{I know} (oida). Rather than gin(9373)k(935c) and so "emphasizes
better the absolute clearness of mental vision which photographs
all the facts of life as they pass" (Swete). So also in
2:9,13,19 3:1,8,15 . For the distinction see Joh 21:17 ,
"where the universal knowledge passes into the field of special
observation." {Works} (erga). The whole life and conduct as in
Joh 6:29 . {And thy toil and patience} (kai ton kopon kai t(886e)
hupomon(886e) sou). "Both thy toil and patience," in explanation of
erga, and see 1Th 1:3 , where all three words (ergon, kopos,
hupomon(885c)) occur together as here. See 14:13 for sharp
distinction between erga (activities) and kopoi (toils, with
weariness). Endurance (hupomon(885c)) in hard toil (kopos). {And
that} (kai hoti). Further explanation of kopos (hard toil).
{Not able} (ou dun(8869)). This _Koin(825f) form for the Attic
dunasai (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also
in Mr 9:22 Lu 16:2 . {Bear} (astasai). First aorist active
infinitive of astaz(935c), for which verb see Joh 10:31 12:6 Ga
6:2 . These evil men were indeed a heavy burden. {And didst try}
(kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of peiraz(935c),
to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans
(verse 6 ) were condemned. The present tenses (dun(8869), echeis)
indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1Jo 4:1 . {Which
call themselves apostles} ( ous legontas heautous apostolous).
Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as
equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the
Judaizers so described by Paul ( 2Co 11:5,13 12:11 ). Paul had
foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Ac
20:29 ; in sheep's clothing, Jesus had said ( Mt 7:15 ). {And
they are not} (kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style
( Joh 2:9 3:9 1Jo 3:1 ) for kai ouk ontas to correspond to
legontas. {And didst find} (kai heures). Second aorist active
indicative of heurisk(935c). Dropping back to the regular structure
parallel with epeirasas. {False} (pseudeis). Predicate
accusative plural of pseud(8873), self-deceived deceivers as in
21:8 .
|