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Luk 12:57. [Δὲ, but) What precedes has respect to faith; but what is here treated of has respect to love. The matters which are set forth in this place ought to be accounted of the greatest importance, inasmuch as out of the whole range of whatever is just, this one thing alone is mentioned to the people by Jesus.-V. g.]-καὶ ἀφʼ ἑαυτῶν) of your own accord, even without signs, and irrespective of the consideration of this present time. So ἀφʼ ἑαυτῶν, ch. Luk 21:30. Comp. Mat 16:3, note. [Or else the phrase, ἀφʼ ἑαυτῶν, expresses this: Before that the Judge pronounces sentence, and the matter become known to you, to your cost, from some other quarter (than by yourselves settling the matter in dispute). Often one, when admonished as to what is just or unjust, is compelled thereby to perceive the s truth. But it would be better for him to infer it “of himself.” Nabal came to know subsequently, when taught it, in what way he ought to have received and entertained David; but previously he neglected to use reflection.-V. g.]-τὸ δίκαιον) what is true and just, and conducive to true peace; Luk 12:58, with which comp. Luk 12:51 and Luk 12:13 as to the quarrel between the brothers. The kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of justice [‘righteousness:’ Heb 1:8-9; Psa 45:6-7].
58. Γὰρ, for) Γὰρ, for, is often employed where the discussion follows the proposition [statement of subject].-ὑπάγεις, goest) although against thy will.-ἀντιδίκου, adversary) the plaintiff, to whom thou art bound to repay the debt, Luk 12:59.-ἄρχοντα, prince) the judge [or magistrate].-ἀπηλλάχθαι, to be delivered) by any negotiation, or on any condition whatever. A friendly compromise is wont to be recommended, even in civil cases. This is a favourable (agreeable) kind of division.[125]-ΚΑΤΑΣΎΡῌ, hurry thee off by force [hale thee]) The power of the offended party is great: so much so, as sometimes to snap asunder the tie which binds the soul to the body.[126]-Τῷ ΠΡΆΚΤΟΡΙ, to the officer who exacts what is due) the avenger or executioner. Satan himself is a party in the action (plaintiff), not an executioner.[127][128]
[125] Luk 12:51. The parting asunder, by a compromise and reconciliation, of those who meet for litigation, is a good kind of διαμερισμὸς.-ED. and TRANSL.
[126] i.e. The violence of a quarrel sometimes hastens the death of the delinquent through fear and chagrin.-ED. and TRANSL.
[127] Reus, non executor. Rev 12:10; Job 1:9; Job 2:5; Zec 3:1. Perhaps Beng, however, means by reus, “Satan is himself a condemned criminal.” 2Pe 2:4; Jud 1:6.-ED. and TRANSL.
[128] Bengel, J. A. (1860). Vol. 2: Gnomon of the New Testament (M. E. Bengel & J. C. F. Steudel, Ed.) (A. R. Fausset, Trans.) (1-116). Edinburgh: T&T Clark.