OT-LAW.filter - rwp sia:
rwp@
1Corinthians:1:2 @{The church of God} (\ti ekklsii tou theou\). Belonging to God, not to any individual or faction, as this genitive case shows. In strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:1| Paul wrote "the church of the Thessalonians in God" (\en thei\), but "the churches of God" in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:14|. See same idiom in strkjv@1Corinthians:10:32; strkjv@11:16,22; strkjv@15:9; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:1; strkjv@Galatians:1:13|, etc. {Which is in Corinth} (\ti ousi en Korinthi\). See on strkjv@Acts:13:1| for idiom. It is God's church even in Corinth, "_laetum et ingens paradoxon_" (Bengel). This city, destroyed by Mummius B.C. 146, had been restored by Julius Caesar a hundred years later, B.C. 44, and now after another hundred years has become very rich and very corrupt. The very word "to Corinthianize" meant to practise vile immoralities in the worship of Aphrodite (Venus). It was located on the narrow Isthmus of the Peloponnesus with two harbours (Lechaeum and Cenchreae). It had schools of rhetoric and philosophy and made a flashy imitation of the real culture of Athens. See strkjv@Acts:18| for the story of Paul's work here and now the later developments and divisions in this church will give Paul grave concern as is shown in detail in I and II Corinthians. All the problems of a modern city church come to the front in Corinth. They call for all the wisdom and statesmanship in Paul. {That are sanctified} (\hgiasmenois\). Perfect passive participle of \hagiaz\, late form for \hagiz\, so far found only in the Greek Bible and in ecclesiastical writers. It means to make or to declare \hagion\ (from \hagos\, awe, reverence, and this from \haz\, to venerate). It is significant that Paul uses this word concerning the {called saints} or {called to be saints} (\kltois hagiois\) in Corinth. Cf. \kltos apostolos\ in strkjv@1:1|. It is because they are sanctified {in Christ Jesus} (\en Christi Isou\). He is the sphere in which this act of consecration takes place. Note plural, construction according to sense, because \ekklsia\ is a collective substantive. {With all that call upon} (\sun psin tois epikaloumenois\). Associative instrumental case with \sun\ rather than \kai\ (and), making a close connection with "saints" just before and so giving the Corinthian Christians a picture of their close unity with the brotherhood everywhere through the common bond of faith. This phrase occurs in the LXX (Genesis:12:8; strkjv@Zechariah:13:9|) and is applied to Christ as to Jehovah (2Thessalonians:1:7,9,12; strkjv@Phillipians:2:9,10|). Paul heard Stephen pray to Christ as Lord (Acts:7:59|). Here "with a plain and direct reference to the Divinity of our Lord" (Ellicott). {Their Lord and ours} (\autn kai hmn\). This is the interpretation of the Greek commentators and is the correct one, an afterthought and expansion (\epanorthsis\) of the previous "our," showing the universality of Christ.
rwp@1Corinthians:1:4 @{I thank my God} (\eucharist ti thei\). Singular as in strkjv@Romans:1:8; strkjv@Phillipians:1:3; strkjv@Philemon:1:4|, but plural in strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:2; strkjv@Colossians:1:3|. The grounds of Paul's thanksgivings in his Epistles are worthy of study. Even in the church in Corinth he finds something to thank God for, though in II Cor. there is no expression of thanksgiving because of the acute crisis in Corinth nor is there any in Galatians. But Paul is gracious here and allows his general attitude (always, \pantote\) concerning (\peri\, around) the Corinthians to override the specific causes of irritation. {For the grace of God which was given to you in Christ Jesus} (\epi ti chariti tou theou ti dotheisi humin en Christi Isou\). Upon the basis of (\epi\) God's grace, not in general, but specifically given (\dotheisi\, first aorist passive participle of \didmi\), in the sphere of (\en\ as in verse 2|) Christ Jesus.
rwp@1Corinthians:1:6 @{Even as} (\kaths\). In proportion as (1Thessalonians:1:5|) and so inasmuch as (Phillipians:1:7; strkjv@Ephesians:1:4|). {The testimony of Christ} (\to marturion tou Christou\). Objective genitive, the testimony to or concerning Christ, the witness of Paul's preaching. {Was confirmed in you} (\ebebaith en humin\). First aorist passive of \bebaio\, old verb from \bebaios\ and that from \bain\, to make to stand, to make stable. These special gifts of the Holy Spirit which they had so lavishly received (ch. strkjv@1Corinthians:12|) were for that very purpose.
rwp@1Corinthians:1:8 @{Shall confirm} (\bebaisei\). Direct reference to the same word in verse 6|. The relative \hos\ (who) points to Christ. {Unto the end} (\hes telous\). End of the age till Jesus comes, final preservation of the saints. {That ye be unreproveable} (\anegkltous\). Alpha privative and \egkale\, to accuse, old verbal, only in Paul in N.T. Proleptic adjective in the predicate accusative agreeing with \humas\ (you) without \hste\ and the infinitive as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:3:13; strkjv@5:23; strkjv@Phillipians:3:21|. "Unimpeachable, for none will have the right to impeach" (Robertson and Plummer) as Paul shows in strkjv@Romans:8:33; strkjv@Colossians:1:22,28|.
rwp@1Corinthians:1:16 @{Also the household of Stephanas} (\kai ton Stephan oikon\). Mentioned as an afterthought. Robertson and Plummer suggest that Paul's amanuensis reminded him of this case. Paul calls him a first-fruit of Achaia (1Corinthians:16:15|) and so earlier than Crispus and he was one of the three who came to Paul from Corinth (16:17|), clearly a family that justified Paul's personal attention about baptism. {Besides} (\loipon\). Accusative of general reference, "as for anything else." Added to make clear that he is not meaning to omit any one who deserves mention. See also strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:1; strkjv@1Corinthians:4:2; strkjv@2Corinthians:13:11; strkjv@2Timothy:4:8|. Ellicott insists on a sharp distinction from \to loipon\ "as for the rest" (2Thessalonians:3:1; strkjv@Phillipians:3:1; strkjv@4:8; strkjv@Ephesians:6:10|). Paul casts no reflection on baptism, for he could not with his conception of it as the picture of the new life in Christ (Romans:6:2-6|), but he clearly denies here that he considers baptism essential to the remission of sin or the means of obtaining forgiveness.
rwp@1Corinthians:1:23 @{But we preach Christ crucified} (\hmeis de krussomen Christon estaurmenon\). Grammatically stated as a partial result (\de\) of the folly of both Jews and Greeks, actually in sharp contrast. We proclaim, "we do not discuss or dispute" (Lightfoot). Christ (Messiah) as crucified, as in strkjv@2:2; strkjv@Galatians:3:1|, "not a sign-shower nor a philosopher" (Vincent). Perfect passive participle of \stauro\. {Stumbling-block} (\skandalon\). Papyri examples mean trap or snare which here tripped the Jews who wanted a conquering Messiah with a world empire, not a condemned and crucified one (Matthew:27:42; strkjv@Luke:24:21|). {Foolishness} (\mrian\). Folly as shown by their conduct in Athens (Acts:17:32|).
rwp@1Corinthians:2:1 @{Not with excellency of speech or of wisdom} (\ou kath' huperochn logou sophias\). \Huperoch\ is an old word from the verb \huperech\ (Phillipians:4:7|) and means preeminence, rising above. In N.T. only here and strkjv@1Timothy:2:2| of magistrates. It occurs in inscriptions of Pergamum for persons of position (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 255). Here it means excess or superfluity, "not in excellence of rhetorical display or of philosophical subtlety" (Lightfoot). {The mystery of God} (\to mustrion tou theou\). Songs:Aleph A C Copt. like strkjv@2:7|, but B D L P read \marturion\ like strkjv@1:6|. Probably {mystery} is correct. Christ crucified is the mystery of God (Colossians:2:2|). Paul did not hesitate to appropriate this word in common use among the mystery religions, but he puts into it his ideas, not those in current use. It is an old word from \mue\, to close, to shut, to initiate (Phillipians:4:12|). This mystery was once hidden from the ages (Colossians:1:26|), but is now made plain in Christ (1Corinthians:2:7; strkjv@Romans:16:25f.|). The papyri give many illustrations of the use of the word for secret doctrines known only to the initiated (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_).
rwp@1Corinthians:2:3 @{I was with you} (\egenomn pros humas\). Rather, "I came to you" (not \n\, was). "I not only eschewed all affectation of cleverness or grandiloquence, but I went to the opposite extreme of diffidence and nervous self-effacement" (Robertson and Plummer). Paul had been in prison in Philippi, driven out of Thessalonica and Beroea, politely bowed out of Athens. It is a human touch to see this shrinking as he faced the hard conditions in Corinth. It is a common feeling of the most effective preachers. Cool complacency is not the mood of the finest preaching. See \phobos\ (fear) and \tromos\ (trembling) combined in strkjv@2Corinthians:7:15; strkjv@Phillipians:2:12; strkjv@Ephesians:6:5|.
rwp@1Corinthians:2:4 @{Not in persuasive words of wisdom} (\ouk en pithois sophias logois\). This looks like a false disclaimer or mock modesty, for surely the preacher desires to be persuasive. This adjective \pithos\ (MSS. \peithos\) has not yet been found elsewhere. It seems to be formed directly from \peith\, to persuade, as \pheidos\ (\phidos\) is from \pheidomai\, to spare. The old Greek form \pithanos\ is common enough and is used by Josephus (_Ant_. VIII. 9. 1) of "the plausible words of the lying prophet" in strkjv@1Kings:13|. The kindred word \pithanologia\ occurs in strkjv@Colossians:2:4| for the specious and plausible Gnostic philosophers. And gullible people are easy marks for these plausible pulpiteers. Corinth put a premium on the veneer of false rhetoric and thin thinking. {But in demonstration} (\all' en apodeixei\). In contrast with the {plausibility} just mentioned. This word, though an old one from \apodeiknumi\, to show forth, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. {Spirit} (\pneuma\) here can be the Holy Spirit or inward spirit as opposed to superficial expression and {power} (\dunamis\) is moral power rather than intellectual acuteness (cf. strkjv@1:18|).
rwp@1Corinthians:2:6 @{Among the perfect} (\en tois teleiois\). Paul is not here drawing a distinction between exoteric and esoteric wisdom as the Gnostics did for their initiates, but simply to the necessary difference in teaching for babes (3:1|) and adults or grown men (common use of \teleios\ for relative perfection, for adults, as is in strkjv@1Corinthians:14:20; strkjv@Phillipians:3:15; strkjv@Ephesians:4:13; strkjv@Hebrews:5:14|). Some were simply old babes and unable in spite of their years to digest solid spiritual food, "the ample teaching as to the Person of Christ and the eternal purpose of God. Such 'wisdom' we have in the Epistles to the Ephesians and the Colossians especially, and in a less degree in the Epistle to the Romans. This 'wisdom' is discerned in the Gospel of John, as compared with the other Evangelists" (Lightfoot). These imperfect disciples Paul wishes to develop into spiritual maturity. {Of this world} (\tou ainos toutou\). This age, more exactly, as in strkjv@1:20|. This wisdom does not belong to the passing age of fleeting things, but to the enduring and eternal (Ellicott). {Which are coming to naught} (\tn katargoumenn\). See on ¯1:28|. Present passive participle genitive plural of \katarge\. The gradual nullification of these "rulers" before the final and certain triumph of the power of Christ in his kingdom.
rwp@1Corinthians:2:7 @{God's wisdom in a mystery} (\theou sophian en mustrii\). Two points are here sharply made. It is God's wisdom (note emphatic position of the genitive \theou\) in contrast to the wisdom of this age. Every age of the world has a conceit of its own and it is particularly true of this twentieth century, but God's wisdom is eternal and superior to the wisdom of any age or time. God's wisdom is alone absolute. See on ¯2:1| for mystery. It is not certain whether {in a mystery} is to be taken with {wisdom} or {we speak}. The result does not differ greatly, probably with {wisdom}, so long a secret and now at last revealed (Colossians:1:26; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:7|). {That hath been hidden} (\tn apokekrummenn\). See strkjv@Romans:16:25; strkjv@Colossians:1:26; strkjv@Ephesians:3:5|. Articular perfect passive participle of \apokrupt\, more precisely defining the indefinite \sophian\ (wisdom). {Foreordained before the worlds} (\prorisen pro tn ainn\). This relative clause (\hn\) defines still more closely God's wisdom. Note \pro\ with both verb and substantive (\ainn\). Constative aorist of God's elective purpose as shown in Christ crucified (1Corinthians:1:18-24|). "It was no afterthought or change of plan" (Robertson and Plummer). {Unto our glory} (\eis doxan hmn\). "The glory of inward enlightenment as well as of outward exaltation" (Lightfoot).
rwp@1Corinthians:2:8 @{Knoweth} (\egnken\). Has known, has discerned, perfect active indicative of \ginsk\. They have shown amazing ignorance of God's wisdom. {For had they known it} (\ei gar egnsan\). Condition of the second class, determined as unfulfilled, with aorist active indicative in both condition (\egnsan\) and conclusion with \an\ (\ouk an estaursan\). Peter in the great sermon at Pentecost commented on the "ignorance" (\kata agnoian\) of the Jews in crucifying Christ (Acts:3:17|) as the only hope for repentance on their part (Acts:3:19|). {The Lord of glory} (\ton Kurion ts doxs\). Genitive case \doxs\, means characterized by glory, "bringing out the contrast between the indignity of the Cross (Hebrews:12:2|) and the majesty of the Victim (Luke:22:69; strkjv@23:43|)" (Robertson and Plummer). See strkjv@James:2:1; strkjv@Acts:7:2; strkjv@Ephesians:1:17; strkjv@Hebrews:9:5|.
rwp@1Corinthians:2:14 @{Now the natural man} (\psuchikos de anthrpos\). Note absence of article here, "A natural man" (an unregenerate man). Paul does not employ modern psychological terms and he exercises variety in his use of all the terms here present as \pneuma\ and \pneumatikos, psuch\ and \psuchikos, sarx\ and \sarkinos\ and \sarkikos\. A helpful discussion of the various uses of these words in the New Testament is given by Burton in his _New Testament Word Studies_, pp. 62-68, and in his {Spirit, Soul, and Flesh}. The papyri furnish so many examples of \sarx, pneuma\, and \psuch\ that Moulton and Milligan make no attempt at an exhaustive treatment, but give a few miscellaneous examples to illustrate the varied uses that parallel the New Testament. \Psuchikos\ is a qualitative adjective from \psuch\ (breath of life like \anima\, life, soul). Here the Vulgate renders it by _animalis_ and the German by _sinnlich_, the original sense of animal life as in strkjv@Jude:1:19; strkjv@James:3:15|. In strkjv@1Corinthians:15:44,46| there is the same contrast between \psuchikos\ and \pneumatikos\ as here. The \psuchikos\ man is the unregenerate man while the \pneumatikos\ man is the renewed man, born again of the Spirit of God. {Receiveth not} (\ou dechetai\). Does not accept, rejects, refuses to accept. In strkjv@Romans:8:7| Paul definitely states the inability (\oude gar dunatai\) of the mind of the flesh to receive the things of the Spirit untouched by the Holy Spirit. Certainly the initiative comes from God whose Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to accept the things of the Spirit of God. They are no longer "foolishness" (\mria\) to us as was once the case (1:23|). Today one notes certain of the _intelligentsia_ who sneer at Christ and Christianity in their own blinded ignorance. {He cannot know them} (\ou dunatai gnnai\). He is not able to get a knowledge (ingressive second aorist active infinitive of \ginsk\). His helpless condition calls for pity in place of impatience on our part, though such an one usually poses as a paragon of wisdom and commiserates the deluded followers of Christ. {They are spiritually judged} (\pneumatiks anakrinetai\). Paul and Luke are fond of this verb, though nowhere else in the N.T. Paul uses it only in I Corinthians. The word means a sifting process to get at the truth by investigation as of a judge. In strkjv@Acts:17:11| the Beroeans scrutinized the Scriptures. These \psuchikoi\ men are incapable of rendering a decision for they are unable to recognize the facts. They judge by the \psuch\ (mere animal nature) rather than by the \pneuma\ (the renewed spirit).
rwp@1Corinthians:2:15 @{Judgeth all things} (\anakrinei panta\). The spiritual man (\ho pneumatikos\) is qualified to sift, to examine, to decide rightly, because he has the eyes of his heart enlightened (Ephesians:1:18|) and is no longer blinded by the god of this world (2Corinthians:4:4|). There is a great lesson for Christians who know by personal experience the things of the Spirit of God. Men of intellectual gifts who are ignorant of the things of Christ talk learnedly and patronizingly about things of which they are grossly ignorant. The spiritual man is superior to all this false knowledge. {He himself is judged of no man} (\autos de hup' oudenos anakrinetai\). Men will pass judgment on him, but the spiritual man refuses to accept the decision of his ignorant judges. He stands superior to them all as Polycarp did when he preferred to be burnt to saying, "Lord Caesar" in place of "Lord Jesus." He was unwilling to save his earthly life by the worship of Caesar in place of the Lord Jesus. Polycarp was a \pneumatikos\ man.
rwp@1Corinthians:3:1 @{But as unto carnal} (\all' hs sarkinois\). Latin _carneus_. "As men o' flesh," Braid Scots; "as worldlings," Moffatt. This form in \-inos\ like \lithinos\ in strkjv@2Corinthians:3:3| means the material of flesh, "not on tablets of stone, but on fleshen tablets on hearts." Songs:in strkjv@Hebrews:7:16|. But in strkjv@Romans:7:14| Paul says, "I am fleshen (\sarkinos\) sold under sin," as if \sarkinos\ represented the extreme power of the \sarx\. Which does Paul mean here? He wanted to speak the wisdom of God among the adults (1Corinthians:2:6|), the spiritual (\hoi pneumatikoi\, strkjv@2:15|), but he was unable to treat them as \pneumatikoi\ in reality because of their seditions and immoralities. It is not wrong to be \sarkinos\, for we all live in the flesh (\en sarki\, strkjv@Galatians:2:20|), but we are not to live according to the flesh (\kata sarka\, strkjv@Romans:8:12|). It is not culpable to a babe in Christ (\npios\, strkjv@1Corinthians:13:11|), unless unduly prolonged (1Corinthians:14:20; strkjv@Hebrews:5:13f.|). It is one of the tragedies of the minister's life that he has to keep on speaking to the church members "as unto babes in Christ" (\hs npiois en Christi\), who actually glory in their long babyhood whereas they ought to be teachers of the gospel instead of belonging to the cradle roll. Paul's goal was for all the babes to become adults (Colossians:1:28|).
rwp@1Corinthians:3:5 @{What then?} (\ti oun;\). He does not say \tis\ (who), but \ti\ (what), neuter singular interrogative pronoun. {Ministers} (\diakonoi\). Not leaders of parties or sects, but merely servants through whom ye believed. The etymology of the word Thayer gives as \dia\ and \konis\ "raising dust by hastening." In the Gospels it is the servant (Matthew:20:26|) or waiter (John:2:5|). Paul so describes himself as a minister (Colossians:1:23,25|). The technical sense of deacon comes later (Phillipians:1:1; strkjv@1Timothy:3:8,12|). {As the Lord gave to him} (\hs ho Kurios edken\). Hence no minister of the Lord like Apollos and Paul has any basis for pride or conceit nor should be made the occasion for faction and strife. This idea Paul enlarges upon through chapters strkjv@1Corinthians:3; 4| and it is made plain in chapter strkjv@1Corinthians:12|.
rwp@1Corinthians:3:11 @{Other foundation} (\themelion allon\). The gender of the adjective is here masculine as is shown by \allon\. If neuter, it would be \allo\. It is masculine because Paul has Christ in mind. It is not here \heteron\ a different kind of gospel (\heteron euaggelion\, strkjv@Galatians:1:6; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:4|) which is not another (\allo\, strkjv@Galatians:1:7|) in reality. But another Jesus (2Corinthians:11:4|, \allon Isoun\) is a reflection on the one Lord Jesus. Hence there is no room on the platform with Jesus for another Saviour, whether Buddha, Mahomet, Dowie, Eddy, or what not. Jesus Christ is the one foundation and it is gratuitous impudence for another to assume the role of Foundation. {Than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus} (\para ton keimenon, hos estin Isous Christos\). Literally, "alongside (\para\) the one laid (\keimenon\)," already laid (present middle participle of \keimai\, used here as often as the perfect passive of \tithmi\ in place of \tetheimenon\). Paul scouts the suggestion that one even in the interest of so-called "new thought" will dare to lay beside Jesus another foundation for religion. And yet I have seen an article by a professor in a theological seminary in which he advocates regarding Jesus as a landmark, not as a goal, not as a foundation. Clearly Paul means that on this one true foundation, Jesus Christ, one must build only what is in full harmony with the Foundation which is Jesus Christ. If one accuses Paul of narrowness, it can be replied that the architect has to be narrow in the sense of building here and not there. A broad foundation will be too thin and unstable for a solid and abiding structure. It can be said also that Paul is here merely repeating the claim of Jesus himself on this very subject when he quoted strkjv@Psalms:118:22f.| to the members of the Sanhedrin who challenged his authority (Mark:11:10f.; strkjv@Matthew:21:42-45; strkjv@Luke:20:17f.|). Apostles and prophets go into this temple of God, but Christ Jesus is the chief corner stone (\akrognaios\, strkjv@Ephesians:2:20|). All believers are living stones in this temple (1Peter:2:5|). But there is only one foundation possible.
rwp@1Corinthians:3:19 @{Foolishness with God} (\mria para ti thei\). Whose standard does a church (temple) of God wish, that of this world or of God? The two standards are not the same. It is a pertinent inquiry with us all whose idea rules in our church. Paul quotes strkjv@Job:5:13|. {That taketh} (\ho drassomenos\). Old verb \drassomai\, to grasp with the hand, is used here for the less vivid word in the LXX \katalambann\. It occurs nowhere else in the N.T., but appears in the papyri to lay hands on. Job:is quoted in the N.T. only here and in strkjv@Romans:11:35| and both times with variations from the LXX. This word occurs in Ecclesiasticus strkjv@26:7; strkjv@34:2. In strkjv@Psalms:2:12| the LXX has \draxasthe paideias\, lay hold on instruction. {Craftiness} (\panourgii\). The \panourgos\ man is ready for any or all work (if bad enough). Songs:it means versatile cleverness (Robertson and Plummer), _astutia_ (Vulgate).
rwp@1Corinthians:4:1 @{Ministers of Christ} (\hupretas Christou\). Paul and all ministers (\diakonous\) of the New Covenant (1Corinthians:3:5|) are under-rowers, subordinate rowers of Christ, only here in Paul's Epistles, though in the Gospels (Luke:4:20| the attendant in the synagogue) and the Acts (Acts:13:5|) of John Mark. The {so} (\houts\) gathers up the preceding argument (3:5-23|) and applies it directly by the {as} (\hs\) that follows. {Stewards of the mysteries of God} (\oikonomous mustrin theou\). The steward or house manager (\oikos\, house, \nem\, to manage, old word) was a slave (\doulos\) under his lord (\kurios\, strkjv@Luke:12:42|), but a master (Luke:16:1|) over the other slaves in the house (menservants \paidas\, maidservants \paidiskas\ strkjv@Luke:12:45|), an overseer (\epitropos\) over the rest (Matthew:20:8|). Hence the under-rower (\huprets\) of Christ has a position of great dignity as steward (\oikonomos\) of the mysteries of God. Jesus had expressly explained that the mysteries of the kingdom were open to the disciples (Matthew:13:11|). They were entrusted with the knowledge of some of God's secrets though the disciples were not such apt pupils as they claimed to be (Matthew:13:51; strkjv@16:8-12|). As stewards Paul and other ministers are entrusted with the mysteries (see on ¯1Corinthians:2:7| for this word) of God and are expected to teach them. "The church is the \oikos\ (1Timothy:3:15|), God the \oikodespots\ (Matthew:13:52|), the members the \oikeioi\ (Galatians:6:10; strkjv@Ephesians:2:19|)" (Lightfoot). Paul had a vivid sense of the dignity of this stewardship (\oikonomia\) of God given to him (Colossians:1:25; strkjv@Ephesians:1:10|). The ministry is more than a mere profession or trade. It is a calling from God for stewardship.
rwp@1Corinthians:4:6 @{I have in a figure transferred} (\meteschmatisa\). First aorist active (not perfect) indicative of \meta-schmatiz\, used by Plato and Aristotle for changing the form of a thing (from \meta\, after, and \schma\, form or habit, like Latin _habitus_ from \ech\ and so different from \morph\ as in strkjv@Phillipians:2:7; strkjv@Romans:12:2|). For the idea of refashioning see Field, _Notes_, p. 169f. and Preisigke, _Fachworter_). Both Greek and Latin writers (Quintilian, Martial) used \schma\ for a rhetorical artifice. Paul's use of the word (in Paul only in N.T.) appears also further in strkjv@2Corinthians:11:13-15| where the word occurs three times, twice of the false apostles posing and passing as apostles of Christ and ministers of righteousness, and once of Satan as an angel of light, twice with \eis\ and once with \hs\. In strkjv@Phillipians:3:21| the word is used for the change in the body of our humiliation to the body of glory. But here it is clearly the rhetorical figure for a veiled allusion to Paul and Apollos "for your sakes" (\dia humas\). {That in us ye may learn} (\hina en hmin mathte\). Final clause with \hina\ and the second aorist active subjunctive of \manthan\, to learn. As an object lesson in our cases (\en hmin\). It is no more true of Paul and Apollos than of other ministers, but the wrangles in Corinth started about them. Songs:Paul boldly puts himself and Apollos to the fore in the discussion of the principles involved. {Not to go beyond the things which are written} (\to M huper ha gegraptai\). It is difficult to reproduce the Greek idiom in English. The article \to\ is in the accusative case as the object of the verb \mathte\ (learn) and points at the words "\M huper ha gegraptai\," apparently a proverb or rule, and elliptical in form with no principal verb expressed with \m\, whether "think" (Auth.) or "go" (Revised). There was a constant tendency to smooth out Paul's ellipses as in strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:3; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:26,31|. Lightfoot thinks that Paul may have in mind O.T. passages quoted in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:19,31; strkjv@3:19,20|. {That ye be not puffed up} (\hina m phusiousthe\). Sub-final use of \hina\ (second use in this sentence) with notion of result. It is not certain whether \phusiousthe\ (late verb form like \phusia, phusa\, to blow up, to inflate, to puff up), used only by Paul in the N.T., is present indicative with \hina\ like \zloute\ in strkjv@Galatians:4:17| (cf. \hina ginskomen\ in strkjv@1John:5:20|) or the present subjunctive by irregular contraction (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 203, 342f.), probably the present indicative. \Phusio\ is from \phusis\ (nature) and so meant to make natural, but it is used by Paul just like \phusa\ or \phusia\ (from \phusa\, a pair of bellows), a vivid picture of self-conceit. {One for the one against the other} (\heis huper tou henos kata tou heterou\). This is the precise idea of this idiom of partitive apposition. This is the rule with partisans. They are "for" (\huper\) the one and "against" (\kata\, down on, the genitive case) the other (\tou heterou\, not merely another or a second, but the different sort, \heterodox\).
rwp@1Corinthians:4:8 @{Already are ye filled?} (\d kekoresmenoi este?\). Perfect passive indicative, state of completion, of \korennumi\, old Greek verb to satiate, to satisfy. The only other example in N.T. is strkjv@Acts:27:38| which see. Paul may refer to strkjv@Deuteronomy:31:20; strkjv@32:15|. But it is keen irony, even sarcasm. Westcott and Hort make it a question and the rest of the sentence also. {Already ye are become rich} (\d eploutsate\). Note change to ingressive aorist indicative of \ploute\, old verb to be rich (cf. strkjv@2Corinthians:8:9|). "The aorists, used instead of perfects, imply indecent haste" (Lightfoot). "They have got a private millennium of their own" (Robertson & Plummer) with all the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom (Luke:22:29f.; strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:12; strkjv@2Timothy:2:12|). {Ye have reigned without us} (\chris hmn ebasileusate\). Withering sarcasm. Ye became kings without our company. Some think that Paul as in strkjv@3:21| is purposely employing Stoic phraseology though with his own meanings. If so, it is hardly consciously done. Paul was certainly familiar with much of the literature of his time, but it did not shape his ideas. {I would that ye did reign} (\kai ophelon ge ebasileusate\). More exactly, "And would at least that ye had come to reign (or become kings)." It is an unfulfilled wish about the past expressed by \ophelon\ and the aorist indicative instead of \ei gar\ and the aorist indicative (the ancient idiom). See Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1003, for the construction with particle \ophelon\ (an unaugmented second aorist form). {That we also might reign with you} (\hina kai hmeis humin sunbasileusmen\). Ironical contrast to \chris hmn ebasileusate\, just before. Associative instrumental case of \humin\ after \sun-\.
rwp@1Corinthians:4:9 @{Hath set forth us the apostles last} (\hmas tous apostolous eschatous apedeixen\). The first aorist active indicative of \apodeiknumi\, old verb to show, to expose to view or exhibit (Herodotus), in technical sense (cf. strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:4|) for gladiatorial show as in \ethriomachsa\ (1Corinthians:15:32|). In this grand pageant Paul and other apostles come last (\eschatous\, predicate accusative after \apedeixen\) as a grand finale. {As men doomed to die} (\hs epithanatious\). Late word, here alone in N.T. The LXX (Bel and the Dragon 31) has it for those thrown daily to the lions. Dionysius of Halicarnassus (_A.R_. vii. 35) uses it of those thrown from the Tarpeian Rock. The gladiators would say _morituri salutamus_. All this in violent contrast to the kingly Messianic pretensions of the Corinthians. {A spectacle} (\theatron\). Cf. strkjv@Hebrews:11:33-40|. The word, like our theatre, means the place of the show (Acts:19:29,31|). Then, it means the spectacle shown there (\theama\ or \thea\), and, as here, the man exhibited as the show like the verb \theatrizomenoi\, made a spectacle (Hebrews:10:33|). Sometimes it refers to the spectators (\theatai\) like our "house" for the audience. Here the spectators include "the world, both to angels and men" (\ti kosmi kai aggelois kai anthrpois\), dative case of personal interest.
rwp@1Corinthians:4:11 @{Even unto this present hour} (\achri ts arti hras\). \Arti\ (just now, this very minute) accents the continuity of the contrast as applied to Paul. Ten verbs and four participles from 11-13| give a graphic picture of Paul's condition in Ephesus when he is writing this epistle. {We hunger} (\peinmen\), {we thirst} (\dipsmen\), {are naked} (\gumniteuomen\), late verb for scant clothing from \gumnts\, {are buffeted} (\kolaphizometha\), to strike a blow with the fist from \kolaphos\ and one of the few N.T. and ecclesiastical words and see on ¯Matthew:26:67|, {have no certain dwelling place} (\astatoumen\) from \astatos\, strolling about and only here save Anthol. Pal. and Aquila in strkjv@Isaiah:58:7|. Field in _Notes_, p. 170 renders strkjv@1Corinthians:4:11| "and are vagabonds" or spiritual hobos.
rwp@1Corinthians:4:13 @{Being defamed we intreat} (\dusphmoumenoi parakaloumen\). The participle \dusphmoumenoi\ is an old verb (in I Macc. strkjv@7:41) to use ill, from \dusphmos\, but occurs here only in the N.T. Paul is opening his very heart now after the keen irony above. {As the filth of the world} (\hs perikatharmata tou kosmou\). Literally, sweepings, rinsings, cleansings around, dust from the floor, from \perikathair\, to cleanse all around (Plato and Aristotle) and so the refuse thrown off in cleansing. Here only in the N.T. and only twice elsewhere. \Katharma\ was the refuse of a sacrifice. In strkjv@Proverbs:21:18| \perikatharma\ occurs for the scapegoat. The other example is Epictetus iii. 22,78, in the same sense of an expiatory offering of a worthless fellow. It was the custom in Athens during a plague to throw to the sea some wretch in the hope of appeasing the gods. One hesitates to take it so here in Paul, though Findlay thinks that possibly in Ephesus Paul may have heard some such cry like that in the later martyrdoms _Christiani ad leones_. At any rate in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:32| Paul says "I fought with wild beasts" and in strkjv@2Corinthians:1:9| "I had the answer of death." Some terrible experience may be alluded to here. The word shows the contempt of the Ephesian populace for Paul as is shown in strkjv@Acts:19:23-41| under the influence of Demetrius and the craftsmen. {The offscouring of all things} (\pantn peripsma\). Late word, here only in N.T., though in Tob. strkjv@5:18. The word was used in a formula at Athens when victims were flung into the sea, \peripsma hmn genou\ (Became a \peripsma\ for us), in the sense of expiation. The word merely means scraping around from \peripsa\, offscrapings or refuse. That is probably the idea here as in Tob. strkjv@5:18. It came to have a complimentary sense for the Christians who in a plague gave their lives for the sick. But it is a bold figure here with Paul of a piece with \perikatharmata\.
rwp@1Corinthians:5:5 @{To deliver such an one unto Satan} (\paradounai ton toiouton ti Satani\). We have the same idiom in strkjv@1Timothy:1:20| used of Hymenius and Alexander. In strkjv@2Corinthians:12:7| Paul speaks of his own physical suffering as a messenger (\aggelos\) of Satan. Paul certainly means expulsion from the church (verse 2|) and regarding him as outside of the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians:2:11f.|). But we are not to infer that expulsion from the local church means the damnation of the offender. The wilful offenders have to be expelled and not regarded as enemies, but admonished as brothers (2Thessalonians:3:14f.|). {For the destruction of the flesh} (\eis olethron ts sarkos\). Both for physical suffering as in the case of Job:(Job:2:6|) and for conquest of the fleshly sins, remedial punishment. {That the spirit may be saved} (\hina to pneuma sthi\). The ultimate purpose of the expulsion as discipline. Note the use of \to pneuma\ in contrast with \sarx\ as the seat of personality (cf. strkjv@3:15|). Paul's motive is not merely vindictive, but the reformation of the offender who is not named here nor in strkjv@2Corinthians:2:5-11| if the same man is meant, which is very doubtful. The final salvation of the man in the day of Christ is the goal and this is to be attained not by condoning his sin.
rwp@1Corinthians:5:7 @{Purge out} (\ekkatharate\). First aorist (effective) active imperative of \ekkathair\, old verb to cleanse out (\ek\), to clean completely. Aorist tense of urgency, do it now and do it effectively before the whole church is contaminated. This turn to the metaphor is from the command to purge out the old (\palaian\, now old and decayed) leaven before the passover feast (Exodus:12:15f.; strkjv@13:7; strkjv@Zephaniah:1:12|). Cf. modern methods of disinfection after a contagious disease. {A new lump} (\neon phurama\). Make a fresh start as a new community with the contamination removed. \Neos\ is the root for \neaniskos\, a young man, not yet old (\graios\). Songs:new wine (\oinon neon\ strkjv@Matthew:9:17|). \Kainos\ is fresh as compared with the ancient (\palaios\). See the distinction in strkjv@Colossians:3:10; strkjv@Ephesians:4:22ff.; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:17|. {Unleavened} (\azumoi\). Without (\a\ privative) leaven, the normal and ideal state of Christians. Rare word among the ancients (once in Plato). They are a new creation (\kain ktisis\), "exemplifying Kant's maxim that you should treat a man as if he were what you would wish him to be" (Robertson and Plummer). {For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ} (\kai gar to pascha hmn etuth Christos\). First aorist passive indicative of \thu\, old verb to sacrifice. Euphony of consonants, \th\ to \t\ because of \-th\. Reference to the death of Christ on the Cross as the Paschal Lamb (common use of \pascha\ as strkjv@Mark:14:12; strkjv@Luke:22:7|), the figure used long before by the Baptist of Jesus (John:1:29|). Paul means that the Lamb was already slain on Calvary and yet you have not gotten rid of the leaven.
rwp@1Corinthians:5:10 @{Not altogether} (\ou pants\). Not absolutely, not in all circumstances. Paul thus puts a limitation on his prohibition and confines it to members of the church. He has no jurisdiction over the outsiders (this world, \tou kosmou toutou\). {The covetous} (\tois pleonektais\). Old word for the over-reachers, those avaricious for more and more (\pleon, ech\, to have more). In N.T. only here, strkjv@6:10; strkjv@Ephesians:5:5|. It always comes in bad company (the licentious and the idolaters) like the modern gangsters who form a combination of liquor, lewdness, lawlessness for money and power. {Extortioners} (\harpaxin\). An old adjective with only one gender, rapacious (Matthew:7:15; strkjv@Luke:18:11|), and as a substantive robber or extortioner (here and strkjv@6:10|). Bandits, hijackers, grafters they would be called today. {Idolaters} (\eidlolatrais\). Late word for hirelings (\latris\) of the idols (\eidlon\), so our very word idolater. See strkjv@6:9; strkjv@10:7; strkjv@Ephesians:5:5; strkjv@Revelation:21:8; strkjv@22:15|. Nageli regards this word as a Christian formation. {For then must ye needs} (\epei pheilete oun\). This neat Greek idiom of \epei\ with the imperfect indicative (\pheilete\, from \opheil\, to be under obligation) is really the conclusion of a second-class condition with the condition unexpressed (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 965). Sometimes \an\ is used also as in strkjv@Hebrews:10:2|, but with verbs of obligation or necessity \an\ is usually absent as here (cf. strkjv@Hebrews:9:20|). The unexpressed condition here would be, "if that were true" (including fornicators, the covetous, extortioners, idolaters of the outside world). \Ara\ means in that case.
