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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Galatians 3:8 - 3:8
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Gal 3:8. Προιδοῦσα δὲ, but [and moreover] foreseeing) Δὲ, but [and moreover] being an emphatic addition (ἐπιτατικὸν), extends the force of the argument to the Gentiles also. The term foreseeing implies divine foreknowledge, more ancient than the law. The great excellence of sacred Scripture is, that all the points likely to be controverted are foreseen and decided in it, even in the most appropriate language.-ἡ γραφὴ, scripture) A mode of expression abbreviated and condensed in a manifold degree, as will be evident to him who evolves the ideas involved in it, thus; it is God who has given testimony to these things; God foreknew that He would act in this manner with the Gentiles; God therefore already at that time acted in a similar manner with Abraham; God also caused it to be consigned to writing, and that too when at the time that it was written, it was still future. All these things are included in that expression, foreseeing -- All these ideas could not be so briefly expressed in our mode of speaking, otherwise [or if they could] they might be considered obscure. But the ardour of the apostle’s mind, which, being filled with the Spirit, was directed to one topic, and that too of principal importance, produces this effect [the combination of great brevity with freedom from obscurity]. What was spoken to Abraham, was written out in the time of Moses.-ἐκ πίστεως, by faith) not by works.-δικαιοῖ, justifies [instead of would justify]) The present, in respect of Paul then writing; so, they have the blessing [are blessed, εὐλογοῦνται], Gal 3:9.-προευηγγελίσατο, preached the Gospel before) A word, which very sweetly approaches to a Catachresis.[22] The Gospel was preached to Abraham before the times of the Gospel. The Gospel is therefore older than the law.-ἐνευλογηθήσονται) ונברכו Gen 12:3 : then more expressly והתברכו Gen 22:18; Psa 72:17. There is the mere promise of blessing; nothing is said as to works. Moreover, justification and blessing are conjoined. At the same time the nature of faith is evident from the form of the Hebrew verb: they shall bless themselves, they shall congratulate themselves regarding the blessing. Isa 65:16; comp. Deu 29:18.-ἘΝ ΣΟῚ, in thee) as in the father of the Messiah; therefore much more in Messiah [Himself]. The Gentiles, as believers in Christ, are the seed of Abraham. Seed first, then blessing, was promised to Abraham. Add note to Gal 3:16.
[22] See Append. A turning aside of the term Gospel here from its strict sense, in order to apply it to what was akin to it, viz. the promise given to Abraham.-ED.