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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:8 - 4:8
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1Co 4:8. Ἤδη, now), in comparison with us. The words without us, which immediately after occur, agree with this.-κεκορεσμένοι, full) A gradation [ascending climax]: full, rich, kings. Its opposite is, we hunger, etc., 1Co 4:11-12. As the two epistles to the Corinthians exhibit great variety in mental feeling [ἦθος, Append.], incomparable urbanity [asteismus, Append.], and abundant and playful acuteness, so the passage before us is to such a degree remarkable for these qualities, that it should be understood, in respect either of the Corinthians or of the apostles, concerning their internal or external condition, concerning the facts themselves or concerning the puffed-up opinion of the Corinthians. The spiritual condition of the Corinthians was truly flourishing-flourishing also was that of the apostles. This was right: but troubles [the cross] from without galled the apostles and prevented them from pleasing themselves on that account: the Corinthians, inasmuch as being in a flourishing state even in things external, were pleased with and were applauding themselves, which was wrong. Therefore, the Corinthians were imitating the conduct of sons, who, after they have become illustrious, care little for their humble parents: in consequence of fulness, they were fastidious; of opulence, they were insolent; of kingly power, they were proud.-χωρὶς ἡμῶν, without us) A new and apt ambiguity; you have not us as your partners; consequently you have not had us as your assistants; you have forgotten us, as the saying expresses it, “many pupils become superior to their teachers,” πολλοὶ μαθηταὶ κρείττονες διδασκάλων.-ἐβασιλεύσατε, ye have reigned) ye have come to your kingdom. In this is implied the majesty of Christians.-καὶ ὄφελόν γε, and I wish) i.e. I do not envy you, my only desire is, that it may really promote your best interests, 2Co 12:14-15.-ἵνα καὶ ἡμεῖς, that we also) When you shall be perfected, the apostles will enjoy ease, and reach the end of all their troubles.-συμβασιλεύσωμεν, we might reign together) This is modestly said: with you; comp. 1Co 9:23, 1Co 3:22.