rwp@1Corinthians:6:7 @{Nay, already it is altogether a defect among you} (\d men oun hols httma humin estin\). "Indeed therefore there is to you already (to begin with, \d\, before any question of courts) wholly defeat." \Httma\ (from \httaomai\) is only here, strkjv@Romans:11:12; strkjv@Isaiah:31:8| and ecclesiastical writers. See \httaomai\ (from \httn\, less) in strkjv@2Corinthians:12:13; strkjv@2Peter:2:19f.| \Nik\ was victory and \htta\ defeat with the Greeks. It is defeat for Christians to have lawsuits (\krimata\, usually decrees or judgments) with one another. This was proof of the failure of love and forgiveness (Colossians:3:13|). {Take wrong} (\adikeisthe\). Present middle indicative, of old verb \adike\ (from \adikos\, not right). Better undergo wrong yourself than suffer {defeat} in the matter of love and forgiveness of a brother. {Be defrauded} (\apostereisthe\). Permissive middle again like \adikeisthe\. Allow yourselves to be robbed (old verb to deprive, to rob) rather than have a lawsuit.
rwp@1Corinthians:6:12 @{Lawful} (\exestin\). Apparently this proverb may have been used by Paul in Corinth (repeated in strkjv@10:23|), but not in the sense now used by Paul's opponents. The "all things" do not include such matters as those condemned in chapter strkjv@1Corinthians:5; strkjv@6:1-11|. Paul limits the proverb to things not immoral, things not wrong _per se_. But even here liberty is not license. {But not all things are expedient} (\all' ou panta sumpherei\). Old word \sumpherei\, bears together for good and so worthwhile. Many things, harmless in themselves in the abstract, do harm to others in the concrete. We live in a world of social relations that circumscribe personal rights and liberties. {But I will not be brought under the power of any} (\all ouk eg exousiasthsomai hupo tinos\). Perhaps a conscious play on the verb \exestin\ for \exousiaz\ is from \exousia\ and that from \exestin\. Verb from Aristotle on, though not common (Dion. of Hal., LXX and inscriptions). In N.T. only here, strkjv@7:4; strkjv@Luke:22:25|. Paul is determined not to be a slave to anything harmless in itself. He will maintain his self-control. He gives a wholesome hint to those who talk so much about personal liberty.
rwp@1Corinthians:6:15 @{Members of Christ} (\mel Christou\). Old word for limbs, members. Even the Stoics held the body to be common with the animals (Epictetus, _Diss_. l. iii. 1) and only the reason like the gods. Without doubt some forms of modern evolution have contributed to the licentious views of animalistic sex indulgence, though the best teachers of biology show that in the higher animals monogamy is the rule. The body is not only adapted for Christ (verse 13|), but it is a part of Christ, in vital union with him. Paul will make much use of this figure further on (12:12-31; strkjv@Ephesians:4:11-16; strkjv@5:30|). {Shall I then take away?} (\aras oun;\). First aorist active participle of \air\, old verb to snatch, carry off like Latin _rapio_ (our rape). {Make} (\pois\). Can be either future active indicative or first aorist active subjunctive (deliberative). Either makes good sense. The horror of deliberately taking "members of Christ" and making them "members of a harlot" in an actual union staggers Paul and should stagger us. {God forbid} (\m genoito\). Optative second aorist in a negative wish for the future. {May it not happen!} The word "God" is not here. The idiom is common in Epictetus though rare in the LXX. Paul has it thirteen times and Luke once (Luke:20:16|).
rwp@1Corinthians:6:17 @{One spirit} (\hen pneuma\). With the Lord, the inner vital spiritual union with the Lord Jesus (Ephesians:4:4; strkjv@5:30|).
rwp@1Corinthians:7:1 @{Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote} (\peri de hn egrapsate\). An ellipsis of \peri toutn\, the antecedent of \peri hn\, is easily supplied as in papyri. The church had written Paul a letter in which a number of specific problems about marriage were raised. He answers them _seriatim_. The questions must be clearly before one in order intelligently to interpret Paul's replies. The first is whether a single life is wrong. Paul pointedly says that it is not wrong, but good (\kalon\). One will get a one-sided view of Paul's teaching on marriage unless he keeps a proper perspective. One of the marks of certain heretics will be forbidding to marry (1Timothy:4:3|). Paul uses marriage as a metaphor of our relation to Christ (2Corinthians:11:2; strkjv@Romans:7:4; strkjv@Ephesians:5:28-33|). Paul is not here opposing marriage. He is only arguing that celibacy may be good in certain limitations. The genitive case with \haptesthai\ (touch) is the usual construction.
rwp@1Corinthians:7:5 @{Except it be by consent for a season} (\ei mti [an] ek sumphnou pros kairon\). If \an\ is genuine, it can either be regarded as like \ean\ though without a verb or as loosely added after \ei mti\ and construed with it. {That ye may give yourselves unto prayer} (\hina scholaste ti proseuchi\). First aorist active subjunctive of \scholaz\, late verb from \schol\, leisure (our "school"), and so to have leisure (punctiliar act and not permanent) for prayer. Note private devotions here. {That Satan tempt you not} (\hina m peirazi\). Present subjunctive, that Satan may not keep on tempting you. {Because of your incontinency} (\dia tn akrasian [humn]\). A late word from Aristotle on for \akrateia\ from \akrats\ (without self-control, \a\ privative and \krate\, to control, common old word). In N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:23:25| which see.
rwp@1Corinthians:7:12 @{But to the rest say I, not the Lord} (\tois de loipois leg eg, ouch ho Kurios\). Paul has no word about marriage from Jesus beyond the problem of divorce. This is no disclaimer of inspiration. He simply means that here he is not quoting a command of Jesus. {An unbelieving wife} (\gunaika apiston\). This is a new problem, the result of work among the Gentiles, that did not arise in the time of Jesus. The form \apiston\ is the same as the masculine because a compound adjective. Paul has to deal with mixed marriages as missionaries do today in heathen lands. The rest (\hoi loipoi\) for Gentiles (Ephesians:2:3|) we have already had in strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:13; strkjv@5:6| which see. The Christian husband married his wife when he himself was an unbeliever. The word \apistos\ sometimes means unfaithful (Luke:12:46|), but not here (cf. strkjv@John:20:27|). {She is content} (\suneudokei\). Late compound verb to be pleased together with, agree together. In the papyri. {Let him not leave her} (\m aphiet autn\). Perhaps here and in verses 11,13| \aphimi\ should be translated "put away" like \apolu\ in strkjv@Mark:10:1|. Some understand \aphimi\ as separation from bed and board, not divorce.
rwp@1Corinthians:7:21 @{Wast thou called being a bondservant?} (\doulos eklths;\). First aorist passive indicative. Wast thou, a slave, called? {Care not for it} (\m soi melet\). "Let it not be a care to thee." Third person singular (impersonal) of \melei\, old verb with dative \soi\. It was usually a fixed condition and a slave could be a good servant of Christ (Colossians:3:22; strkjv@Ephesians:6:5; strkjv@Titus:2:9|), even with heathen masters. {Use it rather} (\mallon chrsai\). Make use of what? There is no "it" in the Greek. Shall we supply \eleutherii\ (instrumental case after \chrsai\ or \douleii\)? Most naturally \eleutherii\, freedom, from \eleutheros\, just before. In that case \ei kai\ is not taken as although, but \kai\ goes with \dunasai\, "But if thou canst also become free, the rather use your opportunity for freedom." On the whole this is probably Paul's idea and is in full harmony with the general principle above about mixed marriages with the heathen. \Chrsai\ is second person singular aorist middle imperative of \chraomai\, to use, old and common verb.
rwp@1Corinthians:7:27 @{Art thou bound to a wife?} (\dedesai gunaiki;\). Perfect passive indicative of \de\, to bind, with dative case \gunaiki\. Marriage bond as in strkjv@Romans:7:2|. {Seek not to be loosed} (\m ztei lusin\). Present active imperative with negative \m\, "Do not be seeking release" (\lusin\) from the marriage bond, old word, here only in N.T. {Seek not a wife} (\m ztei gunaika\). Same construction, Do not be seeking a wife. Bachelors as well as widowers are included in \lelusai\ (loosed, perfect passive indicative of \lu\). This advice of Paul he only urges "because of the present necessity" (verse 26|). Whether he held on to this opinion later one does not know. Certainly he gives the noblest view of marriage in strkjv@Ephesians:5:22-33|. Paul does not present it as his opinion for all men at all times. Men feel it their duty to seek a wife.
rwp@1Corinthians:8:1 @{Now concerning things sacrificed to idols} (\peri de tn eidlothutn\). Plainly the Corinthians had asked also about this problem in their letter to Paul (7:1|). This compound adjective (\eidlon\, idol, \thutos\, verbal adjective from \thu\, to sacrifice) is still found only in the N.T. and ecclesiastical writers, not so far in the papyri. We have seen this problem mentioned in the decision of the Jerusalem Conference (Acts:15:29; strkjv@21:25|). The connection between idolatry and impurity was very close, especially in Corinth. See both topics connected in strkjv@Revelation:2:14,20|. By \eidlothuta\ was meant the portion of the flesh left over after the heathen sacrifices. The heathen called it \hierothuton\ (1Corinthians:10:28|). This leftover part "was either eaten sacrificially, or taken home for private meals, or sold in the markets" (Robertson and Plummer). What were Christians to do about eating such portions either buying in the market or eating in the home of another or at the feast to the idol? Three questions are thus involved and Paul discusses them all. There was evidently difference of opinion on the subject among the Corinthian Christians. Aspects of the matter come forward not touched on in the Jerusalem Conference to which Paul does not here allude, though he does treat it in strkjv@Galatians:2:1-10|. There was the more enlightened group who acted on the basis of their superior knowledge about the non-existence of the gods represented by the idols. {Ye know that we all have knowledge} (\oidamen hoti pantes gnsin echomen\). This may be a quotation from the letter (Moffatt, _Lit. of N.T._, p. 112). Since their conversion to Christ, they know the emptiness of idol-worship. Paul admits that all Christians have this knowledge (personal experience, \gnsis\), but this problem cannot be solved by knowledge.
rwp@1Corinthians:8:6 @{Yet to us there is one God, the Father} (\all' hmin heis theos ho patr\). B omits \all'\ here, but the sense calls for it anyhow in this apodosis, a strong antithesis to the protasis ({even if at least}, \kai eiper\). {Of whom} (\ex hou\). As the source (\ex\) of the universe (\ta panta\ as in strkjv@Romans:11:36; strkjv@Colossians:1:16f.|) and also our goal is God (\eis auton\) as in strkjv@Romans:11:36| where \di' autou\ is added whereas here \di' hou\ (through whom) and \di' autou\ (through him) point to Jesus Christ as the intermediate agent in creation as in strkjv@Colossians:1:15-20; strkjv@John:1:3f|. Here Paul calls Jesus {Lord} (\Kurios\) and not {God} (\theos\), though he does apply that word to him in strkjv@Romans:9:5; strkjv@Titus:2:13; strkjv@Colossians:2:9; strkjv@Acts:20:28|.
rwp@1Corinthians:8:8 @{Will not commend} (\ou parastsei\). Future active indicative of \paristmi\, old word to present as in strkjv@Acts:1:3; strkjv@Luke:2:22; strkjv@Colossians:1:28|. Food (\brma\) will not give us an entree to God for commendation or condemnation, whether meat-eaters or vegetarians. {Are we the worse} (\husteroumetha\). Are we left behind, do we fall short. Both conditions are of the third class (\ean m, ean\) undetermined. {Are we the better} (\perisseuometha\). Do we overflow, do we have excess of credit. Paul here disposes of the pride of knowledge (the enlightened ones) and the pride of prejudice (the unenlightened). Each was disposed to look down upon the other, the one in scorn of the other's ignorance, the other in horror of the other's heresy and daring.
rwp@1Corinthians:8:9 @{Take heed} (\blepete\). A warning to the enlightened. {Lest by any means} (\m ps\). Common construction after verbs of caution or fearing, \m ps\ with aorist subjunctive \gentai\. {This liberty of yours} (\h exousia humn haut\). \Exousia\, from \exestin\, means a grant, allowance, authority, power, privilege, right, liberty. It shades off easily. It becomes a battle cry, personal liberty does, to those who wish to indulge their own whims and appetites regardless of the effect upon others. {A stumbling-block to the weak} (\proskomma tois asthenesin\). Late word from \proskopt\, to cut against, to stumble against. Songs:an obstacle for the foot to strike. In strkjv@Romans:14:13| Paul uses \skandalon\ as parallel with \proskomma\. We do not live alone. This principle applies to all social relations in matters of law, of health, of morals. _Noblesse oblige_. The enlightened must consider the welfare of the unenlightened, else he does not have love.
rwp@1Corinthians:9:4 @{Have we no right?} (\M ouk echomen exousian;\). Literary plural here though singular in 1-3|. The \m\ in this double negative expects the answer "No" while \ouk\ goes with the verb \echomen\. "Do we fail to have the right?" Cf. strkjv@Romans:10:18f.| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 1173).
rwp@1Corinthians:9:5 @{Have we no right?} (\M ouk echomen exousian;\). Same idiom. {To lead about a wife that is a believer?} (\adelphn gunaika periagein;\). Old verb \periag\, intransitive in strkjv@Acts:13:11|. Two substantives in apposition, a sister a wife, a common Greek idiom. This is a plea for the support of the preacher's wife and children. Plainly Paul has no wife at this time. {And Cephas} (\kai Kphs\). Why is he singled out by name? Perhaps because of his prominence and because of the use of his name in the divisions in Corinth (1:12|). It was well known that Peter was married (Matthew:8:14|). Paul mentions James by name in strkjv@Galatians:1:19| as one of the Lord's brothers. All the other apostles were either married or had the right to be.
rwp@1Corinthians:9:6 @{Have we not a right to forbear working?} (\ouk echomen exousian m ergazesthai;\). By \\ (or) Paul puts the other side about Barnabas (the only allusion since the dispute in strkjv@Acts:15:39|, but in good spirit) and himself. Perhaps (Hofmann) Paul has in mind the fact that in the first great mission tour (Acts:13; 14|), Barnabas and Paul received no help from the church in Antioch, but were left to work their way along at their own charges. It was not till the Philippian Church took hold that Paul had financial aid (Phillipians:4:15|). Here both negatives have their full force. Literally, Do we not have (\ouk echomen\, expecting the affirmative reply) the right not (\m\, negative of the infinitive \ergazesthai\) to do manual labour (usual meaning of \ergazomai\ as in strkjv@4:12|)?" There was no more compulsion on Paul and Barnabas to support themselves than upon the other workers for Christ. They renounced no rights in being voluntarily independent.
rwp@1Corinthians:9:9 @{Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn} (\ou phimseis boun alonta\). Quotation from strkjv@Deuteronomy:25:4|. Prohibition by \ou\ and the volitive future indicative. \Phimo\, to muzzle (from \phimos\, a muzzle for dogs and oxen), appears first in Aristophanes (_Clouds_, 592) and not again till LXX and N.T., though in the papyri also. Evidently a vernacular word, perhaps a slang word. See metaphorical use in strkjv@Matthew:22:12,34|. \Alonta\ is present active participle of the old verb \aloa\, occurs in the N.T. only here (and verse 10|) and strkjv@1Timothy:5:18| where it is also quoted. It is probably derived from \halos\ or \halon\, a threshing-floor, or the disc of a shield or of the sun and moon. The Egyptians according to the monuments, used oxen to thresh out the grain, sometimes donkeys, by pulling a drag over the grain. The same process may be found today in Andalusia, Italy, Palestine. A hieroglyphic inscription at Eileithyas reads:
rwp@1Corinthians:9:12 @{Over you} (\humn\). Objective genitive after \exousian\. {Do not we yet more?} (\ou mallon hmeis;\). Because of Paul's peculiar relation to that church as founder and apostle. {But we bear all things} (\alla panta stegomen\). Old verb to cover (\steg\, roof) and so to cover up, to conceal, to endure (1Corinthians:13:7| of love). Paul deliberately declined to use (usual instrumental case with \chraomai\) his right to pay in Corinth. {That we may cause no hindrance} (\hina m tina enkopn dmen\). Late word \enkop\, a cutting in (cf. _radio_ or telephone) or hindrance from \enkopt\, to cut in, rare word (like \ekkop\) here only in N.T. and once in Vettius Valens. How considerate Paul is to avoid "a hindrance to the gospel of Christ" (\ti euaggelii tou Christou\, dative case and genitive) rather than insist on his personal rights and liberties, an eloquent example for all modern men.
rwp@1Corinthians:9:13 @{Sacred things} (\ta hiera\). {Of the temple} (\tou hierou\). Play on the same word \hierou\ (sacred). See strkjv@Numbers:18:8-20| for the details. This is a very pertinent illustration. {They which wait upon the altar} (\hoi ti thusiastrii paredreuontes\). Old word \paredreu\, to sit beside, from \par--edros\, like Latin _assidere_, and so constant attendance. Only here in the N.T. Locative case \thusiastrii\, late word found so far only in LXX, Philo, Josephus, N.T., and ecclesiastical writers. See on ¯Matthew:5:23|.
rwp@1Corinthians:9:27 @{But I buffet my body} (\alla huppiaz mou to sma\). In Aristophanes, Aristotle, Plutarch, from \huppion\, and that from \hupo\ and \ops\ (in papyri), the part of the face under the eyes, a blow in the face, to beat black and blue. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:18:5| which see. Paul does not, like the Gnostics, consider his \sarx\ or his \sma\ sinful and evil. But "it is like the horses in a chariot race, which must be kept well in hand by whip and rein if the prize is to be secured" (Robertson and Plummer). The boxers often used boxing gloves (\cestus\, of ox-hide bands) which gave telling blows. Paul was not willing for his body to be his master. He found good as the outcome of this self-discipline (2Corinthians:12:7; strkjv@Romans:8:13; strkjv@Colossians:2:23; strkjv@3:5|). {And bring it into bondage} (\kai doulagg\). Late compound verb from \doulaggos\, in Diodorus Siculus, Epictetus and substantive in papyri. It is the metaphor of the victor leading the vanquished as captive and slave. {Lest by any means} (\m ps\). Common conjunction for negative purpose with subjunctive as here (\genmai\, second aorist middle). {After that I have preached to others} (\allois krxas\). First aorist active participle of \kruss\ (see on ¯1:23|), common verb to preach, from word \krux\ (herald) and that is probably the idea here. A \krux\ at the games announced the rules of the game and called out the competitors. Songs:Paul is not merely a herald, but a competitor also. {I myself should be rejected} (\autos adokimos genmai\). Literally, "I myself should become rejected." \Adokimos\ is an old adjective used of metals, coin, soil (Hebrews:6:8|) and in a moral sense only by Paul in N.T. (1Corinthians:9:27; strkjv@2Corinthians:13:5-7; strkjv@Romans:1:28; strkjv@Titus:1:16; strkjv@2Timothy:3:8|). It means not standing the test (\dokimos\ from \dokimaz\). Paul means rejected for the {prize}, not for the entrance to the race. He will fail to win if he breaks the rules of the game (Matthew:7:22f.|). What is the prize before Paul? Is it that {reward} (\misthos\) of which he spoke in verse 18|, his glorying of preaching a free gospel? Songs:Edwards argues. Most writers take Paul to refer to the possibility of his rejection in his personal salvation at the end of the race. He does not claim absolute perfection (Phillipians:3:12|) and so he presses on. At the end he has serene confidence (2Timothy:4:7|) with the race run and won. It is a humbling thought for us all to see this wholesome fear instead of smug complacency in this greatest of all heralds of Christ.
rwp@1Corinthians:10:11 @{Now these things happened unto them} (\tauta de sunebainon ekeinois\). Imperfect tense because they happened from time to time. {By way of example} (\tupiks\). Adverb in sense of \tupoi\ in verse 6|. Only instance of the adverb except in ecclesiastical writers after this time, but adjective \tupikos\ occurs in a late papyrus. {For our admonition} (\pros nouthesian hmn\). Objective genitive (\hmn\) again. \Nouthesia\ is late word from \nouthete\ (see on ¯Acts:20:31; strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:12,14|) for earlier \nouthetsis\ and \nouthetia\. {The ends of the ages have come} (\ta tel tn ainn katntken\). Cf. strkjv@Hebrews:9:26| \h sunteleia tn ainn\, the consummation of the ages (also strkjv@Matthew:13:40|). The plural seems to point out how one stage succeeds another in the drama of human history. \Katntken\ is perfect active indicative of \katanta\, late verb, to come down to (see on ¯Acts:16:1|). Does Paul refer to the second coming of Christ as in strkjv@7:26|? In a sense the ends of the ages like a curtain have come down to all of us.
rwp@1Corinthians:10:17 @{One bread} (\heis artos\). One loaf. {Who are many} (\hoi polloi\). The many. {We all} (\hoi pantes\). We the all, the whole number, \hoi pantes\ being in apposition with the subject {we} (\hmeis\ unexpressed). {Partake} (\metechomen\). Have a part with or in, share in. See on ¯9:12; strkjv@Hebrews:2:14; strkjv@5:13| (partaking of milk). {Of the one bread} (\tou henos artou\). Of the one loaf, the article \tou\ referring to one loaf already mentioned. {One body} (\hen sma\). Here the mystical spiritual body of Christ as in strkjv@12:12f.|, the spiritual kingdom or church of which Christ is head (Colossians:1:18; strkjv@Ephesians:5:23|).
rwp@1Corinthians:10:18 @{After the flesh} (\kata sarka\). The literal Israel, the Jewish people, not the spiritual Israel (\Isral kata pneuma\) composed of both Jews and Gentiles, the true children of faith (Romans:2:28; strkjv@9:8; Gal strkjv@3:7|). {Communion with the altar} (\koinnoi tou thusiastriou\). Same idea in \koinnoi\ participators in, partners in, sharers in (with objective genitive). The word \thusiastrion\ is from late verb \thusiaz\, to offer sacrifice, and that from \thusia\, sacrifice, and that from \thu\, common verb to slay, to sacrifice (verse 20|). The Israelites who offer sacrifices have a spiritual participation in the altar.
rwp@1Corinthians:10:20 @{But I say that} (\all' hoti\). The verb \phmi\ (I say) must be repeated from verse 19| before \hoti\. {To demons, and not to God} (\daimoniois kai ou thei\). Referring to LXX text of strkjv@Deuteronomy:32:17|. It is probable that by \ou thei\ Paul means "to a no-god" as also in strkjv@Deuteronomy:32:21| \ep' ouk ethnei\ (by a no-people). This is Paul's reply to the heathen who claimed that they worshipped the gods represented by the images and not the mere wood or stone or metal idols. The word \daimonia\ is an adjective \daimonios\ from \daimn\, an inferior deity, and with same idea originally, once in this sense in N.T. (Acts:17:18|). Elsewhere in N.T. it has the notion of evil spirits as here, those spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians:6:12|) that are under the control of Satan. The word \daimonia\, so common in the Gospels, occurs in Paul's writings only here and strkjv@1Timothy:4:1|. Demonology is a deep and dark subject here pictured by Paul as the explanation of heathenism which is a departure from God (Romans:1:19-23|) and a substitute for the worship of God. It is a terrible indictment which is justified by the licentious worship associated with paganism then and now.
rwp@1Corinthians:11:10 @{Ought} (\opheilei\). Moral obligation therefore (\dia touto\, rests on woman in the matter of dress that does not (\ouk opheilei\ in verse 7|) rest on the man. {To have a sign of authority} (\exousian echein\). He means \smeion exousias\ (symbol of authority) by \exousian\, but it is the sign of authority of the man over the woman. The veil on the woman's head is the symbol of the authority that the man with the uncovered head has over her. It is, as we see it, more a sign of subjection (\hypotags\, strkjv@1Timothy:2:10|) than of authority (\exousias\). {Because of the angels} (\dia tous aggelous\). This startling phrase has caused all kinds of conjecture which may be dismissed. It is not preachers that Paul has in mind, nor evil angels who could be tempted (Genesis:6:1f.|), but angels present in worship (cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:4:9; strkjv@Psalms:138:1|) who would be shocked at the conduct of the women since the angels themselves veil their faces before Jehovah (Isaiah:6:2|).
rwp@1Corinthians:11:18 @{First of all} (\prton men\). There is no antithesis (\deuteron de\, secondly, or \epeita de\, in the next place) expressed. This is the primary reason for Paul's condemnation and the only one given. {When ye come together in the church} (\sunerchomenn hmn en ekklsii\). Genitive absolute. Here \ekklsia\ has the literal meaning of assembly. {Divisions} (\schismata\). Accusative of general reference with the infinitive \huparchein\ in indirect discourse. Old word for cleft, rent, from \schiz\. Example in papyri for splinter of wood. See on strkjv@1:10|. Not yet formal cleavages into two or more organizations, but partisan divisions that showed in the love-feasts and at the Lord's Supper. {Partly} (\meros ti\). Accusative of extent (to some part) like \panta\ in strkjv@10:33|. He could have said \ek merous\ as in strkjv@13:9|. The rumours of strife were so constant (I keep on hearing, \akou\).
rwp@1Corinthians:11:20 @{To eat the Lord's Supper} (\Kuriakon deipnon phagein\). \Kuriakos\, adjective from \Kurios\, belonging to or pertaining to the Lord, is not just a biblical or ecclesiastical word, for it is found in the inscriptions and papyri in the sense of imperial (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 358), as imperial finance, imperial treasury. It is possible that here the term applies both to the \Agap\ or Love-feast (a sort of church supper or club supper held in connection with, before or after, the Lord's Supper) and the Eucharist or Lord's Supper. \Deipnon\, so common in the Gospels, only here in Paul. The selfish conduct of the Corinthians made it impossible to eat a Lord's Supper at all.
rwp@1Corinthians:15:32 @{After the manner of men} (\kata anthrpon\). Like men, for applause, money, etc. (4:9ff.; strkjv@Phillipians:3:7|). {If I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus} (\ei ethriomachsa en Ephesi\). Late verb from \thriomachos\, a fighter with wild beasts. Found in inscriptions and in Ignatius. Those who argue for an Ephesian imprisonment for Paul and Ephesus as the place where he wrote the imprisonment epistles (see Duncan's book just mentioned) take the verb literally. There is in the ruins of Ephesus now a place called St. Paul's Prison. But Paul was a Roman citizen and it was unlawful to make such a one be a \thriomachos\. If he were cast to the lions unlawfully, he could have prevented it by claiming his citizenship. Besides, shortly after this Paul wrote II Corinthians, but he does not mention so unusual a peril in the list in strkjv@2Corinthians:11:23f|. The incident, whatever it was, whether literal or figurative language, took place before Paul wrote I Corinthians. {What doth it profit me?} (\ti moi to ophelos?\). What the profit to me? {Let us eat and drink} (\phagmen kai pimen\). Volitive second aorist subjunctives of \esthi\ and \pin\. Cited from strkjv@Isaiah:22:13|. It is the outcry of the people of Jerusalem during the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians. At Anchiale near Tarsus is a statue of Sardanapalus with the inscription: "Eat, drink, enjoy thyself. The rest is nothing." This was the motto of the Epicureans. Paul is not giving his own view, but that of people who deny the resurrection.
rwp@1Corinthians:15:34 @{Awake up righteously} (\eknpsate dikais\). Wake up as if from drunkenness. \Eknph\, only here in N.T. sin not (\m hamartanete\). Stop sinning. {No knowledge of God} (\agnsian theou\). Old word for ignorance, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Peter:2:15|. Ignorance of God, agnosticism. Some today (agnostics) even take pride in it instead of shame (\entropn\, turning in on oneself). See on ¯6:5| for \entrop\.
rwp@1Corinthians:15:36 @{Thou foolish one} (\aphrn\). Old word (\a\ privative, \phrn\), lack of sense. It is a severe term and justified by the implication "that the objector plumes himself on his acuteness" (Robertson and Plummer). Proleptic position of \su\ (thou) sharpens the point. Sceptics (agnostics) pose as unusually intellectual (the intelligentsia), but the pose does not make one intelligent. {Except it die} (\ean m apothani\). Condition of third class, possibility assumed. This is the answer to the "how" question. In plant life death precedes life, death of the seed and then the new plant.
rwp@1Corinthians:15:48 @{As is the earthly} (\hoios ho choikos\). Masculine gender because of \anthrpos\ and correlative pronouns (\hoios, toioutoi\) of character or quality. All men of dust (\chokoi\) correspond to "the man of dust" (\ho chokos\), the first Adam. {As is the heavenly} (\hoios ho epouranios\). Christ in his ascended state (1Thessalonians:4:16; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:7; strkjv@Ephesians:2:6,20; strkjv@Phillipians:3:20f.|).
rwp@1Corinthians:15:53 @{Must put on} (\dei endusasthai\). Aorist (ingressive) middle infinitive, put on as a garment. {Immortality} (\athanasian\). Old word from \athanatos\, undying, and that from \a\ privative and \thnsk\, to die. In N.T. only here and strkjv@1Timothy:6:16| where God is described as having immortality.
rwp@1Corinthians:16:17 @{At the coming} (\epi ti parousii\). At the coming here of Stephanas, etc., the very word used of the \parousia\ of Christ (15:23|). {That which was lacking on your part they supplied} (\to humeteron husterma houtoi aneplrsan\). Either "these filled up my lack of you" or "these filled up your lack of me." Either makes perfectly good sense and both were true. Which Paul meant we cannot tell.
rwp@1Corinthians:16:19 @{The churches of Asia} (\hai ekklsiai ts Asias\). True of the Roman province (Acts:10:10,26; strkjv@Colossians:1:6; strkjv@2:1; strkjv@4:13,16|). The gospel spread rapidly from Ephesus. {With the church that is in their house} (\sun ti kat' oikon autn ekklsii\). Paul had long ago left the synagogue for the school house of Tyrannus (Acts:19:9|). But Aquila and Prisca opened their house here for the services. The churches had to meet where they could. Paul had laboured and lived with this family in Corinth (Acts:18:2|) and now again in Ephesus (Acts:18:19; strkjv@20:34|). It was their habit wherever they lived (Romans:16:5|).
rwp@Info_1John @ GNOSTICISM The Epistle is not a polemic primarily, but a letter for the edification of the readers in the truth and the life in Christ. And yet the errors of the Gnostics are constantly before John's mind. The leaders had gone out from among the true Christians, but there was an atmosphere of sympathy that constituted a subtle danger. There are only two passages (1John:2:18f.; strkjv@4:1-6|) in which the false teachers are specifically denounced, but "this unethical intellectualism" (Robert Law) with its dash of Greek culture and Oriental mysticism and licentiousness gave a curious attraction for many who did not know how to think clearly. John, like Paul in Colossians, Ephesians, and the Pastoral Epistles, foresaw this dire peril to Christianity. In the second century it gave pure Christianity a gigantic struggle. "The great Gnostics were the first Christian philosophers" (Robert Law, _The Tests of Life_, p. 27) and threatened to undermine the Gospel message by "deifying the devil" (ib., p. 31) along with dethroning Christ. There were two kinds of Gnostics, both agreeing in the essential evil of matter. Both had trouble with the Person of Christ. The Docetic Gnostics denied the actual humanity of Christ, the Cerinthian Gnostics distinguished between the man Jesus and the \aeon\ Christ that came on him at his baptism and left him on the Cross. Some practised asceticism, some licentiousness. John opposes both classes in his Epistles. They claimed superior knowledge (\gnsis\) and so were called Gnostics (\Gnstikoi\). Nine times John gives tests for knowing the truth and uses the verb \ginsk\ (know) each time (1John:2:3,5; strkjv@3:16,19,24; strkjv@4:2,6,13; strkjv@5:2|). Some of the leaders he calls antichrists. There are stories about John's dread of Cerinthus and his unwillingness to be seen in the same public bath with him. The Apostle of love, as he is, is a real son of thunder when Gnosticism shows its head. Westcott thinks that the Fourth Gospel was written to prove the deity of Christ, assuming his humanity, while I John was written to prove the humanity of Christ, assuming his deity. Certainly both ideas appear in both books.
rwp@Info_1John @ DESTINATION It is not clear to whom the Epistle is addressed. Like the Gospel, the Epistle of John came out of the Asiatic circle with Ephesus as the centre. Augustine has the strange statement that the Epistle was addressed to the Parthians. There are other ingenious conjectures which come to nothing. The Epistle was clearly sent to those familiar with John's message, possibly to the churches of the Province of Asia (cf. the Seven Churches in Revelation).
rwp@Info_1John @ BIBLIOGRAPHY Alexander, _Epistles of John_ (Speaker's Comm., 1889). Barrett, _Devotional Comm. on John_ (1910). Baumgartner, _Die Schriften des N.T_. (IV. 3, 1918). Belser, _Komm_. (1906). Bennett, _New-Century Bible_. Brooke, _Int. Crit. Comm_. (Johannine Epistles, 1912). Cox, _Private Letters of St. Paul and St. John_ (1887). Ebrard, _Die Briefe Johannis_ (1859). Ewald, _Die Johanneischen Schriften_ (1861). Findlay, _Fellowship in the Life Eternal_ (1909) Gibbon, _Eternal Life_ (1890). Gore, _Epistles of John_ (1921). Green, _Ephesian Canonical Writings_ (1910). Haring, _Die Johannesbriefe_ (1927). Haupt, _I John_ (1869). Hilgenfeld, _Das Evangelium und die Briefe Johannis nach ihrem Lehrbegriff dargestellt_ (1849). Holtzmann-Bauer, _Hand-Comm. sum N.T_. (1908). Holtzmann, _Das Problem des I Johannesbr. in seinem Ver- haltniss zum Evang_. (Jahrbuch fur Prot. Theologie, 1881, 1882). Huther, _Crit. and Exeget. to the General Eps. of James and John_ (1882). Karl, _Johanneische Studien_ (der I Johannes Brief, 1898). Law, _The Tests of Life_ (1909). Lias, _Epistles of John_ (1887). Loisy, _Les epitres dites de Jean_ (1921) in le quatrieme evan- gile. Lucke, _Comm. on Epistles of John_ (1837). Luthardt, _Strack-Zoeckler Komm_. (1895). Maurice, _The Epistles of St. John_ (1857). Plummer, _Cambridge Greek Test_ (1886). Ramsay, A., _Westminster N.T_. (1910). Ritter, _Die Gemeinschaft der Heiligen_ (1929). Robertson, J. A., _The Johannine Epistles_ (1920). Rothe, _Der erste Brief Johannis_ (1879). Sawtelle, _American Comm_. (1890). Smith, David, _The Expositor's Greek Testament_ (1910). Watson, _Epistles of John_ (1910). Weiss, B., _Die drei Briefe des Apostels Johannis_ (Meyer Komm. 1900). Wendt, _Die Johannesbriefe und das Johanneische Christen- tum_ (1925). Westcott, _The Epistles of St. John_. 3rd ed. (1892). Windisch, _Die Katholischer Briefe_ (Handbuch zum N.T., 2 Aufl., 1930). Wrede, _In Die Heiligen Schriften des N.T_. (2 Aufl., 1924). Wurm, _Die Irrlehrer im I Johannes Brief_ (1903). strkjv@1John:1:1 @{That which} (\ho\). Strictly speaking, the neuter relative here is not personal, but the message "concerning the Word of life" (\peri tou logou ts zs\), a phrase that reminds one at once of the Word (\Logos\) in strkjv@John:1:1,14; strkjv@Revelation:19:14| (an incidental argument for identity of authorship for all these books). For discussion of the \Logos\ see on ¯John:1:1-18|. Here the \Logos\ is described by \ts zs\ (of life), while in strkjv@John:1:4| he is called \h z\ (the Life) as here in verse 2| and as Jesus calls himself (John:11:25; strkjv@14:6|), an advance on the phrase here, and in strkjv@Revelation:19:14| he is termed \ho logos tou theou\ (the Word of God), though in strkjv@John:1:1| the \Logos\ is flatly named \ho theos\ (God). John does use \ho\ in a collective personal sense in strkjv@John:6:37,39|. See also \pan ho\ in strkjv@1John:5:4|. {From the beginning} (\ap' archs\). Anarthrous as in strkjv@John:1:1; strkjv@6:64; strkjv@16:4|. See same phrase in strkjv@2:7|. The reference goes beyond the Christian dispensation, beyond the Incarnation, to the eternal purpose of God in Christ (John:3:16|), "coeval in some sense with creation" (Westcott). {That which we have heard} (\ho akkoamen\). Note fourfold repetition of \ho\ (that which) without connectives (asyndeton). The perfect tense (active indicative of \akou\) stresses John's equipment to speak on this subject so slowly revealed. It is the literary plural unless John associates the elders of Ephesus with himself (Lightfoot) the men who certified the authenticity of the Gospel (John:21:24|). {That which we have seen} (\ho herakamen\). Perfect active, again, of \hora\, with the same emphasis on the possession of knowledge by John. {With our eyes} (\tois ophthalmois hmn\). Instrumental case and showing it was not imagination on John's part, not an optical illusion as the Docetists claimed, for Jesus had an actual human body. He could be heard and seen. {That which we beheld} (\ho etheasametha\). Repetition with the aorist middle indicative of \theaomai\ (the very form in strkjv@John:1:14|), "a spectacle which broke on our astonished vision" (D. Smith). {Handled} (\epslaphsan\). First aorist active indicative of \pslapha\, old and graphic verb (from \psa\, to touch), the very verb used by Jesus to prove that he was not a mere spirit (Luke:24:39|). Three senses are here appealed to (hearing, sight, touch) as combining to show the reality of Christ's humanity against the Docetic Gnostics and the qualification of John by experience to speak. But he is also "the Word of life" and so God Incarnate.
