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rwp@Info @ The six volumes will follow this order; Volume I, The Gospel according to Matthew and Mark; Vol. II, The Gospel according to Luke; Vol. III, The Acts of the Apostles; Vol. IV, The Pauline Epistles; Vol. V, The Gospel according to John and the Epistle to the Hebrews; Vol. VI, the general Epistles and the Revelation of John. For purely exegetical and expository development a more chronological order would be required. These volumes do not claim to be formal commentary. Nowhere is the whole text discussed, but everywhere those words are selected for discussion which seem to be richest for the needs of the reader in the light of present-day knowledge. A great deal of the personal equation is thus inevitable. My own remarks will be now lexical, now grammatical, now archaeological, now exegetical, now illustrative, anything that the mood of the moment may move me to write that may throw light here and there on the New Testament words and idioms. Another writer might feel disposed to enlarge upon items not touched upon here. But that is to be expected even in the more formal commentaries, useful as they are. To some extent it is true of lexicons. No one man knows everything, even in his chosen specialty, or has the wisdom to pick out what every reader wishes explained. But even diamonds in the rough are diamonds. It is for the reader to polish them as he will. He can turn the light this way and that. There is a certain amount of repetition at some points, part of it on purpose to save time and to emphasize the point.

rwp@1Corinthians:15:4 @{And that he was buried} (\kai hoti etaph\). 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 eggertai\). Perfect passive indicative, not \gerth\ 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} (\ti hmeri ti triti\). 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@1John:5:11 @{That God gave} (\hoti edken ho theos\). Declarative \hoti\ in apposition with \marturia\ as in verse 14; strkjv@John:3:19|. Note aorist active indicative \edken\ (from \didmi\) as in strkjv@3:23f.|, the great historic fact of the Incarnation (John:3:16|), but the perfect \dedken\ in strkjv@1John:3:1| to emphasize the abiding presence of God's love. {Eternal life} (\zn ainion\). Anarthrous emphasizing quality, but with the article in strkjv@1:2|. {In his Son} (\en ti huii autou\). This life and the witness also. This is why Jesus who is life (John:14:6|) came to give us abundant life (John:10:10|).

rwp@2Corinthians:1:10 @{Out of so great a death} (\ek tlikoutou thanatou\). He had considered himself as good as dead. {Delivered} (\erusato\) {--will deliver} (\rusetai\). Old verb \ru\, middle, \ruomai\, draw oneself, as out of a pit, rescue. Songs:Paul faces death without fear. {On whom we have set our hope} (\eis hon lpikamen\). Perfect active indicative of \elpiz\. We still have that hope, emphasized by \eti rusetai\ (he will still deliver).

rwp@2Corinthians:12:21 @{When I come again} (\palin elthontos mou\). Genitive absolute. Paul assumes it as true. {Lest my God humble me} (\m tapeinsi me ho theos mou\). Negative final clause (\m\ and first aorist active subjunctive), going back to \phoboumai\ in 20|. He means a public humiliation as his fear. The conduct of the church had been a real humiliation whether he refers to a previous visit or not. {That have sinned heretofore} (\tn promartkotn\). Genitive plural of the articular perfect active participle of \proamartan\ to emphasize continuance of their sinful state as opposed to \m metanosantn\ (did not repent) in the aorist tense.

rwp@Acts:1:1 @{The former treatise} (\ton men prton\). 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 \prtos\ 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 \mn\=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} (\epoisamn\). 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} (\hn rxato Isous\). The relative is attracted from the accusative \ha\ to the genitive \hn\ because of the antecedent \pantn\ (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:3:23 @{That prophet} (\tou prophtou ekeinou\). Emphasizes the future prophet as on "him" (\autou\) before "hearken." They had refused to "hearken" to Moses and now, alas, many had refused to "hearken" to Christ. {Shall be utterly destroyed} (\exolethreuthsetai\). First future passive of \exole-\ (\o\) \threu\, a late verb, to destroy utterly (\ex\), only here in the N.T., common in the LXX.

rwp@Acts:7:5 @{Not so much as to set his foot on} (\oude bma 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} (\epggeilato\). 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 auti teknou\). Genitive absolute with negative \ouk\ rather than \m\ to emphasize actual absence of a child. He had only the promise of God about the land and the child.

rwp@Acts:9:43 @{Many days} (\hmeras 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 Simni 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:11:19 @{They therefore that were scattered abroad} (\hoi men oun diasparentes\). Precisely the same words used in strkjv@8:4| about those scattered by Saul (which see) and a direct reference to it is made by the next words, "upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen" (\apo ts thlipses ts genomens epi Stephani\). As a result of (\apo\), in the case of (\epi\) Stephen. From that event Luke followed Saul through his conversion and back to Jerusalem and to Tarsus. Then he showed the activity of Peter outside of Jerusalem as a result of the cessation of the persecution from the conversion of Saul with the Gentile Pentecost in Caesarea and the outcome in Jerusalem. Now Luke starts over again from the same persecution by Saul and runs a new line of events up to Antioch parallel to the other, probably partly following. {Except to Jews only} (\ei m monon Ioudaiois\). Clearly these disciples did not know anything about the events in Caesarea and at first their flight preceded that time. But it was a wonderful episode, the eager and loyal preaching of the fleeing disciples. The culmination in Antioch was probably after the report of Peter about Caesarea. This Antioch by the Orontes was founded 300 B.C. by Seleucus Nicator and was one of five cities so named by the Seleucides. It became the metropolis of Syria though the Arabs held Damascus first. Antioch ranked next to Rome and Alexandria in size, wealth, power, and vice. There were many Jews in the cosmopolitan population of half a million. It was destined to supplant Jerusalem as the centre of Christian activity.

