OT-LAW.filter - rwp spring:
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1Corinthians:8:2 @{Puffeth up} (\phusioi\). From \phusio\ (present indicative active). See on ¯4:6|. Pride may be the result, not edification (\oikodomei\) which comes from love. Note article (\h\) with both \gnsis\ and \agap\, making the contrast sharper. See on ¯1Thessalonians:5:11| for the verb \oikodome\, to build up. Love is the solution, not knowledge, in all social problems. {That he knoweth anything} (\egnkenai ti\). Perfect active infinitive in indirect discourse after \dokei\ (condition of first class with \ei\). Songs:"has acquired knowledge" (cf. strkjv@3:18|), has gone to the bottom of the subject. {He knoweth not yet} (\oup egn\). Second aorist active indicative, timeless aorist, summary (punctiliar) statement of his ignorance. {As he ought to know} (\kaths dei gnnai\). Second aorist active infinitive, ingressive aorist (come to know). Newton's remark that he was only gathering pebbles on the shore of the ocean of truth is pertinent. The really learned man knows his ignorance of what lies beyond. Shallow knowledge is like the depth of the mud hole, not of the crystal spring.
rwp@1Corinthians:16:8 @{Until Pentecost} (\hes ts Pentkosts\). He writes them in the spring before pentecost. Apparently the uproar by Demetrius hurried Paul away from Ephesus (Acts:20:1|).
rwp@Info_2Corinthians @ We know also the time of the year when he writes, in the spring before pentecost. Unfortunately we do not know the precise year, though it was at the close of his stay of three years (in round numbers) at Ephesus (Acts:20:31|). Like all the years in Paul's ministry we have to allow a sliding scale in relation to his other engagements. One may guess the early spring of A.D. 54 or 55.
rwp@2John:1:3 @{Shall be with us} (\estai meth' hmn\). He picks up the words before in reverse order. Future indicative here, not a wish with the optative (\eie\) as we have in strkjv@1Peter:1:2; strkjv@2Peter:1:2|. The salutation is like that in the Pastoral Epistles: "\Charis\, the wellspring in the heart of God; \eleos\, its outpourings; \eirn\, its blessed effect" (David Smith). {And from Jesus Christ} (\kai para Isou Christou\). The repetition of \para\ (with the ablative) is unique. "It serves to bring out distinctly the twofold personal relation of man to the Father and to the Son" (Westcott). "The Fatherhood of God, as revealed by one who being His Son _can_ reveal the Father, and who as man (\Isou\) can make him known to men" (Brooke).
rwp@2Peter:1:20 @{Knowing this first} (\touto prton ginskontes\). Agreeing with \poieite\ like \prosechontes\ in verse 19|. {No prophecy of Scripture} (\psa prophteia ou\). Like the Hebrew _lo-kl_, but also in the papyri as in strkjv@1John:2:21| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 753). {Is} (\ginetai\). Rather "comes," "springs" (Alford), not "is" (\estin\). {Of private interpretation} (\idias epiluses\). Ablative case of origin or source in the predicate as with \gnms\ in strkjv@Acts:20:3| and with \tou theou\ and \ex hmn\ in strkjv@2Corinthians:4:7|. "No prophecy of Scripture comes out of private disclosure," not "of private interpretation." The usual meaning of \epilusis\ is explanation, but the word does not occur elsewhere in the N.T. It occurs in the papyri in the sense of solution and even of discharge of a debt. Spitta urges "dissolved" as the idea here. The verb \epilu\, to unloose, to untie, to release, occurs twice in the N.T., once (Mark:4:34|) where it can mean "disclose" about parables, the other (Acts:19:39|) where it means to decide. It is the prophet's grasp of the prophecy, not that of the readers that is here presented, as the next verse shows.
rwp@2Thessalonians:1:11 @{To which end} (\eis ho\). Songs:Colossians:1:29|. Probably purpose with reference to the contents of verses 5-10|. We have had the Thanksgiving (verses 3-10|) in a long, complicated, but rich period or sentence. Now he makes a brief Prayer (verses 11-12|) that God will fulfil all their hopes and endeavours. Paul and his colleagues can still pray for them though no longer with them (Moffatt). {That} (\hina\). Common after \proseuchomai\ (Colossians:4:3; strkjv@Ephesians:1:17; strkjv@Phillipians:1:9|) when the content of the prayer blends with the purpose (purport and purpose). {Count you worthy} (\humas axisi\). Causative verb (aorist active subjunctive) like \kataxio\ in verse 5| with genitive. {Of your calling} (\ts klses\). \Klsis\ can apply to the beginning as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:26; strkjv@Romans:11:29|, but it can also apply to the final issue as in strkjv@Phillipians:3:14; strkjv@Hebrews:3:1|. Both ideas may be here. It is God's calling of the Thessalonians. {And fulfil every desire of goodness} (\kai plrsi pasan eudokian agathsuns\). "Whom he counts worthy he first makes worthy" (Lillie). Yes, in purpose, but the wonder and the glory of it all is that God begins to count us worthy in Christ before the process is completed in Christ (Romans:8:29f.|). But God will see it through and so Paul prays to God. \Eudokia\ (cf. strkjv@Luke:2:14|) is more than mere desire, rather good pleasure, God's purpose of goodness, not in ancient Greek, only in LXX and N.T. \Agathsun\ like a dozen other words in \-sun\ occurs only in late Greek. This word occurs only in LXX, N.T., writings based on them. It is made from \agathos\, good, akin to \agamai\, to admire. May the Thessalonians find delight in goodness, a worthy and pertinent prayer. {Work of faith} (\ergon pistes\). The same phrase in strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:3|. Paul prays for rich fruition of what he had seen in the beginning. Work marked by faith, springs from faith, sustained by faith. {With power} (\en dunamei\). In power. Connect with \plrsi\ (fulfil), God's power (Romans:1:29; strkjv@Colossians:1:4|) in Christ (1Corinthians:1:24|) through the Holy Spirit (1Thessalonians:1:5|).
