But if he was looking forward to an honorable memorial of gratitude laid up for those who die in godliness, then the thought was holy and godly. Therefore he made the atoning sacrifice for those who had died, that they might be released from their sin.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 45. With godliness. Judas hoped that these men who died fighting for the cause of God and religion, might find mercy; either because they might be excused from mortal sin by ignorance, or might have repented of their sin at least at their death. Challoner.—Charity requires us to judge thus, when there are no positive proofs to the contrary. Calmet.—Pope John VIII. answered the bishops of France, that those who died fighting against infidels were saved. Mabil. Tirinus. iii. An. Ben.—Judas might entertain the like hopes, though they are not always well grounded. Bible.
Greek fall asleep.
Or, on the side of godliness