20. According to my earnest expectation--The Greek expresses,
"expectation with uplifted head
(Lu 21:28)
and outstretched neck."
Ro 8:19
is the only other place in the New Testament that the word occurs.
TITTMANN says, in both places it implies not mere
expectation, but the anxious desire of an anticipated
prosperous issue in afflictive circumstances. The subject of his
earnest expectation which follows, answers to "my salvation"
(Php 1:19).
in nothing I shall be ashamed--in nothing have reason to be
ashamed of "my work for God, or His work in me" [ALFORD]. Or, "in nothing be disappointed in my
hope, but that I may fully obtain it" [ESTIUS]. So "ashamed" is used in
Ro 9:33.
all boldness--"all" is opposed to "in nothing," as "boldness" is the
opposite to "ashamed."
so now also--when "my body" is "in bonds"
(Php 1:17).
Christ--not Paul, "shall be magnified."
life, or by death--Whatever be the issue, I cannot lose; I must be
the gainer by the event. Paul was not omniscient; in the issue of things
pertaining to themselves, the apostles underwent the same probation of
faith and patience as we.
JFB.
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