rwp@Info_2Timothy @ SECOND TIMOTHY FROM ROME PROBABLY EARLY AUTUMN OF 67 OR SPRING OF 68 strkjv@2Timothy:1:1 @{According to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus} (\kat' epaggelian zs ts en Christi Isou\). "With a view to the fulfilment of the promise." See strkjv@Titus:1:1| for this same use of \kata\. For \kat' epaggelian\ see strkjv@Galatians:3:29|. See strkjv@1Timothy:4:8| for the phrase "promise of life." Here or there "life that in Christ Jesus" includes the present as well as the future.
rwp@Acts:17:2 @{As his custom was} (\kata to eithos ti Pauli\). The same construction in strkjv@Luke:4:16| about Jesus in Nazareth (\kata to eithos auti\) with the second perfect active participle neuter singular from \eth\. Paul's habit was to go to the Jewish synagogue to use the Jews and the God-fearers as a springboard for his work among the Gentiles. {For three Sabbaths} (\epi sabbata tria\). Probably the reference is to the first three Sabbaths when Paul had a free hand in the synagogue as at first in Antioch in Pisidia. Luke does not say that Paul was in Thessalonica only three weeks. He may have spoken there also during the week, though the Sabbath was the great day. Paul makes it plain, as Furneaux shows, that he was in Thessalonica a much longer period than three weeks. The rest of the time he spoke, of course, outside of the synagogue. Paul implies an extended stay by his language in strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:8|. The church consisted mainly of Gentile converts (2Thessalonians:3:4,7,8|) and seems to have been well organized (1Thessalonians:5:12|). He received help while there several times from Philippi (Phillipians:4:16|) and even so worked night and day to support himself (1Thessalonians:2:9|). His preaching was misunderstood there in spite of careful instruction concerning the second coming of Christ (1Thessalonians:4:13-5:5; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:1-12|). {Reasoned} (\dielexato\). First aorist middle indicative of \dialegomai\, old verb in the active to select, distinguish, then to revolve in the mind, to converse (interchange of ideas), then to teach in the Socratic ("dialectic") method of question and answer (cf. \dielegeto\ in verse 17|), then simply to discourse, but always with the idea of intellectual stimulus. With these Jews and God-fearers Paul appealed to the Scriptures as text and basis (\apo\) of his ideas.
rwp@Acts:26:7 @{Our twelve tribes} (\to ddekaphulon hmn\). A word found only here in N.T. and in Christian and Jewish writings, though \ddekamnon\ (twelve month) is common in the papyri and \dekaphulos\ (ten tribes) in Herodotus. Paul's use of this word for the Jewish people, like strkjv@James:1:1| (\tais ddeka phulais\, the twelve tribes), shows that Paul had no knowledge of any "lost ten tribes." There is a certain national pride and sense of unity in spite of the dispersion (Page). {Earnestly} (\en ekteneii\). A late word from \ektein\, to stretch out, only here in N.T., but in papyri and inscriptions. Page refers to Simeon and Anna (Luke:2:25-28|) as instances of Jews looking for the coming of the Messiah. Note the accusative of \nukta kai hmeran\ as in strkjv@20:31|. {Hope to attain} (\elpizei katantsai\). This Messianic hope had been the red thread running through Jewish history. Today, alas, it is a sadly worn thread for Jews who refuse to see the Messiah in Jesus. {I am accused by Jews} (\egkaloumai hupo Ioudain\). The very word used in strkjv@23:28| (\enekaloun\) which see, and by Jews of all people in the world whose mainspring was this very "hope." It is a tremendously effective turn.
rwp@Acts:28:11 @{Which had wintered} (\parakecheimakoti\). Perfect active participle of \paracheimaz\, to pass the winter. Old verb, in N.T. only strkjv@27:12; strkjv@28:11; strkjv@1Corinthians:16:6; strkjv@Titus:3:12|. The locative case agreeing with \ploii\. Navigation in the Mediterranean usually opened up in February (always by March), spring beginning on Feb. 9 (Page). {Whose sign was the Twin Brothers} (\parasmi Dioskourois\). The word \parasmi\ can be either a substantive (as Revised Version has it) or an adjective "marked by the sign," examples of both uses common in ancient Greek. \Dioskourois\ is in apposition with \parasmi\. The word means the twin sons (\kouros\ or \koros\) of Zeus (\Dios\, genitive of \Zeus\) and Leda, viz., Castor and Pollux. The Attic used the dual, \t Dioskor\. Castor and Pollux were the tutelary deities of sailors whose figures were painted one on each side of the prow of the ship. This sign was the name of the ship. Songs:they start in another grain ship of Alexandria bound for Rome.
