Jesus making a visit to Jerusalem before the events in chapter 6 which undoubtedly come within a year of the end (6:4|). {A feast of the Jews} (\heortˆ t“n Ioudai“n\). Some manuscripts have the article (\hˆ\) "the feast" which would naturally mean the passover. As a matter of fact there is no way of telling what feast it was which Jesus here attended. Even if it was not the passover, there may well be another passover not mentioned besides the three named by John (2:13,23; strkjv@6:4: strkjv@12:1|). {Went up} (\anebˆ\). Second aorist active indicative of \anabain“\. It was up towards Jerusalem from every direction save from Hebron.

rwp@John:5:3 @{In these} (\en tautais\). In these five porches. {Lay} (\katekeito\). Imperfect middle of \katakeimai\, to lie down, singular number because \plˆthos\ (multitude) is a collective substantive. {Withered} (\xˆr“n\). Old adjective \xˆros\ for dry, wasted as the hand (Matthew:12:10|). The oldest and best manuscripts omit what the Textus Receptus adds here "waiting for the moving of the water" (\ekdechomenon tˆn tou hudatos kinˆsin\), a Western and Syrian addition to throw light on the word \tarachthˆi\ (is troubled) in verse 7|.

rwp@John:5:4 @All of this verse is wanting in the oldest and best manuscripts like Aleph B C D W 33 Old Syriac, Coptic versions, Latin Vulgate. It is undoubtedly added, like the clause in verse 3|, to make clearer the statement in verse 7|. Tertullian is the earliest writer to mention it. The Jews explained the healing virtues of the intermittent spring by the ministry of angels. But the periodicity of such angelic visits makes it difficult to believe. It is a relief to many to know that the verse is spurious.

rwp@John:5:6 @{Knew that he had been a long time} (\gnous hoti polun ˆdˆ chronon echei\). How Jesus "knew" (\gnous\, second aorist active participle of \gin“sk“\) we are not told, whether supernatural knowledge (2:24f.|) or observation or overhearing people's comments. In \ˆdˆ echei\ we have a progressive present active indicative, "he has already been having much time" (\chronon\, accusative of extent of time). {Wouldest thou be made whole?} (\Theleis hugiˆs genesthai;\). "Dost thou wish to become whole?" Predicate nominative \hugiˆs\ with \genesthai\ (second aorist middle infinitive). It was a pertinent and sympathetic question.

rwp@John:5:18 @{Sought the more} (\mallon ezˆtoun\). Imperfect active of \zˆte“\, graphic picture of increased and untiring effort "to kill him" (\auton apokteinai\, first aorist active, to kill him off and be done with him). John repeats this clause "they sought to kill him" in strkjv@7:1,19,25; strkjv@8:37,40|. Their own blood was up on this Sabbath issue and they bend every energy to put Jesus to death. If this is a passover, this bitter anger, murderous wrath, will go on and grow for two years. {Not only brake the Sabbath} (\ou monon elue to sabbaton\). Imperfect active of \lu“\. He was now a common and regular Sabbath-breaker. \Lu“\ means to loosen, to set at naught. The papyri give examples of \lu“\ in this sense like \luein ta penthˆ\ (to break the period of mourning). This was the first grudge against Jesus, but his defence had made the offence worse and had given them a far graver charge. {But also called God his own Father} (\alla kai patera idion elege ton theon\). "His own" (\idion\) in a sense not true of others. That is precisely what Jesus meant by "My Father." See strkjv@Romans:8:32| for \ho idios huios\, "his own Son." {Making himself equal with God} (\ison heauton poi“n t“i the“i\). \Isos\ is an old common adjective (in papyri also) and means {equal}. In strkjv@Phillipians:2:6| Paul calls the Pre-incarnate Christ \isa the“i\, "equal to God" (plural \isa\, attributes of God). Bernard thinks that Jesus would not claim to be \isos the“i\ because in strkjv@John:14:28| he says: "The Father is greater than I." And yet he says in strkjv@14:7| that the one who sees him sees in him the Father. Certainly the Jews understood Jesus to claim equality with the Father in nature and privilege and power as also in strkjv@10:33; strkjv@19:7|. Besides, if the Jews misunderstood Jesus on this point, it was open and easy for him to deny it and to clear up the misapprehension. This is precisely what he does not do. On the contrary Jesus gives a powerful apologetic in defence of his claim to equality with the Father (verses 19-47|).

rwp@John:5:19 @{The Son} (\ho huios\). The absolute use of the Son in relation to the Father admitting the charge in verse 18| and defending his equality with the Father. {Can do nothing by himself} (\ou dunatai poiein aph'heautou ouden\). True in a sense of every man, but in a much deeper sense of Christ because of the intimate relation between him and the Father. See this same point in strkjv@5:30; strkjv@7:28; strkjv@8:28; strkjv@14:10|. Jesus had already made it in strkjv@5:17|. Now he repeats and defends it. {But what he seeth the Father doing} (\an mˆ ti blepˆi ton patera poiounta\). Rather, "unless he sees the Father doing something." Negative condition (\an mˆ\=\ean mˆ\, if not, unless) of third class with present (habit) subjunctive (\blepˆi\) and present active participle (\poiounta\). It is a supreme example of a son copying the spirit and work of a father. In his work on earth the Son sees continually what the Father is doing. In healing this poor man he was doing what the Father wishes him to do. {For what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner} (\ha gar an ekeinos poiˆi tauta kai ho huios homoi“s poiei\). Indefinite relative clause with \an\ and the present active subjunctive (\poiˆi\). Note \ekeinos\, emphatic demonstrative, that one, referring to the Father. This sublime claim on the part of Jesus will exasperate his enemies still more.

rwp@John:5:20 @{Loveth} (\philei\). In strkjv@3:35| we have \agapƒi\ from \agapa“\, evidently one verb expressing as noble a love as the other. Sometimes a distinction (21:17|) is made, but not here, unless \phile“\ presents the notion of intimate friendship (\philos\, friend), fellowship, the affectionate side, while \agapa“\ (Latin _diligo_) is more the intelligent choice. But John uses both verbs for the mystery of love of the Father for the Son. {Greater works than these} (\meizona tout“n erga\). \Tout“n\ is ablative case after the comparative \meizona\ (from \megas\, great). John often uses \erga\ for the miracles of Christ (5:36; strkjv@7:3,21; strkjv@10:25,32,38|, etc.). It is the Father who does these works (14:10|). There is more to follow. Even the disciples will surpass what Christ is doing in the extent of the work (14:12|). \Deixei\ is future active indicative of \deiknumi\, to show. See also strkjv@10:32|. {That ye may marvel} (\hina humeis thaumazˆte\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and present active subjunctive of \thaumaz“\. Wonder belongs to childhood and to men of knowledge. Modern science has increased the occasion for wonder. Clement of Alexandria has a saying of Jesus: "He that wonders shall reign, and he that reigns shall rest."

rwp@John:5:21 @{Quickeneth whom he will} (\hous thelei z“opoiei\). Present active indicative of \z“opoie“\ (from \z“opoios\, making alive), common in Paul (1Corinthians:15:45|, etc.). As yet, so far as we know, Jesus had not raised the dead, but he claims the power to do it on a par with the power of the Father. The raising of the son of the widow of Nain (Luke:7:11-17|) is not far ahead, followed by the message to the Baptist which speaks of this same power (Luke:7:22; strkjv@Matthew:11:5|), and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Matthew:9:18,22-26|). Jesus exercises this power on those "whom he wills." Christ has power to quicken both body and soul.

rwp@John:5:23 @{That all may honour the Son} (\hina pantes tim“sin ton huion\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and present active subjunctive of \tima“\ (may keep on honouring the Son). {He that honoureth not the Son} (\ho mˆ tim“n ton huion\). Articular present active participle of \tima“\ with negative \mˆ\. Jesus claims here the same right to worship from men that the Father has. Dishonouring Jesus is dishonouring the Father who sent him (8:49; strkjv@12:26; strkjv@15:23; strkjv@1John:2:23|). See also strkjv@Luke:10:16|. There is small comfort here for those who praise Jesus as teacher and yet deny his claims to worship. The Gospel of John carries this high place for Christ throughout, but so do the other Gospels (even Q, the Logia of Jesus) and the rest of the New Testament.

rwp@John:5:29 @{Unto the resurrection of life} (\eis anastasin z“ˆs\). \Anastasis\ is an old word (Aeschylus) from \anistˆmi\, to raise up, to arise. This combination occurs nowhere else in the N.T. nor does "the resurrection of judgement" (\eis anastasin krise“s\), but in strkjv@Luke:14:14| there is the similar phrase "in the resurrection of the just" (\en tˆi anastasei t“n dikai“n\). Only there note both articles. Here without the articles it can mean "to a resurrection of life" and "to a resurrection of judgement," though the result is practically the same. There are two resurrections as to result, one to life, one to judgement. See both in strkjv@Daniel:12:2|.

rwp@John:5:31 @{If I bear witness of myself} (\Ean eg“ martur“ peri emautou\). Condition of third class, undetermined with prospect of determination (\ean\ and present active subjunctive of \marture“\). The emphasis is on \eg“\ (I alone with no other witness). {Is not true} (\ouk estin alˆthˆs\). In law the testimony of a witness is not received in his own case (Jewish, Greek, Roman law). See strkjv@Deuteronomy:19:15| and the allusion to it by Jesus in strkjv@Matthew:18:16|. See also strkjv@2Corinthians:13:1; strkjv@1Timothy:5:19|. And yet in strkjv@8:12-19| Jesus claims that his witness concerning himself is true because the Father gives confirmation of his message. The Father and the Son are the two witnesses (8:17|). It is a paradox and yet true. But here Jesus yields to the rabbinical demand for proof outside of himself. He has the witness of another (the Father, strkjv@5:32,37|), the witness of the Baptist (5:33|), the witness of the works of Jesus (5:36|), the witness of the Scriptures (5:39|), the witness of Moses in particular (5:45|).

rwp@John:5:34 @{But the witness which I receive} (\Eg“ de ou tˆn marturian lamban“\). "But I do not receive the witness" simply from a man (like John). The \eg“\ (I) in sharp contrast with \humeis\ (ye) of verse 33|. Jesus complained of Nicodemus for not accepting his witness (3:11|). Cf. also strkjv@3:32|. In strkjv@1John:5:9| the witness of God is greater than that of men and this Jesus has. {That ye may be saved} (\hina humeis s“thˆte\). Final clause with \hina\ and first aorist passive subjunctive of \s“z“\. This was the purpose of Christ's coming, that the world might be saved (3:17|).

rwp@John:5:37 @{He hath borne witness} (\ekeinos memarturˆken\). \Ekeinos\ (that one; cf. strkjv@5:35,38|), not \autos\. Perfect active indicative of \marture“\, the direct witness of the Father, besides the indirect witness of the works. Jesus is not speaking of the voice of the Father at his baptism (Mark:1:11|), the transfiguration (Mark:9:7|), nor even at the time of the visit of the Greeks (John:12:28|). This last voice was heard by many who thought it was thunder or an angel. The language of Jesus refers to the witness of the Father in the heart of the believers as is made plain in strkjv@1John:5:9,10|. God's witness does not come by audible "voice" (\ph“nˆn\) nor visible "form" (\eidos\). Cf. strkjv@1:18; strkjv@6:46; strkjv@1John:4:12|. \Akˆkoate\ is perfect active indicative of \akou“\, to hear, and \he“rakate\ is perfect active indicative of \hora“\, to see. It is a permanent state of failure to hear and see God. The experience of Jacob in Peniel (Genesis:32:30|) was unusual, but Jesus will say that those who have seen him have seen the Father (John:14:9|), but here he means the Father's "voice" and "form" as distinct from the Son.

rwp@John:5:39 @{Ye search} (\eraunƒte\). Proper spelling as the papyri show rather than \ereunƒte\, the old form (from \ereuna\, search) as in strkjv@7:52|. The form here can be either present active indicative second person plural or the present active imperative second person plural. Only the context can decide. Either makes sense here, but the reason given "because ye think" (\hoti humeis dokeite\, clearly indicative), supports the indicative rather than the imperative. Besides, Jesus is arguing on the basis of their use of "the Scriptures" (\tas graphas\). The plural with the article refers to the well-known collection in the Old Testament (Matthew:21:42; strkjv@Luke:24:27|). Elsewhere in John the singular refers to a particular passage (2:22; strkjv@7:38; strkjv@10:35|). {In them ye have eternal life} (\en autais z“ˆn ai“nion echein\). Indirect assertion after \dokeite\ without "ye" expressed either as nominative (\humeis\) or accusative (\humas\). Bernard holds that in John \doke“\ always indicates a mistaken opinion (5:45; strkjv@11:13,31; strkjv@13:29; strkjv@16:20; strkjv@20:15|). Certainly the rabbis did make a mechanical use of the letter of Scripture as a means of salvation. {These are they} (\ekeinai eisin hai\). The true value of the Scriptures is in their witness to Christ (of me, \peri emou\). Luke (24:27,45|) gives this same claim of Jesus, and yet some critics fail to find the Messiah in the Old Testament. But Jesus did.

rwp@John:5:41 @{Glory from men} (\doxan para anthr“p“n\). Mere honour and praise Jesus does not expect from men (verse 34|). This is not wounded pride, for ambition is not Christ's motive. He is unlike the Jews (5:44; strkjv@12:43; strkjv@Matthew:6:1f.|) and seeks not his own glory, but the glory and fellowship of the Father (1:14; strkjv@2:11; strkjv@7:18|). Paul did not seek glory from men (1Thessalonians:2:6|).

rwp@John:5:43 @{In my Father's name} (\en t“i onomati tou patros mou\). Seven times Jesus in John speaks of the "Name" of the Father (5:43; strkjv@10:25; strkjv@12:28; strkjv@17:6,11,12,26|). See strkjv@1:12| for use of \onoma\ (Luke:1:49|). {And ye receive me not} (\kai ou lambanete me\). "And yet ye do not receive me," as in verse 40|, "the Gospel of the Rejection" (1:11; strkjv@3:11,32; strkjv@12:37|) often applied to the Fourth Gospel. {If another come} (\ean allos elthˆi\). Condition of third class (\ean\ and second aorist active subjunctive of \erchomai\). Note \allos\, not \heteros\, like \allon Iˆsoun\ in strkjv@2Corinthians:11:4|. Similar prophecies occur in strkjv@Mark:13:6,22| (Matthew:24:5,24|), all general in character like Antichrist in strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:8-12|. There is no occasion for a reference to any individual like Barcochba (about A.D. 134) as Pfleiderer and Schmiedel hold. These Messianic upstarts all come "in their own name" and always find a following. {Him ye will receive} (\ekeinon lˆmpsesthe\). "That one," whoever he is, as Jesus said. Future active indicative of \lamban“\. Credulous about the false Messiahs, incredulous about Christ.

rwp@John:5:45 @{Think not} (\mˆ dokeite\). Prohibition with \mˆ\ and the present imperative. See on verse 39| for \doke“\ for mistaken opinions in John. {I will accuse you} (\eg“ katˆgorˆs“ hum“n\). Emphasis on \eg“\ (I). Future active indicative of \katˆgore“\ (\kata\, against, \agoreu“\, to speak in the assembly \agora\, to bring an accusation in court, a public accusation). See strkjv@Romans:3:9| for \proaitiaomai\ for making previous charge and strkjv@Luke:16:1| for \diaball“\, a secret malicious accusation, and strkjv@Romans:8:33| for \egkale“\, for public charge, not necessarily before tribunal. {Even Moses} (\M“usˆs\). No "even" in the Greek. {On whom ye have set your hope} (\eis hon humeis ˆlpikate\). Perfect active indicative of \elpiz“\, state of repose in Moses. Only example of \elpiz“\ in John. See strkjv@2Corinthians:1:10| for use of \eis\ with \elpiz“\ instead of the usual \epi\ (1Timothy:4:10|).

rwp@John:5:46 @{Ye would believe me} (\episteuete an emoi\). Conclusion of condition of second class (determined as unfulfilled) with imperfect indicative in both protasis and apodosis and \an\ in apodosis. This was a home-thrust, proving that they did not really believe Moses. {For he wrote of me} (\peri gar emou ekeinos egrapsen\). strkjv@Deuteronomy:18:18f.| is quoted by Peter (Acts:3:22|) as a prophecy of Christ and also by Stephen in strkjv@Acts:7:37|. See also strkjv@John:3:14| about the brazen serpent and strkjv@8:56| about Abraham foreseeing Christ's day. Jesus does here say that Moses wrote concerning him.

rwp@John:5:47 @{His writings} (\tois ekeinou grammasin\). Dative case with \pistuete\. See strkjv@Luke:16:31| for a like argument. The authority of Moses was the greatest of all for Jews. There is a contrast also between {writings} (\grammasin\, from \graph“\, to write) and {words} (\rˆmasin\, from \eipon\). \Gramma\ may mean the mere letter as opposed to spirit (2Corinthians:3:6; strkjv@Romans:2:27,29; strkjv@7:6|), a debtor's bond (Luke:16:6f.|), letters or learning (John:7:15; strkjv@Acts:26:24|) like \agrammatoi\ for unlearned (Acts:4:13|), merely written characters (Luke:23:38; strkjv@2Corinthians:3:7; strkjv@Galatians:6:11|), official communications (Acts:28:21|), once \hiera grammata\ for the sacred writings (2Timothy:3:15|) instead of the more usual \hai hagiai graphai\. \Graphˆ\ is used also for a single passage (Mark:12:10|), but \biblion\ for a book or roll (Luke:4:17|) or \biblos\ (Luke:20:42|). Jesus clearly states the fact that Moses wrote portions of the Old Testament, what portions he does not say. See also strkjv@Luke:24:27,44| for the same idea. There was no answer from the rabbis to this conclusion of Christ. The scribes (\hoi grammateis\) made copies according to the letter (\kata to gramma\).

rwp@John:6:1 @{After these things} (\meta tauta\). A common, but indefinite, note of time in John (3:22; strkjv@5:1; strkjv@6:1; strkjv@7:1|). The phrase does not mean immediate sequence of events. As a matter of fact, a whole year may intervene between the events of chapter 5 in Jerusalem and those in chapter 6 in Galilee. There is no sufficient reason for believing that chapter 6 originally preceded chapter 5. The feeding of the five thousand is the only event before the last visit to Jerusalem recorded in all Four Gospels (Mark:6:30-44; strkjv@Matthew:14:13-21; strkjv@Luke:9:10-17; strkjv@John:6:1-13|). The disciples have returned from the tour of Galilee and report to Jesus. It was the passover time (John:6:4|) just a year before the end. {To the other side of the Sea of Galilee} (\peran tˆs thalassˆs tˆs Galilaias\). The name given in Mark and Matthew. It is called Gennesaret in strkjv@Luke:5:1| and "Sea of Tiberias" in strkjv@John:21:1|. Here "of Tiberias" (\tˆs Tiberiados\) is added as further description. Herod Antipas A.D. 22 built Tiberias to the west of the Sea of Galilee and made it his capital. See verse 23| for this city. Luke (Luke:9:10|) explains that it was the eastern Bethsaida (Julias) to which Jesus took the disciples, not the western Bethsaida of strkjv@Mark:6:45| in Galilee.

rwp@John:6:2 @{Followed} (\ˆkolouthei\). Descriptive imperfect active, picturing the crowd, but without the details of the boat for Christ and the rapid race of the crowd on foot (Mark:6:32f.; strkjv@Matthew:14:13f.|). {They beheld} (\ethe“roun\). Imperfect active of \the“re“\. They had been beholding the signs which Jesus had been doing (\epoiei\, imperfect again) for a long time (2:23|), most of which John has not given (Mark:1:29f.; strkjv@2:1; strkjv@3:1; strkjv@6:5|). The people were eager to hear Jesus again (Luke:9:11|) and to get the benefit of his healing power "on them that were sick" (\epi t“n asthenount“n\, the weak or feeble, without strength, \a\ privative and \sthenos\, strength).

rwp@John:6:5 @{Lifting up his eyes} (\eparas tous ophthalmous\). First aorist active participle of \epair“\. See the same phrase in strkjv@4:35| where it is also followed by \theaomai\; strkjv@11:41; strkjv@17:1; strkjv@Luke:6:20|. Here it is particularly expressive as Jesus looked down from the mountain on the approaching multitude. {Cometh unto him} (\erchetai pros auton\). Present middle indicative, "is coming to him." The same \ochlos polus\ (here \polus ochlos\) of verse 2| that had followed Jesus around the head of the lake. {Whence are we to buy?} (\Pothen agoras“men;\). Deliberative subjunctive (aorist active). John passes by the earlier teaching and healing of the Synoptics (Mark:6:34f.; strkjv@Matthew:14:14f.; strkjv@Luke:9:11f.|) till mid-afternoon. In John also Jesus takes up the matter of feeding the multitude with Philip (from the other Bethsaida, strkjv@1:44|) whereas in the Synoptics the disciples raise the problem with Jesus. Songs:the disciples raise the problem in the feeding of the four thousand (Mark:8:4; strkjv@Matthew:15:33|). See strkjv@Numbers:11:13-22| (about Moses) and strkjv@2Kings:4:42f|. (about Elisha). {Bread} (\artous\). "Loaves" (plural) as in strkjv@Matthew:4:3|. {That these may eat} (\hina phag“sin houtoi\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \esthi“\ (defective verb).

rwp@John:6:6 @{To prove him} (\peiraz“n auton\). Present active participle of \peiraz“\, testing him, not here in bad sense of tempting as so often (Matthew:4:1|). {What he would do} (\ti ˆmellen poiein\). Indirect question with change of tense to imperfect. As in strkjv@2:25| so here John explains why Jesus put the question to Philip.

rwp@John:6:9 @{A lad here} (\paidarion h“de\). Old word, diminutive of \pais\, here only in N.T., not genuine in strkjv@Matthew:11:16|. How he came to have this small supply we do not know. {Barley} (\krithinous\). Adjective, here and verse 13| only in N.T., in the papyri, from \krithˆ\, barley (Revelation:6:6|). Considered an inferior sort of bread. {Fishes} (\opsaria\). Late diminutive of \opson\, common in papyri and inscriptions for delicacies with bread like fish. In N.T. only here, verse 11; strkjv@21:9-13|. Synoptics have \ichthuas\.

rwp@John:6:10 @{Sit down} (\anapesein\). Literally, "fall back," lie down, recline. Second aorist active infinitive of \anapipt“\. {Much grass} (\chortos polus\). Old word for pasture, green grass (Mark:6:39|) or hay (1Corinthians:3:12|). It was spring (John:6:4|) and plenty of green grass on the hillside. {The men} (\hoi andres\). Word for men as distinct from women, expressly stated in strkjv@Matthew:14:21|. {In number} (\ton arithmon\). Adverbial accusative (of general reference). {About} (\hos\). General estimate, though they were arranged in orderly groups by hundreds and fifties, "in ranks" like "garden beds" (\prasiai\, strkjv@Mark:6:40|).

rwp@John:6:11 @{The loaves} (\tous artous\). Those of verse 9|. {Having given thanks} (\eucharistˆsas\). The usual grace before meals (Deuteronomy:8:10|). The Synoptics use "blessed" \eulogˆsen\ (Mark:6:41; strkjv@Matthew:14:19; strkjv@Luke:9:16|). {He distributed} (\died“ken\). First aorist active indicative of \diadid“mi\, old verb to give to several (\dia\, between). {To them that were set down} (\tois anakeimenois\). Present middle participle (dative case) of \anakeimai\, old verb to recline like \anapesein\ in verse 10|. {As much as they would} (\hoson ˆthelon\). Imperfect active of \thel“\, "as much as they wished."

rwp@John:6:14 @{Saw the sign which he did} (\idontes ha epoiˆsen sˆmeia\). "Signs" oldest MSS. have. This sign added to those already wrought (verse 2|). Cf. strkjv@2:23; strkjv@3:2|. {They said} (\elegon\). Inchoative imperfect, began to say. {Of a truth} (\alˆth“s\). Common adverb (from \alˆthˆs\) in John (7:40|). {The prophet that cometh} (\ho prophˆtˆs ho erchomenos\). There was a popular expectation about the prophet of strkjv@Deuteronomy:18:15| as being the Messiah (John:1:21; strkjv@11:27|). The phrase is peculiar to John, but the idea is in Acts (3:22; strkjv@7:37|). The people are on the tiptoe of expectation and believe that Jesus is the political Messiah of Pharisaic hope.

rwp@John:6:20 @{Be not afraid} (\mˆ phobeisthe\). Prohibition with \mˆ\ and present middle imperative of \phobeomai\. Songs:in strkjv@Mark:6:50| (Matthew:14:27|). John does not tell that the disciples thought Jesus was an apparition (Mark:6:49; strkjv@Matthew:14:26|), nor does he give the account of Peter walking on the water (Matthew:14:28-31|).

rwp@John:6:21 @{They were willing therefore} (\ˆthelon oun\). Inchoative imperfect, "they began to be willing." This does not contradict strkjv@Mark:6:51| as Bernard thinks. Both Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat. {Whither they were going} (\eis hˆn hupˆgon\). Progressive imperfect active, "to which land they had been going" (intransitive use of \hupag“\, to lead under, to go under or away as in verse 67; strkjv@7:33; strkjv@12:11; strkjv@18:8|.

rwp@John:6:22 @{Which stood} (\ho hestˆk“s\). Perfect active (intransitive) participle of \histˆmi\, to put, to stand. Jesus had sent the multitudes away the evening before (Mark:6:45; strkjv@Matthew:14:22|), but evidently some did not go very far, still lingering in excitement on the eastern side of the lake next morning. {Boat} (\ploiarion\). Diminutive of \ploion\, little boat (Mark:3:9|). {Entered not with} (\ou suneisˆlthen\). Second aorist active of the double compound verb \suneiserchomai\, followed by associative instrumental case \mathˆtais\. {Went away alone} (\monoi apˆlthon\). Second aorist active indicative of \aperchomai\, to go away or off. \Monoi\ is predicate nominative. These people noted these three items.

rwp@John:6:24 @{When the multitude therefore saw} (\hote oun eiden ho ochlos\). Resumption and clarification of the complicated statements of verse 22|. {That Jesus was not there} (\hoti Iˆsous ouk estin ekei\). Present indicative retained in indirect discourse. They still did not understand how Jesus had crossed over, but they acted on the basis of the plain fact. {They themselves got into} (\enebˆsan autoi eis\). Second aorist active indicative of \embain“\ followed by \eis\ (both \en\ and \eis\ together as often in N.T.). {Seeking Jesus} (\zˆtountes ton Iˆsoun\). Present active participle of \zˆte“\. They had a double motive apart from the curiosity explained in verse 22|. They had clearly not given up the impulse of the evening before to make Jesus king (6:15|) and they had hopes of still another bountiful repast at the hands of Jesus as he said (6:26|).

rwp@John:6:27 @{Work not for} (\mˆ ergazesthe\). Prohibition with \mˆ\ and present middle imperative of \ergazomai\, old verb from \ergon\, work. {The meat} (\tˆn br“sin\). The act of eating (Romans:14:17|), corrosion (Matthew:6:19|), the thing eaten as here (2Corinthians:9:10|). See on ¯John:4:32|. {Which perisheth} (\tˆn apollumenˆn\). Present middle participle of \apollumi\. They were already hungry again. {Unto eternal life} (\eis z“ˆn ai“nion\). Mystical metaphor quite beyond this crowd hungry only for more loaves and fishes. Bernard thinks that John has here put together various sayings of Christ to make one discourse, a gratuitous interpretation. {Will give} (\d“sei\). Future active indicative of \did“mi\. The outcome is still future and will be decided by their attitude towards the Son of man (verse 51|). {For him the Father, even God, hath sealed} (\touton gar ho patˆr esphragisen ho theos\). Literally, "For this one the Father sealed, God." First aorist active indicative of \sphragiz“\, to seal. See elsewhere in strkjv@John:3:33| (attestation by man). Sealing by God is rare in N.T. (2Corinthians:1:22; strkjv@Ephesians:1:13; strkjv@4:30|). It is not clear to what item, if any single one, John refers when the Father set his seal of approval on the Son. It was done at his baptism when the Holy Spirit came upon him and the Father spoke to him. Cf. strkjv@5:37|.

rwp@John:6:28 @{What must we do?} (\Ti poi“men;\). Present active deliberative subjunctive of \poie“\, "What are we to do as a habit?" For the aorist subjunctive (\poiˆs“men\) in a like question for a single act see strkjv@Luke:3:10|. For the present indicative (\poioumen\) of inquiry concerning actual conduct see strkjv@John:11:47| (what are we doing?). {That we may work the works of God} (\hina ergaz“metha ta erga tou theou\). Final clause with \hina\ and the present middle subjunctive, "that we may go on working the works of God." There may have been an element of vague sincerity in this question in spite of their supercilious attitude.

rwp@John:6:31 @{Ate the manna} (\to manna ephagon\). The rabbis quoted strkjv@Psalms:72:16| to prove that the Messiah, when he comes, will outdo Moses with manna from heaven. Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah and able to give bread for eternal life (verse 27|). Lightfoot (_Biblical Essays_, p. 152) says: "The key to the understanding of the whole situation is an acquaintance with the national expectation of the greater Moses." They quote to Jesus strkjv@Exodus:16:15| (of. strkjv@Numbers:11:7; strkjv@21:5; strkjv@Deuteronomy:8:3|). Their plea is that Moses gave us bread "from heaven" (\ek tou ouranou\). Can Jesus equal that deed of Moses?

rwp@John:6:33 @{The bread of God} (\ho artos tou theou\). All bread is of God (Matthew:6:11|). The manna came down from heaven (Numbers:11:9|) as does this bread (\ho katabain“n\). Refers to the bread (\ho artos\, masculine). Bernard notes that this phrase (coming down) is used seven times in this discourse (33,38,41,42,50,51,58|). {Giveth life} (\z“ˆn didous\). Chrysostom observes that the manna gave nourishment (\trophˆ\), but not life (\z“ˆ\). This is a most astounding statement to the crowd.

rwp@John:6:34 @{Lord} (\Kurie\). Used now instead of _Rabbi_ (25) though how much the people meant by it is not clear. {Evermore give us this bread} (\pantote dos hˆmin ton arton touton\). Second aorist active imperative second singular like \dos\ in strkjv@Matthew:6:11| (urgent petition). What kind of bread do they mean? The Jewish commentaries and Philo speak of the manna as typifying heavenly bread for the soul. Paul in strkjv@1Corinthians:10:3| seems to refer to the manna as "spiritual food." Like the woman at the well (4:15|) they long "always" to have "this bread," a perpetual supply. It is probably to this crowd as the water in strkjv@4:15| was to the woman.

rwp@John:6:35 @{I am the bread of life} (\Eg“ eimi ho artos tˆs z“ˆs\). This sublime sentence was startling in the extreme to the crowd. Philo does compare the manna to the \theios logos\ in an allegorical sense, but this language is far removed from Philo's vagueness. In the Synoptics (Mark:14:22; strkjv@Matthew:26:26; strkjv@Luke:22:19|) Jesus uses bread (\artos\) as the symbol of his body in the Lord's Supper, but here Jesus offers himself in place of the loaves and fishes which they had come to seek (24,26|). He is the bread of life in two senses: it has life in itself, the living bread (51|), and it gives life to others like the water of life, the tree of life. John often has Jesus saying "I am" (\eg“ eimi\). As also in strkjv@6:41,48,51; strkjv@8:12; strkjv@10:7,9,11,14; strkjv@11:25; strkjv@14:6; strkjv@15:1,5|. {He that cometh to me} (\ho erchomenos pros eme\). The first act of the soul in approaching Jesus. See also verse 37|. {Shall not hunger} (\ou mˆ peinasˆi\). Strong double negative \ou me\ with first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive, "shall not become hungry." {He that believeth on me} (\ho pisteu“n eis eme\). The continuous relation of trust after coming like \pisteuˆte\ (present tense) in verse 29|. See both verbs used together also in strkjv@7:37f|. {Shall never thirst} (\ou mˆ dipsˆsei p“pote\). Songs:the old MSS. the future active indicative instead of the aorist subjunctive as above, an even stronger form of negation with \p“pote\ (1:18|) added.

rwp@John:6:36 @{That ye have seen me} (\hoti kai he“rakate me\). It is not certain that \me\ is genuine. If not, Jesus may refer to verse 26|. If genuine, some other saying is referred to that we do not have. Note \kai\ (also or even). {And yet believe not} (\kai ou pisteuete\). Use of \kai\ = and yet.

rwp@John:6:37 @{All that} (\pƒn ho\). Collective use of the neuter singular, classic idiom, seen also in strkjv@6:39; strkjv@17:2,24; strkjv@1John:5:4|. Perhaps the notion of unity like \hen\ in strkjv@17:21| underlies this use of \pƒn ho\. {Giveth me} (\did“sin moi\). For the idea that the disciples are given to the Son see also strkjv@6:39,65; strkjv@10:29; strkjv@17:2,6,9,12,24; strkjv@18:9|. {I will in no wise cast out} (\ou mˆ ekbal“ ex“\). Strong double negation as in verse 35| with second aorist active subjunctive of \ball“\. Definite promise of Jesus to welcome the one who comes.

rwp@John:6:38 @{I am come down} (\katabebˆka\). Perfect active indicative of \katabain“\. See on ¯33| for frequent use of this phrase by Jesus. Here \apo\ is correct rather than \ek\ with \tou ouranou\. {Not to do} (\ouch hina poi“\). "Not that I keep on doing" (final clause with \hina\ and present active subjunctive of \poie“\). {But the will} (\alla to thelˆma\). Supply \hina poi“\ after \alla\, "but that I keep on doing." This is the fulness of joy for Jesus, to do his Father's will (4:34; strkjv@5:30|).

rwp@John:6:41 @{Murmured} (\egogguzon\). Imperfect active of the onomatopoetic verb \gogguz“\, late verb in LXX (murmuring against Moses), papyri (vernacular), like the cooing of doves or the buzzing of bees. These Galilean Jews are puzzled over what Jesus had said (verses 33,35|) about his being the bread of God come down from heaven.

rwp@John:6:42 @{How doth he now say?} (\P“s nun legei;\). They knew Jesus as the son of Joseph and Mary. They cannot comprehend his claim to be from heaven. This lofty claim puzzles sceptics today.

rwp@John:6:44 @{Except the Father draw him} (\ean mˆ helkusˆi auton\). Negative condition of third class with \ean mˆ\ and first aorist active subjunctive of \helku“\, older form \helk“\, to drag like a net (John:21:6|), or sword (18:10|), or men (Acts:16:19|), to draw by moral power (12:32|), as in strkjv@Jeremiah:31:3|. \Sur“\, the other word to drag (Acts:8:3; strkjv@14:19|) is not used of Christ's drawing power. The same point is repeated in verse 65|. The approach of the soul to God is initiated by God, the other side of verse 37|. See strkjv@Romans:8:7| for the same doctrine and use of \oude dunatai\ like \oudeis dunatai\ here.

rwp@John:6:45 @{Taught of God} (\didaktoi theou\). A free quotation from strkjv@Isaiah:54:13| with this phrase in the LXX. There is here the ablative case \theou\ with the passive verbal adjective \didaktoi\ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 516). In strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:9| we have the compound verbal \theodidaktoi\. The same use of \didaktos\ with the ablative occurs in strkjv@1Corinthians:2:13|. {And hath learned} (\kai math“n\). Second aorist active participle of \manthan“\. It is not enough to hear God's voice. He must heed it and learn it and do it. This is a voluntary response. This one inevitably comes to Christ.

rwp@John:6:52 @{Strove} (\emachonto\). Imperfect (inchoative) middle of \machomai\, to fight in armed combat (Acts:7:26|), then to wage a war of words as here and strkjv@2Timothy:2:24|. They were already murmuring (41|), now they began bitter strife with one another over the last words of Jesus (43-51|), some probably seeing a spiritual meaning in them. There was division of opinion about Jesus in Jerusalem also later (7:12,40; strkjv@9:16; strkjv@10:19|). {How can?} (\P“s dunatai;\). The very idiom used by Nicodemus in strkjv@3:4,9|. Here scornful disbelief. {This man} (\houtos\). Contemptuous use pictured in verse 42|. {His flesh to eat} (\tˆn sarka autou phagein\). As if we were cannibals! Some MSS. do not have \autou\, but the meaning is clear. The mystical appropriation of Christ by the believer (Galatians:2:20; strkjv@Ephesians:3:17|) they could not comprehend, though some apparently were against this literal interpretation of "flesh" (\sarx\).

rwp@John:6:60 @{A hard saying} (\sklˆros\). "This saying is a hard one." Old adjective, rough, harsh, dried hard (from \skell“\, to dry), probably the last saying of Jesus that he was the bread of life come down from heaven and they were to eat him. It is to be hoped that none of the twelve joined the many disciples in this complaint. {Hear it} (\autou akouein\). Or "hear him," hear with acceptation. For \akou“\ with the genitive see strkjv@10:3,16,27|.

rwp@John:6:64 @{That believe not} (\hoi ou pisteuousin\). Failure to believe kills the life in the words of Jesus. {Knew from the beginning} (\ˆidei ex archˆs\). In the N.T. we have \ex archˆs\ only here and strkjv@16:4|, but \ap' archˆs\ in apparently the same sense as here in strkjv@15:27; strkjv@1John:2:7,24; strkjv@3:11| and see strkjv@Luke:1:2; strkjv@1John:1:1|. From the first Jesus distinguished between real trust in him and mere lip service (2:24; strkjv@8:31|), two senses of \pisteu“\. {Were} (\eisin\). Present active indicative retained in indirect discourse. {And who it was that should betray him} (\kai tis estin ho parad“s“n\). Same use of \estin\ and note article and future active participle of \paradid“mi\, to hand over, to betray. John does not say here that Jesus knew that Judas would betray him when he chose him as one of the twelve, least of all that he chose him for that purpose. What he does say is that Jesus was not taken by surprise and soon saw signs of treason in Judas. The same verb is used of John's arrest in strkjv@Matthew:4:12|. Once Judas is termed traitor (\prodotˆs\) in strkjv@Luke:6:16|. Judas had gifts and was given his opportunity. He did not have to betray Jesus.

rwp@John:6:65 @{Except it be given him of the Father} (\ean mˆ ˆi dedomenon aut“i ek tou patros\). Condition of third class with \ean mˆ\ and periphrastic perfect passive subjunctive of \did“mi\. Precisely the same point as in verse 44| where we have \helkusˆi\ instead of \ˆi dedomenon\. The impulse to faith comes from God. Jesus does not expect all to believe and seems to imply that Judas did not truly believe.

rwp@John:6:70 @{And one of you is a devil} (\kai ex hum“n heis diabolos estin\). Jesus does not say that Judas was a devil when he chose him, but that he is one now. In strkjv@13:2,27| John speaks of the devil entering Judas. How soon the plan to betray Jesus first entered the heart of Judas we do not know (12:4|). One wonders if the words of Jesus here did not cut Judas to the quick.

rwp@John:7:3 @{His brethren} (\hoi adelphoi autou\). "His brothers" (half-brothers actually), who "were not believing on him" (\oude episteuon eis auton\) as stated in verse 5|. They were hostile to the Messianic assumptions of Jesus, a natural attitude as one can well see, though at first they were friendly (2:12|). {Depart hence} (\metabˆthi enteuthen\). Second aorist active imperative of \metabain“\, to pass to another place (5:24; strkjv@13:1|). It was impertinence on their part. {That thy disciples also may behold} (\hina kai hoi mathˆtai sou the“rˆsousin\). Final clause with \hina\ and the future active indicative of \the“re“\. Jesus had many disciples in Judea at the start (2:23; strkjv@4:1|) and had left it because of the jealousy of the Pharisees over his success (4:3|). The brothers may have heard of the great defection in the synagogue in Capernaum (6:66|), but the advice is clearly ironical. {Which thou doest} (\ha poieis\). To what works they refer by this language we do not know. But Jesus had been away from Galilee for some months and from Judea for a year and a half. Perhaps the brothers of Jesus may actually have been eager to rush Jesus into the hostile atmosphere of Jerusalem again.

rwp@John:7:4 @{In secret} (\en krupt“i\). See strkjv@Matthew:6:4,6| for this phrase. {Openly} (\en parrˆsiƒi\). "In public" (\pƒn, rˆsis\, telling it all). See on ¯Matthew:8:32|. Common in John (7:13,26; strkjv@10:24; strkjv@16:25,29; strkjv@18:20|; here again contrasted with \en krupt“i\). It is wise advice in the abstract that a public teacher must allow inspection of his deeds, but the motive is evil. They might get Jesus into trouble. \If thou doest these things\ (\ei tauta poieis\). This condition of the first class assumes the reality of the deeds of Jesus, but the use of the condition at all throws doubt on it all as in strkjv@Matthew:4:3,6|. {Manifest thyself} (\phaner“son seauton\). First aorist active imperative of \phanero“\. {To the world} (\t“i kosm“i\). Not just to "thy disciples," but to the public at large as at the feast of tabernacles. See strkjv@8:26; strkjv@14:22| for this use of \kosmos\.

rwp@John:7:8 @{Go ye up to the feast} (\humeis anabˆte eis tˆn heortˆn\). The emphatic word by position is \humeis\ (ye) in contrast with \eg“\ (I). Second aorist active imperative of \anabain“\, old and common verb for going up to the feast (2:13|) or anywhere. Take your own advice (7:3|). {I go not up yet} (\eg“ oup“ anabain“\). Songs:Westcott and Hort after B W L (Neutral) while \ou\ (not) is read by Aleph D, African Latin, Vulgate, Coptic (Western). Some of the early Greek Fathers were puzzled over the reading \ouk\ (I go not up) as contradictory to verse 10| wherein it is stated that Jesus did go up. Almost certainly \ouk\ (not) is correct and is not really contradictory when one notes in verse 10| that the manner of Christ's going up is precisely the opposite of the advice of the brothers in verses 3,4|. "Not yet" (\oup“\) is genuine before "fulfilled" (\peplˆr“tai\, perfect passive indicative of \plˆro“\). One may think, if he will, that Jesus changed his plans after these words, but that is unnecessary. He simply refused to fall in with his brothers' sneering proposal for a grand Messianic procession with the caravan on the way to the feast. He will do that on the journey to the last passover.

rwp@John:7:10 @{Were gone up} (\anebˆsan\). Second aorist active indicative of \anabain“\, not past perfect though the action is antecedent in fact to the following \tote anebˆ\. The Greek does not always draw the precise distinction between the merely punctiliar (aorist) antecedent action and the past perfect (2:9; strkjv@4:45|). {He also} (\tote autos\). As well as the brothers. {Not publicly} (\ou phaner“s\). Against their advice in verse 4|, using \phaner“son\ (the very same word stem). {But as it were in secret} (\alla h“s en krupt“i\). "Not with the usual caravan of pilgrims" (Bernard). Just the opposite of their advice in verse 4| with the same phrase \en phaner“i\. Plainly Jesus purposely went contrary to the insincere counsel of his brothers as to the manner of his Messianic manifestation. This secrecy concerned solely the journey to Jerusalem, not his public teaching there after his arrival (7:26,28; strkjv@18:20|).

rwp@John:7:13 @{Howbeit} (\mentoi\). See strkjv@4:27| for this compound particle (\men, toi\), by way of exception, but yet. {Spake} (\elalei\). Imperfect active of \lale“\, "was speaking," picturing the whispering or secret talk ({no man openly}, \oudeis parrˆsiƒi\). Best MSS. do not have \en\ here with \parrˆsiƒi\ (locative or instrumental case of manner) as in strkjv@7:26; strkjv@10:24; strkjv@11:54|, but \en\ genuine in strkjv@7:4; strkjv@Colossians:2:15|. This adverbial use of \parrˆsiƒi\ is common enough (Mark:8:37|). {For fear of the Jews} (\dia ton phobon t“n Ioudai“n\). Objective genitive. The crowds really feared the Jewish leaders and evidently did not wish to involve Jesus or themselves. See the same phrase and attitude on the part of the disciples in strkjv@19:38; strkjv@20:19|.

rwp@John:7:15 @{Marvelled} (\ethaumazon\). Picturesque imperfect active of \thaumaz“\, "were wondering." After all the bluster of the rulers (verse 13|) here was Jesus teaching without interruption. {Knoweth letters} (\grammata oiden\). Second perfect active indicative used as present. \Grammata\, old word from \graph“\, to write, is originally the letters formed (Galatians:6:11|), then a letter or epistle (Acts:28:21|), then the sacred Scriptures (John:5:47; strkjv@2Timothy:3:15|), then learning like Latin _litterae_ and English letters (Acts:26:24; strkjv@John:7:15|). "The marvel was that Jesus showed Himself familiar with the literary methods of the time, which were supposed to be confined to the scholars of the popular teachers" (Westcott). {Having never learned} (\mˆ memathˆk“s\). Perfect active participle of \manthan“\ with \mˆ\, the usual negative (subjective) with the participle. It is not the wisdom of Jesus that disconcerted the Jewish leaders, but his learning (Marcus Dods). And yet Jesus had not attended either of the rabbinical theological schools in Jerusalem (Hillel, Shammai). He was not a rabbi in the technical sense, only a carpenter, and yet he surpassed the professional rabbis in the use of their own methods of debate. It is sometimes true today that unschooled men in various walks of life forge ahead of men of lesser gifts with school training. See the like puzzle of the Sanhedrin concerning Peter and John (Acts:4:13|). This is not an argument against education, but it takes more than education to make a real man. Probably this sneer at Jesus came from some of the teachers in the Jerusalem seminaries. "Christ was in the eyes of the Jews a merely self-taught enthusiast" (Westcott).

rwp@John:7:17 @{If any man willeth to do} (\ean tis thelˆi poiein\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and present active subjunctive \thelˆi\ not used as a mere auxiliary verb for the future "will do," but with full force of \thel“\, to will, to wish. See the same use of \thel“\ in strkjv@5:40| "and yet ye are not willing to come" (\kai ou thelete elthein\). {He shall know} (\gn“setai\). Future middle indicative of \gin“sk“\. Experimental knowledge from willingness to do God's will. See this same point by Jesus in strkjv@5:46; strkjv@18:37|. There must be moral harmony between man's purpose and God's will. "If there be no sympathy there can be no understanding" (Westcott). Atheists of all types have no point of contact for approach to the knowledge of Christ. This fact does not prove the non-existence of God, but simply their own isolation. They are out of tune with the Infinite. For those who love God it is also true that obedience to God's will brings richer knowledge of God. Agnostic and atheistic critics are disqualified by Jesus as witnesses to his claims. {Of God} (\ek tou theou\). Out of God as source. {From myself} (\ap' emautou\). Instead of from God.

rwp@John:7:18 @{From himself} (\aph' heautou\). This kind of teacher is self-taught, pushes his own ideas, presses his own claims for position and glory, "blows his own horn" as we say. Jesus is the other type of teacher, seeks the glory of the one who sent him, whose herald and ambassador he is. {The same} (\houtos\). "This one." {Unrighteousness} (\adikia\). Old word from \adikos\ (\a\ privative and \dikˆ\). Here in contrast with "true" (\alˆthˆs\). See strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:10; strkjv@1Corinthians:13:6| for the deceit of unrighteousness in contrast with truth as here.

rwp@John:7:19 @{And yet} (\kai\). Clear use of \kai\ in the adversative sense of "and yet" or "but." They marvelled at Christ's "ignorance" and boasted of their own knowledge of the law of Moses. And yet they violated that law by not practising it. {Why seek ye to kill me?} (\Ti me zˆteite apokteinai;\). A sudden and startling question as an illustration of their failure to do the law of Moses. Jesus had previously known (5:39,45-47|) that the Jews really rejected the teaching of Moses while professing to believe it. On that very occasion they had sought to kill him (5:18|), the very language used here. Apparently he had not been to Jerusalem since then. He undoubtedly alludes to their conduct then and charges them with the same purpose now.

rwp@John:7:20 @{The multitude} (\ho ochlos\). Outside of Jerusalem (the Galilean crowd as in verses 11f.|) and so unfamiliar with the effort to kill Jesus recorded in strkjv@5:18|. It is important in this chapter to distinguish clearly the several groups like the Jewish leaders (7:13,15,25,26,30,32|, etc.), the multitude from Galilee and elsewhere (10-13,20,31,40,49|), the common people of Jerusalem (25|), the Roman soldiers (45f.|). {Thou hast a devil} (\daimonion echeis\). "Demon," of course, as always in the Gospels. These pilgrims make the same charge against Jesus made long ago by the Pharisees in Jerusalem in explanation of the difference between John and Jesus (Matthew:11:18; strkjv@Luke:7:33|). It is an easy way to make a fling like that. "He is a monomaniac labouring under a hallucination that people wish to kill him" (Dods).

rwp@John:7:25 @{Some therefore of them of Jerusalem} (\oun tines ek t“n Ierosolumeit“n\). The people of the city in contrast to the multitude of pilgrims at the feast. They form a separate group. The word is made from \Ierosoluma\ and occurs in Josephus and IV Maccabees. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Mark:1:5|. These Jerusalem people knew better than the pilgrims the designs of the rulers (Vincent). {Is not this?} (\ouch houtos estin;\). Expecting affirmative answer. Clearly they were not as familiar with the appearance of Jesus as the Galilean multitude (Dods). {They seek} (\zˆtousin\). The plural refers to the group of leaders already present (7:15|) to whom the Jerusalem crowd probably pointed. They knew of their threats to kill Jesus (5:18|).

rwp@John:7:27 @{Howbeit} (\alla\). Clearly adversative here. {This man} (\touton\). Possibly contemptuous use of \houtos\ as may be true in 25,26|. {Whence he is} (\pothen estin\). The Galilean Jews knew the family of Jesus (6:42|), but they knew Jesus only as from Nazareth, not as born in Bethlehem (verse 42|). {When the Christ cometh} (\ho Christos hotan erchˆtai\). Prolepsis of \ho Christos\ and indefinite temporal clause with \hotan\ and the present middle subjunctive \erchˆtai\ rather than the more usual second aorist active \elthˆi\ as in verse 31|, a trifle more picturesque. This is a piece of popular theology. "Three things come wholly unexpected--Messiah, a godsend, and a scorpion" (_Sanhedrin_ 97a). The rulers knew the birthplace to be Bethlehem (7:42; strkjv@Matthew:2:5f.|), but some even expected the Messiah to drop suddenly from the skies as Satan proposed to Jesus to fall down from the pinnacle of the temple. The Jews generally expected a sudden emergence of the Messiah from concealment with an anointing by Elijah (_Apoc. of Bar_. XXIX. 3; 2Esdr. strkjv@7:28; strkjv@13:32; Justin Martyr, _Tryph_. 110).

rwp@John:7:30 @{They sought therefore} (\ezˆtoun oun\). Imperfect active of \zˆte“\, inchoative or conative, they began to seek. Either makes sense. The subject is naturally some of the Jerusalemites (Westcott) rather than some of the leaders (Bernard). {To take him} (\auton piasai\). First aorist active infinitive, Doric form from \piaz“\, from the usual \piez“\, occasionally so in the papyri, but \piaz“\ always in N.T. except strkjv@Luke:6:38|. {And} (\kai\). Here = "but." {Laid his hand} (\epebalen tˆn cheira\). Second aorist active indicative of \epiball“\, to cast upon. Old and common idiom for arresting one to make him a prisoner (Matthew:26:50|). See repetition in verse 44|. {His hour} (\hˆ h“ra autou\). In strkjv@13:1| we read that "the hour" had come, but that was "not yet" (\oup“\). "John is at pains to point out at every point that the persecution and death of Jesus followed a predestined course" (Bernard), as in strkjv@2:4; strkjv@7:6,8; strkjv@8:10; strkjv@10:39; strkjv@13:1|, etc. {Was not yet come} (\oup“ elˆluthei\). Past perfect active of \erchomai\, as John looks back on the story.

rwp@John:7:31 @{When the Christ shall come} (\ho Christos hotan elthˆi\). Proleptic position of \ho Christos\ again as in 27|, but \elthˆi\ with \hotan\ rather than \erchˆtai\, calling more attention to the consummation (whenever he does come). {Will he do?} (\mˆ poiˆsei;\). Future active indicative of \poie“\ with \mˆ\ (negative answer expected). Jesus had won a large portion of the pilgrims (\ek tou ochlou polloi\) either before this day or during this controversy. The use of \episteusan\ (ingressive aorist active) looks as if many came to believe at this point. These pilgrims had watched closely the proceedings. {Than those which} (\h“n\). One must supply the unexpressed antecedent \tout“n\ in the ablative case after \pleiona\ (more). Then the neuter plural accusative relative \ha\ (referring to \sˆmeia\ signs) is attracted to the ablative case of the pronominal antecedent \tout“n\ (now dropped out). {Hath done} (\epoiˆsen\). First aorist active indicative of \poie“\, a timeless constative aorist summing up all the miracles of Jesus so far.

rwp@John:7:35 @{Among themselves} (\pros heautous\). These Jewish leaders of verse 32| talk among themselves about what Jesus said in a spirit of contempt (this man or fellow, \houtos\). {That} (\hoti\). Almost result like \hoti\ in strkjv@Matthew:8:27|. {Will he go?} (\mˆ mellei poreuesthai;\). Negative answer expected in an ironical question, "Is he about to go?" {Unto the Dispersion among the Greeks} (\eis tˆn diasporan t“n Hellˆn“n\). Objective genitive \t“n Hellˆn“n\ (of the Greeks) translated here "among," because it is the Dispersion of Jews among the Greeks. \Diaspora\ is from \diaspeir“\, to scatter apart (Acts:8:1,4|). It occurs in Plutarch and is common in the LXX, in the N.T. only here, strkjv@James:1:1; strkjv@1Peter:1:1|. There were millions of these scattered Jews. {And teach the Greeks} (\kai didaskein tous Hellˆnas\). Confessing his failure to teach the Jews in Palestine, "thus ignorantly anticipating the course Christianity took; what seemed unlikely and impossible to them became actual" (Dods).

rwp@John:7:39 @{Which} (\hou\). Genitive by attraction of the relative \ho\ (accusative singular object of \lambanein\) to the case of \tou pneumatos\ (the Spirit) the antecedent. But it is purely grammatical gender (neuter \ho\ because of \pneuma\) which we do not have in English. Even here one should say "whom," not which, of the Spirit of God. {Were to receive} (\emellon lambanein\). Imperfect active of \mell“\ with the present active infinitive \lambanein\, to receive, one of the three constructions with \mell“\ (present, aorist, or future infinitive). Literally, "whom they were about to receive," a clear reference to the great pentecost. {For the Spirit was not yet given} (\oup“ gar ˆn pneuma\). No verb for "given" in the Greek. The reference is not to the existence of the Spirit, but to the dispensation of the Spirit. This same use of \eimi\ like \pareimi\ (to be present) appears in strkjv@Acts:19:2| of the Spirit's activity. John, writing at the close of the century, inserts this comment and interpretation of the language of Jesus as an allusion to the coming of the Holy Spirit at pentecost (the Promise of the Father). {Because Jesus was not yet glorified} (\hoti Iˆsous oup“ edoxasthˆ\). Reason for the previous statement, the pentecostal outpouring following the death of Jesus here called "glorified" (\edoxasthˆ\, first aorist passive indicative of \doxaz“\), used later of the death of Jesus (12:16|), even by Jesus himself (12:23; strkjv@13:31|).

rwp@John:7:45 @{Why did ye not bring him?} (\Dia ti ouk ˆgagete auton;\). Second aorist active indicative of \ag“\. Indignant outburst of the Sanhedrin (both Sadducees and Pharisees) at the failure of the (\tous\, note article here referring to verse 32|) temple police to arrest Jesus. "Apparently they were sitting in expectation of immediately questioning him" (Dods). They were stunned at this outcome.

rwp@John:7:48 @{Hath any of the rulers believed on him?} (\Mˆ tis ek t“n archont“n episteusen eis auton;\). Negative answer sharply expected. First aorist active indicative of \pisteu“\. "Did any one of the rulers believe on him?" "What right have subordinates to have a mind of their own?" (Dods). These police were employed by the temple authorities (rulers). "Power was slipping through their fingers" (Dods) and that was the secret of their hostility to Jesus. {Or of the Pharisees} (\ˆ ek t“n Pharisai“n\). A wider circle and the most orthodox of all.

rwp@John:7:49 @{This multitude} (\ho ochlos houtos\). The Pharisees had a scorn for the _amhaaretz_ or "people of the earth" (cf. our "clod-hoppers") as is seen in rabbinic literature. It was some of the \ochlos\ (multitude at the feast especially from Galilee) who had shown sympathy with Jesus (7:12,28f.|). {Which knoweth not the law} (\ho mˆ ginosk“n\). Present active articular participle of \gin“sk“\ with \mˆ\ usual negative of the participle in the _Koin‚_. "No brutish man is sin-fearing, nor is one of the people of the earth pious" (_Aboth_, II. 6). See the amazement of the Sanhedrin at Peter and John in strkjv@Acts:4:13| as "unlettered and private men" (\agrammatoi kai idi“tai\). No wonder the common people (\ochlos\) heard Jesus gladly (Mark:12:37|). The rabbis scouted and scorned them. {Are accursed} (\eparatoi eisin\). Construction according to sense (plural verb and adjective with collective singular \ochlos\). \Eparatoi\ is old verbal adjective from \eparaomai\, to call down curses upon, here only in the N.T.

rwp@John:7:51 @{Doth our law judge a man?} (\mˆ ho nomos hˆm“n krinei ton anthr“pon;\). Negative answer expected and "the man," not "a man." These exponents of the law (verse 49|) were really violating the law of criminal procedure (Exodus:23:1; strkjv@Deuteronomy:1:16|). Probably Nicodemus knew that his protest was useless, but he could at least show his colours and score the point of justice in Christ's behalf. {Except it first hear from himself} (\ean mˆ akousˆi pr“ton par' autou\). Third-class negative condition with \ean mˆ\ and first aorist active subjunctive of \akou“\. That is common justice in all law, to hear a man's side of the case ("from him," \par' autou\). {And know what he doeth} (\kai gn“i ti poiei\). Continuation of the same condition with second aorist active subjunctive of \gin“sk“\ with indirect question and present active indicative (\ti poiei\). There was no legal answer to the point of Nicodemus.

rwp@John:7:53 @This verse and through strkjv@8:12| (the passage concerning the woman taken in adultery) is certainly not a genuine part of John's Gospel. The oldest and best MSS. (Aleph A B C L W) do not have it. It first appears in Codex Bezae. Some MSS. put it at the close of John's Gospel and some place it in Luke. It is probably a true story for it is like Jesus, but it does not belong to John's Gospel. The Canterbury Version on which we are commenting puts the passage in brackets. Westcott and Hort place it at the end of the Gospel. With this explanation we shall proceed. {They went} (\eporeuthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \poreuomai\ used as a deponent verb without passive idea. In this context the verb has to refer to the Sanhedrin with a rather pointless contrast to Jesus.

rwp@John:8:1 @{But Jesus went} (\Iˆsous de eporeuthˆ\). Same deponent use of \poreuomai\ as in strkjv@7:53| and in contrast to the Sanhedrin's conduct, though it seems "pointless" (Dods). Apparently Jesus was lodging in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

rwp@John:8:3 @{The scribes and the Pharisees} (\hoi grammateis kai hoi Pharisaioi\). John does not mention "scribes," though this combination (note two articles) is common enough in the Synoptics (Luke:5:30; strkjv@6:7|, etc.). {Bring} (\agousin\). Vivid dramatic present active indicative of \ag“\. Dods calls this "in itself an unlawful thing to do" since they had a court for the trial of such a case. Their purpose is to entrap Jesus. {Taken in adultery} (\epi moicheiƒi kateilemmenˆn\). Perfect passive participle of \katalamban“\, old compound to seize (Mark:9:18|), to catch, to overtake (John:12:35|), to overcome (or overtake) in strkjv@1:5|. {Having let her in the midst} (\stˆsantes autˆn en mes“i\). First aorist active (transitive) participle of \histˆmi\. Here all could see her and what Jesus did with such a case. They knew his proneness to forgive sinners.

rwp@John:8:5 @{Commanded} (\eneteilato\). First aorist middle indicative of \entell“\, old verb to enjoin (Matthew:4:6|). {To stone such} (\tas toiautas lithazein\). Present active infinitive of \lithaz“\ (from \lithos\), from Aristotle on. Stoning was specified for the case of a betrothed woman guilty of adultery (Deuteronomy:22:23f.|) and for a priest's daughter if guilty. In other cases just death was commanded (Leviticus:20:10; strkjv@Deuteronomy:22:22|). The Talmud prescribes strangulation. This case may have strictly come within the regulation as a betrothed virgin. {What then sayest thou of her?} (\su oun ti legeis;\). "Thou then, what dost thou say?" This was the whole point, to catch Jesus, not to punish the woman.

rwp@John:8:6 @{Tempting him} (\peirazontes auton\). Evil sense of this present active participle of \peiraz“\, as so often (Mark:8:11; strkjv@10:2|, etc.). {That they might have whereof to accuse him} (\hina ech“sin katˆgorein autou\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and present active subjunctive of \ech“\. This laying of traps for Jesus was a common practice of his enemies (Luke:11:16|, etc.). Note present active infinitive of \katˆgore“\ (see strkjv@Matthew:12:10| for the verb) to go on accusing (with genitive \autou\). It was now a habit with these rabbis. {Stooped down} (\kat“ kupsas\). First aorist active participle of \kupt“\, old verb to bow the head, to bend forward, in N.T. only here and verse 8; strkjv@Mark:1:7|. The use of \kat“\ (down) gives a vivid touch to the picture. {With his finger} (\t“i daktul“i\). Instrumental case of \daktulos\ for which see strkjv@Matthew:23:4|. {Wrote on the ground} (\kategraphen eis tˆn gˆn\). Imperfect active of \katagraph“\, old compound, here only in N.T., to draw, to delineate, to write down, apparently inchoative, began to write on the sand as every one has done sometimes. The only mention of writing by Jesus and the use of \katagraph“\ leaves it uncertain whether he was writing words or drawing pictures or making signs. If we only knew what he wrote! Certainly Jesus knew how to write. And yet more books have been written about this one who wrote nothing that is preserved than any other person or subject in human history. There is a tradition that Jesus wrote down the names and sins of these accusers. That is not likely. They were written on their hearts. Jesus alone on this occasion showed embarrassment over this woman's sin.

rwp@John:8:7 @{When they continued asking} (\h“s epemenon er“t“ntes\). Imperfect active indicative of \epimen“\ (waiting in addition or still, \epi\, old verb) with supplementary active participle of \er“ta“\, to question. See same construction in strkjv@Acts:12:16| The verb \epimen“\ does not occur in John. They saw that Jesus seemed embarrassed, but did not know that it was as much because of "the brazen hardness of the prosecutors" as because of the shame of the deed. {He lifted himself up} (\anekupsen\). First aorist active indicative of \anakupt“\, the opposite of \katakupt“\, to bend down (verse 8|) or of \kat“ kupt“\ (verse 6|). {He that is without sin} (\ho anamartˆtos\). Verbal adjective (\an\ privative and \hamartˆtos\ from \hamartan“\), old word, either one who has not sinned as here and strkjv@Deuteronomy:29:19| or one who cannot sin, not in the N.T. {Among you} (\hum“n\). Objective genitive. {First cast} (\pr“tos balet“\). The nominative \pr“tos\ means first before others, be the first to cast, not cast before he does something else. See strkjv@20:4|. The verb is second aorist imperative of \ball“\, old verb to fling or cast. Jesus thus picks out the executioner in the case.

rwp@John:8:8 @{Again he stooped down} (\palin katakupsas\). First aorist active participle of \katakupt“\, old and rare verb (in Epictetus II, 16. 22) instead of \kat“ kupsas\ in verse 6|. {With his finger} (\t“i daktul“i\). Not genuine, only in D and Western class. {Wrote on the ground} (\egraphen eis tˆn gˆn\). Imperfect active of the simplex \graph“\, not \katagraph“\. The second picture of Jesus writing on the ground.

rwp@John:8:9 @{Went out} (\exˆrchonto\). Inchoative imperfect. Graphic picture. {One by one} (\heis kath' heis\). Not a Johannine phrase, but in strkjv@Mark:14:19| where also the second nominative is retained as if \kath'\ (\kata\) is regarded as a mere adverb and not as a preposition. {Beginning from the eldest} (\arxamenoi apo t“n presbuter“n\). "From the elder (comparative form, common in _Koin‚_ as superlative) men," as was natural for they had more sins of this sort which they recalled. "They are summoned to judge themselves rather than the woman" (Dods). {Was left alone} (\kateleiphthˆ monos\). First aorist effective passive indicative of \kataleip“\, to leave behind, with predicate nominative \monos\. "Jesus was left behind alone." {And the woman, where she was, in the midst} (\kai hˆ gunˆ en mes“i ousa\). The woman was left behind also "being in the midst" as they had placed her (verse 3|) before they were conscience stricken and left.

rwp@John:8:10 @{Lifted up himself} (\anakupsas\). First aorist active participle of \anakupt“\ as in verse 7|. {Where are they?} (\Pou eisin;\). Jesus had kept on writing on the ground as the accusers had slipped away one by one. {Did no man condemn thee?} (\oudeis se katekrinen;\). First aorist active indicative of \katakrin“\, old and common verb to give judgment against (down on) one, but not in John. No one dared to cast a stone at the woman on Christ's terms.

rwp@John:8:11 @{No man, Lord} (\Oudeis, Kurie\). "No one, Sir." She makes no excuse for her sin. Does she recognize Jesus as "Lord"? {Neither do I condemn thee} (\Oude eg“ se katakrin“\). Jesus does not condone her sin. See strkjv@8:15| for "I do not judge (condemn) any one." But he does give the poor woman another chance. {Henceforth sin no more} (\apo tou nun mˆketi hamartane\). See also strkjv@5:14| where this same language is used to the impotent man. It literally means (prohibition with present active imperative): "Henceforth no longer go on sinning." One can only hope that the woman was really changed in heart and life. Jesus clearly felt that even a wicked woman can be saved.

rwp@John:8:12 @{Again therefore} (\palin oun\). This language fits in better with strkjv@7:52| than with strkjv@8:11|. Just suppose Jesus is in the temple on the following day. {Unto them} (\autois\). The Pharisees and crowds in the temple after the feast was past. {I am the light of the world} (\eg“ eimi to ph“s tou kosmou\). Jesus had called his followers "the light of the world" (Matthew:5:14|), but that was light reflected from him. Already Jesus (the Logos) had been called the true light of men (1:9; strkjv@3:19|). The Psalmist calls God his Light (27:1|). Songs:Isaiah:60:19|. At the feast of tabernacles in the Court of the Women where Jesus was on this day (8:20|) there were brilliant candelabra and there was the memory of the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. But with all this background this supreme and exclusive claim of Jesus (repeated in strkjv@9:5|) to being the light of the whole world (of Gentiles as well as of Jews) startled the Pharisees and challenged their opposition. {Shall have the light of life} (\hexei to ph“s tˆs z“ˆs\). The light which springs from and issues in life (Westcott). Cf. strkjv@6:33,51| about Jesus being the Bread of Life. In this sublime claim we come to a decisive place. It will not do to praise Jesus and deny his deity. Only as the Son of God can we justify and accept this language which otherwise is mere conceit and froth.

rwp@John:8:14 @{Even if} (\kan\). That is \kai ean\, a condition of the third class with the present active subjunctive \martur“\. Jesus means that his own witness concerning himself is true (\alˆthes\) even if it contravenes their technical rules of evidence. He can and does tell the truth all by himself concerning himself. {For I know whence I came and whither I go} (\hoti oida pothen ˆlthon kai pou hupag“\). In this terse sentence with two indirect questions Jesus alludes to his pre-existence with the Father before his Incarnation as in strkjv@17:5| and to the return to the Father after the death and resurrection as in strkjv@13:3; strkjv@14:2f|. He again puts both ideas together in one crisp clause in strkjv@16:28| for the apostles who profess to understand him then. But here these Pharisees are blind to the words of Jesus. "But ye know not whence I come nor whither I go" (\humeis de ouk oidate pothen erchomai ˆ pou hupag“\). He had spoken of his heavenly destiny (7:33|). Jesus alone knew his personal consciousness of his coming from, fellowship with, and return to the Father. Stier (_Words of the Lord Jesus_) argues that one might as well say to the sun, if claiming to be the sun, that it was night, because it bore witness of itself. The answer is the shining of the sun.

rwp@John:8:17 @{Yea and in your law} (\kai en t“i nom“i de t“i humeter“i\). Same use of \kai--de\ as in verse 16|. They claimed possession of the law (7:49|) and so Jesus takes this turn in answer to the charge of single witness in verse 13|. He will use similar language (your law) in strkjv@10:34| in an _argumentum ad hominem_ as here in controversy with the Jews. In strkjv@15:24| to the apostles Jesus even says "in their law" in speaking of the hostile Jews plotting his death. He does not mean in either case to separate himself wholly from the Jews and the law, though in Matthew 5 he does show the superiority of his teaching to that of the law. For the Mosaic regulation about two witnesses see strkjv@Deuteronomy:17:6; strkjv@19:15|. This combined witness of two is not true just because they agree, unless true in fact separately. But if they disagree, the testimony falls to the ground. In this case the Father confirms the witness of the Son as Jesus had already shown (5:37|).

rwp@John:8:19 @{Where is thy Father?} (\pou estin ho patˆr sou;\). "The testimony of an unseen and unheard witness would not satisfy them" (Vincent). Bernard understands the Pharisees to see that Jesus claims God the Father as his second witness and so ask "where," not "who" he is. Augustine has it: _Patrem Christi carnaliter acceperunt_, Christ's human father, as if the Pharisees were "misled perhaps by the Lord's use of \anthr“pon\ (verse 17|)" (Dods). Cyril even took it to be a coarse allusion to the birth of Jesus as a bastard according to the Talmud. Perhaps the Pharisees used the question with _double entendre_, even with all three ideas dancing in their hostile minds. {Ye would know my Father also} (\kai ton patera mou an ˆideite\). Conclusion of second-class condition determined as unfulfilled with \an\ and second perfect active of \oida\ used as imperfect in both condition and conclusion. See this same point made to Philip in strkjv@14:9|. In strkjv@14:7| Jesus will use \gin“sk“\ in the condition and \oida\ in the conclusion. The ignorance of the Pharisees about Jesus proves it and is due to their ignorance of the Father. See this point more fully stated in strkjv@5:36-38| when Jesus had his previous controversy in Jerusalem. In strkjv@7:28| Jesus said that they knew his home in Nazareth, but he denied then that they knew the Father who sent him. Jesus will again on this occasion (8:55|) deny their knowledge of the Father. Later he will deny their knowledge of the Father and of the Son (16:3|). The Pharisees are silenced for the moment.

rwp@John:8:25 @{Who art thou?} (\Su tis ei;\). Proleptic use of \su\ before \tis\, "Thou, who art thou?" Cf. strkjv@1:19|. He had virtually claimed to be the Messiah and on a par with God as in strkjv@5:15|. They wish to pin him down and to charge him with blasphemy. {Even that which I have also spoken unto you from the beginning} (\tˆn archˆn hoti kai lal“ humin\). A difficult sentence. It is not clear whether it is an affirmation or a question. The Latin and Syriac versions treat it as affirmative. Westcott and Hort follow Meyer and take it as interrogative. The Greek fathers take it as an exclamation. It seems clear that the adverbial accusative \tˆn archˆn\ cannot mean "from the beginning" like \ap' archˆs\ (15:27|) or \ex archˆs\ (16:4|). The LXX has \tˆn archˆn\ for "at the beginning" or "at the first" (Genesis:43:20|). There are examples in Greek, chiefly negative, where \tˆn archˆn\ means "at all," "essentially," "primarily." Vincent and Bernard so take it here, "Primarily what I am telling you." Jesus avoids the term Messiah with its political connotations. He stands by his high claims already made.

rwp@John:8:27 @{They perceived not} (\ouk egn“san\). Second aorist active indicative of \gin“sk“\. "Preoccupied as they were with thoughts of an earthly deliverer" (Westcott) and prejudiced against recognizing Jesus as the one sent from God. {That he spake to them of the Father} (\hoti ton patera autois elegen\). Indirect assertion, but with the present indicative (\legei\) changed to the imperfect (\elegen\) as was sometimes done (2:25|) after a secondary tense.

rwp@John:8:29 @{Is with me} (\met' emou estin\). The Incarnation brought separation from the Father in one sense, but in essence there is complete harmony and fellowship as he had already said (8:16|) and will expand in strkjv@17:21-26|. {He hath not left me alone} (\ouk aphˆken me monon\). First aorist active indicative of \aphiˆmi\. "He did not leave me alone." However much the crowds and the disciples misunderstood or left Jesus, the Father always comforted and understood him (Mark:6:46; strkjv@Matthew:14:23; strkjv@John:6:15|). {That are pleasing to him} (\ta aresta aut“i\). This old verbal adjective, from \aresk“\, to please, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Acts:6:2; strkjv@12:3; strkjv@1John:3:32|. The joy of Jesus was in doing the will of the Father who sent him (4:34|).

rwp@John:8:32 @{And ye shall know the truth} (\kai gn“sesthe tˆn alˆtheian\). Truth is one of the marks of Christ (1:14|) and Jesus will claim to Thomas to be the personification of truth (14:6|). But it will be for them knowledge to be learned by doing God's will (7:17|). The word is from \alˆthˆs\ (\a\ privative and \lˆth“\, to conceal, unsealed, open). See also verses 40,44,45|. {And the truth shall make you free} (\kai hˆ alˆtheia eleuther“sei humas\). Future active indicative of \eleuthero“\, old verb from \eleutheros\ (from \erchomai\, to go where one wishes and so free). One of Paul's great words for freedom from the bondage of the law (Romans:6:18; strkjv@Galatians:5:1|). The freedom of which Jesus here speaks is freedom from the slavery of sin as Paul in strkjv@Romans:8:2|. See strkjv@John:8:36|. This freedom is won alone by Christ (8:36|) and we are sanctified in truth (17:19|). In strkjv@1:17| truth is mentioned with grace as one of the marks of the gospel through Christ. Freedom (intellectual, moral, spiritual) is only attainable when we are set free from darkness, sin, ignorance, superstition and let the Light of the World shine on us and in us.

rwp@John:8:33 @{We be Abraham's seed} (\Sperma Abraam esmen\). "We are Abraham's seed," the proudest boast of the Jews, of Sarah the freewoman and not of Hagar the bondwoman (Galatians:4:22f.|). Yes, but the Jews came to rely solely on mere physical descent (Matthew:3:9|) and so God made Gentiles the spiritual children of Abraham by faith (Matthew:3:7; Rom. strkjv@9:6f.|). {And have never yet been in bondage to any man} (\kai oudeni dedouleukamen p“pote\). Perfect active indicative of \douleu“\, to be slaves. This was a palpable untruth uttered in the heat of controversy. At that very moment the Jews wore the Roman yoke as they had worn that of Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Alexander, the Ptolemies, the Syrian (Seleucid) kings. They had liberty for a while under the Maccabees. "These poor believers soon come to the end of their faith" (Stier). But even so they had completely missed the point in the words of Jesus about freedom by truth.

rwp@John:8:34 @{Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin} (\pas ho poi“n tˆn hamartian doulos estin [tˆs hamartias]\). The Western class omits \tˆs hamartias\ (sin), but that is the idea anyhow. Note the use of \poi“n\ (present active participle, continuous habit or practice), not \poiˆsas\ (aorist active participle for single act), precisely as in strkjv@1John:3:4-8|. Note also strkjv@3:21| for \ho poi“n tˆn alˆtheian\ (the one who practises the truth). Sin, like the worst narcotic, is habit forming. Hence the problem today for criminologists for paroled or pardoned criminals nearly always go back to crime, sink again into sin, the slaves of sin. Xenophon has this notion of the slavery of sin (_Memor_. IV. 5. 3). Songs:Paul clearly in strkjv@Romans:6:17,20| "slaves of sin" (\douloi tˆs hamartias\).

rwp@John:8:35 @{The bondservant} (\ho doulos\)... {the son} (\ho huios\). There is a change in the metaphor by this contrast between the positions of the son and the slave in the house. The slave has no footing or tenure and may be cast out at any moment while the son is the heir and has a permanent place. Cf. Ishmael and Isaac (Genesis:21:10|) and Paul's use of it in strkjv@Galatians:4:30|. We do not know that there is any reference here to Hagar and Ishmael. See also strkjv@Hebrews:3:5| (Numbers:12:7|) for a like contrast between Moses as servant (\therap“n\) in God's house and Christ as Son (\huios\) over God's house.

rwp@John:8:36 @{If therefore the son shall make you free} (\ean oun ho huios humas eleuther“sˆi\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive. "If therefore the Son set you free," as he has the power to do. {Ye shall be free indeed} (\ont“s eleutheroi esesthe\). Old and common adverb from participle \ont“n\, actually, really (cf. strkjv@Luke:24:34|). But this spiritual freedom was beyond the concept or wish of these Jews.

rwp@John:8:38 @{With my Father} (\para t“i patri\). Locative case of \patˆr\ and article used as possessive (common idiom), "by the side of my Father," picture of intimate fellowship like \pros ton theon\ (face to face with God) in strkjv@1:1|. {From your father} (\para tou patros\). Ablative case with \para\ (from the side of) and same possessive use of \tou\ in each instance, though "the" will really answer both times. But \ho patˆr\ does not mean the same person. Christ's Father by contrast is not their father.

rwp@John:8:39 @{Our father is Abraham} (\ho patˆr hˆm“n Abraam estin\). They saw the implication and tried to counter it by repeating their claim in verse 33| which was true so far as physical descent went as Jesus had admitted (verse 37|). {If ye were} (\ei este\). Strictly, "if ye are" as ye claim, a condition of the first class assumed to be true. {Ye would do} (\epoieite an\). Read by C L N and a corrector of Aleph while W omits \an\. This makes a mixed condition (protasis of the first class, apodosis of the second. See Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1022). But B reads \poieite\ like the Sin. Syriac which has to be treated as imperative (so Westcott and Hort).

rwp@John:8:40 @{But now} (\nun de\). Clear statement that they are not doing "the works of Abraham" in seeking to kill him. See this use of \nun de\ after a condition of second class without \an\ in strkjv@John:16:22,24|. {This did not Abraham} (\touto Abraam ouk epoiˆsen\). Blunt and pointed of their unlikeness to Abraham. {A man that hath told you the truth} (\anthr“pon hos ten alˆtheian humin lelalˆka\). \Anthr“pon\ (here=person, one) is accusative case in apposition with {me} (\me\) just before. The perfect active indicative \lelalˆka\ from \lale“\ is in the first person singular because the relative \hos\ has the person of \me\, an idiom not retained in the English {that hath} (that have or who have) though it is retained in the English of strkjv@1Corinthians:15:9| "that am" for \hos eimi\. {Which I heard from God} (\hˆn ˆkousa para tou theou\). Here we have "I" in the English. "God" here is equal to "My Father" in verse 38|. The only crime of Jesus is telling the truth directly from God.

rwp@John:8:41 @{Ye do the works of your father} (\humeis poieite ta erga tou patros hum“n\). Who is not Abraham and not God as Jesus plainly indicates. {We were not born of fornication} (\hˆmeis ek porneias egennˆthˆmen\). First aorist passive indicative of \genna“\. This they said as a proud boast. Jesus had admitted that they were physical (Deuteronomy:23:2|) descendants of Abraham (37|), but now denies that they are spiritual children of Abraham (like Paul in strkjv@Romans:9:7|). \Porneia\ is from \pornos\ (harlot) and that from \pernˆmi\, to sell, a woman who sells her body for sexual uses. It is vaguely possible that in this stern denial the Pharisees may have an indirect fling at Jesus as the bastard son of Mary (so Talmud). {We have one Father, even God} (\hena patera echomen ton theon\). No "even" in the Greek, "One Father we have, God." This in direct reply to the implication of Jesus (verse 38|) that God was not their spiritual Father.

rwp@John:8:44 @{Ye are of your father the devil} (\humeis ek tou patros tou diabolou\). Certainly they can "understand" (\gin“skete\ in 43|) this "talk" (\lalian\) though they will be greatly angered. But they had to hear it (\akouein\ in 43|). It was like a bombshell in spite of the preliminary preparation. {Your will to do} (\thelete poiein\). Present active indicative of \thel“\ and present active infinitive, "Ye wish to go on doing." This same idea Jesus presents in strkjv@Matthew:13:38| (the sons of the evil one, the devil) and strkjv@23:15| (twofold more a son of Gehenna than you). See also strkjv@1John:3:8| for "of the devil" (\ek tou diabolou\) for the one who persists in sinning. In strkjv@Revelation:12:9| the devil is one who leads all the world astray. The Gnostic view that Jesus means "the father of the devil" is grotesque. Jesus does not, of course, here deny that the Jews, like all men, are children of God the Creator, like Paul's offspring of God for all men in strkjv@Acts:17:28|. What he denies to these Pharisees is that they are spiritual children of God who do his will. They do the lusts and will of the devil. The Baptist had denied this same spiritual fatherhood to the merely physical descendants of Abraham (Matthew:3:9|). He even called them "broods of vipers" as Jesus did later (Matthew:12:34|). {A murderer} (\anthr“poktonos\). Old and rare word (Euripides) from \anthr“pos\, man, and \ktein“\, to kill. In N.T. only here and strkjv@1John:3:15|. The Jews were seeking to kill Jesus and so like their father the devil. {Stood not in the truth} (\en tˆi alˆtheiƒi ouk estˆken\). Since \ouk\, not \ouch\, is genuine, the form of the verb is \esteken\ the imperfect of the late present stem \stˆk“\ (Mark:11:25|) from the perfect active \hestˆka\ (intransitive) of \histˆmi\, to place. {No truth in him} (\ouk estin alˆtheia en aut“i\). Inside him or outside (environment). The devil and truth have no contact. {When he speaketh a lie} (\hotan lalˆi to pseudos\). Indefinite temporal clause with \hotan\ and the present active subjunctive of \lale“\. But note the article \to\: "Whenever he speaks the lie," as he is sure to do because it is his nature. Hence "he speaks out of his own" (\ek t“n idi“n lalei\) like a fountain bubbling up (cf. strkjv@Matthew:12:34|). {For he is a liar} (\hoti pseustˆs estin\). Old word for the agent in a conscious falsehood (\pseudos\). See strkjv@1John:1:10; strkjv@Romans:3:4|. Common word in John because of the emphasis on \alˆtheia\ (truth). {And the father thereof} (\kai ho patˆr autou\). Either the father of the lie or of the liar, both of which are true as already shown by Jesus. {Autou} in the genitive can be either neuter or masculine. Westcott takes it thus, "because he is a liar and his father (the devil) is a liar," making "one," not the devil, the subject of "whenever he speaks," a very doubtful expression.

rwp@John:8:46 @{Which of you convicteth me of sin?} (\Tis ex hum“n elegchei me peri hamaritas;\). See on strkjv@3:20; strkjv@16:8| (the work of the Holy Spirit) for \elegch“\ for charge and proof. The use of \hamartia\ as in strkjv@1:29| means sin in general, not particular sins. The rhetorical question which receives no answer involves sinlessness (Hebrews:4:15|) without specifically saying so. Bernard suggests that Jesus paused after this pungent question before going on. {Why do ye not believe me?} (\Dia ti humeis ou pisteuete moi;\). This question drives home the irrationality of their hostility to Jesus. It was based on prejudice and predilection.

rwp@John:8:47 @{He that is of God} (\ho “n ek tou theou\). See this use of \ek\ in strkjv@3:31f|. "Their not listening proved that they were not of God" (Dods). They were of the earth and the devil, not of God.

rwp@John:8:50 @{But I seek not mine own glory} (\eg“ de ou zˆt“ tˆn doxan mou\). As they did not seek the glory of God (5:44; strkjv@8:4|). {And judgeth} (\kai krin“n\). The Father judges between you and me, though the Son is the Judge of mankind (5:22|). "It is only the \doxa\ (glory) that comes from God that is worth having" (Bernard).

rwp@John:8:51 @{If a man keep my word} (\ean tis ton emon logon tˆrˆsˆi\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and constative aorist active subjunctive of \tˆre“\. Repeated in verse 52|. See verse 43| about hearing the word of Christ. Common phrase in John (8:51,52,55; strkjv@14:23,24; strkjv@15:20; strkjv@17:6; strkjv@1John:2:5|). Probably the same idea as keeping the commands of Christ (14:21|). {He shall never see death} (\thanaton ou mˆ the“rˆsˆi eis ton aiona\). Spiritual death, of course. Strong double negative \ou mˆ\ with first aorist active subjunctive of \the“re“\. The phrase "see death" is a Hebraism (Psalms:89:48|) and occurs with \idein\ (see) in strkjv@Luke:2:26; strkjv@Hebrews:11:5|. No essential difference meant between \hora“\ and \the“re“\. See strkjv@John:14:23| for the blessed fellowship the Father and the Son have with the one who keeps Christ's word.

rwp@John:8:53 @{Art thou greater than our father Abraham?} (\Mˆ su meiz“n ei tou patros hˆm“n Abraam;\). Negative answer expected by \mˆ\ with ablative case of comparison in \patros\ after \meiz“n\. The question was designed to put Jesus in a difficult position, for Abraham and the prophets all "died." They do not see that Jesus uses death in a different sense. {Whom makest thou thyself?} (\tina seauton poieis;\). \Seauton\ is predicate accusative with \poieis\. They suspect that Jesus is guilty of blasphemy as they charged in strkjv@5:18| in making himself equal with God. Later they will make it specifically (10:33; strkjv@19:7|). They set a trap for Jesus for this purpose.

rwp@John:8:54 @{If I glorify myself} (\ean eg“ doxas“ emauton\). Third-class condition with \ean\ and first aorist active subjunctive (or future active indicative) of \doxaz“\. {It is my Father that glorifieth me} (\estin ho patˆr mou ho doxaz“n me\). The position and accent of \estin\ mean: "Actually my Father is the one," etc. {Of whom ye say} (\hon humeis legete\). The accusative of the person (\hon\) with \legete\ is regular (cf. strkjv@10:36|). {Your God} (\theos hum“n\). Songs:Aleph B D and apparently correct, though A C L W Delta Theta have \hˆm“n\ (our God). The \hoti\ can be taken as recitative (direct quotation, \hˆm“n\, our) or declarative (indirect, that, and so \hum“n\). The Jews claimed God as their peculiar national God as they had said in 41|. Songs:Jesus turns this confession and claim against them.

rwp@John:8:55 @{And ye have not known him} (\kai ouk egn“kate auton\). Adversative use again of \kai\="and yet." Perfect active indicative of \gin“sk“\, the verb for experiential knowledge. This was true of the \kosmos\ (1:10; strkjv@17:25|) and of the hostile Jews (16:3|). Jesus prays that the world may know (17:23|) and the handful of disciples had come to know (17:25|). {But I know him} (\eg“ de oida auton\). Equipped by eternal fellowship to reveal the Father (1:1-18|). This peculiar intimate knowledge Jesus had already claimed (7:29|). Jesus used \oida\ (8:19; strkjv@15:21|) or \gin“sk“\ (17:23,25|) for the knowledge of the Father. No undue distinction can be drawn here. {And if I should say} (\kan eip“\). Third-class condition (concession), "even if I say," with \kai ean\ (\kan\) and second aorist active subjunctive. "Suppose I say." {I shall be like you a liar} (\esomai homoios humin pseustˆs\). Apodosis of the condition. \Homoios\ (like) is followed by the associative-instrumental case \humin\. The word \pseustˆs\ (liar), in spite of the statement that they are the children of the devil, the father of lying (8:44|), comes with a sudden jolt because it is a direct charge. This word liar is not considered polite today in public speech when hurled at definite individuals. There is a rather free use of the word in strkjv@1John:2:4,22; strkjv@4:20; strkjv@5:10|. It is not hard to imagine the quick anger of these Pharisees.

rwp@John:8:58 @{Before Abraham was} (\prin Abraam genesthai\). Usual idiom with \prin\ in positive sentence with infinitive (second aorist middle of \ginomai\) and the accusative of general reference, "before coming as to Abraham," "before Abraham came into existence or was born." {I am} (\eg“ eimi\). Undoubtedly here Jesus claims eternal existence with the absolute phrase used of God. The contrast between \genesthai\ (entrance into existence of Abraham) and \eimi\ (timeless being) is complete. See the same contrast between \en\ in strkjv@1:1| and \egeneto\ in strkjv@1:14|. See the contrast also in strkjv@Psalms:90:2| between God (\ei\, art) and the mountains (\genˆthˆnai\). See the same use of \eimi\ in strkjv@John:6:20; strkjv@9:9; strkjv@8:24,28; strkjv@18:6|.

rwp@John:8:59 @{They took up stones therefore} (\ˆran oun lithous\). First aorist active indicative of \air“\, inferential use of \oun\. The time for argument had past. {To cast at him} (\hina bal“sin ep' auton\). Final clause with \hina\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \ball“\. Vivid picture of a mob ready to kill Jesus, already beginning to do so. {Hid himself} (\ekrubˆ\). Second aorist passive indicative of \krupt“\. He was hidden. No Docetic vanishing, but quietly and boldly Jesus went out of the temple. His hour had not yet come. Once again three months later the Pharisees will try to kill him, but he will pass out of their hands (10:39|).

rwp@John:9:24 @{A second time} (\ek deuterou\). He had given the Pharisees the facts the first time (9:15|). It was really the third time (see \palin\ in strkjv@9:17|). Now it was like a joke unless the Pharisees meant to imply that his previous story was untrue. {Give glory to God} (\dos doxan t“i the“i\). Second aorist active imperative of \did“mi\ (cf. \sches, hes\). This phrase does not mean gratitude to God as in strkjv@Luke:17:18|. It is rather an adjuration to speak the truth (Joshua:7:19; strkjv@1Samuel:6:5|) as if he had not done it before. Augustine says: "_Quid est Daniel:gloriam Deo? Nega quod accepisti._" Is a sinner (\hamart“los estin\). They can no longer deny the fact of the cure since the testimony of the parents (9:19|) and now wish the man to admit that he was lying in saying that Jesus healed him. He must accept their ecclesiastical authority as proving that Jesus had nothing to do with the cure since Jesus is a sinner. They wish to decide the fact by logic and authority like all persecutors through the ages. Recall the Pharisaic distinction between \dikaios\ (righteous) and \hamart“los\ (sinner).

rwp@John:9:26 @{What did he do to thee?} (\Ti epoiˆsen soi;\). Another cross-examination, now admitting that Jesus opened his eyes and wishing again (9:15,17|) to know "how."

rwp@John:9:27 @{I told you even now} (\eipon humin ˆdˆ\). In verses 15,17,25|. {Would ye also become his disciples?} (\Mˆ kai humeis thelete autou mathˆtai genesthai;\). Negative answer formally expected, but the keenest irony in this gibe. Clearly the healed man knew from the use of "also" (\kai\) that Jesus had some "disciples" (\mathˆtai\, predicate nominative with the infinitive \genesthai\) and that the Pharisees knew that fact. "Do ye also (like the Galilean mob) wish, etc." See strkjv@7:45-52|. It cut to the bone.

rwp@John:9:28 @{They reviled him} (\eloidorˆsan auton\). First aorist active indicative of \loidore“\, old verb from \loidoros\ (reviler, strkjv@1Corinthians:5:11|), in N.T. only here, strkjv@Acts:23:4; strkjv@1Corinthians:4:12; strkjv@1Peter:2:23|. {Thou art his disciple} (\su mathˆtˆs ei ekeinou\). Probably a fling in \ekeinou\ (of that fellow). He had called him a prophet (9:17|) and became a joyful follower later (9:36-38|). {But we are disciples of Moses} (\hˆmeis de tou M“use“s esmen mathˆtai\). This they said with proud scorn of the healed beggar. All orthodox rabbis so claimed.

rwp@John:9:29 @{We know that God hath spoken unto Moses} (\hˆmeis oidamen hoti M“usei lelalˆken ho theos\). Perfect active indicative of \lale“\, so still on record. See strkjv@Exodus:33:11|. For \lale“\ used of God speaking see strkjv@Hebrews:1:1|. They are proud to be disciples of Moses. {But as for this man, we do not know whence he is} (\touton de ouk oidamen pothen estin\). "This fellow" they mean by "\touton\" in emphatic position, we do not even know whence he is. Some of the people did (7:27|), but in the higher sense none of the Jews knew (8:14|). These Pharisees neither knew nor cared.

rwp@John:9:31 @{God does not hear sinners} (\ho theos hamart“l“n ouk akouei\). Note genitive case with \akouei\. This was the argument of the Pharisees in strkjv@9:16|. It is frequent in the O.T. (Job:27:9; strkjv@Psalms:66:18; strkjv@Isaiah:1:15; strkjv@59:2|, etc.). The conclusion is inevitable from this premise. Jesus is not \hamart“los\. {If any man be a worshipper of God} (\ean tis theosebˆs ˆi\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and present active subjunctive \ˆi\. \Theosebˆs\ (\theos\, God, \sebomai\, to worship) is an old compound adjective, here alone in the N.T. {And do his will} (\kai to thelˆma autou poiei\). Same condition with present active subjunctive of \poie“\, "keep on doing his will."

rwp@John:12:4 @{Judas Iscariot} (\Ioudas ho Iskari“tˆs\). See \ho Iskari“tˆs\ in strkjv@14:22|. See strkjv@6:71; strkjv@13:1| for like description of Judas save that in strkjv@6:71| the father's name is given in the genitive, \Sim“nos\ and \Iskari“tou\ (agreeing with the father), but in strkjv@13:1| \Iskari“tˆs\ agrees with \Ioudas\, not with \Sim“nos\. Clearly then both father and son were called "Iscariot" or man of Kerioth in the tribe of Judah (Joshua:15:25|). Judas is the only one of the twelve not a Galilean. {One of his disciples} (\heis t“n mathˆt“n autou\). Likewise in strkjv@6:71|, only there \ek\ is used after \heis\ as some MSS. have here. This is the shameful fact that clung to the name of Judas. {Which should betray him} (\ho mell“n auton paradidonai\). John does not say in strkjv@6:71| (\emellen paradidonai auton\) or here that Judas "was predestined to betray Jesus" as Bernard suggests. He had his own responsibility for his guilt as Jesus said (Matthew:26:24|). \Mell“\ here simply points to the act as future, not as necessary. Note the contrast between Mary and Judas. "Mary in her devotion unconsciously provides for the honour of the dead. Judas in his selfishness unconsciously brings about the death itself" (Westcott).

rwp@John:12:5 @{Sold} (\eprathˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \piprask“\, old verb to sell (Matthew:13:46|). {For three hundred pence} (\triakosi“n dˆnari“n\). Genitive of price. Same item in strkjv@Mark:14:5|, while in strkjv@Matthew:26:9| it is simply "for much" (\pollou\). But all three have "given to the poor" (\edothˆ pt“chois\). First aorist passive indicative of \did“mi\ with dative case \pt“chois\ (note absence of the article, poor people), real beggars, mendicants (Matthew:19:21; strkjv@Luke:14:13|). But only John singles out Judas as the one who made the protest against this waste of money while Mark says that "some" had indignation and Matthew has it that "the disciples" had indignation. Clearly Judas was the spokesman for the group who chimed in and agreed with his protest. The amount here spent by Mary (ten guineas) would equal a day labourer's wages for a year (Dods).

rwp@John:12:6 @{Not because he cared for the poor} (\ouch hoti peri t“n pt“ch“n emelen aut“i\). Literally, "not because it was a care to him concerning the poor" (impersonal imperfect of \melei\, it was a care). John often makes explanatory comments of this kind as in strkjv@2:21f.; strkjv@7:22,39|. {But because he was a thief} (\alle hoti kleptˆs ˆn\). Clearly the disciples did not know then that Judas was a petty thief. That knowledge came later after he took the bribe of thirty pieces of silver for betraying Jesus (Matthew:26:15|), for the disciples did not suspect Judas of treachery (13:28f.|), let alone small peculations. There is no reason for thinking that John is unfair to Judas. "Temptation commonly comes through that for which we are naturally fitted" (Westcott). In this case Judas himself was "the poor beggar" who wanted this money. {And having the bag took away what was put therein} (\kai to gl“ssokomon ech“n ta ballomena ebastazen\). This is the correct text. This compound for the earlier \gl“ssokomeion\ (from \gl“ssa\, tongue, and \kome“\, to tend) was originally a receptacle for the tongues or mouth-pieces of wind instruments. The shorter form is already in the Doric inscriptions and is common in the papyri for "money-box" as here. It occurs also in Josephus, Plutarch, etc. In N.T. only here and strkjv@13:29| in same sense about Judas. \Ballomena\ is present passive participle (repeatedly put in) of \ball“\, to cast or fling. The imperfect active (custom) of \bastaz“\, old verb to pick up (John:10:31|), to carry (19:17|), but here and strkjv@20:15| with the sense to bear away as in Polybius, Josephus, Diogenes Laertes, and often so in the papyri.

rwp@John:12:7 @{Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying} (\Aphes autˆn, hina eis tˆn hˆmeran tou entaphiasmou mou tˆrˆsˆi auto\). This reading (\hina tˆrˆsˆi\, purpose clause with \hina\ and first aorist active subjunctive of \tˆre“\) rather than that of the Textus Receptus (just \tetˆreken\, perfect active indicative) is correct. It is supported by Aleph B D L W Theta. The \hina\ can be rendered as above after \aphes\ according to _Koin‚_ idiom or more probably: "Let her alone: it was that," etc. (supplying "it was"). Either makes good sense. The word \entaphiasmos\ is a later and rare substantive from the late verb \entaphiaz“\, to prepare for burial (Matthew:26:12; strkjv@John:19:40|), and means preparation for burial. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Mark:14:8|. "Preparation for my burial" is the idea here and in Mark. The idea of Jesus is that Mary had saved this money to use in preparing his body for burial. She is giving him the flowers before the funeral. We can hardly take it that Mary did not use all of the ointment for Mark (Mark:14:3|) says that she broke it and yet he adds (Mark:14:8|) what John has here. It is a paradox, but Jesus is fond of paradoxes. Mary has kept this precious gift by giving it now beforehand as a preparation for my burial. We really keep what we give to Christ. This is Mary's glory that she had some glimmering comprehension of Christ's death which none of the disciples possessed.

rwp@John:12:8 @{Ye have always} (\pantote echete\). Jesus does not discredit gifts to the poor at all. But there is relativity in one's duties. {But me ye have not always} (\eme de ou pantote echete\). This is what Mary perceived with her delicate woman's intuition and what the apostles failed to understand though repeatedly and plainly told by Jesus. John does not mention the precious promise of praise for Mary preserved in strkjv@Mark:14:9; strkjv@Matthew:26:13|, but he does show her keen sympathetic insight and Christ's genuine appreciation of her noble deed. It is curiously \mal-a-propos\ surely to put alongside this incident the other incident told long before by Luke (Luke:7:35ff.|) of the sinful woman. Let Mary alone in her glorious act of love.

rwp@John:12:10 @{The chief priests took counsel} (\ebouleusanto hoi archiereis\). First aorist middle indicative of \bouleu“\, old verb, seen already in strkjv@11:53| which see. The whole Sanhedrin (7:32|) had decided to put Jesus to death and had asked for information concerning him (11:57|) that might lead to his arrest, but the Sadducees were specially active now to accomplish the death of Lazarus also (\hina\ with first aorist active subjunctive of \apoktein“\ as in strkjv@11:53|). Perhaps they argued that, if they should kill both Jesus and Lazarus, then Lazarus would remain dead. The raising of Lazarus has brought matters to a crisis. Incidentally, it may be observed that here we may see the reason why the Synoptics do not tell the story of the raising of Lazarus, if he was still living (cf. the case of Malchus's name in strkjv@John:18:10|).

rwp@John:12:13 @{Took} (\elabon\). Second aorist active indicative of \lamban“\. {The branches of the palm-trees} (\ta baia t“n phoinik“n\). \Phoinix\ is an old word for palm-tree (Revelation:7:9| for the branches) and in strkjv@Acts:27:12| the name of a city. \Baion\ is apparently a word of Egyptian origin, palm branches, here only in N.T., but in the papyri and I Macc. strkjv@13:51. Here we have "the palm branches of the palm-trees." The use in 1 Macc. strkjv@13:51 (cf. II Macc. strkjv@10:7) is in the account of Simon's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Bernard notes that to carry palms was a mark of triumphant homage to a victor or a king (Revelation:7:9|). Palm-trees grew on the Mount of Olives (Mark:11:8|) on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem. The crowds (one in front and one behind, strkjv@Mark:11:9; strkjv@Matthew:21:9; strkjv@John:2:18|) cut the branches as they came (Matthew:21:8|). {To meet him} (\eis hupantˆsin aut“i\). Literally, {for a meeting} (\hupantˆsis\, late word from the verb \hupanta“\, strkjv@Matthew:8:28; strkjv@John:11:20,30; strkjv@12:18|, in the papyri, but only here in the N.T.) with him" (\aut“i\, associative instrumental case after \hupantˆsin\ as after the verb in verse 18|). It was a scene of growing excitement. {And cried out} (\kai ekraugazon\). Imperfect active of \kraugaz“\, old and rare verb (from \kraugˆ\) as in strkjv@Matthew:12:19; strkjv@John:19:15|. {Hosannah} (\H“sannah\). Transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning "Save now." The LXX renders it by \S“son dˆ\ (Save now). {Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord} (\eulogˆmenos ho erchomenos en onomati kuriou\). Perfect passive participle of \euloge“\. Quotation from strkjv@Psalms:118:25f.|, written, some think, for the dedication of the second temple, or, as others think, for the feast of tabernacles after the return (Ezra:3:1f.|). It was sung in the processional recitation then as a welcome to the worshippers. Here the words are addressed to the Messiah as is made plain by the addition of the words, "even the king of Israel" (\kai ho basileus tou Israˆl\) as Nathanael called him (1:49|). Jesus is here hailed by the multitudes as the long-looked for Messiah of Jewish hope and he allows them so to greet him (Luke:19:38-40|), a thing that he prevented a year before in Galilee (John:6:14f.|). It is probable that "in the name of the Lord" should be taken with "blessed" as in strkjv@Deuteronomy:21:5; strkjv@2Samuel:6:18; strkjv@1Kings:22:16; strkjv@2Kings:2:24|. The Messiah was recognized by Martha as the Coming One (John:11:27|) and is so described by the Baptist (Matthew:11:3|). Mark (Mark:11:10|) adds "the kingdom that cometh" while Luke (19:38|) has "the king that cometh." "It was this public acclamation of Jesus as King of Israel or King of the Jews which was the foundation of the charge made against him before Pilate (18:33|)" (Bernard).

rwp@John:12:14 @{Found} (\heur“n\). Second aorist active participle of \heurisk“\. Through the disciples, of course, as in strkjv@Mark:11:2-6| (Matthew:21:2-3,6; strkjv@Luke:19:30f.|). {A young ass} (\onarion\). Late diminutive of \onos\, in Epictetus and the papyri (even the double diminitive, \onaridion\), only here in the N.T. See discussion of ¯Matthew:21:5| where \kai\ has been wrongly rendered "and" instead of "even." Rightly understood Matthew has Jesus riding only the colt like the rest.

rwp@John:12:15 @{Daughter of Zion} (\thugatˆr Si“n\). Nominative form (instead of \thugater\) but vocative case. The quotation is from strkjv@Zechariah:9:9| shortened. {Thy King cometh} (\ho basileus erchetai\). Prophetic futuristic present. The ass was the animal ridden in peace as the horse was in war (Judges:10:4; strkjv@12:14; strkjv@2Samuel:17:23; strkjv@19:26|). Zechariah pictures one coming in peace. Songs:the people here regarded Jesus as the Prince of Peace in the triumphal entry. {Sitting on an ass's colt} (\kathˆmenos epi p“lon onou\). Matthew (Matthew:21:6f.|) does speak of both the ass and the colt having garments put on them, but he does not say that Jesus "sat upon" both animals at once, for \epan“ aut“n\ (upon them) probably refers to the garments, not to the colts. When John wrote (end of the century), Jerusalem had fallen. Jesus will lament over Jerusalem (Luke:19:41ff.|). Songs:"Fear not" (\mˆ phobou\).

rwp@John:12:16 @{Understood not} (\ouk egn“san\). Second aorist active indicative of \gin“sk“\. Another comment by John concerning the failure of the disciples to know what was happening (cf. strkjv@2:22; strkjv@7:39|). {At the first} (\to pr“ton\). Adverbial accusative, as in strkjv@10:40; strkjv@19:39|. {Was glorified} (\edoxasthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \doxaz“\, to glorify, used of his death already in strkjv@7:39| and by Jesus himself of his death, resurrection, and ascension in strkjv@12:23; strkjv@13:31|. {Then remembered they} (\tote emnˆsthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \mimnˆsk“\. It was easier to understand then and they had the Holy Spirit to help them (16:13-15|). {Were written of him} (\ˆn ep' aut“i gegrammena\). Periphrastic past perfect passive of \graph“\ with neuter plural participle agreeing with \tauta\ (these things) and singular verb, though the plural \ˆsan\ could have been used. Note the threefold repetition of \tauta\ in this verse, "clumsy" Bernard calls it, but making for clarity. The use of \ep' aut“i\ for "of him" rather than \peri autou\ is unusual, but occurs in strkjv@Revelation:10:11; strkjv@22:16|. {They had done} (\epoiˆsan\). First aorist active indicative of \poie“\, simply, "they did."

rwp@John:12:18 @{The multitude} (\ho ochlos\). The multitude of verse 13|, not the crowd just mentioned that had been with Jesus at the raising of Lazarus. There were two crowds (one following Jesus, one meeting Jesus as here). {Went and met him} (\hupˆntˆsen aut“i\). First aorist active indicative of \hupanta“\, old compound verb (\hupo, anta“\) to go to meet, with associative instrumental case \aut“i\. Cf. strkjv@John:4:51|. {That he had done this sign} (\touto auton pepoiˆkenai to sˆmeion\). Perfect active infinitive in indirect discourse after \ˆkousan\ (first aorist active indicative of \akou“\, to hear) (instead of a \hoti\ clause) with the accusative of general reference \auton\ (as to him) and another accusative (\sˆmeion\, sign) the object of the infinitive. Clearly there was much talk about the raising of Lazarus as the final proof that Jesus in truth is the Messiah of Jewish hope.

rwp@John:12:19 @{The Pharisees therefore laid among themselves} (\hoi oun Pharisaioi eipan pros heautous\). Graphic picture of the predicament of the Pharisees standing off and watching the enthusiastic crowds sweep by. As people usually do, they blame each other for the defeat of their plots against Jesus and for his final victory, as it seemed. {Behold how ye prevail nothing} (\the“reite hoti ouk “pheleite ouden\). It was a pathetic confession of failure because the rest of the plotters had bungled the whole thing. "Ye help nothing at all" by your plots and plans. {Lo, the world is gone after him} (\ide ho kosmos opis“ autou apˆlthen\). Exclamatory use of \ide\ and timeless aorist active indicative of \aperchomai\. The "world" is a bunch of fools, they feel, but see for yourselves. And the Sanhedrin had advertised to "find" Jesus! They can find him now!

rwp@John:12:20 @{Certain Greeks} (\Hellˆnes tines\). Real Greeks, not Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists, strkjv@Acts:6:1|), but Greeks like those in Antioch (Acts:11:20|, correct text \pros tous Hellˆnas\) to whom Barnabas was sent. These were probably proselytes of the gate or God-fearers like those worshipping Greeks in Thessalonica whom Paul won to Christ (Acts:17:4|). {To worship at the feast} (\hina proskunˆs“sin en tˆi heortˆi\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist active subjunctive of \proskune“\, old and common verb to kiss the hand in reverence, to bow the knee in reverence and worship. We do not know whence they came, whether from Decapolis, Galilee, or further away. They found the pilgrims and the city ringing with talk about Jesus. They may even have witnessed the triumphal entry.

rwp@John:12:21 @{To Philip which was of Bethsaida of Galilee} (\Philipp“i t“i apo Bˆthsaida tˆs Galilaias\). He had a Greek name and the Greeks may have seen Philip in Galilee where there were many Greeks, probably (Mark:6:45|) the Western Bethsaida in Galilee, not Bethsaida Julias on the Eastern side (Luke:9:10|). {Asked} (\ˆr“t“n\). Imperfect active, probably inchoative, "began to ask," in contrast with the aorist tense just before (\prosˆlthan\, came to). {Sir} (\Kurie\). Most respectfully and courteously. {We would see Jesus} (\thelomen ton Iˆsoun idein\). "We desire to see Jesus." This is not abrupt like our "we wish" or "we want," but perfectly polite. However, they could easily "see" Jesus, had already done so, no doubt. They wish an interview with Jesus.

rwp@John:12:22 @{Andrew} (\t“i Andreƒi\). Another apostle with a Greek name and associated with Philip again (John:6:7f.|), the man who first brought his brother Simon to Jesus (1:41|). Andrew was clearly a man of wisdom for a crisis. Note the vivid dramatic presents here, {cometh} (\erchetai\), {telleth} (\legei\). What was the crisis? These Greeks wish an interview with Jesus. True Jesus had said something about "other sheep" than Jews (10:16|), but he had not explained. Philip and Andrew wrestle with the problem that will puzzle Peter on the housetop in Joppa (Acts:10:9-18|), that middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile that was only broken down by the Cross of Christ (Ephesians:2:11-22|) and that many Christians and Jews still set up between each other. Andrew has no solution for Philip and they bring the problem, but not the Greeks, to Jesus.

rwp@John:12:23 @{The hour is come} (\elˆluthen hˆ h“ra\). The predestined hour, seen from the start (2:4|), mentioned by John (7:30; strkjv@8:20|) as not yet come and later as known by Jesus as come (13:1|), twice again used by Jesus as already come (in the prayer of Jesus, strkjv@17:1; strkjv@Mark:14:41|, just before the betrayal in the Garden). The request from the Greeks for this interview stirs the heart of Jesus to its depths. {That the Son of man should be glorified} (\hina doxasthˆi ho huios tou anthr“pou\). Purpose clause with \hina\ (not in the sense of \hote\, when) and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \doxaz“\, same sense as in strkjv@12:16, strkjv@13:31|. The Cross must come before Greeks can really come to Jesus with understanding. But this request shows that interest in Jesus now extends beyond the Jewish circles.

rwp@John:12:24 @{Except} (\ean mˆ\). Negative condition of third class (undetermined, supposable case) with second aorist active participle \pes“n\ (from \pipt“\, to fall) and the second aorist active subjunctive of \apothnˆsk“\, to die. {A grain of wheat} (\ho kokkos tou sitou\). Rather, "the grain of wheat." {By itself alone} (\autos monos\). Both predicate nominatives after \menei\. It is not necessary to think (nor likely) that Jesus has in mind the Eleusinian mysteries which became a symbol of the mystery of spring. Paul in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:36| uses the same illustration of the resurrection that Jesus does here. Jesus shows here the paradox that life comes through death. Whether the Greeks heard him or not we do not know. If so, they heard something not in Greek philosophy, the Christian ideal of sacrifice, "and this was foreign to the philosophy of Greece" (Bernard). Jesus had already spoken of himself as the bread of life (6:35-65|). {But if it die} (\ean de apothanˆi\). Parallel condition of the third class. Grains of wheat have been found in Egyptian tombs three or four thousand years old, but they are now dead. They bore no fruit.

rwp@John:12:25 @{Loseth it} (\apolluei autˆn\). The second paradox. Present active indicative of \apollu“\. This great saying was spoken at various times as in strkjv@Mark:8:35| (Matthew:16:25; strkjv@Luke:9:24|) and strkjv@Mark:10:39| (Luke:17:33|). See those passages for discussion of \psuchˆ\ (life or soul). For "he that hateth his life" (\ho mis“n tˆn psuchˆn autou\) see the sharp contrasts in Luke strkjv@14:26-35| where \mise“\ is used of father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, as well as one's own life. Clearly \mise“\ means "hate" when the issue is between Christ and the dearest things of life as happens when the choice is between martyrdom and apostasy. In that case one keeps his soul for eternal life by losing his life (\psuchˆ\, each time) here. That is the way to "guard" (\phulaxei\) life by being true to Christ. This is the second paradox to show Christ's philosophy of life.

rwp@John:12:27 @{My soul} (\hˆ psuchˆ mou\). The soul (\psuchˆ\) here is synonymous with spirit (\pneuma\) in strkjv@13:21|. {Is troubled} (\tetaraktai\). Perfect passive indicative of \tarass“\, used also in strkjv@11:33; strkjv@13:21| of Jesus. While John proves the deity of Jesus in his Gospel, he assumes throughout his real humanity as here (cf. strkjv@4:6|). The language is an echo of that in strkjv@Psalms:6:4; strkjv@42:7|. John does not give the agony in Gethsemane which the Synoptics have (Mark:14:35f.; strkjv@Matthew:26:39; strkjv@Luke:22:42|), but it is quite beside the mark to suggest, as Bernard does, that the account here is John's version of the Gethsemane experience. Why do some critics feel called upon to level down to a dead plane every variety of experience in Christ's life? {And what shall I say?} (\kai ti eip“;\). Deliberative subjunctive which expresses vividly "a genuine, if momentary indecision" (Bernard). The request of the Greeks called up graphically to Jesus the nearness of the Cross. {Father, save me from this hour} (\pater, s“son me ek tˆs h“ras tautˆs\). Jesus began his prayers with "Father" (11:41|). Dods thinks that this should be a question also. Westcott draws a distinction between \ek\ (out of) and \apo\ (from) to show that Jesus does not pray to draw back from the hour, but only to come safely out of it all and so interprets \ek\ in strkjv@Hebrews:5:7|, but that distinction will not stand, for in strkjv@John:1:44| \ek\ and \apo\ are used in the same sense and in the Synoptics (Mark:14:35f.; strkjv@Matthew:26:39; strkjv@Luke:52:42|) we have \apo\. If it holds here, we lose the point there. Here as in Gethsemane the soul of Jesus instinctively and naturally shrinks from the Cross, but he instantly surrenders to the will of God in both experiences. {But for this cause came I unto this hour} (\alla dia touto ˆlthon eis tˆn h“ran tautˆn\). It was only a moment of human weakness as in Gethsemane that quickly passed. Thus understood the language has its natural meaning.

rwp@John:12:28 @{Father, glorify thy name} (\pater, doxason sou to onoma\). First aorist (note of urgency) active imperative of \doxaz“\ and in the sense of his death already in verses 16,23| and again in strkjv@13:31; strkjv@17:5|. This is the prayer of the \pneuma\ (or \psuchˆ\) as opposed to that of the \sarx\ (flesh) in verse 27|. The "name" (\onoma\) of God expresses the character of God (1:12; strkjv@5:43; strkjv@17:11|). Cf. strkjv@Matthew:6:9|. {A voice out of heaven} (\ph“nˆ ek tou ouranou\). This was the Father's answer to the prayer of Jesus for help. See already the Father's voice at the baptism of Jesus (Mark:1:11|) and at the transfiguration (Mark:9:7|). The rabbis called the audible voice of God _bath-qol_ (the daughter of a voice). {I have both glorified it and will glorify it again} (\kai edoxasa kai palin doxas“\). This definite assurance from the Father will nerve the soul of Jesus for the coming ordeal. Cf. strkjv@11:40| for \edoxasa\ and strkjv@13:31; strkjv@17:5| for \doxas“\.

rwp@John:12:32 @{And I, if I be lifted from the earth} (\kag“ an hups“th“ ek tˆs gˆs\). Note proleptic position of \eg“\ (I). Condition of third class (undetermined with prospect) with \an\ (=\ean\ here) with first aorist passive subjunctive of \hupso“\, the verb used in strkjv@3:14| of the brazen serpent and of the Cross of Christ as here and also in strkjv@8:28|. Westcott again presses \ek\ instead of \apo\ to make it refer to the ascension rather than to the Cross, a wrong interpretation surely. {Will draw all men unto myself} (\pantas helkus“ pros emauton\). Future active of \helku“\, late form of \helk“\, to draw, to attract. Jesus had already used this verb of the Father's drawing power (6:44|). The magnetism of the Cross is now known of all men, however little they understand the mystery of the Cross. By "all men" (\pantas\) Jesus does not mean every individual man, for some, as Simeon said (Luke:2:34|) are repelled by Christ, but this is the way that Greeks (verse 22|) can and will come to Christ, by the way of the Cross, the only way to the Father (14:6|).

rwp@John:12:33 @{Signifying} (\sˆmain“n\). Present active participle of \semain“\, old verb to give a sign (\sˆmeion\) as in strkjv@Acts:25:27|, and the whole phrase repeated in strkjv@18:32| and nearly so in strkjv@21:19|. The indirect question here and in strkjv@18:32| has the imperfect \emellen\ with present infinitive rather than the usual present \mellei\ retained while in strkjv@21:19| the future indicative \doxasei\ occurs according to rule. The point in \poi“i\ (qualitative relative in the instrumental case with \thanat“i\) is the Cross (lifted up) as the kind of death before Christ.

rwp@John:12:35 @{Yet a little while is the light among you} (\eti mikron chronon to ph“s en humin estin\). \Chronon\ is the accusative of extent of time. Jesus does not argue the point of theology with the crowd who would not understand. He turns to the metaphor used before when he claimed to be the light of the world (8:12|) and urges that they take advantage of their privilege "while ye have the light" (\h“s to ph“s echete\). {That darkness overtake you not} (\hina mˆ skotia humas katalabˆi\). Purpose (negative) with \hina mˆ\ and second aorist active subjunctive of \katalamban“\. See this verb in strkjv@1:5|. In strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:4| this verb occurs with \hˆmera\ (day) overtaking one like a thief. {Knoweth not whither he goeth} (\ouk oiden pou hupagei\). See strkjv@11:10| for this idea and the same language in strkjv@1John:2:11|. The ancients did not have our electric street lights. The dark streets were a terror to travellers.

rwp@John:12:37 @{Though he had done so many signs before them} (\tosauta autou sˆmeia pepoiˆkotos emprosthen aut“n\). Genitive absolute with perfect active participle in concessive sense of \poie“\. {Yet they believed not on him} (\ouk episteuon eis auton\). No "yet" in the Greek. Negative imperfect active of \pisteu“\, "they kept on not believing on him," stubborn refusal in face of the light (verse 35|).

rwp@John:12:38 @{That might be fulfilled} (\hina plˆr“thˆi\). It is usually assumed that \hina\ here with the first aorist passive subjunctive of \plˆro“\ has its full telic force. That is probable as God's design, but it is by no means certain since \hina\ is used in the N.T. with the idea of result, just as _ut_ in Latin is either purpose or result, as in strkjv@John:6:7; strkjv@9:2; strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:4; strkjv@Galatians:5:17; strkjv@Romans:11:11| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 998). Paul in strkjv@Romans:10:16| quotes strkjv@Isaiah:53:1| as John does here but without \hina\. See strkjv@Romans:10:16| for discussion of the quotation. The next verse adds strength to the idea of design.

rwp@John:12:39 @{For this cause they could not believe} (\dia touto ouk edunanto pisteuein\). \Touto\ (this) seems to have a double reference (to what precedes and to what follows) as in strkjv@8:47|. The negative imperfect (double augment, \edunanto\) of \dunamai\. John is not absolving these Jews from moral responsibility, but only showing that the words of Isaiah "had to be fulfilled, for they were the expression of Divine foreknowledge " (Bernard).

rwp@John:12:40 @{He hath blinded} (\tetuphl“ken\). Perfect active indicative of \tuphlo“\, old causative verb to make blind (from \tuphlos\, blind), in N.T. only here, strkjv@2Corinthians:4:4; strkjv@1John:2:11|. {He hardened} (\ep“r“sen\). First aorist active indicative of \p“ro“\, a late causative verb (from \p“ros\, hard skin), seen already in strkjv@Mark:6:52|, etc. This quotation is from strkjv@Isaiah:6:10| and differs from the LXX. {Lest they should see} (\hina mˆ id“sin\). Negative purpose clause with \hina mˆ\ instead of \mˆpote\ (never used by John) of the LXX. Matthew (Matthew:13:15|) has \mˆpote\ and quotes Jesus as using the passage as do Mark (Mark:4:12|) and Luke (Luke:8:10|). Paul quotes it again (Acts:28:26|) to the Jews in Rome. In each instance the words of Isaiah are interpreted as forecasting the doom of the Jews for rejecting the Messiah. Matthew (Matthew:13:15|) has \sun“sin\ where John has \noˆs“sin\ (perceive), and both change from the subjunctive to the future (\kai iasomai\), "And I should heal them." John has here \straph“sin\ (second aorist passive subjunctive of \streph“\) while Matthew reads \epistreps“sin\ (first aorist active of \epistreph“\).

rwp@John:12:41 @{Because he saw his glory} (\hoti eiden tˆn doxan autou\). Correct reading here \hoti\ (because), not \hote\ (when). Isaiah with spiritual vision saw the glory of the Messiah and spoke (\elalˆsen\) of him, John says, whatever modern critics may think or say. Songs:Jesus said that Abraham saw his day (8:56|). Cf. strkjv@Hebrews:11:13|.

rwp@John:12:47 @{If any one} (\ean tis\). Third-class condition with \ean\ and first aorist active subjunctive (\akousˆi\) of \akou“\ and same form (\phulaxˆi\) of \phulass“\ with negative \mˆ\. {But to save the world} (\all' hina s“s“ ton kosmon\). Purpose clause again (cf. \hina krin“\, just before) with \hina\ and first aorist active of s“z“. Exaggerated contrast again, "not so much to judge, but also to save." See strkjv@3:17| for same contrast. And yet Jesus does judge the world inevitably (8:15f.; strkjv@9:39|), but his primary purpose is to save the world (3:16|). See close of the Sermon on the Mount for the same insistence on hearing and keeping (obeying) the words of Jesus (Matthew:7:24,26|) and also strkjv@Luke:11:28|.

rwp@John:13:1 @{Now before the feast of the passover} (\pro de tˆs heortˆs tou pascha\). Just before, John means, not twenty-four hours before, that is our Thursday evening (beginning of 15th of Nisan, sunset to sunset Jewish day), since Jesus was crucified on Friday 15th of Nisan. Hence Jesus ate the regular passover meal at the usual time. The whole feast, including the feast of unleavened bread, lasted eight days. For a discussion of the objections to this interpretation of John in connexion with the Synoptic Gospels one may consult my _Harmony of the Gospels_, pp. 279-84, and David Smith's _In the Days of His Flesh_, Appendix VIII. The passover feast began on the 15th Nisan at sunset, the passover lamb being slain the afternoon of 14th Nisan. There seems no real doubt that this meal in strkjv@John:13:1-30| is the real passover meal described by the Synoptics also (Mark:14:18-21; strkjv@Matthew:26:21-25; strkjv@Luke:22:21-23|), followed by the institution of the Lord's Supper. Thus understood verse 1| here serves as an introduction to the great esoteric teaching of Christ to the apostles (John:13:2-17:26|), called by Barnas Sears _The Heart of Christ_. This phrase goes with the principal verb \ˆgapˆsen\ (loved). {Knowing} (\eid“s\). Second perfect active participle, emphasizing the full consciousness of Christ. He was not stumbling into the dark as he faced "his hour" (\autou hˆ h“ra\). See strkjv@18:4; strkjv@19:28| for other examples of the insight and foresight (Bernard) of Jesus concerning his death. See on strkjv@12:23| for use before by Jesus. {That he should depart} (\hina metabˆi\). Sub-final use of \hina\ with second aorist active subjunctive of \metabain“\, old word, to go from one place to another, here (5:24; strkjv@1John:3:14|) to go from this world (8:23|) back to the Father from whom he had come (14:12,28; strkjv@16:10,28; strkjv@17:5|). {His own which were in the world} (\tous idious tous en t“i kosm“i\). His own disciples (17:6,9,11|), those left in the world when he goes to the Father, not the Jews as in strkjv@1:11|. See strkjv@Acts:4:23; strkjv@1Timothy:5:8| for the idiom. John pictures here the outgoing of Christ's very heart's love (chs. strkjv@John:13-17|) towards these men whom he had chosen and whom he loved "unto the end" (\eis telos\) as in strkjv@Matthew:10:22; strkjv@Luke:18:15|, but here as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:16| rather "to the uttermost." The culmination of the crisis ("his hour") naturally drew out the fulness of Christ's love for them as is shown in these great chapters (John:13-17|).

rwp@John:13:2 @{During supper} (\deipnou ginomenou\). Correct text, present middle participle of \ginomai\ (not \genomenou\, second aorist middle participle, "being ended") genitive absolute. Verse 4| shows plainly that the meal was still going on. {The devil having already put} (\tou diabolou ˆdˆ beblˆkotos\). Another genitive absolute without a connective (asyndeton), perfect active participle of \ball“\, to cast, to put. Luke (Luke:22:3|) says that Satan entered Judas when he offered to betray Jesus. Hence John's "already" (\ˆdˆ\) is pertinent. John repeats his statement in verse 27|. In strkjv@John:6:70| Jesus a year ago had seen that Judas was a devil. {To betray him} (\hina paradoi auton\). Cf. strkjv@Acts:5:3|. Purpose clause with \hina\ and second aorist active subjunctive of \paradid“mi\ (form in \-oi\ as in strkjv@Mark:14:10| rather than the usual \-“i\ in strkjv@Luke:22:4|). Satan had an open door by now into the heart of Judas.

rwp@John:13:6 @{Songs:he cometh} (\erchetai oun\). Transitional use of \oun\ and dramatic present again (\erchetai\). {Lord, dost thou wash my feet?} (\Kurie, su mou nipteis tous podas;\). Emphatic contrast in position of \su mou\ (away from \podas\), "Dost thou my feet wash?" "Peter, we may suppose, drew his feet up, as he spoke, in his impulsive humility" (Bernard).

rwp@John:13:8 @{Thou shalt never wash my feet} (\ou mˆ nipsˆis mou tous podas eis ton ai“na\). Strong double negative \ou mˆ\ with first aorist active subjunctive of \nipt“\ with \eis ton ai“na\ (for ever) added and \mou\ (my) made emphatic by position. Peter's sudden humility should settle the issue, he felt. {If I wash thee not} (\ean mˆ nips“ se\). Third-class condition with \ean mˆ\ (negative). Jesus picks up the challenge of Peter whose act amounted to irreverence and want of confidence. "The first condition of discipleship is self-surrender" (Westcott). Songs:"Jesus, waiting with the basin" (Dods), concludes. {Thou hast no part with me} (\ouk echeis meros met' emou\). Not simply here at the supper with its fellowship, but in the deeper sense of mystic fellowship as Peter was quick to see. Jesus does not make foot-washing essential to spiritual fellowship, but simply tests Peter's real pride and mock-humility by this symbol of fellowship.

rwp@John:13:9 @{Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head} (\mˆ tous podas mou monon alla kai tas cheiras kai tˆn kephalˆn\). Nouns in the accusative case object of \nipson\ understood. Peter's characteristic impulsiveness that does not really understand the Master's act. "A moment ago he told his Master He was doing too much: now he tells Him He is doing too little" (Dods).

rwp@John:13:10 @{He that is bathed} (\ho leloumenos\). Perfect passive articular participle of \lou“\, to bathe the whole body (Acts:9:37|). {Save to wash his feet} (\ei mˆ tous podas nipsasthai\). Aleph and some old Latin MSS. have only \nipsasthai\, but the other words are genuine and are really involved by the use of \nipsasthai\ (first aorist middle infinitive of \nipt“\, to wash parts of the body) instead of \lousasthai\, to bathe the whole body (just used before). The guest was supposed to bathe (\lou“\) before coming to a feast and so only the feet had to be washed (\nipt“\) on removing the sandals. {Clean} (\katharos\). Because of the bath. For \katharos\ meaning external cleanliness see strkjv@Matthew:23:26; strkjv@27:59;| but in strkjv@John:15:3| it is used for spiritual purity as here in "ye are clean" (\katharoi\). {Every whit} (\holos\). All of the body because of the bath. For this same predicate use of \holos\ see strkjv@9:34|. {But not all} (\all' ouchi pantes\). Strongly put exception (\ouchi\). Plain hint of the treachery of Judas who is reclining at the table after having made the bargain with the Sanhedrin (Mark:14:11|). A year ago Jesus knew that Judas was a devil and said to the apostles: "One of you is a devil" (6:64,70|). But it did not hurt them then nor did they suspect each other then or now. It is far-fetched to make Jesus here refer to the cleansing power of his blood or to baptism as some do.

rwp@John:13:11 @{For he knew him that should betray him} (\ˆidei gar ton paradidonta auton\). Past perfect \ˆidei\ used as imperfect. Jesus had known for a year at least (6:64,70|) and yet he treated Judas with his usual courtesy. The articular present participle of \paradid“mi\, "the betraying one," for Judas was already engaged in the process. Did Judas wince at this thrust from Jesus?

rwp@John:13:12 @{Sat down again} (\anepesen palin\). Second aorist active indicative of \anapipt“\, old compound verb to fall back, to lie down, to recline. \Palin\ (again) can be taken either with \anepesen\, as here, or with \eipen\ (he said again). {Know ye what I have done to you?} (\gin“skete ti pepoiˆka humin;\). "Do ye understand the meaning of my act?" Perfect active indicative of \poie“\ with dative case (\humin\). It was a searching question, particularly to Simon Peter and Judas.

rwp@John:13:14 @{If I then} (\ei oun eg“\). Argumentative sense of \oun\ (therefore). Condition of first class, assumed to be true, with first aorist active indicative of \nipt“\, "If I, being what I am, washed your feet" (as I did). {Ye also ought} (\kai humeis opheilete\). The obligation rests on you _a fortiori_. Present active indicative of the old verb \opheil“\, to owe a debt (Matthew:18:30|). The mutual obligation is to do this or any other needed service. The widows who washed the saints' feet in strkjv@1Timothy:5:10| did it "as an incident-of their hospitable ministrations" (Bernard). Up to 1731 the Lord High Almoner in England washed the feet of poor saints (_pedilavium_) on Thursday before Easter, a custom that arose in the fourth century, and one still practised by the Pope of Rome.

rwp@John:13:15 @{An example} (\hupodeigma\). For the old \paradeigma\ (not in N.T.), from \hupodeiknumi\, to show under the eyes as an illustration or warning (Matthew:3:7|), common in the papyri for illustration, example, warning, here only in John, but in strkjv@James:5:10; strkjv@2Peter:2:6; strkjv@Hebrews:4:11; strkjv@8:5; strkjv@9:26|. Peter uses \tupoi\ (1Peter:5:3|) with this incident in mind. In strkjv@Jude:1:7| \deigma\ (without \hupo\) occurs in the sense of example. {That ye also should do} (\hina kai humeis poiˆte\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the present active subjunctive of \poie“\ (keep on doing). Doing what? Does Jesus here institute a new church ordinance as some good people today hold? If so, it is curious that there is no record of it in the N.T. Jesus has given the disciples an object lesson in humility to rebuke their jealousy, pride, and strife exhibited at this very meal. The lesson of the "example" applies to all the relations of believers with each other. It is one that is continually needed.

rwp@John:13:17 @{If ye know} (\ei oidate\). Condition of first class assumed as true, \ei\ and present (\oidate\ used as present) active indicative. {If ye do} (\ean poiˆte\). Third-class condition, \ean\ and present active subjunctive, assumed as possible, "if ye keep on doing." Both conditions with the one conclusion coming in between, "happy are ye." Just knowing does not bring happiness nor just occasional doing.

rwp@John:13:19 @{From henceforth} (\ap' arti\). "From now on," as in strkjv@14:7; strkjv@Matthew:23:39; strkjv@Revelation:14:13|. {Before it come to pass} (\pro tou genesthai\). \Pro\ with ablative of the articular second aorist middle infinitive \ginomai\ (before the coming to pass). {When it is come to pass} (\hotan genˆtai\). Indefinite relative clause with \hotan\ and the second aorist middle subjunctive of \ginomai\, "whenever it does come to pass." {That ye may believe} (\hina pisteuˆte\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and present active subjunctive of \pisteu“\, "that ye may keep on believing." Cf. strkjv@Isaiah:48:5|. {That I am he} (\hoti eg“ eimi\). As Jesus has repeatedly claimed to be the Messiah (8:24,58|, etc.). Cf. also strkjv@14:29| (\pisteusˆte\ here); strkjv@16:4|.

rwp@John:13:22 @{Looked one on another} (\eblepon eis allˆlous\). Inchoative imperfect of \blep“\, "began to glance at one another in bewilderment (doubting, \aporoumenoi\, present passive participle of \apore“\, to be at a loss, to lose one's way, \a\ privative and \poros\, way). They recalled their strife about precedence and Judas betrayed nothing. {Concerning whom he spake} (\peri tinos legei\). Indirect question retaining present active indicative \legei\. See same note in ¯Mark:14:19; strkjv@Matthew:26:22; strkjv@Luke:22:23|.

rwp@John:13:23 @{Was at the table reclining in Jesus' bosom} (\ˆn anakeimenos en t“i kolp“i tou Iˆsou\). No word for "table" in the text. Periphrastic imperfect of \anakeimai\, to lie back, to recline. \Kolpos\ usual word for bosom (1:18|). {Whom Jesus loved} (\hon ˆgapa Iˆsous\). Imperfect active of \agapa“\, John's description of himself of which he was proud (19:26; strkjv@20:2; strkjv@21:7,20|), identified in strkjv@21:24| as the author of the book and necessarily one of the twelve because of the "explicit" (Bernard) language of Mark (Mark:14:17; strkjv@Luke:22:14|). John son of Zebedee and brother of James. At the table John was on the right of Jesus lying obliquely so that his head lay on the bosom of Jesus. The centre, the place of honour, Jesus occupied. The next place in rank was to the left of Jesus, held by Peter (Westcott) or by Judas (Bernard) which one doubts.

rwp@John:13:24 @{Beckoneth} (\neuei\). Old verb to nod, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:24:10|. They were all looking in surprise at each other. {Tell us who it is of whom he speaketh} (\eipe tis estin peri hou legei\). Second aorist active imperative with indirect question (\tis\) and relative clause (\peri hou\). Peter was cautious, but could not contain his curiosity. John in front of Jesus was in a favourable position to have a whispered word with him. {Breast} (\stˆthos\). As in strkjv@21:20; strkjv@Luke:18:13| in place of \kolpon\ (verse 23|). This is the moment represented in Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper," only he shows the figures like the monks for whom he painted it.

rwp@John:13:25 @{He} (\ekeinos\). "That one" (John). {Leaning back} (\anapes“n\). Second aorist active participle of \anapipt“\, to fall back. {As he was} (\hout“s\). "Thus." It was easily done.

rwp@John:13:26 @{He} (\ekeinos\). Emphatic pronoun again. {For whom I shall dip the sop} (\h“i eg“ baps“ to ps“mion\). Dative case of the relative (\h“i\) and future active of \bapt“\, to dip (Luke:16:24|). \Ps“mion\ is a diminutive of \ps“mos\, a morsel, a common _Koin‚_ word (in the papyri often), in N.T. only in this passage. It was and is in the orient a token of intimacy to allow a guest to dip his bread in the common dish (cf. strkjv@Ruth:2:14|). Songs:Mark:14:20|. Even Judas had asked: "Is it I?" (Mark:14:19; strkjv@Matthew:26:22|). {Giveth it to Judas} (\did“sin Ioudƒi\). Unobserved by the others in spite of Christ's express language, because "it was so usual a courtesy" (Bernard), "the last appeal to Judas' better feeling" (Dods). Judas now knew that Jesus knew his plot.

rwp@John:13:27 @{Then entered Satan into him} (\tote eisˆlthen eis ekeinon ho Satanas\). The only time the word Satan occurs in the Gospel. As he had done before (13:2; strkjv@Luke:22:3|) until Christ considered him a devil (6:70|). This is the natural outcome of one who plays with the devil. {That thou doest, do quickly} (\Hosea:poieis poiˆson tacheion\). Aorist active imperative of \poie“\. "Do more quickly what thou art doing." \Tacheion\ is comparative of \tache“s\ (John:11:31|) and in N.T. only here, strkjv@20:4; strkjv@Hebrews:13:19,23|. See the eagerness of Jesus for the passion in strkjv@Luke:12:50|.

rwp@John:13:29 @{Some thought} (\tines edokoun\). Imperfect active of \doke“\. Mere inference in their ignorance. {The bag} (\to gl“ssokomon\). See on ¯12:6| for this word. {What things we have need of} (\h“n chreian echomen\). Antecedent (\tauta\) of the relative (\hon\) not expressed. {For the feast} (\eis tˆn heortˆn\). The feast of unleavened bread beginning after the passover meal and lasting eight days. If this was twenty-four hours ahead of the passover meal, there was no hurry for next day would be in ample time. {Or that he should give something to the poor} (\ˆ tois pt“chois hina ti d“i\). Another alternative in their speculation on the point. Note prolepsis of \tois pt“chois\ (dative case) before \hina d“i\ (final clause with \hina\ and second aorist active subjunctive of \did“mi\).

rwp@John:13:31 @{Now} (\nun\). Now at last, the crisis has come with a sense of deliverance from the presence of Judas and of surrender to the Father's will (Westcott). {Is glorified} (\edoxasthˆ\). First aorist passive of \doxaz“\, consummation of glory in death both for the Son and the Father. For this verb in this sense see already strkjv@7:39; strkjv@12:16| and later strkjv@17:3|. Four times here in verses 31f|.

rwp@John:13:34 @{New} (\kainˆn\). First, in contrast with the old (\archaios\, \palaios\), the very adjective used in strkjv@1John:2:7|) of the "commandment" (\entolˆn\) at once called old (\palaia\). They had had it a long time, but the practice of it was new. Jesus does not hesitate, like the Father, to give commandments (15:10,12|). {That ye love one another} (\hina agapƒte allˆlous\). Non-final use of \hina\ with present active subjunctive of \agapa“\, the object clause being in the accusative case in apposition with \entolˆn\. Note the present tense (linear action), "keep on loving." {Even as} (\kath“s\). The measure of our love for another is set by Christ's love for us.

rwp@John:13:37 @{"Why can I not follow thee even now?"} (\dia ti ou dunamai soi akolouthein arti;\). The use of \arti\ (right now, this minute) instead of \nun\ (at this time, verse 36|) illustrates the impatience of Peter. {I will lay down my life for thee} (\ten psuchˆn mou huper sou thˆs“\). Future active indicative of \tithˆmi\. Peter, like the rest, had not yet grasped the idea of the death of Christ, but, like Thomas (11:16|), he is not afraid of danger. He had heard Christ's words about the good shepherd (10:11|) and knew that such loyalty was the mark of a good disciple.

rwp@John:13:38 @{Wilt thou lay down?} (\thˆseis;\). Jesus picks up Peter's very words and challenges his boasted loyalty. See such repetition in strkjv@16:16f.,31; strkjv@21:17|. {Shall not crow} (\ph“nˆsˆi\). Aorist active subjunctive of \ph“ne“\, to use the voice, used of animals and men. Note strong double negative \ou mˆ\. Mark adds \dis\ (twice). John's report is almost identical with that in strkjv@Luke:22:34|. The other disciples joined in Peter's boast (Mark:14:31; strkjv@Matthew:26:35|). {Till thou hast denied} (\he“s hou arnˆsˆi\). Future middle indicative or aorist middle subjunctive second person singular (form identical) with compound conjunction \he“s hou\ (until which time), "till thou deny or deniest" (_futurum exactum_ needless). Peter is silenced for the present. They all "sat astounded and perplexed" (Dods).

rwp@John:14:1 @{Let not your heart be troubled} (\mˆ tarassesth“ hum“n hˆ kardia\). Not here the physical organ of life (Luke:21:34|), but the seat of spiritual life (\pneuma, psuchˆ\), the centre of feeling and faith (Romans:10:10|), "the focus of the religious life" (Vincent) as in strkjv@Matthew:22:37|. See these words repeated in strkjv@14:27|. Jesus knew what it was to have a "troubled" heart (11:33; strkjv@13:31|) where \tarass“\ is used of him. Plainly the hearts of the disciples were tossed like waves in the wind by the words of Jesus in strkjv@13:38|. {Ye believe... believe also} (\pisteuete... kai pisteuete\). Songs:translated as present active indicative plural second person and present active imperative of \pisteu“\. The form is the same. Both may be indicative (ye believe... and ye believe), both may be imperative (believe... and believe or believe also), the first may be indicative (ye believe) and the second imperative (believe also), the first may be imperative (keep on believing) and the second indicative (and ye do believe, this less likely). Probably both are imperatives (Mark:11:22|), "keep on believing in God and in me."

rwp@John:14:2 @{Mansions} (\monai\). Old word from \men“\, to abide, abiding places, in N.T. only here and verse 23|. There are many resting-places in the Father's house (\oikia\). Christ's picture of heaven here is the most precious one that we possess. It is our heavenly home with the Father and with Jesus. {If it were not so} (\ei de mˆ\). Ellipsis of the verb (Mark:2:21; strkjv@Revelation:2:5,16; strkjv@John:14:11|). Here a suppressed condition of the second class (determined as unfulfilled) as the conclusion shows. {I would have told you} (\eipon an humin\). Regular construction for this apodosis (\an\ and aorist--second active--indicative). {For I go} (\hoti poreuomai\). Reason for the consolation given, futuristic present middle indicative, and explanation of his words in strkjv@13:33| that puzzled Peter so (13:36f.|). {To prepare a place for you} (\hetoimasai topon humin\). First aorist active infinitive of purpose of \hetoimaz“\, to make ready, old verb from \hetoimos\. Here only in John, but in strkjv@Mark:10:40| (Matthew:20:23|). It was customary to send one forward for such a purpose (Numbers:10:33|). Songs:Jesus had sent Peter and John to make ready (this very verb) for the passover meal (Mark:14:12; strkjv@Matthew:26:17|). Jesus is thus our Forerunner (\prodromos\) in heaven (Hebrews:6:20|).

rwp@John:14:4 @{Ye know the way} (\oidate tˆn hodon\). Definite allusion to the puzzle of Peter in strkjv@13:36f|. The path to the Father's house is now plain.

rwp@John:14:5 @{Whither} (\pou\)--{how} (\p“s\). It is Thomas, not Peter (13:36f.|) who renews the doubt about the destination of Jesus including the path or way thither (\tˆn hodon\). Thomas is the spokesman for the materialistic conception then and now.

rwp@John:14:6 @{I am the way, and the truth, and the life} (\Eg“ eimi hˆ hodos kai hˆ alˆtheia kai hˆ z“ˆ\). Either of these statements is profound enough to stagger any one, but here all three together overwhelm Thomas. Jesus had called himself "the life" to Martha (11:25|) and "the door" to the Pharisees (10:7|) and "the light of the world" (8:12|). He spoke "the way of God in truth" (Mark:12:14|). He is the way to God and the only way (verse 6|), the personification of truth, the centre of life. {Except by me} (\ei mˆ di' emou\). There is no use for the Christian to wince at these words of Jesus. If he is really the Incarnate Son of God (1:1,14,18|, they are necessarily true.

rwp@John:14:9 @{Songs:long time} (\tosouton chronon\). Accusative of extent of time. {And dost thou not know me?} (\kai ouk egn“kas me;\). Perfect active indicative of \gin“sk“\. Jesus patiently repeats his language to Philip with the crisp statement: "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (\ho he“rak“s eme e“raken ton patera\). Perfect active participle and perfect active indicative of \hora“\, state of completion. {Thou} (\su\). Emphatic--After these years together.

rwp@John:14:11 @{Believe me} (\pisteuete moi\). Repeated appeal (present active imperative of \pisteu“\) as in strkjv@14:1| to his disciples and as he had done with the hostile Jews to be influenced by his "works" at any rate (10:38|).

rwp@John:14:12 @{Shall he do also} (\kakeinos poiˆsei\). Emphatic pronoun \ekeinos\, "that one also." {Greater works than these} (\meizona tout“n\). Comparative adjective neuter plural from \megas\ with ablative case \tout“n\. Not necessarily greater miracles and not greater spiritual works in quality, but greater in quantity. Cf. Peter at Pentecost and Paul's mission tours. "Because I go" (\hoti eg“ poreuornai\). Reason for this expansion made possible by the Holy Spirit as Paraclete (16:7|).

rwp@John:14:13 @{Whatsoever ye shall ask} (\hoti an aitˆsˆte\). Indefinite relative clause with \hoti\ (neuter accusative singular of \hostis\), \an\ and the aorist active subjunctive of \aite“\. This is an advance thought over verse 12|. {In my name} (\en t“i onomati mou\). First mention of his "name" as the open sesame to the Father's will. See also strkjv@14:26; strkjv@15:16; strkjv@16:23,24,26|. {That will I do} (\touto poiˆs“\). The Father answers prayers (15:16; strkjv@16:23|), but so does the Son (here and verse 14|). The purpose (\hina\ clause with first aorist passive subjunctive of \doxaz“\) is "that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Plead Christ's name in prayer to the Father.

rwp@John:14:14 @{If ye shall ask me anything in my name} (\ean ti aitˆsˆte me en t“i onomati mou\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and first aorist active subjunctive of \aite“\. The use of \me\ (me) here is supported by Aleph B 33 Vulgate Syriac Peshitta. Just this phrase does not occur elsewhere in John and seems awkward, but see strkjv@16:23|. If it is genuine, as seems likely, here is direct prayer to Jesus taught as we see it practiced by Stephen in strkjv@Acts:7:59|; and in strkjv@Revelation:22:20|.

rwp@John:14:28 @{I go away, and I come} (\hupag“ kai erchomai\), both futuristic presents (7:33; strkjv@14:3,18|). {If ye loved me} (\ei ˆgapƒte me\). Second-class condition with the imperfect active of \agapa“\ referring to present time, implying that the disciples are not loving Jesus as they should. {Ye would have rejoiced} (\echarˆte an\). Second aorist passive indicative of \chair“\ with \an\, conclusion of second-class condition referring to past time, "Ye would already have rejoiced before this" at Christ's going to the Father (verse 12|). {Greater than I} (\meiz“n mou\). Ablative case \mou\ after the comparative \meiz“n\ (from positive \megas\). The filial relation makes this necessary. Not a distinction in nature or essence (cf. strkjv@10:30|), but in rank in the Trinity. No Arianism or Unitarianism here. The very explanation here is proof of the deity of the Son (Dods).

rwp@John:14:31 @{But that the world may know} (\all' hina gn“i ho kosmos\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \gin“sk“\. Elliptical construction (cf. strkjv@9:3; strkjv@13:18; strkjv@15:25|). "But I surrendered myself to death," etc., before \hina\. {Arise, let us go hence} (\egeiresthe, ag“men enteuthen\). Imperative present middle of \egeir“\ and the volitive (hortatory) subjunctive \ag“men\ (the word used in strkjv@11:7,16|) of going to meet death. Apparently the group arose and walked out into the night and the rest of the talk (chs. 15 and 16) and prayer (ch. 17) was in the shadows on the way to Gethsemane.

rwp@John:15:1 @{The true vine} (\hˆ ampelos hˆ alˆthinˆ\). "The vine the genuine." Assuming that the Lord's Supper had just been instituted by Jesus the metaphor of the vine is naturally suggested by "the fruit of the vine" (Mark:14:25; strkjv@Matthew:26:29|). \Ampelos\ in the papyri (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_) is sometimes used in the sense of _ampel“n_ (vineyard), but not so here. Jesus uses various metaphors to illustrate himself and his work (the light, strkjv@8:12|; the door, strkjv@10:7|; the shepherd, strkjv@10:11|; the vine, strkjv@15:1|). The vine was common in Palestine. See strkjv@Psalms:80:8f|. "On the Maccabean coinage Israel was represented by a vine" (Dods). Jesus is the genuine Messianic vine. {The husbandman} (\ho ge“rgos\) as in strkjv@Mark:12:1; strkjv@James:5:7; strkjv@2Timothy:2:6|. cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:3:9|, \theou ge“rgion\ (God's field).

rwp@John:15:2 @{Branch} (\klˆma\). Old word from \kla“\, to break, common in LXX for offshoots of the vine, in N.T. only here (verses 2-6|), elsewhere in N.T. \klados\ (Mark:4:32|, etc.), also from \kla“\, both words meaning tender and easily broken parts. {In me} (\en emoi\). Two kinds of connexion with Christ as the vine (the merely cosmic which bears no fruit, the spiritual and vital which bears fruit). The fruitless (not bearing fruit, \mˆ pheron karpon\) the vine-dresser "takes away" (\airei\) or prunes away. Probably (Bernard) Jesus here refers to Judas. {Cleanseth} (\kathairei\). Present active indicative of old verb \kathair“\ (clean) as in verse 3|, only use in N.T., common in the inscriptions for ceremonial cleansing, though \kathariz“\ is more frequent (Hebrews:10:2|). {That it may bear more fruit} (\hina karpon pleiona pherˆi\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and present active subjunctive of \pher“\, "that it may keep on bearing more fruit" (more and more). A good test for modern Christians and church members.

rwp@John:15:5 @{Ye the branches} (\humeis ta klˆmata\). Jesus repeats and applies the metaphor of verse 1|. {Apart from me} (\ch“ris emou\). See strkjv@Ephesians:2:12| for \ch“ris Christou\. There is nothing for a broken off branch to do but wither and die. For the cosmic relation of Christ see strkjv@John:1:3| (\ch“ris autou\).

rwp@John:15:8 @{Herein} (\en tout“i\). That is in the vital union and the much fruit bearing. It points here backwards and forwards. {Is glorified} (\edoxasthˆ\). Another gnomic or timeless first aorist passive indicative. {Bear} (\pherete\). Present active subjunctive, "keep on bearing" much fruit. {And so shall ye be} (\kai genˆsesthe\). Rather "become." Future middle indicative of \ginomai\, though B D L read \genˆsthe\ (after \hina\ like \pherˆte\). "Become" my disciples (learners) in the fullest sense of rich fruit-bearing according to the text in

rwp@John:15:13 @{Than this} (\tautˆs\). Ablative case after the comparative adjective \meizona\ and feminine agreeing with \tˆs agapˆs\ (love) understood. {That a man lay down his life} (\hina tis tˆn psuchˆn autou thˆi\). Object clause (non-final use of \hina\ in apposition with the ablative pronoun \tautˆs\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \tithˆmi\. For the phrase see strkjv@10:11| of the good shepherd. Cf. strkjv@1John:3:16; strkjv@Romans:5:7f|. {For his friends} (\huper t“n phil“n autou\). "In behalf of his friends" and so "in place of his friends." "Self-sacrifice is the high-water mark of love" (Dods). For this use of \huper\ see strkjv@John:11:50; strkjv@Galatians:3:13; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:14f.; strkjv@Romans:5:7f|.

rwp@John:15:14 @{If ye do} (\ean poiˆte\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and the present active subjunctive, "if ye keep on doing," not just spasmodic obedience. Just a different way of saying what is in verse 10|. Obedience to Christ's commands is a prerequisite to discipleship and fellowship (spiritual friendship with Christ). He repeats it in the Great Commission (Matthew:28:20|, \eneteilamˆn\, I commanded) with the very word used here (\entellomai\, I command).

rwp@John:15:15 @{No longer} (\ouketi\). As he had done in strkjv@13:16|. He was their Rabbi (1:38; strkjv@13:13|) and Lord (13:13|). Paul gloried in calling himself Christ's \doulos\ (bond-slave). {Servants} (\doulous\). Bond-servants, slaves. {I have called you friends} (\humas eirˆka philous\). Perfect active indicative, permanent state of new dignity. They will prove worthy of it by continued obedience to Christ as Lord, by being good \douloi\. Abraham was called the Friend of God (James:2:23|). Are we friends of Christ?

rwp@John:15:16 @{But I chose you} (\all' eg“ exelexamˆn humas\). First aorist middle indicative of \ekleg“\. See this same verb and tense used for the choice of the disciples by Christ (6:70; strkjv@13:18; strkjv@15:19|). Jesus recognizes his own responsibility in the choice after a night of prayer (Luke:6:13|). Songs:Paul was "a vessel of choice" (\skeuos eklogˆs\, strkjv@Acts:9:15|). Appointed (\ethˆka\). First aorist active indicative (\k\ aorist) of \tithˆmi\. Note three present active subjunctives with \hina\ (purpose clause) to emphasize continuance (\hupagˆte\, keep on going, \pherˆte\, keep on bearing fruit, \menˆi\, keep on abiding), not a mere spurt, but permanent growth and fruit-bearing. {He may give} (\d“i\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \did“mi\ with \hina\ (purpose clause). Cf. strkjv@14:13| for the same purpose and promise, but with \poiˆs“\ (I shall do). See also strkjv@16:23f.,26|.

rwp@John:15:18 @{If the world hateth you} (\ei ho kosmos humas misei\). Condition of the first class. As it certainly does. {Ye know} (\gin“skete\). Present active second person plural indicative of \gin“sk“\ or present active imperative (know), same form. {Hath hated} (\memisˆken\). Perfect active indicative, "has hated and still hates." {Before it hateth you} (\pr“ton hum“n\). Ablative case \hum“n\ after the superlative \pr“ton\ as with \pr“tos mou\ in strkjv@1:15|.

rwp@John:15:19 @{The world would love its own} (\ho kosmos an to idion ephilei\). Conclusion of second-class condition (determined as unfulfilled), regular idiom with \an\ and imperfect indicative in present time. {But because ye are not of the world} (\hoti de ek tou kosmou ouk este\). Definite and specific reason for the world's hatred of real Christians whose very existence is a reproach to the sinful world. Cf. strkjv@7:7; strkjv@17:14; strkjv@1John:3:13|. Does the world hate us? If not, why not? Has the world become more Christian or Christians more worldly?

