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Philippians and Philemon - MR Vincent - 1906.pdf

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I, 27] IN ONE SPIRIT 33<br />

would be followed by or some similar verb, takes the<br />

finite form from the suggestion of the personal subject in.<br />

The construction is moulded by the thought of absence, which is<br />

last <strong>and</strong> most prominent in the writer's mind. The verb which<br />

would have been used on the supposition of his seeing them is<br />

dropped, <strong>and</strong> tliat which implies his absence is alone expressed.<br />

TTcpl, as ii. 19, 20 ; Col. iv. 8 ; comp. ' e/xe<br />

(ch. i. 1 2) :<br />

'the things concerning you'; 'your state' (R.V.). Render the<br />

' whole : That whether I come <strong>and</strong> see you or remain absent, I<br />

may hear of your state.'<br />

on €€, etc. : Explaining the details of their • '<br />

state.'<br />

mostly in Paul, <strong>and</strong> always signifying firm st<strong>and</strong>ing, acquiring that<br />

meaning, however, from the context. In Mk. iii. 31, xi. 25, it<br />

means simply ' to st<strong>and</strong>.'<br />

' ev m : in one spirit.' (Comp. Eph. iv. 4, <strong>and</strong> see<br />

Clem, ad Cor. xlvi.) Hvev^a here is not the Holy Spirit (as<br />

Weiss), but that disposition which is communicated in Christ to<br />

believers, filling their souls, <strong>and</strong> generating their holy quaUties<br />

<strong>and</strong> works. In the possession of this they are (., — they<br />

are joined to the Lord <strong>and</strong> are one spirit with him (i Cor. vi. 17.<br />

See 2 Cor. xii. 18; Lk. i. 17; Jn. vi. 63; Acts vi. 10). The<br />

character, manifestations, or results of this disposition are often<br />

defined by qualifying genitives ; as, the spirit of meekness, faith,<br />

power, wisdom. (See Rom. viii. 2, 15 ; i Cor. iv. 21 ; 2 Cor. iv.<br />

13 ; Gal. vi. i ; Eph. i. 17 ; 2 Tim. i. 7.) At the same time it is<br />

to be carefully observed that these combinations are not mere<br />

periphrases for a faculty or disposition of man. The energy of<br />

the Holy Spirit is always assumed as behind <strong>and</strong> animating the<br />

disposition in its various manifestations. (See W. St. on Rom.<br />

viii. 4.)<br />

/Ata : 'with one mind.' (Comp. ch. ii. 2, 20.) "<br />

is<br />

the mind as the seat of sensation <strong>and</strong> desire. It is that part of<br />

the individual, personal hfe which receives its impressions on the<br />

one h<strong>and</strong> from the,the higher divine life-principle, <strong>and</strong> on<br />

the other h<strong>and</strong> from the outer world. There are cases where the<br />

meanings of <strong>and</strong> approach very nearly, if indeed they<br />

are not practically synonymous. (See Lk. i. 46, 47 ; Jn. xi. 33,<br />

comp. xii. 27 ; Mt. xi. 29 ; i Cor. xvi. 18.) But there must, nevertheless,<br />

be recognised a general distinction between two sides of<br />

the one immaterial nature which st<strong>and</strong>s in contrast with the body.<br />

/expresses the conception of that nature more generally,<br />

being used both of the earthly <strong>and</strong> of the non- earthly spirit ; while<br />

designates it on the side of the creature. ^, <strong>and</strong> not<br />

, is the point of contact with the regenerating forces of the<br />

Holy Spirit, — the point from which the whole personality is<br />

moved Godward. must not be restricted to the principle<br />

of animal Hfe ; nor must it be distinguished from€as being

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