18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to
light--rather, "that they may turn" (as in
Ac 26:20),
that is, as the effect of their eyes being opened. The whole passage
leans upon
Isa 61:1
(Lu 4:18).
and from the power of Satan--Note the connection here between
being "turned from darkness" and "from the power of Satan," whose whole
power over men lies in keeping them in the dark: hence he is
called "the ruler of the darkness of this world." See on
2Co 4:4.
that they may receive forgiveness . . . and inheritance among the
sanctified by faith that is in me--Note: Faith is here made the
instrument of salvation at once in its first stage, forgiveness, and
its last, admission to the home of the sanctified; and the faith
which introduces the soul to all this is emphatically declared by the
glorified Redeemer to rest upon Himself--"FAITH,
even THAT WHICH IS IN
ME." And who that believes this can refrain from casting his crown
before Him or resist offering Him supreme worship?
JFB.
Picture Study Bible