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Mat 23:25. Τὸ ἔξωθεν, that which is without) sc. the external surface.-ἔσωθεν δἑ, but within) where the meat and drink are.-Υέμουσιν, they are full) sc. the cup and dish.-ἁρπργῆς, of rapacity, extortion) see Mat 23:14.-καἰ ἀκρασίας, and excess) Excess,ἀκρασία, is opposed to abstinence, not only in meat and drink, but also in money and gain. With this idea, Aristotle (Eth. Nicom. vii. 6) says that the particular thing should be mentioned in regard to which any one is remarkable for excess or the opposite; as gain, honour, anger, etc. And this is evident in the present passage, from the use of the synonymous term, ἁρπαγη. Gregory Nazianzen says, ἀκρασία ἐμοι πᾶν τὸ περιττὺν καὶ ὑπὲρ τὴν χρείαν, everything which is superfluous and more than necessary, is, in my opinion, ἀκρασία.