[ Table of Content ] [ Read Blog ]
2 CorinthiansChapter 1The second epistle to the Corinthians probably was written about a year after the first. Its contents are closely connected with those of the former epistle. The manner in which the letter St. Paul formerly wrote had been received, is particularly noticed; this was such as to fill his heart with gratitude to God, who enabled him fully to discharge his duty towards them. Many had shown marks of repentance, and amended their conduct, but others still followed their false teachers; and as the apostle delayed his visit, from his unwillingness to treat them with severity, they charged him with levity and change of conduct. Also, with pride, vain-glory, and severity, and they spake of him with contempt. In this epistle we find the same ardent affection towards the disciples at Corinth, as in the former, the same zeal for the honour of the gospel, and the same boldness in giving Christian reproof. The first six chapters are chiefly practical: the rest have more reference to the state of the Corinthian church, but they contain many rules of general application. The apostle blesses God for comfort in, and deliverance out of troubles. (1-11) He professes his own and his fellow-labourers' integrity. (12-14) Gives reasons for his not coming to them. (15-24) Verses 1-11 We are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The Lord is able to give peace to the troubled conscience, and to calm the raging passions of the soul. These blessings are given by him, as the Father of his redeemed family. It is our Saviour who says, Let not your heart be troubled. All comforts come from God, and our sweetest comforts are in him. He speaks peace to souls by granting the free remission of sins; and he comforts them by the enlivening influences of the Holy Spirit, and by the rich mercies of his grace. He is able to bind up the broken-hearted, to heal the most painful wounds, and also to give hope and joy under the heaviest sorrows. The favours God bestows on us, are not only to make us cheerful, but also that we may be useful to others. He sends comforts enough to support such as simply trust in and serve him. If we should be brought so low as to despair even of life, yet we may then trust God, who can bring back even from death. Their hope and trust were not in vain; nor shall any be ashamed who trust in the Lord. Past experiences encourage faith and hope, and lay us under obligation to trust in God for time to come. And it is our duty, not only to help one another with prayer, but in praise and thanksgiving, and thereby to make suitable returns for benefits received. Thus both trials and mercies will end in good to ourselves and others. Verses 12-14 Though, as a sinner, the apostle could only rejoice and glory in Christ Jesus, yet, as a believer, he might rejoice and glory in being really what he professed. Conscience witnesses concerning the steady course and tenor of the life. Thereby we may judge ourselves, and not by this or by that single act. Our conversation will be well ordered, when we live and act under such a gracious principle in the heart. Having this, we may leave our characters in the Lord's hands, but using proper means to clear them, when the credit of the gospel, or our usefulness, calls for it.
Verses 15-24
The apostle clears himself from the charge of levity and
inconstancy, in not coming to Corinth. Good men should be
careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they
should not resolve, but on careful thought; and they will not
change unless for weighty reasons. Nothing can render God's
promises more certain: his giving them through Christ, assures
us they are his promises; as the wonders God wrought in the
life, resurrection, and ascension of his Son, confirm faith. The
Holy Spirit makes Christians firm in the faith of the gospel:
the quickening of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life;
and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest of everlasting
joy. The apostle desired to spare the blame he feared would be
unavoidable, if he had gone to Corinth before he learned what
effect his former letter produced. Our strength and ability are
owing to faith; and our comfort and joy must flow from faith.
The holy tempers and gracious fruits which attend faith, secure
from delusion in so important a matter.
Reasons for the apostle not coming to Corinth. (1-4)
Directions about restoring the repentant offender. (5-11) An
account of his labours and success in spreading the gospel of
Christ. (12-17)
Verses 5-11 The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used, that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes.
Verses 12-17
A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. To him be the
praise and glory of all, while the success of the gospel is a
good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. In ancient
triumphs, abundance of perfumes and sweet odours were used; so
the name and salvation of Jesus, as ointment poured out, was a
sweet savour diffused in every place. Unto some, the gospel is a
savour of death unto death. They reject it to their ruin. Unto
others, the gospel is a savour of life unto life: as it
quickened them at first when they were dead in trespasses and
sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal
life. Observe the awful impressions this matter made upon the
apostle, and should also make upon us. The work is great, and of
ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of
God. But what we do in religion, unless it is done in sincerity,
as in the sight of God, is not of God, does not come from him,
and will not reach to him. May we carefully watch ourselves in
this matter; and seek the testimony of our consciences, under
the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that as of sincerity, so speak
we in Christ and of Christ.
