1_Remind them to be subject to principalities and powers _From many passages it is evident that the Apostles had great difficulty in keeping the common people subject to the authority of magistrates and princes. We are all by nature desirous of power; and the consequence is, that no one willingly is... [ Continue Reading ]
2_To speak evil of no one _He now lays down the method of maintaining peace and friendship with all men. We know that there is nothing to which the disposition of every man is more prone than to despise others in comparison of himself. The consequence is, that many are proud of the gifts of God; and... [ Continue Reading ]
3_For we ourselves _(257) _also were formerly foolish _Nothing is better adapted to subdue our pride, and at the same time to moderate our severity, than when it is shewn that everything that we turn against others may fall back on our own head; for he forgives easily who is compelled to sue for par... [ Continue Reading ]
Either the principal clause in this sentence is, that “God hath saved us by his mercy,” or the language is elliptical. Thus it will be proper to supply, that they were changed for the better, and became new men, in consequence of God having mercy upon them; as if he had said, “When God regenerated y... [ Continue Reading ]
5_Not by works _(259) Let us remember that here Paul addresses his discourse to believers, and describes the manner in which they entered into the kingdom of God. He affirms that by their works they did not at all deserve that they should become partakers of salvation, or that they should be reconci... [ Continue Reading ]
6._Which he shed, _(or, _whom he shed.) _In the Greek, the relative may apply either to the “washing” or to the “Spirit;” for both of the nouns — λουτρόν and Πνεῦμα — are neuter. It makes little difference as to the meaning; but the metaphor will be more elegant, if the relative be applied to λουτρό... [ Continue Reading ]
7_That being justified by his grace _If we understand “regeneration” in its strict and ordinary meaning, it might be thought that the Apostle employs the word “justified” instead of “regenerated;” and this is sometimes the meaning of it, but very seldom; yet there is no necessity which constrains us... [ Continue Reading ]
8_A faithful saying _He employs this mode of expression, when he wishes to make a solemn assertion as we have seen in both of the Epistles to Timothy. (1 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 2:11.) And therefore he immediately adds: — _I wish thee to affirm these things _(263) Διαβεβαιοῦσθαι under a passive term... [ Continue Reading ]
9_But avoid foolish questions _There is no necessity for debating long about the exposition of this passage. He contrasts “questions” with sound and certain doctrine. Although it is necessary to seek, in order to find, yet there is a limit to seeking, that you may understand what is useful to be kno... [ Continue Reading ]
10_Avoid an heretical man _This is properly added; because there will be no end of quarrels and dispute, if we wish to conquer obstinate men by argument; for they will never want words, and they will derive fresh courage from impudence, so that they will never grow weary of fighting. Thus, after hav... [ Continue Reading ]
11_Knowing that he who is such is ruined _He declares that man to be “ruined,” as to whom there is no hope of repentance, because, if our labor could bring back any man to the right path, it should by no means be withheld. The metaphor is taken from a building, which is not merely decayed in some pa... [ Continue Reading ]
13_Zenas a lawyer _It is uncertain whether “Zenas”, was a Doctor of the Civil Law or of the Law of Moses; but as we may learn from Paul’s words that he was a poor man and needed the help of others, it is probable that he belonged to the same rank with _Apollo, _that is, an expounder of the Law of Go... [ Continue Reading ]
14_And let ours also learn to excel in good works. _(268) That the Cretans, on whom he lays this burden, may not complain of being loaded with the expense, he reminds them that they _must not be unfruitful, _and that therefore they must be warmly exhorted to be zealous in good works. But of this mod... [ Continue Reading ]