rwp@John:15:20 @{Remember} (\mnˆmoneuete\). Present active imperative of \mnˆmoneu“\, old verb from \mnˆm“n\, in John again in strkjv@16:4,21|. See strkjv@13:16| for this word. {If they persecuted me} (\ei eme edi“xan\). Condition of first class. They certainly did persecute (first aorist active of \di“k“\, to chase like a wild beast like the Latin _persequor_, our "persecute") Jesus (5:16|). They will persecute those like Jesus. Cf. strkjv@16:33; strkjv@Mark:10:30; strkjv@Luke:21:12; strkjv@1Corinthians:4:12; strkjv@2Corinthians:4:9; strkjv@Galatians:4:29; strkjv@2Timothy:3:12| for proof that this prophecy came true. But the alternative is true and is stated by Jesus with a like condition of the first class, "if they kept my word" (\ei ton logon mou etˆrˆsan\). The world does praise the word of Jesus, but dreads to follow it.

rwp@John:15:27 @{And ye also bear witness} (\kai humeis de martureite\). Present active indicative or imperative (do ye bear witness), same form of \marture“\. "Ye also" as well as the Holy Spirit, ye also when filled with and taught by the Holy Spirit the things concerning Jesus. It is here that Christians fail most. {Have been} (\este\). Progressive present of \eimi\, "are with me from the beginning of my ministry as in strkjv@14:9|. They were chosen to be with Christ (Mark:3:14|).

rwp@John:16:2 @{They shall put you out of the synagogues} (\aposunag“gous poiˆsousin humas\). "They will make you outcasts from the synagogues." Predicate accusative of the compound adjective \aposunag“gos\ for which see strkjv@9:22; strkjv@12:42|. {Yea} (\all'\). Use of \alla\ as co-ordinating conjunction, not adversative. {That} (\hina\) not in the sense of "when" (\hote\), but as in strkjv@12:23| for God's purpose (Luke:2:34|, \hop“s\). {Shall think} (\doxˆi\). First aorist active subjunctive of \doke“\. "Songs:blind will he be" (Bernard). {That he offereth service unto God} (\latreian prospherein t“i the“i\). Infinitive (present active) indirect discourse after \doxˆi\. For the phrase see strkjv@Hebrews:6:1ff.; strkjv@8:3ff.; strkjv@9:7ff|. The rabbis so felt when they crucified Jesus and when they persecuted the disciples (Acts:6:13; strkjv@7:57f.|). No persecution is more bitter than when done by religious enthusiasts and bigots like the Spanish Inquisition.

rwp@John:16:6 @{Sorrow hath filled} (\hˆ lupˆ peplˆr“ken\). This word is not used of Jesus in the Gospels, in John only in this chapter. Perfect active indicative of \plˆro“\. They do not see their way to go on without Jesus.

rwp@John:16:7 @{It is expedient for you} (\sumpherei humin\). Present active indicative of \sumpher“\, old verb to bear together. See strkjv@11:50| where the phrase is used by Caiaphas "for us," here "for you" (\humin\ ethical dative). {That I go away} (\hina eg“ apelth“\). Subject clause the subject of \sumpherei\, \hina\ and second aorist active subjunctive of \aperchomai\. The reason (\gar\) for this startling statement follows. {If I go not away} (\ean mˆ apelth“\). Third-class condition with \ean\ and the negative \mˆ\ with \apelth“\ as before. {Will not come} (\ou mˆ elthˆi\). Strong double negative with second aorist active subjunctive of \erchomai\. The Holy Spirit was, of course, already at work in the hearts of men, but not in the sense of witnessing as Paraclete which could only take place after Jesus had gone back to the Father. {But if I go} (\ean de poreuth“\). Third-class condition again (\ean\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \poreuomai\). {I will send} (\pemps“\). First person future as in 15|.

rwp@John:16:8 @{And he} (\kai ekeinos\). Emphatic demonstrative masculine pronoun. {When he is come} (\elth“n\). Second aorist active participle of \erchomai\, "having come" or "coming." {Will convict the world} (\elegxei ton kosmon\). Future active of \elegch“\, old word for confuting, convicting by proof already in strkjv@3:29; strkjv@8:46|. Jesus had been doing this (7:7|), but this is pre-eminently the work of the Holy Spirit and the most needed task today for our complacent age. {In respect of sin} (\peri hamartias\). Concerning the reality of sin as missing the mark and as wronging God and man, and not a mere slip or animal instinct or devoid of moral responsibility or evil. Some scientists and psychologists (Freudians and behaviourists) seem bent on destroying man's sense of sin. Hence crime waves even in youth. {And of righteousness} (\kai peri dikaiosunˆs\). The opposite of "sin" and to be yearned for after conviction. Cf. strkjv@Romans:1:19-3:21| about the necessity of the God-kind of righteousness and the Sermon on the Mount for Christ's idea of righteousness. {And of judgment} (\kai peri krise“s\). As certain to come as condemnation because of sin and the lack of righteousness. These are not played out motives in human life, but basal. For this ministry we have the help of the Paraclete. The Paraclete is here spoken of "not as man's advocate with God (1John:2:1|), but as Christ's advocate with the world" (Bernard).

rwp@John:16:13 @{Howbeit} (\de\). One of the most delicate and difficult particles to translate, varying from "and" to "but." {When he, the Spirit of truth, is come} (\hotan elthˆi ekeinos, to pneuma tˆs alˆtheias\). Indefinite relative clause (\hotan\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \erchomai\, no _futurum exactum_), "whenever he comes." Note \ekeinos\ (masculine demonstrative pronoun, though followed by neuter \pneuma\ in apposition. See strkjv@15:26| for this phrase about the Holy Spirit. He shall guide you (\hodˆgˆsei humas\). Future active of old verb \hodˆge“\ (from \hodˆgos\, from \hodos\, way, \hˆgeomai\, to lead). See strkjv@Psalms:24:5| for "lead me into thy truth" (\hodˆgˆson me eis tˆn alˆtheian sou\). Christ is both the Way and the Truth (14:6|) and the Holy Spirit is the Guide who shows the way to the Truth (verse 14|). This he does gradually. We are still learning the truth in Christ. {From himself} (\aph' heautou\). In this he is like Christ (1:26; strkjv@12:49; strkjv@14:10|). {He shall declare} (\anaggelei\). Future active of \anaggell“\, as in strkjv@4:25|. See it also repeated in verse 14|. {The things that are yet to come} (\ta erchomena\). Neuter plural articular participle of \erchomai\, "the coming things." This phrase only here in the N.T. The things already begun concerning the work of the Kingdom (Luke:7:19ff.; strkjv@18:30|) not a chart of future history. See strkjv@Luke:7:20; strkjv@John:6:14; strkjv@11:27| for \ho erchomenos\ (the coming one) used of the Messiah.

rwp@John:16:14 @{He shall glorify me} (\ekeinos eme doxasei\). This is the glory of the Holy Spirit, to glorify Jesus Christ. {For he shall take of mine} (\hoti ek tou emou lˆmpsetai\). Future middle of \lamban“\ and a definite promise of the Spirit's guidance in interpreting Christ. One need only refer to Peter's sermon at pentecost after the coming of the Holy Spirit, to Peter's Epistles, to Paul's Epistles, to Hebrews, to John's Epistles, to see how under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit the disciples grew into the fulness of the knowledge of God in the face of Christ (2Corinthians:6:4|).

rwp@John:16:24 @{Hitherto} (\he“s arti\). Up till now the disciples had not used Christ's name in prayer to the Father, but after the resurrection of Jesus they are to do so, a distinct plea for parity with the Father and for worship like the Father. {May be fulfilled} (\ˆi peplˆr“menˆ\). Periphrastic perfect passive subjunctive of \plˆro“\ in a purpose clause with \hina\. See strkjv@15:11| for some verb (first aorist passive subjunctive with \hina\) and strkjv@1John:1:4| for same form as here, emphasizing the abiding permanence of the joy.

rwp@John:16:28 @{I came out from the Father} (\exˆlthon ek tou patros\). Definite act (aorist), the Incarnation, with repetition of \ek\ (out of), while in verse 27| we have \para tou patros exˆlthon\) with no practical distinction between \ek\ and \para\ in resultant idea. {Amos:come} (\elˆlutha\). Perfect active indicative of \erchomai\, as in strkjv@18:37|. The Incarnation is now a permanent fact, once only a blessed hope (11:27|). His leaving the world and going to the Father does not set aside the fact of the Incarnation. Both \aphiˆmi\ (I leave) and \poreuomai\ (I go) are futuristic present indicatives.

rwp@John:16:31 @{Do ye now believe?} (\arti pisteuete;\). For \arti\ (just now) see strkjv@9:19; strkjv@13:33,37|. Their belief in Christ was genuine _as far as it went_, but perils await them of which they are ignorant. They are too self-confident as their despair at Christ's death shows.

rwp@John:17:1 @{Lifting up} (\eparas\). First aorist active participle of \epair“\, old and common verb with \ophthalmous\ (eyes) as in strkjv@4:35; strkjv@6:5; strkjv@11:41|. {Father} (\Pater\). Vocative form as in verses 5,11; strkjv@11:41|, Christ's usual way of beginning his prayers. It is inconceivable that this real _Lord's Prayer_ is the free composition of a disciple put into the mouth of Jesus. It is rather "the tenacious memory of an old man recalling the greatest days of his life" (Bernard), aided by the Holy Spirit promised for this very purpose (John:14:26; strkjv@16:13f.|). Jesus had the habit of prayer (Mark:1:35; strkjv@6:46; strkjv@Matthew:11:25f.; strkjv@Luke:3:21; strkjv@5:16; strkjv@6:12; strkjv@9:18,28; strkjv@11:22,42; strkjv@23:34,46; strkjv@John:11:41; strkjv@12:27|). He prayed here for himself (1-5|), for the disciples (6-19|), for all believers (20-26|). The prayer is similar in spirit to the Model Prayer for us in strkjv@Matthew:6:9-13|. The hour for his glorification has come as he had already told the disciples (13:31f.; strkjv@12:23|). {Glorify thy Son} (\doxason sou ton huion\). First aorist active imperative of \doxaz“\, the only personal petition in this prayer. Jesus had already used this word \doxaz“\ for his death (13:31f.|). Here it carries us into the very depths of Christ's own consciousness. It is not merely for strength to meet the Cross, but for the power to glorify the Father by his death and resurrection and ascension, "that the Son may glorify thee" (\hina ho huios doxasˆi se\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist active subjunctive.

rwp@John:17:2 @{Authority over all flesh} (\exousian pasˆs sarkos\). \Sarkos\ is objective genitive. Stupendous claim impossible for a mere man to make. Made already in strkjv@Matthew:11:27; strkjv@Luke:10:22| (Q, the Logia of Jesus, our earliest known document about Jesus) and repeated in strkjv@Matthew:28:18| after his resurrection. {That} (\hina\). Secondary purpose with \hina d“sei\ (future active indicative) carrying on the idea of \hina doxasˆi\. See strkjv@13:34; strkjv@17:21| for \hina, kath“s, hina\. {Whatsoever} (\pƒn ho\). A peculiar classical Greek idiom, the collective use of the singular \pƒn ho\ as in strkjv@6:37,39| and \ho\ in strkjv@17:24| and the nominative absolute (_nom. pendens_) with \autois\ (to them), the dative plural explaining the construction. See Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 653.

rwp@John:17:4 @{I glorified thee on the earth} (\eg“ se edoxasa epi tˆs gˆs\). Verse 3| is parenthetical and so verse 4| goes on after verse 2|. He had prayed for further glorification. {Having accomplished} (\telei“sas\). First aorist active participle of \teleio“\, old verb from \teleios\ (perfect). Used in strkjv@4:34| by Jesus with \to ergon\ as here. That was Christ's "food" (\br“ma\) and joy. Now as he faces death he has no sense of failure as some modern critics say, but rather fulness of attainment as in strkjv@19:30| (\tetelestai\). Christ does not die as a disappointed man, but as the successful messenger, apostle (\apesteilƒs\, verse 3|) of the Father to men. {Thou hast given} (\ded“kas\). Perfect active indicative of \did“mi\, regarded as a permanent task.

rwp@John:17:5 @{With thine own self} (\para seaut“i\). "By the side of thyself." Jesus prays for full restoration to the pre-incarnate glory and fellowship (cf. strkjv@1:1|) enjoyed before the Incarnation (John:1:14|). This is not just ideal pre-existence, but actual and conscious existence at the Father's side (\para soi\, with thee) "which I had" (\hˆi eichon\, imperfect active of \ech“\, I used to have, with attraction of case of \hˆn\ to \hˆi\ because of \doxˆi\), "before the world was" (\pro tou ton kosmon einai\), "before the being as to the world" (cf. verse 24|). It is small wonder that those who deny or reject the deity of Jesus Christ have trouble with the Johannine authorship of this book and with the genuineness of these words. But even Harnack admits that the words here and in verse 24| are "undoubtedly the reflection of the certainty with which Jesus himself spoke" (_What Is Christianity_, Engl. Tr., p. 132). But Paul, as clearly as John, believes in the actual pre-existence and deity of Jesus Christ (Phillipians:2:5-11|).

rwp@John:17:6 @{I manifested} (\ephaner“sa\). First aorist active indicative of \phanero“\ (from \phaneros\, manifest). Another word for claiming successful accomplishment of his task as in verse 4| with \edoxasa\ and in verse 26| with \egn“risa\. {Whom} (\hous\). Accusative case after \ed“kas\, not attracted to case of antecedent (\anthr“pois\). Jesus regards the apostles as the Father's gift to him. Recall the night of prayer before he chose them. {They have kept} (\tetˆrˆkan\). Perfect active indicative, late _Koin‚_ form for the third plural instead of the usual \tetˆrˆkasin\. Jesus claims loyalty and fidelity in these men with the one exception of Judas (verse 12|). He does not claim perfection for them, but they have at least held on to the message of the Father in spite of doubt and wavering (6:67-71; strkjv@Matthew:16:15-20|).

rwp@John:17:9 @{I pray} (\eg“ er“t“\). Request, not question, as in strkjv@16:23|. {Not for the world} (\ou peri tou kosmou\). Now at this point in the prayer Christ means. In verse 19| Jesus does pray for the world (for future believers) that it may believe (verse 21|). God loves the whole world (3:16|). Christ died for sinners (Romans:5:8|) and prayed for sinners (Luke:23:34|) and intercedes for sinners (1John:2:1f.; strkjv@Romans:8:34; strkjv@Hebrews:7:25|). {For those whom} (\peri h“n\). A condensed and common Greek idiom for \peri tout“n hous\ with \tout“n\ (the demonstrative antecedent) omitted and the relative \hous\ attracted from the accusative \hous\ (object of \ded“kas\) to the case (genitive) of the omitted antecedent.

rwp@John:17:10 @{Are} (\estin\). Singular number in the Greek (is), not the plural \eisin\ (are), emphasizing the unity of the whole as in strkjv@16:15|. "This no creature can say in reference to God" (Luther). {I am glorified in them} (\dedoxasmai en autois\). "I stand glorified (perfect passive indicative of \doxaz“\) in the disciples" (\en autois\), in spite of all their shortcomings and failings. There is comfort for us in this.

rwp@John:17:11 @{And these} (\kai houtoi\ or \autoi\, they). Note adversative use of \kai\ (= but these). {I come} (\erehomai\). Futuristic present, "I am coming." Cf. strkjv@13:3; strkjv@14:12; strkjv@17:13|. Christ will no longer be visibly present to the world, but he will be with the believers through the Holy Spirit (Matthew:28:20|). {Holy Father} (\pater hagie\). Only here in the N.T., but see strkjv@1John:2:20; strkjv@Luke:1:49| for the holiness of God, a thoroughly Jewish conception. See strkjv@John:6:69| where Peter calls Jesus \ho hagios tou theou\. For the word applied to saints see strkjv@Acts:9:13|. See verse 25| for \patˆr dikaie\ (Righteous Father). {Keep them} (\tˆrˆson autous\). First aorist (constative) active imperative of \tˆre“\, as now specially needing the Father's care with Jesus gone (urgency of the aorist tense in prayer). {Which} (\h“i\). Locative case of the neuter relative singular, attracted from the accusative \ho\ to the case of the antecedent \onomati\ (name). {That they may be one} (\hina “sin hen\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the present active subjunctive of \eimi\ (that they may keep on being). Oneness of will and spirit (\hen\, neuter singular), not one person (\heis\, masculine singular) for which Christ does not pray. Each time Jesus uses \hen\ (verses 11,21,22|) and once, \eis hen\, "into one" (verse 23|). This is Christ's prayer for all believers, for unity, not for organic union of which we hear so much. The disciples had union, but lacked unity or oneness of spirit as was shown this very evening at the supper (Luke:22:24; strkjv@John:13:4-15|). Jesus offers the unity in the Trinity (three persons, but one God) as the model for believers. The witness of the disciples will fail without harmony (17:21|).

rwp@John:17:14 @{Not of the world} (\ouk ek tou kosmou\). They are "in the world" (\en t“i kosm“i\, verse 13|) still and Christ sends them "into the world" (\eis ton kosmon\, verse 18|), but they must not be like the world nor get their spirit, standards, and message "out of the world," else they can do the world no good. These verses (14-19|) picture the Master's ideal for believers and go far towards explaining the failure of Christians in winning the world to Christ. Too often the world fails to see the difference or the gain by the change.

rwp@John:17:17 @{Sanctify} (\hagiason\). First aorist active imperative of \hagiaz“\. To consecrate or set apart persons or things to God. See strkjv@Exodus:28:41; strkjv@29:1,36; strkjv@40:13|. See Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians (1Thessalonians:5:23|). This is done in the sphere (\en\) of truth (God's truth), God's Word (not human speculation, but God's message to us).

rwp@John:17:19 @{I sanctify myself} (\eg“ hagiaz“ emauton\). To his holy ministry to which the Father "sanctified" (\hˆgiasen\) him (John:10:36|). {That they themselves also may be sanctified in truth} (\hina “sin kai autoi hˆgiasmenoi en alˆtheiƒi\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the periphrastic perfect passive subjunctive of \hagiaz“\ (that they may remain sanctified). The act of Christ helps us, but by no means takes the place of personal consecration on the part of the believer. This high and holy prayer and act of Christ should shame any one who uses the livery of heaven to serve the devil in as does, alas, sometimes happen (2Corinthians:11:13-15|).

rwp@John:17:21 @{That they also may be in us} (\hina kai autoi en hˆmin “sin\). Another purpose clause with \hina\ and the present active subjunctive of \eimi\. The only possible way to have unity among believers is for all of them to find unity first with God in Christ. {That the world may believe} (\hina ho kosmos pisteuˆi\). Another purpose clause with \hina\ and the present active subjunctive of \pisteu“\, "may keep on believing." Beyond a doubt, strife, wrangling, division are a stumblingblock to the outside world.

rwp@John:17:22 @{And the glory} (\kag“ tˆn doxan\). Literally, "And I the glory," with emphasis on "I." It is the glory of the Incarnate Word (Bernard), cf. strkjv@1:14; strkjv@2:11|, not the glory of the Eternal Word mentioned in strkjv@17:24|. Bengel says: _Quanta majestas Christianorum!_ Then verse 22| repeats the unity prayed for in verse 21|.

rwp@John:17:26 @{And will make it known} (\kai gn“ris“\). Future active of \gn“riz“\, the perpetual mission of Christ through the Spirit (16:12,25; strkjv@Matthew:28:20|) as he himself has done heretofore (17:6|). {Wherewith} (\hen\). Cognate accusative relative with \ˆgapˆsas\ which has also the accusative of the person \me\ (me).

rwp@John:18:1 @{With} (\sun\). See strkjv@12:2| for another example of \sun\ in John (common in Paul). The usual \meta\ reappears in verse 2|. {Over} (\peran\). "Beyond," preposition with the ablative as in strkjv@6:22,25|. {Brook} (\cheimarrou\). Old word, flowing (\roos, re“\) in winter (\cheima\), only here in N.T. {Kidron} (\ton Kedr“n\). Literally, "of the Cedars," "Brook of the Cedars." Only here in N.T. strkjv@Songs:2Samuel:15:23|. Textus Receptus like Josephus (_Ant_. VIII, 1, 5) has the singular \tou Kedr“n\ (indeclinable). As a matter of fact it was always dry save after a heavy rain. {A garden} (\kˆpos\). Old word, in N.T. only here, verse 26; strkjv@19:41| (Joseph's); strkjv@Luke:13:19|. John, like Luke, does not give the name Gethsemane (only in strkjv@Mark:14:32; strkjv@Matthew:26:36|). The brook of the cedars had many unhallowed associations (1Kings:2:37; strkjv@15:13; strkjv@2Kings:23:4ff.; strkjv@2Chronicles:29:16; strkjv@Jeremiah:31:40|).

rwp@John:18:3 @{The band of soldiers} (\tˆn speiran\). No word for "of soldiers" in the Greek, but the Latin _spira_ (roll or ball) was used for a military cohort (Polybius 11, 23, 1) as in strkjv@Matthew:27:27; strkjv@Acts:10:1|, etc., here for a small band secured from the Tower of Antonia. The Synoptics do not mention the soldiers, but only the "officers" as here (\hupˆretas\ for which see strkjv@Matthew:26:58; strkjv@Mark:14:54,65|) or temple police from the Sanhedrin. {Cometh} (\erchetai\). Dramatic historical present middle indicative. {With lanterns and torches} (\meta phan“n kai lampad“n\). Both old words, \phanos\ only here in N.T., \lampas\, an oil lamp (Matthew:25:1|). It was full moon, but Judas took no chances for it may have been cloudy and there were dark places by the walls and under the olive trees. \Meta\ is accompanied with {and weapons} (\kai hopl“n\). Mark (Mark:14:43|) mentions "swords and staves." Probably the temple guard had weapons as well as the soldiers.

rwp@John:18:5 @{Was standing} (\histˆkei\). Second past perfect active of \histˆmi\ used as imperfect, a vivid picture of Judas in the very act of betraying Jesus. John does not mention the kiss by Judas as a sign to the soldiers and police. Tatian suggests that it came before verse 4|. Then Jesus stepped forth and affirmed that he was the one whom they were seeking.

rwp@John:18:11 @{Into the sheath} (\eis tˆn thˆkˆn\). Old word from \tithˆmi\, to put for box or sheath, only here in N.T. In strkjv@Matthew:26:52| Christ's warning is given. {The cup} (\to potˆrion\). Metaphor for Christ's death, used already in reply to request of James and John (Mark:10:39; strkjv@Matthew:20:22|) and in the agony in Gethsemane before Judas came (Mark:14:36; strkjv@Matthew:26:39; strkjv@Luke:22:42|), which is not given by John. The case of \to potˆrion\ is the suspended nominative for note \auto\ (it) referring to it. {Shall I not drink?} (\ou mˆ pi“;\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \pin“\ with the double negative \ou mˆ\ in a question expecting the affirmative answer. Abbott takes it as an exclamation and compares strkjv@6:37; strkjv@Mark:14:25|.

rwp@John:18:15 @{Followed} (\ˆkolouthei\). Imperfect active of \akolouthe“\, "was following," picturesque and vivid tense, with associative instrumental case \t“i Iˆsou\. {Another disciple} (\allos mathˆtˆs\). Correct text without article \ho\ (genuine in verse 16|). Peter's companion was the Beloved Disciple, the author of the book (John:21:24|). {Was known unto the high priest} (\ˆn gn“stos t“i archierei\). Verbal adjective from \gin“sk“\, to know (Acts:1:19|) with dative case. How well known the word does not say, not necessarily a personal friend, well enough known for the portress to admit John. "The account of what happened to Peter might well seem to be told from the point of view of the servants' hall" (Sanday, _Criticism of the Fourth Gospel_, p. 101). {Entered in with Jesus} (\suneisˆlthen t“i Iˆsou\). Second aorist active indicative of the double compound \suneiserchomai\, old verb, in N.T. here and strkjv@6:22|. With associative instrumental case. {Into the court} (\eis tˆn aulˆn\). It is not clear that this word ever means the palace itself instead of the courtyard (uncovered enclosure) as always in the papyri (very common). Clearly courtyard in strkjv@Mark:14:66| (Matthew:26:69; strkjv@Luke:22:55|). Apparently Annas had rooms in the official residence of Caiaphas.

rwp@John:18:16 @{Was standing} (\histˆkei\). Same form in verse 5| which see. Songs:also \histˆkeisan\ in 18|. Picture of Peter standing outside by the door. {Unto the high priest} (\tou archiere“s\). Objective genitive here, but dative in verse 15|. {Unto her that kept the door} (\tˆi thur“r“i\). Old word (\thura\, door, \“ra\, care), masculine in strkjv@10:3|, feminine here, door-keeper (male or female).

rwp@John:18:18 @{A fire of coals} (\anthrakian\). Old word, in LXX, only here and strkjv@21:9| in N.T. A heap of burning coals (\anthrax\, coal). Cf. our "anthracite." It was cold (\psuchos ˆn\). "There was coldness." The soldiers had apparently returned to their barracks. {Were warming themselves} (\ethermainonto\). Direct middle imperfect indicative of \thermain“\ (from \thermos\). Songs:as to \thermainomenos\ about Peter. "Peter, unabashed by his lie, joined himself to the group and stood in the light of the fire" (Dods).

rwp@John:18:22 @{When he had said this} (\tauta autou eipontos\). Genitive absolute of second aorist active participle of \eipon\, to say. {Standing by} (\parestˆk“s\). Perfect active (intransitive) participle of \paristˆmi\ (transitive), to place beside. One of the temple police who felt his importance as protector of Annas. {Struck Jesus with his hand} (\ed“ken rapisma t“i Iˆsou\). Late word \rapisma\ is from \rapiz“\, to smite with a rod or with the palm of the hand (Matthew:26:67|). It occurs only three times in the N.T. (Mark:14:65; strkjv@John:18:22; strkjv@19:3|), in each of which it is uncertain whether the blow is with a rod or with the palm of the hand (probably this, a most insulting act). The papyri throw no real light on it. "He gave Jesus a slap in the face." Cf. strkjv@2Corinthians:11:20|. {So} (\hout“s\). As Jesus had done in verse 21|, a dignified protest in fact by Jesus.

rwp@John:18:23 @{If I have spoken evil} (\ei kak“s elalˆsa\). Condition of first class (assumed to be true), with \ei\ and aorist active indicative. Jesus had not spoken evilly towards Annas, though he did not here turn the other cheek, one may note. For the sake of argument, Jesus puts it as if he did speak evilly. Then prove it, that is all. {Bear witness of the evil} (\marturˆson peri tou kakou\). First aorist active imperative of \marture“\, to testify. This is the conclusion (apodosis). Jesus is clearly entitled to proof of such a charge if there is any. {But if well} (\ei de kal“s\). Supply the same verb \elalˆsa\. The same condition, but with a challenging question as the apodosis. {Smitest} (\dereis\). Old verb \der“\, to flay, to skin, to beat, as in strkjv@Matthew:21:35; strkjv@Luke:22:63; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:20| (of an insulting blow in the face as here).

rwp@John:18:26 @{Did not I see thee in the garden with him?} (\ouk eg“ se eidon en t“i kˆp“i met' autou;\). This staggering and sudden thrust expects an affirmative answer by the use of \ouk\, not \mˆ\ as in verses 17,25|, but Peter's previous denials with the knowledge that he was observed by a kinsman of Malchus whom he had tried to kill (verse 10|) drove him to the third flat denial that he knew Jesus, this time with cursing and swearing (Mark:14:71; strkjv@Matthew:26:73|). Peter was in dire peril now of arrest himself for attempt to kill. {Straightway} (\euthe“s\). As in strkjv@Matthew:26:74| while Luke has \parachrˆma\ (Luke:22:60|). Mark (Mark:14:68,72|) speaks of two crowings as often happens when one cock crows. See strkjv@Matthew:26:34| for \alekt“r\ (cock). That was usually the close of the third watch of the night (Mark:13:35|), about 3 A.M. Luke (Luke:22:61|) notes that Jesus turned and looked on Peter probably as he passed from the rooms of Annas to the trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (the ecclesiastical court). See Mrs. Browning's beautiful sonnets on "The Look".

rwp@John:18:28 @{They lead} (\agousin\). Dramatic historical present of \ag“\, plural "they" for the Sanhedrists (Luke:23:1|). John gives no details of the trial before the Sanhedrin (only the fact, strkjv@John:18:24,28|) when Caiaphas presided, either the informal meeting at night (Mark:14:53,55-65; strkjv@Matthew:26:57,59-68; strkjv@Luke:22:54,63-65|) or the formal ratification meeting after dawn (Mark:15:1; strkjv@Matthew:27:1; strkjv@Luke:22:66-71|), but he gives much new material of the trial before Pilate (18:28-38|). {Into the palace} (\eis to prait“rion\). For the history and meaning of this interesting Latin word, _praetorium_, see on ¯Matthew:27:27; strkjv@Acts:23:35; strkjv@Phillipians:1:13|. Here it is probably the magnificent palace in Jerusalem built by Herod the Great for himself and occupied by the Roman Procurator (governor) when in the city. There was also one in Caesarea (Acts:23:35|). Herod's palace in Jerusalem was on the Hill of Zion in the western part of the upper city. There is something to be said for the Castle of Antonia, north of the temple area, as the location of Pilate's residence in Jerusalem. {Early} (\pr“i\). Technically the fourth watch (3 A.M. to 6 A.M.). There were two violations of Jewish legal procedure (holding the trial for a capital case at night, passing condemnation on the same day of the trial). Besides, the Sanhedrin no longer had the power of death. A Roman court could meet any time after sunrise. John (19:14|) says it was "about the sixth hour" when Pilate condemned Jesus. {That they might not be defiled} (\hina mˆ mianth“sin\). Purpose clause with \hina mˆ\ and first aorist passive subjunctive of \miain“\, to stain, to defile. For Jewish scruples about entering the house of a Gentile see strkjv@Acts:10:28; strkjv@11:3|. {But might eat the passover} (\alla phag“sin to pascha\). Second aorist active subjunctive of the defective verb \esthi“\, to eat. This phrase may mean to eat the passover meal as in strkjv@Matthew:27:17| (Mark:14:12,14; strkjv@Luke:22:11,15|), but it does not have to mean that. In strkjv@2Chronicles:30:22| we read: "And they did eat the festival seven days" when the paschal festival is meant, not the paschal lamb or the paschal supper. There are eight other examples of \pascha\ in John's Gospel and in all of them the feast is meant, not the supper. If we follow John's use of the word, it is the feast here, not the meal of strkjv@John:13:2| which was the regular passover meal. This interpretation keeps John in harmony with the Synoptics.

rwp@John:18:30 @{If this man were not an evil-doer} (\ei mˆ ˆn houtos kakon poi“n\). Condition (negative) of second class (periphrastic imperfect indicative), assumed to be untrue, with the usual apodosis (\an\ and aorist indicative, first aorist plural with \k\). This is a pious pose of infallibility not in the Synoptics. They then proceeded to make the charges (Luke:23:2|) as indeed John implies (18:31,33|). Some MSS. here read \kakopoios\ (malefactor) as in strkjv@1Peter:2:12,14|, with which compare Luke's \kakourgos\ (23:32f.|; so also strkjv@2Timothy:2:9|), both meaning evil-doer. Here the periphrastic present participle \poi“n\ with \kakon\ emphasizes the idea that Jesus was a habitual evil-doer (Abbott). It was an insolent reply to Pilate (Bernard).

rwp@John:18:33 @{Again} (\palin\). Back into the palace where Pilate was before. {Called} (\eph“nˆsen\). First aorist active indicative of \ph“ne“\. Jesus was already inside the court (verse 28|). Pilate now summoned him to his presence since he saw that he had to handle the case. The charge that Jesus claimed to be a king compelled him to do so (Luke:23:2|). {Art thou the King of the Jews?} (\su ei ho basileus t“n Ioudai“n;\). This was the vital problem and each of the Gospels has the question (Mark:15:2; strkjv@Matthew:27:1; strkjv@Luke:23:3; strkjv@John:18:33|), though Luke alone (23:2|) gives the specific accusation. {Thou} (\su\). Emphatic. Jesus did claim to be the spiritual king of Israel as Nathanael said (John:1:49|) and as the ecstatic crowd hailed him on the Triumphal Entry (John:12:13|), but the Sanhedrin wish Pilate to understand this in a civil sense as a rival of Caesar as some of the Jews wanted Jesus to be (John:6:15|) and as the Pharisees expected the Messiah to be.

rwp@John:18:35 @{Amos:I a Jew?} (\mˆti eg“ Ioudaios eimi;\). Proud and fine scorn on Pilate's part at the idea that he had a personal interest in the question. Vehement negation implied. Cf. strkjv@4:29| for \mˆti\ in a question. The gulf between Jew and Gentile yawns wide here. {Nation} (\ethnos\ as in strkjv@11:48-52|, rather than \laos\, while both in strkjv@11:50|). For \pared“kan\ see verse 30|. {What hast thou done?} (\ti epoiˆsas;\). First aorist active indicative of \poie“\. Blunt and curt question. "What didst thou do?" "What is thy real crime?" John's picture of this private interview between Pilate and Jesus is told with graphic power.

rwp@John:18:36 @{My kingdom} (\hˆ basileia hˆ emˆ\). Christ claims to be king to Pilate, but of a peculiar kingdom. For "world" (\kosmou\) see strkjv@17:13-18|. {My servants} (\hoi hupˆretai hoi emoi\). For the word see verse 3| where it means the temple police or guards (literally, under-rowers). In the LXX always (Proverbs:14:35; strkjv@Isaiah:32:5; strkjv@Daniel:3:46|) officers of a king as here. Christ then had only a small band of despised followers who could not fight against Caesar. Was he alluding also to legions of angels on his side? (Matthew:26:56|). {Would fight} (\ˆg“nizonto an\). Imperfect middle of \ag“nizomai\ common verb (only here in John, but see strkjv@1Corinthians:9:25|) from \ag“n\ (contest) with \an\, a conclusion of the second-class condition (assumed as untrue). Christians should never forget the profound truth stated here by Jesus. {That I should not be delivered} (\hina mˆ paradoth“\). Negative final clause with \hina mˆ\ and first aorist passive subjunctive of \paradid“mi\ (see verses 28,36|). Jesus expects Pilate to surrender to the Jews. {But now} (\nun de\). In contrast to the condition already stated as in strkjv@8:40; strkjv@9:41; strkjv@15:22,24|.

rwp@John:18:37 @{Art thou a king then?} (\oukoun basileus ei su;\). Compound of \ouk\ and \oun\ and is clearly ironical expecting an affirmative answer, only here in the N.T., and in LXX only in A text in strkjv@2Kings:5:23|. {Thou sayest that} (\su legeis hoti\). In strkjv@Matthew:27:11; strkjv@Mark:15:2; strkjv@Luke:23:3|, \su legeis\ clearly means "yes," as \su eipas\ (thou saidst) does in strkjv@Matthew:26:64| (= "I am," \eg“ eimi\, in strkjv@Mark:41:62|). Hence here \hoti\ had best be taken to mean "because": "Yes, because I am a king." {Have I been born} (\eg“ gegennˆmai\). Perfect passive indicative of \genna“\. The Incarnation was for this purpose. Note repetition of \eis touto\ (for this purpose), explained by \hina marturˆs“ tˆi alˆtheiƒi\ (that I may bear witness to the truth), \hina\ with first aorist active subjunctive of \marture“\. Paul (1Timothy:6:13|) alludes to this good confession when Christ bore witness (\marturˆsantos\) before Pilate. Jesus bore such witness always (John:3:11,32; strkjv@7:7; strkjv@8:14; strkjv@Revelation:1:5|).

rwp@John:19:1 @{Took and scourged} (\elaben kai emastig“sen\). First aorist active indicative of \lamban“\ and \mastigo“\ (from \mastix\, whip). For this redundant use of \lamban“\ see also verse 6|. It is the causative use of \mastigo“\, for Pilate did not actually scourge Jesus. He simply ordered it done, perhaps to see if the mob would be satisfied with this penalty on the alleged pretender to royalty (Luke:23:22|) whom Pilate had pronounced innocent (John:18:38|), an illegal act therefore. It was a preliminary to crucifixion, but Jesus was not yet condemned. The Sanhedrin had previously mocked Jesus (Mark:14:65; strkjv@Matthew:26:67f.; strkjv@Luke:22:63ff.|) as the soldiers will do later (Mark:15:16-19; strkjv@Matthew:27:27-30|). This later mock coronation (Mark and Matthew) was after the condemnation. {Plaited a crown of thorns} (\plexantes stephanon ex akanth“n\). Old verb \plek“\, to weave, in the N.T. only here, strkjv@Mark:15:17; strkjv@Matthew:27:19|. Not impossible for the mock coronation to be repeated. {Arrayed him} (\periebalon auton\). "Placed around him" (second aorist active indicative of \periball“\). {In a purple garment} (\himation porphuroun\). Old adjective \porphureos\ from \porphura\, purple cloth (Mark:15:17,20|), dyed in purple, in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:18:16|. Jesus had been stripped of his outer garment \himation\ (Matthew:27:28|) and the scarlet cloak of one of the soldiers may have been put on him (Matthew:27:28|).

rwp@John:19:3 @{They came} (\ˆrchonto\). Imperfect middle of repeated action, "they kept coming and saying" (\elegon\) in derision and mock reverence with \Ave\ (\chaire\, Hail!) as if to Caesar. Note \ho basileus\ (the king) in address. {They struck him with their hands} (\edidosan aut“i rapismata\). Imperfect of \did“mi\, repetition, "they kept on giving him slaps with their hands." See on ¯18:22| for this use of \rapisma\.

rwp@John:19:5 @{Wearing} (\phor“n\). Present active participle of \phore“\, an early frequentative of \pher“\, denoting a continual wearing, though not true here (only temporary). Jesus bore the mockery with kingly dignity as part of the shame of the Cross (Hebrews:12:2|). {Behold, the man} (\Idou ho anthr“pos\). _Ecce Homo!_ by Pilate. This exclamatory introduction of Jesus in mock coronation robes to the mob was clearly intended to excite pity and to show how absurd the charge of the Sanhedrin was that such a pitiable figure should be guilty of treason. Pilate failed utterly in this effort and did not dream that he was calling attention to the greatest figure of history, the Man of the ages.

rwp@John:19:7 @{Because he made himself the Son of God} (\hoti huion theou heauton epoiˆsen\). Here at last the Sanhedrin give the real ground for their hostility to Jesus, one of long standing for probably three years (John:5:18|) and the one on which the Sanhedrin voted the condemnation of Jesus (Mark:14:61-64; strkjv@Matthew:27:23-66|), but even now they do not mention their own decision to Pilate, for they had no legal right to vote Christ's death before Pilate's consent which they now have secured.

rwp@John:19:11 @{Thou wouldest have} (\ouk eiches\). Imperfect active indicative without \an\, but apodosis of second-class condition as in strkjv@15:22,24|. {Except it were given thee} (\ei mˆ ˆn dedomenon\). Periphrastic past perfect indicative of \did“mi\ (a permanent possession). {From above} (\an“then\). From God (cf. strkjv@3:3|), the same doctrine of government stated by Paul in strkjv@Romans:13:1f|. Pilate did not get his "authority" from the Sanhedrin, but from Caesar. Jesus makes God the source of all real "authority." {Hath greater sin} (\meizona hamartian echei\). The same idiom in strkjv@9:41|. Caiaphas has his authority from God also and has used Pilate for his own base end.

rwp@John:19:13 @{Sat down on the judgement seat} (\ekathisen epi bˆmatos\). "Took his seat upon the \bˆma\" (the raised platform for the judge outside the palace as in strkjv@Acts:7:5|). The examination is over and Pilate is now ready for the final stage. {The Pavement} (\Lithostr“ton\). Late compound from \lithos\, stone, and the verbal adjective \str“tos\ form \str“nnumi\, to speak, a mosaic or tesselated pavement, spread with stones, in strkjv@2Chronicles:7:3|, Josephus, Epictetus, papyri. The Chaldean name \Gabbathƒ\, an elevation, was apparently given because of the shape.

rwp@John:19:14 @{The Preparation of the passover} (\paraskeuˆ tou pascha\). That is, Friday of passover week, the preparation day before the Sabbath of passover week (or feast). See also verses 31,42; strkjv@Mark:15:42; strkjv@Matthew:27:62; strkjv@Luke:23:54| for this same use of \paraskeuˆ\ for Friday. It is the name for Friday today in Greece. {About the sixth hour} (\h“s hektˆ\). Roman time, about 6 A.M. (a little after 6 no doubt) when Pilate rendered his final decision. Mark (Mark:15:25|) notes that it was the third hour (Jewish time), which is 9 A.M. Roman time, when the crucifixion began. Why should John give Jewish time writing at the close of the first century when Jerusalem and the Jewish state passed away in A.D. 70? He is writing for Greek and Roman readers. {Behold your king} (\Ide ho basileus hum“n\). \Ide\ is here an exclamation with no effect on the case of \basileus\ just as in strkjv@1:29|. The sarcasm of Pilate is aimed at the Jews, not at Jesus.

rwp@John:19:16 @{He delivered} (\pared“ken\). Kappa aorist active of \paradid“mi\, the very verb used of the Sanhedrin when they handed Jesus over to Pilate (18:30,35|). Now Pilate hands Jesus back to the Sanhedrin with full consent for his death (Luke:23:25|). {To be crucified} (\hina staur“thˆi\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \stauro“\. John does not give the dramatic episode in strkjv@Matthew:27:24f.| when Pilate washed his hands and the Jews took Christ's blood on themselves and their children. But it is on Pilate also.

rwp@John:19:18 @{They crucified} (\estaur“san\). The soldiers just as in strkjv@Acts:22:24f.|; the scourging of Paul was to be done by the soldiers. {And Jesus in the midst} (\meson de ton Iˆsoun\). Predicate adjective \meson\. A robber (\lˆistˆs\, not a thief, \kleptˆs\) was on each side of Jesus (Mark:15:27; strkjv@Matthew:27:38|) like Barabbas (John:18:40|) and probably members of his band, malefactors (\kakourgoi\) Luke terms them (Luke:23:32|).

rwp@John:19:31 @{The Preparation} (\paraskeuˆ\). Friday. See verse 14|. {Might not remain} (\mˆ meinˆi\). Negative final clause with \hina mˆ\ and first aorist active (constative) subjunctive of \men“\. {A high day} (\megalˆ\). A "great" day, since "the sabbath day following synchronized with the first day of unleavened bread which was a 'great' day" (Bernard). A double reason therefore for wanting the bodies removed before sunset when the Sabbath began. {That their legs might be broken} (\hina kateag“sin auton ta skelˆ\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the second aorist passive subjunctive of \katagnumi\ with the augment retained in the subjunctive, a "false augment" common in later Greek as in the future in strkjv@Matthew:12:20| with this verb (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 365). This _crurifragium_ was done with a heavy mallet and ended the sufferings of the victim. {Legs} (\skelˆ\). Old word, here only in N.T. {Might be taken away} (\arth“sin\). First aorist passive subjunctive of \air“\ with \hina\ also.

rwp@John:19:35 @{He that hath seen} (\ho he“rak“s\). Perfect active articular participle of \hora“\. John the Apostle was there and saw this fact (still sees it, in fact). This personal witness disproves the theory of the Docetic Gnostics that Jesus did not have a real human body. {He knoweth} (\ekeinos oiden\). That is John does like strkjv@9:37|. It is possible that \ekeinos\ may be a solemn appeal to God as in strkjv@1:33| or Christ as in strkjv@1John:3:5|. Bernard argues that the final editor is distinguishing the Beloved Disciple from himself and is endorsing him. But the example of Josephus (_War_. III. 7, 16) is against this use of \ekeinos\. John is rather referring to himself as still alive.

rwp@John:19:38 @{But secretly for fear of the Jews} (\kekrummenos de dia ton phobon t“n Ioudai“n\). Perfect passive participle of \krupt“\. An example of the rulers described in strkjv@12:41-43| who through cowardice feared to own their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. But it must be put down to the credit of Joseph that he showed courage in this darkest hour when the majority had lost heart. {That he might take away} (\hina arˆi\). Final clause with \hina\ and the first aorist active subjunctive of \air“\. Else the body of Jesus might have gone to the potter's field. Pilate gladly consented.

rwp@John:19:42 @{Was nigh at hand} (\eggus ˆn\). This tomb was outside of the city, near a road as the Cross was, and in a garden. The hill looked like a skull and was probably Gordon's Calvary seen from the Mount of Olives today.

rwp@John:20:2 @{Runneth} (\trechei\). Vivid dramatic present indicative of \trech“\. John deals only with Mary Magdalene. She left the tomb at once before the rest and without seeing the angels as told in the Synoptics (Mark:16:2-8; strkjv@Matthew:28:5-8; strkjv@Luke:24:1-8|). Luke (Luke:24:9-12|) does not distinguish between the separate report of Mary Magdalene and that of the other women. {To Simon Peter} (\pros Sim“na Petron\). Full name as usual in John and back with John and the other disciples. The association of Peter and the other disciple in strkjv@John:18-21| is like that between Peter and John in strkjv@Acts:1-5|. {Loved} (\ephilei\). Imperfect of \phile“\ for which see strkjv@5:20; strkjv@11:3| and for distinction from \agapa“\ see strkjv@11:5; strkjv@13:23; strkjv@21:7,15,17|. {They have taken away} (\ˆran\). First aorist active indicative of \air“\, indefinite plural. {We know not} (\ouk oidamen\). Mary associates the other women with her in her ignorance. For \ethˆkan\ (have laid) see strkjv@19:42|. Mary fears a grave robbery. She has no idea of the resurrection of Jesus.

rwp@John:20:13 @{I do not know} (\ouk oida\). Singular here, not plural as in verse 2|, because clearly Mary is alone here. But the problem is the same. She did not see Peter and John at the tomb.

rwp@John:20:17 @{Touch me not} (\mˆ mou haptou\). Present middle imperative in prohibition with genitive case, meaning "cease clinging to me" rather than "Do not touch me." Jesus allowed the women to take hold of his feet (\ekratˆsan\) and worship (\prosekunˆsan\) as we read in strkjv@Matthew:28:9|. The prohibition here reminds Mary that the previous personal fellowship by sight, sound, and touch no longer exists and that the final state of glory was not yet begun. Jesus checks Mary's impulsive eagerness. {For I am not yet ascended} (\oup“ gar anabebˆka\). Perfect active indicative. Jesus is here at all only because he has not yet gone home. He had said (16:7|) that it was good for them that he should go to the Father when the Holy Spirit will come through whom they will have fellowship with the Father and Christ. {My God} (\theou mou\). Jesus had said "My God" on the Cross (Mark:15:34|). Note it also in strkjv@Revelation:3:2|. Songs:Paul in strkjv@Romans:15:6|, etc., has "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

rwp@John:20:18 @{And telleth} (\aggellousa\). Present active participle, "announcing." {I have seen the Lord} (\He“raka ton kurion\). Perfect active indicative of \hora“\. She will always carry in her heart that vision (picture) of the Risen Christ. She tells this fact before she delivers Christ's message to the brethren of Christ. {How that}. No word in the Greek, but a conjunction like \h“s\ is implied. \Hoti\ here is recitative. The disciples (brethren) did not believe Mary's story nor that of the other women (Luke:24:11; strkjv@Mark:16:11|). Paul does not mention the vision to Mary or the women in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:5-7|. But Mary Magdalene was the first one to see the Risen Lord.

rwp@John:20:19 @{When therefore it was evening on that day} (\ousˆs oun opsias tˆi hˆmerƒi ekeinei\). Genitive absolute with \opsia\ (\opsios\, late), old word with \h“ra\ (hour) understood and here for the time from six to nine (6:16|) and the locative case of time with \hˆmerƒi\ (day). John often uses this note of time (1:39; strkjv@5:9; strkjv@11:53; strkjv@14:20; strkjv@16:23,26|). The addition of \tˆi miƒi sabbat“n\ (see strkjv@20:1| for this use of \miƒi\ like \pr“tˆi\) proves that John is using Roman time, not Jewish, for here evening follows day instead of preceding it. {When the doors were shut} (\t“n thur“n kekleismen“n\). Genitive absolute again with perfect passive participle of \klei“\, shut to keep the Jews out. News of the empty tomb had already spread (Matthew:28:11|). See strkjv@John:7:13| for the phrase "for fear of the Jews"; cf. strkjv@12:42|. {Stood in the midst} (\estˆ eis to meson\). Second aorist (ingressive) active (intransitive) of \histˆmi\, "stepped into the midst." {Peace be unto you} (\Eirˆnˆ humin\). The usual oriental salutation as in verses 21,26; strkjv@Luke:24:36|, here with probable reference to strkjv@John:14:27| (Christ's legacy of peace).

rwp@John:20:20 @{Showed} (\edeixen\). First aorist active indicative of \deiknumi\. This body, not yet glorified, retained the marks of the nails and of the soldier's spear, ample proof of the bodily resurrection against the modern view that only Christ's "spirit" arose and against the Docetic notion that Jesus had no actual human body. Luke (Luke:24:39f.|) adds feet to hands and side. {Were glad} (\echarˆsan\). Second aorist passive indicative of \chair“\. Jesus had said (16:22|) that it would be so. Luke adds (Luke:24:41|) that they "disbelieved for joy." It was too good to be true, though terror had first seized them when Jesus appeared (Luke:24:37|) because of the suddenness of Christ's appearance and their highly wrought state.

rwp@John:20:23 @{Whosesoever sins ye forgive} (\an tin“n aphˆte tas hamartias\). "If the sins of any ye forgive" (\aphˆte\, second aorist active subjunctive with \an\ in the sense of \ean\), a condition of the third class. Precisely so with "retain" (\kratˆte\, present active subjunctive of \krate“\). {They are forgiven} (\aphe“ntai\). Perfect passive indicative of \aphiˆmi\, Doric perfect for \apheintai\. {Are retained} (\kekratˆntai\). Perfect passive indicative of \krate“\. The power to forgive sin belongs only to God, but Jesus claimed to have this power and right (Mark:2:5-7|). What he commits to the disciples and to us is the power and privilege of giving assurance of the forgiveness of sins by God by correctly announcing the terms of forgiveness. There is no proof that he actually transferred to the apostles or their successors the power in and of themselves to forgive sins. In strkjv@Matthew:16:19; strkjv@18:18| we have a similar use of the rabbinical metaphor of binding and loosing by proclaiming and teaching. Jesus put into the hands of Peter and of all believers the keys of the Kingdom which we should use to open the door for those who wish to enter. This glorious promise applies to all believers who will tell the story of Christ's love for men.

rwp@John:20:24 @{Didymus} (\Didumos\). The same expression applied to Thomas in strkjv@11:16; strkjv@21:2|, but nowhere else in N.T. Old word for twin (double), "the pessimist of the apostolic band" (Bernard). The term twelve is still applied to the group, though Judas, the traitor, is dead.

rwp@John:20:25 @{We have seen the Lord} (\he“rakamen ton kurion\). The very language in the plural that Mary Magdalene had used (20:18|) when no one believed her. {Except I shall see} (\ean mˆ id“\). Negative condition of third class with \ean\ and second aorist active subjunctive and so as to \bal“\ (from \ball“\) "and put." {The print} (\ton tupon\). The mark or stamp made by the nails, here the original idea. Various terms as in strkjv@Acts:7:44; strkjv@1Timothy:4:12|. Finally our "type" as in strkjv@Romans:5:14|. Clearly the disciples had told Thomas that they had seen the \tupon\ of the nails in his hands and the spear in his side. {I will not believe} (\ou mˆ pisteus“\). Strong refusal with \ou mˆ\ (doubtful negative) and first aorist active subjunctive (or future indicative).

rwp@John:20:27 @{Then saith he to Thomas} (\eita legei t“i Thomƒi\). Jesus turns directly to Thomas as if he had come expressly for his sake. He reveals his knowledge of the doubt in the mind of Thomas and mentions the very tests that he had named (25|). {Be not faithless} (\mˆ ginou apistos\). Present middle imperative of \ginomai\ in prohibition, "stop becoming disbelieving." The doubt of Thomas in the face of the witness of the others was not a proof of his superior intelligence. Sceptics usually pose as persons of unusual mentality. The medium who won Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to spiritualism has confessed that it was all humbug, but he deceived the gullible novelist. But Thomas had carried his incredulity too far. Note play on \apistos\ (disbelieving) and \pistos\ (believing).

rwp@John:20:28 @{My Lord and my God} (\Hosea:kurios mou kai ho theos mou\). Not exclamation, but address, the vocative case though the form of the nominative, a very common thing in the _Koin‚_. Thomas was wholly convinced and did not hesitate to address the Risen Christ as Lord and God. And Jesus accepts the words and praises Thomas for so doing.

rwp@John:20:30 @{Many other signs} (\polla alla sˆmeia\). Not only those described in the Synoptic Gospels or referred to in general statements, but many alluded to in John's Gospel (2:23; strkjv@4:45; strkjv@12:37|). {Are not written} (\ouk estin gegrammena\). Periphrastic perfect passive indicative of \graph“\, do not stand written, are not described "in this book." John has made a selection of the vast number wrought by Jesus "in the presence of the disciples" (\en“pion t“n mathˆt“n\), common idiom in Luke, not in Mark and Matthew, and by John elsewhere only in strkjv@1John:3:22|. John's book is written with a purpose which he states.

rwp@John:20:31 @{Are written} (\gegraptai\). Perfect passive indicative of \graph“\, "have been written" by John. {That ye may believe} (\hina pisteuˆte\). Purpose with \hina\ and the present active subjunctive of \pisteu“\, "that you may keep on believing." The book has had precisely this effect of continuous and successive confirmation of faith in Jesus Christ through the ages. {Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God} (\Iˆsous estin ho Christos ho huios tou theou\). The man named Jesus is identical with the Messiah (the Anointed One) as opposed to the Cerinthian separation of the Jesus of history and the Christ (\aeon\) of theology. And the Docetic notion of a phantom body for Jesus with no actual human body is also false. Jesus is the Son of God with all that this high term implies, the Logos of strkjv@John:1:1-18| (the Prologue). "Very God of very God," Incarnate Revealer of God. But there is a further purpose. {And that believing ye may have life in his name} (\kai hina pisteuontes z“ˆn echˆte en t“i onomati autou\). Note present participle \pisteuontes\ (continuing to believe) and the present active subjunctive \echˆte\ (keep on having). "Life" (\z“ˆn\) is eternal life so often mentioned in this Gospel, life to be found only in the name (and power) of Jesus Christ the Son of God. This verse constitutes a fitting close for this wonderful book and John may at first have intended to stop here. But before he published the work he added the Epilogue (Chapter XXI) which is written in the same style and gives a beautiful picture of the Risen Christ with a side-light on John and Peter (restored to fellowship).

rwp@John:21:1 @{Manifested himself} (\ephanerosen heauton\). First aorist active indicative of \phanero“\ with the reflexive pronoun (cf. strkjv@7:4; strkjv@13:4|). For the passive see strkjv@1:31; strkjv@21:14|. Jesus was only seen during the forty days now and then (Acts:1:3|), ten instances being recorded. The word \phanero“\ is often used of Christ on earth (John:1:31; strkjv@2:11; strkjv@1Peter:1:20; strkjv@1John:1:2|), of his works (John:3:5|), of the second coming (1John:2:28|), of Christ in glory (Colossians:3:4; strkjv@1John:3:2|). {At} (\epi\). By or upon. {Of Tiberias} (\tˆs Tiberiados\). As in strkjv@6:1| instead of the usual "Sea of Galilee." Tiberias, the capital city of Galilee, gave this epithet to the Sea of Galilee. This is not the appearance in Galilee prearranged by Jesus (Mark:16:7; strkjv@Matthew:28:7,16|).

rwp@John:21:2 @{There were together} (\ˆsan homou\). These seven (Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two others). We know that the sons of Zebedee were James and John (Matthew:4:21|), mentioned by name nowhere in John's Gospel, apparently because John is the author. We do not know who the "two others of his disciples" were, possibly Andrew and Philip. It seems to me to be crass criticism in spite of Harnack and Bernard to identify the incident here with that in strkjv@Luke:5:1-11|. There are a few points of similarity, but the differences are too great for such identification even with a hypothetical common source.

rwp@John:21:3 @{I go a fishing} (\hupag“ halieuein\). The present active infinitive \halieuein\ expresses purpose as often. It is a late verb from \halieus\ (fisherman) and occurs in strkjv@Jeremiah:16:16|, in Philo, Plutarch, and one papyrus. Peter's proposal was a natural one. He had been a fisherman by practice and they were probably waiting in Galilee for the appointed meeting with Christ on the mountain. Andrew and Peter, James and John were fishermen also. Peter's proposition met a ready response from all. {They took} (\epiasan\). First aorist active indicative of \piaz“\, Doric form for \piez“\, to catch.

rwp@John:21:11 @{Went up} (\anebˆ\). Into the little boat or dinghy. {Drew} (\heilkusen\). Same verb as \helkusai\ in verse 6|. Peter now did what they had failed to do. {Three} (\tri“n\). The addition "three" to the "hundred and fifty" looks as if they were actually counted these "large" (\megal“n\) fish. It was a great fish story that John recalls vividly. {Was not rent} (\ouk eschisthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \schiz“\, to split (our word "schism").

rwp@John:21:15 @{Lovest thou me more than these?} (\agapƒis me pleon tout“n;\). Ablative case of comparison \tout“n\ (disciples) after \pleon\. Peter had even boasted that he would stand by Christ though all men forsook him (Mark:14:29|). We do not know what passed between Jesus and Peter when Jesus first appeared to him (Luke:24:34|). But here Christ probes the inmost recesses of Peter's heart to secure the humility necessary for service. {I love thee} (\phil“ su\). Peter makes no claim here to superior love and passes by the "more than these" and does not even use Christ's word \agapa“\ for high and devoted love, but the humbler word \phile“\ for love as a friend. He insists that Christ knows this in spite of his conduct. {Feed my lambs} (\Boske ta arnia mou\). For the old word \bosk“\ (to feed as a herdsman) see strkjv@Matthew:8:33|. Present active imperative here. \Arnia\ is a diminutive of \arnos\ (lamb).

rwp@John:21:17 @{Lovest thou me?} (\phileis me;\). This time Jesus picks up the word \phile“\ used by Peter and challenges that. These two words are often interchanged in the N.T., but here the distinction is preserved. Peter was cut to the heart (\elupˆthˆ\, first aorist passive of \lupe“\, to grieve) because Jesus challenges this very verb, and no doubt the third question vividly reminds him of the three denials in the early morning by the fire. He repeats his love for Jesus with the plea: "Thou knowest all things." {Feed my sheep} (\boske ta probatia\). Many MSS. both here and in verse 16| read \probata\ (sheep) instead of \probatia\ (little sheep or lambs).

rwp@John:21:19 @{By what manner of death} (\poi“i thanat“i\). Undoubtedly John, who is writing long after Peter's death, seems to mean that Peter was to die (and did die) a martyr's death. "Whither thou wouldest not." There is a tradition that Peter met death by crucifixion and asked to be crucified head downwards, but that is not made plain here.

rwp@John:21:21 @{And what shall this man do?} (\houtos de ti;\). Literally, "But this one... what?" The abrupt ellipsis is intelligible.

rwp@John:21:22 @{If I will} (\ean thel“\). Condition of the third class with \ean\ and the present active subjunctive of \thel“\. {Till I come} (\he“s erchomai\). Literally, "while I am coming" (\he“s\ and the present indicative, not \he“s elth“\ (second aorist active subjunctive). {What is that to thee?} (\ti pros se;\). A sharp rebuke to Peter's keen curiosity. {Follow thou me} (\su moi akolouthei\). "Do thou me keep on following." That lesson Peter needed.

rwp@John:21:24 @{That is} (\houtos estin\). The one just mentioned in verse 20|, "the disciple whom Jesus loved." {And wrote these things} (\kai ho grapsas tauta\). Here there is a definite statement that the Beloved Disciple wrote this book. {We know} (\oidamen\). The plural here seems intentional as the identification and endorsement of a group of disciples who know the author and wish to vouch for his identity and for the truthfulness of his witness. Probably we see here a verse added by a group of elders in Ephesus where John had long laboured.

rwp@Info_Jude:@ THE RELATION TO II PETER Beyond a doubt one of these Epistles was used by the other, as one can see by comparing particularly strkjv@Jude:1:3-18| and strkjv@2Peter:2:1-18|. As already said concerning II Peter, scholars are greatly divided on this point, and in our present state of knowledge it does not seem possible to reach a solid conclusion. The probability is that not much time elapsed between them. Mayor devotes a whole chapter to the discussion of the relation between II Peter and Jude:and reaches the conclusion "that in Jude:we have the first thought, in Peter the second thought." That is my own feeling, but it is all so subjective that I have no desire to urge the point unduly. Bigg is equally positive that II Peter comes before Jude.

rwp@Info_Jude:@ THE USE OF APOCRYPHAL BOOKS Jude:(verse strkjv@Jude:1:14|) quotes from "Enoch" by name and says that he "prophesied." What he quotes is a combination of various passages in the Book of Enoch as we have it now. It used to be held that part of Enoch was later than Jude, but Charles seems to have disproved that, though the book as we have it has many interpolations. Tertullian wanted to canonise Enoch because of what Jude:says, whereas Chrysostom says that the authenticity of Jude:was doubted because of the use of Enoch. In verse strkjv@Jude:1:9| there seems to be an allusion to the _Assumption of Moses_, another apocryphal book, but it is the use of "prophesied" in verse strkjv@Jude:1:14| about Enoch that gave most offence. It is possible, of course, that Jude:did not attach the full sense to that term.

rwp@Info_Jude:@ THE PURPOSE The author undoubtedly has the Gnostics in mind and is seeking to warn his readers against them, as is true of II Peter. This same purpose appears in the Johannine Epistles, as was true also of Colossians, Ephesians, the Pastoral Epistles.

rwp@Info_Jude:@ SPECIAL BOOKS ON JUDE (Apart from those on II Peter or the Catholic Epistles) Chase, F. H., _Jude:in Hastings D B_ (1899). Ermoni, V., _L'epitre de Jude_ (1903, in Vigoroux, Diction- naire de la Bible). Georchin, B., _Der Brief Judas_ (1901). Kasteren, J. P., _Deuteronomy:brief uan den apostel Judas_ (1916). Maier, F., _Der Judasbrief_ (1906). Mayor, J. B., _The Epistle of Jude_ (in Expositor's Greek Testament, 1910). Plummer, A., _St. James and St. Jude_ (Expositor's Bible). Rampf, M. F., _Der Brief Juda_ (1854). Stier, R., _Der Brief Judas, des Bruders des Herrn_ (1850). Wandel, G., _Der Brief des Judas_ (1898). strkjv@Jude:1:1 @{Servant} (\doulos\). Precisely as James (James:1:1|), only James added \kuriou\ (Lord). {Brother of James} (\adelphos Iak“bou\). Thus Jude:identifies himself. But not the "Judas of James" (Luke:6:16; strkjv@Acts:1:13|). {To them that are called} (\tois--klˆtois\). But this translation (treating \klˆtois\ as a substantive like strkjv@Romans:1:6; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:24|) is by no means certain as two participles come in between \tois\ and \klˆtois\. \Klˆtois\ may be in the predicate position (being called), not attributive. But see strkjv@1Peter:1:1|. {Beloved in God the Father} (\en the“i patri ˆgapˆmenois\). Perfect passive participle of \agapa“\, but no precise parallel to this use of \en\ with \agapa“\. {Kept for Jesus Christ} (\Iˆsou Christ“i tetˆrˆmenois\). Perfect passive participle again with dative, unless it is the instrumental, "kept by Jesus Christ," a quite possible interpretation.

rwp@Jude:1:3 @{Beloved} (\agapˆtoi\). As in strkjv@3John:1:2|. {All diligence} (\pƒsan spoudˆn\). As in strkjv@2Peter:1:5|. {Of our common salvation} (\peri tˆs koinˆs hˆm“n s“tˆrias\). See this use of \koinos\ (common to all) in strkjv@Titus:1:4| with \pistis\, while in strkjv@2Peter:1:1| we have \isotimon pistin\, which see. {I was constrained} (\anagkˆn eschon\). "I had necessity" like strkjv@Luke:14:18; strkjv@Hebrews:7:27|. {To contend earnestly} (\epag“nizesthai\). Late and rare (in Plutarch, inscriptions) compound, here only in N.T. A little additional (\epi\) striving to the already strong \ag“nizesthai\ (\ag“n\ contest). Cf. strkjv@1Timothy:6:12| \ag“nizou ton kalon ag“na\. {For the faith} (\tˆi--pistei\). Dative of advantage. Here not in the original sense of trust, but rather of the thing believed as in verse 20; strkjv@Galatians:1:23; strkjv@3:23; strkjv@Phillipians:1:27|. {Once for all delivered} (\hapax paradotheisˆi\). First aorist passive participle feminine dative singular of \paradid“mi\, for which see strkjv@2Peter:2:21|. See also strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:15; strkjv@1Corinthians:11:2; strkjv@1Timothy:6:20|.

rwp@Jude:1:4 @{Are crept in} (\pareiseduˆsan\). Second aorist passive indicative of \pareisdu“\ (\-n“\), late (Hippocrates, Plutarch, etc.) compound of \para\ (beside) and \eis\ (in) and \du“\ to sink or plunge, so to slip in secretly as if by a side door, here only in N.T. {Set forth} (\progegrammenoi\). Perfect passive participle of \prograph“\, to write of beforehand, for which verb see strkjv@Galatians:3:1; strkjv@Romans:15:4|. {Unto this condemnation} (\eis touto to krima\). See strkjv@2Peter:2:3| for \krima\ and \ekpalai\. \Palai\ here apparently alludes to verses 14,15| (Enoch). {Ungodly men} (\asebeis\). Keynote of the Epistle (Mayor), in 15| again as in strkjv@2Peter:2:5; strkjv@3:7|. {Turning} (\metatithentes\). Present active participle of \metatithˆmi\, to change, for which verb see strkjv@Galatians:1:6|. For the change of "grace" (\charita\) into "lasciviousness (\eis aselgeian\) see strkjv@1Peter:2:16; strkjv@4:3; strkjv@2Peter:2:19; strkjv@3:16|. {Our only Master and Lord} (\ton monon despotˆn kai kurion hˆm“n\). For the force of the one article for one person see on ¯2Peter:1:1|. For \despotˆn\ of Christ see strkjv@2Peter:2:1|. {Denying} (\arnoumenoi\). strkjv@Songs:2Peter:2:1|. See also strkjv@Matthew:10:33; strkjv@1Timothy:5:8; strkjv@Titus:1:16; strkjv@1John:2:22|.

rwp@Jude:1:5 @{To put you in remembrance} (\hupomnˆsai\). See strkjv@2Peter:1:12| \hupomimnˆskein\ (present active infinitive there, first aorist active infinitive here). {Though ye know all things once for all} (\eidotas hapax panta\). Concessive perfect (sense of present) active participle as in strkjv@2Peter:1:12|, but without \kaiper\. {The Lord} (\kurios\). Some MSS. add \Iˆsous\. The use of \kurios\ here is usually understood to mean the Lord Jesus Christ, as Clement of Alex. (_Adumbr_. p. 133) explains, strkjv@Exodus:23:20|, by \ho mustikos ekeinos aggelos Iˆsous\ (that mystical angel Jesus). For the mystic reference to Christ see strkjv@1Corinthians:10:4,9; strkjv@Hebrews:11:26|. Some MSS. here add \theos\ instead of \Iˆsous\. {Afterward} (\to deuteron\). Adverbial accusative, "the second time." After having saved the people out of Egypt. {Destroyed} (\ap“lesen\). First aorist active indicative of \apollumi\, old verb, to destroy. {Them that believed not} (\tous mˆ pisteusantas\). First aorist active articular participle of \pisteu“\. The reference is to strkjv@Numbers:14:27-37|, when all the people rescued from Egypt perished except Caleb and Joshua. This first example by Jude:is not in II Peter, but is discussed in strkjv@1Corinthians:10:5-11; strkjv@Hebrews:3:18-4:2|.

rwp@Jude:1:7 @{Even as} (\h“s\). Just "as." The third instance (Jude:passes by the deluge) in Jude, the cities of the plain. {The cities about them} (\hai peri autas poleis\). These were also included, Admah and Zeboiim (Deuteronomy:29:23; strkjv@Hosea:11:8|). Zoar, the other city, was spared. {In like manner} (\ton homoion tropon\). Adverbial accusative (cf. \h“s\). Like the fallen angels. {Having given themselves over to fornication} (\ekporneusasai\). First aorist active participle feminine plural of \ekporneu“\, late and rare compound (perfective use of \ek\, outside the moral law), only here in N.T., but in LXX (Genesis:38:24; strkjv@Exodus:34:15f.|, etc.). Cf. \aselgeian\ in verse 4|. {Strange flesh} (\sarkos heteras\). Horrible licentiousness, not simply with women not their wives or in other nations, but even unnatural uses (Romans:1:27|) for which the very word "sodomy" is used (Genesis:19:4-11|). The pronoun \heteras\ (other, strange) is not in strkjv@2Peter:2:10|. {Are set forth} (\prokeintai\). Present middle indicative of \prokeimai\, old verb, to lie before, as in strkjv@Hebrews:12:1f|. {As an example} (\deigma\). Predicate nominative of \deigma\, old word (from \deiknumi\ to show), here only in N.T., sample, specimen. strkjv@2Peter:2:6| has \hupodeigma\ (pattern). {Suffering} (\hupechousai\). Present active participle of \hupech“\, old compound, to hold under, often with \dikˆn\ (right, justice, sentence strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:9|) to suffer sentence (punishment), here only in N.T. {Of eternal fire} (\puros ai“niou\). Like \desmois aidiois\ in verse 7|. Cf. the hell of fire (Matthew:5:22|) and also strkjv@Matthew:25:46|. Jude:has no mention of Lot.

rwp@Jude:1:8 @{Yet} (\mentoi\). See strkjv@John:4:27|. In spite of these warnings. {In like manner} (\homoi“s\). Like the cities of the plain. {These also} (\kai houtoi\). The false teachers of verse 4|. {In their dreamings} (\enupniazomenoi\). Present middle participle of \enupniaz“\, to dream (from \enupnion\ dream, strkjv@Acts:2:17|, from \en\ and \hupnos\, in sleep), in Aristotle, Hippocrates, Plutarch, papyri, LXX (Joel:2:28|), here only in N.T. Cf. strkjv@Colossians:2:18|. {Defile} (\miainousin\). Present active indicative of \minain“\, old verb, to stain, with sin (Titus:1:15|) as here. strkjv@2Peter:2:10| has \miasmou\. {Set at nought} (\athetousin\). Present active indicative of \athete“\, to annul. Both \kuriotˆs\ (dominion) and \doxai\ (dignities) occur in strkjv@2Peter:2:10|, which see for discussion.

rwp@Jude:1:12 @{Hidden rocks} (\spilades\). Old word for rocks in the sea (covered by the water), as in Homer, here only in N.T. strkjv@2Peter:2:13| has \spiloi\. {Love-feasts} (\agapais\). Undoubtedly the correct text here, though A C have \apatais\ as in strkjv@2Peter:2:14|. For disorder at the Lord's Supper (and love-feasts?) see strkjv@1Corinthians:11:17-34|. The Gnostics made it worse, so that the love-feasts were discontinued. {When they feast with you} (\suneu“choumenoi\). See strkjv@2Peter:2:13| for this very word and form. Masculine gender with \houtoi hoi\ rather than with the feminine \spilades\. Cf. strkjv@Revelation:11:4|. Construction according to sense. {Shepherds that feed themselves} (\heautous poimainontes\). "Shepherding themselves." Cf. strkjv@Revelation:7:17| for this use of \poimain“\. Clouds without water (\nephelai anudroi\). \Nephelˆ\ common word for cloud (Matthew:24:30|). strkjv@2Peter:2:17| has \pˆgai anudroi\ (springs without water) and then \homichlai\ (mists) and \elaunomenai\ (driven) rather than \peripheromenai\ here (borne around, whirled around, present passive participle of \peripher“\ to bear around), a powerful picture of disappointed hopes. {Autumn trees} (\dendra phthinop“rina\). Late adjective (Aristotle, Polybius, Strabo) from \phthin“\, to waste away, and \op“ra\, autumn, here only in N.T. For \akarpa\ (without fruit) see strkjv@2Peter:1:8|. {Twice dead} (\dis apothanonta\). Second aorist active participle of \apothnˆsk“\. Fruitless and having died. Having died and also "uprooted" (\ekriz“thenta\). First aorist passive participle of \ekrizo“\, late compound, to root out, to pluck up by the roots, as in strkjv@Matthew:13:29|.

rwp@Jude:1:14 @{And to these also} (\de kai toutois\). Dative case, for these false teachers as well as for his contemporaries. {Enoch the seventh from Adam} (\hebdomos apo Adam Hen“ch\). The genealogical order occurs in strkjv@Genesis:5:4-20|, with Enoch as seventh. He is so termed in Enoch strkjv@60:8; strkjv@93:3. {Prophesied} (\eprophˆteusen\). First aorist active indicative of \prophˆteu“\. If the word is given its ordinary meaning as in strkjv@1Peter:1:10|, then Jude:terms the Book of Enoch an inspired book. The words quoted are "a combination of passages from Enoch" (Bigg), chiefly from Enoch strkjv@1:9. {With ten thousand of his holy ones} (\en hagiais muriasin autou\). "With (\en\ of accompaniment, strkjv@Luke:14:31|) his holy ten thousands" (\murias\ regular word, feminine gender, for ten thousand, strkjv@Acts:19:19|, there an unlimited number like our myriads, strkjv@Luke:12:1|).

rwp@Jude:1:15 @{To execute judgment} (\poiˆsai krisin\). "To do justice." {To convict} (\elegxai\). First aorist (effective) active infinitive like \poiˆsai\ before it. {Ungodly} (\asebeis\). See verse 4| and end of this verse. {Of ungodliness} (\asebeias\). Old word as in strkjv@Romans:1:18|, plural in strkjv@Jude:1:18| as in strkjv@Romans:11:26|. {Which} (\h“n\). Genitive by attraction from \ha\ (cognate accusative with \ˆsebˆsan\, old verb, to act impiously, here alone in N.T. save some MSS. in strkjv@2Peter:2:6|) to agree with the antecedent \erg“n\ (deeds). {Hard things} (\sklˆr“n\). Harsh, rough things as in strkjv@John:6:60|. {Which} (\h“n\). Genitive by attraction from \ha\ (object of \elalˆsan\, first aorist active indicative of \lale“\) to the case of the antecedent \sklˆr“n\. Four times in this verse as a sort of refrain \asebeis\ (twice), \asebeias, ˆsebˆsan\.

rwp@Luke:1:45 @{For} (\hoti\). It is not certain whether \hoti\ here is "that" or "because." It makes good sense either way. See also strkjv@7:16|. This is the first beatitude in the New Testament and it is similar to the last one in the Gospels spoken to Thomas to discourage his doubt (John:20:29|). Elisabeth wishes Mary to have full faith in the prophecy of the angel. This song of Elisabeth is as real poetry as is that of Mary (1:47-55|) and Zacharias (1:68-70|). All three spoke under the power of the Holy Spirit. These are the first New Testament hymns and they are very beautiful. Plummer notes four strophes in Mary's Magnificat (46-48|,49,50|,51-53|,54,55|). Every idea here occurs in the Old Testament, showing that Mary's mind was full of the spiritual message of God's word.

rwp@Luke:1:46 @{Doth magnify} (\megalunei\). Latin, _magnificat_. Harnack argues that this is also the song of Elisabeth because a few Latin MSS. have it so, but Mary is correct. She draws her material from the O.T. and sings in the noblest strain.

rwp@Luke:1:47 @{Hath rejoiced} (\ˆgalliasen\). This is aorist active indicative. Greek tenses do not correspond to those in English. The verb \agallia“\ is a Hellenistic word from the old Greek \agall“\. It means to exult. See the substantive \agalliasis\ in strkjv@Luke:1:14,44|. Mary is not excited like Elisabeth, but breathes a spirit of composed rapture. {My spirit} (\to pneuma mou\). One need not press unduly the difference between "soul" (\psuchˆ\) in verse 46| and "spirit" here. Bruce calls them synonyms in parallel clauses. Vincent argues that the soul is the principle of individuality while the spirit is the point of contact between God and man. It is doubtful, however, if the trichotomous theory of man (body, soul, and spirit) is to be insisted on. It is certain that we have an inner spiritual nature for which various words are used in strkjv@Mark:12:30|. Even the distinction between intellect, emotions, and will is challenged by some psychologists. {God my Saviour} (\t“i the“i t“i sotˆri mou\). Article with each substantive. God is called Saviour in the O.T. (Deuteronomy:32:15, strkjv@Psalms:24:5; strkjv@95:1|).

rwp@Luke:1:54 @{Hath holpen} (\antelabeto\). Second aorist middle indicative. A very common verb. It means to lay hold of with a view to help or succour. {Servant} (\paidos\). Here it means "servant," not "son" or "child," its usual meaning.

