16. neither cold nor hot--So one oldest manuscript, B, and
Vulgate read. But two oldest manuscripts, Syriac, and
Coptic transpose thus, "hot nor cold." It is remarkable that the
Greek adjectives are in the masculine, agreeing with the angel,
not feminine, agreeing with the Church. The Lord addresses the angel as
the embodiment and representative of the Church. The chief minister is
answerable for his flock if he have not faithfully warned the members
of it.
I will--Greek, "I am about to," "I am ready to": I have
it in my mind: implying graciously the possibility of the threat not
being executed, if only they repent at once. His dealings towards them
will depend on theirs towards Him.
spue thee out of my month--reject with righteous loathing, as
Canaan spued out its inhabitants for their abominations. Physicians
used lukewarm water to cause vomiting. Cold and
hot drinks were common at feasts, but never lukewarm.
There were hot and cold springs near Laodicea.
JFB.
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