And he said unto them,
The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
All Commentaries on Luke 22:25 Go To Luke 22
Cornelius a Lapide
AD 1637
And they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. Benefactor is a title of honour and praise which is bestowed upon princes because they are, or ought to be, good. The proper epithet of kings in former time was "good." Virgil uses it of Acestes (Æn i195). Martial applies it to Trajan and Domitian, and Horace to Romulus. Homer thought nothing requisite in a king, but to be brave against the enemy, and good to the citizens. Paul calls Felix "Most Excellent." Acts 24:3.