rwp@Luke:1:64 @{Immediately} (\parachrˆma\). Nineteen times in the N.T., seventeen in Luke. {Opened} (\ane“ichthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative with double augment. The verb suits "mouth," but not "tongue" (\gl“ssa\). It is thus a zeugma with tongue. Loosed or some such verb to be supplied.

rwp@Luke:1:74 @{Delivered} (\rhusthentas\). First aorist passive participle of an old verb, \rhuomai\. The accusative case appears, where the dative could have been used to agree with \hˆmin\, because of the infinitive \latreuein\ (verse 74|) {to serve} (from {latros}, for hire). But Plato uses the word of service for God so that the bad sense does not always exist.

rwp@Luke:1:78 @{Tender mercy} (\splagchna eleous\). Bowels of mercy literally (1Peter:3:8; strkjv@James:3:11|). Revised margin has it, hearts of mercy. {The dayspring from on high} (\anatolˆ ex hupsous\). Literally, rising from on high, like the rising sun or stars (Isaiah:60:19|). The word is used also of a sprouting plant or branch (Jeremiah:23:5; strkjv@Zechariah:6:12|), but that does not suit here. {Shall visit} (\epeskepsetai\), correct text, cf. strkjv@1:68|.

rwp@Luke:1:79 @{To shine upon} (\epiphƒnai\). First aorist active infinitive of \epiphain“\ (liquid verb). An old verb to give light, to shine upon, like the sun or stars. See also strkjv@Acts:27:20; strkjv@Titus:2:11; strkjv@3:4|. {The shadow of death} (\skiƒi thanatou\). See strkjv@Psalms:107:10|, where darkness and shadow of death are combined as here. Cf. also strkjv@Isaiah:9:1|. See on ¯Matthew:4:16|. To guide (\tou kateuth–nai\). Genitive of the articular infinitive of purpose. The light will enable them in the dark to see how to walk in a straight path that leads to "the way of peace." We are still on that road, but so many stumble for lack of light, men and nations.

rwp@Luke:2:1 @{Decree from Caesar Augustus} (\dogma para Kaisaros Augoustou\). Old and common word from \doke“\, to think, form an opinion. No such decree was given by Greek or Roman historians and it was for long assumed by many scholars that Luke was in error. But papyri and inscriptions have confirmed Luke on every point in these crucial verses strkjv@2:1-7|. See W.M. Ramsay's books (_Was Christ Born at Bethelehem?_ _Luke the Physician_. _The Bearing of Recent Discovery on the Trustworthiness of the N.T._). {The World} (\tˆn oikoumenˆn\). Literally, {the inhabited} ({land}, \gˆn\). Inhabited by the Greeks, then by the Romans, then the whole world (Roman world, the world ruled by Rome). Songs:Acts:11:28; strkjv@17:6|. {Should be enrolled} (\apographesthai\). It was a census, not a taxing, though taxing generally followed and was based on the census. This word is very old and common. It means to write or copy off for the public records, to register.

rwp@Luke:2:5 @{To enrol himself with Mary} (\apograpsasthai sun Mariam\). Direct middle. "With Mary" is naturally taken with the infinitive as here. If so, that means that Mary's family register was in Bethlehem also and that she also belonged to the house of David. It is possible to connect "with Mary" far back with "went up" (\anebˆ\) in verse 4|, but it is unnatural to do so. There is no real reason for doubting that Mary herself was a descendant of David and that is the obvious way to understand Luke's genealogy of Jesus in strkjv@Luke:3:23-38|). The Syriac Sinaitic expressly says that both Joseph and Mary were of the house and city of David. {Betrothed} (\emnˆsteumenˆn\). Same verb as in strkjv@1:27|, but here it really means "married" or "espoused" as strkjv@Matthew:1:24f.| shows. Otherwise she could not have travelled with Joseph. {Great with child} (\enku“i\). Only here in N.T. Common Greek word.

rwp@Luke:2:7 @{Her firstborn} (\ton pr“totokon\). The expression naturally means that she afterwards had other children and we read of brothers and sisters of Jesus. There is not a particle of evidence for the notion that Mary refused to bear other children because she was the mother of the Messiah. {Wrapped in swaddling clothes} (\espargan“sen\). From \sparganon\, a swathing band. Only here and verse 12| in the N.T., but in Euripides, Aristotle, Hippocrates, Plutarch. Frequent in medical works. {In a manger} (\en phatnˆi\). In a crib in a stall whether in a cave (Justin Martyr) or connected with the inn we do not know. The cattle may have been out on the hills or the donkeys used in travelling may have been feeding in this stall or another near. {In the inn} (\en t“i katalumati\). A lodging-house or khan, poor enough at best, but there was not even room in this public place because of the crowds for the census. See the word also in strkjv@Luke:22:11; strkjv@Mark:14:14| with the sense of guest-room (cf. strkjv@1Kings:1:13|). It is the Hellenistic equivalent for \katag“geion\ and appears also in one papyrus. See strkjv@Exodus:4:24|. There would sometimes be an inner court, a range or arches, an open gallery round the four sides. On one side of the square, outside the wall, would be stables for the asses and camels, buffaloes and goats. Each man had to carry his own food and bedding.

rwp@Luke:2:10 @{I bring you good tidings of great joy} (\euaggelizomai h–min charan megalˆn\). Wycliff, "I evangelize to you a great joy." The active verb \euaggeliz“\ occurs only in late Greek writers, LXX, a few papyri examples, and the N.T. The middle (deponent) appears from Aristophanes on. Luke and Paul employ both substantive \euaggelion\ and verb \euaggeliz“\ very frequently. It is to Paul's influence that we owe their frequency and popularity in the language of Christendom (George Milligan, _The Epistles to the Thessalonians_, p. 143). The other Gospels do not have the verb save strkjv@Matthew:11:5| and that in a quotation (Isaiah:61:1|).

rwp@Luke:2:11 @\Is born\ (\etechthˆ\). First aorist passive indicative from \tikt“\. Was born. {Saviour} (\s“tˆr\). This great word is common in Luke and Paul and seldom elsewhere in the N.T. (Bruce). The people under Rome's rule came to call the emperor "Saviour" and Christians took the word and used it of Christ. See inscriptions (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 344). {Christ the Lord} (\Christos Kurios\). This combination occurs nowhere else in the N.T. and it is not clear what it really means. Luke is very fond of \Kurios\ ({Lord}) where the other Gospels have Jesus. It may mean "Christ the Lord," "Anointed Lord," "Messiah, Lord," "The Messiah, the Lord," "An Anointed One, a Lord," or "Lord Messiah." It occurs once in the LXX (Lamentations:4:20|) and is in Ps. of Sol. strkjv@17:36. Ragg suggests that our phrase "the Lord Jesus Christ" is really involved in "A Saviour (Jesus) which is Christ the Lord." See on ¯Matthew:1:1| for Christ and ¯Matthew:21:3| for Lord.

rwp@Luke:2:14 @{Among men in whom he is well pleased} (\en anthr“pois eudokias\). The Textus Receptus (Authorized Version also has \eudokia\, but the genitive \eudokias\ is undoubtedly correct, supported by the oldest and best uncials. (Aleph, A B D W). C has a lacuna here. Plummer justly notes how in this angelic hymn Glory and Peace correspond, in the highest and on earth, to God and among men of goodwill. It would be possible to connect "on earth" with "the highest" and also to have a triple division. There has been much objection raised to the genitive \eudokias\, the correct text. But it makes perfectly good sense and better sense. As a matter of fact real peace on earth exists only among those who are the subjects of God's goodwill, who are characterized by goodwill toward God and man. This word \eudokia\ we have already had in strkjv@Matthew:11:26|. It does not occur in the ancient Greek. The word is confined to Jewish and Christian writings, though the papyri furnish instances of \eudokˆsis\. Wycliff has it "to men of goodwill."

rwp@Luke:2:15 @{Said to one another} (\elaloun pros allˆlous\). Imperfect tense, inchoative, "began to speak," each to the other. It suggests also repetition, they kept saying, {Now} (\dˆ\). A particle of urgency. {This thing} (\to rhˆma touto\). A Hebraistic and vernacular use of \rhˆma\ (something said) as something done. See on ¯Luke:1:65|. The ancient Greek used \logos\ in this same way.

rwp@Luke:2:21 @{His name was called Jesus} (\kai eklˆthˆ to onoma autou Iˆsous\). The \kai\ is left untranslated or has the sense of "then" in the apodosis. The naming was a part of the ceremony of circumcision as is shown also in the case of John the Baptist (Luke:1:59-66|).

rwp@Luke:2:22 @{The days of their purification} (\hai hˆmerai tou katharismou aut“n\). The old manuscripts have "their" (\aut“n\) instead of "her" (\autˆs\) of the later documents. But it is not clear whether "their" refers to Mary and Joseph as is true of "they brought" or to Mary and the child. The mother was Levitically unclean for forty days after the birth of a son (Leviticus:12:1-8|). {To present him to the Lord} (\parastˆsai t“i Kuri“i\). Every first-born son was thus redeemed by the sacrifice (Exodus:13:2-12|) as a memorial of the sparing of the Israelitish families (Numbers:18:15f.|). The cost was about two dollars and a half in our money.

rwp@Luke:2:24 @{A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons} (\Zeugos trugon“n ˆ duo nossous perister“n\). The offspring of the poor, costing about sixteen cents, while a lamb would cost nearly two dollars. The "young of pigeons" is the literal meaning.

rwp@Luke:2:26 @{It had been revealed unto him} (\ˆn aut“i kechrˆmatismenon\). Periphrastic past perfect passive indicative. Common Greek verb. First to transact business from \chrˆma\ and that from \chraomai\, to use, make use of; then to do business with public officials, to give advice (judges, rulers, kings), then to get the advice of the Delphic and other oracles (Diodorus, Plutarch). The LXX and Josephus use it of God's commands. A Fayum papyrus of 257 B.C. has the substantive \chrˆmastismos\ for a divine response (cf. strkjv@Romans:11:4|). See Deissmann, _Light From the Ancient East_, p. 153. {Before} (\prin ˆ\). Classic Greek idiom after a negative to have subjunctive as here (only example in the N.T.) or the optative after past tense as in strkjv@Acts:25:16| (subjunctive changed to optative in indirect discourse). Elsewhere in the N.T. the infinitive follows \prin\ as in strkjv@Matthew:1:18|.

rwp@Luke:2:29 @{Now lettest thou} (\nun apolueis\). Present active indicative, {Thou art letting}. The _Nunc Dimittis_, adoration and praise. It is full of rapture and vivid intensity (Plummer) like the best of the Psalms. The verb \apolu“\ was common for the manumission of slaves and Simeon here calls himself "thy slave (\doulon sou\), Lord (\Despota\, our despot)." See strkjv@2Peter:2:1|.

rwp@Luke:2:32 @{Revelation to the Gentiles} (\apokalupsin ethn“n\). Objective genitive. The Messiah is to be light (\ph“s\) for the Gentiles in darkness (1:70|) and glory (\doxa\) for Israel (cf. strkjv@Romans:9:1-5; strkjv@Isaiah:49:6|). The word \ethnos\ originally meant just a crowd or company, then a race or nation, then the nations other than Israel (the people, \ho laos\) or the people of God. The word Gentile is Latin from _gens_, a tribe or nation. But the world-wide mission of the Messiah comes out clearly in these early chapters in Luke.

rwp@Luke:2:35 @{A sword} (\rhomphaia\). A large sword, properly a long Thracian javelin. It occurs in the LXX of Goliath's sword (1Samuel:17:51|). How little Mary understood the meaning of Simeon's words that seemed so out of place in the midst of the glorious things already spoken, a sharp thorn in their roses, a veritable bitter-sweet. But one day Mary will stand by the Cross of Christ with this Thracian javelin clean through her soul, \stabat Mater Dolorosa\ (John:19:25|). It is only a parenthesis here, and a passing cloud perhaps passed over Mary's heart already puzzled with rapture and ecstasy. {May be revealed} (\apokaluphth“sin\). Unveiled. First aorist passive subjunctive after \hop“s an\ and expresses God's purpose in the mission of the Messiah. He is to test men's thoughts (\dialogismoi\) and purposes. They will be compelled to take a stand for Christ or against him. That is true today.

rwp@Luke:2:36 @{One Anna a prophetess} (\Hanna prophˆtis\). The word \prophˆtis\ occurs in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:2:20|. In old Greek writers it means a woman who interprets oracles. The long parenthesis into verse 37| tells of her great age. Montefiore makes it 106 as she was 15 when married, married 7 years, a widow 84.

rwp@Luke:2:40 @{The child grew} (\ˆuxane\). Imperfect indicative of a very ancient verb (\auxan“\). This child grew and waxed strong (\ekrataiouto\, imperfect middle), a hearty vigorous little boy (\paidion\). Both verbs Luke used in strkjv@1:80| of the growth of John the Baptist as a child. Then he used also \pneumati\, in spirit. Here in addition to the bodily development Luke has "filled with wisdom" (\plˆroumenon sophiƒi\). Present passive participle, showing that the process of filling with wisdom kept pace with the bodily growth. If it were only always true with others! We need not be troubled over this growth in wisdom on the part of Jesus any more than over his bodily growth. "The intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth of the Child, like the physical, was real. His was a perfect humanity developing perfectly, unimpeded by hereditary or acquired defects. It was the first instance of such a growth in history. For the first time a human infant was realizing the ideal of humanity" (Plummer). {The grace of God} (\charis theou\). In full measure.

rwp@Luke:2:42 @{Twelve years old} (\et“n d“deka\). Predicate genitive. Luke does not say that Jesus had not been to Jerusalem before, but at twelve a Jewish boy became a "son of the law" and began to observe the ordinances, putting on the phylacteries as a reminder. {They went up} (\anabainont“n aut“n\). Genitive absolute with present active participle, a loose construction here, for the incident narrated took place _after_ they had gone up, not _while_ they were gong up. "On their usual going up" (Plummer).

rwp@Luke:2:44 @{In the company} (\en tˆi sunodiƒi\). The caravan going together on the road or way (\sun, hodos\), a journey in company, then by metonymy the company itself. A common Greek word (Plutarch, Strabo, etc.). The women usually went ahead and the men followed. Joseph may have thought Jesus was with Mary and Mary that he was with Joseph. "The Nazareth caravan was so long that it took a whole day to look through it" (Plummer). {They sought for him} (\anezˆtoun auton\). Imperfect active. Common Greek verb. Note force of \ana\. They searched up and down, back and forth, a thorough search and prolonged, but in vain.

rwp@Luke:2:46 @{After three days} (\meta hˆmeras treis\). One day out, one day back, and on the third day finding him. {In the temple} (\en t“i hier“i\). Probably on the terrace where members of the Sanhedrin gave public instruction on sabbaths and feast-days, so probably while the feast was still going on. The rabbis probably sat on benches in a circle. The listeners on the ground, among whom was Jesus the boy in a rapture of interest. {Both hearing them and asking them questions} (\kai akouonta aut“n kai eper“t“nta autous\). Paul sat at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts:22:3|). Picture this eager boy alive with interest. It was his one opportunity in a theological school outside of the synagogue to hear the great rabbis expound the problems of life. This was the most unusual of all children, to be sure, in intellectual grasp and power. But it is a mistake to think that children of twelve do not think profoundly concerning the issues of life. What father or mother has ever been able to answer a child's questions?

rwp@Luke:2:49 @{Son} (\teknon\). Child, literally. It was natural for Mary to be the first to speak. {Why} (\Ti\). The mother's reproach of the boy is followed by a confession of negligence on her part and of Joseph ({sorrowing}, \odun“menoi\). {Thy father} (\ho pater sou\). No contradiction in this. Alford says: "Up to this time Joseph had been so called by the holy child himself, but from this time never." {Sought} (\ezˆtoumen\). Imperfect tense describing the long drawn out search for three days. {How is it that} (\Ti hoti\). The first words of Jesus preserved to us. This crisp Greek idiom without copula expresses the boy's amazement that his parents should not know that there was only one possible place in Jerusalem for him. {I must be} (\dei einai me\). Messianic consciousness of the necessity laid on him. Jesus often uses \dei\ (must) about his work. Of all the golden dreams of any boy of twelve here is the greatest. {In my Father's house} (\en tois tou patros mou\). Not "about my Father's business," but "in my Father's house" (cf. strkjv@Genesis:41:51|). Common Greek idiom. And note "my," not "our." When the boy first became conscious of his peculiar relation to the Father in heaven we do not know. But he has it now at twelve and it will grow within him through the years ahead in Nazareth.

rwp@Luke:2:50 @{They understood not} (\ou sunˆkan\). First aorist active indicative (one of the k aorists). Even Mary with all her previous preparation and brooding was not equal to the dawning of the Messianic consciousness in her boy. "My Father is God," Jesus had virtually said, "and I must be in His house." Bruce observes that a new era has come when Jesus calls God "Father," not \Despotes\. "Even we do not yet fully understand" (Bruce) what Jesus the boy here said.

rwp@Luke:2:52 @{Advanced in wisdom and stature} (\proekopten tˆi sophiƒi kai hˆlikiƒi\). Imperfect active, he kept cutting his way forward as through a forest or jungle as pioneers did. He kept growing in stature (\hˆlikia\ may mean age, as in strkjv@12:25|, but stature here) and in wisdom (more than mere knowledge). His physical, intellectual, moral, spiritual development was perfect. "At each stage he was perfect for that stage" (Plummer). {In favour} (\chariti\). Or grace. This is ideal manhood to have the favour of God and men.

rwp@Luke:3:5 @{Valley} (\pharagx\). Here only in the N.T., though in the LXX and ancient Greek. It is a ravine or valley hedged in by precipices. {Shall be filled} (\plˆr“thˆsetai\). Future passive indicative of \plˆro“\. In 1845 when the Sultan visited Brusa the inhabitants were called out to clear the roads of rocks and to fill up the hollows. Oriental monarchs often did this very thing. A royal courier would go ahead to issue the call. Songs:the Messiah sends his herald (John) before him to prepare the way for him. Isaiah described the preparation for the Lord's triumphal march and John used it with great force. {Hill} (\bounos\). Called a Cyrenaic word by Herodotus, but later Greek writers use it as does the LXX. {Brought low} (\tapein“thˆsetai\). Future passive indicative of \tapeino“\. Literal meaning here of a verb common in the metaphorical sense. {Crooked} (\skolia\). Common word, curved, opposite of \orthos\ or \euthus\, straight.

rwp@Luke:3:7 @{To the multitude that went out} (\tois exporeuomenois ochlois\). Plural, {Multitudes}. The present participle also notes the repetition of the crowds as does \elegen\ (imperfect), he used to say. strkjv@Matthew:3:7-10| singles out the message of John to the Pharisees and Sadducees, which see for discussion of details. Luke gives a summary of his preaching to the crowds with special replies to these inquiries: the multitudes, 10,11|, the publicans 12,13|, the soldiers 14|. {To be baptized of him} (\baptisthˆnai hup' autou\). This is the purpose of their coming. strkjv@Matthew:3:7| has simply "to his baptism." John's metaphors are from the wilderness (vipers, fruits, axe, slave boy loosing sandals, fire, fan, thrashing-floor, garner, chaff, stones). {Who warned you?} (\tis hepedeixen humin;\). The verb is like our "suggest" by proof to eye, ear, or brain (Luke:6:47; strkjv@12:5; strkjv@Acts:9:16; strkjv@20:35; strkjv@Matthew:3:7|). Nowhere else in the N.T. though common ancient word (\hupodeiknumi\, show under, point out, give a tip or private hint).

rwp@Luke:3:10 @{Asked} (\epˆr“t“n\). Imperfect tense, repeatedly asked. {What then must we do?} (\ti oun poiˆs“men;\). Deliberative aorist subjunctive. More exactly, {What then are we to do}, {What then shall we do?} Same construction in verses 12,14|. The \oun\ refers to the severe things already said by John (Luke:3:7-9|).

rwp@Luke:3:12 @{Also publicans} (\kai tel“nai\). We have had the word already in Matthew (Matthew:5:46; strkjv@9:10; strkjv@11:19; strkjv@18:17; strkjv@21:31f.|) and Mark (Mark:11:15f.|). It is sometimes coupled with harlots and other sinners, the outcasts of society. The word is made up from \telos\, tax, and \“neomai\, to buy, and is an old one. The renter or collector of taxes was not popular anywhere, but least of all when a Jew collected taxes for the Romans and did it by terrible graft and extortions. {Extort} (\prassete\). The verb means only to do or practice, but early the tax-collectors learned how to "do" the public as regular "blood-suckers." Lucian links them with crows and sycophants.

rwp@Luke:3:14 @{Soldiers also} (\kai strateuomenoi\). Men on service, _militantes_ rather than _milites_ (Plummer). Songs:Paul in strkjv@2Timothy:2:4|. An old word like \strati“tˆs\, soldier. Some of these soldiers acted as police to help the publicans. But they were often rough and cruel. {Do violence to no man} (\mˆdena diaseisˆte\). Here only in the N.T., but in the LXX and common in ancient Greek. It means to shake (seismic disturbance, earthquake) thoroughly (\dia\) and so thoroughly to terrify, to extort money or property by intimidating (3Macc. strkjv@7:21). The Latin employs _concutere_, so. It was a process of blackmail to which Socrates refers (Xenophon, _Memorabilia_, ii. 9,1). This was a constant temptation to soldiers. Might does not make right with Jesus. {Neither exact anything wrongfully} (\mˆde sukophantˆsˆte\). In Athens those whose business it was to inform against any one whom they might find exporting figs out of Attica were called fig-showers or sycophants (\sukophantai\). From \sukon\, fig, and \phain“\, show. Some modern scholars reject this explanation since no actual examples of the word meaning merely a fig-shower have been found. But without this view it is all conjectural. From the time of Aristophanes on it was used for any malignant informer or calumniator. These soldiers were tempted to obtain money by informing against the rich, blackmail again. Songs:the word comes to mean to accuse falsely. The sycophants came to be a regular class of informers or slanderers in Athens. Socrates is quoted by Xenophon as actually advising Crito to employ one in self-defence, like the modern way of using one gunman against another. Demosthenes pictures a sycophant as one who "glides about the market like a scorpion, with his venomous sting all ready, spying out whom he may surprise with misfortune and ruin and from whom he can most easily extort money, by threatening him with an action dangerous in its consequences" (quoted by Vincent). The word occurs only in Luke in the N.T., here and in strkjv@Luke:19:8| in the confession of Zaccheus. It occurs in the LXX and often in the old Greek. {Be content with your wages} (\arkeisthe tois ops“niois hum“n\). Discontent with wages was a complaint of mercenary soldiers. This word for wages was originally anything cooked (\opson\, cooked food), and bought (from \“neomai\, to buy). Hence, "rations," "pay," wages. \Opsarion\, diminutive of \opson\, was anything eaten with bread like broiled fish. Songs:\ops“nion\ comes to mean whatever is bought to be eaten with bread and then a soldier's pay or allowance (Polybius, and other late Greek writers) as in strkjv@1Corinthians:9:7|. Paul uses the singular of a preacher's pay (2Corinthians:11:8|) and the plural of the wages of sin (Romans:6:23|) = death (death is the diet of sin).

rwp@Luke:3:15 @{Were in expectation} (\prosdok“ntos\). Genitive absolute of this striking verb already seen in strkjv@1:21|. {Reasoned} (\dialogizomen“n\). Genitive absolute again. John's preaching about the Messiah and the kingdom of God stirred the people deeply and set them to wondering. {Whether haply he were the Christ} (\mˆpote autos eiˆ ho Christos\). Optative \eiˆ\ in indirect question changed from the indicative in the direct (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1031). John wrought no miracles and was not in David's line and yet he moved people so mightily that they began to suspect that he himself (\autos\) was the Messiah. The Sanhedrin will one day send a formal committee to ask him this direct question (John:1:19|).

rwp@Luke:3:19 @{Reproved} (\elegchomenos\). Present passive participle of \elegch“\, an old verb meaning in Homer to treat with contempt, then to convict (Matthew:18:15|), to expose (Ephesians:5:11|), to reprove as here. The substantive \elegchos\ means proof (Hebrews:11:1|) and \elegmos\, censure (2Timothy:3:16|). Josephus (_Ant_. XVIII. V.4) shows how repulsive this marriage was to Jewish feeling. {Evil things} (\ponˆr“n\). Incorporated into the relative sentence. The word is from \ponos, pone“\, toil, work, and gives the active side of evil, possibly with the notion of work itself as evil or at least an annoyance. The "evil eye" (\ophthalmos ponˆros\ in strkjv@Mark:7:22|) was a "mischief working eye" (Vincent). In strkjv@Matthew:6:23| it is a diseased eye. Songs:Satan is "the evil one" (Matthew:5:37; strkjv@6:13|, etc.). It is a very common adjective in the N.T. as in the older Greek. {Had done} (\epoiˆsen\). Aorist active indicative, not past perfect, merely a summary constative aorist, {he did}.

rwp@Luke:3:20 @{Added} (\prosethˆken\). First aorist active indicative (kappa aorist). Common verb (\prostithˆmi\) in all Greek. In N.T. chiefly in Luke and Acts. Hippocrates used it of applying wet sponges to the head and Galen of applying a decoction of acorns. There is no evidence that Luke has a medical turn to the word here. The absence of the conjunction \hoti\ (that) before the next verb \katekleisen\ (shut up) is asyndeton. This verb literally means {shut down}, possibly with a reference to closing down the door of the dungeon, though it makes sense as a perfective use of the preposition, like our "shut up" without a strict regard to the idea of "down." It is an old and common verb, though here and strkjv@Acts:26:10| only in the N.T. See strkjv@Matthew:14:3| for further statement about the prison.

rwp@Luke:3:21 @{When all the people were baptised} (\en t“i baptisthˆnai hapanta ton laon\). The use of the articular aorist infinitive here with \en\ bothers some grammarians and commentators. There is no element of time in the aorist infinitive. It is simply punctiliar action, literally "in the being baptized as to all the people." Luke does not say that all the people were baptized before Jesus came or were baptized at the same time. It is merely a general statement that Jesus was baptized in connexion with or at the time of the baptizing of the people as a whole. {Jesus also having been baptized} (\kai Iˆsou baptisthentos\). Genitive absolute construction, first aorist passive participle. In Luke's sentence the baptism of Jesus is merely introductory to the descent of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the Father. For the narrative of the baptism see strkjv@Mark:1:9; strkjv@Matthew:3:13-16|. {And praying} (\kai proseuchomenou\). Alone in Luke who so often mentions the praying of Jesus. Present participle and so naturally meaning that the heaven was opened while Jesus was praying though not necessarily in answer to his prayer. {The heaven was opened} (\ane“ichthˆnai ton ouranon\). First aorist passive infinitive with double augment, whereas the infinitive is not supposed to have any augment. The regular form would be \anoichthˆnai\ as in D (Codex Bezae). Songs:the augment appears in the future indicative \kateaxei\ (Matthew:12:20|) and the second aorist passive subjunctive \kateag“sin\ (John:19:31|). Such unusual forms appear in the _Koin‚_. This infinitive here with the accusative of general reference is the subject of \egeneto\ (it came to pass). strkjv@Matthew:3:16| uses the same verb, but strkjv@Mark:1:10| has \schizomenous\, rent asunder.

rwp@Luke:3:22 @{Descended} (\katabˆnai\). Same construction as the preceding infinitive. {The Holy Ghost} (\to pneuma to hagion\). The Holy Spirit. strkjv@Mark:1:10| has merely the Spirit (\to pneuma\) while strkjv@Matthew:3:16| has the Spirit of God (\pneuma theou\). {In a bodily form} (\s“matik“i eidei\). Alone in Luke who has also "as a dove" (\h“s peristeran\) like Matthew and Mark. This probably means that the Baptist saw the vision that looked like a dove. Nothing is gained by denying the fact or possibility of the vision that looked like a dove. God manifests his power as he will. The symbolism of the dove for the Holy Spirit is intelligible. We are not to understand that this was the beginning of the Incarnation of Christ as the Cerinthian Gnostics held. But this fresh influx of the Holy Spirit may have deepened the Messianic consciousness of Jesus and certainly revealed him to the Baptist as God's Son. {And a voice came out of heaven} (\kai ph“nˆn ex ouranou genesthai\). Same construction of infinitive with accusative of general reference. The voice of the Father to the Son is given here as in strkjv@Mark:1:11|, which see, and strkjv@Matthew:3:17| for discussion of the variation there. The Trinity here manifest themselves at the baptism of Jesus which constitutes the formal entrance of Jesus upon his Messianic ministry. He enters upon it with the Father's blessing and approval and with the power of the Holy Spirit upon him. The deity of Christ here appears in plain form in the Synoptic Gospels. The consciousness of Christ is as clear on this point here as in the Gospel of John where the Baptist describes him after his baptism as the Son of God (John:1:34|).

rwp@Luke:3:23 @{Jesus Himself} (\autos Iˆsous\). Emphatic intensive pronoun calling attention to the personality of Jesus at this juncture. When he entered upon his Messianic work. {When he began to teach} (\archomenos\). The words "to teach" are not in the Greek text. The Authorized Version "began to be about thirty years of age," is an impossible translation. The Revised Version rightly supplies "to teach" (\didaskein\) after the present participle \archomenos\. Either the infinitive or the participle can follow \archomai\, usually the infinitive in the _Koin‚_. It is not necessary to supply anything (Acts:1:22|). {Was about thirty years of age} (\ˆn h“sei et“n triakonta\). Tyndale has it right "Jesus was about thirty yere of age when he beganne." Luke does not commit himself definitely to precisely thirty years as the age of Christ. The Levites entered upon full service at that age, but that proves nothing about Jesus. God's prophets enter upon their task when the word of God comes to them. Jesus may have been a few months under or over thirty or a year or two less or more. {Being Son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli} (\“n huios h“s enomizeto I“sˆph tou Helei\). For the discussion of the genealogy of Jesus see on ¯Matthew:1:1-17|. The two genealogies differ very widely and many theories have been proposed about them. At once one notices that Luke begins with Jesus and goes back to Adam, the Son of God, while Matthew begins with Abraham and comes to "Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ" (Matthew:1:16|). Matthew employs the word "begot" each time, while Luke has the article \tou\ repeating \huiou\ (Son) except before Joseph. They agree in the mention of Joseph, but Matthew says that "Jacob begat Joseph" while Luke calls "Joseph the son of Heli." There are other differences, but this one makes one pause. Joseph, of course, did not have two fathers. If we understand Luke to be giving the real genealogy of Jesus through Mary, the matter is simple enough. The two genealogies differ from Joseph to David except in the cases of Zorobabel and Salathiel. Luke evidently means to suggest something unusual in his genealogy by the use of the phrase "as was supposed" (\h“s enomizeto\). His own narrative in strkjv@Luke:1:26-38| has shown that Joseph was not the actual father of Jesus. Plummer objects that, if Luke is giving the genealogy of Jesus through Mary, \huios\ must be used in two senses here (son as was supposed of Joseph, and grandson through Mary of Heli). But that is not an unheard of thing. In neither list does Matthew or Luke give a complete genealogy. Just as Matthew uses "begat" for descent, so does Luke employ "son" in the same way for descendant. It was natural for Matthew, writing for Jews, to give the legal genealogy through Joseph, though he took pains to show in strkjv@Matthew:1:16,18-25| that Joseph was not the actual father of Jesus. It was equally natural for Luke, a Greek himself and writing for the whole world, to give the actual genealogy of Jesus through Mary. It is in harmony with Pauline universality (Plummer) that Luke carries the genealogy back to Adam and does not stop with Abraham. It is not clear why Luke adds "the Son of God" after Adam (3:38|). Certainly he does not mean that Jesus is the Son of God only in the sense that Adam is. Possibly he wishes to dispose of the heathen myths about the origin of man and to show that God is the Creator of the whole human race, Father of all men in that sense. No mere animal origin of man is in harmony with this conception.

rwp@Luke:4:1 @{Full of the Holy Spirit} (\plˆrˆs pneumatos hagiou\). An evident allusion to the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism (Luke:3:21f.|). The distinctness of the Persons in the Trinity is shown there, but with evident unity. One recalls also Luke's account of the overshadowing of Mary by the Holy Spirit (1:35|). strkjv@Matthew:4:1| says that "Jesus was led of the Spirit" while strkjv@Mark:1:12| states that "the Spirit driveth him forth" which see for discussion. "Jesus had been endowed with supernatural power; and He was tempted to make use of it in furthering his own interests without regard to the Father's will" (Plummer). {Was led by the Spirit} (\ˆgeto en toi pneumati\). Imperfect passive, continuously led. \En\ may be the instrumental use as often, for strkjv@Matthew:4:1| has here \hupo\ of direct agency. But Matthew has the aorist passive \anˆchthˆ\ which may be ingressive as he has \eis tˆn erˆmon\ (into the wilderness) while Luke has \en t“i erˆm“i\ (in the wilderness). At any rate Luke affirms that Jesus was now continuously under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Hence in this same sentence he mentions the Spirit twice. {During the forty days} (\hˆmerƒs tesserakonta\). Accusative of duration of time, to be connected with "led" not with "tempted." He was led in the Spirit during these forty days (cf. strkjv@Deuteronomy:8:2|, forty years). The words are amphibolous also in strkjv@Mark:1:13|. strkjv@Matthew:4:2| seems to imply that the three recorded temptations came at the close of the fasting for forty days. That can be true and yet what Luke states be true also. These three may be merely specimens and so "representative of the struggle which continued throughout the whole period" (Plummer).

rwp@Luke:4:2 @{Being tempted} (\peirazomenos\). Present passive participle and naturally parallel with the imperfect passive \ˆgeto\ (was led) in verse 1|. This is another instance of poor verse division which should have come at the end of the sentence. See on ¯Matthew:4:1; strkjv@Mark:1:13| for the words "tempt" and "devil." The devil challenged the Son of man though also the Son of God. It was a contest between Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, and the slanderer of men. The devil had won with Adam and Eve. He has hopes of triumph over Jesus. The story of this conflict is given only in strkjv@Matthew:4:1-11; strkjv@Luke:4:1-13|. There is a mere mention of it in strkjv@Mark:1:12f|. Songs:then here is a specimen of the Logia of Jesus (Q), a non-Markan portion of Matthew and Luke, the earliest document about Christ. The narrative could come ultimately only from Christ himself. It is noteworthy that it bears all the marks of the high conception of Jesus as the Son of God found in the Gospel of John and in Paul and Hebrews, the rest of the New Testament in fact, for Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts, Peter, and Jude:follow in this same strain. The point is that modern criticism has revealed the Messianic consciousness of Jesus as God's Son at his Baptism and in his Temptations at the very beginning of his ministry and in the oldest known documents about Christ (The Logia, Mark's Gospel). {He did eat nothing} (\ouk ephagen ouden\). Second aorist (constative) active indicative of the defective verb \esthi“\. Mark does not give the fast. strkjv@Matthew:4:2| has the aorist active participle \nˆsteusas\ which usually means a religious fast for purposes of devotion. That idea is not excluded by Luke's words. The entrance of Jesus upon his Messianic ministry was a fit time for this solemn and intense consecration. This mental and spiritual strain would naturally take away the appetite and there was probably nothing at hand to eat. The weakness from the absence of food gave the devil his special opportunity to tempt Jesus which he promptly seized. {When they were completed} (\suntelestheis“n aut“n\). Genitive absolute with the first aorist passive participle feminine plural because \hemer“n\ (days) is feminine. According to Luke the hunger (\epeinasen\, became hungry, ingressive aorist active indicative) came at the close of the forty days as in strkjv@Matthew:4:2|.

rwp@Luke:4:3 @{The Son of God} (\huios tou theou\). No article as in strkjv@Matthew:4:3|. Songs:refers to the relationship as Son of God rather than to the office of Messiah. Manifest reference to the words of the Father in strkjv@Luke:3:22|. Condition of the first class as in Matthew. The devil assumes that Jesus is Son of God. {This stone} (\t“i lith“i tout“i\). Perhaps pointing to a particular round stone that looked in shape and size like a loaf of bread. Stanley (_Sinai and Palestine_, p. 154) on Mt. Carmel found crystallizations of stones called "Elijah's melons." The hunger of Jesus opened the way for the diabolic suggestion designed to inspire doubt in Jesus toward his Father. Matthew has "these stones." {Bread} (\artos\). Better "loaf." For discussion of this first temptation see on ¯Matthew:4:3f|. Jesus felt the force of each of the temptations without yielding at all to the sin involved. See discussion on Matthew also for reality of the devil and the objective and subjective elements in the temptations. Jesus quotes strkjv@Deuteronomy:8:3| in reply to the devil.

rwp@Luke:4:5 @{The world} (\tˆs oikoumenˆs\). The inhabited world. In strkjv@Matthew:4:8| it is \tou kosmou\. {In a moment of time} (\en stigmˆi chronou\). Only in Luke and the word \stigmˆ\ nowhere else in the N.T. (from \stiz“\, to prick, or puncture), a point or dot. In Demosthenes, Aristotle, Plutarch. Like our "second" of time or tick of the clock. This panorama of all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them in a moment of time was mental, a great feat of the imagination (a mental satanic "movie" performance), but this fact in no way discredits the idea of the actual visible appearance of Satan also. This second temptation in Luke is the third in Matthew's order. Luke's order is geographical (wilderness, mountain, Jerusalem). Matthew's is climacteric (hunger, nervous dread, ambition). There is a climax in Luke's order also (sense, man, God). There is no way to tell the actual order.

rwp@Luke:4:6 @{All this authority} (\tˆn exousian tautˆn hapasan\). strkjv@Matthew:4:9| has "all these things." Luke's report is more specific. {And the glory of them} (\kai tˆn doxan aut“n\). strkjv@Matthew:4:8| has this in the statement of what the devil did, not what he said. {For it hath been delivered unto me} (\hoti emoi paradedotai\). Perfect passive indicative. Satan here claims possession of world power and Jesus does not deny it. It may be due to man's sin and by God's permission. Jesus calls Satan the ruler of this world (John:12:31; strkjv@14:30; strkjv@16:11|). {To whomsoever I will} (\hoi an thel“\). Present subjunctive with \an\ in an indefinite relative sentence. This audacious claim, if allowed, makes one wonder whether some of the world rulers are not, consciously or unconsciously, agents of the devil. In several American cities there has been proven a definite compact between the police and the underworld of crime. But the tone of Satan here is one of superiority to Jesus in world power. He offers him a share in it on one condition.

rwp@Luke:4:7 @{Wilt worship before me} (\proskunˆsˆis en“pion emou\). strkjv@Matthew:4:9| has it more bluntly "worship me." That is what it really comes to, though in Luke the matter is more delicately put. It is a condition of the third class (\ean\ and the subjunctive). Luke has it "thou therefore if" (\su oun ean\), in a very emphatic and subtle way. It is the ingressive aorist (\proskunˆsˆis\), just bow the knee once up here in my presence. The temptation was for Jesus to admit Satan's authority by this act of prostration (fall down and worship), a recognition of authority rather than of personal merit. {It shall all be thine} (\estai sou pƒsa\). Satan offers to turn over all the keys of world power to Jesus. It was a tremendous grand-stand play, but Jesus saw at once that in that case he would be the agent of Satan in the rule of the world by bargain and graft instead of the Son of God by nature and world ruler by conquest over Satan. The heart of Satan's program is here laid bare. Jesus here rejected the Jewish idea of the Messiah as an earthly ruler merely. "He rejects Satan as an ally, and thereby has him as an implacable enemy" (Plummer.)

rwp@Luke:4:8 @{Thou shalt worship} (\proskunˆseis\). Satan used this verb to Jesus who turns it against him by the quotation from strkjv@Deuteronomy:6:13|. Jesus clearly perceived that one could not worship both Satan and God. He had to choose whom he would serve. Luke does not give the words, "Get thee hence, Satan" (Matthew:4:10|), for he has another temptation to narrate.

rwp@Luke:4:9 @{Led him} (\ˆgagen\). Aorist active indicative of \ag“\. strkjv@Matthew:4:5| has \paralambanei\ (dramatic present). {The wing of the temple} (\to pterugion tou hierou\). See on ¯Matthew:4:5|. It is not easy to determine precisely what it was. {From hence} (\enteuthen\). This Luke adds to the words in Matthew, which see. {To guard thee} (\tou diaphulaxai se\). Not in strkjv@Matthew:4:6| quoted by Satan from strkjv@Psalms:91:11,12|. Satan does not misquote this Psalm, but he misapplies it and makes it mean presumptuous reliance on God. This compound verb is very old, but occurs here alone in the N.T. and that from the LXX. Luke repeats \hoti\ (recitative \hoti\ after \gegraptai\, is written) after this part of the quotation.

rwp@Luke:4:14 @{Returned} (\hupestrepsen\). Luke does not fill in the gap between the temptations in the wilderness of Judea and the Galilean Ministry. He follows the outline of Mark. It is John's Gospel alone that tells of the year of obscurity (Stalker) in various parts of the Holy Land. {In the power of the Spirit} (\en tˆi dunamei tou pneumatos\). Luke in these two verses (14,15|) gives a description of the Galilean Ministry with three marked characteristics (Plummer): the power of the spirit, rapid spread of Christ's fame, use of the Jewish synagogues. Luke often notes the power of the Holy Spirit in the work of Christ. Our word dynamite is this same word \dunamis\ (power). {A fame} (\phˆmˆ\). An old Greek word found in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:9:26|. It is from \phˆmi\, to say. Talk ran rapidly in every direction. It assumes the previous ministry as told by John.

rwp@Luke:4:15 @{And he taught} (\kai autos edidasken\). Luke is fond of this mode of transition so that it is not certain that he means to emphasize "he himself" as distinct from the rumour about him. It is the imperfect tense, descriptive of the habit of Jesus. The synagogues were an open door to Jesus before the hostility of the Pharisees was aroused. {Being glorified} (\doxazomenos\). Present passive participle, durative action like the imperfect \edidasken\. General admiration of Jesus everywhere. He was the wonder teacher of his time. Even the rabbis had not yet learned how to ridicule and oppose Jesus.

rwp@Luke:4:16 @{Where he had been brought up} (\hou ˆn tethrammenos\). Past perfect passive periphrastic indicative, a state of completion in past time, from \treph“\, a common Greek verb. This visit is before that recorded in strkjv@Mark:6:1-6; strkjv@Matthew:13:54-58| which was just before the third tour of Galilee. Here Jesus comes back after a year of public ministry elsewhere and with a wide reputation (Luke:4:15|). Luke may have in mind strkjv@2:51|, but for some time now Nazareth had not been his home and that fact may be implied by the past perfect tense. {As his custom was} (\kata to ei“thos aut“i\). Second perfect active neuter singular participle of an old \eth“\ (Homer), to be accustomed. Literally according to what was customary to him (\aut“i\, dative case). This is one of the flashlights on the early life of Jesus. He had the habit of going to public worship in the synagogue as a boy, a habit that he kept up when a grown man. If the child does not form the habit of going to church, the man is almost certain not to have it. We have already had in Matthew and Mark frequent instances of the word synagogue which played such a large part in Jewish life after the restoration from Babylon. {Stood up} (\anestˆ\). Second aorist active indicative and intransitive. Very common verb. It was the custom for the reader to stand except when the Book of Esther was read at the feast of Purim when he might sit. It is not here stated that Jesus had been in the habit of standing up to read here or elsewhere. It was his habit to go to the synagogue for worship. Since he entered upon his Messianic work his habit was to teach in the synagogues (Luke:4:15|). This was apparently the first time that he had done so in Nazareth. He may have been asked to read as Paul was in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts:13:15|). The ruler of the synagogue for that day may have invited Jesus to read and speak because of his now great reputation as a teacher. Jesus could have stood up voluntarily and appropriately because of his interest in his home town. {To read} (\anagn“nai\). Second aorist active infinitive of \anagin“sk“\, to recognize again the written characters and so to read and then to read aloud. It appears first in Pindar in the sense of read and always so in the N.T. This public reading aloud with occasional comments may explain the parenthesis in strkjv@Matthew:24:15| (Let him that readeth understand).

rwp@Luke:4:17 @{Was delivered} (\epedothˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \epidid“mi\, to give over to, a common verb. At the proper stage of the service "the attendant" or "minister" (\hupˆretˆs\, under rower) or "beadle" took out a roll of the law from the ark, unwrapped it, and gave it to some one to read. On sabbath days some seven persons were asked to read small portions of the law. This was the first lesson or _Parashah_. This was followed by a reading from the prophets and a discourse, the second lesson or _Haphtarah_. This last is what Jesus did. {The book of the prophet Isaiah} (\biblion tou prophˆtou Esaiou\). Literally, "a roll of the prophet Isaiah." Apparently Isaiah was handed to Jesus without his asking for it. But certainly Jesus cared more for the prophets than for the ceremonial law. It was a congenial service that he was asked to perform. Jesus used Deuteronomy in his temptations and now Isaiah for this sermon. The Syriac Sinaitic manuscript has it that Jesus stood up after the attendant handed him the roll. {Opened} (\anoixas\). Really it was {unrolled} (\anaptuxas\) as Aleph D have it. But the more general term \anoixas\ (from \anoig“\, common verb) is probably genuine. \Anaptuss“\ does not occur in the N.T. outside of this passage if genuine. {Found the place} (\heuren ton topon\). Second aorist active indicative. He continued to unroll (rolling up the other side) till he found the passage desired. It may have been a fixed lesson for the day or it may have been his own choosing. At any rate it was a marvellously appropriate passage (Isaiah:61:1,2| with one clause omitted and some words from strkjv@Isaiah:58:6|). It is a free quotation from the Septuagint. {Where it was written} (\hou ˆn gegrammenon\). Periphrastic pluperfect passive again as in strkjv@4:16|.

rwp@Luke:4:19 @{The acceptable year of the Lord} (\eniauton Kuriou dekton\). He does not mean that his ministry is to be only one year in length as Clement of Alexandria and Origen argued. That is to turn figures into fact. The Messianic age has come, Jesus means to say. On the first day of the year of Jubilee the priests with sound of trumpet proclaimed the blessings of that year (Leviticus:25:8-17|). This great passage justly pictures Christ's conception of his mission and message.

rwp@Luke:4:20 @{He closed the book} (\ptuxas to biblion\). Aorist active participle of \ptuss“\. Rolled up the roll and gave it back to the attendant who had given it to him and who put it away again in its case. {Sat down} (\ekathisen\). Took his seat there as a sign that he was going to speak instead of going back to his former seat. This was the usual Jewish attitude for public speaking and teaching (Luke:5:3; strkjv@Matthew:5:1; strkjv@Mark:4:1; strkjv@Acts:16:13|). {Were fastened on him} (\ˆsan atenizontes aut“i\). Periphrastic imperfect active and so a vivid description. Literally, the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing fixedly upon him. The verb \ateniz“\ occurs in Aristotle and the Septuagint. It is from the adjective \atenˆs\ and that from \tein“\, to stretch, and copulative or intensive \a\, not \a\ privative. The word occurs in the N.T. here and in strkjv@22:56|, ten times in Acts, and in strkjv@2Corinthians:3:7,13|. Paul uses it of the steady eager gaze of the people at Moses when he came down from the mountain when he had been communing with God. There was something in the look of Jesus here that held the people spellbound for the moment, apart from the great reputation with which he came to them. In small measure every effective speaker knows what it is to meet the eager expectations of an audience.

rwp@Luke:4:21 @{And he began to say} (\ˆrxato de legein\). Aorist ingressive active indicative and present infinitive. He began speaking. The moment of hushed expectancy was passed. These may or may not be the first words uttered here by Jesus. Often the first sentence is the crucial one in winning an audience. Certainly this is an arresting opening sentence. {Hath been fulfilled} (\peplˆr“tai\). Perfect passive indicative, {stands fulfilled}. "Today this scripture (Isaiah:61:1,2|, just read) stands fulfilled in your ears." It was a most amazing statement and the people of Nazareth were quick to see the Messianic claim involved. Jesus could only mean that the real year of Jubilee had come, that the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah had come true today, and that in him they saw the Messiah of prophecy. There are critics today who deny that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah. To be able to do that, they must reject the Gospel of John and all such passages as this one. And it is no apocalyptic eschatological Messiah whom Jesus here sets forth, but the one who forgives sin and binds up the broken-hearted. The words were too good to be true and to be spoken here at Nazareth by one of their own townsmen!

rwp@Luke:4:22 @{Bare him witness} (\emarturoun\). Imperfect active, perhaps inchoative. They all began to bear witness that the rumours were not exaggerations (4:14|) as they had supposed, but had foundation in fact if this discourse or its start was a fair sample of his teaching. The verb \marture“\ is a very old and common one. It is frequent in Acts, Paul's Epistles, and the Johannine books. The substantive \martur\ is seen in our English \martyr\, one who witnesses even by his death to his faith in Christ. {And wondered} (\kai ethaumazon\). Imperfect active also, perhaps inchoative also. They began to marvel as he proceeded with his address. This verb is an old one and common in the Gospels for the attitude of the people towards Jesus. {At the words of grace} (\epi tois logois tˆs charitos\). See on ¯Luke:1:30; strkjv@2:52| for this wonderful word \charis\ so full of meaning and so often in the N.T. The genitive case (case of genus or kind) here means that the words that came out of the mouth of Jesus in a steady stream (present tense, \ekporeuomenois\) were marked by fascination and charm. They were "winning words" as the context makes plain, though they were also "gracious" in the Pauline sense of "grace." There is no necessary antithesis in the ideas of graceful and gracious in these words of Jesus. {Is not this Joseph's son?} (\Ouchi huios estin I“sˆph houtos;\). Witness and wonder gave way to bewilderment as they began to explain to themselves the situation. The use of \ouchi\ intensive form of \ouk\ in a question expects the answer "yes." Jesus passed in Nazareth as the son of Joseph as Luke presents him in strkjv@3:23|. He does not stop here to correct this misconception because the truth has been already amply presented in strkjv@1:28-38; strkjv@2:49|. This popular conception of Jesus as the son of Joseph appears also in strkjv@John:1:45|. The puzzle of the people was due to their previous knowledge of Jesus as the carpenter (Mark:6:3|; the carpenter's son, strkjv@Matthew:13:55|). For him now to appear as the Messiah in Nazareth where he had lived and laboured as the carpenter was a phenomenon impossible to credit on sober reflection. Songs:the mood of wonder and praise quickly turned with whispers and nods and even scowls to doubt and hostility, a rapid and radical transformation of emotion in the audience.

rwp@Luke:4:23 @{Doubtless} (\pant“s\). Adverb. Literally, at any rate, certainly, assuredly. Cf. strkjv@Acts:21:22; strkjv@28:4|. {This parable} (\tˆn parabolˆn tautˆn\). See discussion on ¯Matthew:13|. Here the word has a special application to a crisp proverb which involves a comparison. The word physician is the point of comparison. Luke the physician alone gives this saying of Jesus. The proverb means that the physician was expected to take his own medicine and to heal himself. The word \parabolˆ\ in the N.T. is confined to the Synoptic Gospels except strkjv@Hebrews:9:9; strkjv@11:19|. This use for a proverb occurs also in strkjv@Luke:5:36; strkjv@6:39|. This proverb in various forms appears not only among the Jews, but in Euripides and Aeschylus among the Greeks, and in Cicero's _Letters_. Hobart quotes the same idea from Galen, and the Chinese used to demand it of their physicians. The point of the parable seems to be that the people were expecting him to make good his claim to the Messiahship by doing here in Nazareth what they had heard of his doing in Capernaum and elsewhere. "Establish your claims by direct evidence" (Easton). This same appeal (Vincent) was addressed to Christ on the Cross (Matthew:27:40,42|). There is a tone of sarcasm towards Jesus in both cases. {Heard done} (\ˆkousamen genomena\). The use of this second aorist middle participle \genomena\ after \ˆkousamen\ is a neat Greek idiom. It is punctiliar action in indirect discourse after this verb of sensation or emotion (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 1040-42, 1122-24). {Do also here} (\poiˆson kai h“de\). Ingressive aorist active imperative. Do it here in thy own country and town and do it now. Jesus applies the proverb to himself as an interpretation of their real attitude towards himself.

rwp@Luke:4:24 @{And he said} (\eipen de\). Also in strkjv@1:13|. The interjection of these words here by Luke may indicate a break in his address, though there is no other indication of an interval here. Perhaps they only serve to introduce solemnly the new proverb like the words {Verily I say unto you} (\amˆn leg“ humin\). This proverb about the prophet having no honour in his own country Jesus had already applied to himself according to strkjv@John:4:44|. Both strkjv@Mark:6:4| and strkjv@Matthew:13:57| give it in a slightly altered form on the last visit of Jesus to Nazareth. The devil had tempted Jesus to make a display of his power to the people by letting them see him floating down from the pinnacle of the temple (Luke:4:9-11|).

rwp@Luke:4:25 @{Three years and six months} (\etˆ tria kai mˆnas hex\). Accusative of duration of time without \epi\ (doubtful). The same period is given in strkjv@James:5:17|, the popular Jewish way of speaking. In strkjv@1Kings:18:1| the rain is said to have come in the third year. But the famine probably lasted still longer.

rwp@Luke:4:26 @{Unto Zarephath} (\eis Sarepta\). The modern village Surafend on the coast road between Tyre and Sidon. {Unto a woman that was a widow} (\pros gunaika chˆran\). Literally, unto a woman a widow (like our vernacular widow woman). This is an illustration of the proverb from the life of Elijah (1Kings:17:8,9|). This woman was in the land of Sidon or Phoenicia, a heathen, where Jesus himself will go later.

rwp@Luke:4:28 @{They were all filled with wrath} (\eplˆsthˆsan pantes thumou\). First aorist passive indicative of the common verb \pimplˆmi\ followed by the genitive case. The people of Nazareth at once caught on and saw the point of these two Old Testament illustrations of how God in two cases blessed the heathen instead of the Jewish people. The implication was evident. Nazareth was no better than Capernaum if as good. He was under no special obligation to do unusual things in Nazareth because he had been reared there. Town pride was insulted and it at once exploded in a burst of rage.

rwp@Luke:4:29 @{They rose up and cast him forth} (\anastantes exebalon\). Second aorist ingressive active participle and second aorist effective active indicative. A movement towards lynching Jesus. {Unto the brow of the hill} (\hˆos ophruos tou orous\). Eyebrow (\ophrus\), in Homer, then any jutting prominence. Only here in the N.T. Hippocrates speaks of the eyebrow hanging over. {Was built} (\“ikodomˆto\). Past perfect indicative, stood built. {That they might throw him down headlong} (\h“ste katakrˆmnisai auton\). Neat Greek idiom with \h“ste\ for intended result, "so as to cast him down the precipice." The infinitive alone can convey the same meaning (Matthew:2:2; strkjv@20:28; strkjv@Luke:2:23|). \Krˆmnos\ is an overhanging bank or precipice from \kremannumi\, to hang. \Kata\ is down. The verb occurs in Xenophon, Demosthenes, LXX, Josephus. Here only in the N.T. At the southwest corner of the town of Nazareth such a cliff today exists overhanging the Maronite convent. Murder was in the hearts of the people. By pushing him over they hoped to escape technical guilt.

rwp@Luke:4:31 @{Came down} (\katˆlthen\). strkjv@Mark:1:21| has the historical present, {they go into} (\eisporeuontai\). Capernaum (Tell Hum) is now the headquarters of the Galilean ministry, since Nazareth has rejected Jesus. strkjv@Luke:4:31-37| is parallel with strkjv@Mark:1:21-28| which he manifestly uses. It is the first of Christ's miracles which they give. {Was teaching them} (\ˆn didask“n autous\). Periphrastic imperfect. Mark has \edidasken\ first and then \en didask“n\. "Them" here means the people present in the synagogue on the sabbath, construction according to sense as in strkjv@Mark:1:22|.

rwp@Luke:4:35 @{Had thrown him down in the midst} (\rhipsan auton eis to meson\). First aorist (effective) participle of \rhipt“\, an old verb with violent meaning, to fling, throw, hurl off or down. {Having done him no hurt} (\mˆden blapsan auton\). Luke as a physician carefully notes this important detail not in Mark. \Blapt“\, to injure, or hurt, occurs in the N.T. only here and in strkjv@Mark:16:18|, though a very common verb in the old Greek.

rwp@Luke:4:42 @{When it was day} (\genomenˆs hˆmeras\). Genitive absolute with aorist middle participle. strkjv@Mark:1:35| notes it was "a great while before day" (which see for discussion) when Jesus rose up to go after a restless night. No doubt, because of the excitement of the previous sabbath in Capernaum. He went out to pray (Mark:1:35|). {Sought after him} (\epezˆtoun auton\). Imperfect active indicative. The multitudes kept at it until "they came unto him" (\ˆlthon he“s autou\, aorist active indicative). They accomplished their purpose, \he“s autou\, right up to him. {Would have stayed him} (\kateichon auton\). Better, {They tried to hinder him}. The conative imperfect active of \katech“\, an old and common verb. It means either to hold fast (Luke:8:15|), to take, get possession of (Luke:14:9|) or to hold back, to retain, to restrain (Philemon:1:13; strkjv@Romans:1:18; strkjv@7:6; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:6; strkjv@Luke:4:42|). In this passage it is followed by the ablative case. {That he should not go from them} (\tou mˆ poreuesthai ap' aut“n\). Literally, "from going away from them." The use of \mˆ\ (not) after \kateichon\ is the neat Greek idiom of the redundant negative after a verb of hindering like the French _ne_ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1171).

rwp@Luke:4:44 @{Was preaching} (\ˆn kˆruss“n\). Periphrastic imperfect active, describing his first tour of Galilee in accord with the purpose just stated. One must fill in details, though strkjv@Mark:1:39| and strkjv@Matthew:8:23-25| tell of the mass of work done on this campaign.

rwp@Luke:5:1 @{Pressed upon him} (\epikeisthai\). Luke in this paragraph (5:1-11; strkjv@Mark:1:16-20; strkjv@Matthew:4:18-22|) does not follow the chronology of Mark as he usually does. It seems reasonably clear that the renewed call of the four fishermen came before the first tour of Galilee in strkjv@Luke:4:42-44|. It is here assumed that Luke is describing in his own way the incident given in Mark and Matthew above. Luke singles out Simon in a graphic way. This verb \epikeisthai\ is an old one and means to \lie upon\, rest upon as of a stone on the tomb (John:11:38|) or of fish on the burning coals (John:21:9|). Songs:it is used of a tempest (Acts:27:20|) and of the urgent demands for Christ's crucifixion (Luke:23:23|). Here it vividly pictures the eager crowds around Jesus. \En t“i epikeisthai\ is a favourite idiom with Luke as we have already seen, \en\ with the articular infinitive in the locative case. {That} (\kai\). \Kai\ does not technically mean the declarative conjunction "that," but it is a fair rendering of the somewhat awkward idiom of Luke to a certain extent imitating the Hebrew use of _wav_. {Was standing} (\ˆn hest“s\). Periphrastic second past perfect of \histˆmi\ which here is equal to a practical imperfect. {By the lake} (\para tˆn limnˆn\). The use of the accusative with \para\, alongside, after a verb of rest used to be called the pregnant use, came and was standing. But that is no longer necessary, for the accusative as the case of extension is the oldest of the cases and in later Greek regains many of the earlier uses of the other cases employed for more precise distinctions. See the same idiom in verse 2|. We need not here stress the notion of extension. "With characteristic accuracy Luke never calls it a sea, while the others never call it a lake" (Plummer).

rwp@Luke:5:2 @{Two boats} (\ploia duo\). Some MSS. have \ploiaria\, little boats, but \ploia\ was used of boats of various sizes, even of ships like \nˆes\. {The fishermen} (\hoi haleeis\). It is an old Homeric word that has come back to common use in the _Koin‚_. It means "sea-folk" from \hals\, sea. {Were washing} (\eplunon\). Imperfect active, though some MSS. have aorist \eplunan\. Vincent comments on Luke's use of five verbs for washing: this one for cleaning, \apomass“\ for wiping the dust from one's feet (10:11|), \ekmass“\ of the sinful woman wiping Christ's feet with her hair (7:38,44|), \apolou“\ of washing away sins (symbolically, of course) as in strkjv@Acts:22:16|, and \lou“\ of washing the body of Dorcas (Acts:9:37|) and the stripes of the prisoners (Acts:16:33|). On "nets" see on ¯Matthew:4:20; strkjv@Mark:1:18|.

rwp@Luke:5:3 @{To put out a little} (\epanagagein oligon\). Second aorist infinitive of the double compound verb \ep-an-ag“\, found in Xenophon and late Greek writers generally. Only twice in the N.T. In strkjv@Matthew:21:18| in the sense of leading back or returning and here in the sense of leading a ship up upon the sea, to put out to sea, a nautical term. {Taught} (\edikasken\). Imperfect active, picturing Jesus teaching from the boat in which he was seated and so safe from the jam of the crowd. "Christ uses Peter's boat as a pulpit whence to throw the net of the Gospel over His hearers" (Plummer).

rwp@Luke:5:4 @{Had left speaking} (\epausato lal“n\). He ceased speaking (aorist middle indicative and present active participle, regular Greek idiom). {Put out into the deep} (\epanagage eis to bathos\). The same double compound verb as in verse 3|, only here second aorist active imperative second person singular. {Let down} (\chalasate\). Peter was master of the craft and so he was addressed first. First aorist active imperative second person plural. Here the whole crew are addressed. The verb is the regular nautical term for lowering cargo or boats (Acts:27:17,30|). But it was used for lowering anything from a higher place (Mark:2:4; strkjv@Acts:9:25; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:33|). For a catch (\eis agran\). This purpose was the startling thing that stirred up Simon.

rwp@Luke:5:5 @{Master} (\epistata\). Used only by Luke in the N.T. and always in addresses to Christ (8:24,45; strkjv@9:33,49; strkjv@17:13|). Common in the older writers for superintendent or overseer (one standing over another). This word recognizes Christ's authority. {We toiled} (\kopiasantes\). This verb is from \kopos\ (\work, toil\) and occurs from Aristophanes on. It used to be said that the notion of weariness in toil appears only in the LXX and the N.T. But Deissmann (_Light from the Ancient East_, pp. 312f.) cites examples from inscriptions on tombstones quite in harmony with the use in the N.T. Peter's protest calls attention also to the whole night of fruitless toil. {But at thy word} (\epi de t“i rhˆmati sou\). On the base of \epi\. Acquiescence to show his obedience to Christ as "Master," but with no confidence whatsoever in the wisdom of this particular command. Besides, fishing in this lake was Peter's business and he really claimed superior knowledge on this occasion to that of Jesus.

rwp@Luke:5:8 @{Fell down at Jesus' knees} (\prosepesen tois gonasin Iˆsou\). Just like Peter, from extreme self-confidence and pride (verse 5|) to abject humilation. But his impulse here was right and sincere. His confession was true. He was a sinful man.

rwp@Luke:5:11 @{They left all, and followed him} (\aphentes panta ˆkolouthˆsan\). Then and there. They had already become his disciples. Now they leave their business for active service of Christ. The conduct of this group of business men should make other business men to pause and see if Jesus is calling them to do likewise.

rwp@Luke:5:12 @{Behold} (\kai idou\). Quite a Hebraistic idiom, this use of \kai\ after \egeneto\ (almost like \hoti\) with \idou\ (interjection) and no verb. {Full of leprosy} (\plˆrˆs lepras\). strkjv@Mark:1:40| and strkjv@Matthew:8:2| have simply "a leper" which see. Evidently a bad case full of sores and far advanced as Luke the physician notes. The law (Leviticus:13:12f.|) curiously treated advanced cases as less unclean than the earlier stages. {Fell on his face} (\pes“n epi pros“pon\). Second aorist active participle of \pipt“\, common verb. strkjv@Mark:1:40| has "kneeling" (\gonupet“n\) and strkjv@Matthew:8:40| "worshipped" (\prosekunei\). All three attitudes were possible one after the other. All three Synoptics quote the identical language of the leper and the identical answer of Jesus. His condition of the third class turned on the "will" (\thelˆis\) of Jesus who at once asserts his will (\thˆl“\) and cleanses him. All three likewise mention the touch (\hˆpsato\, verse 13|) of Christ's hand on the unclean leper and the instantaneous cure.

rwp@Luke:5:17 @{That} (\kai\). Use of \kai\ = \hoti\ (that) like the Hebrew _wav_, though found in Greek also. {He} (\autos\). Luke sometimes has \autos\ in the nominative as unemphatic "he" as here, not "he himself." {Was teaching} (\ˆn didask“n\). Periphrastic imperfect again like our English idiom. {Were sitting by} (\ˆsan kathˆmenoi\). Periphrastic imperfect again. There is no "by" in the Greek. {Doctors of the law} (\nomodidaskaloi\). A compound word formed after analogy of \hierodidaskalos\, but not found outside of the N.T. and ecclesiastical writers, one of the very few words apparently N.T. in usage. It appears here and strkjv@Acts:5:34; strkjv@1Timothy:1:7|. It is not likely that Luke and Paul made the word, but they simply used the term already in current use to describe teachers and interpreters of the law. Our word "doctor" is Latin for "teacher." These "teachers of the law" are called elsewhere in the Gospels "scribes" (\grammateis\) as in Matthew and Mark (see on ¯Matthew:5:20; strkjv@23:34|) and strkjv@Luke:5:21; strkjv@19:47; strkjv@21:1; strkjv@22:2|. Luke also employs \nomikos\ (one skilled in the law, \nomos\) as in strkjv@10:25|. One thinks of our LL.D. (Doctors of Civil and Canon Law), for both were combined in Jewish law. They were usually Pharisees (mentioned here for the first time in Luke) for which see on ¯Matthew:3:7,20|. Luke will often speak of the Pharisees hereafter. Not all the "Pharisees" were "teachers of the law" so that both terms often occur together as in verse 21| where Luke has separate articles (\hoi grammateis kai hoi Pharisaioi\), distinguishing between them, though one article may occur as in strkjv@Matthew:5:20| or no article as here in verse 17|. Luke alone mentions the presence here of these Pharisees and doctors of the law "which were come" (\hoi ˆsan elˆluthotes\, periphrastic past perfect active, {had come}). {Out of every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem} (\ek pasˆs k“mˆs tˆs Galilaias kai Ioudaias kai Ierousalˆm\). Edersheim (_Jewish Social Life_) observes that the Jews distinguished Jerusalem as a separate district in Judea. Plummer considers it hyperbole in Luke to use "every village." But one must recall that Jesus had already made one tour of Galilee which stirred the Pharisees and rabbis to active opposition. Judea had already been aroused and Jerusalem was the headquarters of the definite campaign now organized against Jesus. One must bear in mind that strkjv@John:4:1-4| shows that Jesus had already left Jerusalem and Judea because of the jealousy of the Pharisees. They are here on purpose to find fault and to make charges against Jesus. One must not forget that there were many kinds of Pharisees and that not all of them were as bad as these legalistic and punctilious hypocrites who deserved the indictment and exposure of Christ in strkjv@Matthew:23|. Paul himself is a specimen of the finer type of Pharisee which, however, developed into the persecuting fanatic till Jesus changed his whole life. {The power of the Lord was with him to heal} (\dunamis Kuriou ˆn eis to iƒsthai auton\). Songs:the best texts. It is neat Greek, but awkward English: "Then was the power of the Lord for the healing as to him (Jesus)." Here \Kuriou\ refers to Jehovah. {Dunamis} (dynamite) is one of the common words for "miracles" (\dunameis\). What Luke means is that Jesus had the power of the Lord God to heal with. He does not mean that this power was intermittent. He simply calls attention to its presence with Jesus on this occasion.

rwp@Luke:5:19 @{By what way they might bring him in} (\poias eis enegk“sin auton\). Deliberative subjunctive of the direct question retained in the indirect. {The housetop} (\to d“ma\). Very old word. The flat roof of Jewish houses was usually reached by outside stairway. Cf. strkjv@Acts:10:9| where Peter went for meditation. {Through the tiles} (\dia t“n keram“n\). Common and old word for the tile roof. strkjv@Mark:2:4| speaks of digging a hole in this tile roof. {Let him down} (\kathˆkan auton\). First aorist (k aorist) effective active of \kathiˆmi\, common verb. strkjv@Mark:2:4| has historical present \chal“si\, the verb used by Jesus to Peter and in Peter's reply (Luke:5:4f.|). {With his couch} (\sun t“i klinidi“i\). Also in verse 24|. Diminutive of \klinˆ\ (verse 18|) occurring in Plutarch and _Koin‚_ writers. strkjv@Mark:2:4| has \krabatton\ (pallet). It doubtless was a pallet on which the paralytic lay. {Into the midst before Jesus} (\eis to meson emprosthen tou Iˆsou\). The four friends had succeeded, probably each holding a rope to a corner of the pallet. It was a moment of triumph over difficulties and surprise to all in the house (Peter's apparently, strkjv@Mark:2:1|).

rwp@Luke:5:20 @{Their faith} (\tˆn pistin aut“n\). In all three Gospels. {Man} (\anthr“pe\). Mark and Matthew have "child" or "Son" (\teknon\). Are forgiven (\aphe“ntai\). This Doric form of the perfect passive indicative is for the Attic \apheintai\. It appears also in strkjv@Luke:5:23; strkjv@7:47,48; strkjv@John:20:23; strkjv@1John:2:12|. strkjv@Mark:2:6; strkjv@Matthew:9:2| have the present passive \aphientai\. Possibly this man's malady was due to his sin as is sometimes true (John:5:14|). The man had faith along with that of the four, but he was still a paralytic when Jesus forgave his sins.

rwp@Luke:5:24 @{He saith unto him that was palsied} (\eipen t“i paralelumen“i\). This same parenthesis right in the midst of the words of Jesus is in strkjv@Mark:2:11; strkjv@Matthew:9:6|, conclusive proof of interrelation between these documents. The words of Jesus are quoted practically alike in all three Gospels, the same purpose also \hina eidˆte\ (second perfect active subjunctive).

rwp@Luke:5:25 @{Whereon he lay} (\eph' ho katekeito\). Imperfect, upon which he had been lying down. Luke uses this phrase instead of repeating \klinidion\ (verse 24|). {Glorifying God} (\doxaz“n ton theon\). As one can well imagine.

rwp@Luke:5:26 @{Amazement} (\ekstasis\). Something out of its place, as the mind. Here the people were almost beside themselves as we say with the same idiom. See on ¯Mark:5:42|. Songs:they kept glorifying God (imperfect tense, \edoxazon\) and at the same time "were filled with fear" (\eplˆsthˆsan phobou\, aorist passive). {Strange things} (\paradoxa\). Our very word paradox, contrary to (\para\) received opinion (\doxa\). Plato, Xenophon, and Polybius use it. Here alone in the N.T.

rwp@Luke:5:29 @{A great feast} (\dochˆn megalˆn\). Here and in strkjv@Luke:14:13| only in the N.T. The word \dochˆ\, from \dechomai\, means reception. Occurs in Plutarch and LXX. Levi made Jesus a big reception. {Publicans and others} (\tel“n“n kai all“n\). Luke declines here to use "sinners" like strkjv@Mark:2:15| and strkjv@Matthew:9:10| though he does so in verse 30| and in strkjv@15:1|. None but social outcasts would eat with publicans at such a feast or barbecue, for it was a very large affair. {Were sitting at meat with them} (\ˆsan met' aut“n katakeimenoi\). Literally, were reclining with them (Jesus and the disciples). It was a motley crew that Levi had brought together, but he showed courage as well as loyalty to Jesus.

rwp@Luke:5:30 @{The Pharisees and their scribes} (\hoi Pharisaioi kai hoi grammateis aut“n\). Note article with each substantive and the order, not "scribes and Pharisees," but "the Pharisees and the scribes of them" (the Pharisees). Some manuscripts omit "their," but strkjv@Mark:2:16| (the scribes of the Pharisees) shows that it is correct here. Some of the scribes were Sadducees. It is only the Pharisees who find fault here. {Murmured} (\egogguzon\). Imperfect active. Picturesque onomatopoetic word that sounds like its meaning. A late word used of the cooing of doves. It is like the buzzing of bees, like \tonthorruz“\ of literary Greek. They were not invited to this feast and would not have come if they had been. But, not being invited, they hang on the outside and criticize the disciples of Jesus for being there. The crowd was so large that the feast may have been served out in the open court at Levi's house, a sort of reclining garden party. {The publicans and sinners} (\t“n tel“n“n kai hamart“l“n\). Here Luke is quoting the criticism of the critics. Note one article making one group of all of them.

rwp@Luke:5:33 @{Often} (\pukna\). Only in Luke. Common word for thick, compact, often. {And make supplications} (\kai deˆseis poiountai\). Only in Luke. {But thine} (\hoi de soi\). Sharp contrast between the conduct of the disciples of Jesus and those of John and the Pharisees who here appear together as critics of Christ and his disciples (Mark:2:18; strkjv@Matthew:9:14|), though Luke does not bring that out sharply. It is probable that Levi had his reception for Jesus on one of the Jewish fast days and, if so, this would give special edge to their criticism.

rwp@Luke:5:39 @{The old is good} (\Hosea:palaios chrˆstos estin\). Songs:the best MSS. rather that \chrˆstoteros\, comparative (better). Westcott and Hort wrongly bracket the whole verse, though occurring in Aleph, B C L and most of the old documents. It is absent in D and some of the old Latin MSS. It is the philosophy of the obscurantist, that is here pictured by Christ. "The prejudiced person will not even try the new, or admit that it has any merits. He knows that the old is pleasant, and suits him; and that is enough; he is not going to change" (Plummer). This is Christ's picture of the reactionary Pharisees.

rwp@Luke:6:1 @{On a sabbath} (\en sabbat“i\). This is the second sabbath on which Jesus is noted by Luke. The first was strkjv@Luke:4:31-41|. There was another in strkjv@John:5:1-47|. There is Western and Syrian (Byzantine) evidence for a very curious reading here which calls this sabbath "secondfirst" (\deuteropr“t“i\). It is undoubtedly spurious, though Westcott and Hort print it in the margin. A possible explanation is that a scribe wrote "first" (\pr“t“i\) on the margin because of the sabbath miracle in strkjv@Luke:6:6-11|. Then another scribe recalled strkjv@Luke:4:31| where a sabbath is mentioned and wrote "second" (\deuter“i\) also on the margin. Finally a third scribe combined the two in the word \deuteropr“t“i\ that is not found elsewhere. If it were genuine, we should not know what it means. {Plucked} (\etillon\). Imperfect active. They were plucking as they went on through (\diaporeuesthai\). Whether wheat or barley, we do not know, not our "corn" (maize). {Did eat} (\ˆsthion\). Imperfect again. See on ¯Matthew:12:1f.; strkjv@Mark:2:23f.| for the separate acts in supposed violence of the sabbath laws. {Rubbing them in their hands} (\ps“chontes tais chersin\). Only in Luke and only here in the N.T. This was one of the chief offences. "According to Rabbinical notions, it was reaping, threshing, winnowing, and preparing food all at once" (Plummer). These Pharisees were straining out gnats and swallowing camels! This verb \ps“ch“\ is a late one for \psa“\, to rub.

rwp@Luke:6:4 @{Did take} (\lab“n\). Second aorist active participle of \lamban“\. Not in Mark and Matthew. See strkjv@Matthew:12:1-8; strkjv@Mark:2:23-28| for discussion of details about the shewbread and the five arguments in defence of his conduct on the sabbath (example of David, work of the priests on the sabbath, prophecy of strkjv@Hosea:6:6|, purpose of the sabbath for man, the Son of Man lord of the sabbath). It was an overwhelming and crushing reply to these pettifogging ceremonialists to which they could not reply, but which increased their anger. Codex D transfers verse 5| to after verse 10| and puts here the following: "On the same day beholding one working on the sabbath he said to him: Man, if you know what you are doing, happy are you; but if you do not know, cursed are you and a transgressor of the law."

rwp@Luke:6:7 @{The scribes and the Pharisees} (\hoi grammateis kai hoi Pharisaioi\). Only Luke here though Pharisees named in strkjv@Matthew:12:14| and Pharisees and Herodians in strkjv@Mark:3:6|. {Watched him} (\paretˆrounto auton\). Imperfect middle, were watching for themselves on the side (\para\). strkjv@Mark:3:2| has the imperfect active \paretˆroun\. Common verb, but the proposition \para\ gave an extra touch, watching either assiduously like the physician at the bedside or insidiously with evil intent as here. {Would heal} (\therapeusei\). But the present active indicative (\therapeuei\) may be the correct text here. Songs:Westcott and Hort. {That they might find out how to accuse him} (\hina heur“sin katˆgorein autou\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \heurisk“\ and the infinitive with it means to find out how to do a thing. They were determined to make a case against Jesus. They felt sure that their presence would prevent any spurious work on the part of Jesus.

rwp@Luke:6:10 @{He looked round about on them all} (\periblepsamenos\). First aorist middle participle as in strkjv@Mark:3:5|, the middle voice giving a personal touch to it all. Mark adds "with anger" which Luke here does not put in. All three Gospels have the identical command: {Stretch forth thy hand} (\exteinon tˆn cheira sou\). First aorist active imperative. {Stretch out}, clean out, full length. All three Gospels also have the first aorist passive indicative \apekatestathˆ\ with the double augment of the double compound verb \apokathistˆmi\. As in Greek writers, so here the double compound means complete restoration to the former state.

