Post by gsmithb on Feb 3, 2014 5:41:36 GMT
"Therefore" -- In view of the fact that God was good to us when we were estranged from Him (Rom. 5:7-8), we should likewise treat our enemies with goodness and justice. The NIV has "On the contrary"; that is, our responsibility is to respond positively to those in need, whether friend or foe. Certainly, since Yahweh will argue our cause, we need not fear our enemy, and can afford to help him.
"If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink"-- Paul cites Pro. 25;21-22
"For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head" -- The apostle does not mean that we are to be consoled for our kindness by the knowledge that our enemy will be punished. This would be a malicious motive, and an attitude utterly contrary to the meaning of agape, and would violate the context of the passage.
Paul's analogy is taken from the method of melting ore. Fire was not only placed underneath the metal, but heaped on top as well. The intense heat thus created, melted that which was normally most difficult to treat. So, to "heap coals of fire on one's head", is to subject him to the treatment of kind actions. Such might help melt the hard-hearted; if not, the divine anger will consume them. (Psm 140:9-10; Pro. 20:22).