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Mat 5:47. Εἃν ἀσπάσησθε, if ye salute) contrasted with, bless ye, etc., in Mat 5:44. The very verb ἀγαπάω, to love, is repeated in Mat 5:46 from Mat 5:44; but as the heathens do not also bless and pray, the verb to salute is put here instead of either blessing or praying.-τοὐς ἀδελφοὺς ὑμῶν, your brethren[236]-ἐθνικοὶ, the heathen) The Publicans regard their own interest, the Heathens perform also offices of kindness towards their connections and friends, and more especially towards their blood relations. In Mat 5:46, therefore, the example of the Publicans is cited; in Mat 5:47, that of the Heathens.-τί περισσὸν, what remarkable thing)[237] such as befits the sons of God.[238]
[236] The margin of Beng. Ed. π and Vers. Germ. prefer φίλους to ἀδελφοῦς: But not so the larger Edition of α. 1734. Lucifer reads amicos, also of second rate Uncial MSS. L Δ. But the oldest MSS. and Vulg. ἀδελφοὺς, fratres.-ED.
[237] E. V. What do ye more than others?-(I. B.)
[238] He who does nothing but what is customary ought to stand in fear (soll in Sorge stehen.)-B. G. V.