rwp@Luke:6:11 @{They were filled with madness} (\eplˆsthˆsan anoias\) First aorist passive (effective) with genitive: In strkjv@5:26| we saw the people filled with fear. Here is rage that is kin to insanity, for \anoias\ is lack of sense (\a\ privative and \nous\, mind). An old word, but only here and strkjv@2Timothy:3:9| in the N.T. {Communed} (\dielaloun\), imperfect active, picturing their excited counsellings with one another. strkjv@Mark:3:6| notes that they bolted out of the synagogue and outside plotted even with the Herodians how to destroy Jesus, strange co-conspirators these against the common enemy. {What they might do to Jesus} (\ti an poiˆsaien Iˆsou\). Luke puts it in a less damaging way than strkjv@Mark:3:6; strkjv@Matthew:12:14|. This aorist optative with \an\ is the deliberative question like that in strkjv@Acts:17:18| retained in the indirect form here. Perhaps Luke means, not that they were undecided about killing Jesus, but only as to the best way of doing it. Already nearly two years before the end we see the set determination to destroy Jesus. We see it here in Galilee. We have already seen it at the feast in Jerusalem (John:5:18|) where "the Jews sought the more to kill him." John and the Synoptics are in perfect agreement as to the Pharisaic attitude toward Jesus.

rwp@Luke:6:12 @{He went out into the mountains to pray} (\exelthein auton eis to oros proseuxasthai\). Note \ex-\ where strkjv@Mark:3:13| has {goeth up} (\anabainei\). Luke alone has "to pray" as he so often notes the habit of prayer in Jesus. {He continued all night} (\ˆn dianuktereu“n\). Periphrastic imperfect active. Here alone in the N.T., but common in the LXX and in late Greek writers. Medical writers used it of whole night vigils. {In prayer to God} (\en tˆi proseuchˆi tou theou\). Objective genitive \tou theou\. This phrase occurs nowhere else. \Proseuchˆ\ does not mean "place of prayer" or synagogue as in strkjv@Acts:16:13|, but the actual prayer of Jesus to the Father all night long. He needed the Father's guidance now in the choice of the Apostles in the morning.

rwp@Luke:6:13 @{When it was day} (\hote egeneto hˆmera\). When day came, after the long night of prayer. {He chose from them twelve} (\eklexamenos ap' aut“n d“deka\). The same root (\leg\) was used for picking out, selecting and then for saying. There was a large group of "disciples" or "learners" whom he "called" to him (\proseph“nˆsen\), and from among whom he chose (of himself, and for himself, indirect middle voice (\eklexamenos\). It was a crisis in the work of Christ. Jesus assumed full responsibility even for the choice of Judas who was not forced upon Jesus by the rest of the Twelve. "You did not choose me, but I chose you," (John:15:16|) where Jesus uses \exelexasthe\ and \exelexamˆn\ as here by Luke. {Whom also he named apostles} (\hous kai apostolous “nomasen\). Songs:then Jesus gave the twelve chosen disciples this appellation. Aleph and B have these same words in strkjv@Mark:3:14| besides the support of a few of the best cursives, the Bohairic Coptic Version and the Greek margin of the Harclean Syriac. Westcott and Hort print them in their text in strkjv@Mark:3:14|, but it remains doubtful whether they were not brought into Mark from strkjv@Luke:6:13| where they are undoubtedly genuine. See strkjv@Matthew:10:2| where the connection with sending them out by twos in the third tour of Galilee. The word is derived from \apostell“\, to send (Latin, _mitto_) and apostle is missionary, one sent. Jesus applies the term to himself (\apesteilas\, strkjv@John:17:3|) as does strkjv@Hebrews:3:1|. The word is applied to others, like Barnabas, besides these twelve including the Apostle Paul who is on a par with them in rank and authority, and even to mere messengers of the churches (2Corinthians:8:23|). But these twelve apostles stand apart from all others in that they were all chosen at once by Jesus himself "that they might be with him" (Mark:3:14|), to be trained by Jesus himself and to interpret him and his message to the world. In the nature of the case they could have no successors as they had to be personal witnesses to the life and resurrection of Jesus (Acts:1:22|). The selection of Matthias to succeed Judas cannot be called a mistake, but it automatically ceased. For discussion of the names and groups in the list see discussion on ¯Matthew:10:1-4; strkjv@Mark:3:14-19|.

rwp@Luke:6:16 @{Which was the traitor} (\hos egeneto prodotˆs\). Who became traitor, more exactly, \egeneto\, not \ˆn\. He gave no signs of treachery when chosen.

rwp@Luke:6:17 @{He came down with them} (\katabas met' aut“n\). Second aorist active participle of \katabain“\, common verb. This was the night of prayer up in the mountain (Mark:31:3; strkjv@Luke:6:12|) and the choice of the Twelve next morning. The going up into the mountain of strkjv@Matthew:5:1| may simply be a summary statement with no mention of what Luke has explained or may be a reference to the elevation, where he "sat down" (Matthew:5:1|), above the plain or "level place" (\epi topou pedinou\) on the mountain side where Jesus "stood" or "stopped" (\estˆ\). It may be a level place towards the foot of the mountain. He stopped his descent at this level place and then found a slight elevation on the mountain side and began to speak. There is not the slightest reason for making Matthew locate this sermon on the mountain and Luke in the valley as if the places, audiences, and topics were different. For the unity of the sermon see discussion on ¯Matthew:5:1f|. The reports in Matthew and Luke begin alike, cover the same general ground and end alike. The report in Matthew is longer chiefly because in Chapter 5, he gives the argument showing the contrast between Christ's conception of righteousness and that of the Jewish rabbis. Undoubtedly, Jesus repeated many of the crisp sayings here at other times as in Luke 12, but it is quite gratuitous to argue that Matthew and Luke have made up this sermon out of isolated sayings of Christ at various times. Both Matthew and Luke give too much that is local of place and audience for that idea. strkjv@Matthew:5:1| speaks of "the multitudes" and "his disciples." strkjv@Luke:6:17| notes "a great multitude of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon." They agree in the presence of disciples and crowds besides the disciples from whom the twelve apostles were chosen. It is important to note how already people were coming from "the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon" "to hear him and to be healed (\iathˆnai\, first aorist passive of \iaomai\) of their diseases."

rwp@Luke:6:19 @{Sought to touch him} (\ezˆtoun haptesthai autou\). Imperfect active. One can see the surging, eager crowd pressing up to Jesus. Probably some of them felt that there was a sort of virtue or magic in touching his garments like the poor woman in strkjv@Luke:8:43f|. (Mark:5:23; strkjv@Matthew:9:21|). {For power came forth from him} (\hoti dunamis par' autou exˆrcheto\). Imperfect middle, {power was coming out from him}. This is the reason for the continual approach to Jesus. {And healed them all} (\kai iƒto pantas\). Imperfect middle again. Was healing all, kept on healing all. The preacher today who is not a vehicle of power from Christ to men may well question why that is true. Undoubtedly the failure to get a blessing is one reason why many people stop going to church. One may turn to Paul's tremendous words in strkjv@Phillipians:4:13|: "I have strength for all things in him who keeps on pouring power into me" (\panta ischu“ en t“i endunamounti me\). It was at a time of surpassing dynamic spiritual energy when Jesus delivered this greatest of all sermons so far as they are reported to us. The very air was electric with spiritual power. There are such times as all preachers know.

rwp@Luke:6:20 @{And he lifted up his eyes} (\kai autos eparas tous opthalmous autou\). First aorist active participle from \epair“\. Note also Luke's favourite use of \kai autos\ in beginning a paragraph. Vivid detail alone in Luke. Jesus looked the vast audience full in the face. strkjv@Matthew:5:2| mentions that "he opened his mouth and taught them" (began to teach them, inchoative imperfect, \edidasken\). He spoke out so that the great crowd could hear. Some preachers do not open their mouths and do not look up at the people, but down at the manuscript and drawl along while the people lose interest and even go to sleep or slip out. {Ye poor} (\hoi pt“choi\). {The poor}, but "yours" (\humetera\) justifies the translation "ye." Luke's report is direct address in all the four beatitudes and four woes given by him. It is useless to speculate why Luke gives only four of the eight beatitudes in Matthew or why Matthew does not give the four woes in Luke. One can only say that neither professes to give a complete report of the sermon. There is no evidence to show that either saw the report of the other. They may have used a common source like Q (the Logia of Jesus) or they may have had separate sources. Luke's first beatitude corresponds with Matthew's first, but he does not have "in spirit" after "poor." Does Luke represent Jesus as saying that poverty itself is a blessing? It can be made so. Or does Luke represent Jesus as meaning what is in Matthew, poverty of spirit? {The kingdom of God} (\hˆ basileia tou theou\). strkjv@Matthew:5:3| has "the kingdom of heaven" which occurs alone in Matthew though he also has the one here in Luke with no practical difference. The rabbis usually said "the kingdom of heaven." They used it of the political Messianic kingdom when Judaism of the Pharisaic sort would triumph over the world. The idea of Jesus is in the sharpest contrast to that conception here and always. See on ¯Matthew:3:2| for discussion of the meaning of the word "kingdom." It is the favourite word of Jesus for the rule of God in the heart here and now. It is both present and future and will reach a glorious consummation. Some of the sayings of Christ have apocalyptic and eschatological figures, but the heart of the matter is here in the spiritual reality of the reign of God in the hearts of those who serve him. The kingdom parables expand and enlarge upon various phases of this inward life and growth.

rwp@Luke:6:29 @{On the cheek} (\epi tˆn siagona\). strkjv@Matthew:5:39| has "right." Old word meaning jaw or jawbone, but in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:5:39|, which see for discussion. It seems an act of violence rather than contempt. Sticklers for extreme literalism find trouble with the conduct of Jesus in strkjv@John:18:22f.| where Jesus, on receiving a slap in the face, protested against it. {Thy cloke} (\to himation\), {thy coat} (\ton chit“na\). Here the upper and more valuable garment (\himation\) is first taken, the under and less valuable \chit“n\ last. In strkjv@Matthew:5:40| the process (apparently a legal one) is reversed. {Withhold not} (\mˆ k“lusˆis\). Aorist subjunctive in prohibition against committing an act. Do not hinder him in his robbing. It is usually useless anyhow with modern armed bandits.

rwp@Luke:6:30 @{Ask them not again} (\mˆ apaitei\). Here the present active imperative in a prohibition, do not have the habit of asking back. This common verb only here in the N.T., for \aitousin\ is the correct text in strkjv@Luke:12:20|. The literary flavour of Luke's _Koin‚_ style is seen in his frequent use of words common in the literary Greek, but appearing nowhere else in the N.T.

rwp@Luke:6:33 @{Do good} (\agathopoiˆte\). Third-class condition, \ean\ and present subjunctive. This verb not in old Greek, but in LXX. {Even sinners} (\kai hoi hamart“loi\). Even the sinners, the article distinguishing the class. strkjv@Matthew:5:46| has "even the publicans" and strkjv@5:47| "even the Gentiles." That completes the list of the outcasts for "sinners" includes "harlots" and all the rest.

rwp@Luke:6:35 @{But} (\plˆn\). Plain adversative like \plˆn\ in verse 24|. Never despairing (\mˆden apelpizontes\). \Mˆden\ is read by A B L Bohairic and is the reading of Westcott and Hort. The reading \mˆdena\ is translated "despairing of no man." The Authorized Version has it "hoping for nothing again," a meaning for \apelpiz“\ with no parallel elsewhere. Field (_Otium Nor._ iii. 40) insists that all the same the context demands this meaning because of \apelpizein\ in verse 34|, but the correct reading there is \elpizein\, not \apelpizein\. Here Field's argument falls to the ground. The word occurs in Polybius, Diodorus, LXX with the sense of despairing and that is the meaning here. D and Old Latin documents have _nihil desperantes_, but the Vulgate has _nihil inde sperantes_ (hoping for nothing thence) and this false rendering has wrought great havoc in Europe. "On the strength of it Popes and councils have repeatedly condemned the taking of any interest whatever for loans. As loans could not be had without interest, and Christians were forbidden to take it, money lending passed into the hands of the Jews, and added greatly to the unnatural detestation in which Jews were held" (Plummer). By "never despairing" or "giving up nothing in despair" Jesus means that we are not to despair about getting the money back. We are to help the apparently hopeless cases. Medical writers use the word for desperate or hopeless cases. {Sons of the Most High} (\huoi Hupsistou\). In strkjv@1:32| Jesus is called "Son of the Highest" and here all real children or sons of God (Luke:20:36|) are so termed. See also strkjv@1:35,76| for the use of "the Highest" of God. He means the same thing that we see in strkjv@Matthew:5:45,48| by "your Father." {Toward the unthankful and evil} (\epi tous acharistous kai ponˆrous\). God the Father is kind towards the unkind and wicked. Note the one article with both adjectives.

rwp@Luke:6:37 @{And judge not} (\kai mˆ krinete\). \Mˆ\ and the present active imperative, forbidding the habit of criticism. The common verb \krin“\, to separate, we have in our English words critic, criticism, criticize, discriminate. Jesus does not mean that we are not to form opinions, but not to form them rashly, unfairly, like our prejudice. {Ye shall not be judged} (\ou mˆ krithˆte\). First aorist passive subjunctive with double negative ou \mˆ\, strong negative. {Condemn not} (\mˆ katadikazete\). To give judgment (\dikˆ, dixaz“\) against (\kata\) one. \Mˆ\ and present imperative. Either cease doing or do not have the habit of doing it. Old verb. {Ye shall not be condemned} (\ou mˆ katadikasthˆte\). First aorist passive indicative again with the double negative. Censoriousness is a bad habit. {Release} (\apoluete\). Positive command the opposite of the censoriousness condemned.

rwp@Luke:6:38 @{Pressed down} (\pepiesmenon\). Perfect passive participle from \piez“\, old verb, but here alone in the N.T., though the Doric form \piaz“\, to seize, occurs several times (John:7:30,32,44|). {Shaken together} (\sesaleumenon\). Perfect passive participle again from common verb \saleu“\. {Running over} (\huperekchunnomenon\). Present middle participle of this double compound verb not found elsewhere save in A Q in strkjv@Joel:2:24|. \Chun“\ is a late form of \che“\. There is asyndeton here, no conjunction connecting these participles. The present here is in contrast to the two preceding perfects. The participles form an epexegesis or explanation of the "good measure" (\metron kalon\). Into your bosom (\eis ton kolpon hum“n\). The fold of the wide upper garment bound by the girdle made a pocket in common use (Exodus:4:6; strkjv@Proverbs:6:27; strkjv@Psalms:79:12; strkjv@Isaiah:65:6f.; strkjv@Jeremiah:32:18|). Songs:Isaiah:65:7|: {I will measure their former work unto their bosom. Shall be measured to you again} (\antimetrˆthˆsetai\). Future passive indicative of the verb here only in the N.T. save late MSS. in strkjv@Matthew:7:2|. Even here some MSS. have \metrˆthˆsetai\. The \anti\ has the common meaning of in turn or back, measured back to you in requital.

rwp@Luke:6:39 @{Also a parable} (\kai parabolˆn\). Plummer thinks that the second half of the sermon begins here as indicated by Luke's insertion of "And he spake (\eipen de\) at this point. Luke has the word parable some fifteen times both for crisp proverbs and for the longer narrative comparisons. This is the only use of the term parable concerning the metaphors in the Sermon on the Mount. But in both Matthew and Luke's report of the discourse there are some sixteen possible applications of the word. Two come right together: The blind leading the blind, the mote and the beam. Matthew gives the parabolic proverb of the blind leading the blind later (Matthew:15:14|). Jesus repeated these sayings on various occasions as every teacher does his characteristic ideas. Songs:Luke strkjv@6:40; strkjv@Matthew:10:24|, strkjv@Luke:6:45; strkjv@Matthew:12:34f.| {Can} (\Mˆti dunatai\). The use of \mˆti\ in the question shows that a negative answer is expected. {Guide} (\hodˆgein\). Common verb from \hodˆgos\ (guide) and this from \hodos\ (way) and \hˆgeomai\, to lead or guide. {Shall they not both fall?} (\ouchi amphoteroi empesountai;\). \Ouchi\, a sharpened negative from \ouk\, in a question expecting the answer Yes. Future middle indicative of the common verb \empipt“\. {Into a pit} (\eis bothunon\). Late word for older \bothros\.

rwp@Luke:6:41 @{Mote} (\karphos\) and {beam} (\dokon\). See on ¯Matthew:7:3-5| for discussion of these words in this parabolic proverb kin to several of ours today.

rwp@Luke:6:42 @{Canst thou say} (\dunasai legein\). Here strkjv@Matthew:7:4| has {wilt thou say} (\ereis\). {Beholdest not} (\ou blep“n\). strkjv@Matthew:7:4| has "lo" (\idou\). {Thou hypocrite} (\hupokrita\). Contrast to the studied politeness of "brother" (\adelphe\) above. Powerful picture of blind self-complacence and incompetence, the keyword to argument here.

rwp@Luke:6:45 @{Bringeth forth} (\propherei\). In a similar saying repeated later. strkjv@Matthew:12:34f.| has the verb \ekballei\ (throws out, casts out), a bolder figure. "When men are natural, heart and mouth act in concert. But otherwise the mouth sometimes professes what the heart does not feel" (Plummer).

rwp@Luke:6:46 @{And do not} (\kai ou poieite\). This is the point about every sermon that counts. The two parables that follow illustrate this point.

rwp@Luke:6:47 @{Hears and does} (\akou“n kai poi“n\). Present active participles. Songs:in strkjv@Matthew:7:24|. (Present indicative.) {I will show you} (\hupodeix“ humin\). Only in Luke, not Matthew.

rwp@Luke:6:48 @{Digged and went deep} (\eskapsen kai ebathunen\). Two first aorist indicatives. Not a _hendiadys_ for dug deep. \Skapt“\, to dig, is as old as Homer, as is \bathun“\, to make deep. {And laid a foundation} (\kai ethˆken themelion\). That is the whole point. This wise builder struck the rock before he laid the foundation. {When a flood arose} (\plˆmmurˆs genomenˆs\). Genitive absolute. Late word for flood, \plˆmmura\, only here in the N.T., though in strkjv@Job:40:18|. {Brake against} (\proserˆxen\). First aorist active indicative from \prosrˆgnumi\ and in late writers \prosrˆss“\, to break against. Only here in the N.T. strkjv@Matthew:7:25| has \prosepesan\, from \prospipt“\, to fall against. {Could not shake it} (\ouk ischusen saleusai autˆn\). Did not have strength enough to shake it. {Because it had been well builded} (\dia to kal“s oikodomˆsthai autˆn\). Perfect passive articular infinitive after \dia\ and with accusative of general reference.

rwp@Matthew:10:2 @{The names of the twelve apostles} (\t“n d“deka apostol“n ta onomata\). This is the official name (missionaries) used here by Matthew for the first time. The names are given here, but Matthew does not say that they were chosen at this time. Mark (Mark:3:13-19|) and Luke (Luke:6:12-16|) state that Jesus "chose" them, "appointed" them after a night of prayer in the mountain and came down with them and then delivered the Sermon (Luke:6:17|). Simon heads the list (\pr“tos\) in all four lists including strkjv@Acts:1:13f|. He came to be first and foremost at the great Pentecost (Acts:2| and strkjv@Acts:3|). The apostles disputed a number of times as to which was greatest. Judas Iscariot comes last each time save that he is absent in Acts, being already dead. Matthew calls him the betrayer (\ho paradidous\). Iscariot is usually explained as "man of Kerioth" down near Edom (Joshua:15:25|). Philip comes fifth and James the son of Alphaeus the ninth. Bartholomew is the name for Nathanael. Thaddaeus is Judas the brother of James. Simon Zelotes is also called Simon the Canaanean (Zealous, Hebrew word). This is apparently their first preaching and healing tour without Jesus. He sends them forth by twos (Mark:6:7|). Matthew names them in pairs, probably as they were sent out.

rwp@Matthew:10:5 @{These twelve Jesus sent forth} (\toutous tous d“deka apesteilen ho Iˆsous\). The word "sent forth" (\apesteilen\) is the same root as "apostles." The same word reappears in strkjv@10:16|. {Way of the Gentiles} (\hodon ethn“n\). Objective genitive, way leading to the Gentiles. This prohibition against going among the Gentiles and the Samaritans was for this special tour. They were to give the Jews the first opportunity and not to prejudice the cause at this stage. Later Jesus will order them to go and disciple all the Gentiles (Matthew:28:19|).

rwp@Matthew:10:7 @{As ye go, preach} (\poreuomenoi kˆrussete\). Present participle and present imperative. They were itinerant preachers on a "preaching tour," heralds (\kˆrukes\) proclaiming good news. The summary message is the same as that of the Baptist (3:2|) that first startled the country, "the kingdom of heaven has drawn nigh." He echoed it up and down the Jordan Valley. They are to shake Galilee with it as Jesus had done (4:17|). That same amazing message is needed today. But "the apprentice apostles" (Bruce) could tell not a little about the King of the Kingdom who was with them.

rwp@Matthew:10:9 @{Get you no gold} (\mˆ ktˆsˆsthe\). It is not, "Do not possess" or "own," but "do not acquire" or "procure" for yourselves, indirect middle aorist subjunctive. Gold, silver, brass (copper) in a descending scale (nor even bronze). {In your purses} (\eis tas z“nas h–m“n\). In your girdles or belts used for carrying money.

rwp@Matthew:10:10 @{No wallet} (\mˆ pˆran\). Better than "scrip." It can be either a travelling or bread bag. Deissmann (_Light from the Ancient East_, pp. 108f.) shows that it can mean the beggar's collecting bag as in an inscription on a monument at Kefr Hanar in Syria: "While Christianity was still young the beggar priest was making his rounds in the land of Syria on behalf of the national goddess." Deissmann also quotes a pun in the _Didaskalia=Const. Apost_. 3, 6 about some itinerant widows who said that they were not so much \chˆrai\ (spouseless) as \pˆrai\ (pouchless). He cites also Shakespeare, _Troilus and Cressida_ III. iii. 145: "Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back, wherein he puts alms for oblivion." {For the labourer is worthy of his food} (\axios gar ho ergatˆs tˆs trophˆs autou\). The sermon is worth the dinner, in other words. Luke in the charge to the seventy (Luke:10:7|) has the same words with \misthou\ (reward) instead of \trophˆs\ (food). In strkjv@1Timothy:5:18| Paul quotes Luke's form as scripture (\hˆ graphˆ\) or as a well-known saying if confined to the first quotation. The word for workman here (\ergatˆs\) is that used by Jesus in the prayer for labourers (Matthew:9:38|). The well-known _Didachˆ_ or _Teaching of the Twelve_ (xiii) shows that in the second century there was still a felt need for care on the subject of receiving pay for preaching. The travelling sophists added also to the embarrassment of the situation. The wisdom of these restrictions was justified in Galilee at this time. Mark (Mark:6:6-13|) and Luke (Luke:9:1-6|) vary slightly from Matthew in some of the details of the instructions of Jesus.

rwp@Matthew:10:15 @{More tolerable} (\anektoteron\). The papyri use this adjective of a convalescent. People in their vernacular today speak of feeling "tolerable." The Galileans were having more privileges than Sodom and Gomorrah had.

rwp@Matthew:10:16 @{As sheep in the midst of wolves} (\h“s probata en mes“i luk“n\). The presence of wolves on every hand was a fact then and now. Some of these very sheep (10:6|) at the end will turn out to be wolves and cry for Christ's crucifixion. The situation called for consummate wisdom and courage. The serpent was the emblem of wisdom or shrewdness, intellectual keenness (Genesis:3:1; strkjv@Psalms:58:5|), the dove of simplicity (Hosea:7:11|). It was a proverb, this combination, but one difficult of realization. Either without the other is bad (rascality or gullibility). The first clause with \arnas\ for \probata\ is in strkjv@Luke:10:3| and apparently is in a _Fragment of a Lost Gospel_ edited by Grenfell and Hunt. The combination of wariness and innocence is necessary for the protection of the sheep and the discomfiture of the wolves. For "harmless" (\akeraioi\) Moffatt and Goodspeed have "guileless," Weymouth "innocent." The word means "unmixed" (\a\ privative and \kerannumi\), "unadulterated," "simple," "unalloyed."

rwp@Matthew:10:17 @{To councils} (\eis sunedria\). The local courts of justice in every Jewish town. The word is an old one from Herodotus on for any deliberative body (\concilium\). The same word is used for the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. {In their synagogues} (\en tois sunag“gais aut“n\). Here not merely as the place of assembly for worship, but as an assembly of justice exercising discipline as when the man born blind was cast out of the synagogue (John:9:35|). They were now after the exile in every town of any size where Jews were.

rwp@Matthew:10:19 @{Be not anxious} (\mˆ merimnˆsˆte\). Ingressive aorist subjunctive in prohibition. "Do not become anxious" (Matthew:6:31|). "Self-defence before Jewish kings and heathen governors would be a terrible ordeal for humble Galileans. The injunction applied to cases when preparation of a speech would be impossible" (McNeile). "It might well alarm the bravest of these simple fishermen to be told that they would have to answer for their doings on Christ's behalf before Jewish councils and heathen courts" (Plummer). Christ is not talking about preparation of sermons. "{In that hour}" (\en ekeinˆi tˆi h“rƒi\), if not before. The Spirit of your Father will speak to you and through you (10:20|). Here is no posing as martyr or courting a martyr's crown, but real heroism with full loyalty to Christ.

rwp@Matthew:10:25 @{Beelzebub} (\beezeboul\ according to B, \beelzeboul\ by most Greek MSS., \beelzeboub\ by many non-Greek MSS.). The etymology of the word is also unknown, whether "lord of a dwelling" with a pun on "the master of the house" (\oikodespotˆn\) or "lord of flies" or "lord of dung" or "lord of idolatrous sacrifices." It is evidently a term of reproach. "An opprobrious epithet; exact form of the word and meaning of the name have given more trouble to commentators than it is all worth" (Bruce). See strkjv@Matthew:12:24|.

rwp@Matthew:10:34 @{I came not to send peace, but a sword} (\ouk ˆlthon balein eirˆnˆn, alla machairan\). A bold and dramatic climax. The aorist infinitive means a sudden hurling of the sword where peace was expected. Christ does bring peace, not as the world gives, but it is not the force of compromise with evil, but of conquest over wrong, over Satan, the triumph of the cross. Meanwhile there will be inevitably division in families, in communities, in states. It is no namby-pamby sentimentalism that Christ preaches, no peace at any price. The Cross is Christ's answer to the devil's offer of compromise in world dominion. For Christ the kingdom of God is virile righteousness, not mere emotionalism.

rwp@Matthew:10:35 @{Set at variance} (\dichasai\). Literally divide in two, \dicha\. Jesus uses strkjv@Micah:7:1-6| to describe the rottenness of the age as Micah had done. Family ties and social ties cannot stand in the way of loyalty to Christ and righteous living. {The daughter-in-law} (\numphˆn\). Literally bride, the young wife who is possibly living with the mother-in-law. It is a tragedy to see a father or mother step between the child and Christ.

rwp@Matthew:10:38 @{Doth not take his cross} (\ou lambanei ton stauron autou\). The first mention of cross in Matthew. Criminals were crucified in Jerusalem. It was the custom for the condemned person to carry his own cross as Jesus did till Simon of Cyrene was impressed for that purpose. The Jews had become familiar with crucifixion since the days of Antiochus Epiphanes and one of the Maccabean rulers (Alexander Jannaeus) had crucified 800 Pharisees. It is not certain whether Jesus was thinking of his own coming crucifixion when he used this figure, though possible, perhaps probable. The disciples would hardly think of that outcome unless some of them had remarkable insight.

rwp@Matthew:10:39 @{Shall lose it} (\apolesei autˆn\). This paradox appears in four forms according to Allen (I) strkjv@Matthew:10:39| (2) strkjv@Mark:8:35; strkjv@Matthew:16:25; strkjv@Luke:9:24| (3) strkjv@Luke:17:33| (4) strkjv@John:12:25|. _The Wisdom of Sirach_ (Hebrew text) in strkjv@51:26 has: "He that giveth his life findeth her (wisdom)." It is one of the profound sayings of Christ that he repeated many times. Plato (_Gorgias_ 512) has language somewhat similar though not so sharply put. The article and aorist participles here (\ho heur“n, ho apolesas\) are timeless in themselves just like \ho dechomenos\ in verses 40| and 41|.

rwp@Matthew:11:1 @{He departed thence to teach and preach} (\metebˆ ekeithen tou didaskein kai kˆrussein\). In five instances (7:28; strkjv@11:1; strkjv@13:53; strkjv@19:1; strkjv@26:1|) after great discourses by Jesus "the transition to what follows is made with the formula, 'And it came to pass when Jesus had ended'" (McNeile). This is a wrong chapter division, for strkjv@11:1| belongs with the preceding section. "{Commanding}" (\diatass“n\, complementary participle with \etelesen\), means giving orders in detail (\dia-\) for each of them. Note both "teach and preach" as in strkjv@4:23|. Where did Jesus go? Did he follow behind the twelve as he did with the seventy "whither he himself was about to come" (Luke:10:1|)? Bruce holds with Chrysostom that Jesus avoided the places where they were, giving them room and time to do their work. But, if Jesus himself went to the chief cities of Galilee on this tour, he would be compelled to touch many of the same points. Jesus would naturally follow behind at some distance. At the end of the tour the apostles come together in Capernaum and tell Jesus all that they had done and that they had taught (Mark:6:30|). Matthew follows the general outline of Mark, but the events are not grouped in chronological order here.

rwp@Matthew:11:2 @{John heard in the prison} (\ho de I“anˆs akousas en t“i desm“tˆri“i\). Probably (Luke:7:18|) the raising of the son of the widow of Nain. The word for prison here is the place where one was kept bound (Acts:5:21,23; strkjv@16:26|). See strkjv@Matthew:4:12|. It was in Machaerus east of the Dead Sea which at this time belonged to the rule of Herod Antipas (Jos. _Ant_. XVIII. v.2). John's disciples had access to him. Songs:he sent word by (\dia\, not \duo\ as in strkjv@Luke:7:19|) them to Jesus.

rwp@Matthew:11:3 @{He that cometh} (\ho erchomenos\). This phrase refers to the Messiah (Mark:11:9; strkjv@Luke:13:35; strkjv@19:38; strkjv@Hebrews:10:37; strkjv@Psalms:118:26; strkjv@Daniel:7:13|). Some rabbis applied the phrase to some forerunner of the kingdom (McNeile). Was there to be "another" (\heteron\) after Jesus? John had been in prison "long enough to develop a _prison mood_" (Bruce). It was once clear enough to him, but his environment was depressing and Jesus had done nothing to get him out of Machaerus (see chapter IX in my _John the Loyal_). John longed for reassurance.

rwp@Matthew:11:4 @{The things which ye do hear and see} (\ha akouete kai blepete\). This symbolical message was for John to interpret, not for them.

rwp@Matthew:11:5 @{And the dead are raised up} (\kai nekroi egeirontai\). Like that of the son of the widow of Nain. Did he raise the dead also on this occasion? "Tell John your story over again and remind him of these prophetic texts, strkjv@Isaiah:35:5; strkjv@61:1|" (Bruce). The items were convincing enough and clearer than mere eschatological symbolism. "The poor" in particular have the gospel, a climax.

rwp@Matthew:11:6 @{Whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in me} (\hos an mˆ skandalisthˆi en emoi\). Indefinite relative clause with first aorist passive subjunctive. This beatitude is a rebuke to John for his doubt even though in prison. Doubt is not a proof of superior intellect, scholarship, or piety. John was in the fog and that is the time not to make serious decisions. "In some way even the Baptist had found some occasion of stumbling in Jesus" (Plummer).

rwp@Matthew:11:11 @{He that is but little} (\ho mikroteros\). The Authorized Version here has it better, "he that is least." The article with the comparative is a growing idiom in the vernacular _Koin‚_ for the superlative as in the modern Greek it is the only idiom for the superlative (Robertson, _Grammar of the Greek N.T._, p. 668). The papyri and inscriptions show the same construction. The paradox of Jesus has puzzled many. He surely means that John is greater (\meiz“n\) than all others in character, but that the least in the kingdom of heaven surpasses him in privilege. John is the end of one age, "until John" (11:14|), and the beginning of the new era. All those that come after John stand upon his shoulders. John is the mountain peak between the old and the new.

rwp@Matthew:11:12 @{Suffereth violence} (\biazetai\). This verb occurs only here and in strkjv@Luke:16:16| in the N.T. It seems to be middle in Luke and Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, p. 258) quotes an inscription "where \biazomai\ is without doubt reflexive and absolute" as in strkjv@Luke:16:16|. But there are numerous papyri examples where it is passive (Moulton and Milligan, _Vocabulary_, etc.) so that "there seems little that promises decisive help for the difficult Logion of strkjv@Matthew:11:12; strkjv@Luke:16:16|." Songs:then in strkjv@Matthew:11:12| the form can be either middle or passive and either makes sense, though a different sense. The passive idea is that the kingdom is forced, is stormed, is taken by men of violence like "men of violence take it by force" (\biastai harpazousin autˆn\) or seize it like a conquered city. The middle voice may mean "experiences violence" or "forces its way" like a rushing mighty wind (so Zahn holds). These difficult words of Jesus mean that the preaching of John "had led to a violent and impetuous thronging to gather round Jesus and his disciples" (Hort, _Judaistic Christianity_, p. 26).

rwp@Matthew:11:14 @{This is Elijah} (\autos estin Eleias\). Jesus here endorses John as the promise of Malachi. The people understood strkjv@Malachi:4:1| to mean the return of Elijah in person. This John denied as to himself (John:1:21|). But Jesus affirms that John is the Elijah of promise who has come already (Matthew:17:12|). He emphasizes the point: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

rwp@Matthew:11:19 @{Wisdom is justified by her works} (\edikai“thˆ apo t“n erg“n autˆs\). A timeless aorist passive (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 836f.). The word "justified" means "set right" Luke (Luke:7:35|) has "by all her children" as some MSS. have here to make Matthew like Luke. These words are difficult, but understandable. God's wisdom has planned the different conduct of both John and Jesus. He does not wish all to be just alike in everything. "This generation" (verse 16|) is childish, not childlike, and full of whimsical inconsistencies in their faultfinding. They exaggerate in each case. John did not have a demon and Jesus was not a glutton or a winebibber. "And, worse than either, for \philos\ is used in a sinister sense and implies that Jesus was the comrade of the worst characters, and like them in conduct. A malicious nickname at first, it is now a name of honour: the sinner's lover" (Bruce). Cf. strkjv@Luke:15:2|. The plan of God is justified by results.

rwp@Matthew:11:20 @{Most of his mighty works} (\hai pleistai dunameis autou\). Literally, "His very many mighty works" if elative as usual in the papyri (Moulton, _Prolegomena_, p. 79; Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 670). But the usual superlative makes sense here as the Canterbury translation has it. This word \dunamis\ for miracle presents the notion of _power_ like our _dynamite_. The word \teras\ is wonder, portent, _miraculum_ (miracle) as in strkjv@Acts:2:19|. It occurs only in the plural and always with \sˆmeia\. The word \sˆmeion\ means sign (Matthew:12:38|) and is very common in John's Gospel as well as the word \ergon\ (work) as in strkjv@John:5:36|. Other words used are \paradoxon\, our word _paradox_, strange (Luke:5:26|), \endoxon\, glorious (Luke:13:17|), \thaumasion\, wonderful (Matthew:21:15|).

rwp@Matthew:11:25 @{At that season Jesus answered and said} (\en ekein“i t“i kair“i apokritheis eipen\). Spoke to his Father in audible voice. The time and place we do not know. But here we catch a glimpse of Jesus in one of his moods of worship. "It is usual to call this golden utterance a prayer, but it is at once prayer, praise, and self-communing in a devout spirit" (Bruce). Critics are disturbed because this passage from the Logia of Jesus or Q of Synoptic criticism (Matthew:11:25-30; strkjv@Luke:10:21-24|) is so manifestly Johannine in spirit and very language, "the Father" (\ho patˆr\), "the son" (\ho huios\), whereas the Fourth Gospel was not written till the close of the first century and the Logia was written before the Synoptic Gospels. The only satisfying explanation lies in the fact that Jesus did have this strain of teaching that is preserved in John's Gospel. Here he is in precisely the same mood of elevated communion with the Father that we have reflected in John 14 to 17. Even Harnack is disposed to accept this Logion as a genuine saying of Jesus. The word "thank" (\homologoumai\) is better rendered "praise" (Moffatt). Jesus praises the Father "not that the \sophoi\ were ignorant, but that the \nˆpioi\ knew" (McNeile).

rwp@Matthew:11:26 @{Wellpleasing in thy sight} (\eudokia emprosthen sou\). "For such has been thy gracious will" (Weymouth).

rwp@Matthew:11:27 @{All things have been delivered unto me of my Father} (\panta moi paredothˆ hupo tou patros mou\). This sublime claim is not to be whittled down or away by explanations. It is the timeless aorist like \edothˆ\ in strkjv@28:18| and "points back to a moment in eternity, and implies the pre-existence of the Messiah" (Plummer). The Messianic consciousness of Christ is here as clear as a bell. It is a moment of high fellowship. Note \epigin“skei\ twice for "fully know." Note also \boulˆtai\ =wills, is willing. The Son retains the power and the will to reveal the Father to men.

rwp@Matthew:12:1 @{On the sabbath day through the cornfields} (\tois sabbasin dia t“n sporim“n\). This paragraph begins exactly like strkjv@11:25| "at that season" (\en ekein“i t“i kair“i\), a general statement with no clear idea of time. Songs:also strkjv@14:1|. The word \kairos\ means a definite and particular time, but we cannot fix it. The word "cornfields" does not mean our maize or Indian corn, but simply fields of grain (wheat or even barley).

rwp@Matthew:12:2 @{Thy disciples do} (\hoi mathˆtai sou poiousin\). These critics are now watching a chance and they jump at this violation of their Pharisaic rules for Sabbath observance. The disciples were plucking the heads of wheat which to the Pharisees was reaping and were rubbing them in their hands (Luke:6:1|) which was threshing.

rwp@Matthew:12:12 @{How much then is a man} (\pos“i oun diapherei anthr“pos\). Another of Christ's pregnant questions that goes to the roots of things, an _a fortiori_ argument. "By how much does a human being differ from a sheep? That is the question which Christian civilization has not even yet adequately answered" (Bruce). The poor pettifogging Pharisees are left in the pit.

rwp@Matthew:12:25 @{Knowing their thoughts} (\eid“s de tas enthumˆseis aut“n\). What they were revolving in their minds. They now find out what a powerful opponent Jesus is. By parables, by a series of conditions (first class), by sarcasm, by rhetorical question, by merciless logic, he lays bare their hollow insincerity and the futility of their arguments. Satan does not cast out Satan. Note timeless aorist passive \emeristhˆ\ in 26|, \ephthasen\ in 28| (simple sense of arriving as in strkjv@Phillipians:3:16| from \phthan“\). Christ is engaged in deathless conflict with Satan the strong man (29|). "Goods" (\skeuˆ\) means house-gear, house furniture, or equipment as in strkjv@Luke:17:36| and strkjv@Acts:27:17|, the tackling of the ship.

rwp@Matthew:12:31 @{But the blasphemy against the Spirit} (\hˆ de tou pneumatos blasphˆmia\). Objective genitive. This is the unpardonable sin. In 32| we have \kata tou pneumatos tou hagiou\ to make it plainer. What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? These Pharisees had already committed it. They had attributed the works of the Holy Spirit by whose power Jesus wrought his miracles (12:28|) to the devil. That sin was without excuse and would not be forgiven in their age or in the coming one (12:32|). People often ask if they can commit the unpardonable sin. Probably some do who ridicule the manifest work of God's Spirit in men's lives and attribute the Spirit's work to the devil.

rwp@Matthew:12:34 @{Ye offspring of vipers} (\gennˆmata echidn“n\). These same terrible words the Baptist had used to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism (Matthew:3:7|). But these Pharisees had deliberately made their choice and had taken Satan's side. The charge against Jesus of being in league with Satan reveals the evil heart within. The heart "spurts out" (\ekballei\) good or evil according to the supply (treasure, \thˆsaurou\) within. Verse 33| is like strkjv@Matthew:7:17-19|. Jesus often repeated his crisp pungent sayings as every teacher does.

rwp@Matthew:12:36 @{Every idle word} (\pan rhˆma argon\). An ineffective, useless word (\a\ privative and \ergon\). A word that does no good and so is pernicious like pernicious anaemia. It is a solemn thought. Jesus who knows our very thoughts (12:25|) insists that our words reveal our thoughts and form a just basis for the interpretation of character (12:37|). Here we have judgment by words as in strkjv@25:31-46| where Jesus presents judgment by deeds. Both are real tests of actual character. Homer spoke of "winged words" (\pteroenta epea\). And by the radio our words can be heard all round the earth. Who knows where they stop?

rwp@Matthew:12:41 @{In the judgment} (\en tˆi krisei\). Except here and in the next verse Matthew has "day of judgment" (\hˆmera krise“s\) as in strkjv@10:15; strkjv@11:22,24; strkjv@12:36|. Luke (Luke:10:14|) has \en tˆi krisei\. {They repented at the preaching of Jonah} (\metenoˆson eis to kˆrugma I“na\). Note this use of \eis\ just like \en\. Note also \pleion\ (neuter), not \plei“n\ (masc.). See the same idiom in strkjv@12:6| and strkjv@12:48|. Jesus is something greater than the temple, than Jonah, than Solomon. "You will continue to disbelieve in spite of all I can say or do, and at last you will put me to death. But I will rise again, a sign for your confusion, if not for your conversion" (Bruce).

rwp@Matthew:12:47 @Aleph, B, L, Old Syriac, omit this verse as do Westcott and Hort. It is genuine in strkjv@Mark:3:32; strkjv@Luke:8:20|. It was probably copied into Matthew from Mark or Luke.

rwp@Matthew:12:49 @{Behold my mother and my brothers} (\idou hˆ mˆtˆr mou kai hoi adelphoi mou\). A dramatic wave of the hand towards his disciples (learners) accompanied these words. Jesus loved his mother and brothers, but they were not to interfere in his Messianic work. The real spiritual family of Jesus included all who follow him. But it was hard for Mary to go back to Nazareth and leave Jesus with the excited throng so great that he was not even stopping to eat (Mark:3:20|).

rwp@Matthew:13:1 @{On that day} (\en tˆi hˆmerai ekeinˆi\). Songs:this group of parables is placed by Matthew on the same day as the blasphemous accusation and the visit of the mother of Jesus. It is called "the Busy Day," not because it was the only one, but simply that so much is told of this day that it serves as a specimen of many others filled to the full with stress and strain. {Sat by the seaside} (\ekathˆto para tˆn thalassan\). The accusative case need give no difficulty. Jesus came out of the stuffy house and took his seat (\ekathˆto\, imperfect) along the shore with the crowds stretched up and down, a picturesque scene.

rwp@Matthew:13:2 @{And all the multitude stood on the beach} (\kai pas ho ochlos epi ton aigialon histˆkei\). Past perfect tense of \histˆmi\ with imperfect sense, had taken a stand and so stood. Note accusative also with \epi\ upon the beach where the waves break one after the other (\aigialos\ is from \hals\, sea, and \agnumi\, to break, or from \aiss“\, to rush). Jesus had to get into a boat and sit down in that because of the crush of the crowd.

rwp@Matthew:13:3 @{Many things in parables} (\polla en parabolais\). It was not the first time that Jesus had used parables, but the first time that he had spoken so many and some of such length. He will use a great many in the future as in Luke 12 to 18 and Matt. 24 and 25. The parables already mentioned in Matthew include the salt and the light (5:13-16|), the birds and the lilies (6:26-30|), the splinter and the beam in the eye (7:3-5|), the two gates (7:13f.|), the wolves in sheep's clothing (7:15|), the good and bad trees (7:17-19|), the wise and foolish builders (7:24-27|), the garment and the wineskins (9:16f.|), the children in the market places (11:16f.|). It is not certain how many he spoke on this occasion. Matthew mentions eight in this chapter (the Sower, the Tares, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, the Hid Treasure, the Pearl of Great Price, the Net, the Householder). Mark adds the Parable of the Lamp (Mark:4:21; strkjv@Luke:8:16|), the Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself (Mark:4:26-29|), making ten of which we know. But both Mark (Mark:4:33|) and Matthew (13:34|) imply that there were many others. "Without a parable spake he nothing unto them" (Matthew:13:34|), on this occasion, we may suppose. The word parable (\parabolˆ\ from \paraball“\, to place alongside for measurement or comparison like a yardstick) is an objective illustration for spiritual or moral truth. The word is employed in a variety of ways (a) as for sententious sayings or proverbs (Matthew:15:15; strkjv@Mark:3:23; strkjv@Luke:4:23; strkjv@5:36-39; strkjv@6:39|), for a figure or type (Heb. strkjv@9:9; strkjv@11:19|); (b) a comparison in the form of a narrative, the common use in the Synoptic Gospels like the Sower; (c) "A narrative illustration not involving a comparison" (Broadus), like the Rich Fool, the Good Samaritan, etc. "The oriental genius for picturesque speech found expression in a multitude of such utterances" (McNeile). There are parables in the Old Testament, in the Talmud, in sermons in all ages. But no one has spoken such parables as these of Jesus. They hold the mirror up to nature and, as all illustrations should do, throw light on the truth presented. The fable puts things as they are not in nature, Aesop's Fables, for instance. The parable may not be actual fact, but it could be so. It is harmony with the nature of the case. The allegory (\allˆgoria\) is a speaking parable that is self-explanatory all along like Bunyan's _Pilgrim's Progress_. All allegories are parables, but not all parables are allegories. The Prodigal Son is an allegory, as is the story of the Vine and Branches (John:15|). John does not use the word parable, but only \paroimia\, a saying by the way (John:10:6; strkjv@16:25,29|). As a rule the parables of Jesus illustrate one main point and the details are more or less incidental, though sometimes Jesus himself explains these. When he does not do so, we should be slow to interpret the minor details. Much heresy has come from fantastic interpretations of the parables. In the case of the Parable of the Sower (13:3-8|) we have also the careful exposition of the story by Jesus (18-23|) as well as the reason for the use of parables on this occasion by Jesus (9-17|).

rwp@Matthew:13:3 @{Behold, the sower went forth} (\idou ˆlthen ho speir“n\). Matthew is very fond of this exclamation \idou\. It is "the sower," not "a sower." Jesus expects one to see the man as he stepped forth to begin scattering with his hand. The parables of Jesus are vivid word pictures. To understand them one must see them, with the eyes of Jesus if he can. Christ drew his parables from familiar objects.

rwp@Matthew:13:4 @{As he sowed} (\en t“i speirein auton\). Literally, "in the sowing as to him," a neat Greek idiom unlike our English temporal conjunction. Locative case with the articular present infinitive. {By the wayside} (\para tˆn hodon\). People will make paths along the edge of a ploughed field or even across it where the seed lies upon the beaten track. {Devoured} (\katephagen\). "Ate down." We say, "ate up." Second aorist active indicative of \katesthi“\ (defective verb).

rwp@Matthew:13:5 @{The rocky places} (\ta petr“dˆ\). In that limestone country ledges of rock often jut out with thin layers of soil upon the layers of rock. {Straightway they sprang up} (\euthe“s exaneteilen\). "Shot up at once" (Moffatt). Double compound (\ex\, out of the ground, \ana\, up). Ingressive aorist of \exanatell“\.

rwp@Matthew:13:7 @{The thorns grew up} (\anebˆsan hai akanthai\). Not "sprang up" as in verse 5|, for a different verb occurs meaning "came up" out of the ground, the seeds of the thorns being already in the soil, "upon the thorns" (\epi tas akanthas\) rather than "among the thorns." But the thorns got a quick start as weeds somehow do and "choked them" (\apepnixan auta\, effective aorist of \apopnig“\), "choked them off" literally. Luke (Luke:8:33|) uses it of the hogs in the water. Who has not seen vegetables and flowers and corn made yellow by thorns and weeds till they sicken and die?

rwp@Matthew:13:8 @{Yielded fruit} (\edidou karpon\). Change to imperfect tense of \did“mi\, to give, for it was continuous fruit-bearing. {Some a hundredfold} (\ho men hekaton\). Variety, but fruit. This is the only kind that is worth while. The hundredfold is not an exaggeration (cf. strkjv@Genesis:26:12|). Such instances are given by Wetstein for Greece, Italy, and Africa. Herodotus (i. 93) says that in Babylonia grain yielded two hundredfold and even to three hundredfold. This, of course, was due to irrigation as in the Nile Valley.

rwp@Matthew:13:11 @{To know the mysteries} (\gn“nai ta mustˆria\). Second aorist active infinitive of \gin“sk“\. The word \mustˆrion\ is from \mustˆs\, one initiated, and that from \mue“\ (\mu“\), to close or shut (Latin, _mutus_). The mystery-religions of the east had all sorts of secrets and signs as secret societies do today. But those initiated knew them. Songs:the disciples have been initiated into the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. Paul will use it freely of the mystery once hidden, but now revealed, now made known in Christ (Romans:16:25; strkjv@1Corinthians:2:7|, etc.). In strkjv@Phillipians:4:12| Paul says: "I have learned the secret or been initiated" (\memuˆmai\). Songs:Jesus here explains that his parables are open to the disciples, but shut to the Pharisees with their hostile minds. In the Gospels \mustˆrion\ is used only here and in the parallel passages (Mark:4:11; strkjv@Luke:8:10|).

rwp@Matthew:13:13 @{Because seeing} (\hoti blepontes\). In the parallel passages in strkjv@Mark:4:12| and strkjv@Luke:8:10| we find \hina\ with the subjunctive. This does not necessarily mean that in Mark and Luke \hina=hoti\ with the causal sense, though a few rare instances of such usage may be found in late Greek. For a discussion of the problem see my chapter on "The Causal Use of _Hina_" in _Studies in Early Christianity_ (1928) edited by Prof. S.J. Case. Here in Matthew we have first "an adaptation of strkjv@Isaiah:6:9f.| which is quoted in full in v. 14f.|" (McNeile). Thus Matthew presents "a striking paradox, 'though they see, they do not (really) see'" (McNeile). Cf. strkjv@John:9:41|. The idiom here in Matthew gives no trouble save in comparison with Mark and Luke which will be discussed in due turn. The form \suniousin\ is an omega verb form (\suni“\) rather than the \mi\ verb (\suniˆmi\) as is common in the _Koin‚_.

rwp@Matthew:13:15 @{Is waxed gross} (\epachunthˆ\). Aorist passive tense. From \pachus\, thick, fat, stout. Made callous or dull -- even fatty degeneration of the heart. {Dull of hearing} (\tois “sin bare“s ˆkousan\). Another aorist. Literally, "They heard (or hear) heavily with their ears." The hard of hearing are usually sensitive. {Their eyes they have closed} (\tous ophthalmous aut“n ekammusan\). The epic and vernacular verb \kammu“\ is from \katamu“\ (to shut down). We say shut up of the mouth, but the eyes really shut down. The Hebrew verb in strkjv@Isaiah:6:10| means to smear over. The eyes can be smeared with wax or cataract and thus closed. "Sealing up the eyes was an oriental punishment" (Vincent). See strkjv@Isaiah:29:10; strkjv@44:18|. {Lest} (\mˆpote\). This negative purpose as a judgment is left in the quotation from Isaiah. It is a solemn thought for all who read or hear the word of God. {And I should heal them} (\kai iasomai autous\). Here the LXX changes to the future indicative rather than the aorist subjunctive as before.

rwp@Matthew:13:18 @{Hear then ye the parable} (\humeis oun akousate tˆn parabolˆn\). Jesus has given in strkjv@13:13| one reason for his use of parables, the condemnation which the Pharisees have brought on themselves by their spiritual dulness: "Therefore I speak to them in parables" (\dia touto en parab“lais antois lal“\). He can go on preaching the mysteries of the kingdom without their comprehending what he is saying, but he is anxious that the disciples really get personal knowledge (\gn“nai\, verse 11|) of these same mysteries. Songs:he explains in detail what he means to teach by the Parable of the Sower. He appeals to them (note position of \h–meis\) to listen as he explains.

rwp@Matthew:13:19 @{Cometh the evil one and snatcheth away} (\erchetai ho ponˆros kai harpazei\). The birds pick up the seeds while the sower sows. The devil is busy with his job of snatching or seizing like a bandit or rogue the word of the kingdom before it has time even to sprout. How quickly after the sermon the impression is gone. "This is he" (\houtos estin\). Matthew, like Mark, speaks of the people who hear the words as the seed itself. That creates some confusion in this condensed form of what Jesus actually said, but the real point is clear. {The seed sown in his heart} (\to esparmenon en tˆi kardiƒi autou\, perfect passive participle of \speir“\, to sow) and "the man sown by the wayside" (\ho para tˆn hodon spareis\, aorist passive participle, along the wayside) are identified. The seed in the heart is not of itself responsible, but the man who lets the devil snatch it away.

rwp@Matthew:13:21 @{Yet hath he not root in himself} (\ouk echei de rhizan en heaut“i\). Cf. strkjv@Colossians:2:7| and strkjv@Ephesians:3:18| \erriz“memoi\. Stability like a tree. Here the man has a mushroom growth and "endureth for a while" (\proskairos\), temporary, quick to sprout, quick to stumble (\skandalizetai\). What a picture of some converts in our modern revivals. They drop away overnight because they did not have the root of the matter in them. This man does not last or hold out.

rwp@Matthew:13:23 @{Verily beareth fruit} (\dˆ karpophorei\). Who in reality (\dˆ\) does bear fruit (cf. strkjv@Matthew:7:16-20|). The fruit reveals the character of the tree and the value of the straw for wheat. Some grain must come else it is only chaff, straw, worthless. The first three classes have no fruit and so show that they are unfruitful soil, unsaved souls and lives. There is variety in those who do bear fruit, but they have some fruit. The lesson of the parable as explained by Jesus is precisely this, the variety in the results of the seed sown according to the soil on which it falls. Every teacher and preacher knows how true this is. It is the teacher's task as the sower to sow the right seed, the word of the kingdom. The soil determines the outcome. There are critics today who scout this interpretation of the parable by Jesus as too allegorical with too much detail and probably not that really given by Jesus since modern scholars are not agreed on the main point of the parable. But the average Christian sees the point all right. This parable was not meant to explain all the problems of human life.

rwp@Matthew:13:24 @{Set he before them} (\parethˆken\). Songs:again in strkjv@13:31|. He placed another parable beside (\para\) the one already given and explained. The same verb (\paratheinai\) occurs in strkjv@Luke:9:16|. {Is likened} (\h“moi“thˆ\). Timeless aorist passive and a common way of introducing these parables of the kingdom where a comparison is drawn (18:23; strkjv@22:2; strkjv@25:1|). The case of \anthr“p“i\ is associative instrumental.

rwp@Matthew:13:29 @{Ye root up the wheat with them} (\ekriz“sˆte hama autois ton siton\). Literally, "root out." Easy to do with the roots of wheat and darnel intermingled in the field. Songs:\sullegontes\ is not "gather up," but "gather together," here and verses 28| and 30|. Note other compound verbs here, "grow together" (\sunauxanesthai\), "burn up" (\katakausai\, burn down or completely), "bring together" (\sunagete\).

rwp@Matthew:13:33 @{Is like unto leaven} (\homoia estin zumˆi\). In its pervasive power. Curiously enough some people deny that Jesus here likens the expanding power of the Kingdom of heaven to leaven, because, they say, leaven is the symbol of corruption. But the language of Jesus is not to be explained away by such exegetical jugglery. The devil is called like a lion by Peter (1Peter:5:8|) and Jesus in Revelation is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation:5:5|). The leaven permeates all the "wheaten meal" (\aleurou\) till the whole is leavened. There is nothing in the "three measures," merely a common amount to bake. Dr. T.R. Glover in his _Jesus of History_ suggests that Jesus used to notice his mother using that amount of wheat flour in baking bread. To find the Trinity here is, of course, quite beside the mark. The word for leaven, \zumˆ\, is from \ze“\, to boil, to seethe, and so pervasive fermentation.

rwp@Matthew:13:38 @{The field is the world} (\ho de agros estin ho kosmos\). The article with both "field" and "world" in Greek means that subject and predicate are coextensive and so interchangeable. It is extremely important to understand that both the good seed and the darnel (tares) are sown in the world, not in the Kingdom, not in the church. The separation comes at the consummation of the age (\sunteleia ai“nos\, 39|), the harvest time. They all grow together in the field (the world).

rwp@Matthew:13:41 @{Out of his kingdom} (\ek tˆs basileias autou\). Out from the midst of the kingdom, because in every city the good and the bad are scattered and mixed together. Cf. \ek mesou t“n dikai“n\ in strkjv@13:49| "from the midst of the righteous." What this means is that, just as the wheat and the darnel are mixed together in the field till the separation at harvest, so the evil are mixed with the good in the world (the field). Jesus does not mean to say that these "stumbling-blocks" (\ta skandala\) are actually in the Kingdom of heaven and really members of the Kingdom. They are simply mixed in the field with the wheat and God leaves them in the world till the separation comes. Their destiny is "the furnace of fire" (\tˆn kaminon tou puros\).

rwp@Matthew:13:44 @{And hid} (\kai ekrupsen\). Not necessarily bad morality. "He may have hid it to prevent it being stolen, or to prevent himself from being anticipated in buying a field" (Plummer). But if it was a piece of sharp practice, that is not the point of the parable. That is, the enormous wealth of the Kingdom for which any sacrifice, all that one has, is not too great a price to pay.

rwp@Matthew:13:52 @{Made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven} (\matheteutheis tˆi basileiƒi t“n ouran“n\). First aorist passive participle. The verb is transitive in strkjv@28:19|. Here a scribe is made a learner to the kingdom. "The mere scribe, Rabbinical in spirit, produces only the old and stale. The disciple of the kingdom like the Master, is always fresh-minded, yet knows how to value all old spiritual treasures of Holy Writ, or Christian tradition" (Bruce). Songs:he uses things fresh (\kaina\) and ancient (\palaia\). "He hurls forth" (\ekballei\) both sorts.

rwp@Matthew:13:54 @{Is not this the carpenter's son?} (\ouch houtos estin ho tou tekt“nos huios?\). The well-known, the leading, or even for a time the only carpenter in Nazareth till Jesus took the place of Joseph as the carpenter. What the people of Nazareth could not comprehend was how one with the origin and environment of Jesus here in Nazareth could possess the wisdom which he appeared to have in his teaching (\edidasken\). That has often puzzled people how a boy whom they knew could become the man he apparently is after leaving them. They knew Joseph, Mary, the brothers (four of them named) and sisters (names not given). Jesus passed here as the son of Joseph and these were younger brothers and sisters (half brothers and sisters technically).

rwp@Matthew:13:57 @{And they were offended in him} (\kai eskandalizonto en aut“i\). Graphic imperfect passive. Literally, "They stumbled at him," "They were repelled by him" (Moffatt), "They turned against him" (Weymouth). It was unpardonable for Jesus not to be commonplace like themselves. {Not without honour} (\ouk estin atimos\). This is a proverb found in Jewish, Greek, and Roman writers. Seen also in the _Logia of Jesus_ (_Oxyr. Papyri_ i. 3).

rwp@Matthew:14:1 @{Herod the tetrarch} (\Hˆr“idˆs tetraarchˆs\). Herod Antipas ruler of Galilee and Perea, one-fourth of the dominion of Herod the Great. {The report concerning Jesus} (\tˆn akouˆn Iˆsou\). See on ¯4:24|. Cognate accusative, heard the hearing (rumour), objective genitive. It is rather surprising that he had not heard of Jesus before.

rwp@Matthew:14:3 @{For the sake of Herodias} (\dia Hˆr“idiada\). The death of John had taken place some time before. The Greek aorists here (\edˆsen, apetheto\) are not used for past perfects. The Greek aorist simply narrates the event without drawing distinctions in past time. This Herodias was the unlawful wife of Herod Antipas. She was herself a descendant of Herod the Great and had married Herod Philip of Rome, not Philip the Tetrarch. She had divorced him in order to marry Herod Antipas after he had divorced his wife, the daughter of Aretas King of Arabia. It was a nasty mess equal to any of our modern divorces. Her first husband was still alive and marriage with a sister-in-law was forbidden to Jews (Leviticus:18:16|). Because of her Herod Antipas had put John in the prison at Machaerus. The bare fact has been mentioned in strkjv@Matthew:4:12| without the name of the place. See strkjv@11:2| also for the discouragement of John \en t“i desm“tˆri“i\ (place of bondage), here \en tˆi phulakˆi\ (the guard-house). Josephus (_Ant_. xviii. 5.2) tells us that Machaerus is the name of the prison. On a high hill an impregnable fortress had been built. Tristram (_Land of Moab_) says that there are now remains of "two dungeons, one of them deep and its sides scarcely broken in" with "small holes still visible in the masonry where staples of wood and iron had once been fixed. One of these must surely have been the prison-house of John the Baptist." "On this high ridge Herod the Great built an extensive and beautiful palace" (Broadus). "The windows commanded a wide and grand prospect, including the Dead Sea, the course of the Jordan, and Jerusalem" (Edersheim, _Life and Times of Jesus_).

rwp@Matthew:14:6 @{When Herod's birthday came} (\genesiois genomenois tou Hˆr“idou\). Locative of time (cf. strkjv@Mark:6:21|) without the genitive absolute. The earlier Greeks used the word \genesia\ for funeral commemorations (birthdays of the dead), \genethlia\ being the word for birthday celebrations of living persons. But that distinction has disappeared in the papyri. The word \genesia\ in the papyri (_Fayum Towns_, 114-20, 115-8, 119-30) is always a birthday feast as here in Matthew and Mark. Philo used both words of birthday feasts. Persius, a Roman satirist (_Sat_. V. 180-183), describes a banquet on Herod's Day. {Danced in the midst} (\“rchˆsato en t“i mes“i\). This was Salome, daughter of Herodias by her first marriage. The root of the verb means some kind of rapid motion. "Leaped in the middle," Wycliff puts it. It was a shameful exhibition of lewd dancing prearranged by Herodias to compass her purpose for John's death. Salome had stooped to the level of an \almeh\, or common dancer.

rwp@Matthew:14:9 @{Grieved} (\lupˆtheis\). Not to hurt, for in verse 5| we read that he wanted (\thel“n\) to put him to death (\apokteinai\). Herod, however, shrank from so dastardly a deed as this public display of brutality and bloodthirstiness. Men who do wrong always have some flimsy excuses for their sins. A man here orders a judicial murder of the most revolting type "for the sake of his oath" (\dia tous horkous\). "More like profane swearing than deliberate utterance once for all of a solemn oath" (Bruce). He was probably maudlin with wine and befuddled by the presence of the guests.

rwp@Matthew:14:16 @{Give ye them to eat} (\dote autois h–meis phagein\). The emphasis is on \h–meis\ in contrast (note position) with their "send away" (\apoluson\). It is the urgent aorist of instant action (\dote\). It was an astounding command. The disciples were to learn that "no situation appears to Him desperate, no crisis unmanageable" (Bruce).

rwp@Matthew:14:18 @{And he said} (\ho de eipen\). Here is the contrast between the helpless doubt of the disciples and the confident courage of Jesus. He used "_the_ five loaves and two fishes" which they had mentioned as a reason for doing nothing. "Bring them hither unto me." They had overlooked the power of Jesus in this emergency.

rwp@Matthew:14:19 @{To sit down on the grass} (\anaklithˆnai epi tou chortou\). "Recline," of course, the word means, first aorist passive infinitive. A beautiful picture in the afternoon sun on the grass on the mountain side that sloped westward. The orderly arrangement (Mark) made it easy to count them and to feed them. Jesus stood where all could see him "break" (\klasas\) the thin Jewish cakes of bread and give to the disciples and they to the multitudes. This is a nature miracle that some men find it hard to believe, but it is recorded by all four Gospels and the only one told by all four. It was impossible for the crowds to misunderstand and to be deceived. If Jesus is in reality Lord of the universe as John tells us (John:1:1-18|) and Paul holds (Colossians:1:15-20|), why should we balk at this miracle? He who created the universe surely has power to go on creating what he wills to do.

rwp@Matthew:14:21 @{Beside women and children} (\ch“ris gunaik“n kai paidi“n\). Perhaps on this occasion there were not so many as usual because of the rush of the crowd around the head of the lake. Matthew adds this item and does not mean that the women and children were not fed, but simply that "the eaters" (\hoi esthiontes\) included five thousand men (\andres\) besides the women and children.

rwp@Matthew:14:22 @{Constrained} (\ˆnagkasen\). Literally, "compelled" or "forced." See this word also in strkjv@Luke:14:23|. The explanation for this strong word in strkjv@Mark:6:45| and strkjv@Matthew:14:22| is given in strkjv@John:6:15|. It is the excited purpose of the crowd to take Jesus by force and to make him national king. This would be political revolution and would defeat all the plans of Jesus about his kingdom. Things have reached a climax. The disciples were evidently swept off their feet by the mob psychology for they still shared the Pharisaic hope of a political kingdom. With the disciples out of the way Jesus could handle the crowd more easily, {till he should send the multitudes away} (\he“s hou apolusˆi tous ochlous\). The use of the aorist subjunctive with \he“s\ or \he“s hou\ is a neat and common Greek idiom where the purpose is not yet realized. Songs:in strkjv@18:30; strkjv@26:36|. "While" sometimes renders it well. The subjunctive is retained after a past tense instead of the change to the optative of the ancient Attic. The optative is very rare anyhow, but Luke uses it with \prin ˆ\ in strkjv@Acts:25:16|.

rwp@Matthew:14:24 @{Distressed} (\basanizomenon\). Like a man with demons (8:29|). One can see, as Jesus did (Mark:6:48|), the boat bobbing up and down in the choppy sea.

rwp@Matthew:14:26 @{They were troubled} (\etarachthˆsan\). Much stronger than that. They were literally "terrified" as they saw Jesus walking on the sea. {An apparition} (\phantasma\), or "ghost," or "spectre" from \phantaz“\ and that from \phain“\. They cried out "from fear" (\apo tou phobou\) as any one would have done. "A little touch of sailor superstition" (Bruce).

rwp@Matthew:14:30 @{Seeing the wind} (\blep“n ton anemon\). Cf. strkjv@Exodus:20:18| and strkjv@Revelation:1:12| "to see the voice" (\tˆn ph“nˆn\). "It is one thing to see a storm from the deck of a stout ship, another to see it in the midst of the waves" (Bruce). Peter was actually beginning to sink (\katapontizesthai\) to plunge down into the sea, "although a fisherman and a good swimmer" (Bengel). It was a dramatic moment that wrung from Peter the cry: "Lord, save me" (\Kurie, s“son me\), and do it quickly the aorist means. He could walk on the water till he saw the wind whirl the water round him.

rwp@Matthew:14:31 @{Didst thou doubt?} (\edistasas?\). Only here and strkjv@28:17| in the N.T. From \distaz“\ and that from \dis\ (twice). Pulled two ways. Peter's trust in the power of Christ gave way to his dread of the wind and waves. Jesus had to take hold of Peter (\epelabeto\, middle voice) and pull him up while still walking on the water.

rwp@Matthew:15:2 @{The tradition of the elders} (\tˆn paradosin t“n presbuter“n\). This was the oral law, handed down by the elders of the past in _ex cathedra_ fashion and later codified in the Mishna. Handwashing before meals is not a requirement of the Old Testament. It is, we know, a good thing for sanitary reasons, but the rabbis made it a mark of righteousness for others at any rate. This item was magnified at great length in the oral teaching. The washing (\niptontai\, middle voice, note) of the hands called for minute regulations. It was commanded to wash the hands before meals, it was one's duty to do it after eating. The more rigorous did it between the courses. The hands must be immersed. Then the water itself must be "clean" and the cups or pots used must be ceremonially "clean." Vessels were kept full of clean water ready for use (John:2:6-8|). Songs:it went on _ad infinitum_. Thus a real issue is raised between Jesus and the rabbis. It was far more than a point of etiquette or of hygienics. The rabbis held it to be a mortal sin. The incident may have happened in a Pharisee's house.

rwp@Matthew:15:3 @{Ye also} (\kai h–meis\). Jesus admits that the disciples had transgressed the rabbinical traditions. Jesus treats it as a matter of no great importance in itself save as they had put the tradition of the elders in the place of the commandment of God. When the two clashed, as was often the case, the rabbis transgress the commandment of God "because of your tradition" (\dia tˆn paradosin h–m“n\). The accusative with \dia\ means that, not "by means of." Tradition is not good or bad in itself. It is merely what is handed on from one to another. Custom tended to make these traditions binding like law. The Talmud is a monument of their struggle with tradition. There could be no compromise on this subject and Jesus accepts the issue. He stands for real righteousness and spiritual freedom, not for bondage to mere ceremonialism and tradition. The rabbis placed tradition (the oral law) above the law of God.

rwp@Matthew:15:5 @{But ye say} (\h–meis de legete\). In sharp contrast to the command of God. Jesus had quoted the fifth commandment (Exodus:20:12,16|) with the penalty "die the death" (\thanat“i teleutat“\), "go on to his end by death," in imitation of the Hebrew idiom. They dodged this command of God about the penalty for dishonouring one's father or mother by the use "Corban" (\korban\) as Mark calls it (Mark:7:11|). All one had to do to evade one's duty to father or mother was to say "Corban" or "Gift" (\D“ron\) with the idea of using the money for God. By an angry oath of refusal to help one's parents, the oath or vow was binding. By this magic word one set himself free (\ou mˆ timˆsei\, he shall not honour) from obedience to the fifth commandment. Sometimes unfilial sons paid graft to the rabbinical legalists for such dodges. Were some of these very faultfinders guilty?

rwp@Matthew:15:7 @{Well did Isaiah prophesy of you} (\kal“s eprophˆteusen peri h–m“n Esaias\). There is sarcasm in this pointed application of Isaiah's words (Isaiah:29:13|) to these rabbis. He "beautifully pictured" them. The portrait was to the very life, "teaching as their doctrines the commandments of men." They were indeed far from God if they imagined that God would be pleased with such gifts at the expense of duty to one's parents.

rwp@Matthew:15:11 @{This defileth the man} (\touto koinoi ton anthr“pon\). This word is from \koinos\ which is used in two senses, either what is "common" to all and general like the _Koin‚_ Greek, or what is unclean and "common" either ceremonially or in reality. The ceremonial "commonness" disturbed Peter on the housetop in Joppa (Acts:10:14|). See also strkjv@Acts:21:28; strkjv@Hebrews:9:13|. One who is thus religiously common or unclean is cut off from doing his religious acts. "Defilement" was a grave issue with the rabbinical ceremonialists. Jesus appeals to the crowd here: {Hear and understand} (\akouete kai suniete\). He has a profound distinction to draw. Moral uncleanness is what makes a man common, defiles him. That is what is to be dreaded, not to be glossed over. "This goes beyond the tradition of the elders and virtually abrogates the Levitical distinctions between clean and unclean" (Bruce). One can see the pettifogging pretenders shrivel up under these withering words.

rwp@Matthew:15:14 @{They are blind guides} (\tuphloi eisin hodˆgoi\). Graphic picture. Once in Cincinnati a blind man introduced me to his blind friend. He said that he was showing him the city. Jesus is not afraid of the Pharisees. Let them alone to do their worst. Blind leaders and blind victims will land in the ditch. A proverbial expression in the O.T.

rwp@Matthew:15:17 @{Perceive ye not?} (\ou noeite\). Christ expects us to make use of our \nous\, intellect, not for pride, but for insight. The mind does not work infallibly, but we should use it for its God-given purpose. Intellectual laziness or flabbiness is no credit to a devout soul.

rwp@Matthew:15:27 @{Even the dogs} (\kai ta kunaria\). She took no offence at the implication of being a Gentile dog. The rather she with quick wit took Christ's very word for little dogs (\kunaria\) and deftly turned it to her own advantage, for the little dogs eat of the crumbs (\psichi“n\, little morsels, diminutive again) that fall from the table of their masters (\kuri“n\), the children.

rwp@Matthew:15:30 @{And they cast them down at his feet} (\kai eripsan autous para tous podas autou\). A very strong word, flung them down, "not carelessly, but in haste, because so many were coming on the same errand" (Vincent). It was a great day for "they glorified the God of Israel."

rwp@Matthew:16:1 @{The Pharisees and Sadducees} (\hoi Pharisaioi kai Saddoukaioi\). The first time that we have this combination of the two parties who disliked each other exceedingly. Hate makes strange bedfellows. They hated Jesus more than they did each other. Their hostility has not decreased during the absence of Jesus, but rather increased. {Tempting him} (\peirazontes\). Their motive was bad. {A sign from heaven} (\sˆmeion ek tou ouranou\). The scribes and Pharisees had already asked for a sign (12:38|). Now this new combination adds "from heaven." What did they have in mind? They may not have had any definite idea to embarrass Jesus. The Jewish apocalypses did speak of spectacular displays of power by the Son of Man (the Messiah). The devil had suggested that Jesus let the people see him drop down from the pinnacle of the temple and the people expected the Messiah to come from an unknown source (John:7:27|) who would do great signs (John:7:31|). Chrysostom (_Hom_. liii.) suggests stopping the course of the sun, bridling the moon, a clap of thunder.

rwp@Matthew:16:4 @Same words in strkjv@12:39| except \tou prophˆtou\, a real doublet.

rwp@Matthew:16:18 @{I will build my church} (\oikodomˆs“ mou tˆn ekklˆsian\). It is the figure of a building and he uses the word \ekklˆsian\ which occurs in the New Testament usually of a local organization, but sometimes in a more general sense. What is the sense here in which Jesus uses it? The word originally meant "assembly" (Acts:19:39|), but it came to be applied to an "unassembled assembly" as in strkjv@Acts:8:3| for the Christians persecuted by Saul from house to house. "And the name for the new Israel, \ekklˆsia\, in His mouth is not an anachronism. It is an old familiar name for the congregation of Israel found in Deut. (Deuteronomy:18:26; strkjv@23:2|) and Psalms (Psalms:22:36|), both books well known to Jesus" (Bruce). It is interesting to observe that in strkjv@Psalms:89| most of the important words employed by Jesus on this occasion occur in the LXX text. Songs:\oikodomˆs“\ in strkjv@Psalms:89:5|; \ekklˆsia\ in strkjv@Psalms:89:6|; \katischu“\ in strkjv@Psalms:89:22|; \Christos\ in strkjv@Psalms:89:39,52|; \hƒidˆs\ in strkjv@Psalms:89:49| (\ek cheiros hƒidou\). If one is puzzled over the use of "building" with the word \ekklˆsia\ it will be helpful to turn to strkjv@1Peter:2:5|. Peter, the very one to whom Jesus is here speaking, writing to the Christians in the five Roman provinces in Asia (1Peter:1:1|), says: "You are built a spiritual house" (\oikodomeisthe oikos pneumatikos\). It is difficult to resist the impression that Peter recalls the words of Jesus to him on this memorable occasion. Further on (1Peter:2:9|) he speaks of them as an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, showing beyond controversy that Peter's use of building a spiritual house is general, not local. This is undoubtedly the picture in the mind of Christ here in strkjv@16:18|. It is a great spiritual house, Christ's Israel, not the Jewish nation, which he describes. What is the rock on which Christ will build his vast temple? Not on Peter alone or mainly or primarily. Peter by his confession was furnished with the illustration for the rock on which His church will rest. It is the same kind of faith that Peter has just confessed. The perpetuity of this church general is guaranteed.

rwp@Matthew:16:18 @{The gates of Hades} (\pulai hƒidou\) {shall not prevail against it} (\ou katischusousin autˆs\). Each word here creates difficulty. Hades is technically the unseen world, the Hebrew Sheol, the land of the departed, that is death. Paul uses \thanate\ in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:55| in quoting strkjv@Hosea:13:14| for \hƒidˆ\. It is not common in the papyri, but it is common on tombstones in Asia Minor, "doubtless a survival of its use in the old Greek religion" (Moulton and Milligan, _Vocabulary_). The ancient pagans divided Hades (\a\ privative and \idein\, to see, abode of the unseen) into Elysium and Tartarus as the Jews put both Abraham's bosom and Gehenna in Sheol or Hades (cf. strkjv@Luke:16:25|). Christ was in Hades (Acts:2:27,31|), not in Gehenna. We have here the figure of two buildings, the Church of Christ on the Rock, the House of Death (Hades). "In the Old Testament the 'gates of Hades' (Sheol) never bears any other meaning (Isaiah:38:10|; Wisd. strkjv@16:3; 3Macc. strkjv@5:51) than death," McNeile claims. See also strkjv@Psalms:9:13; strkjv@107:18; strkjv@Job:38:17| (\pulai thanatou pul“roi hƒidou\). It is not the picture of Hades _attacking_ Christ's church, but of death's possible victory over the church. "The \ekklˆsia\ is built upon the Messiahship of her master, and death, the gates of Hades, will not prevail against her by keeping Him imprisoned. It was a mysterious truth, which He will soon tell them in plain words (verse 21|); it is echoed in strkjv@Acts:2:24,31|" (McNeile). Christ's church will prevail and survive because He will burst the gates of Hades and come forth conqueror. He will ever live and be the guarantor of the perpetuity of His people or church. The verb \katischu“\ (literally have strength against, \ischu“\ from \ischus\ and \kat-\) occurs also in strkjv@Luke:21:36; strkjv@23:23|. It appears in the ancient Greek, the LXX, and in the papyri with the accusative and is used in the modern Greek with the sense of gaining the mastery over. The wealth of imagery in strkjv@Matthew:16:18| makes it difficult to decide each detail, but the main point is clear. The \ekklˆsia\ which consists of those confessing Christ as Peter has just done will not cease. The gates of Hades or bars of Sheol will not close down on it. Christ will rise and will keep his church alive. _Sublime Porte_ used to be the title of Turkish power in Constantinople.

