5. Fear Him . . . Fear Him--how striking the repetition here!
Only the one fear would effectually expel the other.
after he hath killed, &c.--Learn here--(1) To play false with
one's convictions to save one's life, may fail of its end after all,
for God can inflict a violent death in some other and equally
formidable way. (2) There is a hell, it seems, for the body as
well as the soul; consequently, sufferings adapted to the one as well
as the other. (3) Fear of hell is a divinely authorized and
needed motive of action even to Christ's "friends." (4) As Christ's
meekness and gentleness were not compromised by such harsh notes as
these, so those servants of Christ lack their Master's spirit who
soften down all such language to please ears "polite." (See on
Mr 9:43-48).
JFB.
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