rwp@Acts:17:26 @{And he made of one} (\epoisen te ex henos\). The word \haimatos\ (blood) is absent from Aleph A B and is a later explanatory addition. What Paul affirms is the unity of the human race with a common origin and with God as the Creator. This view runs counter to Greek exclusiveness which treated other races as barbarians and to Jewish pride which treated other nations as heathen or pagan (the Jews were \laos\, the Gentiles \ethn\). The cosmopolitanism of Paul here rises above Jew and Greek and claims the one God as the Creator of the one race of men. The Athenians themselves claimed to be \antochthonous\ (indigenous) and a special creation. Zeno and Seneca did teach a kind of cosmopolitanism (really pantheism) far different from the personal God of Paul. It was Rome, not Greece, that carried out the moral ideas of Zeno. Man is part of the universe (verse 24|) and God created (\epoisen\) man as he created (\poisas\) the all. {For to dwell} (\katoikein\). Infinitive (present active) of purpose, so as to dwell. {Having determined} (\horisas\). First aorist active participle of \horiz\, old verb to make a horizon as already in strkjv@19:42| which see. Paul here touches God's Providence. God has revealed himself in history as in creation. His hand appears in the history of all men as well as in that of the Chosen People of Israel. {Appointed seasons} (\prostetagmenous kairous\). Not the weather as in strkjv@14:17|, but "the times of the Gentiles" (\kairoi ethnn\) of which Jesus spoke (Luke:21:24|). The perfect passive participle of \prostass\, old verb to enjoin, emphasizes God's control of human history without any denial of human free agency as was involved in the Stoic Fate (\Heirmarmen\). {Bounds} (\horothesias\). Limits? Same idea in strkjv@Job:12:23|. Nations rise and fall, but it is not blind chance or hard fate. Thus there is an interplay between God's will and man's activities, difficult as it is for us to see with our shortened vision.

rwp@Acts:19:29 @{With the confusion} (\ts sugchuses\). Genitive case after \eplsth\. An old word, but in the N.T. only here, from verb \sugche\, to pour together like a flood (only in Acts in the N.T.). Vivid description of the inevitable riot that followed "the appearance of such a body in the crowded agora of an excitable city" (Rackham) "vociferating the city's watch-word." {They rushed} (\hrmsan\). Ingressive aorist active indicative of \horma\, old verb for impetuous dashing, a case of mob psychology (mob mind), with one accord (\homothumadon\ as in strkjv@Acts:1:14|, etc.). {Into the theatre} (\eis to theatron\). A place for seeing (\theaomai\) spectacles, originally for dramatic representation (Thucydides, Herodotus), then for the spectators, then for the spectacle or show (1Corinthians:4:9|). The theatre (amphitheatre) at Ephesus can still be traced in the ruins (Wood, _Ephesus_) and shows that it was of enormous size capable of seating fifty-six thousand persons (some estimate it only 24,500). It was the place for large public gatherings of any sort out of doors like our football and baseball parks. In particular, gladiatorial shows were held in these theatres. {Having seized Gaius and Aristarchus men of Macedonia} (\sunarpasantes Gaion kai Aristarchon Makedonas\). See strkjv@6:12| for this same verb. They wanted some victims for this "gladiatorial" show. These two men were "Paul's companions in travel" (\sunekdmous Paulou\), together (\sun\) with Paul in being abroad, away from home or people (\ek-dmous\, late word, in the N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:8:19|). How the mob got hold of Gaius (Acts:20:4|) and Aristarchus (20:4; strkjv@27:2; strkjv@Colossians:4:10; strkjv@Philemon:1:24|) we do not know whether by accidental recognition or by search after failure to get Paul. In strkjv@Romans:16:4| Paul speaks of Priscilla and Aquila as those "who for my life laid down their own necks." Paul lived with them in Ephesus as in Corinth. It is possible that Demetrius led the mob to their house and that they refused to allow Paul to go or to be seized at the risk of their own lives. Paul himself may have been desperately ill at this time as we know was the case once during his stay in Ephesus when he felt the answer of death in himself (2Corinthians:1:9|) and when God rescued him. That may mean that, ill as he was, Paul wanted to go and face the mob in the theatre, knowing that it meant certain death.

rwp@Acts:25:18 @{Brought} (\epheron\). Imperfect active of \pher\, referring to their repeated charges. {Of such evil things as I supposed} (\hn eg hupenooun ponrn\). Incorporation of the antecedent \ponrn\ into the relative clause and change of the case of the relative from the accusative \ha\ object of \hupenooun\ to the genitive like \ponrn\ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 719). Note the imperfect active \hupenooun\ of \huponoe\ to emphasize Festus's state of mind about Paul before the trial. This old verb only three times in the N.T. (here, strkjv@Acts:13:25| which see; strkjv@27:27|).

rwp@Acts:27:37 @{Two hundred three-score and sixteen souls} (\diakosiai hebdomkonta hex\). The Vatican Manuscript (B) has \hs\ in place of \diakosiai\ (two hundred) which Westcott and Hort put in the margin. But Alford is probably correct in suggesting that the scribe of B wrote \hs\ by repeating the omega in \ploii\ with \s\ = 200 (Greek numeral). If the number 276 seems large, it is to be remembered that we do not know the size of the ship. Josephus (_Life_, 3) says that there were 600 on the ship that took him to Italy. The grain ships were of considerable size. The number included sailors, soldiers, and prisoners. A muster or roll call may have been made.

rwp@Colossians:1:6 @{In all the world} (\en panti ti kosmi\). A legitimate hyperbole, for the gospel was spreading all over the Roman Empire. {Is bearing fruit} (\estin karpophoroumenon\). Periphrastic present middle indicative of the old compound \karpophore\, from \karpophoros\ (Acts:14:17|) and that from \karpos\ and \pher\. The periphrastic present emphasizes the continuity of the process. See the active participle \karpophorountes\ in verse 10|. {Increasing} (\auxanomenon\). Periphrastic present middle of \auxan\. Repeated in verse 10|. The growing and the fruit-bearing go on simultaneously as always with Christians (inward growth and outward expression). {Ye heard and knew} (\kousate kai epegnte\). Definite aorist indicative. They heard the gospel from Epaphras and at once recognized and accepted (ingressive second aorist active of \epiginsk\, to know fully or in addition). They fully apprehended the grace of God and should be immune to the shallow vagaries of the Gnostics.