rwp@Revelation:7:9 @{Which no man could number} (\hon arithmˆsai auton oudeis edunato\). Redundant repetition of the pronoun \auton\ after the relative \hon\ as in strkjv@7:5; strkjv@3:8|. \Edunato\ imperfect indicative and \arithmˆsai\ first aorist active infinitive of \arithme“\, old verb, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Matthew:10:30; strkjv@Luke:12:7|. See strkjv@5:9| (also strkjv@11:9; strkjv@13:7; strkjv@14:10; strkjv@17:15|) for the list of words after \ek\ (the spiritual Israel carried on all over the world), "a polyglott cosmopolitan crowd" (Swete). {Standing} (\hest“tes\). Same form in strkjv@7:1|, only nominative masculine plural referring to \ochlos\ (masculine singular), construction according to sense like the plural \legont“n\ with \ochlou\ in strkjv@19:1|. {Arrayed} (\peribeblˆmenous\). Perfect passive participle of \periball“\, but in the accusative plural (not nominative like \hest“tes\), a common variation in this book when preceded by \eidon\ and \idou\ as in strkjv@4:4| (\thronoi, presbuterous\). Charles regards this as a mere slip which would have been changed to \peribeblˆmenoi\ if John had read the MS. over. {In white robes} (\stolas leukas\). Predicate accusative retained with this passive verb of clothing as in strkjv@7:13; strkjv@10:1; strkjv@11:3; strkjv@12:1; strkjv@17:4; strkjv@18:16; strkjv@19:13|. {Palms} (\phoinikes\). Nominative again, back to construction with \idou\, not \eidon\. Old word, in N.T. only here for palm branches and strkjv@John:12:13| for palm trees. Both these and the white robes are signs of victory and joy.

rwp@Revelation:7:11 @{Were standing} (\histˆkeisan\). Past perfect active of \histˆmi\ intransitive and used like an imperfect as in strkjv@John:19:25|. {Round about} (\kukl“i\). Preposition (in a circle) with genitive as in strkjv@4:6; strkjv@5:11|. The angels here rejoice in the salvation of men (Luke:15:7,10; strkjv@1Peter:1:12|). {Upon their faces} (\epi ta pros“pa aut“n\). In reverential worship of God as in strkjv@11:16|. For this worship (fell and worshipped) see also strkjv@4:10; strkjv@5:14; strkjv@11:16; strkjv@19:4,10; strkjv@22:8|. The dative \t“i the“i\ (God) with \proskune“\ (to worship) is the usual construction for that meaning. When it means merely to do homage the accusative case is usual in this book (Charles). But in the Fourth Gospel the reverse order is true as to the cases with \proskune“\ (Abbott, _Joh. Vocab_. pp. 138-142).

rwp@Revelation:7:12 @Note \amˆn\ at the beginning and the close of the doxology. Note also separate feminine article with each of the seven attributes given God, as in strkjv@4:11; strkjv@5:12,13|.

rwp@Revelation:7:15 @{Therefore} (\dia touto\). Because of the washing described in verse 14|. {They serve him} (\latreuousin aut“i\). Dative case with \latreu“\ (present active indicative, old verb, originally to serve for hire \latron\, then service in general, then religious service to God, strkjv@Matthew:4:10|, then in particular ritual worship of the priests, strkjv@Hebrews:8:5|). All the redeemed are priests (Revelation:16:5,10|) in the heavenly temple (6:9|) as here. But this service is that of spiritual worship, not of external rites (Romans:12:1; strkjv@Phillipians:3:3|). {Day and night} (\hˆmeras kai nuktos\). Genitive of time, "by day and night," as in strkjv@4:8| of the praise of the four living creatures. {Shall spread his tabernacle over them} (\skˆn“sei ep' autous\). Future (change of tense from present in \latreuousin\) active of \skˆno“\, old verb from \skˆnos\ (tent, tabernacle), used in strkjv@John:1:14| of the earthly life of Christ, elsewhere in N.T. only in Rev. (7:14; strkjv@12:12; strkjv@13:6; strkjv@21:3|). In strkjv@12:12; strkjv@13:6| of those who dwell in tents, here of God spreading his tent "over" (\ep' autous\) the redeemed in heaven, in strkjv@21:3| of God tabernacling "with" (\met' aut“n\) the redeemed, in both instances a picture of sacred fellowship, and "the further idea of God's Presence as a protection from all fear of evil" (Swete) like the overshadowing of Israel by the Shekinah and a possible allusion also to the tents (\skˆnai\) of the feast of tabernacles and to the tent of meeting where God met Moses (Exodus:33:7-11|).

rwp@Revelation:7:16 @{They shall hunger no more} (\ou peinasousin eti\). Future tense of \peina“\, old verb with late form instead of \peinˆsousin\ like strkjv@Luke:6:25|. It is a free translation of strkjv@Isaiah:49:10| (not quotation from the LXX). {Neither thirst any more} (\oude dipsˆsousin eti\). Future tense of \dipsa“\, the two strong human appetites will be gone, a clear refutation of a gross materialistic or sensual conception of the future life. Cf. strkjv@John:6:35|. {Neither shall strike} (\oude mˆ pesˆi\). Strong double negative \oude mˆ\ with second aorist active subjunctive of \pipt“\, to fall. They will no longer be under the rays of the sun as upon earth. {Nor any heat} (\oude pƒn kauma\). Old word from \kai“\, to burn, painful and burning heat, in N.T. only here and strkjv@16:9| (picture of the opposite condition). The use of the negative with \pƒn\ (all) for "not any" is common in N.T. Cf. strkjv@Psalms:121:6|.

rwp@Revelation:8:1 @{And when he opened} (\kai hotan ˆnoixen\). Here modal \an\ is used with \hote\ (used about the opening of the preceding six seals), but \hotan\ is not here rendered more indefinite, as is sometimes true (Mark:3:11; strkjv@Revelation:4:9|), but here and possibly (can be repetition) in strkjv@Mark:11:19| it is a particular instance, not a general rule (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 973). {There followed a silence} (\egeneto sigˆ\). Second aorist middle of \ginomai\. "There came silence." Dramatic effect by this profound stillness with no elder or angel speaking, no chorus of praise nor cry of adoration, no thunder from the throne (Swete), but a temporary cessation in the revelations. See strkjv@10:4|. {About the space of half an hour} (\h“s hˆmi“ron\). Late and rare word (\hˆmi\, half, \h“ra\, hour), here only in N.T. Accusative of extent of time.

rwp@Revelation:8:2 @{Stand} (\hestˆkasin\). Perfect active of \histˆmi\ (intransitive). Another "hebdomad" so frequent in the Apocalypse. The article (the seven angels) seems to point to seven well-known angels. In Enoch strkjv@20:7 the names of seven archangels are given (Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel, Remiel) and "angels of the Presence" is an idea like that in strkjv@Isaiah:63:9|. We do not know precisely what is John's idea here. {Seven trumpets} (\hepta salpigges\). We see trumpets assigned to angels in strkjv@Matthew:24:31; strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:16; strkjv@1Corinthians:15:52; strkjv@Revelation:4:1,4|. See also the use of trumpets in strkjv@Joshua:6:13; strkjv@Joel:2:1|. These seven trumpets are soon to break the half hour of silence. Thus the seven trumpets grow out of the opening of the seventh seal, however that fact is to be interpreted.

rwp@Revelation:8:3 @{Another angel} (\allos aggelos\). Not one of the seven of verse 2| and before they began to sound the trumpets. This preliminary incident of the offering of incense on the altar covers verses 3-6|. {Stood} (\estathˆ\). Ingressive first aorist passive of \histˆmi\ (intransitive), "took his place." {Over the altar} (\epi tou thusiastˆriou\). See strkjv@6:9| for the word for the burnt-offering, here apparently the altar of incense (clearly so in strkjv@Luke:1:11|; possibly also strkjv@Revelation:9:13|), but it is not clear that in apocalyptic the distinction between the two altars of the tabernacle and temple is preserved. Aleph C Q have the genitive, while A P have the accusative \epi to thusiastˆrion\. {A golden censer} (\liban“ton chrusoun\). Old word for frankincense (from \libanos\, strkjv@Matthew:2:11; strkjv@Revelation:18:13|), but here alone in N.T. and for censer, as is plain by the use of \chrusoun\ (golden) with it. Cf. strkjv@1Kings:7:50|. {Much incense} (\thumiamata polla\). See strkjv@5:8| for \thumiama\ (the aromatic substance burnt, also in strkjv@18:13|), but here for the live coals on which the incense falls. {That he should add} (\hina d“sei\). Sub-final clause (subject of \edothˆ\, was given, singular because \thumiamata\ neuter plural) with \hina\ and the future active indicative of \did“mi\, to give, instead of \d“i\, the second aorist subjunctive. {Unto the prayers} (\tais proseuchais\). Dative case. In strkjv@5:18| the \thumiamata\ are the prayers. {Upon the golden altar} (\epi to thusiastˆrion to chrusoun to\). Accusative case here, not genitive as above, and apparently the altar of incense as indicated by the word golden (Exodus:30:1ff.; strkjv@Leviticus:4:17|). Note triple article here \to\ (once before the substantive, once before the adjective, once before the adjunct "the one before the throne").

rwp@Revelation:8:5 @{Taketh} (\eilˆphen\). Vivid dramatic perfect active indicative of \lamban“\ as in strkjv@5:7|, "has taken." The angel had apparently ]aid aside the censer. Hardly merely the pleonastic use of \lamban“\ (John:19:23|). John pictures the scene for us. {Filled} (\egemisen\). He drops back to the narrative use of the first aorist active indicative of \gemiz“\. {With the fire} (\ek tou puros\), live coals from the altar (cf. strkjv@Isaiah:6:6|). {Cast} (\ebalen\). Second aorist active indicative of \ball“\. See strkjv@Genesis:19:24| (Sodom); strkjv@Ezekiel:10:2| and Christ's bold metaphor in strkjv@Luke:12:49|. See this use of \ball“\ also in strkjv@Revelation:8:7; strkjv@12:4,9,13; strkjv@14:19|. {Followed} (\egenonto\). Came to pass naturally after the casting of fire on the earth. Same three elements in strkjv@4:5|, but in different order (lightnings, voices, thunders), lightning naturally preceding thunder as some MSS. have it here. Perhaps \ph“nai\, the voices of the storm (wind, etc.).

rwp@Revelation:8:7 @{Sounded} (\esalpisen\). First aorist active indicative of \salpiz“\, repeated with each angel in turn (8:8,10,12; strkjv@9:1,13; strkjv@11:15|). {Hail and fire mingled with blood} (\chalaza kai pur memigmena en haimati\). Like the plague of hail and fire in strkjv@Exodus:9:24|. The first four trumpets are very much like the plagues in Egypt, this one like a semitropical thunderstorm (Swete) with blood like the first plague (Exodus:7:17ff.; strkjv@Psalms:106:35|). The old feminine word \chalaza\ (hail) is from the verb \chala“\, to let down (Mark:2:4|), in N.T. only in strkjv@Revelation:8:7; strkjv@11:19; strkjv@16:21|. The perfect passive participle \memigmena\ (from \mignumi\, to mix) is neuter plural because of \pur\ (fire). {Were cast} (\eblˆthˆ\). First aorist passive singular because \chalaza\ and \pur\ treated as neuter plural. "The storm flung itself on the earth" (Swete). {Was burnt up} (\katekaˆ\). Second aorist (effective) passive indicative of \katakai“\, old verb to burn down (effective use of \kata\, up, we say). Repeated here three times for dramatic effect. See strkjv@7:1-3| about the trees and strkjv@9:4| where the locusts are forbidden to injure the grass.

rwp@Revelation:8:13 @{An eagle} (\henos aetou\). "One eagle," perhaps \henos\ (\heis\) used as an indefinite article (9:13; strkjv@18:21; strkjv@19:17|). See strkjv@4:7| also for the flying eagle, the strongest of birds, sometimes a symbol of vengeance (Deuteronomy:28:49; strkjv@Hosea:8:1; strkjv@Habbakkuk:1:8|). {Flying in mid-heaven} (\petomenou en mesouranˆmati\). Like the angel in strkjv@14:6| and the birds in strkjv@19:17|. \Mesouranˆma\ (from \mesourane“\ to be in mid-heaven) is a late word (Plutarch, papyri) for the sun at noon, in N.T. only these three examples. This eagle is flying where all can see, and crying so that all can hear. {Woe, woe, woe} (\ouai, ouai, ouai\). Triple because three trumpets yet to come. In strkjv@18:10,16,19| the double \ouai\ is merely for emphasis. {For them that dwell on the earth} (\tous katoikountas\). Accusative of the articular present active participle of \katoike“\, is unusual (Aleph Q here and also in strkjv@12:12|) as in strkjv@Matthew:11:21|. There is even a nominative in strkjv@18:10|. {By reason of the other voices} (\ek t“n loip“n ph“n“n\). "As a result of (\ek\) the rest of the voices." There is more and worse to come, "of the three angels who are yet to sound" (\t“n tri“n aggel“n t“n mellont“n salpizein\).

rwp@Revelation:9:1 @{Fallen} (\pept“kota\). Perfect active participle of \pipt“\, already down. In strkjv@Luke:10:18| note \pesonta\ (constative aorist active, like a flash of lightning) after \ethe“roun\ and in strkjv@Revelation:7:2| note \anabainonta\ (present active and linear, coming up, picturing the process) after \eidon\. {Of the pit of the abyss} (\tou phreatos tˆs abussou\). \Abussos\ is an old adjective (alpha privative and \buthos\, depth, without depth), but \hˆ abussos\ (supply \ch“ra\ place), the bottomless place. It occurs in strkjv@Romans:10:7| for the common receptacle of the dead for Hades (Sheol), but in strkjv@Luke:8:31| a lower depth is sounded (Swete), for the abode of demons, and in this sense it occurs in strkjv@Revelation:9:1,2,11; strkjv@11:7; strkjv@17:8; strkjv@20:1,3|. \Phrear\ is an old word for well or cistern (Luke:14:5; strkjv@John:4:11f.|) and it occurs in strkjv@Revelation:9:1f.| for the mouth of the abyss which is pictured as a cistern with a narrow orifice at the entrance and this fifth angel holds the key to it.

rwp@Revelation:9:5 @{That they should not kill them} (\hina mˆ apoktein“sin autous\). Sub-final object clause (subject of \edothˆ\) with \hina mˆ\ and the subjunctive of \apoktein“\ either present (continued action) or aorist (constative, form the same), the usual construction with \hina\. The locusts are charged to injure men, but not to kill them. {But that they should be tormented} (\all' hina basanisthˆsontai\). Sub-final clause again with \hina\, but this time with the first future passive indicative (like strkjv@3:9; strkjv@6:4; strkjv@8:3; strkjv@13:12|) of \basaniz“\, old verb, to test metals (from \basanos\, strkjv@Matthew:4:24|) by touchstone, then to torture like strkjv@Matthew:8:29|, further in strkjv@Revelation:11:10; strkjv@12:2; strkjv@14:10; strkjv@20:10|. {Five months} (\mˆnas pente\). Accusative of extent of time. The actual locust is born in the spring and dies at the end of summer (about five months). {Torment} (\basanismos\). Late word for torture, from \basaniz“\, in N.T. only in strkjv@Revelation:9:5; strkjv@14:11; strkjv@18:7,10,15|. The wound of the scorpion was not usually fatal, though exceedingly painful. {When it striketh a man} (\hotan paisˆi anthr“pon\). Indefinite temporal clause with \hotan\ and the first aorist active subjunctive of \pai“\ (Matthew:26:51|), old verb, to smite, "whenever it smites a man."

rwp@Revelation:9:6 @{Men} (\hoi anthr“poi\). Generic use of the article (men as a class). {Shall not find it} (\ou mˆ heurˆsousin auton\). Strong double negative \ou mˆ\ with the future active indicative according to Aleph Q, but \heur“sin\ (second aorist active subjunctive) according to A P (either construction regular). The idea here is found in strkjv@Job:3:21; strkjv@Jeremiah:8:3|. "Such a death as they desire, a death which will end their sufferings, is impossible; physical death is no remedy for the \basanismos\ of an evil conscience" (Swete). {They shall desire to die} (\epithumˆsousin apothanein\). Future active of \epithume“\, a climax to \zˆtˆsousin\ (they shall seek), to desire vehemently. Paul in strkjv@Phillipians:1:23| shows a preference for death if his work is done, in order to be with Christ, a very different feeling from what we have here. {Fleeth} (\pheugei\). Vivid futuristic present active indicative of \pheug“\. Even death does not come to their relief.

rwp@Revelation:17:1 @{I will show thee} (\deix“ soi\). Future active of \deiknumi\. It is fitting that one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls should explain the judgment on Babylon (16:19|) already pronounced (14:8|). That is now done in chapters strkjv@Revelation:17; 18|. {The judgment of the great harlot} (\to krima tˆs pornˆs tˆs megalˆs\). The word \krima\ is the one used about the doom of Babylon in strkjv@Jeremiah:51:9|. Already in strkjv@14:8| Babylon is called the harlot. \Pornˆs\ is the objective genitive, "the judgment on the great harlot." {That sitteth upon many waters} (\tˆs kathˆmenˆs epi hudat“n poll“n\). Note triple use of the article \tˆs\. In strkjv@Jeremiah:51:13| we have \eph' hudasi pollois\ (locative in place of genitive as here). Babylon got its wealth by means of the Euphrates and the numerous canals for irrigation. Rome does not have such a system of canals, but this item is taken and applied to the New Babylon in strkjv@17:15|. Nahum (Nahum:3:4|) calls Nineveh a harlot, as Isaiah (Isaiah:23:16f.|) does Tyre.

rwp@Revelation:17:2 @{The kings of the earth} (\hoi basileis tˆs gˆs\). Repeated in strkjv@1:5; strkjv@6:15; strkjv@17:18; strkjv@18:3,9; strkjv@19:19; strkjv@21:24| and "the kings of the inhabited earth" (16:14|) either for human rulers in general or the vassal kings absorbed by the Roman Empire. {Committed fornication} (\eporneusan\). First aorist active indicative of \porneu“\. "In purchasing the favour of Rome by accepting her suzerainty and with it her vices and idolatries" (Swete). {Were made drunken} (\emethusthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \methusk“\, old verb (from \methu\), as in strkjv@Luke:12:45|, here only in the Apocalypse. Cf. strkjv@Isaiah:51:7| and \pepotiken\ in strkjv@Revelation:14:8|. See strkjv@18:3|.

rwp@Revelation:17:3 @{He carried me away} (\apˆnegken me\). Second aorist active indicative of \apopher“\, to bear away, prophetic aorist. This verb is used of angels at death (Luke:16:22|) or in an ecstasy (Revelation:21:10| and here). {In the Spirit} (\en pneumati\). Probably his own spirit, though the Holy Spirit is possible (1:10; strkjv@4:2; strkjv@21:10|), without Paul's uncertainty (2Corinthians:12:2|). Cf. strkjv@Ezekiel:3:14f.; strkjv@8:3; strkjv@11:24|. {Into a wilderness} (\eis erˆmon\). In strkjv@Isaiah:21:1| there is \to horama tˆs erˆmou\ (the vision of the deserted one, Babylon), and in strkjv@Isaiah:14:23| Babylon is called \erˆmon\. John may here picture this to be the fate of Rome or it may be that he himself, in the wilderness (desert) this side of Babylon, sees her fate. In strkjv@21:10| he sees the New Jerusalem from a high mountain. {Sitting} (\kathˆmenˆn\). Present middle participle of \kathˆmai\ as in verse 1|. "To manage and guide the beast" (Vincent). {Upon a scarlet-coloured beast} (\epi thˆrion kokkinon\). Accusative with \epi\ here, though genitive in verse 1|. Late adjective (from \kokkos\, a parasite of the _ilex coccifera_), a crimson tint for splendour, in strkjv@Revelation:17:3,4; strkjv@18:12,16; strkjv@Matthew:27:28; strkjv@Hebrews:9:19|. {Full of names of blasphemy} (\gemonta onomata blasphˆmias\). See strkjv@13:1| for "names of blasphemy" on the seven heads of the beast, but here they cover the whole body of the beast (the first beast of strkjv@13:1; strkjv@19:20|). The harlot city (Rome) sits astride this beast with seven heads and ten horns (Roman world power). The beast is here personified with masculine participles instead of neuter, like \thˆrion\ (\gemonta\ accusative singular, \ech“n\ nominative singular, though some MSS. read \echonta\), construction according to sense in both instances. The verb \gem“\ always has the genitive after it in the Apocalypse (4:6,8; strkjv@5:8; strkjv@15:7; strkjv@17:4; strkjv@21:9|) save here and apparently once in strkjv@17:4|.

rwp@Revelation:17:4 @{Was arrayed} (\ˆn peribeblˆmenˆ\). Periphrastic past perfect indicative of \periball“\, to fling round one. {In purple and scarlet} (\porphuroun kai kokkinon\). Accusative retained after this passive verb of clothing, as so often. \Porphurous\ is old adjective for purple (from \porphura\), in N.T. only here and strkjv@John:19:2,5|. See preceding verse for \kokkinos\. {Decked} (\kechrus“menˆ\). Perfect passive participle of \chruso“\, old verb, to gild, to adorn with gold, here alone in N.T. {With gold and precious stone and pearls} (\chrusi“i kai lith“i timi“i kai margaritais\). Instrumental case. \Chrusi“i\ is cognate with the participle. \Lith“i timi“i\ is collective (18:12,16; strkjv@21:19|). There is a \zeugma\ also with \margaritais\ (18:12,16; strkjv@21:21|), for which word see strkjv@Matthew:7:6|. Probably John is thinking of the finery of the temple prostitutes in Asia Minor. {Full of abominations} (\gemon bdelugmat“n\). Agreeing with \potˆrion\, "cup" (neuter singular accusative). Some MSS. read \gem“n\ (nominative masculine like \ech“n\ in verse 3|, quite irregular). For \bdelugmat“n\ (genitive after \gemon\) see strkjv@Matthew:24:15|; (Mark:13:14|), common in the LXX for idol worship and its defilements (from \bdeluss“\, to render foul), both ceremonial and moral. See strkjv@Jeremiah:15:7|. {Even the unclean things of her fornication} (\kai ta akatharta tˆs porneias autˆs\). Either the accusative after \gemon\ as in verse 3| (and full of the unclean things of her fornication) or the object of \echousa\, like \potˆrion\.

rwp@Revelation:17:5 @{Upon her forehead a name written} (\epi to met“pon autˆs onoma gegrammenon\). Roman harlots wore a label with their names on their brows (Seneca, _Rhet_. I. 2. 7; Juvenal VI. 122f.), and so here. In strkjv@19:16| Christ has a name on his garments and on his thigh, while in strkjv@14:1; strkjv@22:4| the redeemed have the name of God on their foreheads. There is undoubtedly a contrast between this woman here and the woman in chapter strkjv@Revelation:12|. {Mystery} (\mustˆrion\). Either in apposition with \onoma\ or as part of the inscription on her forehead. In either case the meaning is the same, that the name Babylon is to be interpreted mystically or spiritually (cf. \pneumatik“s\ strkjv@11:8|) for Rome. {The Mother of the Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth} (\Hˆ Mˆtˆr t“n Porn“n kai t“n Bdelugmat“n tˆs Gˆs\). The Metropolis of the Empire is the mother of harlotry and of the world's idolatries. Charles quotes Tacitus (_Ann_. XV. 44) about Rome as the city "quo cuncta undique atrocia aut pudenda confluunt celebranturque_."

rwp@Revelation:17:8 @{Was and is not} (\ˆn kai ouk estin\). Imperfect and present of \eimi\, an apparent antithesis to \ho ˆn kai ho “n\ of strkjv@1:4|. This is a picture of the beast of strkjv@13:1ff.| which the woman is riding, but no longer just the empire, but one of the emperors who died (\ouk estin\, is not). {And is about to come up out of the abyss} (\kai mellei anabainein ek tˆs abussou\). That is, he is going to come to life again. {And to go into perdition} (\kai eis ap“leian hupagei\). Songs:(and he goes into perdition) the best MSS. read rather than the infinitive \hupagein\. Most interpreters see here an allusion to the "Nero _redivivus_" expectancy realized in Domitian, who was ruling when John wrote and who was called Nero _redivivus_. {Shall wonder} (\thaumasthˆsontai\). First future passive (deponent) of \thaumaz“\, with which compare \ethaumasthˆ\ in strkjv@13:3|. John had wondered (\ethaumasa\) in verse 6| "with the amazement of a horrible surprise; the world will wonder and admire" (Swete). {Whose name} (\h“n onoma\). Singular \onoma\, like \pt“ma\ in strkjv@11:8|. See strkjv@13:8| for the same description of those who worship the beast and for discussion of details. {When they behold} (\blepont“n\). Genitive plural of the present active participle of \blep“\, agreeing with \h“n\ (genitive relative) rather than with \hoi katoikountes\ (nominative just before \h“n\). {How that} (\hoti\). "Namely that." {He was, and is not, and shall come} (\ˆn kai ouk estin kai parestai\). Repetition of what is in verse 7| with \parestai\ (future of \pareimi\, from which \parousia\ comes) in place of \mellei\, "parody of the divine name" (Charles) in strkjv@1:4,8; strkjv@4:8|, "as the hellish antitype of Christ." The Neronic Antichrist has also a \parousia\.

rwp@Revelation:17:9 @{Here is the mind which hath wisdom} (\H“de ho nous ho ech“n sophian\). "Here is the intelligence which has wisdom" (Charles). A variation of strkjv@13:18|, but the same idea. {Seven mountains} (\hepta orˆ\). Rome was known as the city on seven hills (Vergil, Horace, Ovid, Cicero, etc.). {On which} (\hopou--ep' aut“n\). "Where--upon them." Pleonasm like \hopou--ekei\ in strkjv@12:6|. In strkjv@13:1ff.| it is the beast that has the seven heads, while here the woman riding the beast has seven heads, a slight change in the symbolism, and the heads are further identified as kings.

rwp@Revelation:17:10 @{Seven kings} (\basileis hepta\). This is another change in the symbolism. The identification of these seven kings is one of the puzzles of the book. {The five are fallen} (\hoi pente epesan\). Second aorist active indicative of \pipt“\ with the \-an\ ending. Common for the downfall of kings (Ezekiel:29:5; strkjv@30:6; strkjv@Isaiah:21:9|, etc.). See strkjv@2Samuel:3:38|. {The one is} (\ho heis estin\). The one when this vision is dated. {The other is not yet come} (\ho allos oup“ ˆlthen\). Prophetic second aorist active of \erchomai\. Charles takes this as the date of this "source" or part of the Apocalypse. But John could himself have used this language in the time of Domitian even if he was the one who had not yet come. The difficulty about counting these emperors is that Galba, Otho, Vitellius reigned so briefly that they hardly merit being included. {When he cometh} (\hotan elthˆi\). Indefinite temporal clause for the future, with \hotan\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \erchomai\, "whenever he comes." {He must continue a little while} (\oligon auton dei meinai\). Swete takes this to be Titus, who died September 13, 81, after a short reign.

rwp@Revelation:17:11 @{Is himself also an eighth and is of the seven} (\kai autos ogdoos kai ek t“n hepta\). This is the angel's interpretation and it looks like a reference to Domitian as the eighth, who is regarded as one of the seven because he was considered a second Nero (Nero _redivivus_). For \ek t“n hepta\ see strkjv@Acts:21:8|. John may have used \ek t“n\ instead of \heis ek t“n\ to avoid absolute identity between Domitian and Nero (Beckwith). {And he goeth unto perdition} (\kai eis ap“leian hupagei\). As in verse 8|. "Domitian was assassinated (September 18, 96), after a terrible struggle with his murderers. The tyrant's end was a symbol of the end to which the Beast which he personated was hastening" (Swete). Cf. strkjv@19:11-21|.

rwp@Revelation:17:12 @{Which have received no kingdom as yet} (\hoitines basileian oup“ elabon\). Second aorist (proleptic and prophetic) active indicative of \lamban“\. The heads are emperors and the horns are kings (both called \basileis\). {As kings} (\h“s basileis\). Compared to kings (see \h“s\ in strkjv@1:10; strkjv@4:6; strkjv@9:7; strkjv@13:3; strkjv@14:3; strkjv@16:21|) without identification with the emperors, though succeeding them with "quasi-imperial powers" with the beast. {For one hour} (\mian h“ran\). Accusative of extent of time, and that a brief time (18:10,16,19|) in comparison with the beast (13:2|).

rwp@Revelation:17:13 @{Have one mind} (\mian gn“mˆn echousin\). "One purpose" (\gn“mˆ\ from \gin“sk“\) as in strkjv@Acts:20:3; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:10|. The new powers are allies of the beast. {They give their power and authority unto the beast} (\tˆn dunamin kai tˆn exousian aut“n t“i thˆri“i didoasin\). Present active indicative of \did“mi\. Just as the dragon gave both power and authority to the beast (13:2|), so they are wholly at the service of the beast.

rwp@Revelation:17:16 @{These shall hate the harlot} (\houtoi misˆsousin tˆn pornˆn\). Future active of \mise“\. \Houtoi\ is resumptive demonstrative pronoun (masculine) referring to the ten horns and the beast (neuter); construction according to sense. The downfall of Rome will come from the sudden change in subject peoples. {Shall make her desolate and naked} (\ˆrˆm“menˆn poiˆsousin autˆn kai gumnˆn\). Future active of \poie“\ and perfect passive predicate accusative participle of \erˆmo“\, old verb (from \erˆmos\ desolate), again in strkjv@18:16,19|. \Gumnˆn\ (naked) is predicate adjective. {Shall eat her flesh} (\tas sarkas autˆs phagontai\). Future middle of the defective verb \esthi“\, to eat. Note plural \sarkas\, portions of flesh (James:5:3|) as in strkjv@Psalms:27:2; strkjv@Micah:3:3|. {Shall burn her utterly with fire} (\autˆn katakausousin en puri\). Future active of \katakai“\, to burn down (perfective use of \kai“\). John wrote before the days of Alaric, Genseric, Ricimer, Totila, with their hordes which devastated Rome and the west in the fifth and sixth centuries. "No reader of the _Decline and Fall_ can be at a loss for materials which will at once illustrate and justify the general trend of St. John's prophecy" (Swete).

rwp@Revelation:17:17 @{Did put} (\ed“ken\). "Did give" (first aorist active of \did“mi\. {To do his mind} (\poiˆsai tˆn gn“mˆn autou\). Epexegetic first aorist active infinitive of \poie“\ after \ed“ken\, as often in this book. They are of one mind (verse 13|) because God put them up to it, clear statement of God's over-ruling hand among the nations. {Until the words of God should be accomplished} (\achri telesthˆsontai hoi logoi tou theou\). Temporal clause about the future with \achri\ (like \he“s\), with the future indicative of \tele“\, but with aorist passive subjunctive \telesth“sin\ in strkjv@15:8|. For \tele“\ see also strkjv@10:7|. For "the words of God" see strkjv@19:9|. They will be fulfilled.

rwp@Revelation:17:18 @{The woman} (\hˆ gunˆ\). She is now explained after the beast has been interpreted. Verse 9| made it plain enough, but this verse demonstrates that the woman is the city of Rome "which reigneth (\hˆ echousa basileian\, the one having a kingdom) over the kings of the earth (\epi t“n basile“n tˆs gˆs\)." Rome followed Babylon, and other cities may follow in their train.

rwp@Revelation:18:1 @{Coming down out of heaven} (\katabainonta ek tou ouranou\). Present active predicate participle. Not the angel of strkjv@17:1,7,15| (John's guide), but one announcing the doom of Babylon (Rome). As in strkjv@10:1; strkjv@20:1|. {Was lightened} (\eph“tisthˆ\). First aorist passive of \ph“tiz“\, old causative verb (from \ph“s\, light), common in N.T. as in strkjv@Revelation:18:1; strkjv@21:23; strkjv@22:5|. {With his glory} (\ek tˆs doxˆs autou\). "By reason of (\ek\ as in strkjv@8:13; strkjv@16:10|) his glory." "Songs:recently has he come from the Presence that in passing he flings a broad belt of light across the dark earth" (Swete).

rwp@Revelation:18:3 @{By} (\ek\). "As a result of." Some MSS. omit "of the wine" (\tou oinou\). Cf. strkjv@14:10; strkjv@16:10|. {Have fallen} (\pept“kan\). Perfect active third personal of \pipt“\ for usual \pept“kasi\. Some MSS. read \pep“kan\ (have drunk), from \pin“\ like the metaphor in strkjv@14:8,10; strkjv@16:19; strkjv@17:2|. See strkjv@17:2| for the same charge about the kings of the earth. {The merchants of the earth} (\hoi emporoi tˆs gˆs\). Old word for one on a journey for trade (from \en, poros\), like drummers, in N.T. only strkjv@Matthew:13:45; strkjv@Revelation:18:3,11,15,23|. Like \emporion\ (John:2:16|) and \emporeuomai\ (James:4:13|). {Waxed rich} (\eploutˆsan\). First ingressive aorist active indicative of \ploute“\, to be rich (cf. strkjv@3:17|). Here alone in the N.T. do we catch a glimpse of the vast traffic between east and west that made Rome rich. {Of her wantonness} (\tou strˆnous autˆs\). Late word for arrogance, luxury, here alone in N.T. See \strˆnia“\ in verses 7,9|, to live wantonly.

rwp@Revelation:18:6 @{Render as she rendered} (\apodote h“s aped“ken\). Second aorist (effective) active imperative and first aorist (effective) active of \apodid“mi\, old and common verb for requital, to give back, the _lex talionis_ which is in the O.T. (Jeremiah:50:15,29; strkjv@51:24,56; strkjv@Psalms:137:8|), and in the N.T. also (Matthew:7:2|). Here the reference is to persecutions by Rome, particularly the martyrdom of the saints (18:24; strkjv@19:2|). {Double the double} (\dipl“sate ta dipla\). First aorist imperative of \diplo“\, old verb (from \diploos\, double, strkjv@Matthew:23:15|), here only in N.T. \Diplƒ\ is simply the neuter plural accusative (cognate) contract form for \diploa\ (not \dipl“\). Requite here in double measure, a full requital (Exodus:22:4,7,9; strkjv@Isaiah:40:2; strkjv@Jeremiah:16:18; strkjv@17:18; strkjv@Zechariah:9:12|). The double recompense was according to the Levitical law. {Which she mingled} (\h“i ekerasen\). First aorist active indicative of \kerannumi\. The relative \h“i\ is attracted to the locative case of its antecedent \potˆri“i\ (cup), for which see strkjv@14:8,10; strkjv@17:4; strkjv@18:3|. {Mingle unto her double} (\kerasate autˆi diploun\). First aorist active imperative of the same verb \kerannumi\, with the same idea of double punishment.

rwp@Revelation:18:7 @{How much soever} (\hosa\). Indefinite quantitative relative pronoun \hosos\ in the accusative (cognate) neuter plural object of \edoxasen\ (first aorist active indicative of \doxaz“\). {Herself} (\hautˆn\). Reflexive pronoun, accusative also with \edoxasen\. {Waxed wanton} (\estrˆniasen\). First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of \strˆnia“\ (to live luxuriously), verb in late comedy instead of \trupha“\ (James:5:5|), from \strˆnos\ (Revelation:18:3|), only here in N.T. {Songs:much give her of torment and mourning} (\tosouton dote autˆi basanismon kai penthos\). Second aorist active imperative of \did“mi\, to give. The correlative pronoun \tosouton\ is masculine singular accusative, agreeing with \basanismon\, for which see strkjv@9:5; strkjv@14:11|, and is understood with the neuter word \penthos\ (mourning), in N.T. only in strkjv@James:4:9; strkjv@Revelation:18:7ff.; strkjv@21:4| (kin to \pathos, penomai\). {I sit a queen} (\kathˆmai basilissa\). Predicate nominative for the old form \basileia\ (\basilis\), as in strkjv@Matthew:12:42|. Babylon and Tyre had preceded Rome in such boasting (Isaiah:47:7-9; strkjv@Ezekiel:27:3; strkjv@28:2; strkjv@Zephaniah:2:15|). {And am no widow} (\kai chˆra ouk eimi\). Feminine of the adjective \chˆros\ (barren), old word (Mark:12:40|). {Shall in no wise see mourning} (\penthos ou mˆ id“\). Confident boast of security with emphatic position of \penthos\ (see above) and double negative \ou mˆ\ with the second aorist active subjunctive of \hora“\ (defective verb).

rwp@Revelation:18:8 @{Therefore} (\dia touto\). Because of her presumption added to her crimes. {In one day} (\en miƒi hˆmerƒi\). Symbolical term for suddenness like \miƒi h“rƒi\, in one hour (18:10,16,19|). John has in mind still strkjv@Isaiah:47:7-9|. {Shall come} (\hˆxousin\). Future active of \hˆk“\. Her plagues are named (death, mourning, famine). {She shall be utterly burned} (\katakauthˆsetai\). Future passive of \katakai“\ (perfective use of \kata\). {With fire} (\en puri\). "In fire," as in strkjv@17:16|. {Which judged her} (\ho krinas autˆn\). Articular first aorist active participle of \krin“\ referring to \kurios ho theos\ (the Lord God). The doom of Babylon is certain because of the power of God.

rwp@Revelation:18:12 @{Of fine linen} (\bussinou\). Genitive case after \gomon\, as are all the items to \kokkinou\. Old adjective from \bussos\ (linen, strkjv@Luke:16:19|), here a garment of linen, in N.T. only strkjv@Revelation:18:12,16; strkjv@19:8,14|. {Purple} (\porphuras\). Fabric colored with purple dye (\porphureos\, strkjv@17:4; strkjv@18:16|), as in strkjv@Mark:15:17,20; strkjv@Luke:16:19|. {Silk} (\sirikou\). Songs:the uncials here. \To sˆrikon\ (the silken fabric) occurs in Plutarch, Strabo, Arrian, Lucian, only here in N.T. Probably from the name of the Indian or Chinese people (\hoi Sˆres\) from whom the fabric came after Alexander invaded India. Silk was a costly article among the Romans, and for women as a rule. {Scarlet} (\kokkinou\). See strkjv@17:4; strkjv@18:16|. {All thyine wood} (\pan xulon thuinon\). Now accusative again without \gomon\ dependence. An odoriferous North African citrus tree, prized for the colouring of the wood for dining-tables, like a peacock's tail or the stripes of a tiger or panther. Here only in N.T. {Of ivory} (\elephantinon\). Old adjective (from \elephas\ elephant) agreeing with \skeuos\ (vessel), here only in N.T. Cf. Ahab's ivory palace (1Kings:22:39|). {Of marble} (\marmarou\). Old word (from \marmair“\, to glisten), genitive after \skeuos\ (vessel), here only in N.T.

rwp@Revelation:18:13 @{Cinnamon} (\kinnam“mon\). Old word transliterated into English, here only in N.T. Of Phoenician origin (Herodotus) as to name and possibly from South China. {Spice} (\am“mon\). A fragrant plant of India, \amomum\, for perfume. {Incense} (\thumiamata\). See strkjv@5:8; strkjv@8:3|. {Ointment} (\muron\). See strkjv@Matthew:26:7|. {Frankincense} (\libanon\). See strkjv@8:3|. {Fine flour} (\semidalin\). Old word for finest wheaten flour, here only in N.T. {Of horses} (\hipp“n\). Here then is a return to the construction of the genitive after \gomon\ in verse 12|, though not used here, an anomalous genitive construction (Charles). {Of chariots} (\red“n\). A Gallic word for a vehicle with four wheels, here only in N.T. {Of slaves} (\somat“n\). "Of bodies," treated as animals or implements, like the horses and the chariots (cf. _rickshaw_ men in China). This use of \s“ma\ for slave occurs in strkjv@Genesis:34:29|; Tob strkjv@10:11 (\s“mata kai ktˆnˆ\, slaves and cattle); II Macc. strkjv@8:11. {Souls of men} (\psuchas anthr“p“n\). Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, p. 160) finds this use of \s“ma\ for slave in the Egyptian Delta. Return to the accusative \psuchas\. From strkjv@Numbers:31:35; strkjv@1Chronicles:5:21; strkjv@Ezekiel:27:13|. This addition is an explanation of the use of \s“mata\ for slaves, "human live stock" (Swete), but slaves all the same. Perhaps \kai\ here should be rendered "even," not "and": "bodies even souls of men." The slave merchant was called \s“matemporos\ (body merchant).

rwp@Revelation:18:14 @{The fruits} (\hˆ op“ra\). The ripe autumn fruit (Jeremiah:40:10,12|). Here only in N.T. Of uncertain etymology (possibly \opos\, sap, \h“ra\, hour, time for juicy sap). See strkjv@Jude:1:12| for \dendra phthinop“rinos\ (autumn trees). {Which thy soul lusteth after} (\sou tˆs epithumias tˆs psuchˆs\). "Of the lusting of thy soul." {Are gone from thee} (\apˆlthen apo sou\). Prophetic aorist active indicative of \aperchomai\ with repetition of \apo\. {All things that were dainty and sumptuous} (\panta ta lipara kai ta lampra\). "All the dainty and the gorgeous things." \Liparos\ is from \lipos\ (grease) and so fat, about food (here only in N.T.), while \lampros\ is bright and shining (James:2:2f.|), about clothing. {Are perished from thee} (\ap“leto apo sou\). Prophetic second aorist middle indicative of \apollumi\ (intransitive). {Shall find them no more at all} (\ouketi ou mˆ auta heurˆsousin\). Doubled double negative with future active, as emphatic a negation as the Greek can make.

rwp@Revelation:18:17 @{Shipmaster} (\kubernˆtˆs\). Old word (from \kuberna“\, to steer), helmsman, sailing-master, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:27:11|. Subordinate to the \nauklˆros\ (supreme commander). {That saileth any whither} (\ho epi topon ple“n\). "The one sailing to a place." See strkjv@Acts:27:2|, \tous kata tˆn Asian pleontas\ (those sailing down along Asia). Nestle suggests \ponton\ (sea) here for \topon\ (place), but it makes sense as it is. {Mariners} (\nautai\). Old word (from \naus\, ship), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:27:27,30|. {Gain their living by the sea} (\tˆn thalassan ergazontai\). "Work the sea." This idiom is as old as Hesiod for sailors, fishermen, etc. See verses 10,15|.

rwp@Revelation:18:20 @{Rejoice over her} (\Euphrainou ep' autˆi\). Present middle imperative of \euphrain“\, for which verb see strkjv@11:10|, used there of the joy of the wicked over the death of the two witnesses, just the opposite picture to this. "The song of doom" (Charles) here seems to be voiced by John himself. {God hath judged your judgment} (\ekrinen ho theos to krima\). First aorist (prophetic) active of \krin“\ and cognate accusative \krima\, here a case for trial (Exodus:18:22; strkjv@1Corinthians:6:7|), not a sentence as in strkjv@17:1|. God has approved the case of heaven.

rwp@Revelation:18:21 @{A strong angel} (\heis aggelos ischuros\). Here \heis\ = a, just an indefinite article, not "one" as a numeral. {Took up} (\ˆren\). First aorist active indicative of \air“\. {As it were a great millstone} (\h“s mulinon megan\). Late adjective, in inscriptions, here only in N.T., made of millstone (\mulos\, strkjv@Matthew:18:6; strkjv@Revelation:18:22|), while \mulikos\ (Luke:17:2|) means belonging to a mill. This is not a small millstone turned by women (Matthew:24:41|), but one requiring an ass to turn it (Mark:9:42|), and so "a great" one. {Cast} (\ebalen\). Second aorist active of \ball“\, to hurl. {With a mighty fall} (\hormˆmati\). Instrumental case (manner) of \hormˆma\, a rush, old word from \horma“\, to rush (Matthew:8:32|), here only in N.T. {Shall be cast down} (\blethˆsetai\). Future (first) passive of \ball“\, the same verb (\ebalen\), effective punctiliar future. Like a boulder hurled into the sea. {Shall be found no more at all} (\ou mˆ heurethˆi eti\). Double negative with first aorist passive subjunctive of \heurisk“\. See strkjv@9:6| for \ou mˆ\ with the active voice of \heurisk“\. Already the old Babylon was a desert waste (Strabo, XVI. 1073).

rwp@Revelation:18:22 @{The voice} (\ph“nˆ\). Cf. strkjv@Ezekiel:26:13|. Or "sound" as in strkjv@1Corinthians:14:8| with \salpigx\ (trumpet). For this song of judgment see strkjv@Jeremiah:25:10|. {Of harpers} (\kithar“id“n\). Old word (from \kithara\, harp, and \“idos\, singer) as in strkjv@14:2|. {Of minstrels} (\mousik“n\). Old word (from \mousa\, music), here only in N.T., one playing on musical instruments. {Of flute-players} (\aulˆt“n\). Old word (from \aule“\, to play on a flute, strkjv@Matthew:11:17|, \aulos\, flute, strkjv@1Corinthians:14:7|), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:9:23|. {Of trumpeters} (\salpist“n\). Late form for the earlier \salpigktˆs\ (from \salpiz“\), here only in N.T. {Shall be heard no more at all} (\ou mˆ akousthˆi\). First aorist passive subjunctive of \akou“\ with the double negative as below, with \ph“nˆ mulou\ (sound of the millstone), and as in verse 21| with \ou me heurethˆi\ and again with \pƒs technitˆs\ (craftsman). This old word is from \technˆ\, art, as here in some MSS. ("of whatsoever craft," \pasˆs technˆs\). \Technitˆs\ occurs also in this sense in strkjv@Acts:19:24,38|; and in strkjv@Hebrews:11:10| of God as the Architect. There is power in this four-fold sonorous repetition of \ou mˆ\ and the subjunctive with two more examples in verse 23|.

rwp@Revelation:18:23 @{Of a lamp} (\luchnou\). Old word (Matthew:5:15|), again in strkjv@Revelation:22:5|. {Shall shine no more at all} (\ou mˆ phanˆi\). Fifth instance in these verses of \ou mˆ\ with the aorist subjunctive, here the active of \phain“\ as in strkjv@Revelation:8:12|. It is not known whether Rome had street lights or not. {The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride} (\ph“nˆ numphiou kai numphˆs\). See strkjv@John:3:29; strkjv@Jeremiah:7:34; strkjv@16:9|. "Even the occasional flash of the torches carried by bridal processions (Matthew:25:1ff.|) is seen no more" (Swete). The sixth instance of \ou mˆ\, in verses 21-23|, occurs with \akousthˆi\ (third instance of \akousthˆi\, two in verse 22|). {Were the princes of the earth} (\ˆsan hoi megistƒnes tˆs gˆs\). For \megistƒn\ see strkjv@Revelation:6:15; strkjv@Mark:6:21|. "Thy merchants were the grandees" once, but now these merchant princes are gone. {With thy sorcery} (\en tˆi pharmakiƒi sou\). \En\ (instrumental use) and the locative case of \pharmakia\, old word (from \pharmakeu“\, to prepare drugs, from \pharmakon\, sorcery, strkjv@Revelation:9:21|), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Galatians:5:20| for sorcery and magical arts. If one is puzzled over the connection between medicine and sorcery as illustrated by this word (our pharmacy), he has only to recall quackery today in medicine (patent medicines and cure-alls), witch-doctors, professional faith-healers, medicine-men in Africa. True medical science has had a hard fight to shake off chicanery and charlatanry. {Were deceived} (\eplanˆthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \plana“\. These charlatans always find plenty of victims. See strkjv@Mark:12:24|.

rwp@Revelation:18:24 @{In her} (\en autˆi\). In Rome. {Was found} (\heurethˆ\). First aorist passive indicative of \heurisk“\. See strkjv@16:6; strkjv@17:6| for the blood already shed by Rome. Rome "butchered to make a Roman holiday" (Dill, _Roman Society_, p. 242) not merely gladiators, but prophets and saints from Nero's massacre A.D. 64 to Domitian and beyond. {Of all that have been slain} (\pant“n t“n esphagmen“n\). Perfect passive articular participle genitive plural of \sphaz“\, the verb used of the Lamb slain (5:9,12; strkjv@13:8|). Cf. strkjv@Matthew:23:35| about Jerusalem.

rwp@Revelation:19:2 @{For} (\hoti\). Because. The reason for God's judgments is given in strkjv@15:3; strkjv@16:7|. The doom of Babylon seen in strkjv@14:7| is now realized. {For} (\hoti\). Second use of \hoti\, explaining the first. {He hath judged} (\ekrinen\). First aorist (prophetic and climacteric, effective) active indicative of \krin“\. {Which} (\hˆtis\). The very one which. {Did corrupt} (\ephtheiren\). This is the terrible fact. First aorist active indicative of \phtheir“\. Cf. strkjv@11:18; strkjv@14:8; strkjv@17:2; strkjv@18:3|. {And he hath avenged} (\kai exedikˆsen\). God has exacted vengeance for the blood of his servants from (\ek\) her. Prophetic aorist again of \ekdike“\ with accusative and \ek\ with ablative as in strkjv@6:10|.

rwp@Revelation:19:4 @{Fell down and worshipped God} (\epesan kai prosekunˆsan t“i the“i\). Precisely as in strkjv@7:11|, which see. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures take up the antiphonal chorus of the angels.

rwp@Revelation:19:6 @{As it were the voice} (\h“s ph“nˆn\). Used here three times, as once in verse 1|: once of a second great multitude (\ochlou pollou\), not of angels as in verse 1|, but the innumerable multitude of the redeemed of strkjv@7:9|; then "of many waters" (\hudat“n poll“n\) as in strkjv@1:15; strkjv@14:2| like "the roar of a cataract" (Swete); and once more "the voice of mighty thunders" (\bront“n ischur“n\) as in strkjv@6:1; strkjv@10:3ff|. {Saying} (\legont“n\). The best attested reading, genitive plural of \leg“\, agreeing with \ochlou\ (genitive singular), for roll of the waters and the roar of the thunders were not articulate. Some MSS. have \legontes\ (nominative plural) referring also to \ochlou\, though nominative instead of genitive. The fourth "Hallelujah" comes from this vast multitude. {The Lord our God, the Almighty} (\Kurios, ho theos, ho pantokrat“r\). For this designation of God see also strkjv@1:8; strkjv@4:8; strkjv@11:17; strkjv@15:3; strkjv@16:7,14; strkjv@19:15; strkjv@21:22|. Cf. _deus et dominus noster_ used of the Roman emperor. {Reigneth} (\ebasileusen\). First aorist active of \basileu“\. Probably ingressive prophetic aorist, "God became king" in fulness of power on earth with the fall of the world power.

rwp@Revelation:19:7 @{Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad} (\chair“men kai agalli“men\). Present active subjunctive (volitive) of \chair“\ and \agallia“\ (elsewhere in N.T. in the middle except strkjv@Luke:1:47; strkjv@1Peter:1:8|). For both verbs together see strkjv@Matthew:5:12|. {Let us give} (\d“men\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \did“mi\, but A reads \d“somen\ (future active) and P \d“s“men\. If the future indicative is read, the tone is changed from exhortation to declaration (we shall give glory unto him). {The marriage of the Lamb} (\ho gamos tou arniou\). In the O.T. God is the Bridegroom of Israel (Hosea:2:16; strkjv@Isaiah:54:6; strkjv@Ezekiel:16:7ff.|). In the N.T. Christ is the Bridegroom of the Kingdom (the universal spiritual church as seen by Paul, strkjv@2Corinthians:11:2; strkjv@Ephesians:5:25ff.|, and by John in strkjv@Revelation:3:20; strkjv@19:7,9; strkjv@21:2,9; strkjv@22:17|. In the Gospels Christ appears as the Bridegroom (Mark:2:19f.; strkjv@Matthew:9:15; strkjv@Luke:5:34f.; strkjv@John:3:29|). The figure of \gamos\ occurs in strkjv@Matthew:22:2-14|. Three metaphors of women appear in the Apocalypse (the Mother in chapter strkjv@Revelation:12|, the Harlot in strkjv@Revelation:17-19|, and the Bride of Christ here to the end). "The first and third present the Church under two different aspects of her life, while the second answers to her great rival and enemy" (Swete). {Is come} (\ˆlthen\). Prophetic aorist, come at last. {Made herself ready} (\hˆtoimasen heautˆn\). First aorist active indicative of \hetoimaz“\ and the reflexive pronoun. See strkjv@22:2| for \hˆtoimasmenˆn h“s numphˆn\ (prepared as a bride). There is something for her to do (1John:3:3; strkjv@Jude:1:21; strkjv@2Corinthians:7:1|), but the chief preparation is the act of Christ (Ephesians:5:25ff.|).

rwp@Revelation:19:8 @{That she should array herself} (\hina peribalˆtai\). Sub-final object clause subject of \edothˆ\ (was given to her) with \hina\ and the second aorist middle (direct) of \periball“\ to fling around. This bridal dress is a gift from Christ. This form, \edothˆ\ (it was given), occurs some 20 times in this book. {In fine linen, bright and pure} (\bussinon lampron katharon\). See strkjv@19:14| for the same raiment on those accompanying "The Word of God" and for the seven angels in strkjv@15:6|. See by contrast the garments of the harlot (17:4; strkjv@18:16|). For \bussinon\ see strkjv@18:16|. {The righteous acts of the saints} (\ta dikai“mata t“n hagi“n\). This is the explanation (\gar\) of the bridal dress and explains why there is work for the Bride as well as for Christ (Phillipians:2:12f.|). See strkjv@15:4| for \dikai“ma\ (also strkjv@Romans:5:18|).

rwp@Revelation:19:9 @{Write} (\Grapson\). First aorist active imperative of \graph“\ as in strkjv@1:11; strkjv@14:13|. The speaker may be the angel guide of strkjv@17:1|. {It is another beatitude} (\makarioi\, Blessed) like that in strkjv@14:13| (fourth of the seven in the book). {They which are bidden} (\hoi keklˆmenoi\). Articular perfect passive participle of \kale“\, like strkjv@Matthew:22:3; strkjv@Luke:14:17|. Cf. strkjv@Revelation:17:14|. This beatitude reminds us of that in strkjv@Luke:14:15|. (Cf. strkjv@Matthew:8:11; strkjv@26:29|.) {These are true words of God} (\Houtoi hoi logoi alˆthinoi tou theou eisin\). Undoubtedly, but one should bear in mind that apocalyptic symbolism "has its own methods and laws of interpretation, and by these the student must be guided" (Swete).

rwp@Revelation:19:10 @{To worship him} (\proskunˆsai aut“i\). First aorist active infinitive of purpose. John either felt that the angel represented God or he was beside himself with excitement over the glorious consummation. He was tempted to worship an angel (Colossians:2:18|). {See thou do it not} (\hora mˆ\). Repeated in strkjv@22:9|. Here there is no verb after \mˆ\ (ellipse of \poiˆsˆis touto\) as in strkjv@Mark:1:44; strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:15|), the aorist subjunctive of negative purpose with \mˆ\ after \hora\ (present active imperative of \hora“\), a common enough idiom. {Fellow-servant} (\sundoulos\). The angel refuses worship from John on this ground. All Christians are \sundouloi\ (fellow-servants) as Christ taught (Matthew:18:28ff.; strkjv@24:49|) and as Paul (Colossians:1:7; strkjv@4:7|) and John (Revelation:6:11|) taught. Angels are God's servants also (Hebrews:1:4-14|). For "the testimony of Jesus see strkjv@1:2,9; strkjv@6:9; strkjv@12:17; strkjv@22:4|. {Worship God} (\t“i the“i proskunˆson\). And Christ, who is the Son of God (5:13f.|). {The spirit of prophecy} (\to pneuma tˆs prophˆteias\). Explanatory use of \gar\ (for) here as in 8|. The possession of the prophetic spirit shows itself in witness to Jesus. In illustration see strkjv@Mark:1:10; strkjv@Matthew:3:16; strkjv@Luke:3:21; strkjv@John:1:51; strkjv@Revelation:4:1; strkjv@10:1; strkjv@11:19; strkjv@14:17; strkjv@15:5; strkjv@18:1; strkjv@19:1,7-9|.

rwp@Revelation:19:11 @{The heaven opened} (\ton ouranon ˆne“igmenon\). Perfect passive participle (triple reduplication) of \anoig“\. Accusative case after \eidon\. Songs:Ezekiel (1:1|) begins his prophecy. See also the baptism of Jesus (Matthew:3:16; strkjv@Luke:3:21|, but \schizomenous\ in strkjv@Mark:1:10|). Jesus predicted the opened heavens to Nathanael (John:1:51|). In strkjv@Revelation:4:1| a door is opened in heaven, the sanctuary is opened (11:19; strkjv@15:5|), angels come out of heaven (10:1; strkjv@14:17; strkjv@18:1|), and sounds come from heaven (19:1|). {Behold, a white horse} (\idou hippos leukos\). Nominative case because of \idou\, not \eidon\. Cf. strkjv@6:2| for \hippos leukos\. The emblem of victory in both cases, but the riders are very different. Here it is the Messiah who is the Warrior, as is made plain by "Faithful and True" (\pistos kai alˆthinos\), epithets already applied to Christ (1:5; strkjv@3:7,14|). Cf. also strkjv@22:6|. {In righteousness he doth judge and make war} (\en dikaiosunˆi krinei kai polemei\). See strkjv@Isaiah:11:3ff|. The Messiah is both Judge and Warrior, but he does both in righteousness (15:3; strkjv@16:5,7; strkjv@19:2|). He passes judgment on the beast (antichrist) and makes war on him. Satan had offered Christ a victory of compromise which was rejected.

rwp@Revelation:19:17 @{An angel} (\hena aggelon\). Like \heis\ in strkjv@18:21|, just "an," not "one." {Standing in the sun} (\hest“ta en t“i hˆli“i\). Second perfect active participle of \histˆmi\ (intransitive). "Where all the birds of prey would behold him" (Beckwith). For \orneois\ (birds) see strkjv@18:2| and for \en mesouranˆmati\ (in mid heaven) see strkjv@18:13; strkjv@14:6|. {Come and be gathered together} (\Deute sunachthˆte\). \Deute\ is the adverb \deur“\ (hither), used when two or more are addressed, possibly from \deuro ite\ (come here). Asyndeton also without \kai\ (and). First aorist passive imperative of \sunag“\. The metaphor is drawn from strkjv@Ezekiel:39:17|. {Unto the great supper of God} (\eis to deipnon to mega tou theou\). The habits of vultures are described by Christ in strkjv@Matthew:24:28|. This is a bold and powerful picture of the battlefield after the victory of the Messiah, "a sacrificial feast spread on God's table for all the vultures of the sky" (Swete). Is this battle the same as that of Har Magedon (16:16|) and that of Gog and Magog (20:8ff.|) mentioned after the thousand years? The language in strkjv@20:8ff.| seems like this derived from strkjv@Ezekiel:39:17ff.|, and "in the Apocalypse priority in the order of sequence does not always imply priority in time" (Swete). There seems no way to decide this point save that the end seems to be at hand.

rwp@Revelation:19:20 @{Was taken} (\epiasthˆ\). First aorist (prophetic) passive indicative of the Doric \piaz“\ (Attic \piez“\). Cf. strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:8|. {The false prophet} (\ho pseudoprophˆtˆs\). Possibly the second beast of strkjv@13:11-17; strkjv@16:13; strkjv@20:10|. Charles takes him to be "the priesthood of the Imperial cult, which practised all kinds of magic and imposture to beguile men to worship the Beast." {That wrought the signs in his sight} (\ho poiesas ta sˆmeia en“pion autou\). As in strkjv@13:14|. {Wherewith} (\en hois\). "In which" signs. {He deceived} (\eplanˆsen\). First aorist active indicative of \plana“\. He was only able to deceive "them that had received" (\tous labontas\, articular second aorist active participle of \lamban“\, "those receiving") "the mark of the beast" (13:16; strkjv@14:9ff.; strkjv@16:2; strkjv@20:4|) "and them that worshipped his image" (\tous proskunountas tˆi eikoni autou\) as in strkjv@13:15|. {They twain} (\hoi duo\). "The two." {Were cast} (\eblˆthˆsan\). First aorist passive Indicative of \ball“\. They fall together as they fought together. "The day that sees the end of a false statecraft will see also that of a false priestcraft" (Swete). {Alive} (\z“ntes\). Present active participle of \za“\, predicative nominative, "living." {Into the lake of fire} (\eis tˆn limnˆn tou puros\). Genitive \puros\ describes this \limnˆn\ (lake, cf. strkjv@Luke:5:1|) as it does \gehenna\ in strkjv@Matthew:5:22|. See also strkjv@20:10; strkjv@21:8|. It is a different figure from the "abyss" in strkjv@9:1ff; strkjv@20:1ff|. This is the final abode of Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and wicked men. {That burneth with brimstone} (\tˆs kaiomenˆs en thei“i\). Note the genitive here in place of the accusative \limnˆn\, perhaps because of the intervening genitive \puros\ (neuter, not feminine). The agreement is regular in strkjv@21:8|. For \en thei“i\ (with brimstone) see strkjv@14:10; strkjv@20:10; strkjv@21:8|. The fact of hell is clearly taught here, but the imagery is not to be taken literally any more than that of heaven in chapters strkjv@Revelation:4; 5; 21; 22| is to be so understood. Both fall short of the reality.

rwp@Revelation:19:21 @{The rest} (\hoi loipoi\). Of the enemy (the kings and their hosts of verse 19|). {Were killed} (\apektanthˆsan\). First aorist (effective) passive indicative of \apoktein“\. Those affected by the Caesar-worship (14:9ff.|) were not at once cast into the lake with the two beasts. {Were filled} (\echortasthˆsan\). First aorist (effective) passive of \chortaz“\. As they had been invited to do in verse 17|.

rwp@Revelation:20:1 @{Coming down out of heaven} (\katabainonta ek tou ouranou\). As in strkjv@10:1; strkjv@18:1|. {The key of the abyss} (\tˆn klein tˆs abussou\). As in strkjv@9:1|. {A great chain} (\halusin megalˆn\). Paul wore a \halusis\ (alpha privative and \lu“\, to loose) in Rome (2Timothy:1:16|;, as did Peter in prison in Jerusalem (Acts:12:6|). {In his hand} (\epi tˆn cheira autou\). "Upon his hand," ready for use. See \epi\ with the genitive in strkjv@1:20|.

rwp@Revelation:20:2 @{He laid hold on} (\ekratˆsen\). First aorist active indicative of \krate“\, to seize. {The dragon} (\ton drakonta\). Accusative after \ekratˆsen\ instead of the genitive as in strkjv@2:1|. He has been behind the beast and the false prophet from the start. Now he is seized. {The old serpent} (\ho ophis ho archaios\). Precisely the description in strkjv@12:9|, only the nominative is here retained, though in apposition with the accusative \ton drakonta\, a frequent anacoluthon in the Apocalypse (1:5|, etc.). Swete calls it a parenthesis. {Which is} (\hos estin\). The relative here relieves the construction and takes the place of \ho kaloumenos\ in strkjv@12:9| before \Diabolos kai ho Satanƒs\. {And bound him} (\kai edˆsen auton\). First aorist active indicative of \de“\. {For a thousand years} (\chilia etˆ\). Accusative of extent of time. Here we confront the same problem found in the 1260 days. In this book of symbols how long is a thousand years? All sorts of theories are proposed, none of which fully satisfy one. Perhaps Peter has given us the only solution open to us in strkjv@2Peter:3:8| when he argues that "one day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." It will help us all to remember that God's clock does not run by ours and that times and seasons and programs are with him. This wonderful book was written to comfort the saints in a time of great trial, not to create strife among them.

rwp@Revelation:20:4 @{And they sat upon them} (\kai ekathisan ep' autous\). First aorist active indicative of \kathiz“\. Another period here apparently synchronous (verse 7|) with the confinement of Satan in the abyss. No subject is given for this plural verb. Apparently Christ and the Apostles (Matthew:19:28; strkjv@Luke:22:30|) and some of the saints (1Corinthians:6:3|), martyrs some hold. {Judgment was given unto them} (\krima edothˆ autois\). First aorist passive of \did“mi\. Picture of the heavenly court of assizes. {The souls} (\tas psuchas\). Accusative after \eidon\ at the beginning of the verse. {Of them that had been beheaded} (\t“n pepelekismen“n\). Genitive of the articular perfect passive participle of \pelekiz“\, old word (from \pelekus\ an axe, the traditional instrument for execution in republican Rome, but later supplanted by the sword), to cut off with an axe, here only in N.T. See strkjv@6:9; strkjv@18:24; strkjv@19:2| for previous mention of these martyrs for the witness of Jesus (1:9; strkjv@12:17; strkjv@19:10|). Others also besides martyrs shared in Christ's victory, those who refused to worship the beast or wear his mark as in strkjv@13:15; strkjv@14:9ff.; strkjv@16:2; strkjv@19:20|. {And they lived} (\kai ezˆsan\). First aorist active indicative of \za“\. If the ingressive aorist, it means "came to life" or "lived again" as in strkjv@2:8| and so as to verse 5|. If it is the constative aorist here and in verse 5|, then it could mean increased spiritual life. See strkjv@John:5:21-29| for the double sense of life and death (now literal, now spiritual) precisely as we have the second death in strkjv@Revelation:2:11; strkjv@20:6,14|. {And reigned with Christ} (\kai ebasileusan meta tou Christou\). Same use of the first aorist active indicative of \basileu“\, but more clearly constative. Beckwith and Swete take this to apply solely to the martyrs, the martyrs' reign with Christ.

rwp@Revelation:20:5 @{The rest of the dead} (\hoi loipoi t“n nekr“n\). "All except the martyrs, both the righteous and the unrighteous" (Beckwith). But some take this to mean only the wicked. {Lived not until the thousand years should be finished} (\ouk ezˆsan achri telesthˆi ta chilia etˆ\). See verse 4| for the items here. "To infer from this statement, as many expositors have done, that the \ezˆsan\ of v. 4| must be understood of bodily resuscitation, is to interpret apocalyptic prophecy by methods of exegesis which are proper to ordinary narrative" (Swete). I sympathize wholly with that comment and confess my own ignorance therefore as to the meaning of the symbolism without any predilections for post-millennialism or premillennialism. {This is the first resurrection} (\hautˆ hˆ anastasis hˆ pr“tˆ\). Scholars differ as to the genuineness of this phrase. Accepting it as genuine, Swete applies it to "the return of the martyrs and confessors to life at the beginning of the Thousand Years." According to this view the first resurrection is a special incident in the present life before the Parousia. It has no parallel with strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:16|, where the dead in Christ are raised before those living are changed. Some think that John here pictures the "Regeneration" (\palingenesia\) of strkjv@Matthew:19:28| and the "Restoration" (\apokatastasis\) of strkjv@Acts:3:21|. No effort is here made to solve this problem, save to call attention to the general judgment out of the books in strkjv@20:12| and to the general resurrection in strkjv@John:5:29; strkjv@Acts:24:15|.

rwp@Revelation:20:6 @{Blessed and holy} (\makarios kai hagios\). A fifth beatitude (1:3; strkjv@14:13; strkjv@16:15; strkjv@19:9|) already and two more to come (22:7,14|, seven in all). Here \hagios\ is added to the usual \makarios\. The second death (\ho deuteros thanatos\). The spiritual death of strkjv@2:11; strkjv@20:14; strkjv@21:8| in contrast to the first or physical death. This language raises a question about the interpretation of the first and the second resurrections, whether both are of the body or one of the spirit. There seems no way to reach a solid conception about it. In strkjv@1Corinthians:15:23| there is no mention of the resurrection of any save "those of Christ" (\hoi tou Christou\), though the end follows (verse 24|). However, Paul elsewhere (Acts:24:15|) speaks of the resurrection of the just and of the unjust as if one event. {Priests of God and of Christ} (\hiereis tou theou kai tou Christou\). As in strkjv@1:6; strkjv@5:10; strkjv@22:3,5|. {Shall reign with him} (\basileusousin met' autou\). As promised in the same passages. The servants of God are to be priests with Christ and to reign with him (Matthew:19:28|). In strkjv@5:10| \epi tˆs gˆs\ (upon earth) occurs, but this item does not appear here. "No hint is given as to where this service is to be rendered and this royalty to be exercised" (Swete).

rwp@Revelation:20:8 @{To deceive the nations} (\planˆsai ta ethnˆ\). First aorist active infinitive of purpose of \plana“\, Satan's chief task (chapters 12 to 18, in particular strkjv@12:9; strkjv@13:14; strkjv@19:20; strkjv@20:3,10|). {Which are in the four corners of the earth} (\ta en tais tessarsi g“niais tˆs gˆs\). Clearly the reign with Christ, if on earth, was not shared in by all on earth, for Satan finds a large and ready following on his release. See strkjv@7:1| (Isaiah:11:12|) for "the four corners of the earth." {Gog and Magog} (\ton G“g kai Mag“g\). Accusative in explanatory apposition with \ta ethnˆ\ (the nations). Magog is first mentioned in strkjv@Genesis:10:2|. The reference here seems to be strkjv@Ezekiel:38:2|, where both are mentioned. Josephus (_Ant_. I. 6. 1) identifies Magog with the Scythians, with Gog as their prince. In the rabbinical writings Gog and Magog appear as the enemies of the Messiah. Some early Christian writers thought of the Goths and Huns, but Augustine refuses to narrow the imagery and sees only the final protest of the world against Christianity. {To gather them together to the war} (\sunagagein autous eis ton polemon\). Second aorist active infinitive of purpose of \sunag“\, a congenial task for Satan after his confinement. See strkjv@16:14| for this very phrase and also strkjv@17:14; strkjv@19:19|. {Of whom} (\h“n--aut“n\). Pleonasm or redundant pronoun as in strkjv@3:8| and often (of whom--of them). {As the sand of the sea} (\h“s hˆ ammos tˆs thalassˆs\). Already in strkjv@12:18|. Clearly then the millennium, whatever it is, does not mean a period when Satan has no following on earth, for this vast host rallies at once to his standard.

rwp@Revelation:20:9 @{They went up} (\anebˆsan\). Second aorist active indicative of \anabain“\, a return to the manner of the seer as in verses 4,5|. {Over the breadth of the earth} (\epi to platos tˆs gˆs\). \Platos\ is old word, in N.T. only here, strkjv@21:16; strkjv@Ephesians:3:18|. The hosts of Satan spread over the earth. {Compassed} (\ekukleusan\). First aorist (prophetic) active indicative of \kukleu“\, to encircle, late verb (Strabo) from \kuklos\ (circle), in N.T. only here and margin in strkjv@John:10:24| (for \ekukl“san\ from \kuklo“\). {The camp of the saints} (\tˆn parembolˆn t“n hagi“n\). \Parembolˆ\ (\para, en, ball“\) is common late word for military camp, in LXX for the Israelites in the desert (Exodus:29:14|, etc.), in N.T. for Roman barracks (Acts:24:34,37|) and for an army in line of battle (Hebrews:11:34; strkjv@Revelation:20:9|). {The beloved city} (\tˆn polin tˆn ˆgapˆmenˆn\). Perfect passive participle of \agapa“\, "the city the beloved." See strkjv@Psalms:78:68; strkjv@87:2| for Jerusalem so described. Songs:Charles takes it here, but Swete holds it to be "the Church the New Zion" that is meant. {And fire came down out of heaven} (\kai katebˆ pur ek tou ouranou\). Second aorist (prophetic) active indicative of \katabain“\. Cf. strkjv@Genesis:19:24; strkjv@39:6; strkjv@Ezekiel:38:22; strkjv@2Kings:1:10,12; strkjv@Luke:9:54| (about John). {Devoured them} (\katephagen autous\). Second aorist (prophetic) active of \katesthi“\, to eat up (down). Vivid climax to this last great battle with Satan.

rwp@Revelation:20:10 @{Was cast} (\eblˆthˆ\). First aorist (prophetic, affective) passive indicative of \ball“\ (verse 3|). {Into the lake of fire and brimstone} (\eis tˆn limnˆn tou puros kai theiou\). As in strkjv@19:20| with the two beasts, as he adds, "where are also the beast and the false prophet" (\hopou kai to thˆrion kai ho pseudoprophˆtˆs\). {They shall be tormented} (\basanisthˆsontai\). Return to the prophetic future of verses 7,8|. For \basaniz“\ see strkjv@9:5; strkjv@14:10|. For "day and night" (\hˆmeras kai nuktos\) see strkjv@4:8; strkjv@7:15; strkjv@12:10; strkjv@14:11|. For "for ever and ever" (\eis tous ai“nas ton ai“n“n\) see strkjv@1:6,18; strkjv@4:9,10; strkjv@5:13; strkjv@7:12; strkjv@10:6; strkjv@11:15|, etc. The devil was cast down from heaven (12:9|), then imprisoned (20:2ff.|), now he received his final doom.

rwp@Revelation:20:15 @{If any was not found written in the book of life} (\ei tis ouch heurethˆ en tˆi bibl“i tˆs z“ˆs\). Condition of first class with \ei\ and the first aorist passive indicative of \heurisk“\. In this short sentence the doom is told of all who are out of Christ, for they too follow the devil and the two beasts into the lake of fire (the counterpart of the Gehenna of fire, strkjv@Matthew:5:22|). There is no room here for soul sleeping, for an intermediate state, for a second chance, or for annihilation of the wicked. In strkjv@Daniel:12:2| there is a resurrection to death as well as to life and so in strkjv@John:5:29; strkjv@Acts:24:15|.

rwp@Revelation:21:1 @{A new heaven and a new earth} (\ouranon kainon kai gˆn kainˆn\). This new vision (\eidon\) is the picture of the bliss of the saints. {The first heaven and the first earth} (\ho pr“tos ouranos kai hˆ pr“tˆ gˆ\) {are passed away} (\apˆlthan\, went away, second aorist active indicative of \aperchomai\). "Fled away" (\ephugen\) in strkjv@20:11|. {And the sea is no more} (\kai hˆ thalassa ouk estin eti\). The sea had given up its dead (20:13|). There were great risks on the sea (18:17ff.|). The old physical world is gone in this vision. It is not a picture of renovation of this earth, but of the disappearance of this earth and sky (not heaven where God dwells). It is a glorious picture here in strkjv@21:1-8| in sharp contrast to the lake of fire in strkjv@20:11-15|. The symbolism in neither case is to be pressed too literally, but a stern and a glorious reality exists behind it all.

rwp@Revelation:21:2 @{The holy city, new Jerusalem} (\tˆn polin tˆn hagian Ierousalˆm kainˆn\). "The New Earth must have a new metropolis, not another Babylon, but another and greater Jerusalem" (Swete), and not the old Jerusalem which was destroyed A.D. 70. It was called the Holy City in a conventional way (Matthew:4:5; strkjv@27:53|), but now in reality because it is new and fresh (\kainˆn\), this heavenly Jerusalem of hope (Hebrews:12:22|), this Jerusalem above (Galatians:4:26ff.|) where our real citizenship is (Phillipians:3:20|). {Coming down out of heaven from God} (\katabainousan ek tou ouranou apo tou theou\). Glorious picture caught by John and repeated from strkjv@3:12| and again in strkjv@21:10|. But Charles distinguishes this new city of God from that in strkjv@21:9-22:2| because there is no tree of life in this one. But one shrinks from too much manipulation of this symbolism. It is better to see the glorious picture with John and let it tell its own story. {Made ready} (\hˆtoimasmenˆn\). Perfect passive participle of \hetoimaz“\ as in strkjv@19:7|. The Wife of the Lamb made herself ready in her bridal attire. {As a bride adorned} (\h“s numphˆn kekosmˆmenˆn\). Perfect passive participle of \kosme“\, old verb (from \kosmos\ ornament like our cosmetics), as in strkjv@21:19|. Only here the figure of bride is not the people of God as in strkjv@19:7|, but the abode of the people of God (the New Jerusalem). {For her husband} (\t“i andri autˆs\). Dative case of personal interest.