rwp@1John:1:2 @{Was manifested} (\ephanerth\). First aorist passive indicative of \phanero\, to make known what already exists, whether invisible (B. Weiss) or visible, "intellectual or sensible" (Brooke). In strkjv@Colossians:3:4| Paul employs it of the second coming of Christ. Verse 2| here is an important parenthesis, a mark of John's style as in strkjv@John:1:15|. By the parenthesis John heaps reassurance upon his previous statement of the reality of the Incarnation by the use of \herakamen\ (as in verse 1|) with the assertion of the validity of his "witness" (\marturoumen\) and "message" (\apaggellomen\), both present active indicatives (literary plurals), \apaggell\ being the public proclamation of the great news (John:16:25|). {The life, the eternal life} (\tn zn tn ainion\). Taking up \z\ of verse 1|, John defines the term by the adjective \ainios\, used 71 times in the N.T., 44 times with \z\ and 23 in John's Gospel and Epistles (only so used in these books by John). Here lt means the divine life which the Logos was and is (John:1:4; strkjv@1John:1:1|). {Which} (\htis\). Qualitative relative, "which very life." {Was with the Father} (\n pros ton patera\). Not \egeneto\, but \n\, and \pros\ with the accusative of intimate fellowship, precisely as in strkjv@John:1:1| \n pros ton theon\ (was with God). Then John closes the parenthesis by repeating \ephanerth\.
rwp@1John:2:18 @{It is the last hour} (\eschat hra estin\). This phrase only here in N.T., though John often uses \hra\ for a crisis (John:2:4; strkjv@4:21,23; strkjv@5:25,28|, etc.). It is anarthrous here and marks the character of the "hour." John has seven times "the last day" in the Gospel. Certainly in verse 28| John makes it plain that the \parousia\ might come in the life of those then living, but it is not clear that here he definitely asserts it as a fact. It was his hope beyond a doubt. We are left in doubt about this "last hour" whether it covers a period, a series, or the final climax of all just at hand. {As ye heard} (\kaths kousate\). First aorist active indicative of \akou\. {Antichrist cometh} (\antichristos erchetai\). "Is coming." Present futuristic or prophetic middle indicative retained in indirect assertion. Songs:Jesus taught (Mark:13:6,22; strkjv@Matthew:24:5,15,24|) and so Paul taught (Acts:20:30; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:3|). These false Christs (Matthew:24:24; strkjv@Mark:13:22|) are necessarily antichrists, for there can be only one. \Anti\ can mean substitution or opposition, but both ideas are identical in the word \antichristos\ (in N.T. only here, strkjv@2:22; strkjv@4:3; strkjv@2John:1:7|). Westcott rightly observes that John's use of the word is determined by the Christian conception, not by the Jewish apocalypses. {Have there arisen} (\gegonasin\). Second perfect active indicative of \ginomai\. {Many antichrists} (\antichristoi polloi\). Not just one, but the exponents of the Gnostic teaching are really antichrists, just as some modern deceivers deserve this title. {Whereby} (\hothen\). By the fact that these many antichrists have come.
rwp@1John:2:19 @{From us} (\ex hmn\) {--of us} (\ex hmn\). The same idiom, \ex\ and the ablative case (\hmn\), but in different senses to correspond with \exlthan\ (they went out from our membership) and \ouk san\ (they were not of us in spirit and life). For \ex\ in the sense of origin see strkjv@John:17:15|, for \ex\ in the sense of likeness, strkjv@John:17:14|. {For if they had been of us} (\ei gar ex hmn san\). Condition of second class with \ei\ and imperfect tense (no aorist for \eimi\). {They would have continued} (\memenkeisan an\). Past perfect of \men\, to remain, without augment, with \an\ in apodosis of second-class condition. {With us} (\meth' hmn\). In fellowship, for which see \meta\ in strkjv@1:3|. They had lost the inner fellowship and then apparently voluntarily broke the outward. {But they went} (\all'\). Ellipsis of the verb \exlthan\ above, a common habit (ellipse) in John s Gospel (1:8; strkjv@9:3; strkjv@13:18; strkjv@15:25|). {That they might be made manifest} (\hina phanerthsin\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \phanero\, for which verb see strkjv@John:21:1; strkjv@Colossians:3:4|. See strkjv@2Corinthians:3:3| for the personal construction with \hoti\ as here. {They all are not} (\ouk eisin pantes\). Not just some, but all, as in strkjv@2:21; strkjv@3:5|. These antichrists are thus revealed in their true light.
rwp@1John:2:28 @{And now} (\kai nun\). John tenderly repeats the exhortation, "keep on abiding in him." {If he shall be manifested} (\ean phanerthi\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and first aorist passive subjunctive as in verse 19; strkjv@Colossians:3:3|. A clear reference to the second coming of Christ which may be at any time. {That we have boldness} (\hina schmen parrsian\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the ingressive second aorist active subjunctive of \ech\, "that we may get boldness." {And not be ashamed} (\kai m aischunthmen\). Likewise negative purpose (after John's fashion) with \m\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \aischun\, to put to shame. {Before him} (\ap' autou\). "From him," as if shrinking away from Christ in guilty surprise. See strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:9| for this use of \apo\ (from the face of the Lord).
rwp@1John:3:1 @{What manner of love} (\potapn agapn\). Qualitative interrogative as in strkjv@2Peter:3:11; strkjv@Matthew:8:27|. Only here in John's writings. Originally of what country or race. {Hath bestowed} (\dedken\). Perfect active indicative of \didmi\, state of completion, "the endowment of the receiver" (Vincent). {That we should be called} (\hina klthmen\). Sub-final use of \hina\ with the first aorist passive subjunctive of \kale\, to call or name, as in strkjv@Matthew:2:23|. {Children} (\tekna\). As in strkjv@John:1:12| and with an allusion to \gegenntai\ in strkjv@2:29| in an effort "to restore the waning enthusiasm of his readers, and to recall them to their first love" (Brooke). {And such we are} (\kai esmen\). "And we are." A parenthetical reflection characteristic of John (\kai nun estin\ in strkjv@John:5:25| and \kai ouk eisin\ in strkjv@Revelation:2:2; strkjv@3:9|) omitted by Textus Receptus, though, in the old MSS. {Because it knew him not} (\hoti ouk egn auton\). Second aorist active indicative of \ginsk\, precisely the argument in strkjv@John:15:18f|.
rwp@1John:3:2 @{Now} (\nun\). Without waiting for the \parousia\ or second coming. We have a present dignity and duty, though there is greater glory to come. {It is not yet made manifest} (\oup ephanerth\). First aorist passive indicative of \phanero\. For the aorist indicative with \oup\ with a future outlook Brooke notes strkjv@Mark:11:2; strkjv@1Corinthians:8:2; strkjv@Hebrews:12:4; strkjv@Revelation:17:10,12|. {What we shall be} (\ti esometha\). Not \tines\ (who), but \ti\ (what) neuter singular predicate nominative. "This _what_ suggests something unspeakable, contained in the likeness of God" (Bengel). {If he shall be manifested} (\ean phanerthi\). As in strkjv@2:28|, which see. The subject may be Christ as in verse 9|, or the future manifestation just mentioned. Either makes sense, probably "it" here better than "he." {Like him} (\homoioi auti\). \Auti\ is associative instrumental case after \homoioi\. This is our destiny and glory (Romans:8:29|), to be like Jesus who is like God (2Corinthians:4:6|). {We shall see him even as he is} (\opsometha auton kaths estin\). Future middle indicative of \hora\. The transforming power of this vision of Christ (1Corinthians:13:12|) is the consummation of the glorious process begun at the new birth (2Corinthians:3:18|).
rwp@1John:3:5 @{He} (\ekeinos\). As in verse 3; strkjv@John:1:18|. {Was manifested} (\ephanerth\). Same form as in verse 2|, but here of the Incarnation as in strkjv@John:21:1|, not of the second coming (1John:2:28|). {To take away sins} (\hina tas hamartias ari\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and first aorist active subjunctive of \air\ as in strkjv@John:1:29|. In strkjv@Isaiah:53:11| we have \anapher\ for bearing sins, but \air\ properly means to lift up and carry away (John:2:16|). Songs:in strkjv@Hebrews:10:4| we find \aphaire\ and strkjv@Hebrews:10:11| \periaire\, to take away sins completely (the complete expiation wrought by Christ on Calvary). The plural \hamartias\ here, as in strkjv@Colossians:1:14|, not singular (collective sense) \hamartian\ as in strkjv@John:1:29|. {And in him is no sin} (\kai hamartia en auti ouk estin\). "And sin (the sinful principle) in him is not." As Jesus had claimed about himself (John:7:18; strkjv@8:46|) and as is repeatedly stated in the N.T. (2Corinthians:5:21; strkjv@Hebrews:4:15; strkjv@7:26; strkjv@9:13|).
rwp@1John:3:12 @{Of the evil one} (\ek tou ponrou\). Ablative case and the same for neuter and masculine singular, but verse 10| makes it clear that the reference is to the devil. {Slew} (\esphaxen\). First aorist active indicative of \sphaz\, old verb, to slay, to butcher, to cut the throat (Latin _jugulare_) like an ox in the shambles, in N.T. only here and Rev. (Revelation:5:6,9,12|, etc.). {Wherefore?} (\charin tinos;\). "For the sake of what?" Post-positive preposition (Ephesians:3:1,14|) except here. The interpretation of the act of Cain (Genesis:4:8ff.|) is an addition to the narrative, but in accord with strkjv@Hebrews:11:4|. Jealousy led to murder.
rwp@1John:3:17 @{Whoso hath} (\hos an echi\). Indefinite relative clause with modal \an\ with \hos\ and the present active subjunctive of \ech\. {The world's goods} (\ton bion tou kosmou\). "The living or livelihood (not \z\, the principle of life, and see strkjv@2:16| for \bios\) of the world" (not in the sense of evil or wicked, but simply this mundane sphere). {Beholdeth} (\therei\). Present active subjunctive of \there\, like \echei\ just before. {In need} (\chreian echonta\). "Having need" (present active predicate participle of \ech\, agreeing with \adelphon\). See the vivid picture of a like case in strkjv@James:2:15f|. {Shutteth up} (\kleisi\). First aorist (effective) active subjunctive of \klei\, to close like the door, changed on purpose from present tense to aorist (graphic slamming the door of his compassion, \splagchna\, common in LXX and N.T. for the nobler viscera, the seat of the emotions, as in strkjv@Phillipians:2:11; strkjv@Colossians:3:12|). Only here in John. {How} (\ps\). Rhetorical question like that in strkjv@James:2:16| (what is the use?). It is practical, not speculative, that counts in the hour of need.
rwp@1John:3:21 @{If our heart condemn us not} (\ean h kardia m kataginski\). Condition of third class with \ean m\ and present active subjunctive. The converse of the preceding, but not a claim to sinlessness, but the consciousness of fellowship in God's presence. {Boldness toward God} (\parrsian pros ton theon\). Even in prayer (Hebrews:4:16|). See also strkjv@2:28|.
rwp@1John:4:6 @{We} (\hmeis\). In sharp contrast with the false prophets and the world. We are in tune with the Infinite God. Hence "he that knoweth God" (\ho ginskn ton theon\, present active articular participle, the one who keeps on getting acquainted with God, growing in his knowledge of God) "hears us" (\akouei hmn\). This is one reason why sermons are dull (some actually are, others so to dull hearers) or inspiring. There is a touch of mysticism here, to be sure, but the heart of Christianity is mysticism (spiritual contact with God in Christ by the Holy Spirit). John states the same idea negatively by a relative clause parallel with the preceding articular participle, the negative with both clauses. John had felt the cold, indifferent, and hostile stare of the worldling as he preached Jesus. {By this} (\ek toutou\). "From this," deduction drawn from the preceding; only example in the Epistle for the common \en touti\ as in strkjv@4:2|. The power of recognition (\ginskomen\, we know by personal experience) belongs to all believers (Westcott). There is no reason for Christians being duped by "the spirit of error" (\to pneuma ts plans\), here alone in the N.T., though we have \pneumasin planois\ (misleading spirits) in strkjv@1Timothy:4:1|. Rejection of the truth may be due also to our not speaking the truth in love (Ephesians:4:15|).
rwp@1John:4:17 @{Herein} (\en touti\). It is not clear whether the \hina\ clause (sub-final use) is in apposition with \en touti\ as in strkjv@John:15:8| or the \hoti\ clause (because) with the \hina\ clause as parenthesis. Either makes sense. Westcott argues for the latter idea, which is reinforced by the preceding sentence. {With us} (\meth' hmn\). Construed with the verb \teteleitai\ (is perfected). In contrast to \en hmin\ (verses 12,16|), emphasising cooperation. "God works with man" (Westcott). For boldness (\parrsian\) in the day of judgment (only here with both articles, but often with no articles as in strkjv@2Peter:2:9|) see strkjv@2:28|. {As he is} (\kaths ekeinos estin\). That is Christ as in strkjv@2:6; strkjv@3:3,5,7,16|. Same tense (present) as in strkjv@3:7|. "Love is a heavenly visitant" (David Smith). We are in this world to manifest Christ.
rwp@1John:4:18 @{Fear} (\phobos\). Like a bond-slave (Romans:8:15|), not the reverence of a son (\eulabeia\, strkjv@Hebrews:5:7f.|) or the obedience to a father (\en phobi\, strkjv@1Peter:1:17|). This kind of dread is the opposite of \parrsia\ (boldness). {Perfect love} (\h teleia agap\). There is such a thing, perfect because it has been perfected (verses 12,17|). Cf. strkjv@James:1:4|. {Casteth out fear} (\ex ballei ton phobon\). "Drives fear out" so that it does not exist in real love. See \ekball ex\ in strkjv@John:6:37; strkjv@9:34f.; strkjv@12:31; strkjv@15:6| to turn out-of-doors, a powerful metaphor. Perfect love harbours no suspicion and no dread (1Corinthians:13|). {Hath punishment} (\kolasin echei\). Old word, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:25:46|. \Timria\ has only the idea of penalty, \kolasis\ has also that of discipline, while \paideia\ has that of chastisement (Hebrews:12:7|). The one who still dreads (\phoboumenos\) has not been made perfect in love (\ou teteleitai\). Bengel graphically describes different types of men: "sine timore et amore; cum timore sine amore; cum timore et amore; sine timore cum amore."
rwp@1John:5:6 @{This} (\houtos\). Jesus the Son of God (verse 5|). {He that came} (\ho elthn\). Second aorist active articular participle of \erchomai\, referring to the Incarnation as a definite historic event, the preexistent Son of God "sent from heaven to do God's will" (Brooke). {By water and blood} (\di' hudatos kai haimatos\). Accompanied by (\dia\ used with the genitive both as instrument and accompaniment, as in strkjv@Galatians:5:13|) water (as at the baptism) and blood (as on the Cross). These two incidents in the Incarnation are singled out because at the baptism Jesus was formally set apart to his Messianic work by the coming of the Holy Spirit upon him and by the Father's audible witness, and because at the Cross his work reached its culmination ("It is finished," Jesus said). There are other theories that do not accord with the language and the facts. It is true that at the Cross both water and blood came out of the side of Jesus when pierced by the soldier, as John bore witness (John:19:34|), a complete refutation of the Docetic denial of an actual human body for Jesus and of the Cerinthian distinction between Jesus and Christ. There is thus a threefold witness to the fact of the Incarnation, but he repeats the twofold witness before giving the third. The repetition of both preposition (\en\ this time rather than \dia\) and the article (\ti\ locative case) argues for two separate events with particular emphasis on the blood ("not only" \ouk monon\, "but" \all'\) which the Gnostics made light of or even denied. {It is the Spirit that beareth witness} (\to pneuma estin to marturoun\). Present active articular participle of \marture\ with article with both subject and predicate, and so interchangeable as in strkjv@3:4|. The Holy Spirit is the third and the chief witness at the baptism of Jesus and all through his ministry. {Because} (\hoti\). Or declarative "that." Either makes sense. In strkjv@John:15:26| Jesus spoke of "the Spirit of truth" (whose characteristic is truth). Here John identifies the Spirit with truth as Jesus said of himself (John:14:6|) without denying personality for the Holy Spirit.
rwp@1John:5:14 @{Toward him} (\pros auton\). Fellowship with (\pros\, face to face) Christ. For boldness see strkjv@2:28|. {That} (\hoti\). Declarative again, as in verse 11|. {If we ask anything} (\ean ti aitmetha\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and present middle (indirect) subjunctive (personal interest as in strkjv@James:4:3|, though the point is not to be pressed too far, for see strkjv@Matthew:20:20,22; strkjv@John:16:24,26|). {According to his will} (\kata to thelma autou\). This is the secret in all prayer, even in the case of Jesus himself. For the phrase see strkjv@1Peter:4:19; strkjv@Galatians:1:4; strkjv@Ephesians:1:5,11|. {He heareth us} (\akouei hmn\). Even when God does not give us what we ask, in particular then (Hebrews:5:7f.|).
rwp@1John:5:18 @{We know} (\oidamen\). As in strkjv@3:2,14; strkjv@5:15,19,20|. He has "ye know" in strkjv@2:20; strkjv@3:5,15|. {Sinneth not} (\ouch hamartanei\). Lineal present active indicative, "does not keep on sinning," as he has already shown in strkjv@3:4-10|. {He that was begotten of God} (\ho genntheis ek tou theou\). First aorist passive articular participle referring to Christ, if the reading of A B is correct (\trei auton\, not \trei heauton\). It is Christ who keeps the one begotten of God (\gegennmenos ek tou theou\ as in strkjv@3:9| and so different from \ho genntheis\ here). It is a difficult phrase, but this is probably the idea. Jesus (John:18:37|) uses \gegennmai\ of himself and uses also \tre\ of keeping the disciples (John:17:12,15; strkjv@Revelation:3:10|). {The evil one} (\ho ponros\). Masculine and personal as in strkjv@2:13|, not neuter, and probably Satan as in strkjv@Matthew:6:13|, not just any evil man. {Touchest him not} (\ouch haptetai autou\). Present middle indicative of \hapt\, elsewhere in John only strkjv@John:20:17|. It means to lay hold of or to grasp rather than a mere superficial touch (\thiggan\, both in strkjv@Colossians:2:21|). Here the idea is to touch to harm. The devil cannot snatch such a man from Christ (John:6:38f.|).
rwp@1John:5:20 @{Is come} (\hkei\). Present active indicative, but the root has a perfect sense, "has come." See \exlthon kai hk\ in strkjv@John:8:42|. {An understanding} (\dianoian\). Here alone in John's writings, but in Paul (Ephesians:4:18|) and Peter (1Peter:1:13|). John does not use \gnsis\ (knowledge) and \nous\ (mind) only in strkjv@Revelation:13:18; strkjv@17:9|. {That we know} (\hina ginskomen\). Result clause with \hina\ and the present active indicative, as is common with \hina\ and the future indicative (John:7:3|). It is possible that here \o\ was pronounced \\ as a subjunctive, but many old MSS. have \hina ginskousin\ (plainly indicative) in strkjv@John:17:3|, and in many other places in the N.T. the present indicative with \hina\ occurs as a variant reading as in strkjv@John:5:20|. {Him that is true} (\ton althinon\). That is, God. Cf. strkjv@1:8|. {In him that is true} (\en ti althini\). In God in contrast with the world "in the evil one" (verse 19|). See strkjv@John:17:3|. {Even in his Son Jesus Christ} (\en ti huii autou Isou Christi\). The \autou\ refers clearly to \en ti althini\ (God). Hence this clause is not in apposition with the preceding, but an explanation as to how we are "in the True One" by being "in his Son Jesus Christ." {This} (\houtos\). Grammatically \houtos\ may refer to Jesus Christ or to "the True One." It is a bit tautological to refer it to God, but that is probably correct, God in Christ, at any rate. God is eternal life (John:5:26|) and he gives it to us through Christ.
rwp@Info_1Peter @ THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER ABOUT A.D. 65 BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION THE AUTHOR The Epistle is not anonymous, but claims to be written by "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ" (1Peter:1:1|), that is Cephas (Simon Peter). If this is not true, then the book is pseudonymous by a late writer who assumed Peter's name, as in the so-called Gospel of Peter, Apocalypse of Peter, etc. "There is no book in the New Testament which has earlier, better, or stronger attestation, though Irenaeus is the first to quote it by name" (Bigg). Eusebius (_H.E_. iii. 25.2) places it among the acknowledged books, those accepted with no doubt at all. We here assume that Simon Peter wrote this Epistle or at any rate dictated it by an amanuensis, as Paul did in Romans (Romans:16:22|). Bigg suggests Silvanus (Silas) as the amanuensis or interpreter (1Peter:5:12|), the obvious meaning of the language (\dia\, through). He may also have been the bearer of the Epistle. It happens that we know more of Peter's life than of any of the twelve apostles because of his prominence in the Gospels and in the first fifteen chapters of the Acts. In the _Student's Chronological New Testament_ I have given a full list of the passages in the Gospels where Peter appears with any clearness and the material is rich and abundant. The account in Acts is briefer, though Peter is the outstanding man in the first five chapters during his career in Jerusalem. After the conversion of Saul he begins to work outside of Jerusalem and after escaping death at the hands of Herod Agrippa I (Acts:12:3ff.|) he left for a while, but is back in Jerusalem at the Conference called by Paul and Barnabas (Acts:15:6-14; Gal strkjv@2:1-10|). After that we have no more about him in Acts, though he reappears in Antioch and is rebuked by Paul for cowardice because of the Judaizers (Galatians:2:11-21). He travelled for the Gospel among the Jews of the Dispersion (Galatians:2:9|) with his wife (1Corinthians:9:5|), and went to Asia Minor (1Peter:1:1|) and as far as Babylon or Rome (1Peter:5:13|). Besides Silvanus he had John Mark with him also (1Peter:5:13|), who was said by the early Christian writers to have been Peter's "interpreter" in his preaching, since Peter was not expert in the Greek (Acts:4:13|), and who also wrote his Gospel under the inspiration of Peter's preaching. We are not able to follow clearly the close of his life or to tell precisely the time of his death. He was apparently put to death in A.D. 67 or 68, but some think that he was executed in Rome in A.D. 64.
rwp@Info_1Peter @ THE USE OF PAUL'S EPISTLES There are two extremes about the relation of Peter to Paul. One is that of violent antithesis, with Peter and Paul opposing one another by exaggerating and prolonging Paul's denunciation of Peter's cowardice in Antioch (Galatians:2:11-21|) and making Peter also the exponent of a Jewish type of Christianity (practically a Judaizing type). This view of Baur once had quite a following, but it has nearly disappeared. Under its influence Acts and Peter's Epistles were considered not genuine, but documents designed to patch up the disagreement between Peter and Paul. The other extreme is to deny any Pauline influence on Peter or of Peter on Paul. Paul was friendly to Peter (Galatians:1:18|), but was independent of his ecclesiastical authority (Galatians:2:1-10|) and Peter championed Paul's cause in the Jerusalem Conference (Acts:15:7-13|). Peter was certainly not a Judaizer (Acts:11:1-18|), in spite of his temporary defection in Antioch. Undoubtedly Peter was won back to cordial relations with Paul if any confidence can be placed in strkjv@2Peter:3:15f|. There is no reason for doubting that Peter was familiar with some of Paul's Epistles as there indicated. There is some indication of Peter's use of Romans and Ephesians in this Epistle. It is not always conclusive to find the same words and even ideas which are not formally quoted, because there was a Christian vocabulary and a body of doctrinal ideas in common though with personal variations in expression. Peter may have read James, but not the Pastoral Epistles. There are points of contact with Hebrews which Von Soden considers sufficiently accounted for by the fact that Peter and the author of Hebrews were contemporaries.
rwp@Info_1Peter @ THE PERSECUTION PICTURED IN THE EPISTLE Peter himself knew what persecution was at the hands of the Sanhedrin and of Herod Agrippa I (both church and state). If First Peter was written A.D. 65, there was time enough for the persecution of Nero in Rome in A.D. 64 to spread to Asia Minor. The province easily imitated the capital city. Paul's life in the Acts and his Epistles abundantly show how early persecution arose in Asia Minor. The Apocalypse, written during the reign of Domitian, shows that persecution from the state had been on hand long before and was an old burden. We know too little of the history of Christianity in Asia Minor from A.D. 60 to 70 to deny that the fiery trials and suffering as a Christian (1Peter:4:16|) can be true of this period. Songs:we locate the persecution at this time as an echo from Rome.
rwp@Info_1Peter @ THE PLACE OF WRITING Peter states that he is in Babylon (1Peter:5:13|), apparently with his wife (1Corinthians:9:5|). It is not certain whether he means actual Babylon, where Jews had been numerous, or mystical Babylon (Rome) as in the Apocalypse. We do not know when Rome began to be called Babylon. It may have started as a result of Nero's persecution of the Christians after the burning of Rome. The Christians were called "evil-doers" (1Peter:2:12|) in the time of Nero (Tacitus, _Ann_. XV. 44). Songs:we can think of Rome as the place of writing and that Peter uses "Babylon" to hide his actual location from Nero. Whether Peter came to Rome while Paul was still there we do not know, though John Mark was there with Paul (Colossians:4:10|). "At the time when it was written Babylon had not yet unmasked all its terrors, and the ordinary Christian was not in immediate danger of the _tunica ardens_, or the red-hot iron chair, or the wild beasts, or the stake" (Bigg).
rwp@Info_1Peter @ THE READERS Peter writes "to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1Peter:1:1|). These five Roman provinces are naturally given from the standpoint of Babylon. In Galatia and Asia Paul had labored, though not all over these provinces. At any rate, there is no reason to wonder that Peter should himself work in the same regions where Paul had been. In a general way Paul and Peter had agreed on separate spheres of activity, Paul to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews (Galatians:21:7ff.|), though the distinction was not absolute, for Paul usually began his work in the Jewish synagogue. Probably the readers are mainly Jewish Christians. but not to the exclusion of Gentiles. Peter has clearly Paul's idea that Christianity is the true Judaism of God's promise (1Peter:2:4-10|)
rwp@Info_1Peter @ SOME BOOKS Alford, H., Vol. IV. 1 of his _Greek Testament_ (1870). Baldwin, _The Fisherman of Galilee_ (1923). Barnes, _St. Peter in Rome and His Tomb on the Vatican Hill_. Beck, J. T., _Erklarung der Briefe Petri_ (1895). Bennett, W. H., _New-Century Bible_ (1901). Bigg, C., _Intern. Crit. Comm_. (1901). Birks, _Studies in the Life and Character of St. Peter_ (1887). Blenkin, _The First Ep. General of St. Peter_ (1915). Camerlinck, _Commentarius in epistolas catholicas_ (1909). Cooke and Lumby, _Speaker's Comm_. (1881). Couard, _Commentaire_ (1895). Couard, _Simon Petrus der Apostel des Herrn_. Davidson, _St. Peter and His Training_. Elert, _Die Religiositat des Petrus_ (1911). Erbes, _Die Todestage der Apostels Paulus and Petrus_ (1899). Foakes-Jackson, F. J., _Peter Prince of Apostles_ (1927). Foster, Ora D., _The Literary Relations of the First Epistle of Peter_ (1913). Fouard, C., _St. Peter and the First Years of Christianity_ (1892). Gallagher, M., _Was the Apostle Peter Ever at Rome?_ (1894). Goutard, _Essai critique et historique sur la prem. e'pitre de S. Pierre_ (1905). Green, S. G., _The Apostle Peter: His Life and Letters_ (1880). Guignebert, _Lamentations:Primaute' de Pierre et la Venue de Pierre a Rome_ (1909). Gunkel, H., _Die Schriften d. N.T_. 3 Aufl. (1917). Hart, J. H. A., _Expos. Greek Test_. (1910). Henriott, _Saint Pierre_ (1891). Hort, F. J. A., _The First Epistle of St. Peter strkjv@1:1-2:17_ (1898). Howson, J., _Horae Petrinae_ (1883). Jenkins, R. C., _The Apostle Peter. Claims of Catholics_ (1875). Johnstone, _The First Epistle of Peter_ (1888). Kasteren, Van, _Deuteronomy:Eerste Brief Van d. Ap. Petrus_ (1911). Keil, C. F., _Comm. uber die Briefe des Petrus und Juda_ (1883). Knopf, R., _Die Briefe Petri und Juda_ (1912). Kogel, J., _Die Gedankenheit des Ersten Briefes Petri_ (1902). Kuhl, E., _Die Briefe Petri und Judae_ (Meyer Komm., 6 Aufl., 1897). Lietzmann, _Petrus and Paulus in Rom_. Lumby, J. R., _Expositor's Bible_ (1893). Masterman, J. H. B., _Epistles of St. Peter_ (1900). McInnis, J.M., _Simon Peter Fisherman and Philosopher_ (1928). Meyer, F. B., _Peter: Fisherman, Disciple, Apostle_ (1920). Moffatt, James, _Moffatt Comm. on N.T._ (1930). Monneir, J., _Lamentations:premiere e'pitre de l'apotre Pierre_ (1900). Perdelwitz, _Die Mysterienreligion und das Problem des ersten Petrusbriefes_ (1911). Plumptre, _Cambridge Bible_ (1879). Reagan, _The Preaching of Peter, the Beginning of Christian Apologetics_ (1922). Robinson, C. G., _Simon Peter: His Life and Times_ (1889). Ross, J. M. E., _The First Epistle of Peter_ (1913). Salmond, A. D. F., _Schaff's Comm_. (1883). Scharfe, _Die petrinische Stromung der neut. Literatur_ (1893). Schmid, _Petrus in Rome_ (1879). Seeley, _The Life and Writings of St. Peter_. Soden, Von, H., _Hand-Komm_. (3 Aufl., 1899). Taylor, W. M., _Peter the Apostle_ (1876). Thomas, W. H., Griffith, _The Apostle Peter_ (2nd ed., 1905). Thompson, _Life-Work of Peter the Apostle_. Upham, _Simon Peter Shepherd_ (1910). Usteri, J. M., _Wiss. und prakt. Komm. uber den I Petrus- brief_ (1887). Volter, D., _Der I Petrusbrief_ (1906). Weiss, B., _Die erste Petrusbrief und die Kritik_ (1906). _Der petrinische Lehrbegriff_ (1855). Williams, N. M., _American Comm_. Windisch, H., _Die Katholische Briefe. Handbuch zum N.T._ (2 Aufl., 1930). Wohlenberg, G., _Der erste und zweite Petrusbrief und der Judasbrief_. (Zahn Komm., 2 Aufl., 1915.) strkjv@1Peter:1:1 @{Peter} (\Petros\). Greek form for the Aramaic (Chaldaic) \Cphs\, the nickname given Simon by Jesus when he first saw him (John:1:42|) and reaffirmed in the Greek form on his great confession (Matthew:16:18|), with an allusion to \petra\, another form for a rock, ledge, or cliff. In strkjv@2Peter:1:1| we have both \Simn\ and \Petros\. Paul in his Epistles always terms himself Paul, not Saul. Songs:Peter uses this name, not Cephas or Simon, because he is writing to Christians scattered over Asia Minor. The nominative absolute occurs here as in strkjv@James:1:1|, but without \chairein\ as there, the usual form of greeting in letters (Acts:23:26|) so common in the papyri. {An apostle of Jesus Christ} (\apostolos Isou Christou\). This is his official title, but in strkjv@2Peter:1:1| \doulos\ is added, which occurs alone in strkjv@James:1:1|. In II and III John we have only \ho presbuteros\ (the elder), as Peter terms himself \sunpresbuteros\ in strkjv@1Peter:5:1|. Paul's usage varies greatly: only the names in I and II Thessalonians, the title \apostolos\ added and defended in Galatians and Romans as also in I and II Corinthians and Colossians and Ephesians and II Timothy with "by the will of God" added, and in I Timothy with the addition of "according to the command of God." In Philippians Paul has only "\doulos\ (slave) \Christou Isou\," like James and Jude. In Romans and Titus Paul has both \doulos\ and \apostolos\, like II Peter, while in Philemon he uses only \desmios\ (prisoner) \Isou Christou\. {To the elect} (\eklektois\). Without article (with the article in strkjv@Matthew:24:22,24,31|) and dative case, "to elect persons" (viewed as a group). Bigg takes \eklektois\ (old, but rare verbal adjective from \ekleg\, to pick out, to select) as an adjective describing the next word, "to elect sojourners." That is possible and is like \genos eklekton\ in strkjv@2:9|. See the distinction between \kltoi\ (called) and \eklektoi\ (chosen) in strkjv@Matthew:22:14|. {Who are sojourners} (\parepidmois\). Late double compound adjective (\para, epidmountes\, strkjv@Acts:2:10|, to sojourn by the side of natives), strangers sojourning for a while in a particular place. Songs:in Polybius, papyri, in LXX only twice (Genesis:23:4|; 38 or 39 12), in N.T. only here, strkjv@2:11; strkjv@Hebrews:11:13|. The picture in the metaphor here is that heaven is our native country and we are only temporary sojourners here on earth. {Of the Dispersion} (\diaspors\). See strkjv@John:7:35| for literal sense of the word for scattered (from \diaspeir\, to scatter abroad, strkjv@Acts:8:1|) Jews outside of Palestine, and strkjv@James:1:1| for the sense here to Jewish Christians, including Gentile Christians (only N T. examples). Note absence of the article, though a definite conception (of the Dispersion). The Christian is a pilgrim on his way to the homeland. These five Roman provinces include what we call Asia Minor north and west of the Taurus mountain range (Hort). Hort suggests that the order here suggests that Silvanus (bearer of the Epistle) was to land in Pontus from the Euxine Sea, proceed through Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, to Bithynia, where he would re-embark for Rome. This, he holds, explains the separation of Pontus and Bithynia, though the same province. Only Galatia and Asia are mentioned elsewhere in the N.T. as having Christian converts, but the N.T. by no means gives a full account of the spread of the Gospel, as can be judged from strkjv@Colossians:1:6,23|.
rwp@1Peter:1:3 @{Blessed be} (\eulogtos\). No copula in the Greek (\est\, let be, or \estin\, is, or \ei\, may be). The verbal adjective (from \euloge\) occurs in the N.T. only of God, as in the LXX (Luke:1:68|). See also strkjv@2Corinthians:1:3; strkjv@Ephesians:1:3|. {The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ} (\ho theos kai patr tou kuriou hmn Isou Christou\). This precise language in strkjv@2Corinthians:1:3; Ephesians:I:3|; and part of it in strkjv@2Corinthians:11:31; strkjv@Romans:15:6|. See strkjv@John:20:17| for similar language by Jesus. {Great} (\polu\). Much. {Begat us again} (\anagennsas hms\). First aorist active articular (\ho\, who) participle of \anagenna\, late, and rare word to beget again, in Aleph for _Sirach_ (_Prol_. 20), in Philo, in Hermetic writings, in N.T. only here and verse 23|. "It was probably borrowed by the New Paganism from Christianity" (Bigg). The Stoics used \anagennsis\ for \palingenesia\ (Titus:3:5|). If \anthen\ in strkjv@John:3:3| be taken to mean "again," the same idea of regeneration is there, and if "from above" it is the new birth, anyhow. {Unto a living hope} (\eis elpida zsan\). Peter is fond of the word "living" (present active participle of \za\) as in strkjv@1:23; strkjv@2:4,5,24; strkjv@4:5,6|. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts:23:6|), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1Corinthians:15:14,17|). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James:2:17,26|). This revival of hope was wrought "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (\dia anastases\). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it.
rwp@1Peter:1:4 @{Unto an inheritance} (\eis klronomian\). Old word (from \klronomos\, heir) for the property received by the heir (Matthew:21:38|), here a picture of the blessedness in store for us pilgrims (Galatians:3:18|). {Incorruptible} (\aphtharton\). Old compound adjective (alpha privative and \phtheir\, to corrupt), imperishable. Songs:many inheritances vanish away before they are obtained. {Undefiled} (\amianton\). Old verbal adjective (note alliteration) from alpha privative and \miain\, to defile, without defect or flaw in the title, in N.T. only here, strkjv@James:1:27; strkjv@Hebrews:13:4|. {That fadeth not away} (\amaranton\). Alliterative and verbal adjective again from alpha privative and \marain\ (to dry up, to wither, as in strkjv@James:1:11|), late and rare word in several inscriptions on tombs, here only in N.T. These inscriptions will fade away, but not this inheritance in Christ. It will not be like a faded rose. {Reserved} (\tetrmenn\). Perfect passive participle of \tre\, old verb, to take care of, to guard. No burglars or bandits can break through where this inheritance is kept (Matthew:6:19f.; strkjv@John:17:11f.|). Cf. strkjv@Colossians:1:5|, where laid away" (\apokeimenn\) occurs. {For you} (\eis humas\). More graphic than the mere dative.
rwp@1Peter:1:5 @{By the power of God} (\en dunamei theou\). No other \dunamis\ (power) like this (Colossians:1:3|). {Are guarded} (\phrouroumenous\). Present (continuous process) passive articular (\tous\) participle of \phroure\, to garrison, old verb (from \phrouros\ sentinel), a military term (Acts:9:24; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:32|), used of God's love (Phillipians:4:7|) as here. "The inheritance is kept; the heirs are guarded" (Bengel). {Through faith} (\dia pistes\). Intermediate agency (\dia\), the immediate being (\en\, in, by) God's power. {Unto a salvation} (\eis strian\). Deliverance is the goal (\eis\) of the process and final salvation here, consummation as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:8|, from \str\ (Saviour, from \sz\, to save). {Ready} (\hetoimn\). Prepared awaiting God's will (Galatians:3:23; strkjv@Romans:8:18|). {To be revealed} (\apokaluphthnai\). First aorist passive infinitive of \apokalupt\, to unveil. Cf. strkjv@Colossians:3:4| for \phanero\ (to manifest) in this sense. {In the last time} (\en kairi eschati\). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in strkjv@John:6:39; strkjv@Acts:2:17; strkjv@James:5:3; strkjv@2Timothy:3:1; strkjv@2Peter:3:3; He strkjv@1:2; strkjv@Jude:1:18; strkjv@1John:2:18|. Hort translates it here "in a season of extremity," but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said.