rwp@Colossians:2:1 @{How greatly I strive} (\hlikon agna ech\). Literally, "how great a contest I am having." The old adjectival relative \hlikos\ (like Latin _quantus_) is used for age or size in N.T. only here and strkjv@James:3:5| (twice, how great, how small). It is an inward contest of anxiety like the \merimna\ for all the churches (2Corinthians:11:28|). \Agna\ carries on the metaphor of \agnizomenos\ in strkjv@1:29|. {For them at Laodicea} (\tn en Laodikii\). {Supply} \huper\ as with \huper humn\. Paul's concern extended beyond Colossae to Laodicea (4:16|) and to Hierapolis (4:13|), the three great cities in the Lycus Valley where Gnosticism was beginning to do harm. Laodicea is the church described as lukewarm in strkjv@Revelation:3:14|. {For as many as have not seen my face} (\hosoi ouch heorakan to prospon mou\). The phrase undoubtedly includes Hierapolis (4:13|), and a few late MSS. actually insert it here. Lightfoot suggests that Hierapolis had not yet been harmed by the Gnostics as much as Colossae and Laodicea. Perhaps so, but the language includes all in that whole region who have not seen Paul's face in the flesh (that is, in person, and not in picture). How precious a real picture of Paul would be to us today. The antecedent to \hosoi\ is not expressed and it would be \toutn\ after \huper\. The form \heorakan\ (perfect active indicative of \hora\ instead of the usual \herakasin\ has two peculiarities \o\ in Paul's Epistles (1Corinthians:9:1|) instead of \\ (see strkjv@John:1:18| for \heraken\) and \-an\ by analogy in place of \-asin\, which short form is common in the papyri. See strkjv@Luke:9:36| \herakan\.

rwp@Colossians:2:14 @{Having blotted out} (\exaleipsas\). And so "cancelled." First aorist active participle of old verb \exaleiph\, to rub out, wipe off, erase. In N.T. only in strkjv@Acts:3:19| (LXX); strkjv@Revelation:3:5; strkjv@Colossians:2:14|. Here the word explains \charisamenos\ and is simultaneous with it. Plato used it of blotting out a writing. Often MSS. were rubbed or scraped and written over again (palimpsests, like Codex C). {The bond written in ordinances that was against us} (\to kath' hmn cheirographon tois dogmasin\). The late compound \cheirographon\ (\cheir\, hand, \graph\) is very common in the papyri for a certificate of debt or bond, many of the original \cheirographa\ (handwriting, "chirography"). See Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 247. The signature made a legal debt or bond as Paul says in strkjv@Philemon:1:18f.|: "I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it." Many of the papyri examples have been "crossed out" thus X as we do today and so cancelled. One decree is described as "neither washed out nor written over" (Milligan, N. T. _Documents_, p. 16). Undoubtedly "the handwriting in decrees" (\dogmasin\, the Mosaic law, strkjv@Ephesians:2:15|) was against the Jews (Exodus:24:3; strkjv@Deuteronomy:27:14-26|) for they accepted it, but the Gentiles also gave moral assent to God's law written in their hearts (Romans:2:14f.|). Songs:Paul says "against us" (\kath' hmn\) and adds "which was contrary to us" (\ho n hupenantion hmin\) because we (neither Jew nor Gentile) could not keep it. \Hupenantios\ is an old double compound adjective (\hupo, en, antios\) set over against, only here in N.T. except strkjv@Hebrews:10:27| when it is used as a substantive. It is striking that Paul has connected the common word \cheirographon\ for bond or debt with the Cross of Christ (Deissmann, _Light, etc._, p. 332). {And he hath taken it out of the way} (\kai rken ek tou mesou\). Perfect active indicative of \air\, old and common verb, to lift up, to bear, to take away. The word used by the Baptist of Jesus as "the Lamb of God that bears away (\airn\) the sin of the world" (John:1:29|). The perfect tense emphasizes the permanence of the removal of the bond which has been paid and cancelled and cannot be presented again. Lightfoot argues for Christ as the subject of \rken\, but that is not necessary, though Paul does use sudden anacolutha. God has taken the bond against us "out of the midst" (\ek tou mesou\). Nailing it to the cross (\proslsas auto ti stauri\). First aorist active participle of old and common verb \proslo\, to fasten with nails to a thing (with dative \stauri\). Here alone in N.T., but in III Macc. strkjv@4:9 with the very word \stauri\. The victim was nailed to the cross as was Christ. "When Christ was crucified, God nailed the Law to His cross" (Peake). Hence the "bond" is cancelled for us. Business men today sometimes file cancelled accounts. No evidence exists that Paul alluded to such a custom here.

rwp@Galatians:2:10 @{Only} (\monon\). One item was emphasized. {We should remember} (\mnmoneumen\). Present active subjunctive, "that we should keep on remembering." {Which very thing} (\ho--auto touto\). Repetition of relative and demonstrative, tautology, "which this very thing." In fact Barnabas and Saul had done it before (Acts:11:30|). It was complete victory for Paul and Barnabas. Paul passes by the second public meeting and the letters to Antioch (Acts:15:6-29|) and passes on to Peter's conduct in Antioch.

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 (\eidlatreia\, 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 (\zlos\ or \zloi\, 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 (\kmoi\, 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@Hebrews:2:3 @{How shall we escape?} (\ps hmeis ekpheuxometha;\). Rhetorical question with future middle indicative of \ekpheug\ and conclusion of the condition. {If we neglect} (\amelsantes\). First aorist active participle of \amele\, "having neglected." {Songs:great salvation} (\tlikauts strias\). Ablative case after \amelsantes\. Correlative pronoun of age, but used of size in the N.T. (James:3:4; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:10|). {Which} (\htis\). "Which very salvation," before described, now summarized. {Having at the first been spoken} (\archn labousa laleisthai\). Literally, "having received a beginning to be spoken," "having begun to be spoken," a common literary _Koin_ idiom (Polybius, etc.). {Through the Lord} (\dia tou kuriou\). The Lord Jesus who is superior to angels. Jesus was God's full revelation and he is the source of this new and superior revelation. {Was confirmed} (\ebebaith\). First aorist passive indicative of \bebaio\, from \bebaios\ (stable), old verb as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:6|. {By them that heard} (\hupo tn akousantn\). Ablative case with \hupo\ of the articular first aorist active participle of \akou\. Those who heard the Lord Jesus. Only one generation between Jesus and the writer. Paul (Galatians:1:11|) got his message directly from Christ.

rwp@Hebrews:9:14 @{How much more} (\posi mallon\). Instrumental case, "by how much more," by the measure of the superiority of Christ's blood to that of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer. {Through the eternal Spirit} (\dia pneumatos ainiou\). Not the Holy Spirit, but Christ's own spirit which is eternal as he is. There is thus a moral quality in the blood of Christ not in that of other sacrifices. {Offered himself} (\heauton prosnegken\). Second aorist active indicative of \prospher\ (used so often as in strkjv@5:1,3; strkjv@8:3|). The voluntary character of Christ's death is again emphasized. {Without blemish} (\ammon\). Old compound adjective (Colossians:1:22; strkjv@1Peter:1:19|) as the sacrifice had to be (Exodus:29:1; strkjv@Leviticus:1:3,10|). {Shall cleanse from conscience} (\kathariei tn suneidsin humn\). Future active indicative of \kathariz\. Some MSS. have \hmn\ (our). The old Greek used \kathair\, not \kathariz\ (in inscriptions for ceremonial cleansing, Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 216f.), for cleansing. {From dead works} (\apo nekrn ergn\). As in strkjv@6:1|. "A pause might be made before \ergn\, from dead--(not bodies but) works."

