But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
But he that knew not - that is, knew it but partially; because some knowledge is presupposed both in the name "servant" of Christ, and in his being liable to punishment at all.
And did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. So that there will be degrees of future punishment, proportioned to the light enjoyed-the knowledge sinned against. Even pagans are not without knowledge enough for future judgment (see the notes at Romans 2:12-16); but the reference here is not to such. It is a solemn truth, and though general, like all other revelations of the future world, discloses a tangible and momentous principle in its awards.
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. So that when we are told that men are to be judged according to the deeds done in the body (Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6), we are to understand not the actions only, but the principles on which and the whole circumstances in which they were done. Thus equitable will the Judgment be.