14. Tbv vsfpaff/Aov fjt,ou, my temptation} i.e. me with [i.e. notwith standing] my temptation. Holy men, even apostles, in former times did not conceal their temptations, as men do now, not even in public. — sv ry craprJ pov, in my flesli) He mentions Paul in the flesh, 2 Cor. xii. 7. — ovx e%ovd&vqffare, ye did not despise} through natural pride. — ovds e%e<7rrveare, nor rejected) through spiritual pride, with still greater contempt. There is a distinction — (1.) In respect to the object, the temptation in the flesh ; and these temptations might have seemed worthy of con tempt in a twofold way. (2.) In relation to the antithesis, which is twofold :
a) you did not despise [efyvQsvyjffare] me, but — as an angel : who might be greatly esteemed from the place which he occu pies in creation, for he has a most excellent nature, on account of which even carnal man cannot but magnify the angels :
j8) nor rejected [s%s<7rrvffare], but — as Christ : this is more from a spiritual point of view [His spiritual relation to us]. — ayycXov, an angel) The flesh, infirmity, even temptation, are un known to angels ; wherefore to receive one as an angel, is to re ceive him with great veneration. — Xf/tfrov, Christ) who is greater than the angels.
15. MaxapHfpbs) Ma/caf>/ov/,k is an expression derived from paxapi^u [I congratulate]. You were thankful for [You con gratulated yourselves on account of] the Gospel, and for me its messenger : what cause was there for this thankfulness [congra tulation of yourselves], if you now treat me with disdain I1— opOahfAovs, eyes) very dear.
16. 'E^pbg, an enemy) He, who speaks the truth, is a friend, and truth ought not to produce hatred against him in your minds. — aX>^g;W, speaking the truth) preaching the pure [un mixed] truth, even apart from my former temptation.
17. Zr^ovffiv, they zea lously affect) They zealously solicit [cajole] you. He does not name his rivals. — ou xaXug, not well) not [being] in Christ, although they seem to do what is good [well]. The antithesis is, sv xaXZ, in a good thing, ver. 18. Neither the
1 iQux.oc.rt pot, you 'would have given me) You would thus testify a grateful mind, on the ground that you obtained so great blessedness through me. That spontaneous affection is not to be looked for on the part of any mere mercenary. — V. g.