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} (\hlikon--hlikn\). 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|). \Huln\ 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@John:1:11 @{Unto his own} (\eis ta idia\). Neuter plural, "unto his own things," the very idiom used in strkjv@19:27| when the Beloved Disciple took the mother of Jesus "to his own home." The world was "the own home" of the Logos who had made it. See also strkjv@16:32; strkjv@Acts:21:6|. {They that were his own} (\hoi idioi\). In the narrower sense, "his intimates," "his own family," "his own friends" as in strkjv@13:1|. Jesus later said that a prophet is not without honour save in his own country (Mark:6:4; strkjv@John:4:44|), and the town of Nazareth where he lived rejected him (Luke:4:28f.; strkjv@Matthew:13:58|). Probably here \hoi idioi\ means the Jewish people, the chosen people to whom Christ was sent first (Matthew:15:24|), but in a wider sense the whole world is included in \hoi idioi\. Conder's _The Hebrew Tragedy_ emphasizes the pathos of the situation that the house of Israel refused to welcome the Messiah when he did come, like a larger and sadder Enoch Arden experience. {Received him not} (\auton ou parelabon\). Second aorist active indicative of \paralamban\, old verb to take to one's side, common verb to welcome, the very verb used by Jesus in strkjv@14:3| of the welcome to his Father's house. Cf. \katelaben\ in verse 5|. Israel slew the Heir (Hebrews:1:2|) when he came, like the wicked husbandmen (Luke:20:14|).

rwp@John:3:4 @Being old (\gern n\). Nicodemus was probably familiar with the notion of re-birth for proselytes to Judaism for the Gentiles, but not with the idea that a Jew had to be reborn. But "this stupid misunderstanding" (Bernard) of the meaning of Jesus is precisely what John represents Nicodemus as making. How "old" Nicodemus was we do not know, but surely too old to be the young ruler of strkjv@Luke:18:18| as Bacon holds. The blunder of Nicodemus is emphasized by the second question with the \m\ expecting the negative answer. The use of \deuteron\ adds to the grotesqueness of his blunder. The learned Pharisee is as jejune in spiritual insight as the veriest tyro. This is not an unheard of phenomenon.

rwp@John:3:13 @{But he that descended out of heaven} (\ei m ho ek tou ouranou katabas\). The Incarnation of the Pre-existent Son of God who was in heaven before he came down and so knows what he is telling about "the heavenly things." There is no allusion to the Ascension which came later. This high conception of Christ runs all through the Gospel and is often in Christ's own words as here. {Which is in heaven} (\ho n en ti ourani\). This phrase is added by some manuscripts, not by Aleph B L W 33, and, if genuine, would merely emphasize the timeless existence of God's Son who is in heaven even while on earth. Probably a gloss. But "the Son of man" is genuine. He is the one who has come down out of heaven.

rwp@John:4:6 @{Jacob's well} (\pg tou Iakb\). "A spring of Jacob" (here and verse 14|), but \phrear\ (well, pit, cistern) in verses 11,12|. It is really a cistern 100 feet deep dug by a stranger apparently in a land of abundant springs (Genesis:26:19|). {Wearied} (\kekopiaks\). Perfect active participle of \kopia\, a state of weariness. The verb means to toil excessively (Luke:5:5|). John emphasizes the human emotions of Jesus (1:14; strkjv@11:3,33,35,38,41f.; strkjv@12:27; strkjv@13:21; strkjv@19:28|). {With his journey} (\ek ts hodoiporias\). As a result (\ek\) of the journey. Old compound word from \hodoporos\ (wayfarer), in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:11:26|. {Sat} (\ekathezeto\). Imperfect (descriptive) middle of \kathezomai\, "was sitting." {Thus} (\houts\). Probably "thus wearied," graphic picture. {By the well} (\epi ti pgi\). Literally, "upon the curbstone of the well." {Sixth hour} (\hs hekt\). Roman time, about 6 P.M., the usual time for drawing water.

rwp@John:5:36 @{But the witness which I have is greater than that of John} (\Eg de ech tn marturian meiz tou Ianou\). Literally, "But I have the witness greater than John's." \Meiz\ (\meizona\) is predicate accusative and \Ianou\ is ablative of comparison after \meiz\. Good as the witness of John is, Christ has superior testimony. {To accomplish} (\hina teleis\). Final clause with \hina\ and first aorist active subjunctive of \teleio\, the same idiom in strkjv@4:34|. Jesus felt keenly the task laid on him by the Father (cf. strkjv@3:35|) and claimed at the end that he had performed it (17:4; strkjv@19:30|). Jesus held that the highest form of faith did not require these "works" (\erga\) as in strkjv@2:23; strkjv@10:38; strkjv@14:11|. But these "works" bear the seal of the Father's approval (5:20,36; strkjv@10:25|) and to reject their witness is wrong (10:25; strkjv@10:37f.; strkjv@15:24|). {The very works} (\auta ta erga\). "The works themselves," repeating \ta erga\ just before for vernacular emphasis. {Hath sent me} (\me apestalken\). Perfect active indicative of \apostell\, the permanence of the mission. Cf. strkjv@3:17|. The continuance of the witness is emphasized in strkjv@5:32; strkjv@8:18|.