rwp@1Peter:1:6 @{Wherein} (\en hi\). This translation refers the relative \hi\ to \kairi\, but it is possible to see a reference to \Christou\ (verse 3|) or to \theou\ (verse 5|) or even to the entire content of verses 3-5|. Either makes sense, though possibly \kairi\ is correct. {Ye greatly rejoice} (\agallisthe\). Present middle indicative (rather than imperative) of \agalliaomai\, late verb from \agallomai\, to rejoice, only in LXX, N.T., and ecclesiastical literature as in strkjv@Matthew:5:12|. {Now for a little while} (\oligon arti\). Accusative case of time (\oligon\) probably as in strkjv@Mark:6:31|, though it can be used of space (to a small extent) as in strkjv@Luke:5:3|. {If need be} (\ei deon\). Present active neuter singular participle of \dei\ (it is necessary). Some MSS. have \estin\ after \deon\ (periphrastic construction). Condition of first class. {Though ye have been put to grief} (\lupthentes\). First aorist passive participle (concessive circumstantial use) of \lupe\, to make sorrowful (from \lup\, sorrow), old and common verb. See strkjv@2Corinthians:6:10|. {In manifold temptations} (\en poikilois peirasmois\). Just the phrase in strkjv@James:1:2|, which see for discussion. "Trials" clearly right here as there. Seven N.T. writers use \poikilos\ (varied).
rwp@1Peter:1:11 @{Searching} (\eraunntes\). Present active participle of \erauna\, late form for older \ereuna\ (both in the papyri), uncompounded verb (John:7:52|), the compound occurring in verse 10| above. {What time or what manner of time} (\eis tina poion kairon\). Proper sense of \poios\ (qualitative interrogative) kept here as in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:35, strkjv@Romans:3:27|, though it is losing its distinctive sense from \tis\ (Acts:23:34|). The prophets knew what they prophesied, but not at what time the Messianic prophecies would be fulfilled. {The Spirit of Christ which was in them} (\to en autois pneuma Christou\). Peter definitely asserts here that the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was in the Old Testament prophets, the Holy Spirit called the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God (Romans:8:9|), who spoke to the prophets as he would speak to the apostles (John:16:14|). {Did point unto} (\edlou\). Imperfect active of \dlo\, to make plain, "did keep on pointing to," though they did not clearly perceive the time. {When it testified beforehand} (\promarturomenon\). Present middle participle of \promarturomai\, a late compound unknown elsewhere save in a writer of the fourteenth century (Theodorus Mech.) and now in a papyrus of the eighth. It is neuter here because \pneuma\ is neuter, but this grammatical gender should not be retained as "it" in English, but should be rendered "he" (and so as to strkjv@Acts:8:15|). Here we have predictive prophecy concerning the Messiah, though some modern critics fail to find predictions of the Messiah in the Old Testament. {The sufferings of Christ} (\ta eis Christon pathmata\). "The sufferings for (destined for) Christ" like the use of \eis\ in verse 10| (\eis humas\ for you). {The glories that should follow them} (\tas meta tauta doxas\). "The after these things (sufferings) glories." The plural of \doxa\ is rare, but occurs in strkjv@Exodus:15:11; strkjv@Hosea:9:11|. The glories of Christ followed the sufferings as in strkjv@4:13; strkjv@5:1,6|.
rwp@1Peter:1:13 @{Wherefore} (\dio\). "Because of which thing," the glorious free grace opened for Gentiles and Jews in Christ (verses 3-12|). {Girding up} (\anazsamenoi\). First aorist middle participle of \anaznnumi\, late and rare verb (Judges:18:16; strkjv@Proverbs:29:35; strkjv@31:17|), here only in N.T., vivid metaphor for habit of the Orientals, who quickly gathered up their loose robes with a girdle when in a hurry or starting on a journey. {The loins} (\tas osphuas\). Old word for the part of the body where the girdle (\zn\) was worn. Metaphor here as in strkjv@Luke:12:35; strkjv@Ephesians:6:14|. {Mind} (\dianoias\). Old word for the faculty of understanding, of seeing through a thing (\dia, noe\) as in strkjv@Matthew:22:37|. {Be sober} (\nphontes\). "Being sober" (present active participle of \nph\, old verb, but in N.T. always as metaphor (1Thessalonians:5:6,8|, etc., and so in strkjv@4:7|). {Perfectly} (\teleis\). Adverb, old word (here alone in N.T.), from adjective \teleios\ (perfect), connected with \elpisate\ (set your hope, first aorist active imperative of \elpiz\) in the Revised Version, but Bigg, Hort, and most modern commentators take it according to Peter's usual custom with the preceding verb, \nphontes\ ("being perfectly sober," not "hope perfectly"). {That is to be brought} (\tn pheromenn\). Present passive articular participle of \pher\, picturing the process, "that is being brought." For "revelation" (\apokalupsei\) see end of verse 7|.
rwp@1Peter:1:14 @{As children of obedience} (\hs tekna hupakos\). A common Hebraism (descriptive genitive frequent in LXX and N.T., like \huioi ts apeitheias\, children of disobedience, in strkjv@Ephesians:2:2|) suggested by \hupakon\ in verse 2|, "children marked by obedience." {Not fashioning yourselves} (\m sunschmatizomenoi\). Usual negative \m\ with the participle (present direct middle of \sunschmatiz\, a rare (Aristotle, Plutarch) compound (\sun, schmatiz\, from \schma\ from \ech\), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:12:2| (the outward pattern in contrast with the inward change \metamorpho\). See strkjv@Phillipians:2:6f.| for contrast between \schma\ (pattern) and \morph\ (form). {According to your former lusts} (\tais proteron epithumiais\). Associative instrumental case after \sunschmatizomenoi\ and the bad sense of \epithumia\ as in strkjv@4:2; strkjv@2Peter:1:4; strkjv@James:1:14f|. {In the time of your ignorance} (\en ti agnoii humn\). "In your ignorance," but in attributive position before "lusts." \Agnoia\ (from \agnoe\, to be ignorant) is old word, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Acts:3:17; strkjv@17:30; strkjv@Ephesians:4:18|.
rwp@1Peter:1:17 @{If ye call} (\ei epikaleisthe\). Condition of first class and present middle indicative of \epikale\, to call a name on, to name (Acts:10:18|). {As Father} (\patera\). Predicate accusative in apposition with \ton--krinonta\. {Without respect of persons} (\aprospolmpts\). Found nowhere else except in the later Ep. of Clem. of Rome and Ep. of Barn., from alpha privative and \prospolmpts\ (Acts:10:34|. See strkjv@James:2:9| for \prospolmpte\ and strkjv@1:1| for \prospolmpsia\) from \prospon lamban\ (in imitation of the Hebrew). {According to each man's work} (\kata to hekastou ergon\). "According to the deed of each one" God judges (\krinonta\) just as Christ judges also (2Corinthians:5:10|). {Pass} (\anastraphte\). Second aorist passive imperative of \anastreph\, metaphorical sense as in strkjv@2Corinthians:1:12; strkjv@2Peter:2:18|. {The time} (\ton chronon\). Accusative case of extent of time. {Of your sojourning} (\ts paroikias humn\). A late word, found in LXX (Psalms:119:5|) and in N.T. only here and strkjv@Acts:13:17| and in ecclesiastical writers (one late Christian inscription). It comes from \paroike\, old verb, to dwell beside (in one's neighbourhood), and so of pilgrims or strangers (\paroikos\ strkjv@Acts:7:6|) as of Jews away from Palestine or of Christians here on earth, then of a local region (our "parish"). Peter here recurs to strkjv@1:1| ("sojourners of the Dispersion"). {In fear} (\en phobi\). Emphatic position at beginning of the clause with \anastraphte\ at the end.
rwp@1Peter:1:18 @{Knowing} (\eidotes\). Second perfect active participle of \oida\, causal participle. The appeal is to an elementary Christian belief (Hort), the holiness and justice of God with the added thought of the high cost of redemption (Bigg). {Ye were redeemed} (\elutrthte\). First aorist passive indicative of \lutro\, old verb from \lutron\ (ransom for life as of a slave, strkjv@Matthew:20:28|), to set free by payment of ransom, abundant examples in the papyri, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Luke:24:21; strkjv@Titus:2:14|. The ransom is the blood of Christ. Peter here amplifies the language in strkjv@Isaiah:52:3f|. {Not with corruptible things} (\ou phthartois\). Instrumental case neuter plural of the late verbal adjective from \phtheir\ to destroy or to corrupt, and so perishable, in N.T. here, verse 23; strkjv@1Corinthians:9:25; strkjv@15:53f.; strkjv@Romans:1:23|. \Argurii chrusii\ (silver or gold) are in explanatory apposition with \phthartois\ and so in the same case. Slaves were set free by silver and gold. {From your vain manner of life} (\ek ts mataias humn anastrophs\). "Out of" (\ek\), and so away from, the pre-Christian \anastroph\ of verse 15|, which was "vain" (\mataias\. Cf. strkjv@Ephesians:4:17-24|). {Handed down from your fathers} (\patroparadotou\). This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like \cheiropoitou\ in strkjv@Ephesians:2:11| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective (\pater, para, didmi\), though here alone in N.T., occurs in Diodorus, Dion. Halic, and in several inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_; Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 266f.). The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew:15:2ff.|), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1Peter:2:12|).
rwp@1Peter:1:20 @{Who was foreknown indeed} (\proegnsmenou men\). Perfect passive participle (in genitive singular agreeing with \Christou\) of \proginsk\, old verb, to know beforehand (Romans:8:29; strkjv@2Peter:3:17|). See \prognsin theou\ in verse 2|. {Before the foundation of the world} (\pro katabols kosmou\). This precise curious phrase occurs in strkjv@John:17:24| in the Saviour's mouth of his preincarnate state with the Father as here and in strkjv@Ephesians:1:4|. We have \apo katabols kosmou\ in strkjv@Matthew:25:34| (\kosmou\ omitted in strkjv@Matthew:13:35|); strkjv@Luke:11:50; strkjv@Hebrews:4:3; strkjv@9:26; strkjv@Revelation:13:8; strkjv@17:8|. \Katabol\ (from \kataball\) was originally laying the foundation of a house (Hebrews:6:1|). The preincarnate Messiah appears in the counsels of God also in strkjv@1Corinthians:2:7; strkjv@Colossians:1:26f.; strkjv@Ephesians:1:9f.; strkjv@3:9-11; strkjv@Romans:16:25; strkjv@1Timothy:1:9|. {But was manifested} (\phanerthentos de\). First aorist (ingressive) passive participle of \phanero\, referring to the Incarnation in contrast with the preexistence of Christ (cf. strkjv@John:1:31; strkjv@1John:3:5,8|). {At the end of the times} (\ep' eschatou tn chronn\). Like \ep' eschatou tn hmern\ (Hebrews:1:2|). The plural \chronoi\, doubtless referring to successive periods in human history until the fullness of the time came (Galatians:4:4|). {For your sake} (\di' hums\). Proof of God's love, not of their desert or worth (Acts:17:30f.; strkjv@Hebrews:11:39f.|).
rwp@1Peter:2:1 @{Putting away therefore} (\apothemenoi oun\). Second aorist middle participle of \apotithmi\, old and common verb, in metaphorical sense either to cleanse defilements (3:21; strkjv@James:1:21|) or to put off clothing (Romans:13:12; strkjv@Colossians:3:5ff.; strkjv@Ephesians:4:22|). Either sense suits here. Therefore (\oun\) because of the new birth (1:23|) and the new life demanded. {Wickedness} (\kakian\). This old word, from \kakos\ (evil), in the ancients meant vice of any kind and note \psan\ (all) here. {Guile} (\dolon\). Old word (from \del\, to catch with bait), deceit. {Hypocrisies} (\hupokriseis\). Singular (\hupokrisin\) in the best MSS. See strkjv@1:22| (\anupokriton\) and strkjv@Mark:7:6f.| for Christ's denunciation of hypocrites which the disciples did not understand, including Peter (Matthew:15:16ff.|). {Envies} (\phthonous\). Genuine here, not \phonous\ (murders), as B has it. For the word see strkjv@Matthew:27:18|. {Evil speakings} (\katalalias\). Late word (from \katalalos\, defamer, strkjv@Romans:1:30|), in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:12:20|. "Backbitings." For verb see strkjv@2:12|.
rwp@1Peter:2:2 @{As newborn babes} (\hs artigennta breph\). \Brephos\, old word, originally unborn child (Luke:1:41-44|), then infant (Luke:2:12|), here figuratively, like \npioi\. \Artigennta\ is a late and rare compound (Lucian, imperial inscription) from \arti\ and \genna\, with evident allusion to \anagegennmenoi\ in strkjv@1:23|, probably meaning that they were recent converts, possibly slight proof that the Epistle written before Romans by Paul (Kuhl). {Long for} (\epipothsate\). First aorist (constative) active imperative of \epipothe\, old verb for intense yearning (Phillipians:2:26|). {The spiritual milk which is without guile} (\to logikon adolon gala\). \Gala\ is old word for milk as in strkjv@1Corinthians:9:7| and as metaphor in strkjv@1Corinthians:3:2|. \Adolos\ is an old compound (here alone in N.T.) adjective (alpha privative and \dolos\ deceit), unadulterated milk which, alas, is so hard to get. \Logikon\ is an old adjective in \-ikos\, from \logos\ (reason, speech), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:12:1|, used here with allusion to \logou\ (1:23|) and \rma\ (1:25|), "the sincere milk of the word" ("the milk belonging to the word," either the milk which is the word or the milk contained in the word, that is Christ). Songs:Bigg holds. But in strkjv@Romans:12:1| Paul uses \logikon\ in the sense of "rational" or "spiritual," and that idea is possible here as Hort holds. In the Pelagia legend (Usener) we have the phrase \tn logikn probatn tou Christou\ (the spiritual or rational sheep of Christ). {That ye may grow thereby} (\hina en auti auxthte\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \auxan\, old and common verb to grow. See this same metaphor in strkjv@Colossians:2:19; strkjv@Ephesians:4:15|. Peter uses the word of God as the food for growth, especially for babes in Christ, not emphasizing the distinction from solid food (\brma\) made in strkjv@1Corinthians:3:2; strkjv@Hebrews:5:13|. Salvation (\strian\) here is final salvation.
rwp@1Peter:2:5 @{Ye also as living stones} (\kai autoi hs lithoi zntes\). Peter applies the metaphor about Christ as the living stone to the readers, "ye yourselves also." {Are built up a spiritual house} (\oikodomeisthe oikos pneumatikos\). Present passive indicative second person plural of \oikodome\, the very verb used by Jesus to Peter in strkjv@Matthew:16:18| (\oikodoms\) of building his church on the rock. If the metaphor of a house of living stones seems "violent" (Vincent), it should be remembered that Jesus employed the figure of a house of believers. Peter just carried it a bit farther and Paul uses a temple for believers in one place (1Corinthians:3:16|) and for the kingdom of God in general (Ephesians:2:22|), as does the author of Hebrews (Hebrews:3:6|). This "spiritual house" includes believers in the five Roman provinces of strkjv@1:1| and shows clearly how Peter understood the metaphor of Christ in strkjv@Matthew:16:18| to be not a local church, but the church general (the kingdom of Christ). {To be a holy priesthood} (\eis hierateuma hagion\). Late word (from \hierateu\, to serve as priest, strkjv@Luke:1:8| alone in N.T.), in LXX (Exodus:19:6|), in N.T. only here and verse 9|, either the office of priest (Hort) or an order or body of priests. At any rate, Peter has the same idea of Rev strkjv@1:6| (\hiereis\, priests) that all believers are priests (Hebrews:4:16|) and can approach God directly. {To offer up} (\anenegkai\). First aorist active infinitive (of purpose here) of \anapher\, the usual word for offering sacrifices (Hebrews:7:27|). Only these are "spiritual" (\pneumatikas\) as pictured also in strkjv@Hebrews:13:15f|. {Acceptable} (\euprosdektous\). Late (Plutarch) double compound verbal adjective (\eu, pros, dechomai\) as in strkjv@2Corinthians:6:2|.
rwp@1Peter:2:6 @{It is contained} (\periechei\). Present active (here intransitive, to contain, only N.T. example) of \periech\, old verb, to surround, transitive in strkjv@Luke:5:9| to seize (only other N.T. example). The formula with \periechei\ is in Josephus (_Ant_. XI. 7). This Scripture (\en graphi\) is strkjv@Isaiah:28:16| with some changes. Peter had in verse 4| already quoted \eklekton\ and \entimon\. Now note \akrogniaion\ (a chief corner stone), a word apparently invented by Isaiah (from \akros\, highest, and \gniaios\, Attic word for corner stone). Paul in strkjv@Ephesians:2:20| uses the same word, making Christ the chief corner stone (the only other N.T. example). In Isaiah the metaphor is rather a foundation stone. Peter and Paul make it "the primary foundation stone at the structure" (W. W. Lloyd). {On him} (\ep' auti\). That is, "on it" (this corner stone, that is, Christ). {Shall not be put to shame} (\ou m kataischunthi\). Strong negatives \ou m\ with first aorist passive subjunctive of \kataischun\, old verb, to put to shame (Romans:5:5|).
rwp@1Peter:2:9 @{But ye} (\humeis de\). In contrast with the disobedient ones. {An elect race} (\genos eklekton\). From strkjv@Isaiah:43:20|. The blood relation of the spiritual Israel (not the Jewish race) through the new birth (1:23|). {A royal priesthood} (\basileion hierateuma\). From strkjv@Exodus:19:6| (cf. strkjv@Revelation:1:6; strkjv@5:10|). The official in Christian churches is \presbuteros=episcopos\, not \hiereus\. We are all \hiereis\ (priests). Cf. strkjv@2:5|. {A holy nation} (\ethnos hagion\). Also from strkjv@Exodus:19:6|, but here applied, not to the national Israel, but to the spiritual Israel of believers (both Jews and Gentiles). {A people for God's own possession} (\laos eis peripoisin\). The idea here occurs in strkjv@Exodus:19:5; strkjv@Deuteronomy:7:6; strkjv@14:2; strkjv@26:18|, where we have \laos periousios\ as in strkjv@Titus:2:14| (alone in the N.T.), and in strkjv@Malachi:3:17| we find \eis peripoisin\ (for a possession). \Periousios laos\ is a people over and above the others and \peripoisis\ is a possession in a special sense (Ephesians:1:14|). See Paul's use of \periepoisato\ in strkjv@Acts:20:28|. The old rendering, "a peculiar people," had this idea of possession, for "peculiar" is from _pecus_ (Latin for flock). {That ye may shew forth} (\hops exaggeilte\). Purpose clause with \hops\, rather than \hina\, with the first aorist active subjunctive of \exaggell\, old verb, to tell out, here alone in N.T. {The excellencies} (\tas aretas\). From strkjv@Isaiah:43:21|. Old word for any preeminence (moral, intellectual, military), often for "virtue," but not in that sense in the O.T. or the N.T. The word has the sense of moral worth in strkjv@2Peter:1:3,5; strkjv@Phillipians:4:8|; and the Apocrypha. In Isaiah (here quoted) it means praise and glory to God. Songs:also strkjv@Isaiah:42:12|. See strkjv@Acts:2:11| \ta megaleia tou theou\ (the mighty works of God). {Darkness} (\skotous\). Heathenism. {His marvellous light} (\to thaumaston autou phs\). Christianity. For \thaumaston\ (from \thaumaz\) see strkjv@Matthew:21:42|. For the change from heathenism to Christianity see strkjv@Colossians:1:12; strkjv@Ephesians:5:8-14|.
rwp@1Peter:2:11 @{As sojourners and pilgrims} (\hs paroikous kai parepidmous\). This combination from the LXX (Genesis:33:4; strkjv@Psalms:39:13|). See strkjv@1:1| for \parepidmos\ and strkjv@1:17| for \paroikia\ and strkjv@Ephesians:2:19| for \paroikos\ (only there and here in N.T., Christians whose fatherland is heaven). {To abstain from} (\apechesthai\). Present middle (direct) infinitive of \apech\, old verb, to hold back from (1Thessalonians:4:3|). In indirect command (to keep on abstaining from) after \parakal\ (I beseech). With the ablative case \tn sarkikn epithumin\, the grosser sins of the flesh (for \sarkikos\ see strkjv@1Corinthians:3:3|) like the list in strkjv@4:3|. {Which} (\haitines\). "Which very ones." Like Latin _quippe qui_. {War against the soul} (\strateuontai kata ts psuchs\). Present middle indicative of \strateu\, to carry on a campaign (James:4:1|). See this struggle between the flesh and the spirit vividly pictured by Paul in strkjv@Galatians:5:16-24|.
rwp@1Peter:2:13 @{Be subject to} (\hupotagte\). Second aorist passive imperative second person plural of \hupotass\, to subject to, as in strkjv@3:22|. {Every ordinance of man} (\pasi anthrpini ktisei\). Dative case of old and common word \ktisis\ (from \ktiz\, to create, to found), act of creation (Romans:1:20|), a creature or creation (Romans:1:25|), all creation (Colossians:1:15|), an institution as here (in Pindar so). For \anthrpinos\ (human) see strkjv@James:3:7|. Peter here approves no special kind of government, but he supports law and order as Paul does (Romans:13:1-8|) unless it steps in between God and man (Acts:4:20|). {For the Lord's sake} (\dia ton kurion\). For Jesus' sake. That is reason enough for the Christian not to be an anarchist (Matthew:22:21|). The heathen were keen to charge the Christians with any crime after Nero set the fashion. "It should not be forgotten that, in spite of the fine language of the philosophers, the really popular religions in Greece and Rome were forms of devil-worship, intimately blended with magic in all its grades" (Bigg). {As supreme} (\hs huperechonti\). Dative singular of present active participle of \huperech\, old verb (intransitive), to stand out above (to have it over), as in strkjv@Romans:13:1|. It is not the divine right of kings, but the fact of the king as the outstanding ruler.
rwp@1Peter:2:15 @{By well-doing} (\agathopoiountas\). Present active participle of \agathopoie\, only in LXX and N.T. (Mark:3:4|). In accusative case agreeing with \humas\ understood, accusative of general reference with \phimoin\, present active infinitive (epexegetic infinitive after \to thelma tou theou\, the will of God), late and rare verb (from \phimos\ muzzle), as in strkjv@Matthew:22:12|. {The ignorance of foolish men} (\tn tn aphronn anthrpn agnsian\). \Agnsia\ is late and rare word (in the papyri) from alpha privative and \gnsis\ (knowledge), in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Corinthians:15:24| (disgraceful ignorance in both instances). Note alliteration.
rwp@1Peter:2:17 @{Honour all men} (\pantas timsate\). Not with the same honour. Constative use of the aorist imperative. {Love the brotherhood} (\tn adelphotta agapte\). Present active imperative of \agapa\, keep on doing it. Note the abstract \adelphots\ (from \adelphos\, brother) in the collective sense, rare save in ecclesiastical literature, though in I Macc. strkjv@12:10; IV Macc. strkjv@10:3, and in late papyri. It is a word for all Christians. {Fear God} (\ton theon phobeisthe\). In both senses of reverence and dread, and keep it up (present middle imperative). {Honour the king} (\ton basilea timte\). Keep that up also. A fine motto in this verse.
rwp@1Peter:2:18 @{Servants} (\hoi oiketai\). Note article with the class as with \andres\ (3:7|), though not with \gunaikes\ (3:1|). \Oikets\, old word from \oikos\ (house), means one in the same house with another (Latin _domesticus_), particularly house servants (slaves) in distinction from the general term \doulos\ (slave). "Ye domestics." See similar directions to Christian servants (slaves) in strkjv@Colossians:3:22-25; strkjv@Ephesians:6:5-7; strkjv@1Timothy:6:1f.; strkjv@Titus:2:9f|. \Oikets\ in N.T. occurs only here, strkjv@Luke:16:13; strkjv@Acts:10:7; strkjv@Romans:14:4|. {Be in subjection} (\hupotassomenoi\). Present middle participle of \hupotass\, common late compound to subject oneself to one (Luke:2:51|). Either the participle is here used as an imperative (so in strkjv@3:1,7|) as in strkjv@Romans:12:16f.|, or the imperative \este\ has to be supplied (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 945). {To your masters} (\tois despotais\). Dative case of \despots\, old word for absolute owner in contrast with \doulos\. It is used also of God (Luke:2:29; strkjv@Acts:4:24,29|) and of Christ (2Peter:2:1; strkjv@Jude:1:4|). \Kurios\ has a wider meaning and not necessarily suggesting absolute power. {To the good and gentle} (\tois agathois kai epieikesin\). Dative case also with the article with class. For \epieiks\ see on ¯James:3:17|. There were slave-owners (masters) like this as there are housekeepers and employers of workmen today. This is no argument for slavery, but only a sidelight on a condition bad enough at its best. {To the froward} (\tois skoliois\). "To the crooked." Old word, also in strkjv@Luke:3:5; strkjv@Acts:2:40; strkjv@Phillipians:2:15|. Unfortunately there were slave-holders as there are employers today, like this group. The test of obedience comes precisely toward this group.
rwp@1Peter:2:20 @{For what glory} (\poion gar kleos\). Qualitative interrogative (what kind of glory). "What price glory?" \Kleos\ is old word from \kle\ (\kale\, to call), report, praise, glory, here only in N.T. {If ye shall take it patiently} (\ei hupomeneite\). First-class condition with \ei\ and future active indicative of \hupomen\, for which see strkjv@James:1:12|. Same condition also in next sentence (\all' ei\, etc.). {When ye sin} (\hamartanontes\). Present active participle of \hamartan\ (continued repetition). {And are buffeted for it} (\kai kolaphizomenoi\). Present passive participle of \kolaphiz\, late word (from \kolaphos\ fist), only in N.T. (cf. strkjv@Matthew:26:67|) and ecclesiastical writers. Repeated action again. No posing as a martyr allowed here. Christians do sometimes deserve persecution, as Jesus implied (Matthew:5:10-12|). {When ye do well} (\agathopoiountes\). Present active participle of \agathopoie\ as in verse 15|. {And suffer for it} (\kai paschontes\). Present active participle of \pasch\ (verse 19|). No "for it" in the Greek here or in the previous sentence. {This is acceptable with God} (\touto charis para thei\). "This thing (neuter) is thanks (verse 19|) by the side of (\para\) God (as God looks at it)."
rwp@1Peter:3:1 @{In like manner} (\homois\). Adverb closely connected with \hupotassomenoi\, for which see strkjv@2:18|. {Ye wives} (\gunaikes\). Without article. About wives see also strkjv@Colossians:3:18; strkjv@Ephesians:5:22; strkjv@Titus:2:4|. {To your own husbands} (\tois idiois andrasin\). \Idiois\ occurs also in Ephesians and Titus, but not in Colossians. It strengthens the idea of possession in the article \tois\. Wives are not enjoined to be in subjection to the husbands of other women, as some think it fine to be (affinities!) {Even if any obey not the word} (\kai ei tines apeithousin ti logi\). Condition of first class and dative case of \logos\ (1:23,25; strkjv@2:8|), that is, remain heathen. {That they be gained} (\hina kerdthsontai\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and first future passive indicative of \kerdain\, old verb, to gain (from \kerdos\, gain, interest) as in strkjv@Matthew:18:15|. See the future with \hina\ also in strkjv@Luke:20:10; strkjv@Revelation:3:9|. {Without the word} (\aneu logou\). Probably here "word from their wives" (Hart), the other sense of \logos\ (talk, not technical "word of God"). {By the behaviour of their wives} (\dia ts tn gunaikn anastrophs\). Won by pious living, not by nagging. Many a wife has had this blessed victory of grace.
rwp@1Peter:3:2 @{Beholding} (\epopteusantes\). First aorist active participle of \epopteu\, for which see strkjv@2:12|. See strkjv@2:12| also for \anastrophn\ manner of life). {Chaste} (\hagnn\). Pure because "in fear" (\en phobi\), no word in the Greek for "coupled," fear of God, though in strkjv@Ephesians:5:33| fear (reverence for) of the husband is urged.
rwp@1Peter:3:4 @{But the hidden man of the heart} (\all' ho kruptos ts kardias anthrpos\). Here \anthrpos\ is in contrast with \kosmos\ just before. See Paul's use of \anthrpos\ for the outer and old, the inner and new man (2Corinthians:4:16; strkjv@Romans:7:22; strkjv@Colossians:3:9; strkjv@Ephesians:3:16; strkjv@4:22,24|). See also the Jew \en krupti\ (Romans:2:29|) and what Jesus said about God seeing "in secret" (Matthew:6:4,6|). {In the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit} (\en ti aphtharti tou hsuchiou kai praes pneumatos\). No word in the Greek for "apparel" (\kosmi\). For \aphthartos\ see strkjv@1:4,23|. For \praus\ see strkjv@Matthew:5:5; strkjv@11:29|. \Pneuma\ (spirit) is here disposition or temper (Bigg), unlike any other use in the N.T. In strkjv@3:18,19; strkjv@4:6| it means the whole inner man as opposed to \sarx\ or \sma\, very much as \psuch\ is used as opposed to \sma\. {Which} (\ho\). Spirit just mentioned. {Of great price} (\poluteles\). Old word (from \polu\ and \telos\, cost), in N.T. only here, strkjv@Mark:14:3; strkjv@1Timothy:2:9|.
rwp@1Peter:3:7 @{Ye husbands likewise} (\hoi andres homois\). Probably "likewise" here refers to honouring all men (2:17|), not "likewise" of strkjv@3:1|. {Dwell with} (\sunoikountes\). Present active participle of \sunoike\, old verb for domestic association, here only in N.T. Used as imperative here like the participle in strkjv@2:18; strkjv@3:1|. {According to knowledge} (\kata gnsin\). "With an intelligent recognition of the nature of the marriage relation" (Vincent). {Giving honour unto the woman as unto the weaker vessel} (\hs asthenesteri skeuei ti gunaikeii aponemontes timn\). Present active participle of \aponem\, old verb, to assign, to portion out (or off), here only in N.T. \Skeuos\ is an old and common word for vessel, furniture, utensil (Matthew:12:29; strkjv@2Timothy:2:20|). Here both husband and wife are termed vessels or "parts of the furniture of God's house" (Bigg). See Paul's use of \skeuos\ for ministers (2Corinthians:4:7|). \Gunaikeii\ here is an adjective (female, feminine) from \gun\ (woman, wife). She is termed "the weaker" (\ti asthenesteri\), not for intellectual or moral weakness, but purely for physical reasons, which the husband must recognize with due consideration for marital happiness. {Joint-heirs of the grace of life} (\sunklronomoi charitos zs\). Late double compound found in an Ephesian inscription and the papyri, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Romans:8:17; strkjv@Ephesians:3:6; strkjv@Hebrews:11:9|. God's gift of life eternal belongs to woman as well as to man. In the eyes of God the wife may be superior to the husband, not merely equal. {To the end that your prayers be not hindered} (\eis to m egkoptesthai tas proseuchas humn\). Purpose clause with \eis to\ and the present passive infinitive (with negative \m\) of \egkopt\, to cut in, to interrupt, late verb (Polybius), as in strkjv@Romans:15:22|, etc. Very vivid to us now with our telephones and radios when people cut in on us. \Proseuchas\ (prayers) is the accusative of general reference. Husbands surely have here cause to consider why their prayers are not answered.
rwp@1Peter:3:8 @{Finally} (\to telos\). Adverbial accusative. Conclusion, not of the Epistle, but only of the addresses to various classes. No verb (\este\ imperative, be) here. {Likeminded} (\homophrones\). Old compound (\homos, phrn\), here only in N.T. {Compassionate} (\sumpatheis\). Old adjective (\sun, pasch\), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:12:15|. Our "sympathetic" in original sense. {Loving as brethren} (\philadelphoi\). Old compound (\philos, adelphos\), here only in N.T. {Tender-hearted} (\eusplagchnoi\). Late and rare compound (\eu\ and \splagchnon\), in Hippocrates, Apocrypha, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Ephesians:4:32|. {Humble minded} (\tapeinophrones\). Late compound (\tapeinos, phrn\), in Plutarch, strkjv@Proverbs:29:23|, here only in N.T.
rwp@1Peter:3:18 @{Because Christ also died} (\hoti kai Christos apethanen\). Songs:the best MSS.; later ones \epathen\ (suffered). The example of Christ should stir us to patient endurance. {For sins} (\peri hamartin\). "Concerning sins" (not his, but ours, strkjv@1:18|). \Peri\ (around, concerning) with \hamartias\ in the regular phrase for the sin offering (Leviticus:5:7; strkjv@6:30|), though \huper hamartias\ does occur (Ezekiel:43:25|). Songs:in the N.T. we find both \peri hamartin\ (Hebrews:5:3|) and \huper hamartin\ (Hebrews:5:1|). {Once} (\hapax\). Once for all (Hebrews:9:28|), not once upon a time (\pote\). {The righteous for the unrighteous} (\dikaios huper adikn\). Literally, "just for unjust" (no articles). See strkjv@1Peter:2:19| for the sinlessness of Christ as the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Christ's blood value. He has no sin himself. Some men today fail to perceive this point. {That he might bring us to God} (\hina hms prosagagi ti thei\). Purpose clause with \hina\, with second aorist active subjunctive of \prosag\ and the dative case \ti thei\. The MSS. vary between \hms\ (us) and \hums\ (you). The verb \prosag\ means to lead or bring to (Matthew:18:24|), to approach God (cf. \prosaggn\ in strkjv@Ephesians:2:18|), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans:3:25; strkjv@Hebrews:10:19f|.) {Being put to death in the flesh} (\thanattheis men sarki\). First aorist passive participle of \thanato\, old verb (from \thanatos\ death), to put to death. \Sarki\ is locative case of \sarx\. {But quickened in the spirit} (\zopoitheis de pneumati\). First aorist passive participle of \zopoie\ rare (Aristotle) verb (from \zopoios\ making alive), to make alive. The participles are not antecedent to \apethanen\, but simultaneous with it. There is no such construction as the participle of subsequent action. The spirit of Christ did not die when his flesh did, but "was endued with new and greater powers of life" (Thayer). See strkjv@1Corinthians:15:22| for the use of the verb for the resurrection of the body. But the use of the word \pneumati\ (locative case) in contrast with \sarki\ starts Peter's mind off in a long comparison by way of illustration that runs from verses 19-22|. The following verses have caused more controversy than anything in the Epistle.
rwp@1Peter:3:19 @{In which also} (\en hi kai\). That is, in spirit (relative referring to \pneumati\). But, a number of modern scholars have followed Griesbach's conjecture that the original text was either \Ne kai\ (Noah also), or \Ench kai\ (Enoch also), or \en hi kai Ench\ (in which Enoch also) which an early scribe misunderstood or omitted \Ench kai\ in copying (\homoioteleuton\). It is allowed in Stier and Theile's _Polyglott_. It is advocated by J. Cramer in 1891, by J. Rendel Harris in _The Expositor_ (1901), and _Sidelights on N.T. Research_ (p. 208), by Nestle in 1902, by Moffatt's New Translation of the New Testament. Windisch rejects it as inconsistent with the context. There is no manuscript for the conjecture, though it would relieve the difficulty greatly. Luther admits that he does not know what Peter means. Bigg has no doubt that the event recorded took place between Christ's death and his resurrection and holds that Peter is alluding to Christ's _Descensus ad Inferos_ in strkjv@Acts:2:27| (with which he compares strkjv@Matthew:27:52f.; strkjv@Luke:23:34; strkjv@Ephesians:4:9|). With this Windisch agrees. But Wohlenberg holds that Peter means that Christ in his preexistent state preached to those who rejected the preaching of Noah who are now in prison. Augustine held that Christ was in Noah when he preached. Bigg argues strongly that Christ during the time between his death and resurrection preached to those who once heard Noah (but are now in prison) and offered them another chance and not mere condemnation. If so, why did Jesus confine his preaching to this one group? Songs:the theories run on about this passage. One can only say that it is a slim hope for those who neglect or reject Christ in this life to gamble with a possible second chance after death which rests on very precarious exegesis of a most difficult passage in Peter's Epistle. Accepting the text as we have, what can we make of it? {He went and preached} (\poreutheis ekruxen\). First aorist passive (deponent) participle of \poreuomai\ and first aorist active indicative of \kruss\, the verb commonly used of the preaching of Jesus. Naturally the words mean personal action by Christ "in spirit" as illustration of his "quickening" (verse 18|) whether done before his death or afterwards. It is interesting to observe that, just as the relative \en hi\ here tells something suggested by the word \pneumati\ (in spirit) just before, so in verse 21| the relative \ho\ (which) tells another illustration of the words \di' hudatos\ (by water) just before. Peter jumps from the flood in Noah's time to baptism in Peter's time, just as he jumped backwards from Christ's time to Noah's time. He easily goes off at a word. What does he mean here by the story that illustrates Christ's quickening in spirit? {Unto the spirits in prison} (\tois en phulaki pneumasin\). The language is plain enough except that it does not make it clear whether Jesus did the preaching to spirits in prison at the time or to people whose spirits are now in prison, the point of doubt already discussed. The metaphorical use of \en phulaki\ can be illustrated by strkjv@2Peter:2:4; strkjv@Jude:1:6; strkjv@Revelation:20:7| (the final abode of the lost). See strkjv@Hebrews:12:23| for the use of \pneumata\ for disembodied spirits.
