{4} But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

(4) He moderates and calms all that sharpness, expecting better things of those to whom he writes.

People's New Testament

6:9 We are persuaded better things of you. That you will not bear thorns and briers.

Wesley's Notes

6:9 But, beloved - in this one place he calls them so. he never uses this appellation, but in exhorting. We are persuaded of you things that accompany salvation - We are persuaded you are now saved from your sins; and that ye have that faith, love, and holiness, which lead to final salvation. Though we thus speak - To warn you, lest you should fall from your present steadfastness.

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin salvation

See Scofield Note: "Rom 1:16".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9. beloved-appositely here introduced; LOVE to you prompts me in the strong warnings I have just given, not that I entertain unfavorable thoughts of you; nay, I anticipate better things of you; Greek "the things which are better"; that ye are not thorn-bearing, or nigh unto cursing, and doomed unto burning, but heirs of salvation in accordance with God's faithfulness (Heb 6:10).

we are persuaded-on good grounds; the result of proof. Compare Ro 15:14, "I myself am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye are full of goodness." A confirmation of the Pauline authorship of this Epistle.

things that accompany-Greek, "things that hold by," that is, are close unto "salvation." Things that are linked unto salvation (compare Heb 6:19). In opposition to "nigh unto cursing."

though-Greek, "if even we thus speak." "For it is better to make you afraid with words, that ye may not suffer in fact."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

6:9,10 There are things that are never separated from salvation; things that show the person to be in a state of salvation, and which will end in eternal salvation. And the things that accompany salvation, are better things than ever any dissembler or apostate enjoyed. The works of love, done for the glory of Christ, or done to his saints for Christ's sake, from time to time, as God gives occasion, are evident marks of a man's salvation; and more sure tokens of saving grace given, than the enlightenings and tastings spoken of before. No love is to be reckoned as love, but working love; and no works are right works, which flow not from love to Christ.