here merely to mention that respecting marriage (unless the a, which9 that follows, is to be referred to this also), and he refutes it also below, ch. v. 14. — fipupdruv, meats) They shall not forbid all kinds of meats (therefore the article is not added) ; for who would listen to such prohibitions ? therefore it is only some kinds that they forbid. Also it is implied here, that he who forbids even one kind does a wrong to his Creator and to believers. The old heresies are chiefly denoted ; but their remains, how ever, have come down to those who pride themselves on antiquity. — ro?i) the Dative, as the Hebrew i>, signifies, so far as concerns believers. For God hath created meats, even for those who are without faith and do not give thanks. Paul turns away from them who are without faith and the knowledge of the truth, and leaves them, as it were, to themselves ; he declares that he is speaking of believers. — cr/^rro/g xa/ s-Trsyvuxoffi, to them ivho believe and have known) The words are synonymous. The second synonym, knowing the truth, gives occasion for presently declaring the truth, 6V/ -rav, x.r.X., and forms a more express antithesis to lying, -^evdog, which is contained in •^evdoXoyuv, ver.2. — rr^ aXqQsiav, the truth) This is explained in the following verse.
4. KaXov, good) Gen. i. — xa/, and} The particle connects the two propositions, of which the second has this subject, every thing which is received with thanksgiving; the predicate, is not to be re fused. — /MTU sv^apiffriasy with thanksgiving) This includes a good conscience. Rom. xiv. 6, " He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks'7
5. 'Ay/a^sra/, is sanctified) Lev. xix. 24. — <§/« Xoyou ©sou, by the word of God) The word of God enters into all thanksgiving, nay, also into the creation and granting of meats. — KO.I evrsv^tug, and intercessory [or consecratory] prayer) It is the duty of the children of God to offer intercessory [ch. ii. 1 ; or consecratory] prayer for the creatures which they use. It is a high dignity. Not only Christians, but also Jews and Heathens, consecrated the table with prayer.
6. ' TvQriQsfjLevog) bringing unda» the notice, suggesting mildly. Eustathius says, voeTv on the one hand implies perceiving at once and spontaneously ; lirodeffQau, on the other, to cause to perceive, by admonition. — x,a>.o$ 3/axovog, a good minister) 2 Tim. ii. 15. —
g) The present combined with reference to the preterite,