_He that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sins. Some expound these words of Christ; but he never had committed the least sin. The true sense is, that every one who suffers by Christ's example, leaves off an sinful life, so as not to fall into great sins. (Witham)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the time past is sufficient, &c. As if he said, you who were Gentiles, have already lived too long in vices before your conversion; so that they who are not yet converted, admire [1] at the change they see in you, make a jest of you, talk against you for your not running on with them in the sam... [ Continue Reading ]
_Charity covereth a multitude of sins. It is a great means to atone for them; or it may signify, that a charitable mind excuses many sins in others. (Witham)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_As good stewards of the manifold grace of God. An admonition to the ministers of the gospel, to employ well their talents and the graces received to the honour and glory of God. (Witham)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Think not strange, &c. Be not surprised, nor discouraged that a hot and sharp persecution is come upon you at this time, as if it were a new and an extraordinary thing. It is what you must expect and be ready to receive with patience, and even with joy, when you suffer as Christ did before you, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Which is of the honour, glory, &c. He gives them the reason why they must rejoice and look upon themselves happy to suffer for the name of Christ, because to suffer for God's sake is glorious, is a mark that the glorious, the honourable, and the powerful spirit of God rests upon them: for as Paul s... [ Continue Reading ]
_Or a railer. [2] The Greek here signifies one that does evil, or a malefactor. --- Or as coveting the goods of others. [3] The Greek rather signifies one curiously prying into the affairs of others, which Protestants translate a busy body. (Witham)_ [BIBLIOGRAPHY] Maledicus, _Greek: kakopoios, ma... [ Continue Reading ]
_The time is that judgment should begin at the house of God. By judgment seems to be here understood afflictions, persecutions, and trials in this world; and the sense is, that the time of this life is a time of suffering. --- And if first at us. That is, if the justice of God deal in this manner wi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Scarcely. That is, not without much labour and difficulty. (Challoner)_... [ Continue Reading ]