ὀφείλομεν δὲ. But beyond this we have a positive duty to fulfil; cf. for this reference of duty to the example of Christ 1 John 2:6; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:11; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 5:2.

ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ. S. Paul includes himself, but he does not here dwell on his own example as he does to his own converts; cf. 1 Corinthians 9:1-23. οἱ δυνατοὶ = who are able; cf. 2 Corinthians 13:9.

τὰ�, only here. The several acts and instances of ἀσθένεια.

βαστάζειν. Cf. Galatians 6:2, not merely = ‘to put up with,’ but to help in bearing the load; cf. Romans 12:13. The strong would adopt the practices of the weak, when in their company, and so help them to bear the burden of these self-imposed regulations; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:29; 1 Corinthians 9:22. This gives full meaning to the following negative clause.

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Old Testament