John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. Who shall give account to him , etc.] To God himself, as the Syriac version reads; of all their blasphemies, and hard speeches spoken by them against God, Christ, the Gospel, and good men, and receive their just punishment. This the apostle says, to calm the minds of God's people, and make them to sit easy under all censures, reproaches, and calumnies, and not think of avenging themselves, but commit themselves to him that will judge righteously; even to him, that is ready to judge the quick and the dead ; that is, all men, such as will be found alive when he comes, and those that have died before, who will then be raised from the dead, to receive their judgment; and by whom is meant the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom all judgment is committed; and who is ordained to be the Judge of quick and dead, and will judge both at his appearing and kingdom; yea, the day is appointed when this judgment will proceed by him, and he is at the door; so that he may be truly said to be ready for it, as he is every way equal to it, and will finish it with righteousness.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken from the sufferings of Christ. He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfull submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he never gave way to the leas sin. Temptations could not prevail, were it not for man's ow corruption; but true Christians make the will of God, not their ow lust or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. And tru conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. It alter the mind, judgment, affections, and conversation. When a man is trul converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent. One sin draws on another. Six sins are her mentioned which have dependence one upon another. It is a Christian' duty, not only to keep from gross wickedness, but also from things tha lead to sin, or appear evil. The gospel had been preached to thos since dead, who by the proud and carnal judgment of wicked men wer condemned as evil-doers, some even suffering death. But being quickene to Divine life by the Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devote servants. Let not believers care, though the world scorns an reproaches them.
Greek Textus Receptus
οι 3739 R-NPM αποδωσουσιν 591 5692 V-FAI-3P λογον 3056 N-ASM τω 3588 T-DSM ετοιμως 2093 ADV εχοντι 2192 5723 V-PAP-DSM κριναι 2919 5658 V-AAN ζωντας 2198 5723 V-PAP-APM και 2532 CONJ νεκρους 3498 A-APM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
5. That is ready (etoimwv econti). Lit, having himself in readiness; there at God's right hand in heaven, wither he has gone (ch. iii. 22). Implying, also, a near judgment. Compare ver. 7.