rwp@1Peter:4:3 @{Past} (\parelluths\). Perfect active participle of the compound verb \parerchomai\, old verb, to go by (beside) as in strkjv@Matthew:14:15| with \hra\ (hour). {May suffice} (\arketos\). No copula in the Greek, probably \estin\ (is) rather than \dunatai\ (can). Late and rare verbal adjective from \arke\, to suffice, in the papyri several times, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Matthew:6:34; strkjv@10:25|, apparently referring to Christ's words in strkjv@Matthew:6:34| (possibly an axiom or proverb). {To have wrought} (\kateirgasthai\). Perfect middle infinitive of \katergazomai\, common compound (\kata, ergon\ work) as in strkjv@1Corinthians:5:3|. {The desire} (\to boulma\). Correct text, not \thelma\. Either means the thing desired, willed. Jews sometimes fell in with the ways of Gentiles (Romans:2:21-24; strkjv@3:9-18; strkjv@Ephesians:2:1-3|) as today some Christians copy the ways of the world. {And to have walked} (\peporeumenous\). Perfect middle participle of \poreuomai\ in the accusative plural of general reference with the infinitive \kateirgasthai\. Literally, "having walked or gone." {In lasciviousness} (\en aselgeiais\). All these sins are in the locative case with \en\. "In unbridled lustful excesses" (2Peter:2:7; strkjv@2Corinthians:12:21|). {Lusts} (\epithumiais\). Cf. strkjv@2:11; strkjv@4:2|. {Winebibbings} (\oinophlugiais\). Old compound (\oinos\, wine, \phlu\, to bubble up), for drunkenness, here only in N.T. (also in strkjv@Deuteronomy:21:20|). {Revellings} (\komois\). Old word (from \keimai\, to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and strkjv@Galatians:5:21; strkjv@Romans:13:13|. {Carousings} (\potois\). Old word for drinking carousal (from \pin\, to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their "personal liberty" to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance). {Abominable idolatries} (\athemitois eidlolatriais\). To the Christian all "idolatry," (\eidlon, latreia\), worship of idols, is "abominable," not allowed (alpha privative and \themitos\, \themistos\ the old form, verbal of \themiz\, to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of \athemitos\ is by Peter also (Acts:10:28|) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 274).
rwp@1Peter:4:4 @{Wherein} (\en hi\). "In which thing" (manner of life). {They think it strange} (\xenizontai\). Present passive indicative of \xeniz\, old verb (from \xenos\, stranger), to entertain a guest (Acts:10:23|), to astonish (Acts:17:20|). See also strkjv@4:12|. "They are surprised or astonished." {That ye run not with them} (\m suntrechontn humn\). Genitive absolute (negative \m\) with present active participle of \suntrech\, old compound, to run together like a crowd or a mob as here (just like our phrase, "running with certain folks"). {Into the same excess of riot} (\eis tn autn ts astias anachusin\). \Anachusin\ (from \anache\ to pour forth) is a late and rare word, our overflowing, here only in N.T. \Astias\ is the character of an abandoned man (\astos\, cf. \asts\ in strkjv@Luke:15:13|), old word for a dissolute life, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Ephesians:5:18; strkjv@Titus:1:6|. {Speaking evil of you} (\blasphmountes\). Present active participle of \blasphme\ as in strkjv@Luke:22:65|. "The Christians were compelled to stand aloof from all the social pleasures of the world, and the Gentiles bitterly resented their puritanism, regarding them as the enemies of all joy, and therefore of the human race" (Bigg).
rwp@1Peter:4:6 @{Was the gospel preached} (\euggelisth\). First aorist passive indicative of \euaggeliz\. Impersonal use. {Even to the dead} (\kai nekrois\). Does Peter here mean preached to men after they are dead or to men once alive but dead now or when the judgment comes? There are those (Augustine, Luther, etc.) who take "dead" here in the spiritual sense (dead in trespasses and sins as in strkjv@Colossians:2:13; strkjv@Ephesians:2:1|), but consider it "impossible" for Peter to use the same word in two senses so close together; but Jesus did it in the same sentence, as in the case of \psuch\ (life) in strkjv@Matthew:16:25|. Bigg takes it to mean that all men who did not hear the gospel message in this life will hear it in the next before the final judgment. {That they might be judged} (\hina krithsin men\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \krin\, to judge, whereas \zsin de\ (by contrast) is the present active subjunctive of \za\, to live. There is contrast also between \kata anthrpous\ (according to men) and \kata theon\ (according to God).
rwp@1Peter:4:7 @{But the end of all things is at hand} (\pantn de to telos ggiken\). Perfect active indicative of \eggiz\, to draw near, common late verb (from \eggus\), same form used by the Baptist of the Messiah's arrival (Matthew:3:2|) and by James in strkjv@5:8| (of the second coming). How near Peter does not say, but he urges readiness (1:5f.; strkjv@4:6|) as Jesus did (Mark:14:38|) and Paul (1Thessalonians:5:6|), though it is drawing nearer all the time (Romans:12:11|), but not at once (2Thessalonians:2:2|). {Be ye therefore of sound mind} (\sphronsate oun\). In view of the coming of Christ. First aorist (ingressive) active imperative of \sphrone\ (\ss\, sound, \phrn\, mind) as in strkjv@Mark:5:15|. {Be sober unto prayer} (\npsate eis proseuchas\). First aorist (ingressive of \nph\ (see strkjv@1:13|) and plural \proseuchas\, (prayers). Cf. strkjv@Ephesians:6:18|.
rwp@1Peter:4:11 @{If any man speaketh} (\ei tis lalei\). Condition of first class, assumed as a fact. {Speaking as it were oracles of God} (\hs logia theou\). No predicate in this conclusion of the condition. For \logia theou\ see strkjv@Acts:7:38| (Mosaic law); strkjv@Romans:3:2| (the Old Testament); strkjv@Hebrews:5:12| (the substance of Christian teaching), here of the utterances of God through Christian teachers. \Logion\ (old word) is a diminutive of \logos\ (speech, word). It can be construed here as nominative or as accusative. The verb has to be supplied. {If any one ministereth} (\ei tis diakonei\). First-class condition again. See strkjv@Acts:6:2-4| for the twofold division of service involved here. {Which God supplieth} (\hs chorgei ho theos\). Ablative case (\hs\) of the relative attracted from the accusative \hn\, object of \chorgei\ (present active indicative of \chorge\, old verb, to supply from \chorgos\, chorus leader, in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:9:10|). Peter has the compound \epichorge\ in strkjv@2Peter:1:5,11|. God is the supplier of strength. {That God may be glorified} (\hina doxaztai ho theos\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the present passive subjunctive of \doxaz\. See strkjv@John:15:8|. {Whose is} (\hi estin\). "To whom (dative) is," that is to Jesus Christ the immediate antecedent, but in strkjv@Romans:16:27; strkjv@Jude:1:25| the doxology is to God through Christ. For other doxologies see strkjv@1Peter:5:11; strkjv@2Peter:3:18; strkjv@Galatians:1:5; strkjv@Romans:9:5; strkjv@11:36; strkjv@Phillipians:4:20; strkjv@Ephesians:3:21; strkjv@1Timothy:1:17; strkjv@6:16; strkjv@2Timothy:4:18; strkjv@Hebrews:13:21; strkjv@Revelation:1:6; strkjv@5:13; strkjv@7:12|. The others addressed to Christ are strkjv@2Peter:3:18; strkjv@2Timothy:4:18; strkjv@Revelation:1:6|.
rwp@1Peter:5:3 @{Lording it over} (\katakurieuontes\). Present active participle of \katakurieu\, late compound (\kata, kurios\) as in strkjv@Matthew:20:25|. {The charge allotted to you} (\tn klrn\). "The charges," "the lots" or "the allotments." See it in strkjv@Acts:1:17,25| in this sense. The old word meant a die (Matthew:27:25|), a portion (Colossians:1:12; strkjv@1Peter:1:4|), here the charges assigned (cf. strkjv@Acts:17:4|). From the adjective \klrikos\ come our cleric, clerical, clerk. Wycliff translated it here "neither as having lordship in the clergie." {Making yourselves ensamples} (\tupoi ginomenoi\). Present active participle of \ginomai\ and predicate nominative \tupoi\ (types, models) for which phrase see strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:7|. Continually becoming. See strkjv@2:21| for \hupogrammos\ (writing-copy). {To the flock} (\tou poimniou\). Objective genitive.
rwp@1Peter:5:12 @{By Silvanus} (\dia Silouanou\). Probably this postscript (12-14|) is in Peter's own handwriting, as Paul did (2Thessalonians:3:17f.; strkjv@Galatians:6:11-18|). If so, Silvanus (Silas) was the amanuensis and the bearer of the Epistle. {As I account him} (\hs logizomai\). Peter uses Paul's phrase (1Corinthians:4:1; strkjv@Romans:8:18|) in giving approval to Paul's former companion (Acts:15:40|). {I have written} (\egrapsa\). Epistolary aorist applying to this Epistle as in strkjv@1Corinthians:5:11| (not strkjv@1Corinthians:5:9|); strkjv@1Corinthians:9:15; strkjv@Galatians:6:11; strkjv@Romans:15:15; strkjv@Philemon:1:19,21|. {Briefly} (\di' olign\). "By few words," as Peter looked at it, certainly not a long letter in fact. Cf. strkjv@Hebrews:13:22|. {Testifying} (\epimarturn\). Present active participle of \epimarture\, to bear witness to, old compound, here alone in N.T., though the double compound \sunepimarture\ in strkjv@Hebrews:2:4|. {That this is the true grace of God} (\tautn einai alth charin tou theou\). Infinitive \einai\ in indirect assertion and accusative of general reference (\tautn\) and predicate accusative \charin\. Peter includes the whole of the Epistle by God's grace (1:10|) and obedience to the truth (John:1:17; Gal strkjv@2:5; strkjv@Colossians:1:6|). {Stand ye fast therein} (\eis hn stte\). "In which (grace) take your stand" (ingressive aorist active imperative of \histmi\).
rwp@1Peter:5:13 @{She that is in Babylon, elect together with you} (\h en Babulni suneklekt\). Either actual Babylon or, as most likely, mystical Babylon (Rome) as in the Apocalypse. If Peter is in Rome about A.D. 65, there is every reason why he should not make that fact plain to the world at large and least of all to Nero. It is also uncertain whether \h suneklekt\ (found here alone), "the co-elect woman," means Peter's wife (1Corinthians:9:5|) or the church in "Babylon." The natural way to take it is for Peter's wife. Cf. \eklekti kurii\ in strkjv@2John:1:1| (also verse strkjv@2John:1:13|). {Mark my son} (\Markos ho huios mou\). Songs:this fact agrees with the numerous statements by the early Christian writers that Mark, after leaving Barnabas, became Peter's "interpreter" and under his influence wrote his Gospel. We know that Mark was with Paul in Rome some years before this time (Colossians:4:10|).
rwp@Info_1Thessalonians @ There are excellent commentaries on the Thessalonian Epistles. On the Greek text one may note those by Dibelius, _Handbuch zum N.T. Zweite Auflage_ (1925); Dobschutz, _Meyer-Kommentar_ (1909); Ellicott, _Crit. and Grammat. Comm._ (1884); Findlay, _Cambridge Gk. Test._ (1904); Frame, _Intern. Critical Comm._ (1912); Lightfoot, _Notes on Epistles of Paul_ (1895); Mayer, _Die Thessalonischerbriefe_ (1908); Milligan, _St. Paul's Epistles to the Thess._ (1908); Moffatt, _Expos. Gk. Test._ (1910); Plummer, _First Thess._ (1908), _Second Thess._ (1908); Wohlenberg, _Zahn-Komm. 2 aufl._ (1908). On the English text note those by Adeney, _New Century Bible_ (1907); Denney, _Expos. Bible_ (1892); Findlay, _Cambridge Bible_ (1891); Hutchinson, _Lectures on I & II Thess._ (1883). strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:1 @{Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy} (\Paulos kai Silouanos kai Timotheos\). Nominative absolute as customary in letters. Paul associates with himself Silvanus (Silas of Acts, spelled \Silbanos\ in D and the papyri), a Jew and Roman citizen, and Timothy, son of Jewish mother and Greek father, one of Paul's converts at Lystra on the first tour. They had both been with Paul at Thessalonica, though Timothy is not mentioned by Luke in Acts in Macedonia till Beroea (Acts:17:14f.|). Timothy had joined Paul in Athens (1Thessalonians:3:1f.|), had been sent back to Thessalonica, and with Silas had rejoined Paul in Corinth (1Thessalonians:3:5; strkjv@Acts:18:5, strkjv@2Corinthians:1:19|). Silas is the elder and is mentioned first, but neither is in any sense the author of the Epistle any more than Sosthenes is co-author of I Corinthians or Timothy of II Corinthians, though Paul may sometimes have them in mind when he uses "we" in the Epistle. Paul does not here call himself "apostle" as in the later Epistles, perhaps because his position has not been so vigorously attacked as it was later. Ellicott sees in the absence of the word here a mark of the affectionate relations existing between Paul and the Thessalonians. {Unto the church of the Thessalonians} (\ti ekklsii Thessaloniken\). The dative case in address. Note absence of the article with \Thessaloniken\ because a proper name and so definite without it. This is the common use of \ekklsia\ for a local body (church). The word originally meant "assembly" as in strkjv@Acts:19:39|, but it came to mean an organization for worship whether assembled or unassembled (cf. strkjv@Acts:8:3|). The only superscription in the oldest Greek manuscripts (Aleph B A) is \Pros Thessalonikeis A\ ({To the Thessalonians First}). But probably Paul wrote no superscription and certainly he would not write A to it before he had written II Thessalonians (B). His signature at the close was the proof of genuineness (2Thessalonians:3:17|) against all spurious claimants (2Thessalonians:2:2|). Unfortunately the brittle papyrus on which he wrote easily perished outside of the sand heaps and tombs of Egypt or the lava covered ruins of Herculaneum. What a treasure that autograph would be! {In God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ} (\en thei patri kai kurii Jsou Christi\). This church is grounded in (\en\, with the locative case) and exists in the sphere and power of {God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ}. No article in the Greek, for both \thei patri\ and \kurii Jsou Christi\ are treated as proper names. In the very beginning of this first Epistle of Paul we meet his Christology. He at once uses the full title, "Lord Jesus Christ," with all the theological content of each word. The name "Jesus" (Saviour, strkjv@Matthew:1:21|) he knew, as the "Jesus of history," the personal name of the Man of Galilee, whom he had once persecuted (Acts:9:5|), but whom he at once, after his conversion, proclaimed to be "the Messiah," (\ho Christos\, strkjv@Acts:9:22|). This position Paul never changed. In the great sermon at Antioch in Pisidia which Luke has preserved (Acts:13:23|) Paul proved that God fulfilled his promise to Israel by raising up "Jesus as Saviour" (\stra Isoun\). Now Paul follows the Christian custom by adding \Christos\ (verbal from \chri\, to anoint) as a proper name to Jesus (Jesus Christ) as later he will often say "Christ Jesus" (Colossians:1:1|). And he dares also to apply \kurios\ (Lord) to "Jesus Christ," the word appropriated by Claudius (_Dominus_, \Kurios\) and other emperors in the emperor-worship, and also common in the Septuagint for God as in strkjv@Psalms:32:1f.| (quoted by Paul in strkjv@Romans:4:8|). Paul uses \Kurios\ of God (1Corinthians:3:5|) or of Jesus Christ as here. In fact, he more frequently applies it to Christ when not quoting the Old Testament as in strkjv@Romans:4:8|. And here he places "the Lord Jesus Christ" in the same category and on the same plane with "God the father." There will be growth in Paul's Christology and he will never attain all the knowledge of Christ for which he longs (Phillipians:3:10-12|), but it is patent that here in his first Epistle there is no "reduced Christ" for Paul. He took Jesus as "Lord" when he surrendered to Jesus on the Damascus Road: "And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me" (Acts:22:10|). It is impossible to understand Paul without seeing clearly this first and final stand for the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul did not get this view of Jesus from current views of Mithra or of Isis or any other alien faith. The Risen Christ became at once for Paul the Lord of his life. {Grace to you and peace} (\charis humin kai eirn\). These words, common in Paul's Epistles, bear "the stamp of Paul's experience" (Milligan). They are not commonplace salutations, but the old words "deepened and spiritualised" (Frame). The infinitive (\chairein\) so common in the papyri letters and seen in the New Testament also (Acts:15:23; strkjv@23:26; strkjv@James:1:1|) here gives place to \charis\, one of the great words of the New Testament (cf. strkjv@John:1:16f.|) and particularly of the Pauline Epistles. Perhaps no one word carries more meaning for Paul's messages than this word \charis\ (from \chair\, rejoice) from which \charizomai\ comes. {Peace} (\eirn\) is more than the Hebrew _shalm_ so common in salutations. One recalls the "peace" that Christ leaves to us (John:14:27|) and the peace of God that passes all understanding (Phillipians:4:7|). This introduction is brief, but rich and gracious and pitches the letter at once on a high plane.
rwp@1Thessalonians:1:2 @{We give thanks} (\eucharistoumen\). Late denominative verb \euchariste\ from \eucharistos\ (grateful) and that from \eu\, well and \charizomai\, to show oneself kind. See \charis\ in verse 1|. "The plural implies that all three missionaries prayed together" (Moffatt). {Always} (\pantote\). Late word, rare in LXX. Songs:with \euchariste\ in strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:3; strkjv@2:13; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:4; strkjv@Ephesians:5:20; strkjv@Phillipians:1:3|. Moffatt takes it to mean "whenever Paul was at his prayers." Of course, he did not make audible prayer always, but he was always in the spirit of prayer, "a constant attitude" (Milligan), "in tune with the Infinite." {For you all} (\peri pantn humn\). Paul "encircled (\peri\, around) them all," including every one of them and the church as a whole. Distance lends enchantment to the memory of slight drawbacks. Paul is fond of this phrase "you all," particularly in Phil. (Phillipians:1:3,7|). {Making mention} (\mneian poioumenoi\). Paul uses this very idiom in Rom strkjv@1:9; strkjv@Ephesians:1:16; strkjv@Philemon:1:4|. Milligan cites a papyrus example of \mneian poioumenoi\ in prayer (B. Y. U. 652, 5). Did Paul have a prayer list of the Thessalonian disciples which he read over with Silas and Timothy? {In} here is \epi=\"in the time of our prayers." "Each time that they are engaged in prayers the writers mention the names of the converts" (Frame).
rwp@1Thessalonians:1:4 @{Knowing} (\eidotes\). Second perfect active participle of \oida\ (\eidon\), a so-called causal participle=since we know, the third participle with the principal verb \eucharistoumen\, the Greek being fond of the circumstantial participle and lengthening sentences thereby (Robertson, _Grammar_, P. 1128). {Beloved by God} (\gapmenoi hupo [tou] theou\). Perfect passive participle of \agapa\, the verb so common in the N.T. for the highest kind of love. Paul is not content with the use of \adelphoi\ here (often in this Epistle as strkjv@2:1,14,17; strkjv@3:7; strkjv@4:1,10|), but adds this affectionate phrase nowhere else in the N.T. in this form (cf. strkjv@Jude:1:3|) though in Sirach strkjv@45:1 and on the Rosetta Stone. But in strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:13| he quotes "beloved by the Lord" from strkjv@Deuteronomy:33:12|. The use of \adelphoi\ for members of the same brotherhood can be derived from the Jewish custom (Acts:2:29,37|) and the habit of Jesus (Matthew:12:48|) and is amply illustrated in the papyri for burial clubs and other orders and guilds (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_). {Your election} (\tn eklogn humn\). That is the election of you by God. It is an old word from \eklegomai\ used by Jesus of his choice of the twelve disciples (John:15:16|) and by Paul of God's eternal selection (Ephesians:1:4|). The word \eklog\ is not in the LXX and only seven times in the N.T. and always of God's choice of men (Acts:9:15; strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:4; strkjv@Romans:9:11; strkjv@11:5,7,58; strkjv@2Peter:1:10|). The divine \eklog\ was manifested in the Christian qualities of verse 3| (Moffatt).
rwp@1Thessalonians:1:5 @{How that} (\hoti\). It is not certain whether \hoti\ here means "because" (\quia\) as in strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:7; strkjv@1Corinthians:2:14; strkjv@Romans:8:27| or declarative \hoti\ "how that," knowing the circumstances of your election (Lightfoot) or explanatory, as in strkjv@Acts:16:3; strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:1; strkjv@1Corinthians:16:15; strkjv@2Corinthians:12:3f.; strkjv@Romans:13:11|. {Our gospel} (\to euaggelion hmn\). The gospel (see on ¯Matthew:4:23; strkjv@Mark:1:1,15| for \euaggelion\) which we preach, Paul's phrase also in strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:14; strkjv@2Corinthians:4:3; strkjv@Romans:2:16; strkjv@16:25; strkjv@2Timothy:2:8|. Paul had a definite, clear-cut message of grace that he preached everywhere including Thessalonica. This message is to be interpreted in the light of Paul's own sermons in Acts and Epistles, not by reading backward into them the later perversions of Gnostics and sacramentarians. This very word was later applied to the books about Jesus, but Paul is not so using the term here or anywhere else. In its origin Paul's gospel is of God (1Thessalonians:2:2,8,9|), in its substance it is Christ's (3:2; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:8|), and Paul is only the bearer of it (1Thessalonians:2:4,9; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:14|) as Milligan points out. Paul and his associates have been entrusted with this gospel (1Thessalonians:2:4|) and preach it (Galatians:2:2|). Elsewhere Paul calls it God's gospel (2Corinthians:11:7; strkjv@Romans:1:1; strkjv@15:16|) or Christs (1Corinthians:9:12; strkjv@2Corinthians:2:12; strkjv@9:13; strkjv@10:14; strkjv@Galatians:1:7; strkjv@Romans:15:19; strkjv@Phillipians:1:27|). In both instances it is the subjective genitive. {Came unto you} (\egenth eis hums\). First aorist passive indicative of \ginomai\ in practically same sense as \egeneto\ (second aorist middle indicative as in the late Greek generally). Songs:also \eis hums\ like the _Koin_ is little more than the dative \humin\ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 594). {Not only--but also} (\ouk--monon, alla kai\). Sharp contrast, negatively and positively. The contrast between \logos\ (word) and \dunamis\ (power) is seen also in strkjv@1Corinthians:2:4; strkjv@4:20|. Paul does not refer to miracles by \dunamis\. {In the Holy Spirit and much assurance} (\en pneumati hagii kai plrophorii polli\). Preposition \en\ repeated with \logi, dunamei\, but only once here thus uniting closely {Holy Spirit} and {much assurance}. No article with either word. The word \plrophorii\ is not found in ancient Greek or the LXX. It appears once in Clement of Rome and one broken papyrus example. For the verb \plrophore\ see on ¯Luke:1:1|. The substantive in the N.T. only here and strkjv@Colossians:2:2; strkjv@Hebrews:6:11; strkjv@10:22|. It means the full confidence which comes from the Holy Spirit. {Even as ye know} (\kaths oidate\). Paul appeals to the Thessalonians themselves as witnesses to the character of his preaching and life among them. {What manner of men we showed ourselves toward you} (\hoioi egenthmen humin\). Literally, {What sort of men we became to you}. Qualitative relative \hoioi\ and dative \humin\ and first aorist passive indicative \egenthmen\, (not \metha\, we were). An epexegetical comment with {for your sake} (\di' hums\) added. It was all in their interest and for their advantage, however it may have seemed otherwise at the time.
rwp@1Thessalonians:1:6 @{Imitators of us and of the Lord} (\mimtai hmn kai tou kuriou\). \Mimts\ (\-ts\ expresses the agent) is from \mimeomai\, to imitate and that from \mimos\ (\mimic\, actor). Old word, more than "followers," in the N.T. only six times (1Thessalonians:1:6; strkjv@2:14; strkjv@1Corinthians:4:16; strkjv@11:1; strkjv@Ephesians:5:1; strkjv@Hebrews:6:12|). Again Paul uses \ginomai\, to become, not \eimi\, to be. It is a daring thing to expect people to "imitate" the preacher, but Paul adds "and of the Lord," for he only expected or desired "imitation" as he himself imitated the Lord Jesus, as he expressly says in strkjv@1Corinthians:11:1|. The peril of it all is that people so easily and so readily imitate the preacher when he does not imitate the Lord. The fact of the "election" of the Thessalonians was shown by the character of the message given them and by this sincere acceptance of it (Lightfoot). {Having received the word} (\dexamenoi ton logon\). First aorist middle participle of \dechomai\, probably simultaneous action (receiving), not antecedent. {In much affliction} (\en thlipsei polli\). Late word, pressure. Tribulation (Latin _tribulum_) from \thlib\, to press hard on. Christianity has glorified this word. It occurs in some Christian papyrus letters in this same sense. Runs all through the N.T. (2Thessalonians:1:4; strkjv@Romans:5:3|). Paul had his share of them (Colossians:1:24; strkjv@2Corinthians:2:4|) and so he understands how to sympathize with the Thessalonians (1Thessalonians:3:3f.|). They suffered after Paul left Thessalonica (1Thessalonians:2:14|). {With joy of the Holy Spirit} (\meta charas pneumatos hagiou\). The Holy Spirit gives the joy in the midst of the tribulations as Paul learned (Romans:5:3|). "This paradox of experience" (Moffatt) shines along the pathway of martyrs and saints of Christ.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:2 @{But having suffered before} (\alla propathontes\). Strong adversative \alla\, antithesis to \ken\. Appeal to his personal experiences in Thessalonica known to them ({as ye know}, \kaths oidate\). Second aorist active participle of \propasch\, old compound verb, but here alone in the N.T. The force of \pro-\ (before) is carried over to the next verb. The participle may be regarded as temporal (Ellicott) or concessive (Moffatt). {And been shamefully entreated in Philippi} (\kai hubristhentes en Philippois\). First aorist passive participle of \hubriz\, old verb, to treat insolently. "More than the bodily suffering it was the personal indignity that had been offered to him as a Roman citizen" (Milligan), for which account see strkjv@Acts:16:16-40|, an interesting example of how Acts and the Epistles throw light on each other. Luke tells how Paul resented the treatment accorded to him as a Roman citizen and here Paul shows that the memory still rankled in his bosom. {We waxed bold in our God} (\eparrsiasametha en ti thei hmn\). Ingressive first aorist middle of \parrsiazomai\, old deponent verb from \parrsia\ (full story, \pan-, rsia\). In his reply to Festus (Acts:26:26|) Paul uses \parrsiazomenos lal\, {being bold I speak}, while here he has {we waxed bold to speak} (\eparrsiasametha lalsai\). The insult in Philippi did not close Paul's mouth, but had precisely the opposite effect "in our God." It was not wild fanaticism, but determined courage and confidence in God that spurred Paul to still greater boldness in Thessalonica, {unto you} (\pros hums\), be the consequences what they might, {the gospel of God in much conflict}, (\to euaggelion tou theou en polli agni\). This figure of the athletic games (\agn\) may refer to outward conflict like strkjv@Phillipians:1:30| or inward anxiety (Colossians:2:1|). He had both in Thessalonica.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:3 @{Exhortation} (\paraklsis\). Persuasive discourse, calling to one's side, for admonition, encouragement, or comfort. {Not of error} (\ouk ek plans\). This word is same as \plana\, to lead astray (2Timothy:3:13|) like Latin _errare_. Passive idea of {error} here rather than deceit. That is seen in {nor in guile} (\oude en doli\) from \del\, to catch with bait. Paul is keenly sensitive against charges against the correctness of his message and the purity of his life. {Nor of uncleanness} (\oude ex akatharsias\). "This disclaimer, startling as it may seem, was not unneeded amidst the impurities consecrated by the religions of the day" (Lightfoot). There was no necessary connection in the popular mind between religion and morals. The ecstatic initiations in some of the popular religions were grossly sensual.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:6 @{Nor seeking glory of men} (\oute ztountes ex anthrpn doxan\). "Upon the repudiation of covetousness follows naturally the repudiation of worldly ambition" (Milligan). See strkjv@Acts:20:19; strkjv@2Corinthians:4:5; strkjv@Ephesians:4:2|. This third disclaimer is as strong as the other two. Paul and his associates had not tried to extract praise or glory out of (\ex\) men. {Neither from you nor from others} (\oute aph' humn oute aph' alln\). He widens the negation to include those outside of the church circles and changes the preposition from \ex\ (out of) to \apo\ (from). {When we might have been burdensome, as apostles of Christ} (\dunamenoi en barei einai hs Christou apostoloi\). Westcott and Hort put this clause in verse 7|. Probably a concessive participle, {though being able to be in a position of weight} (either in matter of finance or of dignity, or a burden on your funds or "men of weight" as Moffatt suggests). Milligan suggests that Paul "plays here on the double sense of the phrase" like the Latin proverb: _Honos propter onus_. Songs:he adds, including Silas and Timothy, {as Christ's apostles}, as missionaries clearly, whether in the technical sense or not (cf. strkjv@Acts:14:4,14; strkjv@2Corinthians:8:23; strkjv@11:13; strkjv@Romans:16:7; strkjv@Phillipians:2:25; strkjv@Revelation:2:2|). They were entitled to pay as "Christ's apostles" (cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:9; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:7ff.|), though they had not asked for it.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:7 @{But we were gentle in the midst of you} (\alla egenthmen npioi en mesi humn\). Note \egenthmen\ (became), not \metha\ (were). This rendering follows \pioi\ instead of \npioi\ (Aleph B D C Vulg. Boh.) which is clearly correct, though Dibelius, Moffatt, Ellicott, Weiss prefer \pioi\ as making better sense. Dibelius terms \npioi\ _unmoglich_ (impossible), but surely that is too strong. Paul is fond of the word \npioi\ (babes). Lightfoot admits that he here works the metaphor to the limit in his passion, but does not mar it as Ellicott holds. {As when a nurse cherishes her own children} (\hs ean trophos thalpi ta heauts tekna\). This comparative clause with \hs ean\ (Mark:4:26; strkjv@Galatians:6:10| without \ean\ or \an\) and the subjunctive (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 968) has a sudden change of the metaphor, as is common with Paul (1Timothy:5:24; strkjv@2Corinthians:3:13ff.|) from {babes} to {nurse} (\trophos\), old word, here only in the N.T., from \treph\, to nourish, \troph\, nourishment. It is really the mother-nurse "who suckles and nurses her own children" (Lightfoot), a use found in Sophocles, and a picture of Paul's tender affection for the Thessalonians. \Thalp\ is an old word to keep warm, to cherish with tender love, to foster. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Ephesians:5:29|.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:12 @{To the end that} (\eis to\). Final use of \eis\ and the articular infinitive, common idiom in the papyri and Paul uses \eis\ to and the infinitive fifty times (see again in strkjv@3:2|), some final, some sub-final, some result (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 989-91). {Walk worthily of God} (\peripatein axis tou theou\). Present infinitive (linear action), and genitive case with adverb \axis\ as in strkjv@Colossians:1:10| (cf. strkjv@Phillipians:1:27; strkjv@Ephesians:4:1|), like a preposition. {Calleth} (\kalountos\). Present active participle, keeps on calling. Some MSS. have \kalesantos\, called. {Kingdom} (\basileian\) here is the future consummation because of glory (\doxan\) as in strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:5; strkjv@1Corinthians:6:9; strkjv@15:50; strkjv@Galatians:5:21; strkjv@2Timothy:4:1,18|), but Paul uses it for the present kingdom of grace also as in strkjv@1Corinthians:4:20; strkjv@Romans:14:17; strkjv@Colossians:1:13|.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:15 @{Who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets} (\tn kai ton Kurion apokteinantn Isoun kai tous prophtas\). First aorist active participle of \apoktein\. Vivid justification of his praise of the churches in Judea. The Jews killed the prophets before the Lord Jesus who reminded them of their guilt (Matthew:23:29|). Paul, as Peter (Acts:2:23|), lays the guilt of the death of Christ on the Jews. {And drove us out} (\kai hms ekdixantn\). An old verb to drive out or banish, to chase out as if a wild beast. Only here in N.T. It is Paul's vivid description of the scene told in strkjv@Acts:17:5ff.| when the rabbis and the hoodlums from the agora chased him out of Thessalonica by the help of the politarchs. {Please not God} (\Thei m areskontn\). The rabbis and Jews thought that they were pleasing God by so doing as Paul did when he ravaged the young church in Jerusalem. But Paul knows better now. {And are contrary to all men} (\kai pasin anthrpois enantin\). Dative case with the adjective \enantin\ (old and common word, face to face, opposite). It seems like a bitter word about Paul's countrymen whom he really loved (Romans:9:1-5; strkjv@10:1-6|), but Paul knew only too well the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile as he shows in strkjv@Ephesians:2| and which only the Cross of Christ can break down. Tacitus (_Hist_. V. 5) says that the Jews are _adversus omnes alios hostile odium_.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:18 @{Because} (\dioti\). As in strkjv@2:8|. {We would fain have come to you} (\thelsamen elthein pros humas\). First aorist active indicative of \thel\. Literally, {we desired to come to you. I Paul} (\eg men Paulos\). Clear example of literary plural \thelesamen\ with singular pronoun \eg\. Paul uses his own name elsewhere also as in strkjv@2Corinthians:10:1; strkjv@Galatians:5:2; strkjv@Colossians:1:23; strkjv@Ephesians:3:1; strkjv@Philemon:1:19|. {Once and again} (\kai hapax kai dis\). {Both once and twice} as in strkjv@Phillipians:4:16|. Old idiom in Plato. {And Satan hindered us} (\kai enekopsen hmas ho Satanas\). Adversative use of \kai=\ but or and yet. First aorist active indicative of \enkopt\, late word to cut in, to hinder. Milligan quotes papyrus example of third century, B.C. Verb used to cut in a road, to make a road impassable. Songs:Paul charges Satan with cutting in on his path. Used by Paul in strkjv@Acts:24:4; strkjv@Galatians:5:7| and passive \enekoptomn\ in strkjv@Romans:15:22; strkjv@1Peter:3:7|. This hindrance may have been illness, opposition of the Jews in Corinth, what not.
rwp@1Thessalonians:2:19 @{Crown of glorying} (\stephanos kauchses\). When a king or conqueror came on a visit he was given a chaplet of glorying. Paul is answering the insinuation that he did not really wish to come. {At his coming} (\en ti autou parousii\). This word \parousia\ is untechnical (just _presence_ from \pareimi\) in strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:9; strkjv@1Corinthians:16:17; strkjv@2Corinthians:7:6f.; strkjv@10:10; strkjv@Phillipians:1:26; strkjv@2:12|. But here (also strkjv@1Thessalonians:3:13; strkjv@4:15; strkjv@5:23; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:1,8; strkjv@1Corinthians:15:23|) we have the technical sense of the second coming of Christ. Deissmann (_Light from the Ancient East_, pp. 372ff.) notes that the word in the papyri is almost technical for the arrival of a king or ruler who expects to receive his "crown of coming." The Thessalonians, Paul says, will be his crown, glory, joy when Jesus comes.
rwp@1Thessalonians:3:3 @{That no man be moved} (\to mdena sainesthai\). Epexegetical articular infinitive in accusative case of general reference. \Sain\ is old word to wag the tail, to flatter, beguile and this sense suits here (only N.T. example). The sense of "moved" or troubled or disheartened is from \siainesthai\ the reading of F G and found in the papyri. {We are appointed} (\keimetha\). Present middle, used here as passive of \tithmi\. We Christians are set {hereunto} (\eis touto\) to be beguiled by tribulations. We must resist.
rwp@1Thessalonians:3:10 @{Exceedingly} (\huperekperissou\). Double compound adverb, only in strkjv@1Thessalonians:3:10; strkjv@5:13| (some MSS. \-s\). Like piling Ossa on Pelion, \perisss\, abundantly, \ek perissou\, out of bounds, \huperekperissou\, more than out of bounds (overflowing all bounds). {And perfect} (\kai katartisai\). First aorist active articular infinitive of purpose (\eis to idein--kai\) of \katartiz\, to mend nets (Matthew:4:21|) or men (Galatians:6:1|) repair. Chiefly late. {That which is lacking in} (\ta hustermata\). The shortcomings, the lacks or left-overs (Colossians:1:24|). From \hustere\ (\husteron\), to be late.
rwp@1Thessalonians:4:3 @{Your sanctification} (\ho hagiasmos humn\). Found only in the Greek Bible and ecclesiastical writers from \hagiaz\ and both to take the place of the old words \hagiz, hagismos\ with their technical ideas of consecration to a god or goddess that did not include holiness in life. Songs:Paul makes a sharp and pointed stand here for the Christian idea of sanctification as being "the will of God" (apposition) and as further explained by the epexegetic infinitive {that ye abstain from fornication} (\apechesthai humas apo ts porneias\). Pagan religion did not demand sexual purity of its devotees, the gods and goddesses being grossly immoral. Priestesses were in the temples for the service of the men who came.
rwp@1Thessalonians:4:9 @{Concerning love of the brethren} (\peri ts philadelphias\). Late word, love of brothers or sisters. In profane Greek (one papyrus example) and LXX the word means love of those actually kin by blood, but in the N.T. it is the kinship in the love of Christ as here. {Are taught by God} (\theodidaktoi este\). Only here and ecclesiastical writers. Passive verbal adjective in \-tos\ from \didask\ as if \theo-\ in ablative case like \didaktoi theou\ (John:6:45|). {To love one another} (\eis to agapin alllous\). Another example of \eis to\ and the infinitive. Only those taught of God keep on loving one another, love neighbours and even enemies as Jesus taught (Matthew:5:44|). Note the use of \agapa\, not \phile\.
rwp@1Thessalonians:4:15 @{By the word of the Lord} (\en logi Kuriou\). We do not know to what word of the Lord Jesus Paul refers, probably Paul meaning only the point in the teaching of Christ rather than a quotation. He may be claiming a direct revelation on this important matter as about the Lord's Supper in strkjv@1Corinthians:11:23|. Jesus may have spoken on this subject though it has not been preserved to us (cf. strkjv@Mark:9:1|). {Ye that are alive} (\hmeis hoi zntes\). Paul here includes himself, but this by no means shows that Paul knew that he would be alive at the Parousia of Christ. He was alive, not dead, when he wrote. {Shall in no wise precede} (\ou m phthasmen\). Second aorist active subjunctive of \phthan\, to come before, to anticipate. This strong negative with \ou m\ (double negative) and the subjunctive is the regular idiom (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 929). Hence there was no ground for uneasiness about the dead in Christ.
