Verse 19
For the earnest expectation of the creature - There is considerable difficulty in this and the four following verses: and the difficulty lies chiefly in the meaning of the word ἡ κτισις , which we translate the creature, and creation. Some think that by it the brute creation is meant; others apply it to the Jewish people; others to the godly; others to the Gentiles; others to the good angels; and others to the fallen spirits, both angelic and human. Dissertations without end have been written on it; and it does not appear that the Christian world are come to any general agreement on the subject. Dr. Lightfoot's mode of explanation appears to me to be the best, on the whole. "There is," says he, "a twofold key hanging at this place, which may unlock the whole, and make the sense plain and easy.
- The first is the phrase, πασα ἡ κτισις , which we render the whole creation, Romans 8:22 , and with which we meet twice elsewhere in the New Testament. Mark 16:15 ; : Preach the Gospel, πασῃ τῃ κτισει , to every creature; and Colossians 1:23 ; : The Gospel was preached, εν πασῃ τῃ κτισει , to every creature. Now it is sufficiently apparent what is meant by πασα κτισις in both these places, viz. all nations, or the heathen world. For that which in St. Mark is, preach the Gospel to every creature, is, in St. Matthew, go and teach, παντα τα εθνη , all nations. And this very phrase in this place lays claim to that very interpretation. And the Hebrew הבריות כל col habberioth , which answers to the Greek πασα ἡ κτισις , every creature, is applied by the Jews to the Gentiles, and that by way of opposition to Israel.
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