rwp@Revelation:21:5 @{Behold, I make all things new} (\Idou kaina poi“ panta\). The first time since strkjv@1:8| that God has been represented as speaking directly, though voices have come out of the throne before (21:3|) and out of the sanctuary (16:1,17|), which may be from God himself, though more likely from one of the angels of the Presence. This message is not addressed to John (7:14; strkjv@17:7; strkjv@21:6; strkjv@22:6|), but to the entire world of the blessed. See strkjv@Isaiah:43:18f.| for the words (\Idou eg“ poi“ kaina\). The idea of a new heaven and a new earth is in strkjv@Isaiah:65:17; strkjv@66:22; strkjv@Psalms:102:25f|. For the locative here with \epi\ (\epi t“i thron“i\) see strkjv@7:10; strkjv@19:4| (genitive more usual, strkjv@4:9f.; strkjv@5:1,7,13|, etc.). See strkjv@20:11| for the picture. {And he saith} (\kai legei\). Probably this means a change of speakers, made plain by \moi\ (to me) in many MSS. An angel apparently (as in strkjv@14:13; strkjv@19:9f.|) assures John and urges him to write (\grapson\ as in strkjv@1:11; strkjv@2:1,8,12,18; strkjv@3:1,7,14; strkjv@14:3|). The reason given (\hoti\, for) is precisely the saying in strkjv@22:6| and he uses the two adjectives (\pistoi kai alˆthinoi\) employed in strkjv@19:11| about God himself, and strkjv@3:14| about Christ. In strkjv@19:9| \alˆthinoi\ occurs also about "the words of God" as here. They are reliable and genuine.

rwp@Revelation:21:8 @{Their part shall be} (\to meros aut“n\). In contrast to the state of the blessed (verses 3-7|) the state of "those who have disfranchised themselves from the Kingdom of God" (Charles) is given. They are with Satan and the two beasts, and are the same with those not in the book of life (20:15|) in the lake of fire and brimstone (19:20; strkjv@20:10,14f.|), that is the second death (2:11; strkjv@20:6,14|). See also strkjv@14:10|. There are eight epithets here used which apply to various sections of this direful list of the doomed and the damned, all in the dative (case of personal interest). {For the fearful} (\tois deilois\). Old word (from \deid“\, to fear) for the cowardly, who recanted under persecution, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Matthew:8:26; strkjv@Mark:4:40|. {Unbelieving} (\apistois\). "Faithless," "untrustworthy," in contrast with Christ "\ho pistos\" (1:5|). Cf. strkjv@2:10,13; strkjv@3:14; strkjv@17:14|. Disloyalty is close kin to cowardice. {Abominable} (\ebdelugmenois\). Perfect passive participle of \bdeluss“\, old verb, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:2:22|, common in LXX, to pollute (Exodus:5:21|). Those who have become defiled by the impurities of emperor-worship (7:4f.; strkjv@21:27; strkjv@Romans:2:22; strkjv@Titus:1:16|). {Murderers} (\phoneusin\). As a matter of course and all too common always (Mark:7:21; strkjv@Romans:1:29; strkjv@Revelation:9:21|). {Fornicators} (\pornois\). Again all too common always, then and now (1Corinthians:5:10; strkjv@1Timothy:1:9f.|). These two crimes often go together. {Sorcerers} (\pharmakois\). Old word, in N.T. only here and strkjv@22:15|. Closely connected with idolatry and magic (9:21; strkjv@13:13f.|). {Idolaters} (\eid“lolatrais\). See strkjv@1Corinthians:5:10f.; strkjv@10:7; strkjv@Ephesians:5:5; strkjv@Revelation:22:15|. With a powerful grip on men's lives then and now. {All liars} (\pasi tois pseudesin\). Repeated in strkjv@22:15| and stigmatized often (2:2; strkjv@3:9; strkjv@14:5; strkjv@21:8,27; strkjv@22:15|). Not a "light" sin.

rwp@Revelation:21:10 @{He carried me away in the Spirit} (\apˆnegken me en pneumati\). See same language in strkjv@17:7| when John received a vision of the Harlot City in a wilderness. Here it is "to a mountain great and high" (\epi oros mega kai hupsˆlon\). Songs:it was with Ezekiel (Ezekiel:40:2|) and so the devil took Jesus (Matthew:4:8|). It was apparently not Mount Zion (14:1|), for the New Jerusalem is seen from this mountain. "The Seer is carried thither 'in spirit' (cf. strkjv@1:10; strkjv@4:1|); the Angel's \deuro\ is a _sursum cor_ to which his spirit under the influence of the 'Spirit of revelation' (Ephesians:1:17|) at once responds" (Swete). {And he shewed me} (\kai edeixen moi\). First aorist active indicative of \deiknumi\, just as he had said he would do in verse 9| (\deix“ soi\, I will shew thee). Precisely the same words about Jerusalem as in verse 2|, save the absence of \kainˆn\ (New).

rwp@Revelation:21:11 @{Having the glory of God} (\echousan tˆn doxan tou theou\). Syntactically this clause goes with verse 10|, the feminine accusative singular participle \echousan\ agreeing with \polin\, the radiance of the dazzling splendour of God as seen in strkjv@Isaiah:60:1; strkjv@Ezekiel:43:5|. God's very presence is in the Holy City (the Bride). {Light} (\ph“stˆr\). "Luminary," late word (in LXX, papyri), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Phillipians:2:15|. Christ is the light (\ph“s\) of the world (John:8:12|) and so are Christians (Matthew:5:14|) who have received the illumination (\ph“tismos\) of God in the face of Christ (2Corinthians:4:6|) and who radiate it to men (Phillipians:2:15|). See both words in strkjv@Genesis:1:3,14|. "The 'luminary' of the Holy City is her witness to Christ" (Swete). {Like unto a stone most precious} (\homoios lith“i timi“tat“i\). Associative instrumental case after \homoios\. \Timi“tat“i\ is the elative superlative. {As it were a jasper stone} (\h“s lith“i iaspidi\). As in strkjv@4:3|, which see. {Clear as crystal} (\krustallizonti\). Verb not found elsewhere from \krustallos\ (old word, strkjv@4:6; strkjv@22:1|), "of crystalline brightness and transparency" (Thayer), "transparent and gleaming as rock-crystal" (Moffatt).

rwp@Revelation:21:16 @{Lieth foursquare} (\tetrag“nos keitai\). Present middle indicative of \keimai\. The predicate adjective is from \tetra\ (Aeolic for \tessares\ four) and \g“nos\ (\g“nia\ corner, strkjv@Matthew:6:5|) here only in N.T. As in strkjv@Ezekiel:48:16,20|. It is a tetragon or quadrilateral quadrangle (21:12f.|). {The length thereof is as great as the breadth} (\to mˆkos autˆs hoson to platos\). It is rectangular, both walls and city within. Babylon, according to Herodotus, was a square, each side being 120 stadia. Diodorus Siculus says that Nineveh was also foursquare. {With the reed} (\t“i kalam“i\). Instrumental case (cf. verse 15| for \kalamos\) and for \metre“\ (aorist active indicative here) {Twelve thousand furlongs} (\epi stadi“n d“deka chiliad“n\). This use of the genitive \stadi“n\ with \epi\ is probably correct (reading of Aleph P), though A Q have \stadious\ (more usual, but confusing here with \chiliad“n\). Thucydides and Xenophon use \epi\ with the genitive in a like idiom (in the matter of). It is not clear whether the 1500 miles (12,000 furlongs) is the measurement of each of the four sides or the sum total. Some of the rabbis argued that the walls of the New Jerusalem of Ezekiel would reach to Damascus and the height would be 1500 miles high. {Equal} (\isa\). That is, it is a perfect cube like the Holy of Holies in Solomon's temple (1Kings:6:19f.|). This same measurement (\platos, mˆkos, hupsos\) is applied to Christ's love in strkjv@Ephesians:3:18|, with \bathos\ (depth) added. It is useless to try to reduce the measurements or to put literal interpretations upon this highly wrought symbolic language. Surely the meaning is that heaven will be large enough for all, as Jesus said (John:14:1ff.|) without insisting on the materialistic measurement of a gorgeous apartment house full of inside rooms.

rwp@Revelation:21:18 @{The building of the wall} (\hˆ end“mˆsis tou teichous\). Or \endomˆsis\, elsewhere so far only in Josephus (_Ant_. XV. 9. 6, a mole or breakwater) and in an inscription (_Syll_. 583 31), apparently from \endome“\, to build in, and so the fact of building in. The wall had jasper (verse 11|) built into it. {Was pure gold} (\chrusion katharon\). No copula \ˆn\ (was) expressed. The city shone like a mass of gold in contrast with the jasper lustre of the wall. {Pure glass} (\hual“i kathar“i\). Associative instrumental case after \homoion\. \Hualos\ (apparently from \huei\, it rains, and so raindrop) in N.T. only strkjv@Revelation:21:18,21|.

rwp@Revelation:21:19 @{Were adorned} (\kekosmˆmenoi\). Perfect passive participle of \kosme“\ as in verse 2|, but without the copula \ˆsan\ (were), followed by instrumental case \lith“i\ (stone). {With all manner of precious stones} (\panti lith“i timi“i\). "With every precious stone." The list of the twelve stones in verses 19,20| has no necessary mystical meaning. "The writer is simply trying to convey the impression of a radiant and superb structure" (Moffatt). The twelve gems do correspond closely (only eight in common) with the twelve stones on the high priest's breastplate (Exodus:28:17-20; strkjv@39:10ff.; strkjv@Ezekiel:28:13; strkjv@Isaiah:54:11f.|). Charles identifies them with the signs of zodiac in reverse order, a needless performance here. See the stones in strkjv@Revelation:4:3|. These foundation stones are visible. For jasper (\iaspis\) see strkjv@4:3; strkjv@21:11,18; strkjv@Isaiah:54:12|; sapphire (\sappheiros\) see strkjv@Exodus:24:10;. strkjv@Isaiah:54:11| (possibly the \lapis lazuli\ of Turkestan); chalcedony (\chalkˆd“n\) we have no other reference in N.T. or LXX (described by Pliny, H.N. XXXIII.21), possibly a green silicate of copper from near Chalcedon; emerald (\smaragdos\) here only in N.T., see strkjv@4:3| \smaragdinos\, and like it a green stone.

rwp@Revelation:21:20 @Sardonyx (\sardonux\), here only in N.T., white with layers of red, from sardion (red carnelian) and onyx (white); for sardius (\sardion\) see strkjv@4:3|; chrysolite (\chrusolithos\), here only in N.T. (Exodus:28:20|), stone of a golden colour like our topaz or amber or a yellow beryl or golden jasper; beryl (\bˆrullos\), again here only in N.T. (Exodus:28:20|), note the difficulty of identification, much like the emerald according to Pliny; for topaz (\topazion\), here only in N.T. (Exodus:28:17|), a golden-greenish stolle; chrysoprase (chrusoprasos), here only in N.T. (not in LXX), in colour like a teek, translucent golden-green; jacinth (\huakinthos\), of the colour of the hyacinth, a violet colour (Pliny), already in strkjv@9:17| like blue smoke, like achates in LXX; amethyst (\amethustos\), only here in N.T. (Exodus:28:19|), of a violet and purple colour, more brilliant than the \huakinthos\. Swete sums up the colours thus: blue (sapphire, jacinth, amethyst), green (jasper, chalcedony, emerald, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase), red (sardonyx, sardius), yellow (chrysolite). But even so there is great variety in hue and brilliancy and in the reaction on each other. Clement of Alexandria argues that this variety illustrates the variety of gifts and graces in the twelve apostles. Possibly so.

rwp@Revelation:21:21 @{Twelve pearls} (\d“deka margaritai\). These gate towers (\pul“nes\) were mentioned in verses 12f|. Each of these (cf. strkjv@Isaiah:54:12|) is a pearl, one of the commonest of jewels (Matthew:7:6; strkjv@13:46; strkjv@1Timothy:2:9|). {Each one} (\ana heis hekastos\). Distributive use of \ana\, but with the nominative (used as adverb, not preposition) rather than the accusative (as a preposition) as appears also in strkjv@Mark:14:19; strkjv@John:8:9|; with \kata\ in strkjv@Romans:12:5|, "a barbaric construction" according to Charles. {Street} (\plateia\). For which word (broad way, \hodos\ understood) see strkjv@Matthew:6:5|, here the singular, but includes all the streets. {Transparent} (\diaugˆs\). Old word (from \dia\, through, \augˆ\, ray, shining through), here alone in N.T.

rwp@Revelation:21:22 @{I saw no temple therein} (\naon ouk eidon en autˆi\). "Temple I did not see in it." The whole city is a temple in one sense (verse 16|), but it is something more than a temple even with its sanctuary and Shekinah Glory in the Holy of Holies. {For the Lord God the Almighty, and the Lamb are the temple thereof} (\ho gar Kurios ho theos ho pantokrat“r, naos autˆs estin kai to arnion\). "For the Lord God, the Almighty, is the sanctuary of it and the Lamb." The Eternal Presence is the Shekinah Glory of God (verse 3|). In strkjv@2Corinthians:6:16| we are the sanctuary of God here, but now God is our Sanctuary, and so is the Lamb as in chapters strkjv@Revelation:4; 5|. See strkjv@1:8| and often for the description of God here.

rwp@Revelation:21:23 @{To shine upon it} (\hina phain“sin autˆi\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the present active subjunctive of \phain“\, to keep on shining. Light is always a problem in our cities. See strkjv@Isaiah:60:19ff|. {Did lighten it} (\eph“tisen autˆn\). First aorist active indicative of \ph“tiz“\, to illumine, old verb from \ph“s\ (Luke:11:36|). If the sun and moon did shine, they would give no added light in the presence of the Shekinah Glory of God. See verse 11| for "the glory of God." Cf. strkjv@18:1; strkjv@21:3|. "Their splendour is simply put to shame by the glory of God Himself" (Charles). {And the lamp thereof is the Lamb} (\kai ho luchnos autˆs to arnion\). Charles takes \ho luchnos\ as predicate, "and the Lamb is the lamp thereof." Bousset thinks that John means to compare Christ to the moon the lesser light (Genesis:1:16|), but that contrast is not necessary. Swete sees Christ as the one lamp for all in contrast with the many \luchniai\ of the churches on earth (1:12,20|). "No words could more clearly demonstrate the purely spiritual character of St. John's conception of the New Jerusalem" (Swete).

rwp@Revelation:21:24 @{Amidst the light thereof} (\dia tou ph“tos autˆs\). Rather "by the light thereof." From strkjv@Isaiah:60:3,11,20|. All the moral and spiritual progress of moderns is due to Christ, and the nations of earth will be represented, including "the kings" (\hoi basileis\), mentioned also in strkjv@Isaiah:60:3|, "do bring their glory into it" (\pherousin tˆn doxan aut“n eis autˆn\). Present active indicative of \pher“\. Swete is uncertain whether this is a picture of heaven itself or "some gracious purpose of God towards humanity which has not yet been revealed" and he cites strkjv@22:2| in illustration. The picture is beautiful and glorious even if not realized here, but only in heaven.

rwp@Revelation:21:25 @{Shall in no wise be shut} (\ou mˆ kleisth“sin\). Double negative with the first aorist passive subjunctive of \klei“\. {By day} (\hˆmeras\). Genitive of time. Mentioned alone without \nuktos\ (by night), "for there shall be no night there" (\nux gar ouk estai ekei\). This looks like a continued picture of heaven.

rwp@Revelation:21:27 @{There shall in no wise enter into it} (\ou mˆ eiselthˆi eis autˆn\). Double negative again with the second aorist active subjunctive of \eiserchomai\ with \eis\ repeated. Like strkjv@Isaiah:52:1; strkjv@Ezekiel:44:9|. {Anything unclean} (\pƒn koinon\). Common use of \pƒn\ with negative like \ouden\, and the use of \koinos\ for defiled or profane as in strkjv@Mark:7:2; strkjv@Acts:10:14|, not just what is common to all (Titus:1:4|). {Or he that} (\kai ho\). "And he that." {Maketh an abomination and a lie} (\poi“n bdelugma kai pseudos\). Like Babylon (17:4| which see for \bdelugma\) and strkjv@21:8| for those in the lake of fire and brimstone, and strkjv@22:15| for "every one loving and doing a lie." These recurrent glimpses of pagan life on earth and of hell in contrast to heaven in this picture raise the question already mentioned whether John is just running parallel pictures of heaven and hell after the judgment or whether, as Charles says: "The unclean and the abominable and the liars are still on earth, but, though the gates are open day and night, they cannot enter." In apocalyptic writing literalism and chronology cannot be insisted on as in ordinary books. The series of panoramas continue to the end. {But only they which are written} (\ei mˆ hoi gegrammenoi\). "Except those written." For "the book of life" see strkjv@3:5; strkjv@13:8; strkjv@20:15|. Cf. strkjv@Daniel:12:1|.

rwp@Revelation:22:1 @{He shewed me} (\edeixen moi\). The angel as in strkjv@21:9,10| (cf. strkjv@1:1; strkjv@4:1|). Now the interior of the city. {A river of water of life} (\potamon hudatos z“ˆs\). For \hud“r z“ˆs\ (water of life) see strkjv@7:17; strkjv@21:6; strkjv@22:17; strkjv@John:4:14|. There was a river in the Garden of Eden (Genesis:2:10|). The metaphor of river reappears in strkjv@Zechariah:14:8; strkjv@Ezekiel:47:9|, and the fountain of life in strkjv@Joel:3:18; strkjv@Jeremiah:2:13; strkjv@Proverbs:10:11; strkjv@13:14; strkjv@14:27; strkjv@16:22; strkjv@Psalms:36:10|. {Bright as crystal} (\lampron h“s krustallon\). See strkjv@4:6| for \krustallon\ and strkjv@15:6; strkjv@19:8; strkjv@22:16| for \lampron\. "Sparkling like rock crystal" (Swete), shimmering like mountain water over the rocks. {Proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb} (\ekporeuomenon ek tou thronou tou theou kai tou arniou\). Cf. strkjv@Ezekiel:47:1; strkjv@Zechariah:14:8|. Already in strkjv@3:21| Christ is pictured as sharing the Father's throne as in strkjv@Hebrews:1:3|. See also strkjv@22:3|. This phrase has no bearing on the doctrine of the Procession of the Holy Spirit.

rwp@Revelation:22:2 @{In the midst of the street thereof} (\en mes“i tˆs plateias autˆs\). Connected probably with the river in verse 1|, though many connect it with verse 2|. Only one street mentioned here as in strkjv@21:21|. {On this side of the river and on that} (\tou potamou enteuthen kai ekeithen\). \Enteuthen\ occurs as a preposition in strkjv@Daniel:12:5| (Theodoret) and may be so here (post-positive), purely adverbial in strkjv@John:19:18|. {The tree of life} (\xulon z“ˆs\). For the metaphor see strkjv@Genesis:1:11f.| and strkjv@Revelation:2:7; strkjv@22:14|. \Xulon\ is used for a green tree in strkjv@Luke:23:31; strkjv@Ezekiel:47:12|. {Bearing} (\poioun\). Neuter active participle of \poie“\ (making, producing, as in strkjv@Matthew:7:17|). Some MSS. have \poi“n\ (masculine), though \xulon\ is neuter. {Twelve manner of fruits} (\karpous d“deka\). "Twelve fruits." {Yielding} (\apodidoun\). Neuter active participle of \apodid“mi\, to give back, but some MSS. have \apodidous\ (masculine) like \poi“n\. {For the healing of the nations} (\eis therapeian t“n ethn“n\). Spiritual healing, of course, as leaves (\phulla\) are often used for obtaining medicines. Here again the problem occurs whether this picture is heaven before the judgment or afterwards. Charles distinguishes sharply between the Heavenly City for the millennial reign and the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven after the judgment. Charles rearranges these chapters to suit his theory. But chronology is precarious here.

rwp@Revelation:22:3 @{There shall be no curse any more} (\pan katathema ouk estai eti\). No other example of \katathema\ has been found outside of the _Didache_ XVI. 5, though the verb \katathematiz“\ occurs in strkjv@Matthew:26:74|, meaning to curse, while we have \anathematiz“\ in strkjv@Mark:14:71| in the same sense. It may be a syncopated form of \katanathema\. The usual \anathema\ (curse) occurs in strkjv@1Corinthians:16:22; strkjv@Galatians:1:8; strkjv@Romans:9:3|. For \pan\ with \ouk=ouden\ see strkjv@21:27|. {Shall do him service} (\latreusousin aut“i\). Future active of \latreu“\, linear idea, "shall keep on serving." See strkjv@7:15| for present active indicative of this same verb with the dative \aut“i\ as here, picturing the worship of God in heaven. See strkjv@27:1| for "the throne of God and of the Lamb."

rwp@Revelation:22:5 @{Shall be night no more} (\nux ouk estai eti\). As in strkjv@21:25|. {They need} (\echousin chreian\). Present active indicative, "They have need," though A has \hexousin\ (shall have), future like \estai\. Here again there is repetition of part of strkjv@21:23|, but for the purpose of showing the delightsomeness of the New Jerusalem with no need of lamp or sun (change to \ph“s\ with \hˆliou\ instead of \ph“tos\, "they have no light of sun"). {Shall give them light} (\ph“tisei\). Future active of \ph“tiz“\, while aorist \eph“tisen\ in strkjv@21:23|. {They shall reign} (\basileusousin\). Future active of \basileu“\. Reign eternally in contrast with the limited millennial reign of strkjv@20:4,6|. This glorious eternal reign with Christ occurs repeatedly in the book (1:6; strkjv@3:21; strkjv@5:10|) as in strkjv@Luke:22:30|. Christ's Kingdom is spiritual (John:18:36f.|). "The visions of the Apocalypse are now ended; they have reached their climax in the New Jerusalem" (Swete). Now John gives the parting utterances of some of the speakers, and it is not always clear who is speaking.

rwp@Revelation:22:6 @{He said unto me} (\eipen moi\). Apparently the same angel as in strkjv@22:1| (21:9,15|). {These words} (\houtoi hoi logoi\). The same words used in strkjv@21:5| by the angel there. Whatever the application there, here the angel seems to endorse as "faithful and true" (\pistoi kai alˆthinoi\) not merely the preceding vision (21:9-22:5|), but the revelations of the entire book. The language added proves this: "Sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass" (\apesteilen ton aggelon autou deixai tois doulois autou ha dei genesthai en tachei\), a direct reference to strkjv@1:1| concerning the purpose of Christ's revelation to John in this book. For "the God of the spirits of the prophets" (\ho theos t“n pneumat“n t“n prophˆt“n\) see strkjv@19:10; strkjv@1Corinthians:14:32|. Probably the prophets' own spirits enlightened by the Holy Spirit (10:7; strkjv@11:8; strkjv@22:9|).

rwp@Revelation:22:7 @{And behold, I come quickly} (\kai idou erchomai tachu\). Christ is the speaker, either through this angel or more probably directly from Christ without introduction as in verses 12,16|. About Christ coming quickly see strkjv@2:5,16; strkjv@3:11; strkjv@16:15|, and already in strkjv@1:2f|. Once more we must recall that \tachu\ and \en tachei\ are according to God's time, not ours (2Peter:3:8|). {Blessed} (\makarios\). This beatitude is like in substance the first (1:3|) and is in Christ's own words like the one in strkjv@16:15|. This book is here called a "prophecy" (\prophˆteias\) as in verses 10,18,19|. It is Christ's revelation from God, a direct message from God. Part of it is prediction of doom on Christ's enemies, but most of it is a comforting picture of final triumph and bliss for the faithful in a time of great distress and persecution.

rwp@Revelation:22:8 @{And I John} (\Kag“ I“annˆs\). Here John the Seer is the speaker. He had already given his name (1:1,4,9|). Here he claims to be the "one who hears and sees these things" (\ho akou“n kai blep“n tauta\). {I fell down to worship} (\epesa proskunˆsai\). Second aorist active indicative of \pipt“\ (with \-a\ form) and the first aorist active infinitive of purpose of \proskune“\. It was a natural, though a wrong, thing to do, especially after Christ's own voice followed that of the angel "which shewed me these things" (\tou deiknuontos tauta\). Genitive singular of the articular present active participle of \deiknu“\. Cf. strkjv@1:1; strkjv@4:1; strkjv@17:1; strkjv@21:9f.; strkjv@22:1,6|.

rwp@Revelation:22:9 @{See thou do it not} (\Hora mˆ\). The angel promptly interposes (\legei\, dramatic present). See strkjv@19:10| for discussion of this same phrase \hora mˆ\ when John had once before started to worship the angel in his excitement. Here we have added to the words in strkjv@19:10| "the prophets (\t“n prophˆt“n\) and also "them which keep the words of this book" (\t“n tˆrount“n tous logous tou bibliou toutou\), the last a repetition from strkjv@22:7|. In both places we have "Worship God" (\t“i the“i proskunˆson\). And not an angel.

rwp@Revelation:22:11 @{Let him do unrighteousness still} (\adikˆsat“ eti\). First aorist (constative) active imperative of \adike“\, viewed here as a whole. The language is probably ironical, with a reminder of strkjv@Daniel:12:10|, in no sense a commendation of their lost estate. Charles rejects this verse as not like John. It is the hopelessness of the final state of the wicked which is here pictured. Songs:as to "Let him be made filthy still" (\rupanthˆt“ eti\). First aorist (constative) passive imperative of \rupain“\, old verb, to make foul or filthy (from \rupos\, filth, strkjv@1Peter:3:21|, as is \ruparos\, filthy), here only in N.T. The use of \eti\ is not perfectly clear, whether "still" or "yet more." It is the time when Christ has shut the door to those outside who are now without hope (Matthew:25:10; strkjv@Luke:13:25|). \Ruparos\ occurs elsewhere in N.T. only in strkjv@James:2:2|, and \ruparia\ (filthiness) only in strkjv@James:1:21|. Songs:then "the righteous" (\ho dikaios\) is to do righteousness still (\dikaiosunˆn poiˆsat“ eti\, first constative aorist active imperative of \poie“\) and "the holy" (\ho hagios\) to be made holy still (\hagiasthˆt“ eti\, first constative aorist passive imperative of \hagiaz“\). The states of both the evil and the good are now fixed forever. There is no word here about a "second chance" hereafter.

rwp@Revelation:22:12 @{My reward is with me} (\ho misthos mou met' emou\). It is Christ speaking again and he repeats his promise of coming quickly as in verse 7|. He speaks now as the Rewarder (\ho misthapodotˆs\) of strkjv@Hebrews:11:6|. Cf. strkjv@Revelation:11:18; strkjv@Isaiah:40:10; strkjv@62:11|. {To render} (\apodounai\). Second aorist active infinitive of purpose of \apodid“mi\, to give back. Each will receive the reward according to his own work (Revelation:2:23; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:10; strkjv@Romans:2:26|).

rwp@Revelation:22:15 @{Without} (\ex“\). Outside the holy city, with which compare strkjv@21:8,27|. Dustierdieck supplies an imperative: "Out, ye dogs." {The dogs} (\hoi kunes\). Not literal dogs, but the morally impure (Deuteronomy:23:18; strkjv@2Kings:8:13; strkjv@Psalms:22:17,21; strkjv@Matthew:7:6; strkjv@Mark:7:27; strkjv@Phillipians:3:3|). Dogs in the Oriental cities are the scavengers and excite unspeakable contempt. {The sorcerers} (\hoi pharmakoi\). As in strkjv@21:8|, where are listed "the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters," all "outside" the holy city here as there "in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, the second death." Both are pictures (symbolic language) of hell, the eternal absence from fellowship with God. Another time Jesus spoke of "the outer darkness" (\eis to skotos to ex“teron\, strkjv@Matthew:8:12; strkjv@22:13; strkjv@25:30|), outside of lighted house, as the abode of the damned. Another symbol is the worm that dies not (Mark:9:48|). {Every one that loveth and maketh a lie} (\pƒs phil“n kai poi“n pseudos\). An interpretation of \pƒsin tois pseudesin\ (all liars) of strkjv@21:8| and of \poi“n pseudos\ (doing a lie) of strkjv@21:27|. Satan is the father of lying (John:8:44|) and Satan's home is a congenial place for those who love and practise lying (2Thessalonians:2:12|). See strkjv@1John:1:6| for not doing the truth and see also strkjv@Romans:1:25; strkjv@Ephesians:4:25|.

rwp@Revelation:22:17 @{The Spirit and the bride} (\to pneuma kai hˆ numphˆ\). The Holy Spirit, speaking through the prophets or the Spirit of prophecy (2:7; strkjv@16:4; strkjv@18:24|), joins with the bride (21:2|), the people of God, in a response to the voice of Jesus just heard. After the picture of heaven in strkjv@22:1-5| there is intense longing (19:7|) of God's people for the consummation of the marriage of the Lamb and the Bride. Songs:now "the prophets and the saints" (Swete) make a common plea to the Lord Jesus to "come" (\Erchou\, present middle imperative of \erchomai\, Come on) as he has just said twice that he would do (22:1,12|). The call for Christ is to be repeated by every hearer (\ho akou“n\) as in strkjv@1:3|. {Let him come} (\erchesth“\). Change of person and this verb applied not to Christ as just before, but to the one who wishes to greet Christ. The thirsty man is bidden to come himself before it is too late. See strkjv@5:6| for \dipsa“\, used for spiritual thirst, and in particular strkjv@John:6:35; strkjv@7:37| for one thirsting for the water of life (21:6; strkjv@22:1|). Cf. strkjv@Isaiah:55:1|. {He that will} (\ho thel“n\). Even if not yet eagerly thirsting. This one is welcome also. For this use of \thel“\ see strkjv@Phillipians:2:13|. {Let him take} (\labet“\). Second ingressive aorist active imperative of \lamban“\. In accordance with the free promise in strkjv@21:6|, "freely" (\d“rean\) here as there. This gracious and wide invitation is cheering after the gloomy picture of the doomed and the damned. The warnings against the dragon and the two beasts with all their dreadful consequences are meant to deter men from falling victims to all the devil's devices then and now. The door of mercy still stands wide open today, for the end has not yet come. The series of panoramas is over, with the consummation pictured as a reality. Now we drop back to the standpoint before we saw the visions through John's eyes. In verse 17| we hear the voice of the Spirit of God inviting all who hear and see to heed and to come and drink of the water of life freely offered by the Lamb of God.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ THE REVELATION OF JOHN ABOUT A.D. 95 BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION DIFFICULTY IN THE PROBLEM Perhaps no single book in the New Testament presents so many and so formidable problems as the Apocalypse of John. These difficulties concern the authorship, the date, the apocalyptic method, the relation to the other Johannine books, the purpose, the historical environment, the reception of the book in the New Testament canon, the use and misuse of the book through the ages, etc. In the eastern churches the recognition of the Apocalypse of John was slower than in the west, since it was not in the Peshitta Syriac Version. Caius of Rome attributed the book to Cerinthus the Gnostic, but he was ably answered by Hippolytus, who attributed it to the Apostle John. The Council of Laodicea (about A.D. 360) omitted it, but the third Council of Carthage (A.D. 397) accepted it. The dispute about millenarianism led Dionysius of Alexandria (middle of the third century, A.D.) to deny the authorship to the Apostle John, though he accepted it as canonical. Eusebius suggested a second John as the author. But finally the book was accepted in the east as Hebrews was in the west after a period of doubt.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ POOR STATE OF THE TEXT There are only five uncials that give the text of John's Apocalypse (Aleph A C P Q). Of these Aleph belongs to the fourth century, A and C to the fifth, Q (really B2, B ending with strkjv@Hebrews:9:13|, both in the Vatican Library) to the eighth, P to the ninth. Only Aleph A Q (=B2) are complete, C lacking strkjv@Revelation:1:1, strkjv@3:19-5:14, strkjv@7:14-17, strkjv@8:5-9:16, strkjv@10:10-11:3,14:13-18:2, strkjv@19:5-21|, P lacking strkjv@Revelation:16:12--17:1, strkjv@19:21-20:9,22:6-21|. Both C and P are palimpsests. In the 400 verses of the book "over 1,600 variants have been counted" (Moffatt). Erasmus had only one cursive (of the twelfth century numbered Ir) for his first edition, and the last six verses of the Apocalypse, save verse 20, were a translation from the Vulgate. The result is that the versions are of special importance for the text of the book, since in no single MS. or group of MSS. do we have a fairly accurate text, though Aleph A C and A C Vulgate are the best two groups.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ EMPEROR WORSHIP AS THE OCCASION FOR JOHN'S APOCALYPSE There is no doubt at all that the emperor cult (emperor worship) played a main part in the persecution of the Christians that was the occasion for this great Christian apocalypse. The book itself bears ample witness to this fact, if the two beasts refer to the Roman power as the agent of Satan. It is not possible to single out each individual emperor in the graphic picture. Most would take the dragon to be Satan and the first and the second beasts to be the imperial and provincial Roman power. The Roman emperors posed as gods and did the work of Satan. In particular there were two persecuting emperors (Nero and Domitian) who were responsible for many martyrs for Christ. But emperor worship began before Nero. Julius Caesar was worshipped in the provinces. Octavius was called Augustus (\Sebastos\, Reverend). The crazy Emperor Caius Caligula not simply claimed to be divine, but actually demanded that his statue be set up for worship in the Holy of Holies in the Temple in Jerusalem. He was killed in January A.D. 41 before he could execute his dire purpose. But the madcap Nero likewise demanded worship and blamed in A.D. 64 the burning of Rome on the Christians, though guilty of it himself. He set the style for persecuting Christians, which slumbered on and burst into flames again under Domitian, who had himself commonly termed _Dominus ac Deus noster_ (Our Lord and God). The worship of the emperor did not disturb the worshippers of other gods save the Jews and the Christians, and in particular the Christians were persecuted after the burning of Rome when they were distinguished from the Jews. Up till then Christians were regarded (as by Gallio in Corinth) as a variety of Jews and so entitled to tolerance as a _religio licita_, but they had no standing in law by themselves and their refusal to worship the emperor early gave offence, as Paul indicates in strkjv@1Corinthians:12:3|. It was \Kurios Iˆsous\ or \Kurios Kaisar\. On this very issue Polycarp lost his life. The emperors as a rule were tolerant about it, save Nero and Domitian, who was called Nero _redivivus_, or Nero back again. Trajan in his famous letter to Pliny advised tolerance except in stubborn cases, when the Christians had to be put to death. After Nero it was a crime to be a Christian and all sorts of slanders about them were circulated. We have seen already in strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:3ff.|, the man of sin who sets himself above God as the object of worship. We have seen also in strkjv@1John:2:18,22; strkjv@4:3; strkjv@2John:1:7| the term antichrist applied apparently to Gnostic heretics. One may wonder if, as Beckwith argues, in the Apocalypse the man of sin and the antichrist are united in the beast.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ THE AUTHOR The writer calls himself John (Revelation:1:1,4,9; strkjv@22:8|). But what John? The book can hardly be pseudonymous, though, with the exception of the Shepherd of Hermas, that is the rule with apocalypses. There would have been a clearer claim than just the name. The traditional and obvious way to understand the name is the Apostle John, though Dionysius of Alexandria mentions John Mark as held by some and he himself suggests another John, like the so-called Presbyter John of Papias as quoted by Eusebius. The uncertain language of Papias has raised a deal of questioning. Swete thinks that the majority of modern critics ascribe the Apocalypse to this Presbyter John, to whom Moffatt assigns probably II and III John. Irenaeus represents the Apostle John as having lived to the time of Trajan, at least to A.D. 98. Most ancient writers agree with this extreme old age of John. Justin Martyr states expressly that the Apostle John wrote the Apocalypse. Irenaeus called it the work of a disciple of Jesus. In the ninth century lived Georgius Hamartolus, and a MS. of his alleges that Papias says that John the son of Zebedee was beheaded by the Jews and there is an extract in an Oxford MS. of the seventh century which alleges that Papias says John and James were put to death by the Jews. On the basis of this slim evidence some today argue that John did not live to the end of the century and so did not write any of the Johannine books. But a respectable number of modern scholars still hold to the ancient view that the Apocalypse of John is the work of the Apostle and Beloved Disciple, the son of Zebedee.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ RELATION TO THE FOURTH GOSPEL Here scholars divide again. Many who deny the Johannine authorship of the Fourth Gospel and the Epistles accept the apostolic authorship of the Apocalypse, Baur, for instance. Hort, Lightfoot, and Westcott argued for the Johannine authorship on the ground that the Apocalypse was written early (time of Nero or Vespasian) when John did not know Greek so well as when the Epistles and the Gospel were written. There are numerous grammatical laxities in the Apocalypse, termed by Charles a veritable grammar of its own. They are chiefly retention of the nominative case in appositional words or phrases, particularly participles, many of them sheer Hebraisms, many of them clearly intentional (as in strkjv@Revelation:1:4|), all of them on purpose according to Milligan (_Revelation_ in Schaff's Pop. Comm.) and Heinrici (_Der Litterarische Charakter der neutest. Schriften_, p. 85). Radermacher (_Neutestamentliche Grammatik_, p. 3) calls it "the most uncultured literary production that has come down to us from antiquity," and one finds frequent parallels to the linguistic peculiarities in later illiterate papyri. J. H. Moulton (_Grammar_, Vol. II, Part I, p. 3) says: "Its grammar is perpetually stumbling, its idiom is that of a foreign language, its whole style that of a writer who neither knows nor cares for literary form." But we shall see that the best evidence is for a date in Domitian's reign and not much later than the Fourth Gospel. It is worth noting that in strkjv@Acts:4:13| Peter and John are both termed by the Sanhedrin \agrammatoi kai idi“tai\ (unlettered and unofficial men). We have seen the possibility that II Peter represents Peter's real style or at least that of a different amanuensis from Silvanus in strkjv@1Peter:5:12|. It seems clear that the Fourth Gospel underwent careful scrutiny and possibly by the elders in Ephesus (John:21:24|). If John wrote the Apocalypse while in Patmos and so away from Ephesus, it seems quite possible that here we have John's own uncorrected style more than in the Gospel and Epistles. There is also the added consideration that the excitement of the visions played a part along with a certain element of intentional variations from normal grammatical sequence. An old man's excitement would bring back his early style. There are numerous coincidences in vocabulary and style between the Fourth Gospel and the Apocalypse.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ THE UNITY OF THE APOCALYPSE Repeated efforts have been made to show that the Apocalypse of John is not the work of one man, but a series of Jewish and Christian apocalypses pieced together in a more or less bungling fashion. Spitta argued for this in 1889. Vischer was followed by Harnack in the view there was a Jewish apocalypse worked over by a Christian. Gunkel (_Creation and Chaos_, 1895) argued for a secret apocalyptic tradition of Babylonian origin. In 1904 J. Weiss carried on the argument for sources behind the Apocalypse. Many of the Jewish apocalypses do show composite authorship. There was a current eschatology which may have been drawn on without its being a written source. It is in chapter strkjv@Revelation:12| where the supposed Jewish source is urged more vigorously about the woman, the dragon, and the man child. There are no differences in language (vocabulary or grammar) that argue for varied sources. The author may indeed make use of events in the reign of Nero as well as in the reign of Domitian, but the essential unity of the book has stood the test of the keenest criticism.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ THE DATE There are two chief theories, the Neronic, soon after Nero's death, the other in the reign of Domitian. Irenaeus is quoted by Eusebius as saying expressly that the Apocalypse of John was written at the close of the reign of Domitian. This testimony is concurred in by Clement of Alexandria, by Origen, by Eusebius, by Jerome. In harmony with this clear testimony the severity of the persecutions suit the later date better than the earlier one. There is, besides, in strkjv@Revelation:17:11f.| an apparent reference to the story that Nero would return again. The fifth king who is one of the seven is an eighth. There was a Nero legend, to be sure, that Nero either was not dead but was in Parthia, or would be _redivivus_ after death. Juvenal termed Domitian "a bald Nero" and others called Domitian "a second Nero." But in spite of all this Hort, Lightfoot, Sanday, Westcott have argued strongly for the Neronic era. Peake is willing to admit allusions to the Neronic period as Swete is also, but both consider the Domitianic date the best supported. Moffatt considers any earlier date than Domitian "almost impossible."

rwp@Info_Revelation @ THE VISIONS No theory of authorship, sources, or date should ignore the fact that the author claims to have had a series of visions in Patmos. It does not follow that he wrote them down at once and without reflection, but it seems hardly congruous to think that he waited till he had returned from exile in Patmos to Ephesus before writing them out. In fact, there is a note of sustained excitement all through the book, combined with high literary skill in the structure of the book in spite of the numerous grammatical lapses. The series of sevens bear a relation to one another, but more in the fashion of a kaleidoscope than of a chronological panorama. And yet there is progress and power in the arrangement and the total effect. There is constant use of Old Testament language and imagery, almost a mosaic, but without a single formal quotation. There is constant repetition of words and phrases in true Johannine style. Each of the messages to the seven churches picks out a metaphor in the first picture of Christ in chapter I and there are frequent other allusions to the language in this picture. In fact there is genuine artistic skill in the structure of the book, in spite of the deflections from ordinary linguistic standards. In the visions and all through the book there is constant use of symbols, as is the fashion in apocalypses like the beasts, the scorpions, the horses, etc. These symbols probably were understood by the first readers of the book, though the key to them is lost to us. Even the numbers in the book (3 1/2, 7, 3, 4, 12, 24, 1000) cannot be pressed, though some do so. Even Harnack called the Apocalypse the plainest book in the New Testament, by using Harnack's key for the symbols.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ THEORIES OF INTERPRETATION They are literally many. There are those who make the book a chart of Christian and even of human history even to the end. These divide into two groups, the continuous and the synchronous. The continuous historical theory takes each vision and symbol in succession as an unfolding panorama. Under the influence of this theory there have been all sorts of fantastic identifications of men and events. The synchronous theory takes the series of sevens (seals, trumpets, bowls) as parallel with each other, each time going up to the end. But in neither case can any satisfactory program be arranged. Another historical interpretation takes it all as over and done, the preterist theory. This theory again breaks into two, one finding the fulfilment all in the Neronic period, the other in the Domitianic era. Something can be said for each view, but neither satisfies the whole picture by any means. Roman Catholic scholars have been fond of the preterist view to escape the Protestant interpretation of the second beast in chapter strkjv@Revelation:13| as papal Rome. There is still another interpretation, the futurist, which keeps the fulfilment all in the future and which can be neither proved nor disproved. There is also the purely spiritual theory which finds no historical allusion anywhere. This again can be neither proved nor disproved. One of the lines of cleavage is the millennium in chapter strkjv@Revelation:20|. Those who take the thousand years literally are either pre-millennialists who look for the second coming of Christ to be followed by a thousand years of personal reign here on earth or the postmillennialists who place the thousand years before the second coming. There are others who turn to strkjv@2Peter:3:8| and wonder if, after all, in a book of symbols this thousand years has any numerical value at all. There seems abundant evidence to believe that this apocalypse, written during the stress and storm of Domitian's persecution, was intended to cheer the persecuted Christians with a view of certain victory at last, but with no scheme of history in view.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ A PRACTICAL PURPOSE Songs:considered, this vision of the Reigning Christ in heaven with a constant eye on the suffering saints and martyrs is a guarantee of certain triumph in heaven and ultimate triumph on earth. The picture of Christ in heaven is a glorious one. He is the Lamb that was slain, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Word of God, the Victor over his enemies, worshipped in heaven like the Father, the Light and Life of men. Instead of trying to fit the various symbols on particular individuals one will do better to see the same application to times of persecution from time to time through the ages. The same Christ who was the Captain of salvation in the time of Domitian is the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith today. The Apocalypse of John gives glimpses of heaven as well as of hell. Hope is the word that it brings to God's people at all times.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ THE READERS OF THE BOOK The whole book is sent to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation:1:4|). There is a special message to each of the seven (chapters strkjv@Revelation:2; 3|), suited to the peculiar needs of each church and with a direct reference to the geography and history of each church and city, so Ramsay holds (_The Letters to the Seven Churches_). The book is to be read aloud in each church (1:3|). One can imagine the intense interest that the book would arouse in each church. Children are charmed to hear the Apocalypse read. They do not understand the symbols, but they see the pictures in the unfolding panorama. There were other churches in the Province of Asia besides these seven, but these form a circle from Ephesus where John had lived and wrought. They do present a variety of churches, not necessarily all types, and by no means a chart of seven dispensations of Christian history.

rwp@Info_Revelation @ A BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY (ONLY BOOKS SINCE 1875) Abbott, E. A., _Johannine Grammar_ (1906).,_Notes on New Testament Criticism_ (Part VII of Diatessarica, 1907). Allo, E. B., _L'apocalypse et l'epoque de la parousia_ (1915).,_Saint Jean. L'apocalypse_ (1921). Baldensperger, _Messian. Apok. Hoffnung_. 3rd ed. (1903). Baljon, J. M. S., _Openbaring van Johannes_ (1908). Beckwith, J. T., _The Apocalypse of John_ (1919). Benson, E. W., _The Apocalypse_ (1900). Berg, _The Drama of the Apocalypse_ (1894). Bleek, F., _Lectures on the Apocalypse_ (1875). Boll, _Aus der Offenbarung Johannis_ (1914). Bousset, W., _Die Offenbarung Johannis_. 2 Aufl. (1906).,_Zur Textkritik der Apokalypse_ (1894). Brown, Charles, _Heavenly Visions_ (1911). Brown, D., _The Structure of the Apocalypse_ (1891). Bullinger, _Die Apokalypse_ (1904). Bungeroth, _Schlussel zur Offenbarung Johannis_ (1907). Burger, C. H. A., _Offenbarung Johannis_ (1877). Cadwell, _The Revelation of Jesus Christ_ (1920). Calmes, _L'Apokalypse devant la Critique_ (1907). Campbell, _The Patmos Letters Applied to Modern Criticism_ (1908). Carrington, P., _The Meaning of the Revelation_ (1931). Case, S. J., _The Millennial Hope_ (1918).,_The Revelation of John_ (1920). Charles, R. H., _Studies in the Apocalypse_ (1913).,_The Revelation of St. John_. 2 vols. (1921). Chevalin, _L'apocalypse et les temps presents_ (1904). Crampon, _L'apocalypse de S. Jean_ (1904). Dean, J. T., _The Book of Revelation_ (1915) Deissmann, A., _Light from the Ancient East_. Tr. by Strachan (1927). Delaport, _Fragments sahidiques du N.T. Apocalypse_ (1906). Douglas, C. E., _New Light on the Revelation of St. John the Divine_ (1923). Dusterdieck, _Offenbarung Johannis_. 4 Aufl. (1887). Eckman, _When Christ Comes Again_ (1917). Erbes, _Offenbar. Johan. Kritischuntersucht_ (1891). Forbes, H. P., _International Handbook on the Apocalypse_ (1907). Gebhardt, _Doctrine of the Apocalypse_ (1878). Geil, W. E., _The Isle That Is Called Patmos_ (1905). Gibson, E. C. S., _The Revelation of St. John_ (1910). Gigot, _The Apocalypse of St. John_ (1915). Glazebrook, _The Apocalypse of St. John_ (1924). Gunkel, H., _Schopfung und Chaos_ (1895). Gwynn, _The Apocalypse of St. John_ (1897). Harnack, A., _Die Chronologie der altchristlichen Litteratur_. Bd I (1897). Henderson, B. W., _The Life and Principate of the Emperor Nero_ (1903). Hill, _Apocalyptic Problems_ (1916). Hill, Erskine, _Mystic Studies in the Apocalypse_ (1931). Hirscht, _Die Apokalypse und ihre neueste Kritik_ (1895). Holtzmann, H. J., _Die Offenbarung Johannis_ (1891). Holtzmann-Bauer, _Hand-Comm., Offenbarung des Johannis_. 3 Aufl. (1908). Horne, _The Meaning of the Apocalypse_ (1916). Hort, F. J. A., _The Apocalypse of St. John, Chs. 1-3_ (1908). James, M. R., _The Apocalypse in Art_ (1931). Jowett, G. T., _The Apocalypse of St. John_ (1910). Kubel, _Offenbarung Johannis_ (1893). Laughlin, _The Solecisms of the Apocalypse_ (1902). Lee, S., _Revelation in Speaker's Comm_. (1881). Linder, _Die Offenbarung des Johannis aufgeschlossen_ (1905). Llwyd, J. P. D., _The Son of Thunder_ (1932). Lohmeyer, E., _Die Offenbarung des Johannes_. Handbuch zum N.T. (1926). Loisy, A., _L'Apocalypse de Jean_ (1923). Matheson, _Sidelights upon Patmos_. Milligan, W., _The Revelation of St. John_. Schaff's Popular Comm. (1885).,_The Book of Revelation_. Expositor's Bible (1889).,_Lectures on the Apocalypse_ (1892).,_Discussions on the Apocalypse_ (1893). Moffatt, James, _Intr. to Literature of the N.T_. (1911).,_Revelation in Expos. Greek Testament_ (1910). Moule, H.C., _Some Thoughts on the Seven Epistles_ (1915). Mozley, _The Christian's Hope in the Apocalypse_ (1915). Oman, John, _The Book of Revelation_ (1923).,_The Text of Revelation_ (1928). Osborn, _The Lion and the Lamb_ (1922). Palmer, _The Drama of the Apocalypse_ (1902). Paul, _Latter Day Light on the Apocalypse_ (1898). Peake, A. S., _The Revelation of John_ (1921). Porter, F. C., _The Messages of the Apocalyptic Writers_ (1905). Pounder, _Historical Notes on the Book of Revelation_ (1912). Prager, L., _Die Offenbarung Johannis_ (1901). Ramsay, A., _Revelation in Westminster N.T_. (1910). Ramsay, W. M., _The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia_ (1904). Rauch, _Offenbarung des Johannis_ (1894). Reymond, _L'apocalypse_ (1908). Ross, J. J., _Pearls from Patmos_ (1923). Russell, J. S., _The Parousia_ (1878). Sabatier, _Les Origines Litteraires et la Comp. de l'Apoc_. (1888). Schlatter, _Der Evangelist Johannes_ (1931). Schoen, _L'Origine de l'Apocalypse_ (1887). Scott, C. Anderson, _Revelation in New Century Bible_ (1902). Scott, C. A., _Revelation in Devot. Comm_. (1906). Scott, J. J., _Lectures on the Apocalypse_ (1909). Selwyn, E. C., _The Christian Prophets and the Prophetic Apocalypse_ (1901). Shepherd, W. J. L., _The Revelation of St. John the Divine_. 2 vols. (1923). Simcox, W. H., _Revelation in Cambridge Greek Testament_ (1893). Smith, J. A., _Revelation in American Comm_. (1888).,_The World Lighted_ (1890).,_The Divine Parable of History_ (1901). Spitta, F., _Die Offenbarung des Johannis_ (1889). Strange, _Instructions on the Revelation of St. John the Divine_ (1900). Swete, H. B., _The Apocalypse of St. John_ (1906). 2nd ed. 1907. Turner, C. H., _Studies in Early Church History_ (1912). Vischer, _Die Offenb. Johan. eine judische Apok_ (1886). Volter, _Offenb. Johannis_. 2 Aufl. (1911).,_Das Problem der Apok_. (1893). Weiss, B., _Die Johannes-Apokalypse_. Textkrit. (1891, 2 Aufl. 1902). Weiss, J., _Offenb. Johannis_ (1904). Wellhausen, J., _Analyse der Offenb_. (1907). Weyland, _Omwerkings-en Compilatie-Hupothesen Toegepast op de Apok_. (1888). Whiting, _The Revelation of John_ (1918). Zahn, _Introduction to the N.T_. 3 vols. (1909).,_Komm_. (1926).

rwp@Info_Romans @ THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS SPRING OF A.D. 57 BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION INTEGRITY OF THE EPISTLE The genuineness of the Epistle is so generally admitted by scholars that it is unnecessary to prove it here, for Loman, Steck, and the Dutch scholars (Van Manen, etc.) who deny it as Pauline are no longer taken seriously. He wrote it from Corinth because he sent it to Rome by Phoebe of Cenchreae (Romans:16:2|) if chapter 16 is acknowledged to be a part of the Epistle. Chapter 16 is held by some to be really a short epistle to Ephesus because of the long list of names in it, because of Paul's long stay in Ephesus, because he had not yet been to Rome, and because, in particular, Aquila and Priscilla are named (Romans:16:3-5|) who had been with Paul in Ephesus. But they had come from Rome before going to Corinth and there is no reason for thinking that they did not return to Rome. It was quite possible for Paul to have many friends in Rome whom he had met elsewhere. People naturally drifted to Rome from all over the empire. The old MSS. (Aleph A B C D) give chapter 16 as an integral part of the Epistle. Marcion rejected it and chapter 15 also for reasons of his own. Renan's theory that Romans was a circular letter like Ephesians sent in different forms to different churches (Rome, Ephesus, Thessalonica, etc.) has appealed to some scholars as explaining the several doxologies in the Epistle, but they cause no real difficulty since Paul interjected them in his other epistles according to his moods (2Corinthians:1:20|, for instance). That theory raises more problems than it solves as, for example, Paul's remarks about going to Rome (Romans:1:9-16|) which apply to Rome. Lightfoot suggests the possibility that Paul added strkjv@Romans:16:25-27| some years after the original date so as to turn it into a circular letter. But the MSS. do not support that theory and that leaves strkjv@Romans:15:22-33 in the Epistle quite unsuitable to a circular letter. Modern knowledge leaves the Epistle intact with occasional variations in the MSS. on particular points as is true of all the N.T.

rwp@Info_Romans @ THE PURPOSE Paul tells this himself. He had long cherished a desire to come to Rome (Acts:19:21|) and had often made his plans to do so (Romans:1:13|) which were interrupted (Romans:15:22|), but now he definitely plans to go from Jerusalem, after taking the contribution there (Romans:15:26|), to Rome and then on to Spain (Romans:15:24,28|). Meanwhile he sends this Epistle that the Romans may know what Paul's gospel really is (Romans:1:15; strkjv@2:16|). He is full of the issues raised by the Judaizing controversy as set forth in the Epistles to Corinth and to Galatia. Songs:in a calmer mood and more at length he presents his conception of the Righteousness demanded by God (Romans:1:17|) of both Gentile (Romans:1:18-32|) and Jew (Romans:2:1-3:20|) and only to be obtained by faith in Christ who by his atoning death (justification) has made it possible (Romans:3:21-5:21|). This new life of faith in Christ should lead to holiness of life (sanctification, chapters strkjv@Romans:6-8|). This is Paul's gospel and the remaining chapters deal with corollaries growing out of the doctrine of grace as applied to practical matters. It is a cause for gratitude that Paul did write out so full a statement of his message. He had a message for the whole world and was anxious to win the Roman Empire to Christ. It was important that he go to Rome for it was the centre of the world's life. Nowhere does Paul's Christian statesmanship show to better advantage than in this greatest of his Epistles. It is not a book of formal theology though Paul is the greatest of theologians. Here Paul is seen in the plenitude of his powers with all the wealth of his knowledge of Christ and his rich experience in mission work. The church in Rome is plainly composed of both Jews and Greeks, though who started the work there we have no way of knowing. Paul's ambition was to preach where no one else had been (Romans:15:20|), but he has no hesitation in going on to Rome.

rwp@Info_Romans @ COMMENTARIES No one of Paul's Epistles has more helpful modern commentaries on it than this one, such as those by Barth (1919), Beet (9th ed., 1901), Cook (1930), Denney (1901), Feine (1903), Garvie (1901), Gifford (1881), Godet (Tr., 1883), Gore (Expos.), Grey (1910), Griffith-Thomas (1913), Hodge (1856), Hort (Intr., 1895), Jowett (3rd ed., 1894), Julicher (2 Aufl., 1907), Kuhl (1913), Lagrange (1916), Lard (1875), Liddon (Anal., 1893), Lietzmann (2 Aufl., 1919), Lightfoot (chapters 1-7, 1895), Luetgert (1913), Monk (1893), Plummer, Richter (1908), Sanday and Headlam (1895), Shedd (1893), Stifler (1897), Vaughan (1890), Weiss, B. (Meyer Komm., g Aufl., 1899), Westcott, F. B. (1913), Zahn (1910). strkjv@Romans:1:1 @{To the Romans} (\pros R“maious\). This is the title in Aleph A B C, our oldest Greek MSS. for the Epistle. We do not know whether Paul gave any title at all. Later MSS. add other words up to the Textus Receptus: The Epistle of Paul to the Romans. The Epistle is put first in the MSS. because it is the most important of Paul's Epistles.

rwp@Info_Romans @{Paul} @(\Paulos\). Roman name (\Paulus\). See on ¯Acts:13:9| for the origin of this name by the side of Saul. {Servant} (\doulos\). Bond-slave of Jesus Christ (or Christ Jesus as some MSS. give it and as is the rule in the later Epistles) for the first time in the Epistles in the opening sentence, though the phrase already in strkjv@Galatians:1:10|. Recurs in strkjv@Phillipians:1:1| and \desmios\ (bondsman) in strkjv@Philemon:1:1|. {Called to be an apostle} (\klˆtos apostolos\). An apostle by vocation (Denney) as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:1|. In strkjv@Galatians:1:1| \klˆtos\ is not used, but the rest of the verse has the same idea. {Separated} (\aph“rismenos\). Perfect passive participle of \aphoriz“\ for which verb see on ¯Galatians:1:15|. Paul is a spiritual Pharisee (etymologically), separated not to the oral tradition, but to God's gospel, a chosen vessel (Acts:9:15|). By man also (Acts:13:2|). Many of Paul's characteristic words like \euaggelion\ have been already discussed in the previous Epistles that will call for little comment from now on.

rwp@Romans:1:7 @{In Rome} (\en R“mˆi\). One late uncial (G of tenth century) and a cursive omit these words here and one or two other late MSS. omit \en R“mˆi\ in verse 15|. This possibly proves the Epistle was circulated as a circular to a limited extent, but the evidence is late and slight and by no means shows that this was the case in the first century. It is not comparable with the absence of \en Ephes“i\ in strkjv@Ephesians:1:1| from Aleph and B (the two oldest and best MSS.). {Beloved of God} (\agapˆtois theou\). Ablative case of \theou\ after the verbal adjective like \didaktoi theou\ (taught of God) in strkjv@John:6:45| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 516). {From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ} (\apo theou patros hˆm“n kai kuriou Iˆsou Christou\). "St. Paul, if not formally enunciating a doctrine of the Divinity of Christ, held a view which cannot really be distinguished from it" (Sanday and Headlam). Paul's theology is clearly seen in the terms used in verses 1-7|.

rwp@Romans:1:8 @{First} (\pr“ton men\). Adverb in the accusative case, but no \epeita de\ (in the next place) as in strkjv@Hebrews:7:2| or \epeita\ as in strkjv@James:3:17| follows. The rush of thoughts crowds out the balanced phraseology as in strkjv@Romans:3:2; strkjv@1Corinthians:11:18|. {Through} (\dia\). As the mediator or medium of thanksgiving as in strkjv@7:25|. {For} (\peri\). Concerning, about. {That} (\hoti\). Or because. Either declarative or causal \hoti\ makes sense here. {Your faith} (\hˆ pistis hum“n\). "Your Christianity" (Sanday and Headlam). {Is proclaimed} (\kataggelletai\). Present passive indicative of \kataggell“\, to announce (\aggell“\) up and down (\kata\). See also \anaggell“\, to bring back news (John:5:15|), \apaggell“\, to announce from one as the source (Matthew:2:8|), \prokataggell“\, to announce far and wide beforehand (Acts:3:18|). {Throughout all the world} (\en hol“i t“i kosm“i\). Natural hyperbole as in strkjv@Colossians:1:6; strkjv@Acts:17:6|. But widely known because the church was in the central city of the empire.

rwp@Romans:1:10 @{If by any means now at length} (\ei p“s ˆdˆ pote\). A condition of the first class in the form of an indirect question (aim) or elliptical condition like strkjv@Acts:27:12| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1024). Note the four particles together to express Paul's feelings of emotion that now at length somehow it may really come true. {I may be prospered} (\euod“thˆsomai\). First future passive indicative of \euodo“\ for which verb see on ¯1Corinthians:16:2|. {By the will of God} (\en t“i thelˆmati tou theou\). Paul's way lay "in" God's will.

rwp@Romans:1:18 @{For the wrath of God is revealed} (\apokaluptetai gar orgˆ theou\). Note in Romans Paul's use of \gar\, now argumentative, now explanatory, now both as here. There is a parallel and antecedent revelation (see verse 17|) of God's wrath corresponding to the revelation of God's righteousness, this an unwritten revelation, but plainly made known. \Orgˆ\ is from \orga“\, to teem, to swell. It is the temper of God towards sin, not rage, but the wrath of reason and law (Shedd). The revelation of God's righteousness in the gospel was necessary because of the failure of men to attain it without it, for God's wrath justly rested upon all both Gentiles (1:18-32|) and Jews (2:1-3:20|). {Ungodliness} (\asebeian\). Irreligion, want of reverence toward God, old word (cf. strkjv@2Timothy:2:16|). {Unrighteousness} (\adikian\). Lack (\a\ privative and \dikˆ\) of right conduct toward men, injustice (Romans:9:14; strkjv@Luke:18:6|). This follows naturally from irreverence. The basis of ethical conduct rests on the nature of God and our attitude toward him, otherwise the law of the jungle (cf. Nietzsche, "might makes right"). {Hold down the truth} (\tˆn alˆtheian katechont“n\). Truth (\alˆtheia, alˆthˆs\, from \a\ privative and \lˆth“\ or \lanthan“\, to conceal) is out in the open, but wicked men, so to speak, put it in a box and sit on the lid and "hold it down in unrighteousness." Their evil deeds conceal the open truth of God from men. Cf. strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:6f.| for this use of \katech“\, to hinder.

rwp@Romans:1:21 @{Because that} (\dioti\). As in verse 19|. {Knowing God} (\gnontes ton theon\). Second aorist active participle of \gin“sk“\, to know by personal experience. Definite statement that originally men had some knowledge of God. No people, however degraded, have yet been found without some yearning after a god, a seeking to find the true God and get back to him as Paul said in Athens (Acts:17:27|). {Glorified not as God} (\ouch h“s theon edoxasan\). They knew more than they did. This is the reason for the condemnation of the heathen (2:12-16|), the failure to do what they know. {Their senseless heart} (\hˆ asunetos aut“n kardia\). \Kardia\ is the most comprehensive term for all our faculties whether feeling (Romans:9:2|), will (1Corinthians:4:5|), intellect (Romans:10:6|). It may be the home of the Holy Spirit (Romans:5:5|) or of evil desires (1:24|). See strkjv@Mark:7:21f.| for list of vices that come "out of the heart." \Asunetos\ is a verbal adjective from \suniˆmi\, to put together, and \a\ privative, unintelligent, not able to put together the manifest evidence about God (verse 20|). Songs:darkness settled down on their hearts (\eskotisthˆ\, first aorist ingressive passive of \skotiz“\, to darken).

rwp@Romans:1:24 @{Wherefore} (\dio\). Paul's inexorable logic. See it also in verse 26| with the same verb and in verse 28| \kai\ like "and so." {God gave them up} (\pared“ken autous ho theos\). First aorist active indicative of \paradid“mi\, old and common verb to hand over (beside, \para\) to one's power as in strkjv@Matthew:4:12|. These people had already wilfully deserted God who merely left them to their own self-determination and self-destruction, part of the price of man's moral freedom. Paul refers to this stage and state of man in strkjv@Acts:17:30| by "overlooked" (\huperid“n\). The withdrawal of God's restraint sent men deeper down. Three times Paul uses \pared“ken\ here (verses 24,26,28|), not three stages in the giving over, but a repetition of the same withdrawal. The words sound to us like clods on the coffin as God leaves men to work their own wicked will. {That their bodies should be dishonoured} (\tou atimazesthai ta s“mata aut“n\). Contemplated result expressed by \tou\ (genitive article) and the passive infinitive \atimazesthai\ (from \atimos\, \a\ privative and \timos\, dishonoured) with the accusative of general reference. Christians had a new sense of dignity for the body (1Thessalonians:4:4; strkjv@1Corinthians:6:13|). Heathenism left its stamp on the bodies of men and women.

rwp@Romans:1:25 @{Exchanged} (\metˆllaxan\). First aorist active indicative of \metallass“\, old word for exchanging trade, only here and verse 26| in N.T. What a bargain they made, "the truth of God for (\en\) the (\t“i\) lie." "The price of mythology" (Bengel). {Worshipped} (\esebasthˆsan\). First aorist passive (used transitively) of \sebazomai\, old verb, used in late Greek like \sebomai\, to worship. {Rather than the Creator} (\para ton ktisanta\). Placed side by side (\para\, the Creator and the creature, \ktisis\) they preferred the creature. {Who is blessed forever. Amen} (\hos estin eulogˆtos. Amˆn\). One of Paul's doxologies which may come at any moment when he is greatly stirred, as in strkjv@9:5|. \Eulogˆtos\ is verbal of \euloge“\.

rwp@Romans:1:27 @{Turned} (\exekauthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative, causative aorist, of \ekkai“\, old verb, to burn out, to set on fire, to inflame with anger or lust. Here only in N.T. {Lust} (\orexei\). Only here in N.T. {Unseemliness} (\aschˆmosunˆn\). Old word from \aschˆmon\ (deformed). In N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:16:15|. {Recompense} (\antimisthian\). See on ¯2Corinthians:6:13| for only other N.T. instance of this late Pauline word, there in good sense, here in bad. {Which was due} (\hˆn edei\). Imperfect active for obligation still on them coming down from the past. This debt will be paid in full (\apolambanontes\, pay back as in strkjv@Luke:6:34|, and due as in strkjv@Luke:23:41|). Nature will attend to that in their own bodies and souls.

rwp@Romans:1:28 @{And even as they refused} (\kai kath“s ouk edokimasan\). "And even as they rejected" after trial just as \dokimaz“\ is used of testing coins. They tested God at first and turned aside from him. {Knowledge} (\epign“sei\). Full knowledge (\epi\ additional, \gn“sis\). They had a dim memory that was a caricature. {Unto a reprobate mind} (\eis adokimon noun\). Play on \ouk edokimasan\. They rejected God and God rejected their mental attitude and gave them over (verses 24,26,28|). See this adjective already in strkjv@1Corinthians:9:27; strkjv@2Corinthians:13:5-7|. Like an old abandoned building, the home of bats and snakes, left "to do those things which are not fitting" (\poiein ta mˆ kathˆkonta\), like the night clubs of modern cities, the dives and dens of the underworld, without God and in the darkness of unrestrained animal impulses. This was a technical term with Stoics (II Macc. strkjv@6:4).

rwp@Romans:1:29 @{Being called with} (\peplˆr“menous\). Perfect passive participle of the common verb \plˆro“\, state of completion, "filled to the brim with" four vices in the associative instrumental case (\adikiƒi\, unrighteousness as in verse 18|, \ponˆriƒi\, active wickedness as in strkjv@Mark:7:22|, \pleonexiƒi\, covetousness as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:5; strkjv@Luke:12:15|, \kakiƒi\, maliciousness or inward viciousness of disposition as in strkjv@1Corinthians:5:8|). Note asyndeton, no connective in the lists in verses 29-31|. Dramatic effect. The order of these words varies in the MSS. and \porneiƒi\, fornication, is not genuine here (absent in Aleph A B C). {Full of} (\mestous\). Paul changes from participle to adjective. Old adjective, rare in the N.T., like \mesto“\, to fill full (only in strkjv@Acts:2:13| in N.T.), stuffed full of (with genitive). Five substantives in the genitive (\phthonou\, envy, as in strkjv@Galatians:5:21|, \phonou\, murder, and so a paronomasia or combination with \phthonou\, of like sounding words, \eridos\, strife, as in strkjv@2Corinthians:12:16|, \kakoˆthias\, malignity, and here only in N.T. though old word from \kakoˆthˆs\ and that from \kakos\ and \ˆthos\, a tendency to put a bad construction on things, depravity of heart and malicious disposition.

rwp@Romans:1:30 @Paul changes the construction again to twelve substantives and adjectives that give vivid touches to this composite photograph of the God abandoned soul. {Whisperers} (\psithuristas\). Old word from \psithuriz“\, to speak into the ear, to speak secretly, an onomatopoetic word like \psithurismos\ (2Corinthians:12:20|) and only here in N.T. {Backbiters} (\katalalous\). Found nowhere else except in Hermas, compound like \katalale“\, to talk back (James:4:11|), and \katalalia\, talking back (2Corinthians:12:20|), talkers back whether secretly or openly. {Hateful to God} (\theostugeis\). Old word from \theos\ and \stuge“\. All the ancient examples take it in the passive sense and so probably here. Songs:\stugˆtos\ (Titus:3:13|). Vulgate has _deo odibiles_. {Insolent} (\hubristas\). Old word for agent from \hubriz“\, to give insult to, here alone in N.T. save strkjv@1Timothy:1:13|. {Haughty} (\huperˆphanous\). From \huper\ and \phainomai\, to appear above others, arrogant in thought and conduct, "stuck up." {Boastful} (\alazonas\). From \alˆ\, wandering. Empty pretenders, swaggerers, braggarts. {Inventors of evil things} (\epheuretas kak“n\). Inventors of new forms of vice as Nero was. Tacitus (_Ann_. IV. ii) describes Sejanus as _facinorum omnium repertor_ and Virgil (_Aen_. ii. 163) _scelerum inventor_. {Disobedient to parents} (\goneusin apeitheis\). Cf. strkjv@1Timothy:1:9; strkjv@2Timothy:3:2|. An ancient and a modern trait.

rwp@Romans:1:31 @{Without understanding} (\asunetous\). Same word in verse 21|. {Covenant-breakers} (\asunthetous\). Another paronomasia or pun. \A\ privative and verbal \sunthetos\ from \suntithˆmi\, to put together. Old word, common in LXX (Jeremiah:3:7|), men "false to their engagements" (Sanday and Headlam), who treat covenants as "a scrap of paper." {Without natural affection} (\astorgous\). Late word, \a\ privative and \storgˆ\, love of kindred. In N.T. only here and strkjv@2Timothy:3:3|. {Unmerciful} (\aneleˆmonas\). From \a\ privative and \eleˆm“n\, merciful. Late word, only here in N.T. Some MSS. add \aspondous\, implacable, from strkjv@2Timothy:3:3|. It is a terrible picture of the effects of sin on the lives of men and women. The late Dr. R. H. Graves of Canton, China, said that a Chinaman who got hold of this chapter declared that Paul could not have written it, but only a modern missionary who had been to China. It is drawn to the life because Paul knew Pagan Graeco-Roman civilization.

rwp@Romans:1:32 @{The ordinance of God} (\to dikai“ma tou theou\). The heathen knows that God condemns such evil practices. {But also consent with them} (\alla kai suneudokousin\). Late verb for hearty approval as in strkjv@Luke:11:48; strkjv@Acts:8:1; strkjv@1Corinthians:7:12|. It is a tragedy of American city government that so many of the officials are proven to be hand in glove with the underworld of law-breakers.

rwp@Romans:2:1 @{Wherefore} (\dio\). See strkjv@1:24,26| for this relative conjunction, "because of which thing." {Without excuse} (\anapologˆtos\). See on ¯1:21|. {Whosoever thou art that judgest} (\pas ho krin“n\). Literally, "every one that judgest," vocative case in apposition with \anthr“pe\. Paul begins his discussion of the failure of the Jew to attain to the God-kind of righteousness (2:1-3:20|) with a general statement applicable to all as he did (1:18|) in the discussion of the failure of the Gentiles (Lightfoot). The Gentile is readily condemned by the Jew when he sins and equally so is the Jew condemned by the Gentile in like case. \Krin“\ does not of itself mean to condemn, but to pick out, separate, approve, determine, pronounce judgment, condemn (if proper). {Another} (\ton heteron\). Literally, "the other man." The notion of two in the word, one criticizing the other. {Thou condemnest thyself} (\seauton katakrineis\). Note \kata\ here with \krin“\, to make plain the adverse judgment. {For} (\gar\). Explanatory reason for the preceding statement. The critic {practises} (\prasseis\, not single acts \poie“\, but the habit \prass“\) the same things that he condemns.

rwp@Romans:2:3 @{And doest the same} (\kai poi“n auta\). "And doest them occasionally." {That thou shalt escape} (\su ekpheuxˆi\). Emphasis on \su\, "thou conceited Jew expecting to escape God's \krima\ because thou art a Jew." Cf. strkjv@Matthew:3:8f|. Paul justifies the bitter words of the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees. The future middle of the old verb \ekpheug“\ (cf. strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:3|). The Jew posed as immune to the ordinary laws of ethics because a Jew. Alas, some Christians affect the same immunity.

rwp@Romans:2:4 @{Or despiseth thou?} (\ˆ kataphroneis?\). Another alternative, that of scorn of God's kindness (\chrˆstotˆtos\, strkjv@2Corinthians:6:6|) and forbearance (\anochˆs\, old word, holding back from \anech“\, only here in N.T.) and longsuffering (\makrothumias\, late word for which see strkjv@2Corinthians:6:4,6|). \Kataphrone“\ is old verb to think down on (\kata, phrone“\) as in strkjv@Matthew:6:24; strkjv@1Corinthians:11:22|. This upstart Jew actually thinks down on God. And then "the riches" (\tou ploutou\) of all that comes from God. {Leadeth thee to repentance} (\eis metanoian se agei\). The very kindness (\to chrˆston\, the kindly quality) of God is trying to lead (conative present \agei\) thee to a right-about face, a change of mind and attitude (\metanoian\) instead of a complacent self-satisfaction and pride of race and privilege.

rwp@Romans:2:12 @{Have sinned} (\hˆmarton\). Constative aorist active indicative, "sinned," a timeless aorist. {Without law} (\anom“s\). Old adverb "contrary to law," "unjustly," but here in ignorance of the Mosaic law (or of any law). Nowhere else in N.T. {Shall also perish without law} (\anom“s kai apolountai\). Future middle indicative of \apollumi\, to destroy. This is a very important statement. The heathen who sin are lost, because they do not keep the law which they have, not because they do not have the Mosaic law or Christianity. {Under law} (\en nom“i\). In the sphere of the Mosaic law. {By the law} (\dia nomou\). The Jew has to stand or fall by the Mosaic law.

rwp@Romans:2:13 @{Not the hearers--but the doers} (\ou gar hoi akroatai--all' hoi poiˆtai\). The law was read in the synagogue, but there was no actual virtue in listening. The virtue is in doing. See a like contrast by James between "hearers" and "doers" of the gospel (James:1:22-25|). {Before God} (\para t“i the“i\). By God's side, as God looks at it. {Shall be justified} (\dikai“thˆsontai\). Future passive indicative of \dikaio“\, to declare righteous, to set right. "Shall be declared righteous." Like strkjv@James:1:22-25|.

rwp@Romans:2:14 @{That have no law} (\ta mˆ nomon echonta\). Better, "that have not the law" (the Mosaic law). {By nature} (\phusei\). Instrumental case of \phusis\, old word from \phu“\, to beget. The Gentiles are without the Mosaic law, but not without some knowledge of God in conscience and when they do right "they are a law to themselves" (\heautois eisin nomos\). This is an obvious reply to the Jewish critic.

rwp@Romans:2:15 @{In that they} (\hoitines\). "The very ones who," qualitative relative. {Written in their hearts} (\grapton en tais kardiais aut“n\). Verbal adjective of \graph“\, to write. When their conduct corresponds on any point with the Mosaic law they practise the unwritten law in their hearts. {Their conscience bearing witness therewith} (\sunmarturousˆs aut“n tˆs suneidˆse“s\). On conscience (\suneidˆsis\) see on ¯1Corinthians:8:7; strkjv@10:25f.; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:12|. Genitive absolute here with present active participle \sunmarturousˆs\ as in strkjv@9:1|. The word \suneidˆsis\ means co-knowledge by the side of the original consciousness of the act. This second knowledge is personified as confronting the first (Sanday and Headlam). The Stoics used the word a great deal and Paul has it twenty times. It is not in the O.T., but first in this sense in Wisdom strkjv@17:10. All men have this faculty of passing judgment on their actions. It can be over-scrupulous (1Corinthians:10:25|) or "seared" by abuse (1Timothy:4:12|). It acts according to the light it has. {Their thoughts one with another accusing or also excusing them} (\metaxu allˆl“n t“n logism“n katˆgorount“n ˆ kai apologoumen“n\). Genitive absolute again showing the alternative action of the conscience, now accusing, now excusing. Paul does not say that a heathen's conscience always commends everything that he thinks, says, or does. In order for one to be set right with God by his own life he must always act in accord with his conscience and never have its disapproval. That, of course, is impossible else Christ died for naught (Galatians:2:21|). Jesus alone lived a sinless life. For one to be saved without Christ he must also live a sinless life.

