30. Rev. 2, 26. 27. If then, asks the apostle, such a destiny as this awaits you, are ye untit to decide the smallest matters ? If the world (mankind) shall he judged by you {ev ti/xtv), i. e. before you as judges. Are ye u7iworthy (dva^tot), i. e. of too little weight or value, having neither the requisite dignity nor ability. Unworthy of the smallest matters. The word {k^i- T^ptov), here rendered m,atters^ in the sense of causes, or matters for judgment, means, 1. A criterion or test ; a rule of judgment. 2. A tribunal or place of judgment, and then, the court or assembled judges. Ex. 21, 6. Judges 5, 10. Dan. 7, 10, and in the New Testament, James 2, 6. 3. The trial, i. e. the process of judgment. 4. The cause itself, or matters to be tried. This last sense is doubtful, although it is gene- rally adopted here because it suits so well the fourth verse, where the same word occurs. The second sense would suit this verse. ' If ye are to sit with Christ on the seat of uni- versal judgment, are ye unworthy of the lowest judgment seats.' But the fourth verse is in favour of the explanation adopted in our version. ' Are ye unfit for the least causes ? '
3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels % how •much more things that pertain to this hfe ?
As, according to Scripture, only the fallen angels are to be judged in the last day, most commentators suppose the word must here be restricted to that class. Not only men, but fall- en angels are to stand before that tribunal on which Christ and his church shall sit in judgment. If agreeably to the con- stant usage of the Scriptures, according to which (as remarked above, 4, 9) the w^ord when unqualified means good angels, it be understood of that class here, then the explanation is probably to be sought in the comprehensive sense of the word to judge. As kings were always judges, and as the administration of jus- tice was one of the principal functions of their office, hence to rule and to judge are in Scripture often convertible terms. To judge Israel, and to rule Israel, mean the same thing. And in Matt.l9, 28, "sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel," means presiding over the twelve tribes. So in the case before us, " Know ye not that we shall judge angels ? " may mean, ' Know ye not that we are to be exalted above the angels, and preside over them ; shall we not then preside over earthly things ? ' This explanation avoids the difliculty of supposing that the good angels are to be called into judgment ;