8. Amplias. Textual evidence favors ( 10) the reading “Ampliatus,” of which “Amplias” is a shortened form. The name is Latin and means “enlarged.”
The higher powers. Literally, “authorities that have themselves over,” meaning “those who are set in authority over others.” See 1 Peter 2:13; Luke 12:11; Titus 3:1 Throughout this section the word translated “power” (exousia) means “authority,” that is, power to rule or govern. It is to be distinguished from dunamis, also frequently translated “power” (see Rom. 1:16, 20; 1 Cor. 1:18), which means “strength,” “force,” “power [or “ability”] to perform.”
My beloved. Paul was evidently personally acquainted with him.
No power but of God. That is, no human authority exists except by God’s permission and under His control. The often asserts that God sets up one and puts down another (see on Dan. 4:17; 2:21; 4:25, 34, 35).