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[remission], and in the words, by which it is implied, dyid^u, to sanctify , a-roXouw, to wash away , xuOapt^o*, to purify , etc., 1 Cor. vi. 11, notes; Ps. ciii. 3; Mic. vii. 18, etc. And this pregnant [suggestive] signification itself of the verb to justify , implying the whole of the divine benefit, by which we are brought from sin to righteousness, occurs also, for example, in Tit. iii. 7 ; with which comp. 2 Cor. v. 21 ; Rom. viii. 4 ; with which comp. ch. v. 16. But elsewhere, according as the subject under discussion demands, it is restricted to some particular part, and especially to deliverance from sin, so far as guilt is regarded in it : and Paul always uses it so, when, according to his design, he is treating of God justifying the sinner by faith.
21. Nw/) now [as it is] forms the antithesis, including the idea of time, ver. 26. — yupig vo/uou — w to too vq(x,ov %a l ruv <7rpo<pYiruvy without the law — hy the law and the prophets) A sweet antithesis. The law is taken both in a limited and extended sense [. David , for instance , must he reckoned among the prophets , ch. iv. 6. — V. g.]. — Kstpav'epurui, has been manifested) by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. — fAaprvpov/jj'evri, being witnessed by , having the testimony of) according to [by] promise.
22. As [even) but) An explanation is here given of the righte- ousness of God, ver. 21. — bid n't anus Trjcov Xpmrov , by faith of Jesus Christ) by faith in Jesus. — See Gal. ii. 16, notes. — s/k, unto) To be connected wTith the righteousness , ver. 21. — s/s lavras, unto all) the Jews, who are, as it were, a peculiar vessel. — J-r/' cravras, upon all) the Gentiles, who are as a soil which receives an exceedingly abundant rain of grace, comp. ver. 30. — ol) ydp s6ti dtasroXiiy for there is no difference) Jews and Gentiles are both accused and justified in the same way. The same phrase occurs in ch. x. 12.
23. "Hpuprov, have sinned) that is, they have contracted the guilt of sin. Both the original act of sin in paradise is denoted, and the sinful disposition, as also the acts of transgression flow- ing from it. The past tenses often have an inchoative meaning along with the idea of continued action ; such as sn/tirevffa, jjXmxa, riyatfriTta, v^rjx.ovca, ztfrrjxa, I have believed , and still continue to be- lieve ; I have hoped , and still continue to hope ; I have loved , and still continue to love ; I have obeyed , and still continue to obey ; 1 have established myself and still establish myself. — xai larepovvrai,
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