5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.



Ver. 5. Your order, and the stedfastness] Faith and order, that is, doctrine and discipline, saith one. These two make the Church "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners," Son_6:10.



The stedfastness of your faith] Gr. óôåñåùìá . The firmament of your faith. As in the first creation, so in the new creature, there is first the light of knowledge; secondly, the firmament of faith; thirdly, repentant tears and worthy fruits, as seas and trees, &c.