rwp@John:10:12 @{He that is a hireling} (\ho misthtos\). Old word from \mistho\, to hire (Matthew:20:1|) from \misthos\ (hire, wages, strkjv@Luke:10:7|), in N.T. only in this passage. Literally, "the hireling and not being a shepherd" (\ho misthtos kai ouk n poimn\). Note \ouk\ with the participle \n\ to emphasize the certainty that he is not a shepherd in contrast with \m eiserchomenos\ in verse 1| (conceived case). See same contrast in strkjv@1Peter:1:8| between \ouk idontes\ and \m horntes\. The hireling here is not necessarily the thief and robber of verses 1,8|. He may conceivably be a nominal shepherd (pastor) of the flock who serves only for the money, a sin against which Peter warned the shepherds of the flock "not for shameful gain" (1Peter:5:2|). {Whose own} (\hou idia\). Every true shepherd considers the sheep in his care "his own" (\idia\) even if he does not actually "own" them. The mere "hireling" does not feel so. {Beholdeth} (\therei\). Vivid dramatic present, active indicative of \there\, a graphic picture. {The wolf coming} (\ton lukon erchomenon\). Present middle predicate participle of \erchomai\. {Leaveth the sheep, and fleeth} (\aphisin ta probata kai pheugei\). Graphic present actives again of \aphimi\ and \pheug\. The cowardly hireling cares naught for the sheep, but only for his own skin. The wolf was the chief peril to sheep in Palestine. See strkjv@Matthew:10:6| where Jesus says: "Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves." {And the wolf snatcheth them and scattereth them} (\kai ho lukos harpazei kai skorpizei\). Vivid parenthesis in the midst of the picture of the conduct of the hireling. Bold verbs these. For the old verb \harpaz\ see strkjv@John:6:15; strkjv@Matthew:11:12|, and for \skorpiz\, late word (Plutarch) for the Attic \skedannumi\, see strkjv@Matthew:12:30|. It occurs in the vision of Ezekiel (Ezekiel:34:5|) where because of the careless shepherds "the sheep became meat to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered." Jesus uses \harpaz\ in strkjv@10:29| where no one is able "to snatch" one out of the Father's hand.

rwp@John:15:16 @{But I chose you} (\all' eg exelexamn 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 eklogs\, strkjv@Acts:9:15|). Appointed (\ethka\). First aorist active indicative (\k\ aorist) of \tithmi\. Note three present active subjunctives with \hina\ (purpose clause) to emphasize continuance (\hupagte\, keep on going, \pherte\, keep on bearing fruit, \meni\, keep on abiding), not a mere spurt, but permanent growth and fruit-bearing. {He may give} (\di\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \didmi\ with \hina\ (purpose clause). Cf. strkjv@14:13| for the same purpose and promise, but with \pois\ (I shall do). See also strkjv@16:23f.,26|.

rwp@John:18:30 @{If this man were not an evil-doer} (\ei m n houtos kakon poin\). 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 \poin\ with \kakon\ emphasizes the idea that Jesus was a habitual evil-doer (Abbott). It was an insolent reply to Pilate (Bernard).

rwp@Luke:1:1 @{Forasmuch as} (\epeidper\). Here alone in the N.T., though common in literary Attic. Appears in the papyri. A triple compound (\epei\ = since, \d\ = admittedly true, \per\ = intensive particle to emphasize importance). {Many} (\polloi\). How many no one knows, but certainly more than two or three. We know that Luke used the Logia of Jesus written by Matthew in Aramaic (Papias) and Mark's Gospel. Undoubtedly he had other written sources. {Have taken in hand} (\epecheirsan\). A literal translation of \epicheire\ (from \cheir\, hand and \epi\, upon). Both Hippocrates and Galen use this word in their introduction to their medical works. Here only in the N.T., though a common literary word. Common in the papyri for undertaking with no idea of failure or blame. Luke does not mean to cast reflection on those who preceded him. The apocryphal gospels were all much later and are not in his mind. Luke had secured fuller information and planned a book on a larger scale and did surpass them with the result that they all perished save Mark's Gospel and what Matthew and Luke possess of the Logia of Jesus. There was still room for Luke's book. That motive influences every author and thus progress is made. {To draw up, a narrative} (\anataxasthai digsin\). Ingressive aorist middle infinitive. This verb \anataxasthai\ has been found only in Plutarch's _Moral_. 968 CD about an elephant "rehearsing" by moonlight certain tricks it had been taught (Moulton and Milligan, _Vocabulary_). That was from memory going regularly through the thing again. But the idea in the word is plain enough. The word is composed of \tass\, a common verb for arranging things in proper order and \ana\, again. Luke means to say that those before him had made attempts to rehearse in orderly fashion various matters about Christ. "The expression points to a connected series of narratives in some order (\taxis\), topical or chronological rather than to isolated narratives" (Bruce). "They had produced something more than mere notes or anecdotes" (Plummer). \Digsis\ means leading or carrying a thing through, not a mere incident. Galen applies this word some seventy-five times to the writing of Hippocrates. {Which have been fulfilled} (\tn peplrphormenn\). Perfect passive participle from \plrophore\ and that from \plrs\ (full) and \pher\ (to bring). Hence to bring or make full. The verb is rare outside of the LXX and the N.T. Papyri examples occur for finishing off a legal matter or a financial matter in full. Deissmann (_Light from the Ancient East_, pp. 86f.) gives examples from the papyri and inscriptions for completing a task or being convinced or satisfied in mind. The same ambiguity occurs here. When used of persons in the N.T. the meaning is to be convinced, or fully persuaded (Romans:4:21; strkjv@14:5; strkjv@Hebrews:6:11; strkjv@10:22|). When used of things it has the notion of completing or finishing (2Timothy:4:5,17|). Luke is here speaking of "matters" (\pragmatn\). Luke may refer to the matters connected with Christ's life which have been brought to a close among us or accomplished. Bruce argues plausibly that he means fulness of knowledge "concerning the things which have become widely known among us Christians." In strkjv@Colossians:2:2| we have "fulness of understanding" (\ts plrophorias ts suneses\). In modern Greek the verb means to inform. The careful language of Luke here really pays a tribute to those who had preceded him in their narratives concerning Christ.

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} (\ti lithi touti\). 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:4:15 @{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: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 \nes\. {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:7:12 @{Behold} (\kai idou\). The \kai\ introduces the apodosis of the temporal sentence and has to be left out in translations. It is a common idiom in Luke, \kai idou\. {There was carried out} (\exekomizeto\). Imperfect passive indicative. Common verb in late Greek for carrying out a body for burial, though here only in the N.T. (\ekkomiz\). Rock tombs outside of the village exist there today. {One that was dead} (\tethnks\). Perfect active participle of \thnsk\, to die. {The only son of his mother} (\monogens huios ti mtri auto\). Only begotten son to his mother (dative case). The compound adjective \monogens\ (\monos\ and \genos\) is common in the old Greek and occurs in the N.T. about Jesus (John:3:16,18|). The "death of a widow's only son was the greatest misfortune conceivable" (Easton). {And she was a widow} (\kai aut n chra\). This word \chra\ gives the finishing touch to the pathos of the situation. The word is from \chros\, bereft. The mourning of a widow for an only son is the extremity of grief (Plummer). {Much people} (\ochlos hikanos\). Considerable crowd as often with this adjective \hikanos\. Some were hired mourners, but the size of the crowd showed the real sympathy of the town for her.

