John Bengel Commentary - Galatians 4:14 - 4:14

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John Bengel Commentary - Galatians 4:14 - 4:14


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Gal 4:14. Τὸν πειρασμόν μου, my temptation) i.e. me with [i.e. notwithstanding] my temptation. Holy men, even apostles, in former times did not conceal their temptations, as men do now, not even in public.-ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου, in my flesh) He mentions Paul in the flesh, 2Co 12:7.-οὐκ ἐξουθενήσατε, ye did not despise) through natural pride.-οὐδὲ ἐξεπτύσατε, nor rejected) through spiritual pride, with still greater contempt. There is a distinction-(1.) In respect to the object, the temptation in the flesh; and these temptations might have seemed worthy of contempt in a twofold way. (2.) In relation to the antithesis, which is twofold:

α) you did not despise [ἐξουθενήσατε] me, but-as an angel: who might be greatly esteemed from the place which he occupies in creation, for he has a most excellent nature, on account of which even carnal man cannot but magnify the angels:

β) nor rejected [ἐξεπτύσατε], but-as Christ: this is more from a spiritual point of view [His spiritual relation to us].-ἄγγελον, an angel) The flesh, infirmity, even temptation, are unknown to angels; wherefore to receive one as an angel, is to receive him with great veneration.-Χριστὸν, Christ) who is greater than the angels.