" strengthen " in this place, is twice used by Peter in his two epistles, and the word " stedfastness/' which is also used, is directly derived from it. (I Pet. v. 10 ; 2 Pet. i. 12 ; 2 Pet. iii. 17.)
I would add to this the interesting; fact that it is Peter who describes the devil under the vivid figure of a " roaring lion, walking about, and seeking whom he may devour." (I Pet. v. 8.)
J Thy brethren.] This expression probably contains a tacit erence to the dispute for pre- eminence. Peter is reminded that he must regard the other disciples, not as his inferiors, but OS his " brethren."
33. — [/ am ready to go, (6c.] This profession was the language of a self-confident, inexperienced disciple who had not yet tbund out the weakness of his own faith, and the deceitfulness of his own heart. Men little know what they will do, till the time of temptation actually comes. '' Is thy servant a dog," said Hazael, **that he should do this great tiling." (2 Kings viii. 13.)
:?4. — [Peter.] Burgon remarks that this is the only place in which our Lord addresses Peter by this name, the name which signi- fied "stone." It was surely meant to remind him how weak even the strongest disciples are.
[Thrice deny,.\knowe8t me.] This, be it remembered, was a very remarkable prediction, and a striking evidence of our Ix)rd's foreknowledge. That Peter should deny his Master at all, — that he should actually deny Him that very night after receiving the Lord's supper, — that he should deny him after plain warn- ings, and after strong protestations that he would rather die, — and that he should deny his Master three times, — were all most improbable events. Yet they all took place !
55. — [When I sent you, dc] This verse refers to the occasion when our Lord sent out the apostles two and two to preach the kingdom of God. • It is evident from the expression befoi*e us, that in these first excursions our Lord exercised a miraculous (superintendence over the disciples, and so ordered things that friends were raised up for them wherever tliey went, and they '*la(;ked nothing." This was doubtless done in condescension to their inexperience and infirmity, and to enable them to attend on theu: woik without distraction.
:!6. — [But now, <ic.] The general drift of this verse is to teach that from the time of Christ's ascension into heaven, the dis- ciples must not expect such a constant miraculous interposition of God on their behalf, as would make them independent of the use of means. On the contrai'y they must diligently employ all lawful and reasonable means for their support and protection. They were to " work with their own hands," as St. Paul did at tent making. They were to have regular gatherings of money for the support of those that wanted, as the Corinthians had.