Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Ver. 31. To be a Prince and a Saviour] Σωτηρα. Hoc vero quantum est? saith Cicero (In Ver.) Ita magnum, ut Latino uno verbo exprimi non possit. Is nimirum soter est qui salutem dedit. The Greek word for "Saviour" is so emphatic, that other tongues can hardly find a fit word to express it. Antigonus Σωτηρ εκριθη, Antigonus (for liberty restored to the Lacedaemonians) was counted and called a "Saviour;" so was the Roman Fabricius at Athens, Hunniades in Hungary, &c. Before them all, Joseph was called by Pharaoh Zaphnathpaaneah, that is (as Jerome interpreteth it), the "Saviour of the world." Several kings of Syria, who had the name Antiochus common to them, were distinguished by glorious epithets. One was called Antiochus ο Μεγας, the Great; another, Antiochus Επιφανης, or Illustrious; a third, Antiochus θεος, which signifies God; a fourth, Antiochus Σωτηρ, that is, Saviour; a fifth, Antiochus Ευπατωρ, a most indulgent father. Christ is all these more truly and by an excellency. A great God above all gods, an illustrious Prince and Saviour (as the apostle here styleth him), a most tender hearted Father, who could not only wish, with David, to die for his Absaloms, but did it in very deed, and all to purchase repentance, and thereby remission of sins; according to that holy petition of an ancient, First give repentance, and then pardon. (Hilar.)