rwp@Info_Epistles-Paul @ DATES OF HIS EPISTLES Unfortunately there is not complete agreement among scholars as to the dates of some of Paul's Epistles. Baur denied the Pauline authorship of all the Epistles save I and II Corinthians, Galatians, Romans. Today some deny that Paul wrote the Pastoral Epistles, though admitting the others. Some admit Pauline fragments even in the Pastoral Epistles, but more about this when these Epistles are reached. There is more doubt about the date of Galatians than any of the others. Lightfoot put it just before Romans, while Ramsay now makes it the earliest of all. The Epistle itself has no notes of place or time. The Epistles to the Thessalonians were written from Corinth after Timothy had been sent from Athens by Paul to Thessalonica (1Thessalonians:3:1f.|) and had just returned to Paul (1Thessalonians:3:6|) which we know was in Corinth (Acts:18:5|) shortly before Gallio came as Proconsul of Achaia (Acts:18:12|). We can now feel certain from the new "acclamation" of Claudius in the inscription at Delphi recently explained by Deissmann in his _St. Paul_ that the Thessalonian Epistles were written 50 to 51 A.D. We know also that he wrote I Corinthians while in Ephesus (1Corinthians:16:8|) and before pentecost, though the precise year is not given. But he spent three years at Ephesus in round numbers (Acts:19:8,10; strkjv@20:31|) and he wrote just before he left, probably spring of A.D. 54 or 55. He wrote II Corinthians from Macedonia shortly after leaving Ephesus (2Corinthians:2:12|) ] apparently the same year. Romans was written from Corinth and sent by Phoebe of Cenchreae (Romans:16:1f.|) unless strkjv@Romans:16| be considered a separate Epistle to Ephesus as some hold, a view that does not commend itself to me. Deissmann (_New Testament in the Light of Modern Research_, p. 33) accepts a modern theory that Ephesus was the place of the writing of the first prison Epistles (Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians) as well as I Corinthians and Galatians and dates them all between A.D. 52 and 55. But we shall find that these prison Epistles most naturally fall to Rome between A.D. 61 and 63. If the Pastoral Epistles are genuine, as I hold, they come between A.D. 65 and 68. Bartlet argues for a date before A.D. 64, accepting the view that Paul was put to death then. But it is still far more probable that Paul met his death in Rome in A.D. 68 shortly before Nero's death which was June 8, A.D. 68. It will thus be seen that the dates of several of the Epistles are fairly clear, while some remain quite uncertain. In a broad outlook they must all come between A.D. 50 and 68.
rwp@Galatians:3:7 @{The same are sons of Abraham} (\houtoi huioi eisin Abraham\). "These are." This is Paul's astounding doctrine to Jews that the real sons of Abraham are those who believe as he did, "they which be of faith" (\hoi ek pistes\), a common idiom with Paul for this idea (verse 9; strkjv@Romans:3:26; strkjv@4:16; strkjv@14:23|), those whose spiritual sonship springs out of (\ek\) faith, not out of blood. John the Baptist denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees as vipers though descendants of Abraham (Matthew:3:7; strkjv@Luke:3:7|) and Jesus termed the Pharisees children of the devil and not spiritual children of Abraham (not children of God) in strkjv@John:8:37-44|.
rwp@Galatians:5:13 @{Ye were called for freedom} (\ep' eleutherii eklthte\). 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 m\). No word for "use" in the Greek. Probably supply \trepete\ or \strephete\, "turn not your liberty into an occasion for the flesh" (\eis aphormn ti sarki\), as a spring board for license. On \aphorm\, see on ¯2Corinthians:5:12|. Liberty so easily turns to license.
rwp@Hebrews:12:11 @{For the present} (\pros to paron\). A classical phrase (Thucydides), \pros\ with the accusative neuter singular articular participle of \pareimi\, to be beside. {Not joyous, but grievous} (\ou charas, alla lups\). Predicate ablative (springing from) or predicate genitive (marked by). Either makes sense, but note predicate ablative in strkjv@2Corinthians:4:7| (\kai tou theou kai m ex hmn\). {Peaceable fruit} (\karpon eirnikon\). Old adjective from \eirn\ (peace), in N.T. only here and strkjv@James:3:17|. Peaceable after the chastening is over. {Exercised thereby} (\di' auts gegumnasmenois\). Perfect passive participle (dative case) of \gumnaz\, state of completion, picturing the discipline as a gymnasium like strkjv@5:14; strkjv@1Timothy:4:17|.
rwp@Hebrews:12:15 @{Looking carefully} (\episkopountes\). Present active participle of \episkope\, to have oversight, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Peter:5:2|. Cf. \episcopos\ (bishop). {Lest there be any man} (\m tis\). Negative purpose clause with \ei\ (present active subjunctive) omitted. {Falleth short of} (\hustern apo\). Present active participle of \hustere\ (see strkjv@4:1|) agreeing with \tis\. Followed here by \apo\ and the ablative. {Root of bitterness}. (\riza pikrias\). Quoted from strkjv@Deuteronomy:29:18|. Vivid picture. {Springing up} (\an phuousa\). Present active participle of \phu\, to sprout. Pictured here as a quick process. Also from strkjv@Deuteronomy:29:18|. {Trouble} (\enochli\). Present active subjunctive (in final clause with \m tis\) of \enochle\, old verb to trouble with a crowd, to annoy. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:6:18|. {Be defiled} (\mianthsin\). First aorist passive subjunctive (in final clause with \m\) of \mian\, old verb to dye, to stain, to defile as in strkjv@Titus:1:15| (the conscience). The contagion of sin is terrible as any disease.
rwp@James:3:11 @{The fountain} (\h pg\). Old word for spring (John:4:14|). {Opening} (\ops\). Old word for fissure in the earth, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Hebrews:11:38| (caves). {Send forth} (\bruei\). Present active indicative of \bru\, old verb, to bubble up, to gush forth, here only in N.T. The use of \mti\ shows that a negative answer is expected in this rhetorical question. {The sweet and the bitter} (\to gluku kai to pikron\). Cognate accusatives with \bruei\. Separate articles to distinguish sharply the two things. The neuter singular articular adjective is a common way of presenting a quality. \Glukus\ is an old adjective (in N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:10:9f.|), the opposite of \pikron\ (from old root, to cut, to prick), in N.T. only here and verse 14| (sharp, harsh).
