Aforetime (ποτε). "Once" in our unconverted state as in Eph 2:3.

Foolish (ανοητο). See Ro 1:14,21.

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For we ourselves. This refers to us who are Christians. There is no reason for supposing, as Benson does, that this is to be understood as…

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived.—Better rendered, For we were once ourselves fool…

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish,

Well, then, if other people are foolish, we ought to bear with them.

The remembrance of our own past should be a powerful motive for gentleness and consideration toward the unsaved. “We were,” standing emphatically a…

For we ourselves also were formerly foolish. Nothing is better suited to subdue our pride and, at the same time, to moderate our severity …

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish
Nothing has a greater tendency to promote humility, and check pride in …

Spiritual privileges do not invalidate or weaken, but confirm civil duties. Mere good words and good intentions are not enough without good works. …

Previously, the Apostle gave specific admonitions suited to particular situations; here he gives general admonitions for all. He first gives the ad…