rwp@Luke:12:58 @{Give diligence to be quit of him} (\dos ergasian apllachthai ap' autou\). Second aorist active imperative \dos\ from \didmi\. \Apllachthai\, perfect passive infinitive of \apallass\ an old verb common, but only twice in the N.T. (here and strkjv@Acts:19:12|). Used here in a legal sense and the tense emphasizes a state of completion, to be rid of him for good. {Hale thee} (\katasuri\). Drag down forcibly, old verb, only here in the N.T. {To the officer} (\ti praktori\). The doer, the proctor, the exactor of fines, the executor of punishment. Old word, only here in the N.T.

rwp@Info_Mark @ THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION One of the clearest results of modern critical study of the Gospels is the early date of Mark's Gospel. Precisely how early is not definitely known, but there are leading scholars who hold that A.D. 50 is quite probable. My own views are given in detail in my _Studies in Mark's Gospel_. Zahn still argues that the Gospel according to Matthew is earlier than that according to Mark, but the arguments are against him. The framework of Mark's Gospel lies behind both Matthew and Luke and nearly all of it is used by one or the other. One may satisfy himself on this point by careful use of a Harmony of the Gospels in Greek or English. Whether Mark made use of Q (_Logia of Jesus_) or not is not yet shown, though it is possible. But Mark and Q constitute the two oldest known sources of our Matthew and Luke. We have much of Q preserved in the Non-Markan portions of both Matthew and Luke, though the document itself has disappeared. But Mark's work has remained in spite of its exhaustive use by Matthew and Luke, all except the disputed close. For this preservation we are all grateful. Streeter (_The Four Gospels_) has emphasized the local use of texts in preserving portions of the New Testament. If Mark wrote in Rome, as is quite possible, his book was looked upon as the Roman Gospel and had a powerful environment in which to take root. It has distinctive merits of its own that helped to keep it in use. It is mainly narrative and the style is direct and simple with many vivid touches, like the historical present of an eyewitness. The early writers all agree that Mark was the interpreter for Simon Peter with whom he was at one time, according to Peter's own statement, either in Babylon or Rome (1Peter:5:13|).

rwp@Mark:13:1 @{Master, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings} (\didaskale, ide potapoi lithoi kai potapai oikodomai\). strkjv@Matthew:24:1| and strkjv@Luke:21:5| tell of the fact of the comment, but Mark alone gives the precise words. Perhaps Peter himself (Swete) was the one who sought thus by a pleasant platitude to divert the Teacher's attention from the serious topics of recent hours in the temple. It was not a new observation, but the merest commonplace might serve at this crisis. Josephus (_Ant_. xv. II, 3) speaks of the great size of these stones and the beauty of the buildings. Some of these stones at the southeastern and southwestern angles survive today and measure from twenty to forty feet long and weigh a hundred tons. Jesus had, of course, often observed them.

rwp@Mark:16:4 @{Looking up they see} (\anablepsasai therousin\). With downcast eyes and heavy hearts (Bruce) they had been walking up the hill. Mark has his frequent vivid dramatic present "behold." Their problem is solved for the stone lies rolled back before their very eyes. strkjv@Luke:24:2| has the usual aorist "found." {For} (\gar\). Mark explains by the size of the stone this sudden and surprising sight right before their eyes.

rwp@Mark:16:6 @{Be not amazed} (\m ekthambeisthe\). The angel noted their amazement (verse 5|) and urges the cessation of it using this very word. {The Nazarene} (\ton Nazarnon\). Only in Mark, to identify "Jesus" to the women. {The crucified one} (\ton estaurmenon\). This also in strkjv@Matthew:28:5|. This description of his shame has become his crown of glory, for Paul (Gal strkjv@6:14|), and for all who look to the Crucified and Risen Christ as Saviour and Lord. He is risen (\gerth\). First aorist passive indicative, the simple fact. In strkjv@1Corinthians:15:4| Paul uses the perfect passive indicative \eggertai\ to emphasize the permanent state that Jesus remains risen. {Behold the place} (\ide ho topos\). Here \ide\ is used as an interjection with no effect on the case (nominative). In strkjv@Matthew:28:6| \idete\ is the verb with the accusative. See Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 302.

rwp@Matthew:5:26 @{The last farthing} (\ton eschaton kodrantn\). A Latin word, _quadrans, 1/4 of an _as_ (\assarion\) or two mites (Mark:12:42|), a vivid picture of inevitable punishment for debt. This is emphasized by the strong double negative \ou m\ with the aorist subjunctive.

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 sunaggais autn\). 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: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:13:32 @{A tree} (\dendron\). "Not in nature, but in size" (Bruce). "An excusable exaggeration in popular discourse."

rwp@Matthew:17:2 @{He was transfigured before them} (\metemorphth emprosthen autn\). The word is the same as the metamorphoses (cf. Ovid) of pagan mythology. Luke does not use it. The idea is change (\meta-\) of form (\morph\). It really presents the essence of a thing as separate from the \schma\ (fashion), the outward accident. Songs:in strkjv@Romans:12:2| Paul uses both verbs, \sunschematizesthe\ (be not fashioned) and \metamorphousthe\ (be ye transformed in your inner life). Songs:in strkjv@1Corinthians:7:31| \schma\ is used for the fashion of the world while in strkjv@Mark:16:12| \morph\ is used of the form of Jesus after his resurrection. The false apostles are described by \metaschmatisomai\ in strkjv@2Corinthians:11:13-15|. In strkjv@Phillipians:2:6| we have \en morphi\ used of the Preincarnate state of Christ and \morphn doulou\ of the Incarnate state (Phillipians:2:7|), while \schmati hs anthrpos\ emphasizes his being found "in fashion as a man." But it will not do in strkjv@Matthew:17:2| to use the English transliteration \metamorphsis\ because of its pagan associations. Songs:the Latin _transfigured_ (Vulgate _transfiguratus est_) is better. "The deeper force of \metamorphousthai\ is seen in strkjv@2Corinthians:3:18| (with reference to the shining on Moses' face), strkjv@Romans:12:2|" (McNeile). The word occurs in a second-century papyrus of the pagan gods who are invisible. Matthew guards against the pagan idea by adding and explaining about the face of Christ "as the sun" and his garments "as the light."

