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they shall judge) The future, comp. ver. 3; Rev. xx. 4. The present, is judged , is interposed ; comp. John xv. 8. The saints took possession of the civil authority also under Constantine the Great, which is the prelude of things to come. [Scripture from time to time casts a ray of light on the most important affairs , as it were in passing. The proud despise such things; hut the humble keep them laid up in their heart , with a truly sober mind. The majesty of the saints is hidden , but it will be revealed at its proper time. — Y. g.] — iv, in1) Comp. Acts xvii. 31. — dvd^di im, are ye unworthy) The figure Communicatio.2
3. ’AyysXoug, angels) Those who are not holy [referring to saints], and so also wicked men. The article is not added ; a gradation in respect of the world [ j.e . an ascending climax, arguing a fortiori; if angels , much more the world]. — (3iunxd, things belonging to life) worthless if they be compared with angels.
4. Tovg l^ovdsvrifisvovs sv ty\ IxxX/jff/cc) those who are even least esteemed in the church , any persons whatever rather than the heathen. Every one, even the least, is capable of taking on him the decision of even the greatest interests in external affairs [and therefore is able to come to a decision , not indeed according to the ancient laws of the heathens, but on the true principles of equity. — Y. g.] — Comp. i. 28, xi. 22, and therefore xu Q/fyre, set ye , is the imperative. [It tbas not , however , to be thought of to give way at all in that matter to the jurisdiction of heathen judges. —
v. g-]
5. Upbg svrpoKriV) to your shame) The puffed up spirit [ch. v. 2] of the Corinthians is hereby checked : Comp. xv. 34. — <rot>bg, a wise man) They admired wisdom on other occasions, and wisdom produces the ability for judging between brethren in deciding causes. — oude sTg, not even one) Even the least among believers is a wiser and more desirable judge than an ungodly man. — 8uvij- ffsra/) the future; shall be able if he be applied to. — diaxpTvai) to de- termine between parties. It differs from xpTwi, to judge. — a 8e\<pov, a brother) The singular for the plural, to denote how easy a matter it is ; he wishes that the plaintiff and the defendant
1 In the person of; by. — Ed.
2 See Append. An appeal to the reader’s own candour to decide.
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