574 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. XIII.
the context. Christ becomes the great shepherd solely through the blood of the covenant. Comp. Acts xx. 28. Through this is brought about the new relation of the church with God described in ch. viii. 10 ff. This tallies perfectly with the conception of “the God of peace”; and the great Shepherd will assert the power of the eternal covenant of reconciliation and peace by perfecting his flock in every good work to do his will, working in them that which is well pleasing in his sight. With this agree Jer. l. 5,19; Ezek. xxxiv. 25, and the entire chapter, see especially vv. 12-15, 23, 31. In these verses the Shepherd of the Covenant appears as guiding, tending his flock, and leading them into fair and safe pastures. Comp. Isa. lxiii. 11-14, and Apoc. vii. 17, see note on srotuavet shall shepherd. °*Ev aiwart “in the blood,” is in virtue of, or in the power of the blood.
21. Make you perfect (xaraptica: tas). The verb is aptly chosen, since the readers are addressed as a body —the flock of Christ. The prayer is for the complete mutual adjustment of all the members of the flock into a perfected whole, fitted to do the perfect will of God. See on 1 Pet. v. 10, and comp. notes on 2 Tim. iii. 17; 1 Cor. i. 10; 2 Cor. xiii. 11. Ignatius uses the word of the church’s being joined (xatnp- Tig wevol) in common subjection to the Bishops and the Pres- bytery (Eph. ii), and of himself as one composed or settled into union (eis &wouv), that is, avoiding division in the church (Philad. viii); and again to the Smyrnaeans (i) “I have perceived that ye are settled or compacted in faith im- movable, being, as it were, nailed on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ in flesh and in spirit.”
In every good work (év travti aya0o). A.V. follows T. R. épye work. Rend. “in every good thing.”
To do his will (es 76 rrojoat rd O€Anua aitod). To the end that you do, etc.
Cx. XIE] THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 575
Working in you (crov@y év jyiv). Rend. “in us.” A.V. follows T. R. tpiv you. For “working” rend. “doing.” The word plays on rovjoar to do. ‘Make you perfect to do his will, he doing in us what is well-pleasing in his sight.”
That which is well-pleasing in his sight (7o evdpecrov évamiov avTov). Comp. Eph. v. 10. The phrase N. T.°. *Evdpecrov usually with the simple dative, as Rom. xii. 1; xiv. 8; Eph. v. 10; Philip. iv. 18. Comp. 1 J. iii. 22.
22. Suffer the word of exhortation (avéyecOe tod Adyou THS TapaxAnoews). For “suffer,” rend. “bear with.” See Acts xvili. 14; 2 Cor. xi. 1; 2 Tim. iv. 3. Do not become impatient at my counsels in this letter. The word of exhorta- tion refers to the entire epistle which he regards as horta- tory rather than didactic or consolatory. The phrase only in Acts xili. 15.
| have written a letter unto you (éréotera wyiv). A.V. supplies a letter. Rend. “I have written unto you.” The verb only here, Acts xv. 20; xxi. 25. Lit. to send, not let- ters only. Sometimes with émoroAal or émicronas letters added, as Neh. vi. 19; 1 Mace. xii. 7. In N. T. always of sending a letter.
In a few words (d:a Spaxyéwy). There is a suggestion of apology. Do not grow impatient. The letter is short. The phrase N. T.°, but comp. &’ ddAéywr, 1 Pet. v. 12, and év oriyo briefly, Eph. iii. 3.
23. Our brother Timothy (rov adergov nuav TipdGeor). Paul’s habit, when using o aderdpes brother with a proper name, is to put the proper name first. See Rom. xvi. 23; 1 Cor. 1. 1; xvi. 12; 2 Cor. i. 13, ii. 13; Philip. ii, 25.