[268] The writer ventures to lament the substitution of "judgment" for "condemnation," ver. 24. R.V. It is a verbal consistency, or minute accuracy, purchased at the heavy price of a false thought, suggested to many readers who are not scholars. "In John's language κρισις is, (_a_) that _judgment_ which came in pain and misery to those who rejected the salvation offered to mankind by Christ, iii. 19, κ.τ.λ., ερχεσθαι εις κρισιν, to _fall into the state of one thus condemned_, v. 24. (_b_) Judgment of condemnation to the wicked, with ensuing rejection, v. 29." Grimm. Lex. N.T. 247. Between this passage of the fourth Gospel and Apoc. xx., there is a marvellous inner harmony of thought. "The first resurrection" (ver. 6) = John v. 21, 26; then vv. 11, 12, 13 = John v. 28, 29. [269] Heb. ix. 27; 2 Cor. v. 10, cf. Rom. xiv. 10; Apoc. xx. 11, 12, 13. [270] μεθ' ἡμων--God's love in itself is perfected. It might be made as perfect as man's nature will admit by an instantaneous act; but God works jointly, in companionship with us. The grace of God "preventing us that we may will, _works with us_ when we will." The essential idea of μετα is _companionship_ or _connexion_. (See Donaldson, _Gr. Gr., 50, 52 a._) [271] ελευθεριας ἡ πολις μεστη και παρρησιας γιγνεται. (Plat., _Rep._, 557 B). The word is derived from παν and ῥησις. [272] Ephes. i. 18. [273] Cf. Matt. v. 48. [274] Ver. 18. [275] Bengel. The writer must acknowledge his obligation to Professor Westcott, whose exposition gives us a peculiar conception of the depth of St. John's teaching here. (_The Epistles of St. John_, 149-153). SECTION IX. GREEK. LATIN.