10. Fear none, &c.--the oldest manuscripts read, "Fear
not those things," &c. "The Captain of our salvation never keeps
back what those who faithfully witness for Him may have to bear for His
name's sake; never entices recruits by the promise they shall find all
things easy and pleasant there" [TRENCH].
devil--"the accuser." He acted, through Jewish accusers
against Christ and His people. The conflict of the latter was not with
mere flesh and blood, but with the rulers of the darkness of this
world.
tried--with temptation by "the devil." The same event is
often both a temptation from the devil, and a trial from
God--God sifting and winnowing the man to separate his chaff from his
wheat, the devil sifting him in the hope that nothing but chaff will be
found in him [TRENCH].
ten days--not the ten persecutions from Nero to Diocletian.
LYRA explains ten years on the year-day
principle. The shortness of the duration of the persecution is
evidently made the ground of consolation. The time of trial shall be
short, the duration of your joy shall be for ever. Compare the use of
"ten days" for a short time,
Ge 24:55;
Nu 11:19.
Ten is the number of the world powers hostile to the Church;
compare the ten horns of the beast,
Re 13:1.
unto death--so as even to endure death for My sake.
crown of life--
Jas 1:12;
2Ti 4:8,
"crown of righteousness";
1Pe 5:4,
"crown of glory." The crown is the garland, the mark of a
conqueror, or of one rejoicing, or at a feast; but
diadem is the mark of a KING.
JFB.
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