rwp@Romans:2:17 @{Bearest the name} (\eponomazˆi\). Present passive indicative in condition of first class of \eponomaz“\, old word, to put a name upon (\epi\), only here in N.T. "Thou art surnamed Jew" (Lightfoot). Jew as opposed to Greek denoted nationality while Hebrew accented the idea of language. {Restest upon the law} (\epanapauˆi nom“i\). Late and rare double compound, in LXX and once in the Didache. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:10:6| which see. It means to lean upon, to refresh oneself back upon anything, here with locative case (\nom“i\). It is the picture of blind and mechanical reliance on the Mosaic law. {Gloriest in God} (\kauchƒsai en the“i\). _Koin‚_ vernacular form for \kauchƒi\ (\kauchaesai, kauchƒsai\) of \kauchaomai\ as in verse 23; strkjv@1Corinthians:4:7| and \katakauchƒsai\ in strkjv@Romans:11:18|. The Jew gloried in God as a national asset and private prerogative (2Corinthians:10:15; strkjv@Galatians:6:13|). {Approvest the things that are excellent} (\dokimazeis ta diapheronta\). Originally, "Thou testest the things that differ," and then as a result comes the approval for the excellent things. As in strkjv@Phillipians:1:10| it is difficult to tell which stage of the process Paul has in mind. {Instructed out of the law} (\katˆchoumenos ek tou nomou\). Present passive participle of \katˆche“\, a rare verb to instruct, though occurring in the papyri for legal instruction. See on ¯Luke:1:4; strkjv@1Corinthians:14:19|. The Jew's "ethical discernment was the fruit of catechetical and synagogical instruction in the Old Testament" (Shedd).

rwp@Romans:2:19 @{A guide of the blind} (\hodˆgon tuphl“n\). Accusative \hodˆgon\ in predicate with \einai\ to agree with \seauton\, accusative of general reference with infinitive \einai\ in indirect discourse after \pepoithas\. Late word (Polybius, Plutarch) from \hodos\, way, and \hˆgeomai\, to lead, one who leads the way. \Tuphl“n\ is objective genitive plural. The Jews were meant by God to be guides for the Gentiles, for salvation is of the Jews (John:4:22|). {A light} (\ph“s\). "A light for those in darkness" (\t“n en skotei\, objective genitive again). But this intention of God about the Jews had resulted in conceited arrogance on their part.

rwp@Romans:2:20 @{A corrector of the foolish} (\paideutˆn aphron“n\). Old word (from \paideu“\) for instructor, in Plato, and probably so here, though corrector or chastiser in strkjv@Hebrews:12:9| (the only N.T. instances). See strkjv@Luke:23:16|. Late inscriptions give it as instructor (Preisigke). \Aphron“n\ is a hard word for Gentiles, but it is the Jewish standpoint that Paul gives. Each termed the other "dogs." {Of babes} (\nˆpi“n\). Novitiates or proselytes to Judaism just as in strkjv@Galatians:4:1|. Paul used it of those not of legal age. {The form} (\tˆn morph“sin\). Rare word only in Theophrastus and Paul (here and strkjv@2Timothy:3:5|). Pallis regards it as a Stoical term for education. Lightfoot considers the \morph“sis\ as "the rough-sketch, the pencilling of the \morphˆ\," the outline or framework, and in strkjv@2Timothy:3:5| "the outline without the substance." This is Paul's picture of the Jew as he sees himself drawn with consummate skill and subtle irony.

rwp@Romans:2:21 @{Thou therefore that teachest another} (\ho oun didask“n heteron\). Paul suddenly breaks off (anacoluthon) the long sentence that began in verse 17| and starts over again with a phrase that gathers it all up in small compass (teachest) and drives it home (therefore) on the Jew (thyself). {Not to steal} (\mˆ kleptein\). Infinitive with \mˆ\ in indirect command (indirect discourse) after \keruss“n\. {Dost thou steal?} (\klepteis?\). The preaching (\keruss“n\) was fine, but the practice? A home-thrust. {Should not commit adultery} (\mˆ moicheuein\). Infinitive in direct command again after \leg“n\. "The Talmud charges the crime of adultery upon the three most illustrious Rabbins" (Vincent).

rwp@Romans:2:22 @{That abhorrest} (\ho bdelussomenos\). Old word to make foul, to stink, to have abhorrence for. In LXX, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:21:8|. The very word used by Jesus to express their horror of idols (\eid“la\, see on ¯Acts:7:41; strkjv@1Corinthians:12:2|). See strkjv@Matthew:24:15| for "abomination." {Dost thou rob temples?} (\hierosuleis?\). Old verb from \hierosulos\ (Acts:19:37|) and that from \hieron\, temple, and \sula“\, to rob. The town clerk (Acts:19:37|) said that these Jews (Paul and his companions) were "not robbers of temples," proof that the charge was sometimes made against Jews, though expressly forbidden the Jews (Josephus, _Ant_. IV. 8, 10). Paul refers to the crime of robbing idol temples in spite of the defilement of contact with idolatry.

rwp@Romans:2:23 @{Through thy transgression of the law} (\dia tˆs parabase“s tou nomou\). Old word for stepping across a line. Trench calls attention to "the mournfully numerous group of words" for the varieties of sin like \agnoˆma\, ignorance, \anomia\, violation of law, \hamartia\, missing the mark, \hettˆma\, falling short, \parabasis\, passing over the line, \parakoˆ\, disobedience to a voice, \paranomia\, putting the law aside, \parapt“ma\, falling down, \plˆmmeleia\, discord.

rwp@Romans:2:25 @{If thou be a doer of the law} (\ean nomon prasseis\). Condition of third class and the present (continued action) subjunctive of \prass“\, a verb meaning to do as a habit. {Is become uncircumcision} (\akrobustia gegonen\). The Jew is then like the Gentile, with no privilege at all. Circumcision was simply the seal of the covenant relation of Israel with God.

rwp@Romans:3:1 @{What advantage then hath the Jew?} (\ti oun to perisson tou Ioudaiou?\). Literally, "What then is the overplus of the Jew?" What does the Jew have over and above the Gentile? It is a pertinent question after the stinging indictment of the Jew in chapter 2. {The profit} (\hˆ “phelia\). The help. Old word, only here in N.T. See strkjv@Mark:8:36| for \“phelei\, the verb to profit.

rwp@Romans:3:2 @{Much every way} (\polu kata panta\). \Polu\ points back to \to perisson\. Songs:it means the overplus of the Jew is much from every angle. {First of all} (\pr“ton men\). As in strkjv@1:8; strkjv@1Corinthians:11:18| Paul does not add to his "first." He singles out one privilege of the many possessed by the Jew. {They were intrusted with} (\episteuthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \pisteu“\, to intrust, with accusative of the thing and dative of the person in the active. In the passive as here the accusative of the thing is retained as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:4|. {The oracles of God} (\ta logia tou theou\). In the accusative case, therefore, the object of \episteuthˆsan\. \Logion\ is probably a diminutive of \logos\, word, though the adjective \logios\ also occurs (Acts:18:24|). The word was early used for "oracles" from Delphi and is common in the LXX for the oracles of the Lord. But from Philo on it was used of any sacred writing including narrative. It occurs four times in the N.T. (Acts:7:38|, which see; strkjv@Romans:3:2; strkjv@Hebrews:5:12; strkjv@1Peter:4:11|). It is possible that here and in strkjv@Acts:7:38| the idea may include all the Old Testament, though the commands and promises of God may be all.

rwp@Romans:3:3 @{For what if?} (\ti gar ei?\). But Westcott and Hort print it, \Ti gar? ei\. See strkjv@Phillipians:1:18| for this exclamatory use of \ti gar\ (for how? How stands the case?). {Some were without faith} (\ˆpistˆsan\). First aorist active indicative of \apiste“\, old verb, to disbelieve. This is the common N.T. meaning (Luke:24:11,41; strkjv@Acts:28:24; strkjv@Romans:4:20|). Some of them "disbelieved," these "depositaries and guardians of revelation" (Denney). But the word also means to be unfaithful to one's trust and Lightfoot argues for that idea here and in strkjv@2Timothy:2:13|. The Revised Version renders it "faithless" there. Either makes sense here and both ideas are true of some of the Jews, especially concerning the Messianic promises and Jesus. {The faithfulness of God} (\tˆn pistin tou theou\). Undoubtedly \pistis\ has this sense here and not "faith." God has been faithful (2Timothy:2:13|) whether the Jews (some of them) were simply disbelievers or untrue to their trust. Paul can use the words in two senses in verse 3|, but there is no real objection to taking \ˆpistˆsan, apistian, pistin\, all to refer to faithfulness rather than just faith.

rwp@Romans:3:5 @{What shall we say?} (\ti eroumen?\). Rhetorical question, common with Paul as he surveys the argument. {Commendeth} (\sunistˆsin\). This common verb \sunistˆmi\, to send together, occurs in the N.T. in two senses, either to introduce, to commend (2Corinthians:3:1; strkjv@4:2|) or to prove, to establish (2Corinthians:7:11; strkjv@Galatians:2:18; strkjv@Romans:5:8|). Either makes good sense here. {Who visiteth the wrath} (\ho epipher“n tˆn orgˆn\). "Who brings on the wrath," "the inflicter of the anger" (Vaughan). {I speak as a man} (\kata anthr“pon\). See strkjv@Galatians:3:15| for same phrase. As if to say, "pardon me for this line of argument." Tholuck says that the rabbis often used \kata anthr“pon\ and \ti eroumen\. Paul had not forgotten his rabbinical training.

rwp@Romans:3:7 @{Through my lie} (\en t“i em“i pseusmati\). ] Old word from \pseudomai\, to lie, only here in N.T. Paul returns to the imaginary objection in verse 5|. The MSS. differ sharply here between \ei de\ (but if) and \ei gar\ (for if). Paul "uses the first person from motives of delicacy" (Sanday and Headlam) in this supposable case for argument's sake as in strkjv@1Corinthians:4:6|. Songs:here he "transfers by a fiction" (Field) to himself the objection.

rwp@Romans:3:8 @{And why not} (\kai mˆ\). We have a tangled sentence which can be cleared up in two ways. One is (Lightfoot) to supply \genˆtai\ after \mˆ\ and repeat \ti\ (\kai ti mˆ genˆtai\, deliberative subjunctive in a question): And why should it not happen? The other way (Sanday and Headlam) is to take \mˆ\ with \poiˆs“men\ and make a long parenthesis of all in between. Even so it is confusing because \hoti\ also (recitative \hoti\) comes just before \poiˆs“men\. The parenthesis is necessary anyhow, for there are two lines of thought, one the excuse brought forward by the unbeliever, the other the accusation that Paul affirms that very excuse that we may do evil that good may come. Note the double indirect assertion (the accusative and the infinitive \hˆmƒs legein\ after \phasin\ and then the direct quotation with recitative \hoti\ after \legein\, a direct quotation dependent on the infinitive in indirect quotation. {Let us do evil that good may come} (\poiˆs“men ta kaka hina elthˆi ta agatha\). The volitive aorist subjunctive (\poiˆs“men\) and the clause of purpose (\hina\ and the aorist subjunctive \elthˆi\). It sounds almost uncanny to find this maxim of the Jesuits attributed to Paul in the first century by Jews. It was undoubtedly the accusation of Antinomianism because Paul preached justification by faith and not by works.

rwp@Romans:3:10 @{As it is written} (\kath“s gegraptai hoti\). Usual formula of quotation as in verse 4| with recitative \hoti\ added as in verse 8|. Paul here uses a catena or chain of quotations to prove his point in verse 9| that Jews are in no better fix than the Greeks for all are under sin. Dr. J. Rendel Harris has shown that the Jews and early Christians had _Testimonia_ (quotations from the Old Testament) strung together for certain purposes as proof-texts. Paul may have used one of them or he may have put these passages together himself. Verses 10-12| come from strkjv@Psalms:14:1-3|; first half of 13| as far as \edoliousan\ from strkjv@Psalms:4:9|, the second half from strkjv@Psalms:140:3|; verse 14| from strkjv@Psalms:10:7|; 15-17| from an abridgment of strkjv@Isaiah:59:7f.|; verse 18| from strkjv@Psalms:35:1|. Paul has given compounded quotations elsewhere (2Corinthians:6:16; strkjv@Romans:9:25f.,27f; strkjv@11:26f.,34f.; strkjv@12:19f.|). Curiously enough this compounded quotation was imported bodily into the text (LXX) of strkjv@Psalms:14| after verse 4 in Aleph B, etc. {There is none righteous, no, not one} (\ouk estin dikaios oude heis\). "There is not a righteous man, not even one." This sentence is like a motto for all the rest, a summary for what follows.

rwp@Romans:3:13 @{Throat} (\larugx\). Old word, larynx. {Open sepulchre} (\taphos ane“igmenos\). Perfect passive participle of \anoig“\, "an opened grave." Their mouth (words) like the odour of a newly opened grave. "Some portions of Greek and Roman literature stink like a newly opened grave" (Shedd). {They have used deceit} (\edoliousan\). Imperfect (not perfect or aorist as the English implies) active of \dolio“\, only in LXX and here in the N.T. from the common adjective \dolios\, deceitful (2Corinthians:11:13|). The regular form would be \edolioun\. The \-osan\ ending for third plural in imperfect and aorist was once thought to be purely Alexandrian because so common in the LXX, but it is common in the Boeotian and Aeolic dialects and occurs in \eichosan\ in the N.T. (John:15:22,24|). "They smoothed their tongues" in the Hebrew. {Poison} (\ios\). Old word both for rust (James:5:3|) and poison (James:3:8|). {Of asps} (\aspid“n\). Common word for round bowl, shield, then the Egyptian cobra (a deadly serpent). Often in LXX. Only here in the N.T. The poison of the asp lies in a bag under the lips (\cheilˆ\), often in LXX, only here in N.T. Genitive case after \gemei\ (is full).

rwp@Romans:3:17 @{The way of peace} (\hodon eirˆnˆs\). Wherever they go they leave a trail of woe and destruction (Denney).

rwp@Romans:3:18 @{Before} (\apenanti\). Late double compound (\apo, en, anti\) adverbial preposition in LXX and Polybius, papyri and inscriptions. With genitive as here.

rwp@Romans:3:24 @{Being justified} (\dikaioumenoi\). Present passive participle of \dikaio“\, to set right, repeated action in each case, each being set right. {Freely} (\d“rean\). As in strkjv@Galatians:2:21|. {By his grace} (\tˆi autou chariti\). Instrumental case of this wonderful word \charis\ which so richly expresses Paul's idea of salvation as God's free gift. {Through the redemption} (\dia tˆs apolutr“se“s\). A releasing by ransom (\apo, lutr“sis\ from \lutro“\ and that from \lutron\, ransom). God did not set men right out of hand with nothing done about men's sins. We have the words of Jesus that he came to give his life a ransom (\lutron\) for many (Mark:10:45; strkjv@Matthew:20:28|). \Lutron\ is common in the papyri as the purchase-money in freeing slaves (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, pp. 327f.). {That is in Christ Jesus} (\tˆi en Christ“i Iˆsou\). There can be no mistake about this redemption. It is like strkjv@John:3:16|.

rwp@Romans:3:25 @{Set forth} (\proetheto\). Second aorist middle indicative. See on ¯1:13| for this word. Also in strkjv@Ephesians:1:9|, but nowhere else in N.T. God set before himself (purposed) and did it publicly before (\pro\) the whole world. {A propitiation} (\hilastˆrion\). The only other N.T. example of this word is in strkjv@Hebrews:9:5| where we have the "cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat" (\to hilastˆrion\). In Hebrews the adjective is used as a substantive or as "the propitiatory place " But that idea does not suit here. Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, pp. 124-35) has produced examples from inscriptions where it is used as an adjective and as meaning "a votive offering" or "propitiatory gift." Hence he concludes about strkjv@Romans:3:25|: "The crucified Christ is the votive gift of the Divine Love for the salvation of men." God gave his Son as the means of propitiation (1John:2:2|). \Hilastˆrion\ is an adjective (\hilastˆrios\) from \hilaskomai\, to make propitiation (Hebrews:2:17|) and is kin in meaning to \hilasmos\, propitiation (1John:2:2; strkjv@4:10|). There is no longer room for doubting its meaning in strkjv@Romans:3:25|. {Through faith, by his blood} (\dia piste“s en t“i autou haimati\). Songs:probably, connecting \en toi haimati\ (in his blood) with \proetheto\. {To show his righteousness} (\eis endeixin tˆs dikaiosunˆs autou\). See strkjv@2Corinthians:8:24|. "For showing of his righteousness," the God-kind of righteousness. God could not let sin go as if a mere slip. God demanded the atonement and provided it. {Because of the passing over} (\dia tˆn paresin\). Late word from \pariˆmi\, to let go, to relax. In Dionysius Hal., Xenophon, papyri (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 266) for remission of punishment, especially for debt, as distinct from \aphesis\ (remission). {Done aforetime} (\progegonot“n\). Second perfect active genitive participle of \proginomai\. The sins before the coming of Christ (Acts:14:16; strkjv@17:30; strkjv@Hebrews:9:15|). {Forbearance} (\anochˆi\). Holding back of God as in strkjv@2:4|. In this sense Christ tasted death for every man (Hebrews:2:9|).

rwp@Romans:3:26 @{For the shewing} (\pros tˆn endeixin\). Repeats point of \eis endeixin\ of 25| with \pros\ instead of \eis\. {At this present season} (\en t“i nun kair“i\). "In the now crisis," in contrast with "done aforetime." {That he might himself be} (\eis to einai auton\). Purpose with \eis\ to and the infinitive \einai\ and the accusative of general reference. {Just and the justifier of} (\dikaion kai dikaiounta\). "This is the key phrase which establishes the connexion between the \dikaiosunˆ theou\ and the \dikaiosunˆ ek piste“s\" (Sanday and Headlam). Nowhere has Paul put the problem of God more acutely or profoundly. To pronounce the unrighteous righteous is unjust by itself (Romans:4:5|). God's mercy would not allow him to leave man to his fate. God's justice demanded some punishment for sin. The only possible way to save some was the propitiatory offering of Christ and the call for faith on man's part.

rwp@Romans:3:29 @{Of Gentiles also} (\kai ethn“n\). Jews overlooked it then and some Christians do now.

rwp@Romans:3:30 @{If so be that God is one} (\eiper heis ho theos\). Correct text rather than \epeiper\. It means "if on the whole." "By a species of rhetorical politeness it is used of that about which there is no doubt" (Thayer. Cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:8:5; strkjv@15:15; strkjv@Romans:8:9|. {By faith} (\ek piste“s\). "Out of faith," springing out of. {Through faith} (\dia tˆs piste“s\). "By means of the faith" (just mentioned). \Ek\ denotes source, \dia\ intermediate agency or attendant circumstance.

rwp@Romans:4:2 @{The Scripture} (\hˆ graphˆ\). strkjv@Genesis:15:6|. {Was justified by works} (\ex erg“n edikai“thˆ\). Condition of first class, assumed as true for the sake of argument, though untrue in fact. The rabbis had a doctrine of the merits of Abraham who had a superfluity of credits to pass on to the Jews (Luke:3:8|). {But not towards God} (\all' ou pros theon\). Abraham deserved all the respect from men that came to him, but his relation to God was a different matter. He had _there_ no ground of boasting at all.

rwp@Romans:4:3 @{It was reckoned unto him for righteousness} (\elogisthˆ eis dikaiosunˆn\). First aorist passive indicative of \logizomai\, old and common verb to set down accounts (literally or metaphorically). It was set down on the credit side of the ledger "for" (\eis\ as often) righteousness. What was set down? His believing God (\episteusen t“i the“i\).

rwp@Romans:4:5 @{That justifieth the ungodly} (\ton dikaiounta ton asebˆ\). The impious, irreverent man. See strkjv@1:25|. A forensic figure (Shedd). The man is taken as he is and pardoned. "The whole Pauline gospel could be summed up in this one word-- God who justifies the ungodly" (Denney).

rwp@Romans:4:8 @{To whom} (\h“i\). But the best MSS. read \hou\ like the LXX and so Westcott and Hort, "whose sin." {Will not reckon} (\ou mˆ logisˆtai\). Strong negation by double negative and aorist middle subjunctive.

rwp@Romans:4:12 @{The father of circumcision} (\patera peritomˆs\). The accusative with \eis to einai\ to be repeated from verse 11|. Lightfoot takes it to mean, not "a father of a circumcised progeny," but "a father belonging to circumcision," a less natural interpretation. {But who also walk} (\alla kai tois stoichousin\). The use of \tois\ here is hard to explain, for \ou monon\ and \alla kai\ both come after the preceding \tois\. All the MSS. have it thus. A primitive error in a copyist is suggested by Hort who would omit the second \tois\. Lightfoot regards it less seriously and would repeat the second \tois\ in the English: "To those who are, I do not say of circumcision only, but also to those who walk." {In the steps} (\tois ichnesin\). Locative case. See on ¯2Corinthians:12:18|. \Stoiche“\ is military term, to walk in file as in strkjv@Galatians:5:25; strkjv@Phillipians:3:16|.

rwp@Romans:4:25 @{For our justification} (\dia tˆn dikai“sin hˆm“n\). The first clause (\paredothˆ dia ta parapt“mata\) is from strkjv@Isaiah:53:12|. The first \dia\ with \parapt“mata\ is probably retrospective, though it will make sense as prospective (to make atonement for our transgressions). The second \dia\ is quite clearly prospective with a view to our justification. Paul does not mean to separate the resurrection from the death of Christ in the work of atonement, but simply to show that the resurrection is at one with the death on the Cross in proof of Christ's claims.

rwp@Romans:5:1 @{Being therefore justified by faith} (\dikai“thentes oun ek piste“s\). First aorist passive participle of \dikaio“\, to set right and expressing antecedent action to the verb \ech“men\. The \oun\ refers to the preceding conclusive argument (chapters 1 to 4) that this is done by faith. {Let us have peace with God} (\eirˆnˆn ech“men pros ton theon\). This is the correct text beyond a doubt, the present active subjunctive, not \echomen\ (present active indicative) of the Textus Receptus which even the American Standard Bible accepts. It is curious how perverse many real scholars have been on this word and phrase here. Godet, for instance. Vincent says that "it is difficult if not impossible to explain it." One has only to observe the force of the _tense_ to see Paul's meaning clearly. The mode is the volitive subjunctive and the present tense expresses linear action and so does not mean "make peace" as the ingressive aorist subjunctive \eirˆnˆn sch“men\ would mean. A good example of \sch“men\ occurs in strkjv@Matthew:21:38| (\sch“men tˆn klˆronomian autou\) where it means: "Let us get hold of his inheritance." Here \eirˆnˆn ech“men\ can only mean: "Let us enjoy peace with God" or "Let us retain peace with God." We have in strkjv@Acts:9:31| \eichen eirˆnˆn\ (imperfect and so linear), the church "enjoyed peace," not "made peace." The preceding justification (\dikai“thentes\) "made peace with God." Observe \pros\ (face to face) with \ton theon\ and \dia\ (intermediate agent) with \tou kuriou\.

rwp@Romans:5:4 @{Knowing} (\eidotes\). Second perfect participle of \eidon\ (\oida\), giving the reason for the previous exhortation to glory in tribulations. He gives a linked chain, one linking to the other (tribulation \thlipsis\, patience \hupomonˆ\, experience \dokimˆ\, hope \elpis\) running into verse 5|. On \dokimˆ\, see strkjv@2Corinthians:2:9|.

rwp@Romans:5:6 @{For} (\eti gar\). Songs:most documents, but B reads \ei ge\ which Westcott and Hort use in place of \gar\. {While we were yet weak} (\ont“n hˆm“n asthen“n eti\). Genitive absolute. The second \eti\ (yet) here probably gave rise to the confusion of text over \eti gar\ above. {In due season} (\kata kairon\). Christ came into the world at the proper time, the fulness of the time (Galatians:4:4; strkjv@Ephesians:1:10; strkjv@Titus:1:3|). {I or the ungodly} (\huper aseb“n\). In behalf, instead of. See about \huper\ on strkjv@Galatians:3:13| and also verse 7| here.

rwp@Romans:5:10 @{We were reconciled to God} (\katˆllagˆmen t“i the“i\). Second aorist passive indicative of \katallass“\ for which great Pauline word see on ¯2Corinthians:5:18f|. The condition is the first class. Paul does not conceive it as his or our task to reconcile God to us. God has attended to that himself (Romans:3:25f.|). We become reconciled to God by means of the death of God's Son. "Much more" again we shall be saved "by his life" (\en tˆi z“ˆi autou\). "In his life," for he does live, "ever living to intercede for them" (Hebrews:7:25|).

rwp@Romans:5:12 @{Therefore} (\dia touto\). "For this reason." What reason? Probably the argument made in verses 1-11|, assuming our justification and urging exultant joy in Christ because of the present reconciliation by Christ's death and the certainty of future final salvation by his life. {As through one man} (\h“sper di' henos anthr“pou\). Paul begins a comparison between the effects of Adam's sin and the effects of the redemptive work of Christ, but he does not give the second member of the comparison. Instead of that he discusses some problems about sin and death and starts over again in verse 15|. The general point is plain that the effects of Adam's sin are transmitted to his descendants, though he does not say how it was done whether by the natural or the federal headship of Adam. It is important to note that Paul does not say that the whole race receives the full benefit of Christ's atoning death, but only those who do. Christ is the head of all believers as Adam is the head of the race. In this sense Adam "is a figure of him that was to come." {Sin entered into the world} (\hˆ hamartia eis ton kosmon eisˆlthen\). Personification of sin and represented as coming from the outside into the world of humanity. Paul does not discuss the origin of evil beyond this fact. There are some today who deny the fact of sin at all and who call it merely "an error of mortal mind" (a notion) while others regard it as merely an animal inheritance devoid of ethical quality. {And so death passed unto all men} (\kai hout“s eis pantas anthr“pous diˆlthen\). Note use of \dierchomai\ rather than \eiserchomai\, just before, second aorist active indicative in both instances. By "death" in strkjv@Genesis:2:17; strkjv@3:19| physical death is meant, but in verses 17,21| eternal death is Paul's idea and that lurks constantly behind physical death with Paul. {For that all sinned} (\eph' h“i pantes hˆmarton\). Constative (summary) aorist active indicative of \hamartan“\, gathering up in this one tense the history of the race (committed sin). The transmission from Adam became facts of experience. In the old Greek \eph' h“i\ usually meant "on condition that," but "because" in N.T. (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 963).

rwp@Romans:5:13 @{Until the law} (\achri nomou\). Until the Mosaic law. Sin was there before the Mosaic law, for the Jews were like Gentiles who had the law of reason and conscience (2:12-16|), but the coming of the law increased their responsibility and their guilt (2:9|). {Sin is not imputed} (\hamartia de ouk ellogeitai\). Present passive indicative of late verb \elloga“\ (\-e“\) from \en\ and \logos\, to put down in the ledger to one's account, examples in inscription and papyri. {When there is no law} (\mˆ ontos nomou\). Genitive absolute, no law of any kind, he means. There was law _before_ the Mosaic law. But what about infants and idiots in case of death? Do they have responsibility? Surely not. The sinful nature which they inherit is met by Christ's atoning death and grace. No longer do men speak of "elect infants."

rwp@Romans:5:15 @{But not as the trespass} (\all' ouch h“s\). It is more contrast than parallel: "the trespass" (\to parapt“ma\, the slip, fall to one side) over against the free gift (\to charisma\, of grace \charis\). {Much more} (\poll“i mallon\). Another _a fortiori_ argument. Why so? As a God of love he delights {much more} in showing mercy and pardon than in giving just punishment (Lightfoot). The gift surpasses the sin. It is not necessary to Paul's argument to make "the many" in each case correspond, one relates to Adam, the other to Christ.

rwp@Romans:5:19 @Here again we have "the one" (\tou henos\) with both Adam and Christ, but "disobedience" (\parakoˆs\, for which see strkjv@2Corinthians:10:6|) contrasted with "obedience" (\hupakoˆs\), the same verb \kathistˆmi\, old verb, to set down, to render, to constitute (\katestathˆsan\, first aorist passive indicative, \katastathˆsontai\, future passive), and "the many" (\hoi polloi\) in both cases (but with different meaning as with "all men" above).

rwp@Romans:5:20 @{Came in beside} (\pareisˆlthen\). Second aorist active indicative of double compound \pareiserchomai\, late verb, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Galatians:2:4| which see. See also \eisˆlthen\ in verse 12|. The Mosaic law came into this state of things, in between Adam and Christ. {That the trespass might abound} (\hina pleonasˆi to parapt“ma\). It is usual to explain \hina\ here as final, as God's ultimate purpose. Songs:Denney who refers to strkjv@Galatians:3:19ff.; strkjv@Romans:7:7f|. But Chrysostom explains \hina\ here as \ekbasis\ (result). This is a proper use of \hina\ in the _Koin‚_ as we have seen. If we take it so here, the meaning is "so that the trespass abounded" (aorist active subjunctive of \pleonas“\, late verb, see on ¯2Thessalonians:1:3; strkjv@2Corinthians:8:15|). This was the actual effect of the Mosaic law for the Jews, the necessary result of all prohibitions. {Did abound more exceedingly} (\hupereperisseusen\). First aorist active indicative of \huperperisseu“\. Late verb, in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:7:4| which see. A strong word. If \pleonaz“\ is comparative (\pleon\) \perisseu“\ is superlative (Lightfoot) and then \huperperisseu“\ goes the superlative one better. See \huperpleonaz“\ in strkjv@1Timothy:1:14|. The flood of grace surpassed the flood of sin, great as that was (and is).

rwp@Romans:5:21 @{That--even so grace might reign} (\hina--houtos kai hˆ charis basileusˆi\). Final \hina\ here, the purpose of God and the goal for us through Christ. Lightfoot notes the force of the aorist indicative (\ebasileusen\, established its throne) and the aorist subjunctive (\basileusˆi\, might establish its throne), the ingressive aorist both times. "This full rhetorical close has almost the value of a doxology" (Denney).

rwp@Romans:6:1 @{What shall we say then?} (\ti oun eroumen?\). "A debater's phrase" (Morison). Yes, and an echo of the rabbinical method of question and answer, but also an expression of exultant victory of grace versus sin. But Paul sees the possible perversion of this glorious grace. {Shall we continue in sin?} (\epimen“men tˆi hamartiƒi?\). Present active deliberative subjunctive of \epimen“\, old verb to tarry as in Ephesus (1Corinthians:16:8|) with locative case. The practice of sin as a habit (present tense) is here raised. {That grace may abound} (\hina hˆ charis pteonasˆi\). Final clause with ingressive aorist subjunctive, to set free the superfluity of grace alluded to like putting money in circulation. Horrible thought (\mˆ genoito\) and yet Paul faced it. There are occasionally so-called pietists who actually think that God's pardon gives them liberty to sin without penalty (cf. the sale of indulgences that stirred Martin Luther).

rwp@Romans:6:6 @{Our old man} (\ho palaios hˆm“n anthr“pos\). Only in Paul (here, strkjv@Colossians:3:9; strkjv@Ephesians:4:22|). {Was crucified with him} (\sunestaur“thˆ\). See on ¯Galatians:2:19| for this boldly picturesque word. This took place not at baptism, but only pictured there. It took place when "we died to sin" (verse 1|). {The body of sin} (\to s“ma tˆs hamartias\). "The body of which sin has taken possession" (Sanday and Headlam), the body marked by sin. {That so we should no longer be in bondage to sin} (\tou mˆketi douleuein hˆmas tˆi hamartiƒi\). Purpose clause with \tou\ and the present active infinitive of \douleu“\, continue serving sin (as slaves). Adds "slavery" to living in sin (verse 2|).

rwp@Romans:6:11 @{Reckon ye also yourselves} (\kai humeis logizesthe\). Direct middle imperative of \logizomai\ and complete proof that Paul does not mean that baptism makes one dead to sin and alive to God. That is a spiritual operation "in Christ Jesus" and only pictured by baptism. This is a plea to live up to the ideal of the baptized life.

rwp@Romans:6:13 @{Neither present} (\mˆde paristanete\). Present active imperative in prohibition of \paristan“\, late form of \paristˆmi\, to place beside. Stop presenting your members or do not have the habit of doing so, "do not go on putting your members to sin as weapons of unrighteousness." {Instruments} (\hopla\). Old word for tools of any kind for shop or war (John:18:3; strkjv@2Corinthians:6:7; strkjv@10:4; strkjv@Romans:13:12|). Possibly here figure of two armies arrayed against each other (Galatians:5:16-24|), and see \hopla dikaiosunˆs\ below. The two sets of \hopla\ clash. {But present yourselves unto God} (\alla parastˆsate heautous t“i the“i\). First aorist active imperative of \paristˆmi\, same verb, but different tense, do it now and completely. Our "members" (\melˆ\) should be at the call of God "as alive from the dead."

rwp@Romans:6:14 @{Shall not have dominion} (\ou kurieusei\). Future active indicative of \kurieu“\, old verb from \kurios\, "shall not lord it over you," even if not yet wholly dead. Cf. strkjv@2Corinthians:1:24|.

rwp@Romans:6:16 @{His servants ye are whom ye obey} (\douloi este h“i hupakouete\). Bondservants, slaves of the one whom ye obey, whatever one's profession may be, traitors, spies sometimes they are called. As Paul used the figure to illustrate death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ and not in sin, so now he uses slavery against the idea of occasional lapses into sin. Loyalty to Christ will not permit occasional crossing over to the other side to Satan's line.

rwp@Romans:6:17 @{Whereas ye were} (\ˆte\). Imperfect but no "whereas" in the Greek. Paul is not grateful that they were once slaves of sin, but only that, though they once were, they turned from that state. {To that form of doctrine whereunto ye were delivered} (\eis hon paredothˆte tupon didachˆs\). Incorporation of the antecedent (\tupon didachˆs\) into the relative clause: "to which form of doctrine ye were delivered." See on ¯5:14| for \tupon\. It is hardly proper to take "form" here to refer to Paul's gospel (2:16|), possibly an allusion to the symbolism of baptism which was the outward sign of the separation.

rwp@Romans:6:18 @{Ye became servants of righteousness} (\edoul“thˆte tˆi dikaiosunˆi\). First aorist passive indicative of \doulo“\, to enslave. "Ye were made slaves to righteousness." You have simply changed masters, no longer slaves of sin (set free from that tyrant), but ye are slaves of righteousness. There is no middle ground, no "no man's land" in this war.

rwp@Romans:6:19 @{I speak after the manner of men} (\anthr“pinon leg“\). "I speak a human word." He begs pardon for using "slaving" in connection with righteousness. But it is a good word, especially for our times when self-assertiveness and personal liberty bulk so large in modern speech. See strkjv@3:5; strkjv@Galatians:3:15| where he uses \kata anthr“pon\. {Because of the infirmity of your flesh} (\dia tˆn astheneian tˆs sarkos hum“n\). Because of defective spiritual insight largely due to moral defects also. {Servants to uncleanness} (\doula tˆi akatharsiƒi\). Neuter plural form of \doulos\ to agree with \melˆ\ (members). Patently true in sexual sins, in drunkenness, and all fleshly sins, absolutely slaves like narcotic fiends. {Songs:now} (\hout“s nun\). Now that you are born again in Christ. Paul uses twice again the same verb \paristˆmi\, to present (\parestˆsate, parastˆsate\). {Servants to righteousness} (\doula tˆi dikaiosunˆi\). Repeats the idea of verse 18|. {Unto sanctification} (\eis hagiasmon\). This the goal, the blessed consummation that demands and deserves the new slavery without occasional lapses or sprees (verse 15|). This late word appears only in LXX, N.T., and ecclesiastical writers so far. See on strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:3; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:30|. Paul includes sanctification in his conception of the God-kind (1:17|) of righteousness (both justification, strkjv@1:18-5:21| and sanctification, chapters 6-8|). It is a life process of consecration, not an instantaneous act. Paul shows that we ought to be sanctified (6:1-7:6|) and illustrates the obligation by death (6:1-14|), by slavery (6:15-23|), and by marriage (7:1-6|).

rwp@Romans:6:22 @{Ye have your fruit unto sanctification} (\echete ton karpon hum“n eis hagiasmon\). Freedom from sin and slavery to God bring permanent fruit that leads to sanctification. {And the end eternal life} (\to de telos z“ˆn ai“nion\). Note accusative case \z“ˆn ai“nion\, object of \echete\ (ye have), though \thanatos\ in contrast above is nominative.

rwp@Romans:7:8 @{Finding occasion} (\aphormˆn labousa\). See strkjv@2Corinthians:5:12; strkjv@11:12; strkjv@Galatians:5:13| for \aphormˆn\, a starting place from which to rush into acts of sin, excuses for doing what they want to do. Just so drinking men use the prohibition laws as "occasions" for violating them. {Wrought in me} (\kateirgasato en emoi\). First aorist active middle indicative of the intensive verb \katergazomai\, to work out (to the finish), effective aorist. The command not to lust made me lust more. {Dead} (\nekra\). Inactive, not non-existent. Sin in reality was there in a dormant state.

rwp@Romans:7:13 @{Become death unto me?} (\emoi egeneto thanatos?\). Ethical dative \emoi\ again. New turn to the problem. Admitting the goodness of God's law, did it issue in death for me? Paul repels (\mˆ genoito\) this suggestion. It was sin that (But sin, \alla hˆ hamartia\) "became death for me." {That it might be shown} (\hina phanˆi\). Final clause, \hina\ and second aorist passive subjunctive of \phain“\, to show. The sinfulness of sin is revealed in its violations of God's law. {By working death to me} (\moi katergazomenˆ thanaton\). Present middle participle, as an incidental result. {Might become exceedingly sinful} (\genˆtai kath' huperbolˆn hamart“los\). Second aorist middle subjunctive of \ginomai\ with \hina\ in final clause. On \kath' huperbolˆn\, see on ¯1Corinthians:12:31|. Our _hyperbole_ is the Greek \huperbolˆ\. The excesses of sin reveal its real nature. Only then do some people get their eyes opened.

rwp@Romans:7:15 @{I know not} (\ou gin“sk“\). "I do not recognize" in its true nature. My spiritual perceptions are dulled, blinded by sin (2Corinthians:4:4|). The dual life pictured here by Paul finds an echo in us all, the struggle after the highest in us ("what I really wish," \ho thel“\, to practise it steadily, \prass“\) and the slipping into doing (\poi“\) "what I really hate" (\ho mis“\) and yet sometimes do. There is a deal of controversy as to whether Paul is describing his struggle with sin before conversion or after it. The words "sold under sin" in verse 14| seem to turn the scale for the pre-conversion period. "It is the unregenerate man's experience, surviving at least in memory into regenerate days, and read with regenerate eyes" (Denney).

rwp@Romans:7:16 @{I consent unto the law} (\sunphˆmi t“i nom“i\). Old verb, here only in N.T., with associative instrumental case. "I speak with." My wanting (\thel“\) to do the opposite of what I do proves my acceptance of God's law as good (\kalos\).

rwp@Romans:7:17 @{Songs:now} (\nuni de\). A logical contrast, "as the case really stands." {But sin that dwelleth in me} (\all' hˆ enoikousa en emoi hamartia\). "But the dwelling in me sin." Not my true self, my higher personality, but my lower self due to my slavery to indwelling sin. Paul does not mean to say that his whole self has no moral responsibility by using this paradox. "To be saved from sin, a man must at the same time own it and disown it" (Denney).

rwp@Romans:7:18 @{In me} (\en emoi\). Paul explains this by "in my flesh" (\en tˆi sarki mou\), the unregenerate man "sold under sin" of verse 14|. {No good thing} (\ouk--agathon\). "Not absolutely good." This is not a complete view of man even in his unregenerate state as Paul at once shows. {For to will is present with me} (\to gar thelein parakeitai moi\). Present middle indicative of \parakeimai\, old verb, to lie beside, at hand, with dative \moi\. Only here in N.T. {The wishing} is the better self, {the doing not} the lower self.

rwp@Romans:7:19 @{But the evil which I would not} (\alla ho ou thel“ kakon\). Incorporation of the antecedent into the relative clause, "what evil I do not wish." An extreme case of this practise of evil is seen in the drunkard or the dope-fiend.

rwp@Romans:7:20 @{It is no more I that do it} (\ouketi eg“ katergazomai auto\). Just as in verse 17|, "no longer do I do it" (the real \Ego\, my better self), and yet there is responsibility and guilt for the struggle goes on.

rwp@Romans:7:22 @{For I delight in} (\sunˆdomai gar\). Old verb, here alone in N.T., with associative instrumental case, "I rejoice with the law of God," my real self "after the inward man" (\kata ton es“ anthr“pon\) of the conscience as opposed to "the outward man" (2Corinthians:4:16; strkjv@Ephesians:3:16|).

rwp@Romans:8:1 @{Therefore now} (\ara nun\). Two particles. Points back to the triumphant note in strkjv@7:25| after the preceding despair. {No condemnation} (\ouden katakrima\). As sinners we deserved condemnation in our unregenerate state in spite of the struggle. But God offers pardon "to those in Christ Jesus (\tois en Christ“i Iˆsou\). This is Paul's Gospel. The fire has burned on and around the Cross of Christ. There and there alone is safety. Those in Christ Jesus can lead the consecrated, the crucified, the baptized life.

rwp@Romans:8:2 @{The law of the Spirit of life} (\ho nomos tou pneumatos tˆs z“ˆs\). The principle or authority exercised by the Holy Spirit which bestows life and which rests "in Christ Jesus." {Made me free} (\ˆleuther“sen me\). First aorist active indicative of the old verb \eleuthero“\ for which see strkjv@Galatians:5:1|. Aleph B have \se\ (thee) instead of \me\. It matters little. We are pardoned, we are free from the old law of sin and death (7:7-24|), we are able by the help of the Holy Spirit to live the new life in Christ.

rwp@Romans:8:3 @{That the law could not do} (\to adunaton tou nomou\). Literally, "the impossibility of the law" as shown in strkjv@7:7-24|, either nominative absolute or accusative of general reference. No syntactical connection with the rest of the sentence. {In that} (\en h“i\). "Wherein." {It was weak} (\ˆsthenei\). Imperfect active, continued weak as already shown. {In the likeness of sinful flesh} (\en homoi“mati sarkos hamartias\). For "likeness" see strkjv@Phillipians:2:7|, a real man, but more than man for God's "own Son." Two genitives "of flesh of sin" (marked by sin), that is the flesh of man is, but not the flesh of Jesus. {And for sin} (\kai peri hamartias\). Condensed phrase, God sent his Son also concerning sin (our sin). {Condemned sin in the flesh} (\katekrine tˆn hamartian en tˆi sarki\). First aorist active indicative of \katakrin“\. He condemned the sin of men and the condemnation took place in the flesh of Jesus. If the article \tˆn\ had been repeated before \en tˆi sarki\ Paul would have affirmed sin in the flesh of Jesus, but he carefully avoided that (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 784).

rwp@Romans:8:5 @{Do mind} (\phronousin\). Present active indicative of \phrone“\, to think, to put the mind (\phrˆn\) on. See strkjv@Matthew:16:23; strkjv@Romans:12:16|. For the contrast between \sarx\ and \pneuma\, see strkjv@Galatians:5:16-24|.

rwp@Romans:8:7 @{Is not subject} (\ouch hupotassetai\). Present passive indicative of \hupotass“\, late verb, military term for subjection to orders. Present tense here means continued insubordination. {Neither indeed can it be} (\oude gar dunatai\). "For it is not even able to do otherwise." This helpless state of the unregenerate man Paul has shown above apart from Christ. Hope lies in Christ (7:25|) and the Spirit of life (8:2|).

rwp@Romans:8:8 @{Cannot please God} (\the“i aresai ou dunantai\). Because of the handicap of the lower self in bondage to sin. This does not mean that the sinner has no responsibility and cannot be saved. He is responsible and can be saved by the change of heart through the Holy Spirit.

rwp@Romans:8:13 @{Ye must die} (\mellete apothnˆskein\). Present indicative of \mell“\, to be about to do and present active infinitive of \apothnˆsk“\, to die. "Ye are on the point of dying." Eternal death. {By the spirit} (\pneumati\). Holy Spirit, instrumental case. {Ye shall live} (\zˆsesthe\). Future active indicative of \za“\. Eternal life.

rwp@Romans:8:15 @{The spirit of adoption} (\pneuma huiothesias\). See on this term \huiothesia\, strkjv@Galatians:4:5|. Both Jews and Gentiles receive this "adoption" into the family of God with all its privileges. "{Whereby we cry, Abba, Father}" (\en hˆi krazomen Abbƒ ho patˆr\). See strkjv@Galatians:4:6| for discussion of this double use of Father as the child's privilege.

rwp@Romans:8:16 @{The Spirit himself} (\auto to pneuma\). The grammatical gender of \pneuma\ is neuter as here, but the Greek used also the natural gender as we do exclusively as in strkjv@John:16:13| \ekeinos\ (masculine {he}), \to pneuma\ (neuter). See also strkjv@John:16:26| (\ho--ekeinos\). It is a grave mistake to use the neuter "it" or "itself" when referring to the Holy Spirit. {Beareth witness with our spirit} (\summarturei t“i pneumati hˆm“n\). See on ¯Romans:2:15| for this verb with associative instrumental case. See strkjv@1John:5:10f.| for this double witness.

rwp@Romans:8:17 @{Joint-heirs with Christ} (\sunklˆronomoi Christou\). A late rare double compound, in Philo, an Ephesian inscription of the imperial period (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 92), papyri of the Byzantine period. See strkjv@8:29| for this idea expanded. Paul is fond of compounds of \sun\, three in this verse (\sunklˆronomoi, sunpasch“men, sundoxasth“men\). The last (first aorist passive subjunctive of \sundoxaz“\ with \hina\ (purpose), late and rare, here only in N.T.

rwp@Romans:8:18 @{To us-ward} (\eis hˆmƒs\). We shall be included in the radiance of the coming glory which will put in the shadow the present sufferings. Precisely the same idiom here with \mellousan doxan\ (aorist passive infinitive of \apokaluphthˆnai\) occurs in strkjv@Galatians:3:23| with \mellousan pistin\, which see.

rwp@Romans:8:19 @{The earnest expectation of creation} (\hˆ apokaradokia tˆs ktise“s\). This substantive has so far been found nowhere save here and strkjv@Phillipians:1:20|, though the verb \apokaradoke“\ is common in Polybius and Plutarch. Milligan (_Vocabulary_) thinks that Paul may have made the substantive from the verb. It is a double compound (\apo\, off from, \kara\, head, \doke“\, Ionic verb, to watch), hence to watch eagerly with outstretched head. {Waiteth for} (\apekdechetai\). See on ¯1Corinthians:1:7; strkjv@Galatians:5:5| for this rare word (possibly formed by Paul, Milligan). "To wait it out" (Thayer). {The revealing of the sons of God} (\tˆn apokalupsin t“n hui“n tou theou\). Cf. strkjv@1John:3:2; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:8; strkjv@Colossians:3:4|. This mystical sympathy of physical nature with the work of grace is beyond the comprehension of most of us. But who can disprove it?

rwp@Romans:8:23 @{The first fruits} (\tˆn aparchˆn\). Old and common metaphor. {Of the Spirit} (\tou pneumatos\). The genitive of apposition. The Holy Spirit came on the great Pentecost and his blessings continue as seen in the "gifts" in strkjv@1Corinthians:12-14|, in the moral and spiritual gifts of strkjv@Galatians:5:22f|. And greater ones are to come (1Corinthians:15:44ff.|). {Even we ourselves} (\kai autoi\). He repeats for emphasis. We have our "groaning" (\stenazomen\) as well as nature. {Waiting for} (\apekdechomenoi\). The same verb used of nature in verse 19|. {Our adoption} (\huiothesian\). Our full "adoption" (see verse 15|), "the redemption of our body" (\tˆn apolutr“sin tou s“matos hˆm“n\). That is to come also. Then we shall have complete redemption of both soul and body.

rwp@Romans:8:26 @{Helpeth our infirmity} (\sunantilambanetai tˆi astheneiƒi hˆm“n\). Present middle indicative of \sunantilambanomai\, late and striking double compound (Diodorus, LXX, Josephus, frequent in inscriptions, Deissmann, _Light, etc._, p. 87), to lend a hand together with, at the same time with one. Only twice in N.T., here and strkjv@Luke:10:40| in Martha's plea for Mary's help. Here beautifully Paul pictures the Holy Spirit taking hold at our side at the very time of our weakness (associative instrumental case) and before too late. {How to pray} (\to ti proseux“metha\). Articular clause object of \oidamen\ (we know) and indirect question with the deliberative aorist middle subjunctive \proseux“metha\, retained in the indirect question. {As we ought} (\katho dei\). "As it is necessary." How true this is of all of us in our praying. {Maketh intercession} (\huperentugchanei\). Present active indicative of late double compound, found only here and in later ecclesiastical writers, but \entugchan“\ occurs in verse 27| (a common verb). It is a picturesque word of rescue by one who "happens on" (\entugchanei\) one who is in trouble and "in his behalf" (\huper\) pleads "with unuttered groanings" (instrumental case) or with "sighs that baffle words" (Denney). This is work of our Helper, the Spirit himself.

rwp@Romans:8:30 @{Called} (\ekalesen\) {--Justified} (\edikai“sen\) {--Glorified} (\edoxasen\). All first aorist active indicatives of common verbs (\kale“, dikaio“, doxaz“\). But the glorification is stated as already consummated (constative aorists, all of them), though still in the future in the fullest sense. "The step implied in \edoxasen\ is both complete and certain in the Divine counsels" (Sanday and Headlam).

rwp@Romans:8:31 @{For these things} (\pros tauta\). From strkjv@8:12| on Paul has made a triumphant presentation of the reasons for the certainty of final sanctification of the sons of God. He has reached the climax with glorification (\edoxasen\ in verse 30|). But Paul lets the objector have his say as he usually does so that in verses 31-39| he considers the objections. {If God is for us, who is against us?} (\ei ho theos huper hˆm“n, tis kath' hˆm“n?\). This condition of the first class carries Paul's challenge to all doubters. There is no one on a par with God. Note the two prepositions in contrast (\huper\, over, \kata\, down or against).

rwp@Romans:8:32 @{He that} (\hos ge\). "Who as much as this" (\ge\ here magnifying the deed, intensive particle). {Spared not} (\ouk epheisato\). First aorist middle of \pheidomai\, old verb used about the offering of Isaac in strkjv@Genesis:22:16|. See strkjv@Acts:20:29|. {Also with him} (\kai sun aut“i\). The gift of "his own son" is the promise and the pledge of the all things for good of verse 28|. Christ is all and carries all with him.

rwp@Romans:8:35 @{Shall separate} (\ch“risei\). Future active of old verb \choriz“\ from adverb \ch“ris\ and that from \ch“ra\, space. Can any one put a distance between Christ's love and us (objective genitive)? Can any one lead Christ to cease loving us? Such things do happen between husband and wife, alas. Paul changes the figure from "who" (\tis\) to "what" (\ti\). The items mentioned will not make Christ love us less. Paul here glories in tribulations as in strkjv@5:3ff|.

rwp@Romans:8:36 @{Even as it is written} (\kath“s gegraptai\). He quotes strkjv@Psalms:44:23|. {We are killed} (\thanatoumetha\). Present passive indicative of \thanato“\ for which see on ¯7:4|. Same idea of continuous martyrdom in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:31|. {As sheep for the slaughter} (\h“s probata sphagˆs\). Objective genitive (\sphagˆs\).

rwp@Romans:9:3 @{I could wish} (\ˆuchomˆn\). Idiomatic imperfect, "I was on the point of wishing." We can see that \euchomai\ (I do wish) would be wrong to say. \An ˆuchomˆn\ would mean that he does not wish (conclusion of second class condition). \An ˆuchomˆn\ would be conclusion of fourth class condition and too remote. He is shut up to the imperfect indicative (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 886). {Anathema} (\anathema\). See for this word as distinct from \anathˆma\ (offering) strkjv@1Corinthians:12:3; strkjv@Galatians:1:8f.| {I myself} (\autos eg“\). Nominative with the infinitive \einai\ and agreeing with subject of \ˆuchomˆn\. {According to the flesh} (\kata sarka\). As distinguished from Paul's Christian brethren.

rwp@Romans:9:4 @{Who} (\hoitines\). The very ones who, inasmuch as they. {Israelites} (\Israˆleitai\). Covenant name of the chosen people. {Whose} (\h“n\). Predicate genitive of the relative, used also again with \hoi pateres\. For "the adoption" (\hˆ huiothesia\) see strkjv@8:15|. {The glory} (\hˆ doxa\). The Shekinah Glory of God (3:23|) and used of Jesus in strkjv@James:2:1|. {The covenants} (\hai diathˆkai\). Plural because renewed often (Genesis:6:18; strkjv@9:9; strkjv@15:18; strkjv@17:2,7,9; strkjv@Exodus:2:24|). {The giving of the law} (\hˆ nomothesia\). Old word, here only in N.T., from \nomos\ and \tithˆmi\. {The service} (\hˆ latreia\). The temple service (Hebrews:9:1,6|). {The fathers} (\hoi pateres\). The patriarchs (Acts:3:13; strkjv@7:32|).

rwp@Romans:9:5 @{Of whom} (\ex h“n\). Fourth relative clause and here with \ex\ and the ablative. {Christ} (\ho Christos\). The Messiah. {As concerning the flesh} (\to kata sarka\). Accusative of general reference, "as to the according to the flesh." Paul limits the descent of Jesus from the Jews to his human side as he did in strkjv@1:3f|. {Who is over all, God blessed for ever} (\ho on epi pant“n theos eulogˆtos\). A clear statement of the deity of Christ following the remark about his humanity. This is the natural and the obvious way of punctuating the sentence. To make a full stop after \sarka\ (or colon) and start a new sentence for the doxology is very abrupt and awkward. See strkjv@Acts:20:28; strkjv@Titus:2:13| for Paul's use of \theos\ applied to Jesus Christ.

rwp@Romans:9:6 @{But it is not as though} (\ouch hoion de hoti\). Supply \estin\ after \ouch\: "But it is not such as that," an old idiom, here alone in N.T. {Hath come to nought} (\ekpept“ken\). Perfect active indicative of \ekpipt“\, old verb, to fall out. {For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel} (\ou gar pantes hoi ex Israˆl houtoi Israˆl\). "For not all those out of Israel (the literal Jewish nation), these are Israel (the spiritual Israel)." This startling paradox is not a new idea with Paul. He had already shown (Galatians:3:7-9|) that those of faith are the true sons of Abraham. He has amplified that idea also in strkjv@Romans:4|. Songs:he is not making a clever dodge here to escape a difficulty. He now shows how this was the original purpose of God to include only those who believed. {Seed of Abraham} (\sperma Abraam\). Physical descent here, but spiritual seed by promise in verse 8|. He quotes strkjv@Genesis:21:12f|.

rwp@Romans:9:11 @{The children being not yet born} (\mˆp“ gennˆthent“n\). Genitive absolute with first aorist passive participle of \genna“\, to beget, to be born, though no word for children nor even the pronoun \aut“n\ (they). {Neither having done anything good or bad} (\mˆde praxant“n ti agathon ˆ phaulon\). Genitive absolute again with first active participle of \prass“\. On \phaulon\, see strkjv@2Corinthians:5:10|. {The purpose of God} (\hˆ prothesis tou theou\). See strkjv@8:28| for \prothesis\. {According to election} (\kat' eklogˆn\). Old word from \ekleg“\, to select, to choose out. See strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:4|. Here it is the purpose (\prothesis\) of God which has worked according to the principles of election. {Not of works} (\ouk ex erg“n\). Not of merit.

rwp@Romans:9:13 @Paul quotes strkjv@Malachi:1:2f|. {But Esau I hated} (\ton de Esau emisˆsa\). This language sounds a bit harsh to us. It is possible that the word \mise“\ did not always carry the full force of what we mean by "hate." See strkjv@Matthew:6:24| where these very verbs (\mise“\ and \agapa“\) are contrasted. Songs:also in strkjv@Luke:14:26| about "hating" (\mise“\) one's father and mother if coming between one and Christ. Songs:in strkjv@John:12:25| about "hating" one's life. There is no doubt about God's preference for Jacob and rejection of Esau, but in spite of Sanday and Headlam one hesitates to read into these words here the intense hatred that has always existed between the descendants of Jacob and of Esau.

rwp@Romans:9:17 @{To Pharaoh} (\t“i Phara“\). There is a national election as seen in verses 7-13|, but here Paul deals with the election of individuals. He "lays down the principle that God's grace does not necessarily depend upon anything but God's will" (Sanday and Headlam). He quotes strkjv@Exodus:9:16|. {Might be published} (\diaggelˆi\). Second aorist passive subjunctive of \diaggell“\.

rwp@Romans:9:19 @{Why doth he still find fault?} (\ti eti memphetai?\). Old verb, to blame. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Hebrews:8:8|. Paul's imaginary objector picks up the admission that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. "Still" (\eti\) argues for a change of condition since that is true. {Withstandeth his will} (\t“i boulˆmati autou anthestˆken\). Perfect active indicative of \anthistˆmi\, old verb, maintains a stand (the perfect tense). Many have attempted to resist God's will (\boulˆma\, deliberate purpose, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:27:43; strkjv@1Peter:4:3|). Elsewhere \thelˆma\ (Matthew:6:10|).

rwp@Romans:9:20 @{Nay, but, O man, who art thou?} (\O anthr“pe, men oun ge su tis ei?\). "O man, but surely thou who art thou?" Unusual and emphatic order of the words, prolepsis of \su\ (thou) before \tis\ (who) and \men oun ge\ (triple particle, \men\, indeed, \oun\, therefore, \ge\, at least) at the beginning of clause as in strkjv@Romans:10:18; strkjv@Phillipians:3:8| contrary to ancient idiom, but so in papyri. {That repliest} (\ho antapokrinomenos\). Present middle articular participle of double compound verb \antapokrinomai\, to answer to one's face (\anti-\) late and vivid combination, also in strkjv@Luke:14:6|, nowhere else in N.T., but in LXX. {The thing formed} (\to plasma\). Old word (Plato, Aristophanes) from \plass“\, to mould, as with clay or wax, from which the aorist active participle used here (\t“i plasanti\) comes. Paul quotes these words from strkjv@Isaiah:29:16| verbatim. It is a familiar idea in the Old Testament, the absolute power of God as Creator like the potter's use of clay (Isaiah:44:8; strkjv@45:8-10; strkjv@Jeremiah:18:6|). \Mˆ\ expects a negative answer. {Why didst thou make me thus?} (\ti me epoiˆsas hout“s?\). The original words in Isaiah dealt with the nation, but Paul applies them to individuals. This question does not raise the problem of the origin of sin for the objector does not blame God for that but why God has used us as he has, made some vessels out of the clay for this purpose, some for that. Observe "thus" (\hout“s\). The potter takes the clay as he finds it, but uses it as he wishes.

rwp@Romans:9:21 @{Or hath not the potter a right over the clay?} (\ˆ ouk echei exousian ho kerameus tou pˆlou?\). This question, expecting an affirmative answer, is Paul's reply to the previous one, "Why didst thou make me thus?" \Pˆlos\, old word for clay, is mud or wet clay in strkjv@John:9:6,11,14f|. The old word for potter (\kerameus\) in N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:27:7,10|. {Lump} (\phuramatos\). Late word from \phura“\, to mix (clay, dough, etc.). {One part} (\ho men\) {--another} (\ho de\). Regular idiom for contrast (\men--de\) with the old demonstrative \ho\ (this), "this vessel (\skeuos\, old word as in strkjv@Mark:11:16|) for honour, that for dishonour." Paul thus claims clearly God's sovereign right (\exousian\, power, right, authority, from \exesti\) to use men (already sinners) for his own purpose.

rwp@Romans:9:22 @{Willing} (\thel“n\). Concessive use of the participle, "although willing," not causal, "because willing" as is shown by "with much long-suffering" (\en pollˆi makrothumiƒi\, in much long-suffering). {His power} (\to dunaton autou\). Neuter singular of the verbal adjective rather than the substantive \dunamin\. {Endured} (\ˆnegken\). Constative second aorist active indicative of the old defective verb \pher“\, to bear. {Vessels of wrath} (\skeuˆ orgˆs\). The words occur in strkjv@Jeremiah:50:25| (LXX strkjv@Jeremiah:27:25|), but not in the sense here (objective genitive like \tekna orgˆs\, strkjv@Ephesians:2:3|, the objects of God's wrath). {Fitted} (\katˆrtismena\). Perfect passive participle of \katartiz“\, old verb to equip (see strkjv@Matthew:4:21; strkjv@2Corinthians:13:11|), state of readiness. Paul does not say here that God did it or that they did it. That they are responsible may be seen from strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:15f|. {Unto destruction} (\eis ap“leian\). Endless perdition (Matthew:7:13; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:3; strkjv@Phillipians:3:19|), not annihilation.

rwp@Romans:9:25 @{In Hosea} (\en t“i H“sˆe\). He quotes strkjv@2:23| with some freedom. Hosea refers to the ten tribes and Paul applies the principle stated there to the Gentiles. Hosea had a son named _Lo-ammi_ = \ou laos\. Songs:here \ho ou laos mou\ "the not people of mine." \Ou\ with substantives obliterates the meaning of the substantive, an idiom seen in Thucydides and other Greek writers. See also strkjv@Romans:10:19; strkjv@1Peter:2:10|. {Which was not beloved} (\tˆn ouk ˆgapˆmenˆn\). The LXX rendering of _Lo-ruhamah_ (not mercy, without mercy or love), name of Hosea's daughter. The use of \ouk\ with the perfect passive participle is emphatic, since \mˆ\ is the usual negative of the participle in the _Koin‚_.

rwp@Romans:9:30 @{Attained} (\katelaben\). Second aorist active indicative of \katalamban“\, old verb, to grasp, to seize, to overtake (carrying out the figure in \di“k“\ (to pursue). It was a curious paradox. {Which is of faith} (\tˆn ek piste“s\). As Paul has repeatedly shown, the only way to get the God-kind of righteousness.

rwp@Romans:9:31 @{Did not arrive at that law} (\eis nomon ouk ephthasen\). First aorist active indicative of \phthan“\, old verb to anticipate (1Thessalonians:4:15|), now just to arrive as here and strkjv@2Corinthians:10:14|. The word "that" is not in the Greek. Legal righteousness Israel failed to reach, because to do that one had to keep perfectly all the law.

rwp@Romans:10:1 @{Desire} (\eudokia\). No papyri examples of this word, though \eudokˆsis\ occurs, only in LXX and N.T., but no example for "desire" unless this is one, though the verb \eudoke“\ is common in Polybius, Diodorus, Dion, Hal. It means will, pleasure, satisfaction (Matthew:11:26; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:11; strkjv@Phillipians:1:15; strkjv@2:13; strkjv@Ephesians:1:5,9|). {Supplication} (\deˆsis\). Late word from \deomai\, to want, to beg, to pray. In the papyri. See strkjv@Luke:1:13|. It is noteworthy that, immediately after the discussion of the rejection of Christ by the Jews, Paul prays so earnestly for the Jews "that they may be saved" (\eis s“tˆrian\), literally "unto salvation." Clearly Paul did not feel that the case was hopeless for them in spite of their conduct. Bengel says: _Non orasset Paul si absolute reprobati essent_ (Paul would not have prayed if they had been absolutely reprobate). Paul leaves God's problem to him and pours out his prayer for the Jews in accordance with his strong words in strkjv@9:1-5|.

rwp@Romans:10:6 @{Saith thus} (\hout“s legei\). Paul personifies "the from faith righteousness" (\hˆ ek piste“s dikaiosunˆ\). A free reproduction from strkjv@Deuteronomy:30:11-14|. Paul takes various phrases from the LXX and uses them for "his inspired conviction and experiences of the gospel" (Denney). He does not quote Moses as saying this or meaning this. {Say not in thy heart} (\mˆ eipˆis en tˆi kardiƒi sou\). Second aorist active subjunctive with \mˆ\ like strkjv@Deuteronomy:8:17|. To say in the heart is to think (Matthew:3:9|). {That is, to bring Christ down} (\tout' estin Christon katagagein\). Second aorist active infinitive of the common verb \katag“\, to bring or lead down. It is dependent on the preceding verb \anabˆsetai\ (shall ascend). \Tout' estin\ (that is) is what is called _Midrash_ or interpretation as in strkjv@9:8|. It occurs three times here (verses 6-8|). Paul applies the words of Moses to Christ. There is no need for one to go to heaven to bring Christ down to earth. The Incarnation is already a glorious fact. Today some men scout the idea of the Deity and Incarnation of Christ.

rwp@Romans:10:9 @{If thou shalt confess} (\ean homologˆsˆis\). Third class condition (\ean\ and first aorist active subjunctive of \homologe“\). {With thy mouth Jesus as Lord} (\en t“i stomati sou Kurion Iˆsoun\). This is the reading of nearly all the MSS. But B 71 Clem of Alex. read \to rˆma en t“i stomati sou hoti Kurios Iˆsous\ (the word in thy mouth that Jesus is Lord). The idea is the same, the confession of Jesus as Lord as in strkjv@1Corinthians:12:3; strkjv@Phillipians:2:11|. No Jew would do this who had not really trusted Christ, for \Kurios\ in the LXX is used of God. No Gentile would do it who had not ceased worshipping the emperor as \Kurios\. The word \Kurios\ was and is the touchstone of faith. {And shalt believe} (\kai pisteusˆis\). Same construction. Faith precedes confession, of course.

rwp@Romans:11:3 @{They have digged down} (\kateskapsan\). First aorist active indicative of \kataskapt“\, to dig under or down. Old verb, here only in N.T. (critical text). LXX has \katheilan\ "pulled down." Paul has reversed the order of the LXX of strkjv@1Kings:19:10,14,18|. {Altars} (\thusiastˆria\). Late word (LXX, Philo, Josephus, N.T. eccl. writers) from \thusiaz“\, to sacrifice. See strkjv@Acts:17:23|. {And I am left alone} (\kag“ hupeleiphthˆn monos\). First aorist passive indicative of \hupoleip“\, old word, to leave under or behind, here only in N.T. Elijah's mood was that of utter dejection in his flight from Jezebel. {Life} (\psuchˆn\). It is not possible to draw a clear distinction between \psuchˆ\ (soul) and \pneuma\ (spirit). \Psuchˆ\ is from \psuch“\, to breathe or blow, \pneuma\ from \pne“\, to blow. Both are used for the personality and for the immortal part of man. Paul is usually dichotomous in his language, but sometimes trichotomous in a popular sense. We cannot hold Paul's terms to our modern psychological distinctions.

rwp@Romans:11:9 @{David says} (\Daueid legei\). From strkjv@Psalms:69:23f|; (68:23f| LXX); strkjv@34:8; strkjv@28:4| (combined quotation). {Table} (\trapeza\). For what is on the table, "a feast." {A snare} (\eis pagida\). From \pˆgnumi\, to make fast, old word for snares for birds and beasts. See on ¯Luke:21:35|. \Eis\ in predicate with \ginomai\ is a translation-Hebraism. {A trap} (\eis thˆran\). Old word for hunting of wild beasts, then a trap. Only here in N.T. {A stumbling-block} (\eis skandalon\). A third word for trap, snare, trap-stick or trigger over which they fall. See on ¯1Corinthians:1:23; strkjv@Romans:9:33|. {A recompense} (\eis antapodoma\). Late word from double compound verb \antapodid“mi\, to repay (both \anti\ and \apo\). Ancient Greeks used \antapodosis\. In LXX and Didache. In N.T. only here (bad sense) and strkjv@Luke:14:12| (good sense).

rwp@Romans:11:10 @{Let their eyes be darkened} (\skotisthˆt“san hoi ophthalmoi aut“n\). First aorist passive imperative of \skotiz“\, to darken. A terrible imprecation. {That they may not see} (\tou mˆ blepein\). Repeated from verse 8|. {Bow down} (\sunkampson\). First aorist active imperative of \sunkampt“\, old verb, to bend together as of captives whose backs (\n“ton\, another old word, only here in N.T.) were bent under burdens. Only here in N.T.

rwp@Romans:11:13 @{To you that are Gentiles} (\humin tois ethnesin\). "To you the Gentiles." He has a serious word to say to them. {Inasmuch then} (\eph' hoson men oun\). Not temporal, _quamdiu_, "so long as" (Matthew:9:15|), but qualitative _quatenus_ "in so far then as" (Matthew:25:40|). {I glorify my ministry} (\tˆn diakonian mou doxaz“\). As apostle to the Gentiles (\ethn“n apostolos\, objective genitive). Would that every minister of Christ glorified his ministry. {If by any means} (\ei p“s\). This use of \ei\ with purpose or aim is a kind of indirect discourse. {I may provoke} (\parazˆl“s“\). Either future active indicative or first aorist active subjunctive, see same uncertainty in strkjv@Phillipians:3:10| \katantˆs“\, but in strkjv@3:11| \katalab“\ after \ei\ is subjunctive. The future indicative is clear in strkjv@Romans:1:10| and the optative in strkjv@Acts:27:12|. Doubtful whether future indicative or aorist subjunctive also in \s“s“\ (save).

rwp@Romans:11:15 @{The casting away of them} (\hˆ apobolˆ aut“n\). Objective genitive (\aut“n\) with \apobolˆ\, old word from \apoball“\, to throw off (Mark:10:50|), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:27:22|. {The reconciling of the world} (\katallagˆ kosmou\). See strkjv@5:10f.| for \katallagˆ\ (reconciling). It explains verse 12|. {The receiving} (\hˆ proslˆmpsis\). Old word from \proslamban“\, to take to oneself, only here in N.T. {Life from the dead} (\z“ˆ ek nekr“n\). Already the conversion of Jews had become so difficult. It is like a miracle of grace today, though it does happen. Many think that Paul means that the general resurrection and the end will come when the Jews are converted. Possibly so, but it is by no means certain. His language may be merely figurative.

rwp@Romans:11:16 @{First fruit} (\aparchˆ\). See on ¯1Corinthians:15:20,23|. The metaphor is from strkjv@Numbers:15:19f|. The LXX has \aparchˆn phuramatos\, first of the dough as a heave offering. {The lump} (\to phurama\). From which the first fruit came. See on ¯9:21|. Apparently the patriarchs are the first fruit. {The root} (\hˆ riza\). Perhaps Abraham singly here. The metaphor is changed, but the idea is the same. Israel is looked on as a tree. But one must recall and keep in mind the double sense of Israel in strkjv@9:6f|. (the natural and the spiritual).

rwp@Romans:11:17 @{Branches} (\klad“n\). From \kla“\, to break. {Were broken off} (\exeklasthˆsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \ekkla“\. Play on the word \klados\ (branch) and \ekkla“\, to break off. Condition of first class, assumed as true. Some of the individual Jews (natural Israel) were broken off the stock of the tree (spiritual Israel). {And thou} (\kai su\). An individual Gentile. {Being a wild olive} (\agrielaios “n\). This word, used by Aristotle, occurs in an inscription. Ramsay (_Pauline Studies_, pp. 219ff.) shows that the ancients used the wild-olive graft upon an old olive tree to reinvigorate the tree precisely as Paul uses the figure here and that both the olive tree and the graft were influenced by each other, though the wild olive graft did not produce as good olives as the original stock. But it should be noted that in verse 24| Paul expressly states that the grafting of Gentiles on to the stock of the spiritual Israel was "contrary to nature" (\para phusin\). {Wast grafted in} (\enekentristhˆs\). First aorist passive indicative of \enkentriz“\, to cut in, to graft, used by Aristotle. Belongs "to the higher _Koin‚_" (literary _Koin‚_) according to Milligan. {Partaker} (\sunkoin“nos\). Co-partner. {Fatness} (\piotˆtos\). Old word from \pi“n\ (fat), only here in N.T. Note three genitives here "of the root of the fatness of the olive."

rwp@Romans:11:18 @{Glory not over the branches} (\mˆ katakauch“ t“n klad“n\). Genitive case after \kata\. Present middle imperative second person singular of \katakauchaomai\ with negative \mˆ\, "stop glorying" or "do not have the habit of glorying over the branches." The conclusion of the preceding condition. {Gloriest} (\katakauchƒsai\). Late form \-aesai\ retaining \s\. {Not thou} (\ou su\). Very emphatic position. The graft was upon the stock and root, though each affected the other.

rwp@Romans:11:21 @{Be not highminded} (\mˆ hupsˆla phronei\). "Stop thinking high (proud) thoughts." {Of God spared not} (\ei gar ho theos ouk epheisato\). It is not \ei mˆ\ (unless), but the \ouk\ negatives the verb \epheisato\ (first aorist middle indicative of \pheidomai\, to spare. Condition of first class.

rwp@Romans:11:22 @{The goodness and the severity of God} (\chrˆstotˆta kai apotomian theou\). See on strkjv@Romans:2:2| for \chrˆstotˆs\, kindness of God. \Apotomia\ (here alone in the N.T.) is from \apotomos\, cut off, abrupt, and this adjective from \apotemn“\, to cut off. This late word occurs several times in the papyri. {If thou continue} (\ean epimenˆis\). Third class condition, \ean\ and present active subjunctive. {Otherwise} (\epei\). Ellipse after \epei\, "since if thou dost not continue." {Thou also} (\kai su\). Precisely as the Jewish branches of verse 17| were. {Shalt be cut off} (\ekkopˆsˆi\). Second future passive of \ekkopt“\, to cut out.

rwp@Romans:11:24 @{Contrary to nature} (\para phusin\). This is the gist of the argument, the power of God to do what is contrary to natural processes. He put the wild olive (Gentile) into the good olive tree (the spiritual Israel) and made the wild olive (contrary to nature) become the good olive (\kallielaios\, the garden olive, \kallos\ and \elaia\ in Aristotle and a papyrus). {Into their own olive tree} (\tˆi idiƒi elaiƒi\). Dative case. Another argument _a fortiori_, "how much more" (\poll“i mallon\). God can graft the natural Israel back upon the spiritual Israel, if they become willing.

rwp@Romans:11:25 @{This mystery} (\to mustˆrion touto\). Not in the pagan sense of an esoteric doctrine for the initiated (from \mue“\, to blink, to wink), unknown secrets (2Thessalonians:2:7|), or like the mystery religions of the time, but the revealed will of God now made known to all (1Corinthians:2:1,7; strkjv@4:1|) which includes Gentiles also (Romans:16:25; strkjv@Colossians:1:26f.; strkjv@Ephesians:3:3f.|) and so far superior to man's wisdom (Colossians:2:2; strkjv@4:13; strkjv@Ephesians:3:9; strkjv@5:32; strkjv@6:19; strkjv@Matthew:13:11; strkjv@Mark:4:11|). Paul has covered every point of difficulty concerning the failure of the Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah and has shown how God has overruled it for the blessing of the Gentiles with a ray of hope still held out for the Jews. "In early ecclesiastical Latin \mustˆrion\ was rendered by _sacramentum_, which in classical Latin means _the military oath_. The explanation of the word _sacrament_, which is so often founded on this etymology, is therefore mistaken, since the meaning of sacrament belongs to \mustˆrion\ and not to _sacramentum_ in the classical sense" (Vincent). {Wise in your own conceits} (\en heautois phronimoi\). "Wise in yourselves." Some MSS. read \par' heautois\ (by yourselves). Negative purpose here (\hina mˆ ˆte\), to prevent self-conceit on the part of the Gentiles who have believed. They had no merit in themselves {A hardening} (\p“r“sis\). Late word from \p“ro“\ (11:7|). Occurs in Hippocrates as a medical term, only here in N.T. save strkjv@Mark:3:5; strkjv@Ephesians:4:18|. It means obtuseness of intellectual discernment, mental dulness. {In part} (\apo merous\). Goes with the verb \gegonen\ (has happened in part). For \apo merous\, see strkjv@2Corinthians:1:14; strkjv@2:5; strkjv@Romans:15:24|; for \ana meros\, see strkjv@1Corinthians:14:27|; for \ek merous\, see strkjv@1Corinthians:12:27; strkjv@13:9|; for \kata meros\, see strkjv@Hebrews:9:5|; for \meros ti\ (adverbial accusative) partly see strkjv@1Corinthians:11:18|. Paul refuses to believe that no more Jews will be saved. {Until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in} (\achri hou to plˆr“ma t“n ethn“n eiselthˆi\). Temporal clause with \achri hou\ (until which time) and the second aorist active subjunctive of \eiserchomai\, to come in (Matthew:7:13,21|). {For fulness of the Gentiles} (\to plˆr“ma t“n ethn“n\) see on verse ¯12|, the complement of the Gentiles.

rwp@Romans:11:26 @{And so} (\kai hout“s\). By the complement of the Gentiles stirring up the complement of the Jews (verses 11f.|). {All Israel} (\pƒs Israˆl\). What does Paul mean? The immediate context (use of \pƒs\ in contrast with \apo merous, plˆr“ma\ here in contrast with \plˆr“ma\ in verse 12|) argues for the Jewish people "as a whole." But the spiritual Israel (both Jews and Gentiles) may be his idea in accord with strkjv@9:6| (Galatians:6:16|) as the climax of the argument. At any rate we should strive for and pray for the conversion of Jews as a whole. Paul here quotes from strkjv@Isaiah:59:20f.; strkjv@27:9|. {The Deliverer} (\ho ruomenos\). Present middle articular participle of \ruomai\, to rescue, to deliver. See on ¯1Thessalonians:1:10; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:10|. The Hebrew _Goel_, the Avenger, the Messiah, the Redeemer (Deuteronomy:25:5-10; strkjv@Job:19:25; strkjv@Ruth:3:12f.|). Paul interprets it of Jesus as Messiah.

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