Hebrews 10:39

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Ver. 39. Who draw back unto ] Apostates have martial law, they run away but into hell’s mouth. A worse condition they cannot likely choose onto themselves; for they are miserable by their own election, John 2:8 , and are wholly destined to utter destruction. Transfugas arboribus suspendunt, saith Tacitus of the old Germans; they hang up run-a-ways. And transfugas, ubicunque inventi fuerint, quasi testes interficere licet, saith the civil law. Run-a-ways are to be received as enemies, and to be killed wherever they be found.

To the saving of the soul ] Gr. εις πεοιποιησιν ψυχης , to the giving of the soul. A metaphor from merchants, who either get more or lose what they have; or else haply from gamesters, who keep a stake in store, however the world go with them.