rwp@Info_John @ THE FOURTH GOSPEL BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION GREATEST OF BOOKS The test of time has given the palm to the Fourth Gospel over all the books of the world. If Luke's Gospel is the most beautiful, John's Gospel is supreme in its height and depth and reach of thought. The picture of Christ here given is the one that has captured the mind and heart of mankind. It is not possible for a believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God to be indifferent to modern critical views concerning the authorship and historical value of this Holy of Holies of the New Testament. Here we find _The Heart of Christ_ (E. H. Sears), especially in chapters strkjv@John:14-17|. If Jesus did not do or say these things, it is small consolation to be told that the book at least has symbolic and artistic value for the believer. The language of the Fourth Gospel has the clarity of a spring, but we are not able to sound the bottom of the depths. Lucidity and profundity challenge and charm us as we linger over it.
rwp@John:1:12 @{As many as received him} (\hosoi elabon auton\). Effective aorist active indicative of \lamban\ "as many as did receive him," in contrast with \hoi idioi\ just before, exceptional action on the part of the disciples and other believers. {To them} (\autois\). Dative case explanatory of the relative clause preceding, an anacoluthon common in John 27 times as against 21 in the Synoptists. This is a common Aramaic idiom and is urged by Burney (_Aramaic Origin_, etc., p. 64) for his theory of an Aramaic original of the Fourth Gospel. {The right} (\exousian\). In strkjv@5:27| \edken\ (first aorist active indicative of \didmi\) \exousian\ means authority but includes power (\dunamis\). Here it is more the notion of privilege or right. {To become} (\genesthai\). Second aorist middle of \ginomai\, to become what they were not before. {Children of God} (\tekna theou\). In the full spiritual sense, not as mere offspring of God true of all men (Acts:17:28|). Paul's phrase \huioi theou\ (Gal strkjv@3:26|) for believers, used also by Jesus of the pure in heart (Matthew:5:9|), does not occur in John's Gospel (but in strkjv@Revelation:21:7|). It is possible that John prefers \ta tekna tou theou\ for the spiritual children of God whether Jew or Gentile (John:11:52|) because of the community of nature (\teknon\ from root \tek-\, to beget). But one cannot follow Westcott in insisting on "adoption" as Paul's reason for the use of \huioi\ since Jesus uses \huioi theou\ in strkjv@Matthew:5:9|. Clearly the idea of regeneration is involved here as in strkjv@John:3:3|. {Even to them that believe} (\tois pisteuousin\). No "even" in the Greek, merely explanatory apposition with \autois\, dative case of the articular present active participle of \pisteu\. {On his name} (\eis to onoma\). Bernard notes \pisteu eis\ 35 times in John, to put trust in or on. See also strkjv@2:23; strkjv@3:38| for \pisteu eis to onoma autou\. This common use of \onoma\ for the person is an Aramaism, but it occurs also in the vernacular papyri and \eis to onoma\ is particularly common in the payment of debts (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_). See strkjv@Acts:1:15| for \onomata\ for persons.
rwp@John:1:19 @{And this is the witness of John} (\kai haut estin h marturia tou Ianou\). He had twice already alluded to it (verses 7f., 15|) and now he proceeds to give it as the most important item to add after the Prologue. Just as the author assumes the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke, so he assumes the Synoptic accounts of the baptism of Jesus by John, but adds various details of great interest and value between the baptism and the Galilean ministry, filling out thus our knowledge of this first year of the Lord's ministry in various parts of Palestine. The story in John proceeds along the same lines as in the Synoptics. There is increasing unfolding of Christ to the disciples with increasing hostility on the part of the Jews till the final consummation in Jerusalem. {When the Jews sent unto him} (\hote apesteilan pros auton hoi Ioudaioi\). John, writing in Ephesus near the close of the first century long after the destruction of Jerusalem, constantly uses the phrase "the Jews" as descriptive of the people as distinct from the Gentile world and from the followers of Christ (at first Jews also). Often he uses it of the Jewish leaders and rulers in particular who soon took a hostile attitude toward both John and Jesus. Here it is the Jews from Jerusalem who sent (\apesteilan\, first aorist active indicative of \apostell\). {Priests and Levites} (\hiereis kai Leueitas\). Sadducees these were. Down below in verse 24| the author explains that it was the Pharisees who sent the Sadducees. The Synoptics throw a flood of light on this circumstance, for in strkjv@Matthew:3:7| we are told that the Baptist called the Pharisees and Sadducees "offspring of vipers" (Luke:3:7|). Popular interest in John grew till people were wondering "in their hearts concerning John whether haply he were the Christ" (Luke:3:15|). Songs:the Sanhedrin finally sent a committee to John to get his own view of himself, but the Pharisees saw to it that Sadducees were sent. {To ask him} (\hina ertssin auton\). Final \hina\ and the first aorist active subjunctive of \erta\, old verb to ask a question as here and often in the _Koin_ to ask for something (John:14:16|) like \aite\. {Who art thou?} (\su tis ei;\). Direct question preserved and note proleptic position of \su\, "Thou, who art thou?" The committee from the Sanhedrin put the question sharply up to John to define his claims concerning the Messiah.
rwp@John:3:23 @{John was also baptizing} (\n de kai ho Ians baptizn\). Periphrastic imperfect picturing the continued activity of the Baptist simultaneous with the growing work of Jesus. There was no real rivalry except in people's minds. {In Aenon near to Salim} (\en Ainn eggus tou Saleim\). It is not clearly known where this place was. Eusebius locates it in the Jordan valley south of Beisan west of the river where are many springs (fountains, eyes). There is a place called Salim east of Shechem in Samaria with a village called 'Aimen, but with no water there. There may have been water there then, of course. {Because there was much water there} (\hoti hudata polla n ekei\). "Because many waters were there." Not for drinking, but for baptizing. "Therefore even in summer baptism by immersion could be continued" (Marcus Dods). {And they came, and were baptized} (\kai pareginonto kai ebaptizonto\). Imperfects both, one middle and the other passive, graphically picturing the long procession of pilgrims who came to John confessing their sins and receiving baptism at his hands.
