2:22 Commit adultery. In spite of the strictness of their Decalogue and moral code, the lax divorce practices of the Jews permitted adultery (Mt 19:8,9), and the Talmud says that some of the most celebrated rabbis were guilty of the same sin. Also see PNT Joh 4:18.
Dost thou commit sacrilege? This question has caused much discussion. The best rendering is, Dost thou rob temples ? (Revised Version). Or, Are you a temple robber? Schaff suggests that the meaning is as follows:
Dost thou abhor idols, according to thy law, and yet engage in traffic whereby thou makest gain off the temples where this idol worship is practiced?''
Macknight says that the reference is to robbing the temple at Jerusalem of what was due it. I think not. The apostles refers to practices which dishonor God among the Gentiles.
2:17-24 The apostle directs his discourse to the Jews, and shows of what sins they were guilty, notwithstanding their profession and vain pretensions. A believing, humble, thankful glorying in God, is the root and sum of all religion. But proud, vain-glorious boasting in God, and in the outward profession of his name, is the root and sum of all hypocrisy. Spiritual pride is the most dangerous of all kinds of pride. A great evil of the sins professors is, the dishonour done to God and religion, by their not living according to their profession. Many despise their more ignorant neighbours who rest in a dead form of godliness; yet themselves trust in a form of knowledge, equally void of life and power, while some glory in the gospel, whose unholy lives dishonour God, and cause his name to be blasphemed.
