Luke 12:4

ἀποκτεννόντων. Most MSS. La[248] Ti[249] See note.

[248] La. Lachmann.
[249] Ti. Tischendorf.

4. τοῖς φίλοις μου. John 15:14-15, “Henceforth I call you not servants … but friends.” The term comes the more naturally and pathetically because Jesus had just been in the thick of enemies.

μὴ φοβηθῆτε�. Be not afraid of anything which can come from them. This construction is only found in the LXX[262] and N. T., and is a Hebraism (v. Schleusner s. v.). For similar thoughts see Jeremiah 1:8; Isaiah 51:12-13.

[262] LXX. Septuagint.

ἀποκτεννόντων. This is an Aeolic form which became common in Hellenistic Greek (Tob 1:18; Wis 16:14). So we find σπέῤῥω for σπείρω.

μετὰ ταῦτα μὴ ἐχόντων περισσότερόν τι ποιῆσαι. The same truth was an encouragement to the partially illuminated fortitude of Stoicism. Hence it constantly occurs in the Manual of Epictetus.