The preference of the gospel to the law given by Moses. (1-11)
The preaching of the apostle was suitable to the excellency and
evidence of the gospel, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
(12-18)
Verses 12-18
It is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to use
great plainness, or clearness, of speech. The Old Testament
believers had only cloudy and passing glimpses of that glorious
Saviour, and unbelievers looked no further than to the outward
institution. But the great precepts of the gospel, believe,
love, obey, are truths stated as clearly as possible. And the
whole doctrine of Christ crucified, is made as plain as human
language can make it. Those who lived under the law, had a veil
upon their hearts. This veil is taken away by the doctrines of
the Bible about Christ. When any person is converted to God,
then the veil of ignorance is taken away. The condition of those
who enjoy and believe the gospel is happy, for the heart is set
at liberty to run the ways of God's commandments. They have
light, and with open face they behold the glory of the Lord.
Christians should prize and improve these privileges. We should
not rest contented without knowing the transforming power of the
gospel, by the working of the Spirit, bringing us to seek to be
like the temper and tendency of the glorious gospel of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, and into union with Him. We behold
Christ, as in the glass of his word; and as the reflection from
a mirror causes the face to shine, the faces of Christians shine
also.
The apostles laboured with much diligence, sincerity, and
faithfulness. (1-7) Their sufferings for the gospel were great,
yet with rich supports. (8-12) Prospects of eternal glory keep
believers from fainting under troubles. (13-18)
Verses 8-12 The apostles were great sufferers, yet they met with wonderful support. Believers may be forsaken of their friends, as well as persecuted by enemies; but their God will never leave them nor forsake them. There may be fears within, as well as fightings without; yet we are not destroyed. The apostle speaks of their sufferings as a counterpart of the sufferings of Christ, that people might see the power of Christ's resurrection, and of grace in and from the living Jesus. In comparison with them, other Christians were, even at that time, in prosperous circumstances.
Verses 13-18
The grace of faith is an effectual remedy against
fainting in times of trouble. They knew that Christ was raised,
and that his resurrection was an earnest and assurance of
theirs. The hope of this resurrection will encourage in a
suffering day, and set us above the fear of death. Also, their
sufferings were for the advantage of the church, and to God's
glory. The sufferings of Christ's ministers, as well as their
preaching and conversation, are for the good of the church and
the glory of God. The prospect of eternal life and happiness was
their support and comfort. What sense was ready to pronounce
heavy and long, grievous and tedious, faith perceived to be
light and short, and but for a moment. The weight of all
temporal afflictions was lightness itself, while the glory to
come was a substance, weighty, and lasting beyond description.
If the apostle could call his heavy and long-continued trials
light, and but for a moment, what must our trifling difficulties
be! Faith enables to make this right judgment of things. There
are unseen things, as well as things that are seen. And there is
this vast difference between them; unseen things are eternal,
seen things but temporal, or temporary only. Let us then look
off from the things which are seen; let us cease to seek for
worldly advantages, or to fear present distresses. Let us give
diligence to make our future happiness sure.
The apostle's hope and desire of heavenly glory. (1-8) This
excited to diligence. The reasons of his being affected with
zeal for the Corinthians. (9-15) The necessity of regeneration,
and of reconciliation with God through Christ. (16-21)
Verses 9-15 The apostle quickens himself and others to acts of duty. Well-grounded hopes of heaven will not encourage sloth and sinful security. Let all consider the judgment to come, which is called, The terror of the Lord. Knowing what terrible vengeance the Lord would execute upon the workers of iniquity, the apostle and his brethren used every argument and persuasion, to lead men to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to act as his disciples. Their zeal and diligence were for the glory of God and the good of the church. Christ's love to us will have a like effect upon us, if duly considered and rightly judged. All were lost and undone, dead and ruined, slaves to sin, having no power to deliver themselves, and must have remained thus miserable for ever, if Christ had not died. We should not make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions. A Christian's life should be devoted to Christ. Alas, how many show the worthlessness of their professed faith and love, by living to themselves and to the world!
Verses 16-21
The renewed man acts upon new principles, by new rules,
with new ends, and in new company. The believer is created anew;
his heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him.
