But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 9, and so forth We trust better things of you, and so forth That is, though I have admonished you in this manner, I hope the best, especially knowing how charitable many of you have been to your Christian brethren. Witham.—Faith begins the work of salvation; good works from a principle of charity continue it; perseverance in virtue, and patience under afflictions complete it. To assert the contrary is not to derogate so much from the work of man, as from the grace of God, which is the cause and ground of all that is good in man. “Mark,” says Saint Augustine, “that he to whom our Lord gave grace, hath our Lord, also his debtor. He found him a giver in the time of mercy: he that him his debtor in the time of judgment.” In Psalms 6.—It is certain God, who is not unjust, will reward these good works, if you continue in the same, to the accomplishing of hope even to the end. [2] for the obtaining the happiness you hope for. Be not therefore slothful, and negligent; it is by faith, patience, and perseverance, that you will inherit God’s promises. Witham.