1Pe 4:11, 2Pe 3:10 | JFB | STEP | 11. If any . . . speak —namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly. as the, &c.—The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." This may be due to Greek: "God," having no article, it being a principle when a governed noun omits the Greek article that the governing noun should omit it, too. In also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version, "as the oracles of God," namely, the Old Testament, would be "right," and the precept be similar to , "prophesy according to the analogy of the faith. " But the context suits better thus, "Let him speak as (becomes one speaking) oracles OF GOD ." His divinely inspired words are not his own, but God's, and as a steward ( ) having them committed to him, he ought so to speak them. Jesus was the pattern in this respect ( ; compare Paul, ). Note, the very same term as is applied in the only other passages where it occurs ( ), to the Old Testament inspired writings, is here predicated of the inspired words (the substance of which was afterwards committed to writing ) of the New Testament prophets. minister —in acts; the other sphere of spiritual activity besides speaking. as of —"out of" the store of his "strength" ( Greek, physical power in relation to outward service, rather than moral and intellectual "ability"; so in ). giveth — Greek, "supplieth"; originally said of a choragus, who supplied the chorus with all necessaries for performing their several parts. that God in all things may be glorified —the final end of all a Christian's acts. through Jesus Christ —the mediator through whom all our blessings come down to us, and also through whom all our praises ascend to God. Through Christ alone can God be glorified in us and our sayings and doings. to whom —Christ. be — Greek, "is." for ever and ever

1 Peter 4:11

11. If any . . . speak—namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly.

as the, &c.—The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." This may be due to Greek: "God," having no article, it being a principle when a governed noun omits the Greek article that the governing noun should omit it, too. In Ac 7:38 also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version, "as the oracles of God," namely, the Old Testament, would be "right," and the precept be similar to Ro 12:6, "prophesy according to the analogy of the faith." But the context suits better thus, "Let him speak as (becomes one speaking) oracles OF GOD." His divinely inspired words are not his own, but God's, and as a steward (1Pe 4:10) having them committed to him, he ought so to speak them. Jesus was the pattern in this respect (Mt 7:29; Joh 12:49; 14:10; compare Paul, 2Co 2:17). Note, the very same term as is applied in the only other passages where it occurs (Ac 7:38; Ro 3:2; Heb 5:12), to the Old Testament inspired writings, is here predicated of the inspired words (the substance of which was afterwards committed to writing) of the New Testament prophets.

minister—in acts; the other sphere of spiritual activity besides speaking.

as of—"out of" the store of his "strength" (Greek, physical power in relation to outward service, rather than moral and intellectual "ability"; so in Mr 12:30).

giveth—Greek, "supplieth"; originally said of a choragus, who supplied the chorus with all necessaries for performing their several parts.

that God in all things may be glorified—the final end of all a Christian's acts.

through Jesus Christ—the mediator through whom all our blessings come down to us, and also through whom all our praises ascend to God. Through Christ alone can God be glorified in us and our sayings and doings.

to whom—Christ.

be—Greek, "is."

for ever and ever—Greek, "unto the ages of the ages."

2 Peter 3:10

10. The certainty, suddenness, and concomitant effects, of the coming of the day of the Lord. FABER argues from this that the millennium, &c., must precede Christ's literal coming, not follow it. But "the day of the Lord" comprehends the whole series of events, beginning with the pre-millennial advent, and ending with the destruction of the wicked, and final conflagration, and general judgment (which last intervenes between the conflagration and the renovation of the earth).

will—emphatical. But (in spite of the mockers, and notwithstanding the delay) come and be present the day of the Lord SHALL.

as a thief—Peter remembers and repeats his Lord's image (Lu 12:39, 41) used in the conversation in which he took a part; so also Paul (1Th 5:2) and John (Re 3:3; 16:15).

the heavens—which the scoffers say' shall "continue" as they are (2Pe 3:4; Mt 24:35; Re 21:1).

with a great noise—with a rushing noise, like that of a whizzing arrow, or the crash of a devouring flame.

elements—the component materials of the world [WAHL]. However, as "the works" in the earth are mentioned separately from "the earth," so it is likely by "elements," mentioned after "the heavens," are meant "the works therein," namely, the sun, moon, and stars (as THEOPHILUS OF ANTIOCH [p. 22, 148, 228]; and JUSTIN MARTYR [Apology, 2.44], use the word "elements"): these, as at creation, so in the destruction of the world, are mentioned [BENGEL]. But as "elements" is not so used in Scripture Greek, perhaps it refers to the component materials of "the heavens," including the heavenly bodies; it clearly belongs to the former clause, "the heavens," not to the following, "the earth," &c.

melt—be dissolved, as in 2Pe 3:11.

the works . . . therein—of nature and of art.