Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

1 Corinthians 15:58

briefly directs the previous teaching against the unsettlement caused by Cor [2587] doubts. This unbelief was taxed in 1 Corinthians 15:32 ff. with sensualism and ignorance of God; its enervating effect on Christian work is here indicated. For ὥστε with impv [2588], cf. 1Co 3:21, 1 Corinthians 4:5, etc. ἑδραῖοι γίνεσθε, “show yourselves steadfast”: see note on 1 Corinthians 7:23, also 1Co 10:32, 1 Corinthians 11:1; for the adj [2589], see parls. In Colossians 1:23 the combination ἑδραῖοι, ἀμετακίνητοι (“not-to-be-moved”) is almost identically repeated; similarly in Aristotle, Nic. Eth., ii., iv., 3, τὸ βεβαίως καὶ ἀμετακινήτως ἔχειν is specified as a condition of all right and virtuous doing. περισσεύοντες κ. τ. λ. adds the positive to the foregoing negative side of the injunction: “abounding (overflowing: see parls.) in the work of the Lord always”. τ. ἔργον τ. Κυρίου (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:1; Colossians 3:23 f., Matthew 21:28; Mark 13:34) is “the work” which “the Lord” prescribes, while “the work of God” (Romans 14:20 : cf. Romans 3:9 above) is “the work” which “God” does: contrast 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 above. “Knowing (as you do) that your toil is not empty in the Lord.” εἰδότες implies assured knowledge, such as springs from the confirmation of faith given in this chap. On κόπος, see note to 1 Corinthians 3:8; and on κενός, 1 Corinthians 15:14 : the “toil” is “empty” which is spent on illusion; “ce n'est pas là une activité d'apparat, accomplie dans le néant, comme si souvent le travail terrestre, mais un sérieux labeur, accompli dans la sphère de l'éternelle réalité” (Gd [2590]); hence the pr [2591] ἐστὶν rather than ἔσται. ἐν Κυρίῳ : in the sphere of Christ's authority, wrought under His headship, which supplies the basis of all Christian relations and duties; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:36 1 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 7:22, etc.

[2587] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2588] imperative mood.

[2589] adjective.

[2590] F. Godet's Commentaire sur la prem. Ép. aux Corinthiens (Eng. Trans.).

[2591] present tense.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

1 Corinthians 15:58

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