rwp@Matthew:19:8 @{For your hardness of heart} (\pros tn sklrokardian hmn\). The word is apparently one of the few Biblical words (LXX and the N.T.). It is a heart dried up (\sklros\), hard and tough. {But from the beginning it hath not been so} (\ap' archs de ouk gegonen houts\). The present perfect active of \ginomai\ to emphasize the permanence of the divine ideal. "The original ordinance has never been abrogated nor superseded, but continues in force" (Vincent). "How small the Pharisaic disputants must have felt in presence of such holy teaching, which soars above the partisan view of controversialists into the serene region of ideal, universal, eternal truth" (Bruce).

rwp@Matthew:23:5 @{To be seen of men} (\pros to theathnai tois anthrpois\). See strkjv@6:1| where this same idiom occurs. Ostentation regulates the conduct of the rabbis. {Phylacteries} (\phulaktria\). An adjective from \phulaktr, phulass\ (to guard). Songs:a fortified place, station for garrison, then a safeguard, protecting charm or amulet. The rabbis wore \tephillin\ or prayer-fillets, small leather cases with four strips of parchment on which were written the words of strkjv@Exodus:13:1-10,11-16; strkjv@Deuteronomy:6:4-9; strkjv@11:13-21|. They took literally the words about "a sign unto thy hand," "a memorial between thine eyes," and "frontlets." "That for the head was to consist of a box with four compartments, each containing a slip of parchment inscribed with one of the four passages. Each of these strips was to be tied up with a well-washed hair from a calf's tail; lest, if tied with wool or thread, any fungoid growth should ever pollute them. The phylactery of the arm was to contain a single slip, with the same four passages written in four columns of seven lines each. The black leather straps by which they were fastened were wound seven times round the arm and three times round the hand. They were reverenced by the rabbis as highly as the scriptures, and, like them, might be rescued from the flames on a sabbath. They profanely imagined that God wore the _tephillin_" (Vincent). It is small wonder that Jesus ridiculed such minute concern for pretentious externalism and literalism. These _tephillin_ "are still worn at the present day on the forehead and left arm by Jews at the daily Morning Prayer" (McNeile). "The size of the phylacteries indexed the measure of zeal, and the wearing of large ones was apt to take the place of obedience" (Bruce). Hence they made them "broad." The superstitious would wear them as mere charms to ward off evil. {Enlarge the borders} (\megalunousin ta kraspeda\). In strkjv@9:20| we see that Jesus, like the Jews generally, wore a tassel or tuft, hem or border, a fringe on the outer garment according to strkjv@Numbers:15:38|. Here again the Jewish rabbi had minute rules about the number of the fringes and the knots (see on ¯9:20|). They made a virtue of the size of the fringes also. "Such things were useful as reminders; they were fatal when they were regarded as charms" (Plummer).

rwp@Matthew:24:9 @{Ye shall be hated} (\esesthe misoumenoi\). Periphrastic future passive to emphasize the continuous process of the linear action. For tribulation (\thlipsin\ see strkjv@13:21|), a word common in the Acts, Epistles, and Apocalypse for the oppression (pressure) that the Christians received. {For my name's sake} (\dia to onoma mou\). The most glorious name in the world today, but soon to be a byword of shame (Acts:5:41|). The disciples would count it an honour to be dishonoured for the Name's sake.

rwp@Matthew:25:6 @{There is a cry} (\kraug gegonen\). A cry has come. Dramatic use of the present perfect (second perfect active) indicative, not the perfect for the aorist. It is not \estin\, but \gegonen\ which emphasizes the sudden outcry which has rent the air. The very memory of it is preserved by this tense with all the bustle and confusion, the rushing to the oil-venders. {Come ye forth to meet him} (\exerchesthe eis apantsin\). Or, Go out for meeting him, dependent on whether the cry comes from outside the house or inside the house where they were sleeping because of the delay. It was a ceremonial salutation neatly expressed by the Greek phrase.

rwp@Matthew:25:24 @{That had received the one talent} (\ho to talenton eilphs\). Note the perfect active participle to emphasize the fact that he still had it. In verse 20| we have \ho--labn\ (aorist active participle). {I knew thee} (\egnn se\). Second aorist active indicative. Experimental knowledge (\ginsk\) and proleptical use of \se\. {A hard man} (\sklros\). Harsh, stern, rough man, worse than \austros\ in strkjv@Luke:19:21|, grasping and ungenerous. {Where thou didst not scatter} (\hothen ou dieskorpisas\). But this scattering was the chaff from which wheat was winnowed, not the scattering of seed.

rwp@Matthew:26:47 @{While he yet spake} (\eti autou lalountos\). It was an electric moment as Jesus faced Judas with his horde of helpers as if he turned to meet an army. {Let us go} (\agmen\), Jesus had said. And here he is. The eight at the gate seemed to have given no notice. Judas is described here as "one of the twelve" (\heis tn ddeka\) in all three Synoptic Gospels (Mark:14:43; strkjv@Matthew:26:47; strkjv@Luke:22:47|). The very horror of the thing is thus emphasized, that one of the chosen twelve apostles should do this dastardly deed. {A great multitude} (\ochlos polus\). The chief priests and Pharisees had furnished Judas a band of soldiers from the garrison in Antonia (John:18:3|) and the temple police (Luke:22:52|) with swords (knives) and staves (clubs) with a hired rabble who had lanterns also (John:18:3|) in spite of the full moon. Judas was taking no chances of failure for he well knew the strange power of Jesus.

rwp@Matthew:26:75 @{Peter remembered} (\emnsth ho Petros\). A small thing, but _magna circumstantia_ (Bengel). In a flash of lightning rapidity he recalled the words of Jesus a few hours before (Matthew:26:34|) which he had then scouted with the proud boast that "even if I must die with thee, yet will I not deny thee" (26:35|). And now this triple denial was a fact. There is no extenuation for the base denials of Peter. He had incurred the dread penalty involved in the words of Jesus in strkjv@Matthew:10:33| of denial by Jesus before the Father in heaven. But Peter's revulsion of feeling was as sudden as his sin. {He went out and wept bitterly} (\exelthn ex eklausen pikrs\). Luke adds that the Lord turned and looked upon Peter (Luke:22:61|). That look brought Peter back to his senses. He could not stay where he now was with the revilers of Jesus. He did not feel worthy or able to go openly into the hall where Jesus was. Songs:outside he went with a broken heart. The constative aorist here does not emphasize as Mark's imperfect does (Mark:14:72|, \eklaien\) the continued weeping that was now Peter's only consolation. The tears were bitter, all the more so by reason of that look of understanding pity that Jesus gave him. One of the tragedies of the Cross is the bleeding heart of Peter. Judas was a total wreck and Peter was a near derelict. Satan had sifted them all as wheat, but Jesus had prayed specially for Peter (Luke:22:31f.|). Will Satan show Peter to be all chaff as Judas was?

