And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Ver. 18. Scarcely be saved] Hard and scarce; not at all from outward miseries (whereof he is sure to have his back's burden), and not without somewhat ado from hell's torments. The wise virgins had no oil to spare; the twelve tribes served God instantly and constantly day and night, and all little enough, Acts 26:7 .
Where shall the ungodly, &c.] Surely nowhere: not before saints and angels, for holiness is their trade. Not before God, for he is of "more pure eyes," &c. Not before Christ, for he shall come in flaming fire rendering vengeance. Not in heaven, for it is an undefiled inheritance, &c.