rwp@1Thessalonians:4:16 @{With a shout} (\en keleusmati\). Note this so-called instrumental use of \en\. Old word, here only in N.T., from \keleu\, to order, command (military command). Christ will come as Conqueror. {With the voice of the archangel} (\en phni archaggelou\). Further explanation of \keleusmati\ (command). The only archangel mentioned in N.T. is Michael in strkjv@Jude:1:9|. But note absence of article with both \phni\ and \archaggelou\. The reference may be thus indefinite. {With the trump of God} (\en salpiggi theou\). Trumpet. See same figure in strkjv@1Corinthians:15:52|. {The dead in Christ shall rise first} (\hoi nekroi en Christi anastsontai prton\). {First} here refers plainly to the fact that, so far from the dead in Christ having no share in the Parousia, they will rise before those still alive are changed.
rwp@1Thessalonians:4:17 @{Then} (\epeita\). The next step, not the identical time (\tote\), but immediately afterwards. {Together with them} (\hama sun autois\). Note both \hama\ (at the same time) and \sun\ (together with) with the associative instrumental case \autois\ (the risen saints). {Shall be caught up} (\harpagsometha\). Second future passive indicative of \harpaz\, old verb to seize, to carry off like Latin _rapio_. {To meet the Lord in the air} (\eis apantsin tou Kuriou eis aera\). This special Greek idiom is common in the LXX like the Hebrew, but Polybius has it also and it occurs in the papyri (Moulton, _Proleg_., p. 14, n. 3). This rapture of the saints (both risen and changed) is a glorious climax to Paul's argument of consolation. {And so} (\kai houts\). This is the outcome, to be forever with the Lord, whether with a return to earth or with an immediate departure for heaven Paul does not say. To be with Christ is the chief hope of Paul's life (1Thessalonians:5:10; strkjv@Phillipians:1:23; strkjv@Colossians:3:4; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:8|).
rwp@1Thessalonians:5:5 @{Sons of light} (\huioi phtos\), {sons of day} (\huioi hmeras\). Chiefly a translation Hebraism (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 161ff.). Cf. words of Jesus in strkjv@Luke:16:8| and Paul in strkjv@Ephesians:5:9|. He repeats the same idea in turning from "ye" to "we" and using \nuktos\ (night) and \skotous\ (darkness), predicate genitives.
rwp@1Thessalonians:5:8 @{Putting on the breastplate of faith and love} (\endusamenoi thraka pistes kai agaps\). First aorist (ingressive) middle participle of \endu\. The same figure of breastplate in strkjv@Ephesians:6:14|, only there "of righteousness." The idea of watchfulness brings the figure of a sentry on guard and armed to Paul's mind as in strkjv@Romans:13:12| "the weapons of light." The word \thrax\ (breastplate) is common in the LXX. {For a helmet, the hope of salvation} (\perikephalaian elpida strias\). Same figure in strkjv@Ephesians:6:17| and both like strkjv@Isaiah:59:17|. Late word meaning around (\peri\) the head (\kephal\) and in Polybius, LXX, and in the papyri. \Strias\ is objective genitive.
rwp@1Thessalonians:5:25 @{Pray for us} (\proseuchesthe [kai] peri hmn\). He has made his prayer for them. He adds this "human touch" (Frame) and pleads for the prayers of his converts (2Thessalonians:3:1; strkjv@Colossians:4:2f.|). Probably \kai\ also is genuine (B D).
rwp@1Thessalonians:5:28 @{The grace} (\h charis\). Paul prefers this noble word to the customary \errsthe\ (Farewell, Be strong). See strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:18| for identical close save added \pantn\ (all). A bit shorter form in strkjv@1Corinthians:16:23; strkjv@Romans:16:20| and still shorter in strkjv@Colossians:4:18; strkjv@1Timothy:6:21; strkjv@Titus:3:15; strkjv@2Timothy:4:22|. The full Trinitarian benediction we find in strkjv@2Corinthians:13:13|.
rwp@Info_1Timothy @ FIRST TIMOTHY PROBABLY A.D. 65 FROM MACEDONIA BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION Assuming the Pauline authorship the facts shape up after this fashion. Paul had been in Ephesus (1Timothy:1:3|) after his arrival from Rome, which was certainly before the burning of Rome in A.D. 64. He had left Timothy in charge of the work in Ephesus and has gone on into Macedonia (1Timothy:1:3|), possibly to Philippi as he had hoped (Phillipians:2:24|). He wishes to help Timothy meet the problems of doctrine (against the Gnostics), discipline, and church training which are increasingly urgent. There are personal touches of a natural kind about Timothy's own growth and leadership. There are wise words here from the greatest of all preachers to a young minister whom Paul loved. strkjv@1Timothy:1:1 @{According to the commandment} (\kat' epitagn\). A late _Koin_ word (Polybius, Diodorus), but a Pauline word also in N.T. This very idiom ("by way of command") in strkjv@1Corinthians:7:6; strkjv@2Corinthians:8:8; strkjv@Romans:16:26; strkjv@1Timothy:1:1; strkjv@Titus:1:3|. Paul means to say that he is an apostle under orders. {Of God our Saviour} (\theou stros hmn\). Genitive case with \epitagn\. In the LXX \str\ (old word from \sz\ for agent in saving, applied to deities, princes, kings, etc.) occurs 20 times, all but two to God. The Romans called the emperor "Saviour God." In the N.T. the designation of God as Saviour is peculiar to strkjv@Luke:1:47; strkjv@Jude:1:25; strkjv@1Timothy:1:3; strkjv@2:3; strkjv@4:10; strkjv@Titus:1:3; strkjv@2:10; strkjv@3:4|. In the other Epistles Paul uses it of Christ (Phillipians:3:20; strkjv@Ephesians:5:23|) as in strkjv@2Timothy:1:10|. In strkjv@2Peter:1:1| we have "our God and Saviour Jesus Christ" as in strkjv@Titus:2:13|. {Our hope} (\ts elpidos hmn\). Like strkjv@Colossians:1:27|. More than the author and object of hope, "its very substance and foundation" (Ellicott).
rwp@1Timothy:1:2 @{True} (\gnsii\). Legitimate, not spurious. Old word from \ginomai\, but Pauline only in N.T. (Phillipians:4:3; strkjv@2Corinthians:8:8; strkjv@Titus:1:4|). In strkjv@Phillipians:2:20| the adverb \gnsis\ occurs and of Timothy again. {Christ Jesus} (\Christou Isou\). Songs:twice already in verse 1| and as usual in the later Epistles (Colossians:1:1; strkjv@Ephesians:1:1|).
rwp@1Timothy:1:3 @{As I exhorted} (\kaths parekalesa\). There is an ellipse of the principal clause in verse 4| ({so do I now} not being in the Greek). {To tarry} (\prosmeinai\). First aorist active infinitive of \prosmen\, old verb, attributed by Luke to Paul in strkjv@Acts:13:43|. {That thou mightest charge} (\hina paraggeilis\). Subfinal clause with \hina\ and the first aorist active subjunctive of \paraggell\, old verb, to transmit a message along (\para\) from one to another. See strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:4,6,10|. Lock considers this idiom here an elliptical imperative like strkjv@Ephesians:4:29; strkjv@5:33|. {Certain men} (\tisin\). Dative case. Expressly vague (no names as in strkjv@1:20|), though Paul doubtless has certain persons in Ephesus in mind. {Not to teach a different doctrine} (\m heterodidaskalein\). Earliest known use of this compound like \kakodidaskalein\ of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in strkjv@6:3|. Eusebius has \heterodidaskalos\. Same idea in strkjv@Galatians:1:6; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:4; strkjv@Romans:16:17|. Perhaps coined by Paul.
rwp@1Timothy:1:4 @{To give heed} (\prosechein\). With \noun\ understood. Old and common idiom in N.T. especially in Luke and Acts (Acts:8:10ff.|). Not in Paul's earlier Epistles. strkjv@1Timothy:3:8; strkjv@4:1,13; strkjv@Titus:1:14|. {To fables} (\muthois\). Dative case of old word for speech, narrative, story, fiction, falsehood. In N.T. only strkjv@2Peter:1:16; strkjv@1Timothy:1:4; strkjv@4:7; strkjv@Titus:1:14; strkjv@2Timothy:4:4|. {Genealogies} (\genealogiais\). Dative of old word, in LXX, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Titus:3:9|. {Endless} (\aperantois\). Old verbal compound (from \a\ privative and \perain\, to go through), in LXX, only here in N.T. Excellent examples there for old words used only in the Pastorals because of the subject matter, describing the Gnostic emphasis on aeons. {Questionings} (\ekztseis\). "Seekings out." Late and rare compound from \ekzte\ (itself _Koin_ word, strkjv@Romans:3:11| from LXX and in papyri). Here only in N.T. Simplex \ztsis\ in strkjv@Acts:15:2; strkjv@1Timothy:6:4; strkjv@Titus:3:9; strkjv@2Timothy:2:23|. {A dispensation} (\oikonomian\). Pauline word (1Corinthians:9:17; strkjv@Colossians:1:25; strkjv@Ephesians:1:9; strkjv@3:9; strkjv@1Timothy:1:4|), strkjv@Luke:16:2-4| only other N.T. examples. {In faith} (\en pistei\). Pauline use of \pistis\.
rwp@1Timothy:1:7 @{Teachers of the law} (\nomodidaskaloi\). Compound only in N.T. (here, strkjv@Luke:5:17; strkjv@Acts:5:34|) and ecclesiastical writers. {Though they understand} (\noountes\). Concessive participle of \noe\, old verb (Ephesians:3:4,20|). {Neither what} (\mte ha\). Relative \ha\ (which things). {Nor whereof} (\mte peri tinn\). Here the interrogative \tinn\ used in sense of relative \hn\. It may be regarded as the use of an indirect question for variety (Parry). {They confidently affirm} (\diabebaiountai\). Present middle indicative of the common _Koin_ compound, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Titus:3:8|.
rwp@1Timothy:1:9 @{Is not made for} (\ou keitai\). The use of \keitai\ for \tetheitai\ (perfect passive of \tithmi\) is a common enough idiom. See the same point about law in strkjv@Galatians:18-23; strkjv@Romans:13:13|. For "knowing this" (\eids touto\) see strkjv@Ephesians:5:5|. {Unruly} (\anupotaktois\). Dative (like all these words) of the late verbal (\a\ privative and \hupotass\). In N.T. only here, strkjv@Titus:1:6,10; strkjv@Hebrews:2:8|. {Ungodly} (\asebesi\). See strkjv@Romans:4:5; strkjv@5:6|. {Sinners} (\hamartlois\). See strkjv@Romans:3:7|. {Unholy} (\anosiois\). Common word (\a\ privative and \hosios\. In N.T. only here and strkjv@2Timothy:3:2|. {Profane} (\beblois\). Old word from \bain\, to go, and \blos\, threshold. See strkjv@Hebrews:12:16|. {Murderers of fathers} (\patroliais\). Late form for common Attic \patraliais\ (from \patr\, father, and \aloia\, to smite) only here in N.T. {Murderers of mothers} (\mtroliais\). Late form Attic \mtraliais\. Only here in N.T. {Manslayers} (\andraphonois\). Old compound (\anr\, man, \phonos\, murder). Only here in N.T.
rwp@1Timothy:1:10 @{For abusers of themselves with men} (\arsenokoitais\). Late compound for sodomites. In N.T. only here and strkjv@1Corinthians:6:9|. {Men-stealers} (\andrapodistais\). Old word from \andrapodiz\ (from \anr\, man, \pous\, foot, to catch by the foot), to enslave. Songs:enslavers, whether kidnappers (men-stealers) of free men or stealers of the slaves of other men. Songs:slave-dealers. By the use of this word Paul deals a blow at the slave-trade (cf. Philemon). {Liars} (\pseustais\). Old word, see strkjv@Romans:3:4|. {False swearers} (\epiorkois\). Old word (\epi, orkos\, oath). Perjurers. Only here in N.T. For similar lists, see strkjv@1Corinthians:5:11; strkjv@6:9f.; strkjv@Galatians:5:19f.; strkjv@Romans:1:28f.; strkjv@13:13; strkjv@Colossians:3:5; strkjv@Ephesians:5:5; strkjv@2Timothy:3:2f|. {The sound doctrine} (\ti hugiainousi didaskalii\). Dative case after \antikeitai\, for which verb see strkjv@Galatians:5:17| for the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. "The healthful (\hugiain\, old word for being well, as strkjv@Luke:5:31; strkjv@3John:1:2|, in figurative sense in N.T. only in the Pastorals) teaching." See strkjv@Titus:1:9; strkjv@2Timothy:4:3|.
rwp@1Timothy:1:12 @{I thank} (\charin ech\). "I have gratitude to." Common phrase (Luke:17:9|), not elsewhere in Paul. {That enabled me} (\ti endunamsanti me\). First aorist active articular participle of \endunamo\. Late verb, but regular Pauline idiom (Romans:4:20; strkjv@Phillipians:4:13; strkjv@Ephesians:6:10; strkjv@1Timothy:1:12; strkjv@2Timothy:4:17|). {Appointing me to his service} (\themenos eis diakonian\). Second aorist middle participle. Pauline phrase and atmosphere (Acts:20:24; strkjv@1Corinthians:3:5; strkjv@12:18,28; strkjv@2Corinthians:3:6; strkjv@4:1; strkjv@Colossians:1:23; Eph. strkjv@3:7; strkjv@1Timothy:4:6; strkjv@2Timothy:4:5,11|).
rwp@1Timothy:1:14 @{Abounded exceedingly} (\huperepleonasen\). Aorist active indicative of the late and rare (Songs:5:19| and in Herond.) compound \huperpleonaz\ (here alone in N.T.), in later ecclesiastical writers. The simplex \pleonaz\ Paul used in strkjv@Romans:5:20; strkjv@6:1| and the kindred \hupereperisseusen\ used also with \h charis\. Paul is fond of compounds with \huper\. For "faith in Christ Jesus" see strkjv@Galatians:3:26|, for "faith and love in Christ Jesus" as here, see strkjv@2Timothy:1:13|.
rwp@1Timothy:1:15 @{Faithful is the saying} (\pistos ho logos\). Five times in the Pastorals (1Timothy:1:15; strkjv@3:1; strkjv@4:9; strkjv@Titus:3:8; strkjv@2Timothy:2:11|). It will pay to note carefully \pistis, pisteu, pistos\. Same use of \pistos\ (trustworthy) applied to \logos\ in strkjv@Titus:1:9; strkjv@Revelation:21:5; strkjv@22:6|. Here and probably in strkjv@2Timothy:2:11| a definite saying seems to be referred to, possibly a quotation (\hoti\) of a current saying quite like the Johannine type of teaching. This very phrase (Christ coming into the world) occurs in strkjv@John:9:37; strkjv@11:27; strkjv@16:28; strkjv@18:37|. Paul, of course, had no access to the Johannine writings, but such "sayings" were current among the disciples. There is no formal quotation, but "the whole phrase implies a knowledge of Synoptic and Johannine language" (Lock) as in strkjv@Luke:5:32; strkjv@John:12:47|. {Acceptation} (\apodochs\). Genitive case with \axios\ (worthy of). Late word (Polybius, Diod., Jos.) in N.T. only here and strkjv@4:9|. {Chief} (\prtos\). Not \n\ (I was), but \eimi\ (I am). "It is not easy to think of any one but St. Paul as penning these words" (White). In strkjv@1Corinthians:15:9| he had called himself "the least of the apostles" (\elachistos tn apostoln\). In strkjv@Ephesians:3:8| he refers to himself as "the less than the least of all saints" (\ti elachistoteri pantn hagin\). On occasion Paul would defend himself as on a par with the twelve apostles (Galatians:2:6-10|) and superior to the Judaizers (2Corinthians:11:5f.; strkjv@12:11|). It is not mock humility here, but sincere appreciation of the sins of his life (cf. strkjv@Romans:7:24|) as a persecutor of the church of God (Galatians:1:13|), of men and even women (Acts:22:4f.; strkjv@26:11|). He had sad memories of those days.
rwp@1Timothy:1:16 @{In me as chief} (\en emoi prti\). Probably starts with the same sense of \prtos\ as in verse 15| (rank), but turns to order (first in line). Paul becomes the "specimen" sinner as an encouragement to all who come after him. {Might shew forth} (\endeixtai\). First aorist middle subjunctive (purpose with \hina\) of \endeiknumi\, to point out, for which see strkjv@Ephesians:2:7| (same form with \hina\). {Longsuffering} (\makrothumian\). Common Pauline word (2Corinthians:6:6|). {For an ensample} (\pros hupotupsin\). Late and rare word (in Galen, Sext. Emp., Diog. Laert., here only in N.T.) from late verb \hupotupo\ (in papyri) to outline. Songs:substantive here is a sketch, rough outline. Paul is a sample of the kind of sinners that Jesus came to save. See \hupodeigma\ in strkjv@2Peter:2:6|.
rwp@1Timothy:1:17 @This noble doxology is a burst of gratitude for God's grace to Paul. For other doxologies see strkjv@Galatians:1:5; strkjv@Romans:11:36; strkjv@16:27; strkjv@Phillipians:4:20; strkjv@Ephesians:3:21; strkjv@1Timothy:6:16|. White suggests that Paul may have often used this doxology in his prayers. Lock suggests "a Jewish liturgical formula" (a needless suggestion in view of Paul's wealth of doxologies seen above). For God's creative activity (King of the ages) see strkjv@1Corinthians:10:11; strkjv@Ephesians:2:7; strkjv@3:9,11|. {Incorruptible} (\aphtharti\). As an epithet of God also in strkjv@Romans:1:23|. {Invisible} (\aorati\). Epithet of God in strkjv@Colossians:1:15|. {The only God} (\moni thei\). Songs:Romans:16:27; strkjv@John:5:44; strkjv@17:3|. {For ever and ever} (\eis tous ainas tn ainn\). "Unto the ages of ages." Cf. strkjv@Ephesians:3:21| "of the age of the ages."
rwp@1Timothy:1:19 @{Holding faith and a good conscience} (\echn pistin kai agathn suneidsin\). Possibly as a shield (Ephesians:6:16|) or at any rate possessing (Romans:2:20|) faith as trust and a good conscience. A leader expects them of his followers and must show them himself. {Having thrust from them} (\apsamenoi\). First aorist indirect middle participle of \apthe\, to push away from one. Old verb (see strkjv@Romans:11:1f.|). {Made shipwreck} (\enauagsan\). First aorist active indicative of \nauage\, old verb from \nauagos\ (shipwrecked, \naus\, ship, \agnumi\, to break), to break a ship to pieces. In N.T. only here and strkjv@2Corinthians:11:25|. {Concerning the faith} (\peri tn pistin\). Rather, "concerning their faith" (the article here used as a possessive pronoun, a common Greek idiom).
rwp@1Timothy:2:4 @{Willeth} (\thelei\). God's wish and will in so far as he can influence men. {That all men should be saved} (\pantas anthrpous sthnai\). First aorist passive infinitive of \sz\ with accusative of general reference. See strkjv@1Corinthians:10:33; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:18f|. {To the knowledge} (\eis epignsin\). "The full knowledge" as in strkjv@Colossians:1:6; strkjv@Ephesians:4:13| (ten times in Paul). See strkjv@2Timothy:3:7| for the whole phrase "full knowledge of the truth" (\altheia\ 14 times in the Pastorals). Paul is anxious as in Colossians and Ephesians that the Gnostics may not lead the people astray. They need the full intellectual apprehension of Christianity.
rwp@1Timothy:2:5 @{One God} (\heis theos\). Regular Pauline argument for a universal gospel (Galatians:3:20; strkjv@Romans:3:30; strkjv@Ephesians:4:6|). {One mediator} (\heis mesits\). Late word (Polybius, Philo) from \mesos\ (middle), a middle man. In N.T. only here, strkjv@Galatians:3:20; strkjv@Hebrews:8:6; strkjv@9:15; strkjv@12:24|. {Between God and men} (\theou kai anthrpn\). Ablative case (though objective genitive may explain it) after \mesits\ (notion of separation) as in strkjv@Romans:10:12; strkjv@Hebrews:5:14|. {Himself man} (\anthrpos\). No "himself" (\autos\) in the Greek.
rwp@1Timothy:2:7 @{For which} (\eis ho\). The testimony of Jesus in his self-surrender (verse 6|). See \eis ho\ in strkjv@2Timothy:1:11|. {I was appointed} (\etethn eg\). First aorist passive indicative of \tithmi\. {Preacher and apostle} (\krux kai apostolos\). In strkjv@2Timothy:1:10| Paul adds \didaskalos\ (herald, apostle, teacher) as he does here with emphasis. In strkjv@Colossians:1:23f.| he has \diakonos\ (minister). He frequently uses \kruss\ of himself (1Corinthians:1:23; strkjv@9:27; strkjv@Galatians:2:2; strkjv@Romans:10:8f.|). {I speak the truth, I lie not} (\altheian leg, ou pseudomai\). A Pauline touch (Romans:9:1|). Cf. strkjv@Galatians:1:20; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:31|. Here alone he calls himself "a teacher of the Gentiles," elsewhere apostle (Romans:11:13|), minister (Romans:15:16|), prisoner (Ephesians:3:1|).
rwp@1Timothy:2:8 @{I desire} (\boulomai\). Songs:Phillipians:1:12|. {The men} (\tous andras\). Accusative of general reference with the infinitive \proseuchesthai\. The men in contrast to "women" (\gunaikas\) in 9|. It is public worship, of course, and "in every place" (\en panti topi\) for public worship. Many modern Christians feel that there were special conditions in Ephesus as in Corinth which called for strict regulations on the women that do not always apply now. {Lifting up holy hands} (\epairontas hosious cheiras\). Standing to pray. Note also \hosious\ used as feminine (so in Plato) with \cheiras\ instead of \hosias\. The point here is that only men should lead in public prayer who can lift up "clean hands" (morally and spiritually clean). See strkjv@Luke:24:50|. Adverb \hosis\ in strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:10| and \hosiots\ in strkjv@Ephesians:4:24|. {Without wrath and disputing} (\chris orgs kai dialogismou\). See strkjv@Phillipians:2:14|.
rwp@1Timothy:3:5 @{If a man knoweth not} (\ei tis ouk oiden\). Condition of first class, assumed as true. {How to rule} (\prostnai\). Second aorist active infinitive of same verb \proistmi\ and with \oiden\ means "know how to rule," not "know that he rules." {How} (\ps\). Rhetorical question expecting negative answer. {Shall he take care of} (\epimelsetai\). Future middle of \epimeleomai\, old compound (\epi\, direction of care towards) verb, in LXX, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:10:34f|. {The church of God} (\ekklsias theou\). Anarthrous as in verse 15|, elsewhere with article (1Corinthians:10:32; strkjv@15:9; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:1; strkjv@Galatians:1:13|). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Acts:20:28|) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop.
rwp@1Timothy:3:7 @{From them that are without} (\apo tn exthen\). "From the outside (of the church) ones." Paul's care for the witness of outsiders is seen in strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:12; strkjv@1Corinthians:10:32; strkjv@Colossians:4:5|. There are, of course, two sides to this matter. {Reproach} (\oneidismon\). Late word from \oneidiz\. See strkjv@Romans:15:3|. {The snare of the devil} (\pagida tou diabolou\). Here subjective genitive, snare set by the devil. \Pagis\, old word from \pgnumi\, to make fast. Songs:a snare for birds (Luke:21:35|), any sudden trap (Romans:11:9|), of sin (1Timothy:6:9|), of the devil (1Timothy:3:7; strkjv@2Timothy:2:26|). Ancients used it of the snares of love. The devil sets special snares for preachers (conceit verse 6|, money strkjv@6:9|, women, ambition).
rwp@1Timothy:3:8 @{Deacons} (\diakonous\). Accusative case of general reference like the preceding with \dei einai\ understood. Technical sense of the word here as in strkjv@Phillipians:1:1| which see (two classes of church officers, bishops or elders, deacons). {Grave} (\semnous\). See strkjv@Phillipians:4:8|. Repeated in verse 11; strkjv@Titus:2:2|. {Not double-tongued} (\m dilogous\). Rare word (\dis, leg\) saying same thing twice. Xenophon has \diloge\ and \dilogia\. In Pollux, but LXX has \diglssos\ (double-tongued, Latin _bilinguis_). Only here in N.T. One placed between two persons and saying one thing to one, another to the other. Like Bunyan's Parson "Mr. Two-Tongues." {Not given to much wine} (\m oini polli prosechontas\). "Not holding the mind (\ton noun\ understood as usual with \prosech\, strkjv@1Timothy:1:4|) on much wine" (\oini\, dative case). That attitude leads to over-indulgence. {Not greedy of filthy lucre} (\m aischrokerdeis\). Old word from \aischros\ (Ephesians:5:12|) and \kerdos\ (Phillipians:1:21|). "Making small gains in mean ways" (Parry). Not genuine in verse 3|. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Titus:1:7| (of bishops).
rwp@1Timothy:3:9 @{The mystery of the faith} (\to mustrion ts pistes\). "The inner secret of the faith," the revelation given in Christ. See for \mustrion\ in Paul (2Thessalonians:2:7; strkjv@1Corinthians:2:7; strkjv@Romans:16:25; strkjv@Colossians:1:26; strkjv@Ephesians:3:9|). {In a pure conscience} (\en kathari suneidsei\). See strkjv@1:19|. "The casket in which the jewel is to be kept" (Lock).
rwp@1Timothy:3:10 @{First be proved} (\dokimazesthsan prton\). Present passive imperative third plural of \dokimaz\, old and common verb, to test as metals, etc. (1Thessalonians:2:4|, and often in Paul). How the proposed deacons are to be "first" tested before approved Paul does not say. See strkjv@Phillipians:1:10| for the two senses (test, approve) of the word. {Let them serve as deacons} (\diakoneitsan\). Present active imperative of \diakone\ (same root as \diakonos\), common verb, to minister, here "to serve as deacons." Cf. \diakonein\ in strkjv@Acts:6:2|. See also verse 13|. {If they be blameless} (\anegkltoi ontes\). "Being blameless" (conditional participle, \ontes\). See strkjv@1Corinthians:1:8; strkjv@Colossians:1:22| for \anegkltos\.
rwp@1Timothy:3:11 @{Women} (\gunaikas\). Accusative with \dei einai\ understood (\hosauts\, likewise) as in verse 8|. Apparently "women as deacons" (Romans:16:1| about Phoebe) and not women in general or just "wives of deacons." See Pliny (_Ep_. X. 97) _ministrae_. {Not slanderers} (\m diabolous\). Original meaning of \diabolos\ (from \diaball\, strkjv@Luke:16:1|), the devil being the chief slanderer (Ephesians:6:11|). "She-devils" in reality (Titus:2:3|). "While men are more prone to be \dilogous\, double-tongued, women are more prone than men to be slanderers" (White). {Faithful in all things} (\pistas en psin\). Perhaps as almoners (Ellicott) the deaconesses had special temptations.
rwp@1Timothy:3:13 @{Gain to themselves} (\heautois peripoiountai\). Present middle indicative of \peripoie\, old verb, to make besides (\peri\, around, over), to lay by. Reflexive (indirect) middle with reflexive pronoun (\heautois\) repeated as often happens in the _Koin_. In N.T. only here, strkjv@Luke:17:33; strkjv@Acts:20:28| (Paul also, quoting strkjv@Isaiah:43:21|). {A good standing} (\bathmon kalon\). Late word from \bain\, in LXX for steps at a door (1Samuel:5:5|). In plural the steps of a stair. In the inscriptions it means a good foothold or standing. The ecclesiastical writers (Theodoret) take it to be a higher grade or rank, but it is doubtful if Paul means that here. {Much boldness} (\polln parrsian\). A Pauline phrase (2Corinthians:3:12; strkjv@7:4; strkjv@Phillipians:1:20|). {In the faith which is in Christ Jesus} (\en pistei ti en Christi Isou\). Pauline phrase again (Acts:26:18; strkjv@Galatians:3:26; strkjv@Colossians:1:4; strkjv@Ephesians:1:15; strkjv@2Timothy:1:13; strkjv@3:15|).
rwp@1Timothy:3:15 @{But if I tarry long} (\ean de bradun\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and the present active subjunctive of \bradun\, old verb, to be slow (usually intransitive), from \bradus\ (slow, dull, strkjv@Luke:24:25|), in N.T. only here and strkjv@2Peter:3:9|. {That thou mayest know} (\hina eidis\). Final clause with \hina\ and second perfect active subjunctive of \oida\, to know. {How men ought} (\ps dei\). "How it is necessary for thee" (supply \se\ more naturally than \tina\, any one). Indirect question. {To behave themselves} (\anastrephesthai\). Present middle (direct) infinitive of \anastreph\, old verb, to turn up and down. See strkjv@2Corinthians:1:12; strkjv@Ephesians:2:3|. {In the house of God} (\en oiki theou\). Probably here "household of God," that is "the family of God" rather than "the house (or temple) of God." Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and \oikos\ commonly means "household." Christians are the \naos\ (sanctuary) of God (1Corinthians:3:16f.; strkjv@2Corinthians:6:16|), and Paul calls them \oikeioi tou theou\ (Ephesians:2:19|) "members of God's family." It is conduct as members of God's family (\oikos\) that Paul has in mind. {Which} (\htis\). "Which very house of God," agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word \ekklsia\ (church). {The church of the living God} (\ekklsia theou zntos\). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in verse 5|. {The pillar and ground of the truth} (\stulos kai hedraima ts altheias\). Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to \ekklsia\ and \oikos\. On \stulos\, old word for pillar, see strkjv@Galatians:2:9; strkjv@Revelation:3:12| (only other N.T. examples). \Hedraima\, late and rare word (from \hedraio\, to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See Co strkjv@1:23; strkjv@2Timothy:2:19| for similar idea. See also strkjv@Matthew:16:18f|.
rwp@1Timothy:3:16 @{Without controversy} (\homologoumens\). Old adverb from the participle \homologoumenos\ from \homologe\. Here only in N.T. "Confessedly." {Great} (\mega\). See strkjv@Ephesians:5:32|. "A great mystery." {The mystery of godliness} (\to ts eusebeias mustrion\). See verse 9| "the mystery of the faith," and strkjv@2:2| for \eusebeia\. Here the phrase explains "a pillar and stay of the truth" (verse 15|). See in particular Co strkjv@1:27|. "The revealed secret of true religion, the mystery of Christianity, the Person of Christ" (Lock). {He who} (\hos\). The correct text, not \theos\ (God) the reading of the Textus Receptus (Syrian text) nor \ho\ (neuter relative, agreeing with \mustrion\) the reading of the Western documents. Westcott and Hort print this relative clause as a fragment of a Christian hymn (like strkjv@Ephesians:5:14|) in six strophes. That is probably correct. At any rate \hos\ (who) is correct and there is asyndeton (no connective) in the verbs. Christ, to whom \hos\ refers, is the mystery (Colossians:1:27; strkjv@2:2|). {Was manifested} (\ephanerth\). First aorist passive indicative of \phanero\, to manifest. Here used to describe the incarnation (\en sarki\) of Christ (an answer also to the Docetic Gnostics). The verb is used by Paul elsewhere of the incarnation (Romans:16:26; strkjv@Colossians:1:26|) as well as of the second coming (Colossians:3:4|). {Justified in the spirit} (\edikaith en pneumati\). First aorist passive indicative of \dikaio\, to declare righteous, to vindicate. Christ was vindicated in his own spirit (Hebrews:9:14|) before men by overcoming death and rising from the dead (Romans:1:3f.|). {Seen of angels} (\phth aggelois\). First aorist passive indicative of \hora\, to see, with either the instrumental or the dative case of angels (\aggelois\). The words were probably suggested by the appearance of Jesus (\phth\, the usual form for the resurrection appearances of Christ) of the angels at the tomb and at the ascension of Christ. See strkjv@Phillipians:2:10; strkjv@1Peter:3:22| for the appearance of Jesus to the angels in heaven at the ascension. Some would take "angels" here to be "messengers" (the women). {Preached among the nations} (\ekruchth en ethnesin\). First aorist passive indicative of \kruss\, to proclaim. The word \ethnos\ may mean "all creation" (Colossians:1:23|) and not just Gentiles as distinct from Jews. Paul had done more of this heralding of Christ among the Gentiles than any one else. It was his glory (Ephesians:3:1,8|). Cf. strkjv@2:7|. {Believed on in the world} (\episteuth en kosmi\). First aorist indicative passive again of \pisteu\, to believe (2Thessalonians:1:10|). Cf. strkjv@1:15; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:19|. {Received up in glory} (\anelmphth en doxi\). First aorist passive again (six verbs in the same voice and tense in succession, a rhythmic arrangement like a hymn). Cf. strkjv@Romans:8:29f|. This time the verb is \analamban\, the verb used of the ascension (Acts:1:11,22|, which see). In a wonderful way this stanza of a hymn presents the outline of the life of Christ.
rwp@1Timothy:4:3 @{Forbidding to marry} (\kluontn gamein\). Present active participle of common verb \klu\, to hinder, genitive case agreeing with \pseudologn\. See strkjv@Colossians:2:16,21f.|, where Paul condemns the ascetic practices of the Gnostics. The Essenes, Therapeutae and other oriental sects forbade marriage. In strkjv@1Corinthians:7| Paul does not condemn marriage. {To abstain from meats} (\apechesthai brmatn\). Infinitive dependent, not on \kluontn\, but on the positive idea \keleuontn\ (implied, not expressed). Ablative case of \brmatn\ after \apechesthai\ (present direct middle, to hold oneself away from). See strkjv@1Corinthians:8-10; strkjv@Romans:14; 15| for disputes about "meats offered to idols" and Co strkjv@1:22f.| for the Gnostic asceticism. {Which God created} (\ha ho theos ektisen\). First active indicative of \ktiz\ (Co strkjv@1:16|). Cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:10:25|. {To be received} (\eis metalmpsin\). "For reception." Old word, only here in N.T. {By them that believe and know} (\tois pistois kai epegnkosi\). Dative case, "for the believers and those who (one article unites closely) have known fully" (perfect active participle of \epiginsk\), a Pauline use of the word (Colossians:1:6|).
rwp@1Timothy:4:6 @{If thou put the brethren in mind of these things} (\tauta hupotithemenos tois adelphois\). Present middle participle of \hupotithmi\, to place under, to suggest, old and common verb, here only in N.T., "suggesting these things to the brethren." {Thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus} (\kalos esi diakonos Christou Isou\). This beautiful phrase covers one's whole service for Christ (3:1-7|). {Nourished in} (\entrephomenos\). Present passive participle of \entreph\, old verb, to nourish in, used by Plato of "nourished in the laws," here only in the N.T. {The words of the faith} (\tois logois ts pistes\). Locative case. The right diet for babes in Christ. The Bolshevists in Russia are feeding the children on atheism to get rid of God. {Which thou hast followed} (\hi parkolouthkas\). Perfect active indicative of \parakolouthe\, old verb, to follow beside, of persons (often in old Greek) or of ideas and things (Luke:1:3; strkjv@1Timothy:4:6; strkjv@2Timothy:3:10|). With associative instrumental case \hi\ (which).
rwp@1Timothy:4:8 @{Bodily exercise} (\h smatik gumnasia\). \Gumnasia\ (from \gumnaz\), also a common old word, here only in N.T. Songs:also \smatik\ (from \sma\, body) in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:3:22|. {Profitable} (\phelimos\). Another old word (from \phele\, to help, to profit), in N.T. only here, strkjv@Titus:3:8; strkjv@2Timothy:3:16|. {For a little} (\pros oligon\). "For little." Probably extent in contrast to \pros panta\ (for all things), though in strkjv@James:4:14| it is time "for a little while." {Which now is} (\ts nun\). "The now life." {Of that which is to come} (\ts mellouss\). "Of the coming (future) life."
rwp@1Timothy:4:10 @{To this end} (\eis touto\). The godliness (\eusebeia\) of verse 8|. See strkjv@2Corinthians:6:10| as Paul's own commentary. {We labour} (\kopimen\, strkjv@Colossians:1:29|) {and strive} (\kai agnizometha\, strkjv@Colossians:1:29|). Both Pauline words. {Because we have set our hope} (\hoti elpikamen\). Perfect active indicative of \elpiz\ (Romans:15:12|). {Saviour of all men} (\str pantn anthrpn\). See strkjv@1:1| for \str\ applied to God as here. Not that all men "are saved" in the full sense, but God gives life (6:13|) to all (Acts:17:28|). {Specially of them that believe} (\malista pistn\). Making a distinction in the kinds of salvation meant. "While God is potentially Saviour of all, He is actually Saviour of the \pistoi\" (White). Songs:Jesus is termed "Saviour of the World" (John:4:42|). Cf. strkjv@Galatians:6:10|.
rwp@1Timothy:4:12 @{Despise} (\kataphroneit\). Imperative active third singular of \kataphrone\, old verb, to think down on, to despise (Romans:2:4|). {Thy youth} (\sou ts neottos\). Genitive case of old word (from \neos\) as in strkjv@Mark:10:20|. {Be thou} (\ginou\). Present middle imperative of \ginomai\. "Keep on becoming thou." {An ensample} (\tupos\). Old word from \tupt\, a type. Pauline use of the word (1Thessalonians:1:7; strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:9; strkjv@Phillipians:3:17; strkjv@Titus:2:7|). {To them that believe} (\tn pistn\). Objective genitive. {In word} (\en logi\). In conversation as well as in public speech. {In manner of life} (\en anastrophi\). "In bearing" (Galatians:1:13; strkjv@Ephesians:4:22|). {In purity} (\en hagneii\). Old word from \hagneu\ (\hagnos\). Sinlessness of life. Used of a Nazirite (Numbers:6:2,21|). Only here and strkjv@5:2| in N.T.
