15 Gk. δέδεμαɩ, “I am bound” (v. 3).
15Gk. δέδεμαɩ, “I am bound” (v. 3).
16For οἱ ἔξω (“the outsiders”) cf. 1 Cor. 5:12-13; 1 Thess. 4:12. They were the proper targets for evangelistic activity, but they would be put off rather than encouraged to come inside by unworthy conduct on the part of Christians. Cf. also 1 Tim. 3:7, where a bishop “must be well thought of by outsiders” (ἀπὸ τѽν ἔξωθεν).
17On τòν ϰαɩϱὸν ἐξαγοϱαςόμενοɩ (“making the most of the time,” RSV) here and in Eph. 5:15 see R. M. Pope, “Studies in Pauline Vocabulary,” ExT 22 (1910-11), 552-54. In a context like the present, ϰαɩϱός implies a critical epoch, a special opportunity, which may soon pass: “grasp it,” says the apostle; “buy it up while it lasts.” In Dan. 2:8 (LXX, Theod.) τòν xαɩϱòν ἐξαγοϱάζετε means “you are trying to gain time.”
18In the parallels Mark 13:11 and Matt. 10:11 (cf. Luke 12:12) it is the Spirit that speaks through them on such occasions.