Gnostics was their knowledge of the depths of divine things. In this they were probably perverting and caricaturing the words of Paul (Rom. xi. 33; 1 Cor. ii. 10).
As they speak. Rev., as they say. The questions are, 1st, What is the phrase alluded to? Is it the familiar formula of these heretics, “the depths,” or “ the depths of God,” the depths of Satan being added by the Lord himself in ironical contrast with the depths of divine knowledge,—or is it the depths of Satan? 2d. Does as they say refer to Christians, describing the depths of the Gnostics as depths of Satan, or does it refer to the heretics themselves, calling their own mys- teries depths of Satan?
The majority of commentators regard as they say as referring to the heretics, and as applying only to the word depths ; of Satan being added by the Lord in indignation. Alford says that no such formula as depths of Satan, or any resembling it, is found as used by the ancient Gnostic heretics.
Other burden (dAdo Bdpos). The words for burden in the New Testament are éyxos (only in Heb. xii. 1), Bapos (Matt. xx. 12; Gal. vi. 2), and doptiov (Matt. xi. 30; xxiii. 4; Gal. vi. 5). “Oryxos refers to bulk, Bdpos to weight, poptiov to a burden so far as it is borne (pépo). Thus in Heb. xii. 1, “ lay aside every weight (Byxos),” the figure being that of runners in the race- course, and the word appropriate as denoting the bulky robes and the accoutrements of the ordinary dress which might im- pede the freedom of the limbs. In Matt. xx. 12, “the burden (Bdpos) and heat of the day,” the idea is that of heavy toil press- ing like a weight. So Gal. vi. 2, “ Bear ye one another's burd- ens.” But in Gal. vi. 5, the emphasis is on the act of bearing ; and therefore ¢opriov is used: “ Every man shall bear his own burden ;” ie. every man shall carry that which it is appointed him to bear. The reference in that passage is probably to the prohibition enjoined by the apostolic council of Jerusalem, which concerned the very things which are rebuked here—forn- ication and abstinence from idol-meats. In the narrative of that council the phrase occurs “to lay upon you no greater