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:4:10 @{Answered and said} (\apekrith kai eipen\). As often (redundant) in John. The first aorist passive (\apekrith\) is deponent, no longer passive in sense. {If thou knewest} (\ei ideis\). Condition of second class, determined as unfulfilled, \ei\ and past perfect \ideis\ (used as imperfect) in condition and \an\ and aorist active indicative in conclusion (\an itsas kai an edken\, note repetition of \an\, not always done). {The gift of God} (\tn drean tou theou\). Naturally the gift mentioned in strkjv@3:16| (Westcott), the inexpressible gift (2Corinthians:9:15|). Some take it to refer to the living water below, but that is another allusion (metaphor) to strkjv@3:16|. See strkjv@Ephesians:4:7| for Paul's use of both \charis\ and \drea\ (from \didmi\, to give). {Who it is} (\tis estin\). She only knew that he was a Jew. This Messianic self-consciousness of Jesus is plain in John, but it is early in the Synoptics also. {Living water} (\hudr zn\). Running water like a spring or well supplied by springs. This Jacob's Well was filled by water from rains percolating through, a sort of cistern, good water, but not equal to a real spring which was always preferred (Genesis:26:19; strkjv@Leviticus:14:5; strkjv@Numbers:19:17|). Jesus, of course, is symbolically referring to himself as the Living Water though he does not say it in plain words as he does about the Living Bread (6:51|). The phrase "the fountain of life" occurs in strkjv@Proverbs:13:14|. Jesus supplies the water of life (John:7:39|). Cf. strkjv@Revelation:7:17; strkjv@22:1|.
rwp@John:4:14 @{That I shall give him} (\hou eg ds auti\). Relative \hou\ attracted to the case (genitive) of the antecedent (\hudatos\). Future active indicative of \didmi\. {Shall never thirst} (\ou m dipssei eis ton aiona\). The double negative \ou m\ is used with either the future indicative as here or the aorist subjunctive, the strongest possible negative. See both constructions (\ou m peinasi\ and \ou me dipssei\) in strkjv@John:6:35|. Jesus has not answered the woman's question save by the necessary implication here that he is superior to Jacob. {A well of water springing up unto eternal life} (\pg hudatos hallomenou eis zn ainion\). "Spring (or fountain) of water leaping (bubbling up) unto life eternal." Present middle participle of \hallomai\, old verb, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:3:8; strkjv@14:10|. The woman's curiosity is keenly excited about this new kind of water.
rwp@John:4:35 @{Say not ye?} (\Ouch humeis legete;\). It is not possible to tell whether Jesus is alluding to a rural proverb of which nothing is known about there being four months from seedtime to harvest (a longer time than four months in fact) or whether he means that it was then actually four months to harvest. In the latter sense, since harvest began about the middle of April, it would be December when Jesus spoke. {There are yet four months} (\eti tetramnos estin\). The use of \eti\ (yet) and the fact that the space between seedtime and harvest is longer than four months (\tetra\, Aeolic for \tessara\, and \mn\, month) argue against the proverb idea. {And then cometh the harvest} (\kai ho therismos erchetai\). "And the harvest (\therismos\, from \theriz\, rare in Greek writers) comes." The possible Iambic verse here is purely accidental as in strkjv@5:14|. {Lift up your eyes} (\eparate tous ophthalmous humn\). First aorist active imperative of \epair\. Deliberate looking as in strkjv@John:6:5| where \theaomai\ also is used as here. {Fields} (\chras\). Cultivated or ploughed ground as in strkjv@Luke:21:21|. {White} (\leukai\). Ripened grain like grey hair (Matthew:5:36|). {Already unto harvest} (\pros therismon d\). Probably \d\ (already) goes with verse 36|. The Samaritans could already be seen approaching and they were the field "white for harvest." This is the meaning of Christ's parable. If it is the spring of the year and Christ can point to the ripened grain, the parable is all the plainer, but it is not dependent on this detail. Recall the parable of the sower in strkjv@Matthew:13|.
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:8:44 @{Ye are of your father the devil} (\humeis ek tou patros tou diabolou\). Certainly they can "understand" (\ginskete\ 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} (\anthrpoktonos\). Old and rare word (Euripides) from \anthrpos\, 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 ti altheii ouk estken\). Since \ouk\, not \ouch\, is genuine, the form of the verb is \esteken\ the imperfect of the late present stem \stk\ (Mark:11:25|) from the perfect active \hestka\ (intransitive) of \histmi\, to place. {No truth in him} (\ouk estin altheia en auti\). Inside him or outside (environment). The devil and truth have no contact. {When he speaketh a lie} (\hotan lali 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 tn idin lalei\) like a fountain bubbling up (cf. strkjv@Matthew:12:34|). {For he is a liar} (\hoti pseusts 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 \altheia\ (truth). {And the father thereof} (\kai ho patr 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@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} (\suneuchoumenoi\). 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\). \Nephel\ common word for cloud (Matthew:24:30|). strkjv@2Peter:2:17| has \pgai 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 phthinoprina\). Late adjective (Aristotle, Polybius, Strabo) from \phthin\, to waste away, and \opra\, autumn, here only in N.T. For \akarpa\ (without fruit) see strkjv@2Peter:1:8|. {Twice dead} (\dis apothanonta\). Second aorist active participle of \apothnsk\. Fruitless and having died. Having died and also "uprooted" (\ekrizthenta\). First aorist passive participle of \ekrizo\, late compound, to root out, to pluck up by the roots, as in strkjv@Matthew:13:29|.
