Of unrighteousness (aécxias). See on 2 Pet. ii. 13.
Cu. VL] THH LPISTLE TO THE ROMANS. Al
Vield (apactjcate). Rev., present. The same word as before, but in a different tense. The present tense, be present- ing, denotes the daily habit, the giving of the hand, the tongue, etc., to the service of sin as temptation appeals to each. Here the aorist, as in xii. 1, denotes an act of self-devotion once for all.
As those that are alive (as Savras). The best texts read écel as if alive. This brings out more clearly the figurative character of the exhortation.*
From the dead (é« vexpav). Note the preposition owt of. See on Luke xvi. 31.
16. Servants (SovAous). Every man must choose between two ethical principles. Whichever one he chooses is master, and he is its bond-servant. Compare Matt. vi. 24; vii. 18.
Sin unto death—obedience unto righteousness. The antithesis is not direct—sin unto death, obedience unto life ; but obedience is the true antithesis of sin, since sin is disobedience, and righteousness is life.
17. That ye were. The peculiar form of expression is ex- plained in two ways; either making the thanksgiving bear only on the second proposition, ye obeyed, etc., and regarding the first as inserted by way of contrast or background to the salut- ary moral change: or, emphasizing were ; ye were the servants of sin, but ave so no more. Rev. adopts the former, and in- serts whereas.
From the heart. See oni. 21.
Form of doctrine (rdzrov Sidayfjs). Rev., form of teaching. For tumov, see on 1 Pet. v. 3. The Pauline type of teach- ing as contrasted with the Judaistic forms of Christianity. Compare my gospel, ii. 16; xvi. 25. Others explain as the ideal or pattern presented by the gospel. Horm of teaching, however, seems to point to a special and precisely defined type of christian instruction.
* éoef is found in xX, A, B,C. It does not occur elsewhere in Paul Patriste ic testimony is in favor of ds.
"2 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. (Cu. VL
Was delivered unto you (eis dv mapedd9nre). But this rendering is impossible. Render, as Rev., whereunto ye were delivered. For the verb, see on iv. 25. They had been handed over to the educative power of this form of teaching.
19. After the manner of men (dvIp@rwov). Lit., wnat és human, popularly. He seems to have felt that the figures of service, bondage, etc., were unworthy of the subject, and apol. ogizes for his use of the image of the slave-mart to enforce such a high spiritual truth, on the ground of their imperfect spiritual comprehension, Compare 2 Cor. ii. 6; 1 Cor. iii. 1, 2.
To iniquity unto iniquity (77 avoulg eis THY dvouiav). In- iquity issuing in an abiding iniquitous state. Lit., dawlessness. It is used by John as the definition of sin, 1 John iii. 4.
Holiness (dyiacpov). Rev., sanctification. For the kindred adjective dysos holy, see on saints, Acts xxvi. 10. “Arysacpds is used in the New Testament both of a process—the inauguration and maintenance of the life of fellowship with God, and of the resultant state of sanctification. See 1 Thess. iv. 3,7; 2 Thess. ii. 13; 1 Tim. 11°15; 1 Pet-1. 2; Heb. xu. 14. It is ‘difficult to determine which is meant here. The passages in Thessa- lonians, Timothy, and Hebrews, are cited by interpreters on both sides. As in ver. 22 it appears that sanctification con- templates a further result (everlasting life), it is perhaps better to understand it as the process. Yield your members to righte. ousness in order to carry on the progressive work of sanctifica- tion, perfecting holiness (1 Cor. vii. 1).
20. Free from righteousness (édevJepor TH Suxasocvry). An ambiguous translation. Better, Rev., free in regard of righteousness. Dusengaged (Morison), practically independent of its demands, having offered their service to the opposing power. They could not serve two masters.