Love is not provoked
It is no wonder that such love is not provoked. Let it be observed that the word "easily," strangely inserted in the translation, is not in the original. Saint Paul's words are absolute. Love is not provoked (1 Corinthians 13:5). It is not provoked to unkindness toward anyone. Occasions will indeed often occur, outward provocations of various kinds. But love does not yield to provocation. It triumphs over all. In all trials it looks to Jesus, and is more than conqueror in his love.
It is not unlikely that our translators inserted that word as if to excuse the apostle, who, as they supposed, might otherwise appear to be lacking in the very love he describes so beautifully. They seem to have supposed this from a phrase in the Acts of the Apostles, which is also translated very inaccurately. When Paul and Barnabas disagreed about John, the translation runs, And the contention was so sharp between them that they parted from one another. This naturally leads the reader to suppose that they were equally sharp in it, that Saint Paul, who was undoubtedly right with regard to the point in question, it being quite improper to take John with them again, who had deserted them before, was as much provoked as Barnabas, who gave such a proof of his anger as to leave the work for which he had been set apart by the Holy Spirit. But the original implies no such thing, nor does it say that Saint Paul was provoked at all. It simply says, And there was a sharpness, a fit of anger, in consequence of which Barnabas left Saint Paul, took John, and went his own way. Paul then chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God, which is not said of Barnabas, and he went through Syria and Cilicia, as he had proposed, strengthening the churches. But to return.
1771 text
10. No marvel that such love is not provoked: οὐ παροξύνεται· Let it be observed, the word easily, strangely inserted in the translation, is not in the original. St. Paul’s words are absolute. Love is not provoked: it is not provoked to unkindness, toward any one. Occasions indeed will frequently occur; outward provocations of various kinds: but love does not yield to provocation. It triumphs over all. In all trials it looketh unto Jesus, and is more than conqueror in his love.
’Tis not improbable, that our translators inserted that word, as it were to excuse the apostle; who, as they supposed, might otherwise appear to be wanting, in the very love which he so beautifully describes. They seem to have supposed this from a phrase in the Acts of the apostles: which is likewise very inaccurately translated. When Paul and Barnabas disagreed concerning John, the translation runs thus, And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder. This naturally induces the reader to suppose, that they were equally sharp therein: that St. Paul, who was undoubtedly right, with regard to the point in question (it being quite improper to take John with them again, who had deserted them before) was as much provoked as Barnabas, who gave such a proof of his anger, as to leave the work for which he had been set apart by the Holy Ghost. But the original imports no such thing; nor does it affirm, that St. Paul was provoked at all. It simply says καὶ ἐγένετο παροξυσμός· And there was a sharpness, a paroxism of anger: in consequence of which Barnabas left St. Paul, took John and went his own way. Paul then chose Silas and departed, being recommended by the brethren to the grace of God; (which is not said concerning Barnabas) and he went through Syria and Cilicia, as he had proposed, confirming the churches. But to return.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 22 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:5-7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.