10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring {r} substance.
(r) Goods and riches.
10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds. For ye had compassion on them in bonds (Revised Version). Actively showed their sympathy.
And took joyfully the spoiling of your goods. The losses made necessary by becoming Christians.
Knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Knowing that if they lost on earth they would gain in heaven.
10:34 For ye sympathized with all your suffering brethren, and with me in particular; and received joyfully the loss of your own goods.
10:32-39 Many and various afflictions united against the early Christians, and they had a great conflict. The Christian spirit is not a selfish spirit; it puts us upon pitying others, visiting them, helping them, and pleading for them. All things here are but shadows. The happiness of the saints in heaven will last for ever; enemies can never take it away as earthly goods. This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer here. The greatest part of the saints' happiness, as yet, is in promise. It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be content to live after their work is done, and to stay for their reward till God's time to give it is come. He will soon come to them at death, to end all their sufferings, and to give them a crown of life. The Christian's present conflict may be sharp, but will be soon over. God never is pleased with the formal profession and outward duties and services of such as do not persevere; but he beholds them with great displeasure. And those who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past, have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith and patience, even the salvation of their souls. Living by faith, and dying in faith, our souls are safe for ever.
