1Ti 6:1, 2Pe 2:10, Jude 8 | JFB | STEP | 1. servants —to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" ( ). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters. their own masters —The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect. all honour — all possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on ). that the name of God —by which Christians are called. blasphemed —Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship ( )?

1 Timothy 6:1

1. servants—to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters.

their own masters—The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect.

all honour—all possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on Eph 5:22).

that the name of God—by which Christians are called.

blasphemed—Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship (Ro 2:24; Tit 2:5, 10)?

2 Peter 2:10

10. chiefly—They especially will be punished (Jude 8).

after—following after.

lust of uncleanness—defilement: "hankering after polluting and unlawful use of the flesh" [ALFORD].

government—Greek, "lordship," "dominion" (Jude 8).

Presumptuous—Greek, "Darers." Self-will begets presumption. Presumptuously daring.

are not afraid—though they are so insignificant in might; Greek, "tremble not" (Jude 8, end).

speak evil of—Greek, "blaspheme."

dignities—Greek, "glories."

Jude 8

8. Look to yourselves—amidst the widespread prevalence of deception so many being led astray. So Christ's warning, Mt 24:4, 5, 24.

we lose not . . . we receive—The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "That YE lose not, but that YE receive."

which we have wrought—So one oldest manuscript reads. Other very old manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read, "which YE have wrought." The we being seemingly the more difficult reading is less likely to have been a transcriber's alteration. Look that ye lose not the believing state of "truth and love," which WE (as God's workmen, 2Co 6:1; 2Ti 2:15) were the instruments of working in you.

a full reward—of grace not of debt. Fully consummated glory. If "which YE have wrought" be read with very old authorities, the reward meant is that of their "work (of faith) and labor of love." There are degrees of heavenly reward proportioned to the degrees of capability of receiving heavenly blessedness. Each vessel of glory hanging on Jesus shall be fully happy. But the larger the vessel, the greater will be its capacity for receiving heavenly bliss. He who with one pound made ten, received authority over ten cities. He who made five pounds received five cities; each according to his capacity of rule, and in proportion to his faithfulness. Compare 1Co 15:41. "There is no half reward of the saints. It is either lost altogether, or received in full; in full communion with God" [BENGEL]. Still no service of minister or people shall fail to receive its reward.