rwp@1Timothy:4:14 @{Neglect not} (\m amelei\). Present active imperative in prohibition of \amele\, old verb, rare in N.T. (Matthew:22:5; strkjv@1Timothy:4:14; strkjv@Hebrews:2:3; strkjv@8:9|). From \amels\ (\a\ privative and \melei\, not to care). Use with genitive. {The gift that is in thee} (\tou en soi charismatos\). Late word of result from \charizomai\, in papyri (Preisigke), a regular Pauline word in N.T. (1Corinthians:1:7; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:11; strkjv@Romans:1:11|; etc.). Here it is God's gift to Timothy as in strkjv@2Timothy:1:6|. {By prophecy} (\dia prophteias\). Accompanied by prophecy (1:18|), not bestowed by prophecy. {With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery} (\meta epitheses tn cheirn tou presbuteriou\). In strkjv@Acts:13:2f.|, when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again \meta\ does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In strkjv@2Timothy:1:6| Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul's party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1:3|). \Epithesis\ (\from epitithmi\, to lay upon) is an old word, in LXX, etc. In the N.T. we find it only here, strkjv@2Timothy:1:16; strkjv@Acts:8:18; strkjv@Hebrews:6:2|, but the verb \epitithmi\ with \tas cheiras\ more frequently (Acts:6:6| of the deacons; strkjv@8:19; strkjv@13:3; strkjv@1Timothy:5:22|, etc.). \Presbuterion\ is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke:22:66; strkjv@Acts:22:5|), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though \presbuteros\ (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts:11:30; strkjv@15:2; strkjv@20:17|, etc.).
rwp@1Timothy:4:16 @{Take heed to thyself} (\epeche seauti\). Present active imperative of old verb \epech\, to hold upon (Phillipians:2:1,16|), but here \ton noun\ (the mind) must be supplied as in strkjv@Acts:3:5| and as is common with \prosech\. With dative case \seauti\. "Keep on paying attention to thyself." Some young preachers are careless about their health and habits. Some are too finical. {And to the teaching} (\kai ti didaskalii\). This is important also. {Continue in these things} (\epimene autois\). Present active imperative of \epimen\, old and common verb to stay by the side of a person or thing. See strkjv@Romans:6:1; strkjv@Colossians:1:23|. "Stay by them," "stick to them," "see them through." "Stick to the business of framing your own life and your teaching on right lines" (Parry). {Thou shalt save} (\sseis\). Future active of \sz\, effective future, finally save. Cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:9:27; strkjv@John:10:9|.
rwp@1Timothy:6:1 @{Under the yoke} (\hupo zugon\). As slaves (\douloi\, bondsmen). Perhaps under heathen masters (1Peter:2:18|). For the slave problem, see also strkjv@Philemon:1; strkjv@Colossians:3:22; strkjv@Ephesians:6:5; strkjv@Titus:2:9|. See strkjv@Matthew:11:29| for Christ's "yoke" (\zugon\, from \zeugnumi\, to join). {Their own masters} (\tous idious despotas\). That is always where the shoe pinches. Our "despot" is this very Greek word, the strict correlative of slave (\doulos\), while \kurios\ has a wider outlook. Old word only here, strkjv@Titus:2:9; strkjv@2Timothy:2:21; strkjv@1Peter:2:18| for human masters. Applied to God in strkjv@Luke:2:29; strkjv@Acts:4:24,29| and to Christ in strkjv@2Peter:2:1|. {The name of God} (\to onoma tou theou\). See strkjv@Romans:2:24|. If the heathen could say that Christian slaves were not as dependable as non-Christian slaves. Negative purpose with \hina m\ and present passive subjunctive (\blasphmtai\).
rwp@1Timothy:6:2 @{Let not despise them} (\m kataphroneitsan\). Negative imperative active third plural of \kataphrone\, to think down on. See strkjv@4:12|. He must not presume on the equality of Christian brotherhood not allowed by the state's laws. Some of these Christian slaves might be pastors of churches to which the master belonged. For the difficulty of the Christian master's position, see strkjv@1Corinthians:7:22; strkjv@Philemon:1:16|. {But rather} (\alla mallon\). Render the Christian Master better service. {They that partake of the benefit} (\hoi ts energesias antilambanomenoi\). For \euergesias\ (genitive case after participle) see strkjv@Acts:4:9|, only other N.T. example of this old word. Present middle participle of \antilamban\, old verb, to take in turn, to lay fast hold of, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Luke:1:54; strkjv@Acts:20:35|.
rwp@1Timothy:6:12 @{Fight the good fight} (\agnizou ton kalon agna\). Cognate accusative with present middle imperative of \agniz\, Pauline word (1Corinthians:9:25; strkjv@Colossians:1:29|). {Lay hold on} (\epilabou\). Second (ingressive) aorist middle imperative of \epilamban\, "get a grip on." See same verb with genitive also in verse 19|. {Thou wast called} (\eklths\). First aorist passive of \kale\ as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:9; strkjv@Colossians:3:15|. {The good confession} (\tn kaln homologian\). Cognate accusative with \hmologsas\ (first aorist active indicative of \homologe\, the public confession in baptism which many witnessed. See it also in verse 13| of Jesus.
rwp@1Timothy:6:14 @{That thou keep} (\trsai se\). First aorist active infinitive of \tre\, with accusative of general reference (\se\) in indirect command after \paraggell\. {Without spot} (\aspilon\). Late adjective (\a\ privative, \spilos\, spot, strkjv@Ephesians:5:27|). In inscription and papyri. {Without reproach} (\anepilmpton\). See strkjv@3:2; strkjv@5:7|. {Until the appearing} (\mechri ts epiphaneias\). "Until the epiphany" (the second epiphany or coming of Christ). Late word in inscriptions for important event like the epiphany of Caligula, in the papyri as a medical term. In strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:18| we have both \epiphaneia\ and \parousia\. See strkjv@Titus:2:13; strkjv@2Timothy:1:10; strkjv@4:1,8|.
rwp@1Timothy:6:16 @{Who only hath immortality} (\ho monos echn athanasian\). "The one who alone has immortality." \Athanasia\ (\athanatos\, \a\ privative and \thanatos\), old word, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Corinthians:15:53f|. Domitian demanded that he be addressed as "_Dominus et Deus noster_." Emperor worship may be behind the use of \monos\ (alone) here. {Unapproachable} (\aprositon\). See strkjv@Psalms:104:2|. Late compound verbal adjective (\a\ privative, \pros, ienai\, to go). Here only in N.T. Literary _Koin_ word. {Nor can see} (\oude idein dunatai\). See \aoraton\ in strkjv@Colossians:1:15| and also strkjv@John:1:18; strkjv@Matthew:11:27|. The "amen" marks the close of the doxology as in strkjv@1:17|.
rwp@2Corinthians:1:3 @{Blessed} (\eulogtos\). From old verb \euloge\, to speak well of, but late verbal in LXX and Philo. Used of men in strkjv@Genesis:24:31|, but only of God in N.T. as in strkjv@Luke:1:68| and chiefly in Paul (2Corinthians:11:31; strkjv@Romans:1:25|). Paul has no thanksgiving or prayer as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:4-9|, but he finds his basis for gratitude in God, not in them. {The God and Father} (\ho theos kai patr\). Songs:rightly, only one article with both substantives as in strkjv@2Peter:1:1|. Paul gives the deity of Jesus Christ as our Lord (\Kuriou\), but he does not hesitate to use the language here as it occurs. See strkjv@1Peter:1:3; strkjv@Ephesians:1:3| where the language is identical with that here. {The father of mercies} (\ho patr tn oiktirmn\) and God of all comfort (\kai theos pass paraklses\). Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies (\oiktirmn\, old word from \oikteir\, to pity, and here in plural, emotions and acts of pity). He is the God of all comfort (\paraklses\, old word from \parakale\, to call to one's side, common with Paul). Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort (2Thessalonians:2:16|). The English word comfort is from the Latin _confortis_ (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word (John:14:16; strkjv@16:7|). Paul makes rich use of the verb \parakale\ and the substantive \paraklsis\ in this passage (3-7|). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God.
rwp@2Corinthians:1:4 @{In all our affliction} (\epi pasi ti thlipsei hmn\). \Thlipsis\ is from \thlib\, to press, old and common word, as tribulation is from Latin _tribulum_ (roller). See on ¯Matthew:13:21| and strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:6|. The English affliction is Latin _afflictio_ from _ad-fligere_, to strike on. {That we may be able to comfort} (\eis to dunasthai hmas parakalein\). Purpose clause with \eis\ and the articular infinitive with the accusative of general reference, a common idiom. Paul here gives the purpose of affliction in the preacher's life, in any Christian's life, to qualify him for ministry to others. Otherwise it will be professional and perfunctory. {Wherewith} (\hs\). Genitive case of the relative attracted to that of the antecedent \paraklses\. The case of the relative here could have been either the accusative \hn\ with the passive verb retained as in strkjv@Mark:10:38| or the instrumental \hi\. Either is perfectly good Greek (cf. strkjv@Ephesians:1:6; strkjv@4:1|). Personal experience of God's comfort is necessary before we can pass it on to others.
rwp@2Corinthians:1:5 @{The sufferings of Christ} (\ta pathmata tou Christou\). Subjective genitive, Christ's own sufferings. {Abound unto us} (\perisseuei eis hmas\). Overflow unto us so that we suffer like sufferings and become fellow sufferers with Christ (4:10f.; strkjv@Romans:8:17; strkjv@Phillipians:3:10; strkjv@Colossians:1:24|). {Through Christ} (\dia tou Christou\). The overflow (\perisseuei\) of comfort comes also through Christ. Is Paul thinking of how some of the Jewish Christians in Corinth have become reconciled with him through Christ? Partnership with Christ in suffering brings partnership in glory also (Romans:8:17; strkjv@1Peter:4:13|).
rwp@2Corinthians:1:8 @{Concerning our affliction} (\huper ts thlipses hmn\). Manuscripts read also \peri\ for in the _Koin_ \huper\ (over) often has the idea of \peri\ (around). Paul has laid down his philosophy of afflictions and now he cites a specific illustration in his own recent experience. {In Asia} (\en Asii\). Probably in Ephesus, but what it was we do not know whether sickness or peril. We do know that the disciples and the Asiarchs would not allow Paul to face the mob in the amphitheatre gathered by Demetrius (Acts:20:30f.|). In strkjv@Romans:16:4| Paul says that Prisca and Aquila laid down their necks for him, risked their very lives for him. It may have been a later plot to kill Paul that hastened his departure from Ephesus (Acts:20:1|). He had a trial so great that "we were weighed down exceedingly beyond our power" (\kath' huperboln huper dunamin ebarthmen\). Old verb from \baros\, weight, \barus\, weighty. First aorist passive indicative. See on ¯1Corinthians:12:31| for \kath' huperboln\ (cf. our hyperbole). It was beyond Paul's power to endure if left to himself. {Insomuch that we despaired even of life} (\hste exaporthnai hmas kai tou zin\). Usual clause of result with \hste\ and the infinitive. First aorist passive infinitive \exaporthnai\, late compound for utter despair (perfective use of \ex\ and at a complete loss, \a\ privative and \poros\, way). There seemed no way out. {Of life} (\tou zin\). Ablative case of the articular infinitive, of living.
rwp@2Corinthians:1:13 @{Than what ye read} (\all' ha anaginskete\). Note comparative conjunction \\ (than) after \all'\ and that after \alla\ (other things, same word in reality), "other than." Read in Greek (\anaginsk\) is knowing again, recognizing. See on ¯Acts:8:30|. {Or even acknowledge} (\ kai epiginskete\). Paul is fond of such a play on words (\anaginskete, epiginskete\) or paronomasia. Does he mean "read between the lines," as we say, by the use of \epi\ (additional knowledge)? {Unto the end} (\hes telous\). The report of Titus showed that the majority now at last understood Paul. He hopes that it will last (1Corinthians:1:8|).
rwp@2Corinthians:1:22 @{Sealed us} (\sphragisamenos hmas\). From \sphragiz\ old verb, common in LXX and papyri for setting a seal to prevent opening (Daniel:6:17|), in place of signature (1Kings:21:18|). Papyri examples show a wide legal use to give validity to documents, to guarantee genuineness of articles as sealing sacks and chests, etc. (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 238; Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_). {The earnest of the Spirit} (\ton arrabna tou pneumatos\). A word of Semitic origin (possibly Phoenician) and spelled both \arabn\ and \arrabn\. It is common in the papyri as earnest money in a purchase for a cow or for a wife (a dowry). In N.T. only here; strkjv@5:5; strkjv@Ephesians:1:14|. It is part payment on the total obligation and we use the very expression today, "earnest money." It is God, says Paul, who has done all this for us and God is Paul's pledge that he is sincere. He will come to Corinth in due time. This earnest of the Spirit in our hearts is the witness of the Spirit that we are God's.
rwp@2Corinthians:2:12 @{To Troas} (\eis tn Triada\). Luke does not mention this stop at Troas on the way from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts:20:1f.|), though he does mention two other visits there (Acts:16:8; strkjv@20:6|). {When a door was opened unto me} (\thuras moi aneigmens\). Genitive absolute with second perfect passive participle of \anoignumi\. Paul used this very metaphor in strkjv@1Corinthians:16:9|. He will use it again in strkjv@Colossians:4:3|. Here was an open door that he could not enter.
rwp@2Corinthians:2:15 @{A sweet savour of Christ} (\Christou eudia\). Old word from \eu\, well, and \oz\, to smell. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Phillipians:4:18; strkjv@Ephesians:5:2|. In spreading the fragrance of Christ the preacher himself becomes fragrant (Plummer). {In them that are perishing} (\en tois apollumenois\). Even in these if the preacher does his duty.
rwp@2Corinthians:3:1 @{To commend ourselves?} (\heautous sunistanein?\). Late (_Koin_) form of \sunistmi\, to place one with another, to introduce, to commend. Paul is sensitive over praising himself, though his enemies compelled him to do it. {Epistles of commendation} (\sustatikn epistoln\). Late verbal adjective from \sunistmi\ and often in the papyri and in just this sense. In the genitive case here after \chrizomen\. Such letters were common as seen in the papyri (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 226). N.T. examples of commending individuals by letters occur in strkjv@Acts:15:25f.; strkjv@18:27| (Apollos), strkjv@1Corinthians:16:10f.| (Timothy); strkjv@Romans:16:1| (Phoebe with the verb \sunistmi\); strkjv@Colossians:4:10| (Mark); strkjv@2Corinthians:8:22f.| (Titus and his companion).
rwp@2Corinthians:3:6 @{Who also made us sufficient for such confidence} (\hos kai hikansen hmas\). Late causative verb from \hikanos\ (verse 5|) first aorist active indicative, "who (God) rendered us fit." In N.T. only here and strkjv@Colossians:1:12|. {As ministers of a new covenant} (\diakonous kains diathks\). Predicate accusative with \hikansen\. For \diathk\ see on ¯Matthew:26:28| and for \diakonos\ on ¯Matthew:20:26| and for \kains\ (fresh and effective) on ¯Luke:5:38|. Only God can make us that.
rwp@2Corinthians:3:18 @{We all} (\hmeis pantes\). All of us Christians, not merely ministers. {With unveiled face} (\anakekalummeni prospi\). Instrumental case of manner. Unlike and like Moses. {Reflecting as in a mirror} (\katoptrizomenoi\). Present middle participle of \katoptriz\, late verb from \katoptron\, mirror (\kata, optron\, a thing to see with). In Philo (_Legis Alleg_. iii. 33) the word means beholding as in a mirror and that idea suits also the figure in strkjv@1Corinthians:13:12|. There is an inscription of third century B.C. with \egkatoptrisasthai eis to hudr\, to look at one's reflection in the water. Plutarch uses the active for mirroring or reflecting and Chrysostom takes it so here. Either makes good sense. The point that Paul is making is that we shall not lose the glory as Moses did. But that is true if we keep on beholding or keep on reflecting (present tense). Only here in N.T. {Are transformed} (\metamorphoumetha\). Present passive (are being transformed) of \metamorpho\, late verb and in papyri. See on ¯Matthew:17:2; strkjv@Mark:9:2| where it is translated "transfigured." It is the word used for heathen mythological metamorphoses. {Into the same image} (\tn autn eikona\). Accusative retained with passive verb \metamorphoumetha\. Into the likeness of God in Christ (1Corinthians:15:48-53; strkjv@Romans:8:17,29; strkjv@Colossians:3:4; strkjv@1John:3:2|). {As from the Lord the Spirit} (\kathaper apo Kuriou pneumatos\). More likely, "as from the Spirit of the Lord."
rwp@2Corinthians:4:4 @{The god of this world} (\ho theos tou ainos toutou\). "Age," more exactly, as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:20|. Satan is "the god of this age," a phrase nowhere else in the N.T., but Jesus uses the same idea in strkjv@John:12:31; strkjv@14:30| and Paul in strkjv@Ephesians:2:2; strkjv@6:12| and John in strkjv@1John:5:19|. Satan claimed the rule over the world in the temptations with Jesus. {Blinded} (\etuphlsen\). First aorist active of \tuphlo\, old verb to blind (\tuphlos\, blind). They refused to believe (\apistn\) and so Satan got the power to blind their thoughts. That happens with wilful disbelievers. {The light} (\ton phtismon\). The illumination, the enlightening. Late word from \photiz\, to give light, in Plutarch and LXX. In N.T. only in strkjv@2Corinthians:4:4,6|. Accusative case of general reference here with the articular infinitive (\eis to m augasai\ that should not dawn). That is, if \augasai\ is intransitive as is likely, though it is transitive in the old poets (from \aug\, radiance. Cf. German _Auge_=eye). If it is transitive, the idea would be "that they should not see clearly the illumination, etc."
rwp@2Corinthians:4:10 @{Bearing about} (\peripherontes\). Ignatius was called \Theophoros\, God-bearer. See strkjv@1Corinthians:15:31| where Paul says "I die daily" and strkjv@Phillipians:3:10; strkjv@Colossians:1:24|. {The dying of Jesus} (\tn nekrsin tou Isou\). Late word from \nekro\, to put to death. In Galen. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Romans:4:19|.
rwp@2Corinthians:4:16 @{Wherefore we faint not} (\dio ouk egkakoumen\). Repeats from verse 1|. {Our outward man} (\ho ex hmn anthrpos\), {our inward man} (\ho es hmn\). In strkjv@Romans:7:22; strkjv@Colossians:3:9; strkjv@Ephesians:4:22f.|, we have the inward man and the outward for the higher and the lower natures (the spirit and the flesh). "Here the decay (\diaphtheiretai\) of the bodily organism is set over against the growth in grace (\anakainoutai\, is refreshed) of the man himself" (Bernard). Plato (_Republ_. ix, p. 589) has \ho entos anthrpos\. Cf. "the hidden man of the heart" (1Peter:3:4|). {Day by day} (\hmeri kai hmeri\). This precise idiom is not in LXX nor rest of N.T. It may be colloquial use of locative in repetition.
rwp@2Corinthians:5:1 @{If--be dissolved} (\ean--kataluthi\). Third class condition, \ean\ and first aorist passive subjunctive. The very word used (\katalu\) for striking down a tent. {The earthly house of our tabernacle} (\h epigeios hmn oikia tou sknous\). Rather, "If our earthly (see on ¯1Corinthians:15:40| for \epigeios\) house of the tent (\sknos\, another form of \skn\, tent, from root \ska\, to cover)." Appositive genitive, the house (\oikia\) is the tent. {We have} (\echomen\). Present indicative. We possess the title to it now by faith. "Faith is the title-deed (\hupostasis\) to things hoped for" (Hebrews:11:7|). {A building from God} (\oikodomn ek theou\). This \oikodom\ (found in Aristotle, Plutarch, LXX, etc., and papyri, though condemned by Atticists) is more substantial than the \sknos\. {Not made with hands} (\acheiropoiton\). Found first in strkjv@Mark:14:58| in charge against Jesus before the Sanhedrin (both the common verbal \cheiropoiton\ and the newly made vernacular \acheiropoiton\, same verbal with \a\ privative). Elsewhere only here and strkjv@Colossians:2:11|. Spiritual, eternal home.
rwp@2Corinthians:5:18 @{Who reconciled us to himself through Christ} (\tou katallaxantos hmas heauti dia Christou\). Here Paul uses one of his great doctrinal words, \katallass\, old word for exchanging coins. \Diallass\, to change one's mind, to reconcile, occurs in N.T. only in strkjv@Matthew:5:24| though in papyri (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 187), and common in Attic. \Katallass\ is old verb, but more frequent in later writers. We find \sunallass\ in strkjv@Acts:7:26| and \apokatallass\ in strkjv@Colossians:1:20f.; strkjv@Ephesians:2:16| and the substantive \katallag\ in strkjv@Romans:5:11; strkjv@11:15| as well as here. It is hard to discuss this great theme without apparent contradiction. God's love (John:3:16|) provided the means and basis for man's reconciliation to God against whom he had sinned. It is all God's plan because of his love, but God's own sense of justice had to be satisfied (Romans:3:26|) and so God gave his Son as a propitiation for our sins (Romans:3:25; strkjv@Colossians:1:20; strkjv@1John:2:2; strkjv@4:10|). The point made by Paul here is that God needs no reconciliation, but is engaged in the great business of reconciling us to himself. This has to be done on God's terms and is made possible through (\dia\) Christ. {And gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation} (\kai dontos hmin tn diakonian ts katallags\). It is a ministry marked by reconciliation, that consists in reconciliation. God has made possible through Christ our reconciliation to him, but in each case it has to be made effective by the attitude of each individual. The task of winning the unreconciled to God is committed to us. It is a high and holy one, but supremely difficult, because the offending party (the guilty) is the hardest to win over. We must be loyal to God and yet win sinful men to him.
rwp@2Corinthians:5:20 @{We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ} (\huper Christou oun presbeuomen\). Old word from \presbus\, an old man, first to be an old man, then to be an ambassador (here and strkjv@Ephesians:6:20| with \en halusi\ in a chain added), common in both senses in the Greek. "The proper term in the Greek East for the Emperor's Legate" (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 374), in inscriptions and papyri. Songs:Paul has a natural pride in using this dignified term for himself and all ministers. The ambassador has to be _persona grata_ with both countries (the one that he represents and the one to which he goes). Paul was Christ's _Legate_ to act in his behalf and in his stead. {As though God were intreating by us} (\hs tou theou parakalountos di' hmn\). Genitive absolute with \hs\ used with the participle as often to give the reason (apparent or real). Here God speaks through Christ's Legate. {Be ye reconciled to God} (\katallagte ti thei\). Second aorist passive imperative of \katallass\ and used with the dative case. "Get reconciled to God," and do it now. This is the ambassador's message as he bears it to men from God.
rwp@2Corinthians:6:5 @{In stripes} (\en plgais\). In blows, wounds (Luke:10:30; strkjv@12:48; strkjv@Acts:16:23,33|). Our plague. {In tumults} (\en akatastasiais\). See on strkjv@1Corinthians:14:33|). Instabilities, often from politics. {In watchings} (\en agrupniais\). In sleeplessnesses, instances of insomnia. Old word, in N.T. only here and strkjv@11:27|. Paul knew all about this.
rwp@2Corinthians:6:7 @{On the right hand and on the left} (\tn dexin kai aristern\). Offensive weapons (\hopln\) on the right, defensive on the left. See strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:8; strkjv@Ephesians:6:11| for Paul's description of the panoply of God and strkjv@Romans:6:13| for the phrase "weapons of righteousness," the only kind that will stand the strain. See also Book of Wisdom strkjv@5:18ff.
rwp@2Corinthians:6:14 @{Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers} (\m ginesthe heterozugountes apistois\). No other example of this verb has yet been found, though the adjective from which it is apparently formed, \heterozugos\ (yoked with a different yoke) occurs in strkjv@Leviticus:19:19| of the union of beasts of different kinds. In strkjv@Deuteronomy:22:10| we read: "Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together." Literally, "Stop becoming (\m ginesthe\ present imperative, not \m gensthe\ aorist subj.) unequally yoked with unconverted heathen (unbelievers)." Some were already guilty. Marriage is certainly included, but other unions may be in mind. Cf. strkjv@Ephesians:5:7|. Paul gives as the reason (\gar\) for this prohibition five words in questions to distinguish the contrasts. {Fellowship} (\metoch\). Sharing with and followed by associative instrumental case of \dikaiosuni\ (righteousness) and iniquity (\anomii\). A pertinent challenge today when church members wink at violations of laws of the land and laws of God. {Communion} (\koinnia\). Partnership to light (\phti\ dative case) with (\pros\), facing darkness.
rwp@2Corinthians:6:15 @{Concord} (\sumphnsis\). Symphony. Late word from \sumphne\, only here and ecclesiastical writers, though \sumphnma\ in the papyri. {Belial} (\Belial\). Transliteration of Hebrew word for worthlessness and applied to Satan (_Book of Jubilees_ 1.20) as here. Paul graphically sums up the contrast between Christ and Belial (Satan), the heads of the contending forces of good and evil. {Portion} (\meris\). The fourth of the words. Here by "unbeliever" (\apistou\) Paul means "disbeliever," not just an unconverted man who yet approves Christ.
rwp@2Corinthians:7:6 @{Cormforteth} (\parakaln\). See on ¯1:3-7| for this word. {The lowly} (\tous tapeinous\). See on ¯Matthew:11:29|. Literally, low on the ground in old sense (Ezekiel:17:24|). Low in condition as here; strkjv@James:1:9|. In strkjv@2Corinthians:10:1| regarded as abject. In this sense in papyri. "Humility as a sovereign grace is the creation of Christianity" (Gladstone, _Life_, iii, p. 466). {By the coming} (\en ti parousii\). Same use of \parousia\ as in strkjv@1Corinthians:16:7| which see. See also strkjv@2Corinthians:7:7; strkjv@10:10|.
rwp@2Corinthians:7:15 @{Whilst he remembereth} (\anamimnskomenou\). Present middle participle of \anamimnsk\, to remind, in the genitive case agreeing with \autou\ (his, of him). {The obedience of you all} (\tn pantn humn hupakoun\). A remarkable statement of the complete victory of Titus in spite of a stubborn minority still opposing Paul. {With fear and trembling} (\meta phobou kai tromou\). He had brought a stern message (1Corinthians:5:5|) and they had trembled at the words of Titus (cf. strkjv@Ephesians:6:5; strkjv@Phillipians:2:12|). Paul had himself come to the Corinthians at first with a nervous dread (1Corinthians:2:3|).
rwp@2Corinthians:8:14 @{By equality} (\ex isottos\). Old word from \isos\, fair, equal. In N.T. only here and strkjv@Colossians:4:1|. {Abundancy} (\perisseuma\). Late word from \perisseu\ like \perisseia\ (verse 2|) Cf. strkjv@Matthew:12:34|. {Want} (\husterma\). Late word from \hustere\, to be in want. See also strkjv@9:12; strkjv@Luke:21:4| (cf. \hustersis\ in strkjv@Mark:12:44|).
rwp@2Corinthians:9:2 @{I glory} (\kauchmai\). Present middle indicative. I still am glorying, in spite of the poor performance of the Corinthians. {Hath been prepared} (\pareskeuastai\). Perfect passive indicative of \paraskeuaz\, to make ready, "stands prepared." {Stirred up} (\rethise\). First aorist active indicative of \erethiz\ (from \ereth\, to excite), to excite in a good sense here, in a bad sense in strkjv@Colossians:3:21|, the only N.T. examples. {Very many of them} (\tous pleionas\). The more, the majority.
rwp@2Corinthians:9:10 @{Supplieth} (\epichorgn\). Late _Koin_ compound verb from \epi\ and \chorge\, just below (1Peter:4:11|). \Chorgos\ is old word for leader of a chorus (\choros, hgeomai\) or chorus-leader. The verb means to furnish a chorus at one's own expense, then to supply in general. N.T. examples of \epichorge\ are strkjv@2Corinthians:9:10; strkjv@Galatians:3:15; strkjv@Colossians:2:19; strkjv@2Peter:1:5|. {Shall multiply} (\plthunei\). Future active indicative of \plthun\, old verb from \plthus\, fulness. Cf. strkjv@Acts:6:1|. {Fruits} (\genmata\). Correct reading (from \ginomai\, to become) and not \gennmata\ (from \genna\, to beget). This spelling is supported by LXX where Thackeray shows that \genmata\ in LXX refers to vegetables and \gennmata\ to animals. The papyri support this distinction (Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_).
rwp@2Corinthians:9:15 @{Thanks be to God} (\charis ti thei\). Third time (verses 11,12,15|). {For his unspeakable gift} (\epi ti anekdigti autou drei\). One of Paul's gems flashed out after the somewhat tangled sentence (verses 10-14|) like a gleam of light that clears the air. Words fail Paul to describe the gift of Christ to and for us. He may have coined this word as it is not found elsewhere except in ecclesiastical writers save as a variant (B L) for \adigton\ in Aristeas 99 (\thaumasmon anekdigton\, "wonder beyond description," Moulton and Milligan's _Vocabulary_). See similar word in strkjv@Romans:11:33| (\anexichniasta\, unsearchable) and strkjv@Ephesians:3:8|.
rwp@2Corinthians:10:10 @{They say} (\phasin\). Reading of B old Latin Vulgate, but Westcott and Hort prefer \phsin\ (says one, the leader). This charge Paul quotes directly. {Weighty and strong} (\bareiai kai ischurai\). These adjectives can be uncomplimentary and mean "severe and violent" instead of "impressive and vigorous." The adjectives bear either sense. {His bodily presence} (\h parousia tou smatos\). This certainly is uncomplimentary. "The presence of his body." It seems clear that Paul did not have a commanding appearance like that of Barnabas (Acts:14:12|). He had some physical defect of the eyes (Galatians:4:14|) and a thorn in the flesh (2Corinthians:12:7|). In the second century _Acts of Paul and Thecla_ he is pictured as small, short, bow-legged, with eye-brows knit together, and an aquiline nose. A forgery of the fourth century in the name of Lucian describes Paul as "the bald-headed, hook-nosed Galilean." However that may be, his accusers sneered at his personal appearance as "weak" (\asthens\). {His speech of no account} (\ho logos exouthenmenos\). Perfect passive participle of \exouthene\, to treat as nothing (cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:1:28|). The Corinthians (some of them) cared more for the brilliant eloquence of Apollos and did not find Paul a trained rhetorician (1Corinthians:1:17; strkjv@2:1,4; strkjv@2Corinthians:11:6|). He made different impressions on different people. "Seldom has any one been at once so ardently hated and so passionately loved as St. Paul" (Deissmann, _St. Paul_, p. 70). "At one time he seemed like a man, and at another he seemed like an angel" (_Acts of Paul and Thecla_). He spoke like a god at Lystra (Acts:14:8-12|), but Eutychus went to sleep on him (Acts:20:9|). Evidently Paul winced under this biting criticism of his looks and speech.
rwp@2Corinthians:10:12 @{To number or compare ourselves} (\enkrinai sunkrinai\). Paronomasia here, play on the two words. \Enkrinai\ is first aorist active infinitive of old verb, but here only in N.T., to judge among, to judge one as worthy to be numbered among as here. The second verb \sunkrinai\ (first aorist active infinitive of \sunkrin\, old verb, in N.T. only here and strkjv@1Corinthians:2:13|) originally meant to combine as in strkjv@1Corinthians:2:13| (which see), but here it has the sense of "compare" not found in the old Greek. The papyri use it to mean to decide. Plummer suggests "to pair and compare" for the play on the words here. {Measuring themselves by themselves} (\en heautois heautous metrountes\). Or "in themselves." Keenest sarcasm. Setting themselves up as the standards of orthodoxy these Judaizers always measure up to the standard while Paul falls short. {Comparing themselves with themselves} (\sunkrinontes heautous heautois\). Associate instrumental case \heautois\ after \sunkrinontes\ (verb just explained). Paul is not keen to fall into the trap set for him. {Are without understanding} (\ou sunisin\). The regular form for present active indicative third plural of \sunimi\, to comprehend, to grasp. Some MSS. have the late form \suniousin\ (omega form \suni\). It is a hard thing to see, but it is true. These men do not see their own picture so obvious to others (Ephesians:5:17; strkjv@1Timothy:1:7|). Cf. strkjv@Mark:8:17|.
rwp@2Corinthians:10:16 @{Even unto the parts beyond you} (\eis ta huperekeina humn\). Compound adverb (\huper, ekeina\, beyond those places) used as preposition. Found only here and in ecclesiastical writers. {Things ready to our hand} (\ta hetoima\). He had a plenty besides that he could use.
rwp@2Corinthians:11:26 @{In journeyings} (\hodoiporiais\). Locative case of old word, only here in N.T. and strkjv@John:4:6|, from \hodoiporos\, wayfarer. {In perils} (\kindunois\). Locative case of \kindunos\, old word for danger or peril. In N.T. only this verse and strkjv@Romans:8:35|. The repetition here is very effective without the preposition \en\ (in) and without conjunctions (asyndeton). They are in contrasted pairs. The rivers of Asia Minor are still subject to sudden swellings from floods in the mountains. Cicero and Pompey won fame fighting the Cilician pirates and robbers (note \listn\, not \kleptn\, thieves, brigands or bandits on which see ¯Matthew:26:55|). The Jewish perils (\ek genous\, from my race) can be illustrated in strkjv@Acts:9:23,29; strkjv@13:50; strkjv@14:5; strkjv@17:5,13; strkjv@18:12; strkjv@23:12; strkjv@24:27|, and they were all perils in the city also. Perils from the Gentiles (\ex ethnn\) we know in Philippi (Acts:16:20|) and in Ephesus (Acts:19:23f.|). Travel in the mountains and in the wilderness was perilous in spite of the great Roman highways. {Among false brethren} (\en pseudadelphois\). Chapters strkjv@2Corinthians:10; 11| throw a lurid light on this aspect of the subject.
rwp@2Corinthians:12:1 @{I must needs glory} (\kauchasthai dei\). This is the reading of B L Latin Syriac, but Aleph D Bohairic have \de\ while K M read \d\. The first is probably correct. He must go on with the glorying already begun, foolish as it is, though it is not expedient (\ou sumpheron\). {Visions} (\optasias\). Late word from \optaz\. See on ¯Luke:1:22; strkjv@Acts:26:19|. {Revelations of the Lord} (\apokalupseis Kuriou\). Unveilings (from \apokalupt\ as in strkjv@Revelation:1:1|). See on ¯2Thessalonians:1:7; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:7; strkjv@14:26|. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Acts:9:3; strkjv@16:9; strkjv@18:9; strkjv@22:17; strkjv@27:23f.|) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1Corinthians:11:23; strkjv@15:3; strkjv@Galatians:1:12; strkjv@Ephesians:3:3|, etc.).
rwp@2Corinthians:12:20 @{Lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would} (\m ps elthn ouch hoious thel heur humas\). An idiomatic construction after the verb of fearing (\phoboumai\) with \m ps\ as the conjunction and with \ouch\ as the negative of the verb \heur\ (second aorist active subjunctive of \heurisk\), \m\ the conjunction, \ouch\ the negative. See Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 995. {And I be found} (\kag heureth\). Same construction with first aorist passive subjunctive. {Such as ye would not} (\hoion ou thelete\). Neat change in voice just before and position of the negative here. {Lest by any means} (\m ps\). Still further negative purpose by repeating the conjunction. With graphic pen pictures Paul describes what had been going on against him during his long absence. {Backbitings} (\katalaliai\). Late and rare word. In N.T. only here and strkjv@1Peter:2:1|. If it only existed nowhere else! {Whisperings} (\psithurismoi\). Late word from \psithuriz\, to whisper into one's ear. An onomatopoetic word for the sibilant murmur of a snake charmer (Ecclesiastes:10:11|). Only here in N.T. {Swellings} (\phusiseis\). From \phusio\, to swell up, late word only here and in ecclesiastical writers. Did Paul make up the word for the occasion? See on ¯1Corinthians:4:6| for verb. {Tumults} (\akatastasiai\). See on strkjv@2Corinthians:6:5|.
rwp@2Corinthians:13:12 @{With a holy kiss} (\en hagii philmati\). In the Jewish synagogues where the sexes were separated, men kissed men, the women, women. This apparently was the Christian custom also. It is still observed in the Coptic and the Russian churches. It was dropped because of charges made against the Christians by the pagans. In England in 1250 Archbishop Walter of York introduced a "pax-board" which was first kissed by the clergy and then passed around. Think of the germ theory of disease and that kissing tablet!
rwp@2John:1:11 @{Partaketh in his evil works} (\koinnei tois ergois autou tois ponrois\). Associative instrumental case with \koinnei\ as in strkjv@1Timothy:5:22|, common verb from \koinnos\ (partner). It is to be borne in mind that the churches often met in private homes (Romans:16:5; strkjv@Colossians:4:15|), and if these travelling deceivers were allowed to spread their doctrines in these homes and then sent on with endorsement as Apollos was from Ephesus to Corinth (Acts:18:27|), there was no way of escaping responsibility for the harm wrought by these propagandists of evil. It is not a case of mere hospitality to strangers.
rwp@Info_2Peter @ THE READERS The author says that this is his second Epistle to them (2Peter:3:1|), and that means that he is writing to the saints in the five Roman provinces in Asia Minor to whom the first Epistle was sent (1Peter:1:1|). Spitta and Zahn deny this on the ground that the two Epistles do not discuss the same subjects, surely a flimsy objection. Zahn even holds that II Peter precedes I Peter and that the Epistle referred to in strkjv@2Peter:3:1| has been lost. He holds that II Peter was addressed to the church in Corinth. He considers the readers to be Jews while I Peter was addressed to Gentiles. But "there is nothing in II Peter to differentiate its first readers from those of I Peter" (Bigg).
rwp@Info_2Peter @ THE PURPOSE Certainly Peter is here concerned chiefly with the heresies of that general region in Asia Minor that so disturbed Paul (Colossians, Ephesians, Pastoral Epistles) and John (Gospel, Epistles, Apocalypse). Paul early foresaw at Miletus these wolves that would ravish the sheep (Acts:20:29f.|). In I Peter he is concerned chiefly with the fiery persecutions that are upon them, but here with the heretics that threaten to lead them astray.
