[212] "_In business_" gives perhaps too special a direction to the thought, as we use the word "_business_" now. Not that that special direction would not have a noble truth in it, rightly understood. [213] Literally "_boiling_," as a caldron on the fire. [214] This reading, τῷ κυρίῳ, as against τῷ καιρῷ, appears to be certainly right.--Our rendering is bold; for undoubtedly "_serving the Lord_" meets the Greek grammar more simply. But the datives are hitherto so clearly datives of relation that we think this also must be so explained. We can only apologize for the crude compound "_bond-serving_" by the wish to represent the full force of δουλεύοντες. [215] Τὴν φιλοξενίαν: we may paraphrase the article by "_your_ hospitality," or even "_Christian_ hospitality." But this would exaggerate the impression it represented. [216] Διώκοντας: it seems certain that this word was suggested by the διώκοντες just before, widely different as the references are. But how shall English convey this echo? [217] Φρονοῦντεσ: the word "_thinking_" does not quite rightly represent the Greek. Φρονεῖν is not "_to think_," in the sense of articulate reflection, but to have a mental and moral disposition, of whatever kind. A popular use of the word "_to feel_" fairly represents this. [218] Lit., "_not 'minding,' affecting, high things_." We paraphrase, to retain the word "_feeling_" for φρονεῖν. [219] Lit., "_being led away with the humble (things)_." Some paraphrase is necessary here. [220] Read, ἀλλ' ἐὰν. [221] We are aware that not seldom in the N. T. ἐν represents the Hebrew ב (of בכלם) in its familiar instrumental meaning, without any definite trace of _local_ imagery. But where the more literal rendering has an obvious fitness it is best to retain it. Thus we render ἐν here by "_by_" not "_in_." [222] Though the τῳ ἀγαθῳ of the Greek is certainly neuter, by its balance with τὸ κακόν. CHAPTER XXVII _CHRISTIAN DUTY; IN CIVIL LIFE AND OTHERWISE: LOVE_ ROMANS xiii. 1-10 A new topic now emerges, distinct, yet in close and natural connexion. We have been listening to precepts for personal and social life, all rooted in that inmost characteristic of Christian morals, self-surrender, self-submission to God. Loyalty to others in the Lord has been the theme. In the circles of home, of friendship, of the Church; in the open field of intercourse with men in general, whose personal enmity or religious persecution was so likely to cross the path--in all these regions the Christian was to act on the principle of supernatural submission, as the sure way to spiritual victory.