He is the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works. Though the same as a man, he is changed in his character
and conduct. These words must and do mean more than an outward
reformation. The man who formerly saw no beauty in the Saviour
that he should desire him, now loves him above all things. The
heart of the unregenerate is filled with enmity against God, and
God is justly offended with him. Yet there may be
reconciliation. Our offended God has reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ. By the inspiration of God, the Scriptures were
written, which are the word of reconciliation; showing that
peace has been made by the cross, and how we may be interested
therein. Though God cannot lose by the quarrel, nor gain by the
peace, yet he beseeches sinners to lay aside their enmity, and
accept the salvation he offers. Christ knew no sin. He was made
Sin; not a sinner, but Sin, a Sin-offering, a Sacrifice for sin.
The end and design of all this was, that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him, might be justified freely by the
grace of God through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.
Can any lose, labour, or suffer too much for Him, who gave his
beloved Son to be the Sacrifice for their sins, that they might
be made the righteousness of God in him?
The apostle, with others, proved themselves faithful ministers
of Christ, by their unblamable life and behaviour. (1-10) By
affection for them, And by earnest concern, that they might have
no fellowship with unbelievers and idolaters. (11-18)
Verses 11-18
It is wrong for believers to join with the wicked and
profane. The word unbeliever applies to all destitute of true
faith. True pastors will caution their beloved children in the
gospel, not to be unequally yoked. The fatal effects of
neglecting Scripture precepts as to marriages clearly appear.
Instead of a help meet, the union brings a snare. Those whose
cross it is to be unequally united, without their wilful fault,
may expect consolation under it; but when believers enter into
such unions, against the express warnings of God's word, they
must expect must distress. The caution also extends to common
conversation. We should not join in friendship and acquaintance
with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid
seeing and hearing, and being with such, yet we should never
choose them for friends. We must not defile ourselves by
converse with those who defile themselves with sin. Come out
from the workers of iniquity, and separate from their vain and
sinful pleasures and pursuits; from all conformity to the
corruptions of this present evil world. If it be an envied
privilege to be the son or daughter of an earthly prince, who
can express the dignity and happiness of being sons and
daughters of the Almighty?
An exhortation to holiness, and the whole church entreated to
bear affection to the apostle. (1-4) He rejoiced in their
sorrowing to repentance. (5-11) And in the comfort they and
Titus had together. (12-16)
Verses 5-11 There were fightings without, or continual contentions with, and opposition from Jews and Gentiles; and there were fears within, and great concern for such as had embraced the Christian faith. But God comforts those who are cast down. We should look above and beyond all means and instruments, to God, as the author of all the consolation and good we enjoy. Sorrow according to the will of God, tending to the glory of God, and wrought by the Spirit of God, renders the heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. And this repentance is connected with saving faith in Christ, and an interest in his atonement. There is a great difference between this sorrow of a godly sort, and the sorrow of the world. The happy fruits of true repentance are mentioned. Where the heart is changed, the life and actions will be changed. It wrought indignation at sin, at themselves, at the tempter and his instruments. It wrought a fear of watchfulness, and a cautious fear of sin. It wrought desire to be reconciled with God. It wrought zeal for duty, and against sin. It wrought revenge against sin and their own folly, by endeavours to make satisfaction for injuries done thereby. Deep humility before God, hatred of all sin, with faith in Christ, a new heart and a new life, make repentance unto salvation. May the Lord bestow it on every one of us.
Verses 12-16
The apostle was not disappointed concerning them, which
he signified to Titus; and he could with joy declare the
confidence he had in them for the time to come. Here see the
duties of a pastor and of his flock; the latter must lighten the
troubles of the pastoral office, by respect and obedience; the
former make a due return by his care of them, and cherish the
flock by testimonies of satisfaction, joy, and tenderness.
The apostle reminds them of charitable contributions for the
poor saints. (1-6) Enforces this by their gifts, and by the love
and grace of Christ. (7-9) By the willingness they had shown to
this good work. (10-15) He recommends Titus to them. (16-24)
Verses 7-9 Faith is the root; and as without faith it is not possible to please God, hebrews 11:6 , so those who abound in faith, will abound in other graces and good works also; and this will work and show itself by love. Great talkers are not always the best doers; but these Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as to know and talk well. To all these good things the apostle desires them to add this grace also, to abound in charity to the poor. The best arguments for Christian duties, are drawn from the grace and love of Christ. Though he was rich, as being God, equal in power and glory with the Father, yet he not only became man for us, but became poor also. At length he emptied himself, as it were, to ransom their souls by his sacrifice on the cross. From what riches, blessed Lord, to what poverty didst thou descend for our sakes! and to what riches hast thou advanced us through thy poverty! It is our happiness to be wholly at thy disposal. Verses 10-15 Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, exodus 16:18 . Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them.