rwp@2Peter:1:2 @{Be multiplied} (\plthunthei\). First aorist passive optative of \plthun\ in a wish for the future (volitive use) as in strkjv@1Peter:1:2; strkjv@Jude:1:2|. {In the knowledge} (\en epignsei\). Full (additional, \epi\) knowledge as in strkjv@1:8| (only \gnsis\ in strkjv@1:5,6; strkjv@3:18|), but \epignsin\ again in strkjv@1:3,8; strkjv@2:20|. As in Colossians, so here full knowledge is urged against the claims of the Gnostic heretics to special \gnsis\. {Of God and of Jesus our Lord} (\tou theou kai Isou tou kuriou hmn\). At first sight the idiom here seems to require one person as in strkjv@1:1|, though there is a second article (\tou\) before \kuriou\, and \Isou\ is a proper name. But the text here is very uncertain. Bengel, Spitta, Zahn, Nestle accept the short reading of P and some Vulgate MSS. and some minuscles with only \tou kuriou hmn\ (our Lord) from which the three other readings may have come. Elsewhere in II Peter \gnsis\ and \epignsis\ are used of Christ alone. The text of II Peter is not in a good state of preservation.
rwp@2Peter:1:3 @{Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us} (\hs hmin ts theias dunames autou dedrmens\). Genitive absolute with the causal particle \hs\ and the perfect middle participle of \dre\, old verb, to bestow (\drea\, gift), usually middle as here, in N.T. elsewhere only strkjv@Mark:15:45|. \Autou\ refers to Christ, who has "divine power" (\ts theias dunames\), since he is \theos\ (1:1|). \Theios\ (from \theos\) is an old adjective in N.T. here and verse 4| only, except strkjv@Acts:17:29|, where Paul uses \to theion\ for deity, thus adapting his language to his audience as the papyri and inscriptions show. The use of \theios\ with an imperial connotation is very common in the papyri and the inscriptions. Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, pp. 360-368) has shown the singular linguistic likeness between strkjv@2Peter:1:3-11| and a remarkable inscription of the inhabitants of Stratonicea in Caria to Zeus Panhemerios and Hecate dated A.D. 22 (in full in C I H ii No. 2715 a b). One of the likenesses is the use of \ts theias dunames\. Peter may have read this inscription (cf. Paul in Athens) or he may have used "the familiar forms and formulae of religious emotion" (Deissmann), "the official liturgical language of Asia Minor." Peter is fond of \dunamis\ in this Epistle, and the \dunamis\ of Christ "is the sword which St. Peter holds over the head of the False Teachers" (Bigg). {All things that pertain unto life and godliness} (\panta ta pros zn kai eusebeian\). "All the things for life and godliness." The new life in Christ who is the mystery of godliness (1Timothy:3:16|). \Eusebeia\ with its cognates (\eusebs, eusebs, eusebe\) occurs only in this Epistle, Acts, and the Pastoral Epistles (from \eu\, well, and \sebomai\, to worship). {Of him that called us} (\tou kalesantos\). Genitive of the articular first aorist active participle of \kale\. Christ called Peter and all other Christians. {By his own glory and virtue} (\dia doxs kai arets\). Songs:B K L, but Aleph A C P read \idii doxi kai areti\ (either instrumental case "by" or dative "to"). Peter is fond of \idios\ (own, strkjv@1Peter:3:1,5; strkjv@2Peter:2:16,22|, etc.). "Glory" here is the manifestation of the Divine Character in Christ. For \aret\ see on ¯1Peter:2:9| and strkjv@Phillipians:4:8; strkjv@2Peter:1:5|.
rwp@2Peter:1:5 @{Yea, and for this very cause} (\kai auto touto de\). Adverbial accusative (\auto touto\) here, a classic idiom, with both \kai\ and \de\. Cf. \kai touto\ (Phillipians:1:29|), \touto men--touto de\ (Hebrews:10:33|). "The soul of religion is the practical part" (Bunyan). Because of the new birth and the promises we have a part to play. {Adding on your part} (\pareisenegkantes\). First aorist active participle of \pareispher\, old double compound, to bring in (\eispher\), besides (\para\), here only in N.T. {All diligence} (\spoudn psan\). Old word from \speud\ to hasten (Luke:19:5f.|). This phrase (\psan spoudn\) occurs in strkjv@Jude:1:3| with \poioumenos\ and on the inscription in Stratonicea (verse 3|) with \ispheresthai\ (certainly a curious coincidence, to say the least, though common in the _Koin_). {In your faith} (\en ti pistei humn\). Faith or \pistis\ (strong conviction as in strkjv@Hebrews:11:1,3|, the root of the Christian life strkjv@Ephesians:2:8|) is the foundation which goes through various steps up to love (\agap\). See similar lists in strkjv@James:1:30; strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:3; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:3f.; strkjv@Galatians:5:22f.; strkjv@Romans:5:3f.; strkjv@8:29f|. Hermas (Vis. iii. 8. 1-7) has a list called "daughters" of one another. Note the use of \en\ (in, on) with each step. {Supply} (\epichorgsate\). First aorist active imperative of \epichorge\, late and rare double compound verb (\epi\ and \chorge\ strkjv@1Peter:4:11| from \chorgos\, chorus-leader, \choros\ and \hgeomai\, to lead), to fit out the chorus with additional (complete) supplies. Both compound and simplex (more common) occur in the papyri. In strkjv@1:11| and already in strkjv@2Corinthians:9:10; strkjv@Galatians:3:5; strkjv@Colossians:2:19|. {Virtue} (\aretn\). Moral power, moral energy, vigor of soul (Bengel). See 3|. {Knowledge} (\gnsin\). Insight, understanding (1Corinthians:16:18; strkjv@John:15:15|).
rwp@2Peter:1:11 @{Thus} (\houts\). As shown in verse 10|. {Shall be supplied} (\epichorgthsetai\). Future passive of \epichorge\, for which see verse 5|. You supply the virtues above and God will supply the entrance (\h eisodos\, old word already in strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:9|, etc.). {Richly} (\plousis\). See strkjv@Colossians:3:16| for this adverb. {Into the eternal kingdom} (\eis tn ainion basileian\). The believer's inheritance of strkjv@1Peter:1:4| is here termed kingdom, but "eternal" (\ainion\ feminine same as masculine). Curiously again in the Stratonicea inscription we find \ts ainiou archs\ (of the eternal rule) applied to "the lords of Rome." But this is the spiritual reign of God in men's hearts here on earth (1Peter:2:9|) and in heaven. {Of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ} (\tou kuriou hmn kai stros Isou Christou\). For which idiom see on ¯1:1|.
rwp@2Peter:1:12 @{Wherefore} (\dio\). Since they are possessed of faith that conduces to godliness which they are diligently practising now he insists on the truth and proposes to do his part by them about it. {I shall be ready always} (\mells aei\). Future active of \mell\ (Matthew:24:6|), old verb, to be on the point of doing and used with the infinitive (present, aorist, or future). It is not here a periphrastic future, but rather the purpose of Peter to be ready in the future as in the past and now (Zahn). {To put you in remembrance} (\humas hupomimnskein\). Present active infinitive of \hupomimnsk\, old causative compound (\hupo, mimnsk\, like our suggest), either with two accusatives (John:14:26|) or \peri\ with the thing as here), "to keep on reminding you of those things" (\peri toutn\). {Though ye know them} (\kaiper eidotas\). Second perfect active concessive participle of \oida\, agreeing (acc. plural), with \humas\. Cf. strkjv@Hebrews:5:8|. {Are established} (\estrigmenous\). Perfect passive concessive participle of \striz\ (1Peter:5:10|). The very verb (\strison\) used by Jesus to Peter (Luke:22:32|). {In the truth which is with you} (\en ti parousi altheii\). "In the present truth" (the truth present to you), \parousi\ present active participle of \pareimi\, to be beside one. See strkjv@Colossians:1:6| for this use of \parn\. Firmly established in the truth, but all the same Peter is eager to make them stronger.
rwp@2Peter:1:13 @{I think it right} (\dikaion hgoumai\). Peter considers this to be his solemn duty, "right" (\dikaion\). Cf. strkjv@Phillipians:3:1; strkjv@Ephesians:6:1|. {Songs:long as} (\eph' hoson\). For this phrase see strkjv@Matthew:9:15; strkjv@Romans:11:13|. {Tabernacle} (\sknmati\). Old word, in literal sense in strkjv@Deuteronomy:33:18| for the usual \skn\ (Peter's word at the Transfiguration, strkjv@Mark:9:5|), earliest use (in N.T. only here, verse 14; strkjv@Acts:7:46| of the tabernacle of the covenant) in this metaphorical sense of life as a pilgrimage (1Peter:1:1; strkjv@2:11|), though Paul has \sknos\, so in strkjv@2Corinthians:5:1,4|. Peter feels the nearness of death and the urgency upon him. {To stir you up} (\diegeirein humas\). Present active infinitive of \diegeir\, late (Arist., Hippocr., Herodian, papyri), perfective (\dia\ = thoroughly) compound, to wake out of sleep (Mark:4:39|), "to keep on rousing you up." {By putting you in remembrance} (\en hupomnsei\). Old word, from \hupomimnsk\ (verse 12|), in N.T. only here, strkjv@3:1; strkjv@2Timothy:1:5|. "By way of reminding you."
rwp@2Peter:1:16 @{We did not follow} (\ouk exakolouthsantes\). First aorist active participle of \exakolouthe\, late compound verb, to follow out (Polybius, Plutarch, LXX, papyri, inscriptions as of death following for any Gentile in the temple violating the barrier), with emphatic negative \ouk\, "not having followed." See also strkjv@2:2| for this verb. {Cunningly devised fables} (\sesophismenois muthois\). Associative instrumental case of \muthos\ (old term for word, narrative, story, fiction, fable, falsehood). In N.T. only here and the Pastoral Epistles (1Timothy:1:4|, etc.). Perfect passive participle of \sophiz\, old word (from \sophos\), only twice in N.T., in causative sense to make wise (2Timothy:3:15|), to play the sophist, to invent cleverly (here) and so also in the old writers and in the papyri. Some of the false teachers apparently taught that the Gospel miracles were only allegories and not facts (Bigg). Cf. strkjv@2:3| for "feigned words." {When we made known unto you} (\egnrisamen humin\). First aorist active indicative of \gnriz\, to make known unto you. Possibly by Peter himself. {The power and coming} (\tn dunamin kai parousian\). These words can refer (Chase) to the Incarnation, just as is true of \epiphaneia\ in strkjv@2Timothy:1:10| (second coming in strkjv@1Timothy:6:14|), and is true of \parousia\ (2Corinthians:7:6| of Titus). But elsewhere in the N.T. \parousia\ (technical term in the papyri for the coming of a king or other high dignitary), when used of Christ, refers to his second coming (2Peter:3:4,12|). {But we were eye-witnesses} (\all' epoptai genthentes\). First aorist passive participle of \ginomai\, "but having become eye-witnesses." \Epoptai\, old word (from \epopt\ like \epopteu\ in strkjv@1Peter:2:12; strkjv@3:2|), used of those who attained the third or highest degree of initiates in the Eleusinian mysteries (common in the inscriptions). Cf. \autopts\ in strkjv@Luke:1:2|. {Of his majesty} (\ts ekeinou megaleiottos\). Late and rare word (LXX and papyri) from \megaleios\ (Acts:2:11|), in N.T. only here, strkjv@Luke:9:43| (of God); strkjv@Acts:19:27| (of Artemis). Peter clearly felt that he and James and John were lifted to the highest stage of initiation at the Transfiguration of Christ. Emphatic \ekeinou\ as in strkjv@2Timothy:2:26|.
rwp@2Peter:1:19 @{The word of prophecy} (\ton prophtikon logon\). "The prophetic word." Cf. strkjv@1Peter:1:10|, a reference to all the Messianic prophecies. {Made more sure} (\bebaioteron\). Predicate accusative of the comparative adjective \bebaios\ (2Peter:1:10|). The Transfiguration scene confirmed the Messianic prophecies and made clear the deity of Jesus Christ as God's Beloved Son. Some with less likelihood take Peter to mean that the word of prophecy is a surer confirmation of Christ's deity than the Transfiguration. {Whereunto} (\hi\). Dative of the relative referring to "the prophetic word made more sure." {That ye take heed} (\prosechontes\). Present active participle with \noun\ (mind) understood, "holding your mind upon" with the dative (\hi\). {As unto a lamp} (\hs luchni\). Dative also after \prosechontes\ of \luchnos\, old word (Matthew:5:15|). {Shining} (\phainonti\). Dative also present active participle of \phain\, to shine (John:1:5|). Songs:of the Baptist (John:5:35|). {In a dark place} (\en auchmri topi\). Old adjective, parched, squalid, dirty, dark, murky, here only in N.T., though in Aristotle and on tombstone for a boy. {Until the day dawn} (\hes hou hmera diaugasi\). First aorist active subjunctive of \diaugaz\ with temporal conjunction \hes hou\, usual construction for future time. Late compound verb \diaugaz\ (Polybius, Plutarch, papyri) from \dia\ and \aug\, to shine through, here only in N.T. {The day-star} (\phsphoros\). Old compound adjective (\phs\, light, \pher\, to bring), light-bringing, light-bearer (Lucifer) applied to Venus as the morning star. Our word \phosphorus\ is this word. In the LXX \hesphoros\ occurs. Cf. strkjv@Malachi:4:2; strkjv@Luke:1:76-79; strkjv@Revelation:22:16| for "dawn" applied to the Messiah. {Arise} (\anateili\). First aorist active subjunctive of \anatell\ (James:1:11; strkjv@Matthew:5:45|).
rwp@2Peter:2:10 @{Chiefly} (\malista\). Especially. He turns now to the libertine heretics (verses 2,7|). {After the flesh} (\opis sarkos\). Hebraistic use of \opis\ as with \hamartin\ (sins) in strkjv@Isaiah:65:2|. Cf. strkjv@Matthew:4:19; strkjv@1Timothy:5:15|. {Of defilement} (\miasmou\). Old word (from \miain\ strkjv@Titus:1:15|), here only in N.T. {Despise dominion} (\kuriottos kataphronountas\). \Kuriots\ is late word for lordship (perhaps God or Christ) (from \Kurios\), in strkjv@Colossians:1:16; strkjv@Ephesians:1:21; strkjv@Jude:1:8|. Genitive case after \kataphrountas\ (thinking down on, strkjv@Matthew:6:24|). {Daring} (\tolmtai\). Old substantive (from \tolma\, to dare), daring men, here only in N.T. {Self-willed} (\authadeis\). Old adjective (from \autos\ and \hdomai\), self-pleasing, arrogant, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Titus:1:7|. {They tremble not to rail at dignities} (\doxas ou tremousin blasphmountes\). "They tremble not blaspheming dignities." \Trem\ is old verb (Mark:5:33|), used only in present as here and imperfect. Here with the complementary participle \blasphmountes\ rather than the infinitive \blasphmein\. See strkjv@Jude:1:8|. Perhaps these dignities (\doxas\) are angels (\evil\).
rwp@2Peter:2:13 @{Suffering wrong} (\adikoumenoi\). Present middle or passive participle of \adike\ to do wrong. Songs:Aleph B P, but A C K L have \komioumenoi\ (future middle participle of \komiz\), shall receive. {As the hire of wrong-doing} (\misthon adikias\). The Elephantine papyrus has the passive of \adike\ in the sense of being defrauded, and that may be the idea here. Peter plays on words again here as often in II Peter. The picture proceeds now with participles like \hgoumenoi\ (counting). {Pleasure} (\hdonn\). See strkjv@James:4:1,3|. {To revel in the daytime} (\tn en hmeri truphn\). "The in the daytime revel" (old word \truph\ from \thrupt\, to enervate, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:7:25|). {Spots} (\spiloi\). Old word for disfiguring spot, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Ephesians:5:27|. {Blemishes} (\mmoi\). Old word for blot (kin to \mu\), only here in N.T. See strkjv@1Peter:1:19| for \ammos kai aspilos\. {Revelling} (\entruphntes\). Present active participle of \entrupha\, old compound for living in luxury, only here in N.T. {In their love-feasts} (\en tais agapais\). Songs:B Sah, but Aleph A C K L P read \apatais\ (in their deceivings). If \agapais\ is genuine as it is in strkjv@Jude:1:12|, they are the only N.T. examples of this use of \agap\. {While they feast with you} (\suneuchoumenoi\). Present passive participle of late and rare verb \suneuche\ (\sun\, together, and \euche\, to feed abundantly) to entertain with. Clement of Alex. (_Paed_. ii. I. 6) applies \euchia\ to the \agap\.
rwp@2Peter:2:18 @{Great swelling words} (\huperogka\). Old compound adjective (\huper\ and \ogkos\, a swelling, swelling above and beyond), in N.T. only here and strkjv@Jude:1:16|. {Of vanity} (\mataiottos\). Late and rare word (from \mataios\, empty, vain), often in LXX, in N.T. here, strkjv@Romans:8:20; strkjv@Ephesians:4:17|. {By lasciviousness} (\aselgeiais\). Instrumental plural, "by lascivious acts." Note asyndeton as in strkjv@1:9,17|. {Those who are just escaping} (\tous oligs apopheugontas\). Songs:A B read \oligs\ (slightly, a little), while Aleph C K L P read \onts\ (actually). \Oligs\ late and rare, only here in N.T. Songs:again the Textus Receptus has \apophugontas\ (second aorist active participle, clean escaped) while the correct text is the present active \apopheugontas\. {From them that live in error} (\tous en plani anastrephomenous\). Accusative case after \apopheugontas\ (escaping from) according to regular idiom. Peter often uses \anastreph\ and \anastroph\.
rwp@2Peter:3:3 @{Knowing this first} (\touto prton ginskontes\). Present active participle of \ginsk\. See strkjv@1:20| for this identical phrase. Nominative absolute here where accusative \ginskontas\ would be regular. Peter now takes up the \parousia\ (1:16|) after having discussed the \dunamis\ of Christ. {In the last days} (\ep' eschatn tn hmern\). "Upon the last of the days." strkjv@Jude:1:18| has it \ep' eschatou chronou\ (upon the last time). In strkjv@1Peter:1:5| it is \en kairi eschati\ (in the last time), while strkjv@1Peter:1:20| has \ep' eschatou tn chronn\ (upon the last of the times). John has usually \ti eschati hmeri\ (on the last day, strkjv@6:39f.|). Here \eschatn\ is a predicate adjective like \summus mons\ (the top of the mountain). {Mockers with mockery} (\empaigmoni empaiktai\). Note Peter's play on words again, both from \empaiz\ (Matthew:2:16|), to trifle with, and neither found elsewhere save \empaikts\ in strkjv@Jude:1:18; strkjv@Isaiah:3:4| (playing like children).
rwp@2Peter:3:4 @{Where is the promise of his coming?} (\pou estin h epaggelia ts parousias autou;\). This is the only sample of the questions raised by these mockers. Peter had mentioned this subject of the \parousia\ in strkjv@1:16|. Now he faces it squarely. Peter, like Paul (1Thessalonians:5:1f.; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:1f.|), preached about the second coming (1:16; strkjv@Acts:3:20f.|), as Jesus himself did repeatedly (Matthew:24:34|) and as the angels promised at the Ascension (Acts:1:11|). Both Jesus and Paul (2Thessalonians:2:1f.|) were misunderstood on the subject of the time and the parables of Jesus urged readiness and forbade setting dates for his coming, though his language in strkjv@Matthew:24:34| probably led some to believe that he would certainly come while they were alive. {From the day that} (\aph' hs\). "From which day." See strkjv@Luke:7:45|. {Fell asleep} (\ekoimthsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \koima\, old verb, to put sleep, classic euphemism for death (John:11:11|) like our cemetery (sleeping-place). {Continue} (\diamenei\). Present active indicative of \diamen\, to remain through (Luke:1:22|). _In statu quo_. {As they were} (\houts\). "Thus." {From the beginning of creation} (\ap' archs ktises\). Precisely so in strkjv@Mark:10:6|, which see.
rwp@2Peter:3:5 @{For this they wilfully forget} (\lanthanei gar autous touto thelontas\). Literally, "for this escapes them being willing." See this use of \lanthan\ (old verb, to escape notice of, to be hidden from) in strkjv@Acts:26:26|. The present active participle \thelontas\ (from \thel\, to wish) has almost an adverbial sense here. {Compacted} (\sunestsa\). See Paul's \sunestken\ (Colossians:1:17|) "consist." Second perfect active (intransitive) participle of \sunistmi\, feminine singular agreeing with \g\ (nearest to it) rather than with \ouranoi\ (subject of \san\ imperfect plural). There is no need to make Peter mean the Jewish mystical "seven heavens" because of the plural which was used interchangeably with the singular (Matthew:5:9f.|). {Out of water and amidst water} (\ex hudatos kai di' hudatos\). Out of the primeval watery chaos (Genesis:1:2|), but it is not plain what is meant by \di' hudatos\, which naturally means "by means of water," though \dia\ with the genitive is used for a condition or state (Hebrews:12:1|). The reference may be to strkjv@Genesis:1:9|, the gathering together of the waters. {By the word of God} (\ti tou theou logi\). Instrumental case \logi\, "by the fiat of God" (Genesis:1:3; strkjv@Hebrews:11:3| \rmati theou\).
rwp@2Peter:3:10 @{The day of the Lord} (\hmera kuriou\). Songs:Peter in strkjv@Acts:2:20| (from strkjv@Joel:3:4|) and Paul in strkjv@1Thessalonians:5:2,4; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:2; strkjv@1Corinthians:5:5|; and day of Christ in strkjv@Phillipians:2:16| and day of God in strkjv@2:12| and day of judgment already in strkjv@2:9; strkjv@3:7|. This great day will certainly come (\hxei\). Future active of \hk\, old verb, to arrive, but in God's own time. {As a thief} (\hs klepts\). That is suddenly, without notice. This very metaphor Jesus had used (Luke:12:39; strkjv@Matthew:24:43|) and Paul after him (1Thessalonians:5:2|) and John will quote it also (Revelation:3:3; strkjv@16:15|). {In the which} (\en hi\). The day when the Lord comes. {Shall pass away} (\pareleusontai\). Future middle of \parerchomai\, old verb, to pass by. {With a great noise} (\roizdon\). Late and rare adverb (from \roize, roizos\)-- Lycophron, Nicander, here only in N.T., onomatopoetic, whizzing sound of rapid motion through the air like the flight of a bird, thunder, fierce flame. {The elements} (\ta stoicheia\). Old word (from \stoichos\ a row), in Plato in this sense, in other senses also in N.T. as the alphabet, ceremonial regulations (Hebrews:5:12; strkjv@Galatians:4:3; strkjv@5:1; strkjv@Colossians:2:8|). {Shall be dissolved} (\luthsetai\). Future passive of \lu\, to loosen, singular because \stoicheia\ is neuter plural. {With fervent heat} (\kausoumena\). Present passive participle of \kauso\, late verb (from \kausos\, usually medical term for fever) and nearly always employed for fever temperature. Mayor suggests a conflagration from internal heat. Bigg thinks it merely a vernacular (Doric) future for \kausomena\ (from \kai\, to burn). {Shall be burned up} (\katakasetai\). Repeated in verse 12|. Second future passive of the compound verb \katakai\, to burn down (up), according to A L. But Aleph B K P read \heurethsetai\ (future passive of \heurisk\, to find) "shall be found." There are various other readings here. The text seems corrupt.
rwp@2Peter:3:12 @{Looking for} (\prosdokntas\). Present active participle of \prosdoka\ (Matthew:11:3|) agreeing in case (accusative plural) with \hums\. {Earnestly desiring} (\speudontas\). Present active participle, accusative also, of \speud\, old verb, to hasten (like our speed) as in strkjv@Luke:2:16|, but it is sometimes transitive as here either (preferably so) to "hasten on the parousia" by holy living (cf. strkjv@1Peter:2:12|), with which idea compare strkjv@Matthew:6:10; strkjv@Acts:3:19f.|, or to desire earnestly (Isaiah:16:5|). {Being on fire} (\puroumenoi\). Present passive participle of \puro\, old verb (from pur), same idea as in verse 10|. {Shall melt} (\tketai\). Futuristic present passive indicative of \tk\, old verb, to make liquid, here only in N.T. Hort suggests \txetai\ (future middle), though strkjv@Isaiah:34:4| has \taksontai\ (second future passive). The repetitions here make "an effective refrain" (Mayor).
rwp@2Peter:3:15 @{In his sight} (\auti\). Ethical dative. Referring to Christ. {Is salvation} (\strian\). Predicate accusative after \hgeisthe\ in apposition with \makrothumian\ (long-suffering), an opportunity for repentance (cf. strkjv@1Peter:3:20|). The Lord here is Christ. {Our beloved brother Paul} (\ho agaptos adelphos Paulos\). Paul applies the verbal \agaptos\ (beloved) to Epaphras (Colossians:1:7|), Onesimus (Colossians:4:9; strkjv@Philemon:1:16|), to Tychicus (Colossians:4:7; strkjv@Ephesians:6:21|), and to four brethren in strkjv@Romans:16| (Epainetus strkjv@Romans:16:5|, Ampliatus strkjv@Romans:16:8|, Stachys strkjv@Romans:16:9|, Persis strkjv@Romans:16:12|). It is not surprising for Peter to use it of Paul in view of Gal strkjv@2:9f.|, in spite of strkjv@Galatians:2:11-14|. {Given to him} (\dotheisan auti\). First aorist passive participle of \didmi\ with dative case. Peter claimed wisdom for himself, but recognises that Paul had the gift also. His language here may have caution in it as well as commendation. "St. Peter speaks of him with affection and respect, yet maintains the right to criticise" (Bigg).
rwp@2Peter:3:16 @{As also in all his epistles} (\hs kai en pasais epistolais\). We do not know to how many Peter here refers. There is no difficulty in supposing that Peter "received every one of St. Paul's Epistles within a month or two of its publication" (Bigg). And yet Peter does not here assert the formation of a canon of Paul's Epistles. {Speaking in them of these things} (\laln en autais peri toutn\). Present active participle of \lale\. That is to say, Paul also wrote about the second coming of Christ, as is obviously true. {Hard to be understood} (\dusnota\). Late verbal from \dus\ and \noe\ (in Aristotle, Lucian, Diog. Laert.), here only in N.T. We know that the Thessalonians persisted in misrepresenting Paul on this very subject of the second coming as Hymenaeus and Philetus did about the resurrection (2Timothy:2:17|) and Spitta holds that Paul's teaching about grace was twisted to mean moral laxity like strkjv@Galatians:3:10; strkjv@Romans:3:20,28; strkjv@5:20| (with which cf. strkjv@6:1| as a case in point), etc. Peter does not say that he himself did not understand Paul on the subject of faith and freedom. {Unlearned} (\amatheis\). Old word (alpha privative and \manthan\ to learn), ignorant, here only in N.T. {Unsteadfast} (\astriktoi\). See on ¯2:14|. {Wrest} (\streblousin\). Present active indicative of \streblo\, old verb (from \streblos\ twisted, \streph\, to turn), here only in N.T. {The other scriptures} (\tas loipas graphas\). There is no doubt that the apostles claimed to speak by the help of the Holy Spirit (1Thessalonians:5:27; strkjv@Colossians:4:16|) just as the prophets of old did (2Peter:1:20f.|). Note \loipas\ (rest) here rather than \allas\ (other). Peter thus puts Paul's Epistles on the same plane with the O.T., which was also misused (Matthew:5:21-44; strkjv@15:3-6; strkjv@19:3-10|).
rwp@2Thessalonians:1:4 @{Songs:that} (\hste\). Another example of \hste\ and the infinitive (\enkauchsthai\) for result as in strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:7| which see. {We ourselves} (\autous hmas\). Accusative of general reference with the infinitive, but not merely \hms\ (or \heautous\), perhaps in contrast with \en humin\ (in you), as much as to say, "so that we ourselves, contrary to your expectations, are boasting" (Frame). \Enkauchaomai\ occurs here alone in N.T., but is found in the LXX and in _Aesop's Fables_, proof enough of its vernacular use. Paul was not above praising one church to other churches, to provoke them to good works. Here he is boasting of Thessalonica in Macedonia to the Corinthians as he did later to the Corinthians about the collection (2Corinthians:8:1-15|) after having first boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians (2Corinthians:9:1-5|). There were other churches in Achaia besides Corinth (2Corinthians:1:1|). {For} (\huper\). Over, about, like \peri\ (1Thessalonians:1:2|). {In all your persecutions} (\en pasin tois digmois humn\). Their patience and faith had already attracted Paul's attention (1Thessalonians:1:3|) and their tribulations \thlipsesin\ (1Thessalonians:1:6|). Here Paul adds the more specific term \digmos\, old word from \dik\, to chase, to pursue, a word used by Paul of his treatment in Corinth (2Corinthians:12:10|). {Which ye endure} (\hais anechesthe\). B here reads \enechesthe\, to be entangled in, to be held in as in strkjv@Galatians:5:1|, but \anechesthe\ is probably correct and the \hais\ is probably attracted to locative case of \thlipsesin\ from the ablative \hn\ after \anechesthe\, {from which ye hold yourselves back} (cf. strkjv@Colossians:3:13|).
rwp@2Thessalonians:1:7 @{Rest with us} (\anesin meth' hmn\). Let up, release. Old word from \animi\, from troubles here (2Corinthians:2:13; strkjv@7:5; strkjv@8:13|), and hereafter as in this verse. Vivid word. They shared suffering with Paul (verse 5|) and so they will share (\meth'\) the {rest}. {At the revelation of the Lord Jesus} (\en ti apokalupsei tou Kuriou Isou\). Here the \Parousia\ (1Thessalonians:2:19; strkjv@3:13; strkjv@5:23|) is pictured as a {Revelation} (Un-veiling, \apo-kalupsis\) of the Messiah as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:7, strkjv@1Peter:1:7,13| (cf. strkjv@Luke:17:30|). At this Unveiling of the Messiah there will come the {recompense} (verse 6|) to the persecutors and the {rest} from the persecutions. This Revelation will be {from heaven} (\ap' ouranou\) as to place and {with the angels of his power} (\met' aggeln dunames autou\) as the retinue and {in flaming fire} (\en puri phlogos\, in a fire of flame, fire characterized by flame). In strkjv@Acts:7:30| the text is {flame of fire} where \puros\ is genitive (like strkjv@Isaiah:66:15|) rather than \phlogos\ as here (Exodus:3:2|).
rwp@2Thessalonians:1:8 @{Rendering} (\didontos\). Genitive of present active participle of \didmi\, to give, agreeing with \Isou\. {Vengeance} (\ekdiksin\). Late word from \ekdike\, to vindicate, in Polybius and LXX. {To them that know not God} (\tois m eidosin theon\). Dative plural of perfect active participle \eids\. Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1Thessalonians:4:3; strkjv@Galatians:4:8; strkjv@Romans:1:28; strkjv@Ephesians:2:12|), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans:2:14|). {And to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus} (\kai tois m hupakouousin ti euaggelii tou kuriou hmn Isou\). Repetition of the article looks like another class and so Jews (Romans:10:16|). Both Jews as instigators and Gentiles as officials (\politarchs\) were involved in the persecution in Thessalonica (Acts:17:5-9; strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:6|). Note the use of "gospel" here as in strkjv@Mark:1:15| "believe in the gospel."
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@2Thessalonians:1:12 @{That} (\hops\). Rare with Paul compared with \hina\ (1Corinthians:1:29; strkjv@2Corinthians:8:14|). Perhaps here for variety (dependent on \hina\ clause in verse 11|). {The name} (\to onoma\). The Old Testament (LXX) uses \onoma\ embodying the revealed character of Jehovah. Songs:here the {Name} of our Lord Jesus means the Messiahship and Lordship of Jesus. The common Greek idiom of \onoma\ for title or dignity as in the papyri (Milligan) is not quite this idiom. The papyri also give examples of \onoma\ for person as in O.T. and strkjv@Acts:1:15| (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, pp. 196ff.). {In you, and ye in him} (\en humin, kai humeis en auti\). This reciprocal glorying is Pauline, but it is also like Christ's figure of the vine and the branches in strkjv@John:15:1-11|. {According to the grace} (\kata tn charin\). Not merely standard, but also aim (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 609). {Of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ} (\tou theou hmn kai kuriou Isou Christou\). Here strict syntax requires, since there is only one article with \theou\ and \kuriou\ that one person be meant, Jesus Christ, as is certainly true in strkjv@Titus:2:13; strkjv@2Peter:1:1| (Robertson, _Grammar_, p.786). This otherwise conclusive syntactical argument, admitted by Schmiedel, is weakened a bit by the fact that \Kurios\ is often employed as a proper name without the article, a thing not true of \str\ in strkjv@Titus:2:13; strkjv@2Peter:1:1|. Songs:in strkjv@Ephesians:5:5| \en ti basileii tou Christou kai theou\ the natural meaning is {in the Kingdom of Christ and God} regarded as one, but here again \theos\, like \Kurios\, often occurs as a proper name without the article. Songs:it has to be admitted that here Paul may mean "according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ," though he may also mean "according to the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ."
rwp@2Thessalonians:2:1 @{Touching the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ} (\huper ts parousias tou Kuriou (hmn) Isou Christou\). For \ertmen\, to beseech, see on ¯1Thessalonians:4:1; strkjv@4:12|. \Huper\ originally meant over, in behalf of, instead of, but here it is used like \peri\, around, concerning as in strkjv@1:4; strkjv@1Thessalonians:3:2; strkjv@5:10|, common in the papyri (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 632). For the distinction between \Parousia, Epiphaneia\ (Epiphany), and \Apokalupsis\ (Revelation) as applied to the Second Coming of Christ see Milligan on _Thessalonian Epistles_, pp. 145-151, in the light of the papyri. \Parousia\ lays emphasis on the {presence} of the Lord with his people, \epiphaneia\ on his {manifestation} of the power and love of God, \apokalupsis\ on the {revelation} of God's purpose and plan in the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. {And our gathering together unto him} (\kai hmn episunaggs ep' auton\). A late word found only in II Macc. strkjv@2:7; strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:1; strkjv@Hebrews:10:25| till Deissmann (_Light from the Ancient East_, p. 103) found it on a stele in the island of Syme, off Caria, meaning "collection." Paul is referring to the rapture, mentioned in strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:15-17|, and the being forever with the Lord thereafter. Cf. also strkjv@Matthew:24:31; strkjv@Mark:13:27|.
rwp@2Thessalonians:2:3 @{Let no man beguile you in any wise} (\m tis humas exapatsi kata mdena tropon\). First aorist active subjunctive of \exapata\ (old verb to deceive, strengthened form of simple verb \apata\) with double negative (\m tis, mdena\) in accord with regular Greek idiom as in strkjv@1Corinthians:16:11| rather than the aorist imperative which does occur sometimes in the third person as in strkjv@Mark:13:15| (\m katabat\). Paul broadens the warning to go beyond conversation and letter. He includes "tricks" of any kind. It is amazing how gullible some of the saints are when a new deceiver pulls off some stunts in religion. {For it will not be} (\hoti\). There is an ellipse here of \ouk estai\ (or \gensetai\) to be supplied after \hoti\. Westcott and Hort make an anacoluthon at the end of verse 4|. The meaning is clear. \Hoti\ is causal, because, but the verb is understood. The second coming not only is not "imminent," but will not take place before certain important things take place, a definite rebuff to the false enthusiasts of verse 2|. {Except the falling away come first} (\ean m elthi h apostasia prton\). Negative condition of the third class, undetermined with prospect of determination and the aorist subjunctive. \Apostasia\ is the late form of \apostasis\ and is our word apostasy. Plutarch uses it of political revolt and it occurs in I Macc. strkjv@2:15 about Antiochus Epiphanes who was enforcing the apostasy from Judaism to Hellenism. In strkjv@Joshua:22:22| it occurs for rebellion against the Lord. It seems clear that the word here means a religious revolt and the use of the definite article (\h\) seems to mean that Paul had spoken to the Thessalonians about it. The only other New Testament use of the word is in strkjv@Acts:21:21| where it means apostasy from Moses. It is not clear whether Paul means revolt of the Jews from God, of Gentiles from God, of Christians from God, or of the apostasy that includes all classes within and without the body of Christians. But it is to be {first} (\prton\) before Christ comes again. Note this adverb when only two events are compared (cf. strkjv@Acts:1:1|). {And the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition} (\kai apokaluphthi ho anthrpos ts anomias, ho huios ts apleias\). First aorist passive subjunctive after \ean m\ and same condition as with \elthi\. The use of this verb \apokalupt\, like \apokalupsin\ of the second coming in strkjv@1:7|, seems to note the superhuman character (Milligan) of the event and the same verb is repeated in verses 6,8|. The implication is that {the man of sin} is hidden somewhere who will be suddenly manifested just as false apostles pose as angels of light (2Corinthians:11:13ff.|), whether the crowning event of the apostasy or another name for the same event. Lightfoot notes the parallel between the man of sin, of whom sin is the special characteristic (genitive case, a Hebraism for the lawless one in verse 8|) and Christ. Both Christ and the adversary of Christ are revealed, there is mystery about each, both make divine claims (verse 4|). He seems to be the Antichrist of strkjv@1John:2:18|. The terrible phrase, the son of perdition, is applied to Judas in strkjv@John:17:12| (like Judas doomed to perdition), but here to the lawless one (\ho anomos\, verse 8|), who is not Satan, but some one definite person who is doing the work of Satan. Note the definite article each time.
rwp@2Thessalonians:3:13 @{But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing} (\humeis de, adelphoi, m enkakste kalopoiountes\). Emphatic position of \humeis\ in contrast to these piddlers. \M\ and the aorist subjunctive is a prohibition against beginning an act (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 851-4). It is a late verb and means to behave badly in, to be cowardly, to lose courage, to flag, to faint, (\en, kakos\) and outside of ![[pBiblx2]](/img/pbiblx2_logo3.png){kind=logo}