Joh 6:52, Act 7:26, 2Ti 2:24 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 52. (o) "saying, How"

John 6:52

Verse 52.

(o) "saying, How" Jn 3:9

Acts 7:26

Verse 26. And the next day. Ex 2:13.

He shewed himself. He appeared in a sudden and unexpected manner to them.

Unto them. That is, to two of the Hebrews, Ex 2:13.

As they strove. As they were engaged in a quarrel.

Have set them at one. Greek, "would have urged them to peace." This he did by remonstrating with the man that did the wrong.

Saying. What follows is not quoted literally from the account which Moses gives, but it is substantially the same.

Sirs. Greek, "men."

Ye are brethren. You belong not only to the same nation, but you are brethren and companions in affliction, and should not, therefore, contend with each other. One of the most melancholy scenes in this world, is that where those who are poor, and afflicted, and oppressed, add to all their other calamities, altercations and strifes among themselves. Yet it is from this class that contentions and lawsuits usually arise. The address which Moses here makes to the contending Jews, might be applied to the whole human family, in view of the contentions and wars of nations: "Ye are brethren, members of the same great family, and why do you contend with each other?"

(*) "at one again" "Would have reconciled them"

2 Timothy 2:24

Verse 24. And the servant of the Lord. Referring here primarily to the Christian minister, but applicable to all Christians; for all profess to be the servants of the Lord.

Must not strive. He may calmly inquire after truth; he may discuss points of morals, or theology, if he will do it with a proper spirit; he may "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," (Jude 1:3;) but he may not do that which is here mentioned as strife. The Greek word-- μαχεσθαι --commonly denotes, to fight to make war, to contend. In Jn 6:52, Acts 7:26, 2Ti 2:24, it is rendered strove, and strive; in Jas 4:2, fight. It is not elsewhere used in the New Testament. The meaning is, that the servant of Christ should be a man of peace. He should not indulge in the feelings which commonly give rise to contention, and which commonly characterize it. He should not struggle for mere victory, even when endeavouring to maintain truth; but should do this, in all cases, with a kind spirit, and a mild temper; with entire candour; with nothing designed to provoke and irritate an adversary; and so that, whatever may be the result of the discussion, "the bond of peace" may, if possible, be preserved. Comp. Rom 12:18.

But be gentle unto all men. 1Thes 2:7. The word rendered gentle, does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means that the Christian minister is to be meek and mild towards all, not disputatious and quarrelsome.

Apt to teach. Notes, 1Timm 3:2.

Patient. Marg., forbearing. The Greek word here used does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It means, patient under evils and injuries. Robinson, Lex. Comp. Eph 4:2; Col 3:13

(1) "patient" "forbearing" iv. 2; Col. iii. 13.