Aristarchus,— See Acts 15:37; Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4. Aristarchus and Epaphras are mentioned as saluters in this epistle, and in that to Philemon written at the same time. Instead of, Ye received commandments, &c. Doddridge reads, Ye have received instructions; and Heylin, letters of recommendation; adding, If he come, do you give him a kind reception. See Acts 17:15. The original word, rendered commandments, has doubtless that meaning; but as civility teaches us to esteem the reasonable desires of friends, as carrying in them the force of commands, though they pretend not to use any authority; hence the same mode of speech is familiar, not only in ancient, but in modern languages; by which the word commands is used for recommendation.

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