rwp@Revelation:2:2 @{I know} (\oida\). Rather than \ginsk\ and so "emphasizes better the absolute clearness of mental vision which photographs all the facts of life as they pass" (Swete). Songs:also in strkjv@2:9,13,19; strkjv@3:1,8,15|. For the distinction see strkjv@John:21:17|, "where the universal knowledge passes into the field of special observation." {Works} (\erga\). The whole life and conduct as in strkjv@John:6:29|. {And thy toil and patience} (\kai ton kopon kai tn hupomonn sou\). "Both thy toil and patience," in explanation of \erga\, and see strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:3|, where all three words (\ergon, kopos, hupomon\) occur together as here. See strkjv@14:13| for sharp distinction between \erga\ (activities) and \kopoi\ (toils, with weariness). Endurance (\hupomon\) in hard toil (\kopos\). {And that} (\kai hoti\). Further explanation of \kopos\ (hard toil). {Not able} (\ou duni\). This _Koin_ form for the Attic \dunasai\ (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in strkjv@Mark:9:22; strkjv@Luke:16:2|. {Bear} (\bastasai\). First aorist active infinitive of \bastaz\, for which verb see strkjv@John:10:31; strkjv@12:6; strkjv@Galatians:6:2|. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden. {And didst try} (\kai epeirasas\). First aorist active indicative of \peiraz\, to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (verse 6|) were condemned. The present tenses (\duni, echeis\) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. strkjv@1John:4:1|. {Which call themselves apostles} (\tous legontas heautous apostolous\). Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2Corinthians:11:5,13; strkjv@12:11|). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in strkjv@Acts:20:29|; in sheep's clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew:7:15|). {And they are not} (\kai ouk eisin\). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John:2:9; strkjv@3:9; strkjv@1John:3:1|) for \kai ouk ontas\ to correspond to \legontas\. {And didst find} (\kai heures\). Second aorist active indicative of \heurisk\. Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with \epeirasas\. {False} (\pseudeis\). Predicate accusative plural of \pseuds\, self-deceived deceivers as in strkjv@21:8|.

rwp@Revelation:10:2 @{And he had} (\kai echn\). This use of the participle in place of \eichen\ (imperfect) is like that in strkjv@4:7f.; strkjv@12:2; strkjv@19:12; strkjv@21:12,14|, a Semitic idiom (Charles), or as if \katabainn\ (nominative) had preceded in place of \katabainonta\. {A little book} (\biblaridion\). A diminutive of \biblarion\ (papyri), itself a diminutive of \biblion\ (5:1|) and perhaps in contrast with it, a rare form in Hermas and strkjv@Revelation:10:2,9,10|. In strkjv@10:8| Tischendorf reads \biblidarion\, diminutive of \biblidion\ (Aristophanes) instead of \biblion\ (Westcott and Hort). The contents of this little book are found in strkjv@11:1-13|. {Open} (\neigmenon\). See strkjv@Ezekiel:2:9f|. Perfect (triple reduplication) passive participle of \anoig\, in contrast to the closed book in strkjv@5:1|. There also we have \epi\ (upon) \tn dexian\ (the right hand), for it was a large roll, but here the little open roll is held in the hand (\en ti cheiri\), apparently the left hand (verse 5|). {He set} (\ethken\). First aorist active indicative of \tithmi\. The size of the angel is colossal, for he bestrides both land and sea. Apparently there is no special point in the right foot (\ton poda ton dexion\) being on the sea (\epi ts thalasss\) and the left (\ton eunumon\) upon the land (\epi ts gs\). It makes a bold and graphic picture. {As a lion roareth} (\hsper len muktai\). Only instance of \hsper\ in the Apocalypse, but \hs\ in the same sense several times. Present middle indicative of \mukaomai\, an old onomatopoetic word from \mu\ or \moo\ (the sound which a cow utters), common for the lowing and bellowing of cattle, Latin _mugire_, but in Theocritus for the roaring of a lion as here, though in strkjv@1Peter:5:8| we have \ruomai\. Homer uses \mukaomai\ for the clangour of the shield and Aristophanes for thunder. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It does not mean that what the angel said was unintelligible, only loud. Cf. strkjv@1:10; strkjv@5:2,12; strkjv@6:10; strkjv@7:2,10|, etc.

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 edoth autois\). First aorist passive of \didmi\. 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} (\tn pepelekismenn\). 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 ezsan\). 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@Romans:11:1 @{I say then} (\leg oun\). As in verse 11|. \Oun\ looks back to strkjv@9:16-33| and strkjv@10:19-21|. {Did God cast off?} (\m apsato ho theos?\). An indignant negative answer is called for by \m\ and emphasized by \m genoito\ (God forbid). Paul refers to the promise in the O.T. made three times: strkjv@1Samuel:12:22; strkjv@Psalms:94:14| (Psalms:93:14| LXX); strkjv@Psalms:94:4|. First aorist middle indicative (without augment) of \apthe\, to push away, to repel, middle, to push away from one as in strkjv@Acts:7:27|. {For I also} (\kai gar eg\). Proof that not all the Jews have rejected Christ. See strkjv@Phillipians:3:5| for more of Paul's pedigree.

rwp@Romans:12:3 @{Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think} (\m huperphronein par' ho dei phronein\). Indirect negative command after \leg\ (I say). Play on the two infinitives \phronein\, to think, and \huperphronein\ (old verb from \huperphrn\, over-proud, here only in N.T.) to "over-think" with \par' ho\ (beyond what) added. Then another play on \phronein\ and \sphronein\ (old verb from \sphrn\, sober-minded), to be in one's right mind (Mark:5:15; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:13|). Self-conceit is here treated as a species of insanity. {A measure of faith} (\metron pistes\). Accusative case, the object of the verb \emerisen\. Each has his gift from God (1Corinthians:3:5; strkjv@4:7|). There is no occasion for undue pride. {To each man} (\hekasti\). Emphatic position before \hs\ (as) and emphasizes the diversity.