rwp@Luke:1:24 @{Conceived} (\sunelaben\). Luke uses this word eleven times and it occurs only five other times in the N.T. It is a very old and common Greek word. He alone in the N.T. has it for conceiving offspring (1:24,31,36; strkjv@2:21|) though strkjv@James:1:15| uses it of lust producing sin. Hobart (_Medical Language of Luke_, p. 91) observes that Luke has almost as many words for pregnancy and barrenness as Hippocrates (\en gastri echein\, strkjv@21:23|; \egkuos\, strkjv@2:5|; \steira\, strkjv@1:7|; \ateknos\, strkjv@20:28|). {Hid} (\periekruben\). Only here in the N.T., but in late _Koin_ writers. Usually considered second aorist active indicative from \perikrupt\, though it may be the imperfect indicative of a late form \perikrub\. If it is aorist it is the constative aorist. The preposition \peri\ makes it mean completely (on all sides) hid.
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} (\anatol 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:2:24 @{A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons} (\Zeugos trugonn duo nossous peristern\). 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:8:6 @{Upon the rock} (\epi tn petran\). strkjv@Mark:4:5| "the rocky ground" (\epi to petrdes\), strkjv@Matthew:13:5| "the rocky places. {As soon as it grew} (\phuen\). Second aorist passive participle of \phu\, an old verb to spring up like a sprout. {Withered away} (\exranth\). First aorist passive indicative of \zrain\, old verb, to dry up. {Moisture} (\ikmada\). Here only in the N.T., though common word.
rwp@Luke:8:15 @{In an honest and good heart} (\en kardii kali kai agathi\). Peculiar to Luke. In verse 8| the land (\gn\) is called \agathn\ (really good, generous) and in verse 15| we have \en ti kali gi\ ({in the beautiful or noble land}). Songs:Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used \kalos k' agathos\ of the high-minded gentleman. It is probable that Luke knew this idiom. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It is not easy to translate. We have such phrases as "good and true," "sound and good," "right and good," no one of which quite suits the Greek. Certainly Luke adds new moral qualities not in the Hellenic phrase. The English word "honest" here is like the Latin _honestus_ (fair, noble). The words are to be connected with "hold fast" (\katechousin\), "hold it down" so that the devil does not snatch it away, having depth of soil so that it does not shrivel up under the sun, and is not choked by weeds and thorns. It bears fruit (\karpophorousin\, an old expressive verb, \karpos\ and \phore\). That is the proof of spiritual life. {In patience} (\en hupomoni\). There is no other way for real fruit to come. Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, patience.
rwp@Mark:4:27 @{Should sleep and rise} (\katheudi kai egeirtai\). Present subjunctive for continued action. Songs:also {spring up and grow} (\blasti kai mkuntai\) two late verbs. The process of growth goes on all night and all day (\nukta kai hmeran\, accusative of time). {He knoweth not how} (\hs ouk oiden autos\). Note position of \hs\ (beginning) and \autos\ (end) of clause: {How knows not he}. The mystery of growth still puzzles farmers and scientists of today with all our modern knowledge. But nature's secret processes do not fail to operate because we are ignorant. This secret and mysterious growth of the kingdom in the heart and life is the point of this beautiful parable given only by Mark. "When man has done his part, the actual process of growth is beyond his reach or comprehension" (Swete).
rwp@Mark:6:21 @{When a convenient day was come} (\genomens hmeras eukairou\). Genitive absolute. A day well appointed \eu\, well, \kairos\, time) for the purpose, the day for which she had long waited. She had her plans all laid to spring a trap for her husband Herod Antipas and to make him do her will with the Baptist. Herod was not to know that he was the mere catspaw of Herodias till it was all over. See on ¯Matthew:14:6| for discussion of Herod's birthday (\genesiois\, locative case or associative instrumental of time). {Made a supper} (\deipnon epoisen\). Banquet. {To his lords} (\tois megistsin autou\). From \megistan\ (that from \megas\, great), common in the LXX and later Greek. Cf. strkjv@Revelation:6:15; strkjv@18:23|. In the papyri. The grandees, magnates, nobles, the chief men of civil life. {The high captains} (\tois chiliarchois\). Military tribunes, commanders of a thousand men. {The chief men of Galilee} (\tois prtois ts Galilaias\). The first men of social importance and prominence. A notable gathering that included these three groups at the banquet on Herod's birthday.
rwp@Mark:6:39 @{By companies} (\sumposia sumposia\). Distribution expressed by repetition as in strkjv@Mark:6:7| (\duo duo\) instead of using \ana\ or \kata\. Literally our word _symposium_ and originally a drinking party, Latin _convivium_, then the party of guests of any kind without the notion of drinking. Songs:in Plutarch and the LXX (especially I Macca.). {Upon the green grass} (\epi ti chlri chorti\). Another Markan touch. It was passover time (John:6:4|) and the afternoon sun shone upon the orderly groups upon the green spring grass. See on ¯Matthew:14:15|. They may have been seated like companies at tables, open at one end.
