{As free} (h(9373) eleutheroi). Note nominative again
connected with hupotag(8874)e in verse 13 , not with phimoin in
verse 14 (a parenthesis in fact). For this ethical sense of
eleutheros see Ga 4:26 . {And not using your freedom} (kai m(880a)echontes t(886e) eleutherian). "And not holding your liberty"
(present active participle of ech(935c), with usual negative m(885c)
with participle. {For a cloke of wickedness} (h(9373) epikalumma t(8873)
kakias). Epikalumma (from epikalupt(935c) Ro 4:7 ) is a rare
word (Aristotle, LXX) for veil, here only in N.T. and in
figurative sense for pretext to do wickedness under, a thing,
alas, that sometimes happens. {But as bondservants of God} (all'
h(9373) theou douloi). Paul's proud title. There is no such thing as
absolute freedom (personal freedom), for that is anarchy. Cf. Ro
6:22 "enslaved to God."
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