John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. For God is my record , etc.] Which is all one as swearing by him; it is in form of an oath, being a solemn appeal to him as the searcher of hearts, for the uprightness of his mind, the sincerity of his expressions, and the strength of his affections: how greatly I long after you all ; the common members, as well as the bishops and deacons, the weak as well as the strong believers, the poor as well as the rich; the apostle's respects were universal, and without distinction: he longed after their spiritual welfare, an increase of gifts and grace among them; he was their spiritual father, and he hankered after them; as parents after their children; he longed to see them, that he might enjoy their company and conversation, have communion with them, and impart some spiritual gift unto them: and this he did in the bowels of Jesus Christ ; not with an human and carnal affection, but with a Christian and spiritual one; with a love which came from Christ, and was in imitation of him, and on account of their being in him, loved by him, belonging to him, and being believers in him: it was in the most tender manner that he loved them, and was affected to them; the phrase denotes, that his love towards them was internal, in his heart, and was most tender and strong; and like to that tender concern Christ had for them, and which he stirred up in him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 8-11 - Shall not we pity and love those souls whom Christ loves and pities Those who abound in any grace, need to abound more. Try things whic differ; that we may approve the things which are excellent. The truth and laws of Christ are excellent; and they recommend themselves as suc to any attentive mind. Sincerity is that in which we should have ou conversation in the world, and it is the glory of all our graces Christians should not be apt to take offence, and should be very careful not to offend God or the brethren. The things which most honou God will most benefit us. Let us not leave it doubtful whether any goo fruit is found in us or not. A small measure of Christian love knowledge, and fruitfulness should not satisfy any.
Greek Textus Receptus
μαρτυς 3144 N-NSM γαρ 1063 CONJ μου 3450 P-1GS εστιν 2076 5748 V-PXI-3S ο 3588 T-NSM θεος 2316 N-NSM ως 5613 ADV επιποθω 1971 5719 V-PAI-1S παντας 3956 A-APM υμας 5209 P-2AP εν 1722 PREP σπλαγχνοις 4698 N-DPN ιησου 2424 N-GSM χριστου 5547 N-GSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
8. In the bowels of Jesus Christ (en splagcnoiv Cristou Ihsou). Rev., better, in the tender mercies. Describing his longing, not as his individual emotion, but as Christ's longing, as if the very heart of Christ dwelt in him. "In Paul not Paul lives, but Jesus Christ" (Bengel) With tender mercies compare reins, Apoc. ii. 23, note.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
1:8 {My witness} (martus mou). Same solemn oath in #Ro 1:9. {I long after} (epipoth"). Longing (pothos) directed toward (epi) the Philippians. Old word, chiefly in Paul in N.T. {In the tender mercies} (en splagcnois). Literally "in the bowels" as the seat of the affections.