Verses 16-24
The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their
charity, that it might be known who they were, and how safely
they might be trusted. It is the duty of all Christians to act
prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions.
It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight
of God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be
attended to. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is
requisite for usefulness. They brought glory to Christ as
instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted
faithful, and employed in his service. The good opinion others
have of us, should be an argument with us to do well.
The reason for sending Titus to collect their alms. (1-5) The
Corinthians to be liberal and cheerful, The apostle thanks God
for his unspeakable gift. (6-15)
Verses 6-15
Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem
thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed
sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should
be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works,
should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our
circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct
our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be
it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some
scatter, and yet increase; others withhold more than is meet,
and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we
should waste less on ourselves, and sow more in hope of a
plentiful increase. Can a man lose by doing that with which God
is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and
to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of
temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all
things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not only
enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the
wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must
show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of
charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to
the praise and glory of God. Let us endeavour to copy the
example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it
more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the
unspeakable gift of his grace, whereby he enables and inclines
some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be
grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all
eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love,
through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life
and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression,
measure, or bounds.
The apostle states his authority with meekness and humility.
(1-6) Reasons with the Corinthians. (7-11) Seeks the glory of
God, and to be approved of him. (12-18)
Verses 7-11 In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Saviour.
Verses 12-18
If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us,
this would be a good method to keep us humble. The apostle fixes
a good rule for his conduct; namely, not to boast of things
without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed
to him. There is not a more fruitful source of error, than to
judge of persons and opinions by our own prejudices. How common
is it for persons to judge of their own religious character, by
the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how
different is the rule of God's word! And of all flattery,
self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising
ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God. In a
word, let us glory in the Lord our salvation, and in all other
things only as evidences of his love, or means of promoting his
glory. Instead of praising ourselves, or seeking the praise of
men, let us desire that honour which cometh from God only.
The apostle gives the reasons for speaking in his own
commendation. (1-14) Shows that he had freely preached the
gospel. (5-15) Explains what he was going to add in defence of
his own character. (16-21) He gives an account of his labours,
cares, sufferings, dangers, and deliverances. (22-33)
Verses 5-15 It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system. Verses 16-21 It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Doubtless here is reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles had been shown. It is astonishing to see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them.
Verses 22-33
The apostle gives an account of his labours and
sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of
God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of
Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who
tried to lessen his character and usefulness. It astonishes us
to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and
sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance,
diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all
these trials. See what little reason we have to love the pomp
and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much
hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services appear
unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties
and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to
inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here
we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we
may learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever
strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer
all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is
blessed for evermore.
The apostle's revelations. (1-6) Which were improved to his
spiritual advantage. (7-10) The signs of an apostle were in him,
His purpose of making them a visit; but he expresses his fear
lest he should have to be severe with some. (11-21)
Verses 7-10 The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.
Verses 11-21
We owe it to good men, to stand up in the defence of
their reputation; and we are under special obligations to those
from whom we have received benefit, especially spiritual
benefit, to own them as instruments in God's hand of good to us.
Here is an account of the apostle's behaviour and kind
intentions; in which see the character of a faithful minister of
the gospel. This was his great aim and design, to do good. Here
are noticed several sins commonly found among professors of
religion. Falls and misdeeds are humbling to a minister; and God
sometimes takes this way to humble those who might be tempted to
be lifted up. These vast verses show to what excesses the false
teachers had drawn aside their deluded followers. How grievous
it is that such evils should be found among professors of the
gospel! Yet thus it is, and has been too often, and it was so
even in the days of the apostles.
The apostle threatens obstinate offenders. (1-6) He prays for
their reformation. (7-10) And ends the epistle with a salutation
and blessing. (11-14)
Verses 7-10 The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a proper use of all our talents. Verses 11-14 Here are several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our constant aim so to walk, that separation from our friends may be only for a time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown. He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace and favour has purchased; the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the Holy Ghost applies and bestows. |
|
[ Table of Content ] [ Read Blog ] |