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Iv ffrsvo^capiaig, in afflictions , in necessities , in distresses ) These words are in close relation, and are variously joined with one another and with the others, ch. xii. 10 ; 1 Thess. iii. 7 ; Rom. ii. 9, viii. 35 ; Luke xxi. 23. In afflictions [^X/^so'/v, the pressure of trials] many ways are open, but they are all difficult ; in ne- cessities [avdyxaig], one way is open, though difficult ; in dis- tresses [ straits , anvo^Mpicug], none is open.
5. ’ A%aratfra<r/a/c, in tumults ) either for, or against us.
6. ’Ey yvuxfei) yvwtsig often means leniency [sequitas], which in- clines to and admits of putting favourable constructions on things somewhat harsh ; and this interpretation is consonant with the phrase, in long-suffering , which follows ; comp. 2 Pet. i. 5 ; 1 Pet. iii. 7, note. — iv /j,a,xpo6u,u/cp, iv ^prisrorrjn, in long-suf- fering, in kindness ) These words are also joined together in 1 Cor. xiii. 4 under the name of one virtue [charity], — iv nvev- fian dy'tu), in the Holy Spirit) That we may always have the Holy Spirit present, that we may always be active, as also in the putting forth into exercise miraculous gifts, 1 Thess. i. 5. There immediately follows, in love , which is the principal fruit of the Spirit , and which regulates the use of spiritual gifts.
7. Aeg/wv xat apitrspuiv) by offensive armour, when we are pros- pering ; and defensive , when we are in difficulties. In the case of soldiers, xX/veiv, ay&iv , itfufrpepeiv irri dopv or htfi %7<pog signifies towards the right hand ; the hrl acvida, i<p qviav or yaXivov, signi- fies, towards the left hand , just as the left hand is called by the French, the bridle hand (main de la bride), and the right hand is called the lance hand (main de la lance). Add the note to Chrysost. de Sacerd., p. 464. Paul has so placed these words, that they might at the same time form a transition ; for he just now treated of the armour for the right hand, and he is forth- with about to treat of that for the left.
8. A6g?js, glory) do^a and an/x/a, glory and disgrace are derived
from those, who possess authority, and fall upon those, who are present ; evil report and good report are in the hands of the multitude, and fall upon the absent. [. Furthermore , glory pro-
ceeds from those , who recognise the character which the minister of God sustains ; disgrace, from those , who do not recognise him as such , and therefore esteem more highly others , that in the affairs of this world perform any trifling work whatever. Infamy
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