in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 25. If at any time [10] God may touch the hearts of those who believe not, or who lead a wicked life. Witham.—In the Greek it is μηποτε, lest; that is, correct those who resist the truth, in hopes that God will some time bring them by repentance to the knowledge of the truth. The Greek does not express a fear that they will repent, but a certain doubt, mixed with strong hope and earnest desire of their conversion. Conversion from sin and heresy is the gift of God, yet we see good exhortations and prayers are available thereto; which would not be the case if we had not free-will. But these exhortations, to be profitable, must be made as the apostle says, εν πραοτητι; that is with modesty and meekness. Si fortè det Deus illis meliorem mentem; that is ut perveniant ad agnitionem ejus veritatis, quam nunc oppugnant.