rwp@Matthew:3:7 @{The Pharisees and Sadducees} (\tn Pharisain kai Saddoukain\). These two rival parties do not often unite in common action, but do again in strkjv@Matthew:16:1|. "Here a strong attraction, there a strong repulsion, made them for the moment forget their differences" (McNeile). John saw these rival ecclesiastics "coming for baptism" (\erchomenous epi to baptisma\). Alford speaks of "the Pharisees representing hypocritical superstition; the Sadducees carnal unbelief." One cannot properly understand the theological atmosphere of Palestine at this time without an adequate knowledge of both Pharisees and Sadducees. The books are numerous besides articles in the Bible dictionaries. I have pictured the Pharisees in my first (1916) Stone Lectures, _The Pharisees and Jesus_. John clearly grasped the significance of this movement on the part of the Pharisees and Sadducees who had followed the crowds to the Jordan. He had welcomed the multitudes, but right in the presence of the crowds he exposes the hypocrisy of the ecclesiastics. {Ye offspring of vipers} (\gennmata echidnn\). Jesus (Matthew:12:34; strkjv@23:33|) will use the same language to the Pharisees. Broods of snakes were often seen by John in the rocks and when a fire broke out they would scurry (\phugein\) to their holes for safety. "The coming wrath" was not just for Gentiles as the Jews supposed, but for all who were not prepared for the kingdom of heaven (1Thessalonians:1:10|). No doubt the Pharisees and Sadducees winced under the sting of this powerful indictment.
rwp@Matthew:5:29 @{Causeth thee to stumble} (\skandalizei se\). This is far better than the Authorized Version "_Offend thee_." _Braid Scots_ has it rightly "ensnare ye." It is not the notion of giving offence or provoking, but of setting a trap or snare for one. The substantive (\skandalon\, from \skandalthron\) means the stick in the trap that springs and closes the trap when the animal touches it. Pluck out the eye when it is a snare, cut off the hand, even the right hand. These vivid pictures are not to be taken literally, but powerfully plead for self-mastery. Bengel says: _Non oculum, sed scandalizentem oculum_. It is not mutilating of the body that Christ enjoins, but control of the body against sin. The man who plays with fire will get burnt. Modern surgery finely illustrates the teaching of Jesus. The tonsils, the teeth, the appendix, to go no further, if left diseased, will destroy the whole body. Cut them out in time and the life will be saved. Vincent notes that "the words scandal and slander are both derived from \skandalon\. And Wyc. renders, 'if thy right eye _slander_ thee.'" Certainly slander is a scandal and a stumbling-block, a trap, and a snare.
rwp@Matthew:12:34 @{Ye offspring of vipers} (\gennmata echidnn\). 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, \thsaurou\) within. Verse 33| is like strkjv@Matthew:7:17-19|. Jesus often repeated his crisp pungent sayings as every teacher does.
rwp@Matthew:21:19 @{A fig tree} (\sukn mian\). "A single fig tree" (Margin of Rev. Version). But \heis\ was often used = \tis\ or like our indefinite article. See strkjv@Matthew:8:10; strkjv@26:69|. The Greek has strictly no indefinite article as the Latin has no definite article. {Let there be no fruit from thee henceforward for ever} (\ou mketi sou karpos gentai eis ton aina\). Strictly speaking this is a prediction, not a prohibition or wish as in strkjv@Mark:11:14| (optative \phagoi\). "On you no fruit shall ever grow again" (Weymouth). The double negative \ou m\ with the aorist subjunctive (or future indicative) is the strongest kind of negative prediction. It sometimes amounts to a prohibition like \ou\ and the future indicative (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 926f.). The early figs start in spring before the leaves and develop after the leaves. The main fig crop was early autumn (Mark:11:14|). There should have been figs on the tree with the crop of leaves. It was a vivid object lesson. Matthew does not distinguish between the two mornings as Mark does (Mark:11:13,20|), but says "immediately" (\parachrma\) twice (21:19,20|). This word is really \para to chrma\ like our "on the spot" (Thayer). It occurs in the papyri in monetary transactions for immediate cash payment.
rwp@Matthew:23:33 @{Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers} (\opheis gennmata echidnn\). These blistering words come as a climax and remind one of the Baptist (3:17|) and of the time when the Pharisees accused Jesus of being in league with Beelzebub (12:34|). They cut to the bone like whip-cords. {How shall ye escape} (\ps phugte\). Deliberate subjunctive. There is a curse in the Talmud somewhat like this: "Woe to the house of Annas! Woe to their serpent-like hissings."
rwp@Matthew:27:29 @{A crown of thorns} (\stephanon ex akanthn\). They wove a crown out of thorns which would grow even in the palace grounds. It is immaterial whether they were young and tender thorn bushes, as probable in the spring, or hard bushes with sharp prongs. The soldiers would not care, for they were after ridicule and mockery even if it caused pain. It was more like a victor's garland (\stephanon\) than a royal diadem (\diadma\), but it served the purpose. Songs:with the reed (\kalamon\), a stalk of common cane grass which served as sceptre. The soldiers were familiar with the _Ave Caesar_ and copy it in their mockery of Jesus: {Hail, King of the Jews} (\chaire, Basileu tn Ioudain\). The soldiers added the insults used by the Sanhedrin (Matthew:26:67|), spitting on him and smiting him with the reed. Probably Jesus had been unbound already. At any rate the garments of mockery were removed before the _via dolorosa_ to the cross (verse 31|).
rwp@Revelation:6:13 @{Her unripe figs} (\tous olunthous auts\). An old word (Latin _grossi_) for figs that grow in winter and fall off in the spring without getting ripe (Songs:2:11f.|), here only in N.T. Jesus used the fig tree (Mark:13:28|) as a sign of the "end of the world's long winter" (Swete). Cf. strkjv@Isaiah:34:4; strkjv@Nahum:3:12|. {When she is shaken of a great wind} (\hupo anemou megalou seiomen\). Present passive participle of \sei\, "being shaken by a great wind." See strkjv@Matthew:11:7| for the reed so shaken.
