{So that ye may} (eis to humas). Either purpose or result
(eis to plus infinitive as in Ro 1:11,20 3:26 , etc.).
{Approve the things that are excellent} (dokimazein ta
diapheronta). Originally, "test the things that differ." Cf.
same idiom in Ro 2:28 . The verb was used for assaying metals.
Either sense suits this context, but the first step is to
distinguish between good and evil and that is not always easy in
our complex civilization. {Sincere} (eilikrineis). Old word of
uncertain origin from krin(935c), to judge, by heil(885c) (sunlight) or
to sift by rapid rolling (eilos). At any rate it means pure,
unsullied. {Void of offence} (aproskopoi). Alpha privative
pros and kopt(935c), to cut, "not stumbled against" (not causing
others to stumble) or if active "not stumbling against." Passive
sense probably, not active as in 1Co 10:32 . Common in the
papyri, though not in ancient Greek writers.
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