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used (comp. xr/cig, a building, Heb. ix. 11) : hence the word every is divided by tlie words, whether , or. And they are called creations of man, because they govern the affairs of men, after the manner of men : which saying savours of the heavenly perception (sense) of the apostle, raised above all human things. And under this very name, they who have attained to the nobility of faith, might look down upon the whole of that creation. Peter guards against this, and orders them to submit themselves, for the sake of the J.ord Christ, who once became subject, though all things are subject to Him. — S/a, on account of) The highest obligation, by the name of Jesus Christ, whose honour is at stake. — /3a<r/Xs?; to the king) Caesar. For they were Roman provinces into which Peter was sending. The Jewish zealots refused obedience. — bmps'xpvn, supreme) Among the French, Souverain.
14. ’ AyaQono/uv, those that do well) A word of frequent occurrence in this Epistle.
15. ^i/aovv, to stop) to put to silence. — ayvmiav, the ignorance) for instance, respecting the integrity of Christians. This word contains the reason why Christians ought to pity the heathen.
16. ' rtg eXsvhpoi, as free) without maliciousness. This depends on ver. 13. Concerning liberty, comp. ver. 9. — xaxtag) maliciousness, the vice of a slave.
17. Udvrag, all) to whom honour is due : Rom. xiii. 7. — nyriffars, honour) They who are unconnected with us, are to be treated with courtesy; brethren, with familiarity. This Aorist is followed by three Presents. The king must be honoured in such a way, that the love of the brotherhood, and the fear of God, be not violated. — rov adeXporrira, the brotherhood) The abstract, ch. v. 9. Brethren are to be loved, because they are brethren. — rov ©gov, God) Prov. xxiv. 21, Septuagint, <pof3ov rov ©gov, vie, xai (3u6/\ea, u Fear God, my son, and the king.” — rov fiat/X sa, the king) ver. 13. — rt^dn, honour) in action also, and not in feeling only.
18. 0/ oixerui , servants) He prescribes duties to these, and not to masters, the greater part of whom were heathens. — u^ora<r<ro>gvo/, sub- ject) The participle, for the imperative, depending upon vvordyvrs, ver. 13 ; from which the form of the imperative ought to be re- peated by Zeugma. So also ch. iii. 1. — ov fibvov, not only) Gentle- ness obtains obedience more easily than harshness. — dyuOoTg, to the good) who inflict no injury. — hrcn/xU/v, the gentle or indulgent) who readily pardon errors. — <rxo\ioTg, the froward) who without cause have recourse to severity, blows , and reproaches.