rwp@Revelation:7:17 @{In the midst} (\ana meson\). In strkjv@5:6| we have \en mesi tou thronou\ as the position of the Lamb, and so that is apparently the sense of \ana meson\ here as in strkjv@Matthew:13:25|, though it can mean "between," as clearly so in strkjv@1Corinthians:6:5|. {Shall be their shepherd} (\paimanei autous\). "Shall shepherd them," future active of \poimain\ (from \poimn\, shepherd), in strkjv@John:21:16; strkjv@Acts:20:28; strkjv@1Peter:5:2; strkjv@Revelation:2:27; strkjv@7:17; strkjv@12:5; strkjv@19:15|. Jesus is still the Good Shepherd of his sheep (John:10:11,14ff.|). Cf. strkjv@Psalms:23:1|. {Shall guide them} (\hod gsei autous\). Future active of \hodge\, old word (from \hodgos\, guide, strkjv@Matthew:15:14|), used of God's guidance of Israel (Exodus:15:13|), of God's guidance of individual lives (Psalms:5:9|), of the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John:16:13|), of Christ's own guidance here (cf. strkjv@John:14:4; strkjv@Revelation:14:4|). {Unto fountains of waters of life} (\epi zs pgas hudatn\). The language is like that in strkjv@Isaiah:49:10; strkjv@Jeremiah:2:13|. Note the order, "to life's water springs" (Swete) like the Vulgate _ad vitae fontes aquarum_, with emphasis on \zs\ (life's). For this idea see also strkjv@John:4:12,14; strkjv@7:38f.; strkjv@Revelation:21:6; strkjv@22:1,17|. No special emphasis on the plural here or in strkjv@8:10; strkjv@14:7; strkjv@16:4|. {And God shall wipe away} (\kai exaleipsei ho theos\). Repeated in strkjv@21:4| from strkjv@Isaiah:25:8|. Future active of \exaleiph\, old compound, to wipe out (\ex\), off, away, already in strkjv@3:5| for erasing a name and in strkjv@Acts:3:19| for removing the stain (guilt) of sin. {Every tear} (\pn dakruon\). Old word, with other form, \dakru\, in strkjv@Luke:7:38,44|. Note repetition of \ek\ with \ophthalmn\ (out of their eyes). "Words like these of vv. 15-17| must sound as a divine music in the ears of the persecuted. God will comfort as a mother comforts" (Baljon).
rwp@Revelation:8:10 @{Burning as a torch} (\kaiomenos hs lampas\). See strkjv@4:5; strkjv@Matthew:2:2|, perhaps a meteor, striking at the fresh-water supply (rivers \potamn\, springs \pgas\) as in the first Egyptian plague also.
rwp@Revelation:9:5 @{That they should not kill them} (\hina m apokteinsin autous\). Sub-final object clause (subject of \edoth\) with \hina m\ 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 basanisthsontai\). 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} (\mnas 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 paisi anthrpon\). 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:22:16 @{I Jesus} (\Eg Isous\). The last and most solemn attestation to the book that from Jesus (the historic Jesus known to the churches), in harmony with strkjv@1:1f|. {Have sent} (\epempsa\). First aorist active indicative of \pemp\, used here in the same sense as \aposteilas\ in strkjv@1:1| as his personal messenger. It is the Jesus of history here speaking, who is also the Christ of theology and the Lamb of God. {For the churches} (\epi tais ekklsiais\). For this use of \epi\ see strkjv@10:11; strkjv@John:12:16|. It is not just for the seven churches (1:4|), but for all the churches in the world then and now. {I am the root and the offspring of David} (\Eg eimi h riza kai to genos Daueid\). See strkjv@5:5| for "the root of David," to which John now adds \to genos\ in the sense of "offspring" (Acts:17:28f.|), not of family or race (Acts:4:6; strkjv@7:13|). Cf. strkjv@Matthew:22:42-45|. {The bright, the morning star} (\ho astr ho lampros ho prinos\). The Davidic King is called a star in strkjv@Numbers:24:17; strkjv@Luke:1:78|. This "day-star" (\phsphoros\) is interpreted as Christ (2Peter:1:19|). In strkjv@Revelation:2:28| the phrase "the morning star" occurs in Christ's words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (John:1:9; strkjv@8:12|).
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 TIME AND PLACE The place is settled if we accept strkjv@Romans:16:1|. The time of the year is in the spring if we combine statements in the Acts and the Epistle. He says: "I am now going to Jerusalem ministering to the saints" (Romans:15:25|). In strkjv@Acts:20:3| we read that Paul spent three months in Corinth. In II Corinthians we have a full account of the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. The account of the journey from Corinth to Jerusalem is given in strkjv@Acts:20:3-21:17|. It was in the spring between passover at Philippi (Acts:20:6|) and pentecost in Jerusalem (20:16; strkjv@21:17|). The precise year is not quite so certain, but we may suggest A.D. 57 or 58 with reasonable confidence.
rwp@Romans:1:5 @{Unto obedience of faith} (\eis hupakon pistes\). Subjective genitive as in strkjv@16:26|, the obedience which springs from faith (the act of assent or surrender).
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 pistes\). "Out of faith," springing out of. {Through faith} (\dia ts pistes\). "By means of the faith" (just mentioned). \Ek\ denotes source, \dia\ intermediate agency or attendant circumstance.
rwp@Romans:8:14 @{Sons of God} (\huioi theou\). In the full sense of this term. In verse 16| we have \tekna theou\ (children of God). Hence no great distinction can be drawn between \huios\ and \teknon\. The truth is that \huios\ is used in various ways in the New Testament. In the highest sense, not true of any one else, Jesus Christ is God's Son (8:3|). But in the widest sense all men are "the offspring" (\genos\) of God as shown in strkjv@Acts:17:28| by Paul. But in the special sense here only those are "sons of God" who are led by the Spirit of God, those born again (the second birth) both Jews and Gentiles, "the sons of Abraham" (\huioi Abraam\, strkjv@Galatians:3:7|), the children of faith.
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