as the English versions, having no evil thing to say, which might be explained: as, ‘being unable to abuse us”.
Ver. 9. δούλους: sc. παρακάλει, ver. 6.- For the general topic, and the term δεσπότης, cf. τ Tim. vi. 1.
ἐν πᾶσιν: joined as in text by Jerome, Ambrosiaster and m% with ὑποτάσσ. It is in favour of this that ἐν πᾶσιν else- where in the Pastorals (see note on ver. 7) is at the end of a clause; also that in similar contexts we have ἐν παντί (Eph. v. 24) and κατὰ πάντα (Col. iii. 22) joined with ὑποτάσσω and ὑπακούω.
εὐαρέστους: A Pauline word. Alf. notes that it is a servant’s phrase, like the English “to give satisfaction”’. This acute remark brings the present passage into harmony with St. Paul’s usage in the reff., in which it is used of persons, of men in their relation to God. εὐάρεστον is used of a sacrifice, ““acceptable,” in Rom. xii. 1, Phil. iv. 18; cf. Heb. xii. 28; τὸ εὐάρεστον, ‘ that which is well pleasing,” in Rom. xii. 2, Eph, v. το, Col. iii. 20, Heb. xiii. 21. Jerome’s view that evap. is passive, ““contented with their lot,’’ is not satis- factory.
μὴ ἀντιλέγοντας; non contradicentes (Vulg.). Ell. thinks that more is im- plied than pert answers (A.V. answering again); rather ‘‘ thwarting their masters’ plans, wishes, or orders”. See ch. i. 9. This is the connotation of gainsaying (KV.,,A. V.m.).
Ver. το. μὴ νοσφιζομένους : non frau- dantes (Vulg.), not purloining. The par- ticular form of theft implied is the abstraction or retention for oneself, of a part of something entrusted to one’s care.
πᾶσαν πίστιν ἐνδεικνυμένους ἀγαθήν: displaying the utmost trustworthiness. There is a similar phrase in ch. iii. 2,
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