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Mat_26:41. Ἵνα ] indicating, not the object of the προσεύχεσθε , but purpose, and that of the watching and praying.
εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν ] in order that ye may not be betrayed into circumstances in which ye might be led to show yourselves unfaithful to me (into the σκανδαλίζεσθαι of Mat_26:31). Comp. Mat_6:13. By watching and praying, as a means of maintaining clearness of judgment, freedom, and a determination to adhere to Christ, they were to avoid getting into such outward circumstances as might prove dangerous to their moral wellbeing. The watching here is no doubt of a physical nature (Mat_26:40), but the προσεύχεσθαι has the effect of imparting to it the character and sacredness belonging to spiritual watchfulness (Col_4:2).
τὸ μὲν πνεῦμα , κ . τ . λ .] a general proposition (all the more telling that it is not introduced with a γάρ ), intended to refer, by way of warning, to the circumstances in which the disciples were placed, as though it had been said: ye are no doubt, so far as the principle of your ethical life in its general aim and tendency is concerned, willing and ready to remain true to me; but on the individual side of your nature, where the influence of sense is so strong, you are incapable of resisting the temptations to unfaithfulness by which you are beset. Comp. on Joh_3:6. Euthymius Zigabenus: ἡ δὲ σὰρξ , ἀσθενὴς οὖσα , ὑποστέλλεται καὶ οὐκ εὐτονεῖ . In order, therefore, to avoid getting into a predicament in which, owing to the weakness in question, you would not be able to withstand the overmastering power of influences fatal to your salvation without the special protection and help of God that are to be obtained through vigilance and prayerfulness, watch and pray!