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For those who are such don`t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
Verse Takeaways
1
The True Master They Serve
Paul bluntly states that divisive individuals serve "their own belly," not Christ. Commentators agree this is a metaphor for selfish ambition, greed, and worldly desires. John Calvin calls this self-serving nature an "unchanging mark" of a false teacher. Their goal is personal gain, whether in status, wealth, or influence, rather than the glory of Christ.
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Romans
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
Serve not. Obey not. Though they are professedly His, they are not His real friends and followers.
But their own belly. Th…
But their own belly (αλλα τη εαυτων κοιλια). Dative case after δουλευουσιν. A blunt phrase like the same picture in Php 3:19 "whos…
19th Century
Anglican
Their own belly.—Compare the description in Philippians 3:18-19, where the Apostle is also denouncing certain persons who made
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Before Paul ends his letter, he includes a warning concerning schismatics. Is it possible to identify these troublemakers? Perhaps it glances back …
16th Century
Protestant
For those who are such, etc. He mentions an unchanging mark by which false prophets are to be distinguished from the servants of Christ; f…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ , &c.] They do not preach him, but themselves; they do not se…
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How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound doctrine of the Scriptures opens a door to divisions and offense…
13th Century
Catholic
After indicating who they should greet, the Apostle now shows them who to avoid.
In this regard, he does three things:
