_Lest the name and doctrine of the Lord be blasphemed, or ill spoken of by infidels, when such as were converted refused to be servants. --- Let them not despise them, &c. That is, they who were servants under Christian masters, ought to think themselves more happy on that account, being brethren, a... [ Continue Reading ]
_But sick about questions, [1] unprofitable disputes, blasphemies, which may either signify against God, or railing one against another, conflicts, &c.[2] and dissensions of men corrupted in their minds: such is the character and description he gives of those ancient heretics, which applies to heret... [ Continue Reading ]
_Supposing gain to be piety. [3] The sense is the same, that they make a shew of piety only for gain-sake. (Witham)_ [BIBLIOGRAPHY] Existimantes quæstum esse pietatem, _Greek: porismon einai ten eusebeian. In the ordinary Greek copies follows, G reek: aphistato apo ton toiouton, and so the Protest... [ Continue Reading ]
_But piety with sufficiency, or when a man hath what is sufficient to support his necessities, is certainly great gain, is accompanied with the most valuable advantages, the treasure of a good conscience, peace of mind, the grace of God, and hereafter a recompense of eternal glory. (Witham) --- That... [ Continue Reading ]
_For they who wish to become rich. [4] He does not say, as St. John Chrysostom observes, they who are rich; as persons may be rich, and make good use of their riches to God's honour, and the good of others. But such as would be rich, who see riches, and have their heart and affections upon riches, f... [ Continue Reading ]
_The root of all evils is covetousness,[6] or the love of money, as it is in the Greek; a covetous man being ready to sacrifice his soul for money. (Witham) --- This truth is verified and illustrated by the example of Judas, in the gospel; of Ananias and Saphira, in the Acts; of Demas, mentioned by... [ Continue Reading ]
_But thou, O man of God. [7] This, says St. John Chrysostom, is one of the highest title and commendations that can be given to any man. So are called Samuel, Elias, Eliseus. (1 Kings ii and ix.; 3 Kings xxxiii.) (Witham)_ [BIBLIOGRAPHY] O homo Dei. See St. John Chrysostom, (_ Greek: log. iz. p. 3... [ Continue Reading ]
_Fight the good fight. Literally, strive [8] a good strife. St. Paul oftentimes brings this comparison of men striving for a prize. --- And hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses, not only when baptized, not only when thou wast ordained a bishop, but by thy constancy and sufferings a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Under Pontius Pilate, &c. Some expound it of the words and particular testimony Christ gave when he said he was king, but not of this world, who came to teach the truth. We may rather understand it with others, of all Christ taught and suffered under Pilate, or whilst he was governor of Judea. (Wit... [ Continue Reading ]
_That thou keep the commandment. Some understand that of fighting manfully; others of loving God; others rather comprehend all that St. Paul had commanded him, and all the instructions given. --- Unto the coming of our Lord; [9] which coming, he in due time will shew. This is the construction by the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who only hath immortality; i.e. is immortal of himself, and by his own nature. --- Light inaccessible; to human eyes or understandings. (Witham)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Charge the rich of this world not to confide in such uncertain goods; to strive to be rich in good works; to communicate [10] in lending, assisting, giving to others, by which they will lay up an everlasting treasure. (Witham)_ [BIBLIOGRAPHY] Communicare, _Greek: koinonikous. See Greek: koinonein... [ Continue Reading ]
O Timothy, keep that which is committed [11] to thy trust. He does not mean his charge of bishop, nor the graces of God, but the true and sound doctrine delivered to him either by writing or word of mouth, according to the common interpretation. See St. John Chrysostom, Vincentius Lirinensis, Common... [ Continue Reading ]