Timothy our brother. Lit., the brother. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:1. Well known in the Christian brotherhood. When Paul writes to Timothy himself he calls him son " (Bengel). Timothy appears, not as amanuensis, nor as joint - author, but as joint - sender of the epistle. Achaia. See on 1 Corinthians... [ Continue Reading ]
The Father of mercies [ο π α τ η ρ τ ω ν ο ι κ τ ι ρ μ ω ν]. Equivalent to the compassionate Father. Compare the phrases Father of glory, Ephesians 1:17; spirits, Hebrews 12:9; lights, James 1:17. Oijktirmov mercy, from oiktov pity or mercy, the feeling which expresses itself in the exclamation oi o... [ Continue Reading ]
In all our tribulation - in any trouble [ε π ι π α σ η τ η θ λ ι ψ ε ι η μ ω ν - ε ν π α σ η θ λ ι ψ ε ι]. Note the nice use of the article : all our tribulation, collectively; any or every trouble, specifically. In is literally upon; the trouble forming the ground of the comfort. So in hope, Romans... [ Continue Reading ]
Sufferings of Christ. Not things suffered for Christ's sake, but Christ's own sufferings as they are shared by His disciples. See Matthew 20:22; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 4:13. Note the peculiar phrase abound [π ε ρ ι σ σ ε υ ε ι] in us, by which Christ's sufferings are represented... [ Continue Reading ]
And whether we be, etc. The MSS. differ in their arrangement of this verse. The main points of difference may be seen by comparing the A. V. and Rev. The sense is not affected by the variation. Is effectual [ε ν ε ρ γ ο υ μ ε ν η ς]. See on Mark 6:14; James 5:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
We would not have you ignorant. See on Romans 1:13. Came to us in Asia. Rev., better, befell. The nature of the trouble is uncertain. The following words seem to indicate inward distress rather than trouble from without, such as he experienced at Ephesus. Were pressed out of measure [κ α θ υ π ε ρ... [ Continue Reading ]
Sentence of death [α π ο κ ρ ι μ α τ ο υ θ α ν α τ ο υ]. Apokrima, occurs only here in the New Testament, and not in classical Greek nor in the Septuagint. In the latter the kindred words have, almost uniformly, the meaning of answer. Josephus used it of a response of the Roman senate. Sentence, whi... [ Continue Reading ]
Persons [π ρ ο σ ω π ω ν]. Face is the usual rendering of the word in the New Testament. Even when rendered person the usage is Hebraistic for face. See on James 2:1 There is no reason for abandoning that sense here. The expression is pictorial; that thanksgiving may be given from many faces; the ch... [ Continue Reading ]
Godly sincerity [ε ι λ ι κ ρ ι ν ε ι α τ ο υ θ ε ο υ]. Lit., sincerity of God, as Rev. See on 2 Peter 3:1. We have had our conversation [α ν ε σ τ ρ α φ η μ ε ν]. Rev., behaved ourselves. See on 1 Peter 1:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
Read - acknowledge [α ν α γ ι ν ω σ κ ε τ ε - ε π ι γ ι ν ω σ κ ε τ ε]. The word - play cannot be reproduced in English.... [ Continue Reading ]
In part [α π ο μ ε ρ ο υ ς]. Referring to the partial understanding of his character and motives by the Corinthians. 15 Before [π ρ ο τ ε ρ ο ν]. Rather, first of all. Instead of going first to the Macedonians, as he afterward decided. See 1 Corinthians 16:5. Second benefit (deuteran carin). Benef... [ Continue Reading ]
Did I use lightness [τ η ε λ α φ ρ ι α ε χ ρ η σ α μ η ν]. Rev., shew fickleness. Elafria, lightness, only here in the New Testament. Compare ejlafrov light, Matthew 11:30; 2 Corinthians 4:17. His change of plan had given rise to the charge of fickleness. The yea, yea, and the nay, nay. That I sho... [ Continue Reading ]
As God is true [π ι σ τ ο ς ο θ ε ο ς]. Not to be taken as a formula of swearing. He means that God will answer for him against the charge of fickleness by the power and blessing (benefit) which will attend his presence. Hence the meaning is : faithful is God (in this) that our speech, etc.... [ Continue Reading ]
Was not [ο υ κ ε γ ε ν ε τ ο]. Rather, did not prove to be, in the result. In Him was yea [ν α ι ε ν α υ τ ω γ ε γ ο ν ε ν]. Lit., yea has come to pass in Him. He has shown Himself absolutely the truth. Compare John 14:6; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 3:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
All [ο σ α ι]. Wrong. As many as. Are yea, etc. Making this the predicate of promises, which is wrong. The meaning is that how many soever are God's promises, in Christ is the incarnate answer, "yea!" to the question, "Will they be fulfilled?" Hence Rev., correctly : How many soever be the promises... [ Continue Reading ]
Stablisheth - in Christ [β ε β α ι ω ν - ε ι ς]. The present participle with eijv into indicates the work as it is in progress toward a final identification of the believers with Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sealed [σ φ ρ α γ ι σ α μ ε ν ο ς]. See on John 3:33; Revelation 22:10. Earnest [α ρ ρ α β ω ν α]. Only here, ch. 5 5, and Ephesians 1:14. It means caution - money, deposited by a purchaser in pledge of full payment. Of the Spirit. Not the foretaste or pledge of the Spirit, but the Spirit Himself i... [ Continue Reading ]
I call God for a record [τ ο ν θ ε ο ν ε π ι κ α λ ο υ μ α ι]. Rev., better, witness. A common classical idiom. Compare Plato : "Next will follow the choir of young men under the age of thirty, who will call upon the God Paean to testify to the truth of these words" (" Laws, "664). Homer :" For the... [ Continue Reading ]