of the word will. As, however, the expression ' acceptable will of God' is unnatural and unusual, the majority of modern commentators take them as substantives; 'that ye may approve what is good, acceptable and perfect, viz. the will of God.' The last phrase is then in apposition with the others. The design and result then of that great change of which Paul speaks is, that Christians should know, delight in, and practise whatever is good and acceptable to God ; compare Eph. 5 : 10, 17. Phil. 4:8.
(3) For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, &LC. The apostle connects with the general exhortation contained in the preceding verses, and founds upon it, an exhortation to special Christian virtues. The first virtue which he enjoins upon believers is modesty or humility. This has reference specially to the officers of the church, or at least to the recipients of spiritual gifts. It is very evident from 1 Cor. 12 and 14, that these gifts were coveted and exercised by many of the early Christians for the purpose of self-exaltation. They, therefore, desired not those which were most useful, but those which were most attractive ; and some were puffed up, while others were envious and discontented. This evil the apostle forcibly and beautifully reproved in the chapters referred to, in the same manner that he does here, and much more at length.
Through the grace given unto me. The word grace in this clause is by many understood to mean the apostolic office, which Paul elsewhere speaks of as a great favour; com. ch. 1:5. 15 : 15. Eph. 3 : 2, 8. But this interpretation appears here too limited ; the word probably includes all the favour of God towards him, not merely in conferring on him the office of an apostle, but in bestowing all the gifts of the Spirit, ordinary and extraordinary, which qualified him for his duties, and gave autkority to his instructions.
Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. The word to think is an inadequate translation of the Greek, inasmuch as the latter includes the idea of the exercise of the affections as well as of the intellect ; see ch. 8 : 5. Col. 3 : 2. Phil. 3 : 19. To think of oneself too highly is to be puffed up with an idea of our own importance and supe- riority.
But to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. The word rendered soberly properly means to be of a sane mind; and then to be moderate, or temperate. Paul speaks of one who overestimates or praises himself as being beside himself; and of him who is modest and humble as being of a sane mind, i. e. as making a proper estimate of himself. " For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God ; or whether we be sober, it is for your cause," 2 Cor. 5 : 13, 1. e. ' If we commend ourselves, it is that God may be honoured ; and if we act modestly and abstain from self-commendation, it is that you may be benefited.* » To think soberly, therefore, is to form and manifest a