Observe here, 1. The charge brought in unjustly against St. Paul by the false apostles, namely, that when he was present with the Corinthians, he was low and humble enough to some degree of baseness; but when absent, that then he writes like. lord to them, and exercises an authority with pride and i... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, "Although. yet dwell in the body, and consequently am not free from human infirmities and weaknesses; yet neither my ministry nor my life are from fleshly principles, by fleshly means, or fleshly ends." The best and holiest of men in this life walk in the flesh; they are clothed with. morta... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That as the life of every Christian is. continual warfare, so the ministers of the gospel are more eminently men of war; they fight against PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS; and the devil draws up his full strength to pull down the office of the ministry, which is erected for the pulling d... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, having in. readiness that which will revenge all disobedience upon refractory and stubborn offenders (namely, the power of excommunication) and both authority and ability to inflict such corporal punishment as he judged fit, by delivering them unto Satan; which power he resolved to make use... [ Continue Reading ]
Because the false apostles had taught the Corinthians to despise St. Paul, upon the account of his mean appearance; he here expostulates with them, and desires to know whether they would judge of men by outward appearance, or by inward worth? As if he said, "Are ye so weak as to judge of me by my ou... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said.. have not only an equal power and authority with those which despise me (the false teachers) but. have an authority and power which they cannot, dare not, will not pretend unto; namely, the power to inflict corporal punishments upon obstinate and contumacious offenders, a... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle here goes on, vindicating himself from the aspersions and reflections which the false teachers cast upon him. They told the Corinthians, that St. Paul's letters were indeed severe and authoritative, terrifying and affrighting: but his personal presence was weak, and his speech contemptib... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. St. Paul's just charge, which he brings in against the false apostles, for their pride and vanity, in commending themselves: and comparing themselves with such as were like themselves: THE MEASURING THEMSELVES BY THEMSELVES, AND COMPARING THEMSELVES AMONGST THEMSELVES, ARE NOT WISE.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle tells the Corinthians, that he would not boast of other men's labours, nor pretend any title to those Christians at Corinth, nor any where else, whom others had converted, as the false apostles did: Notwithstanding he declares his hope, that when the gospel should have an eminent su... [ Continue Reading ]
These words are. seasonable exhortation to all the ministers of the gospel. 1. To take heed that they glory not in themselves, or in any services or performances of their own. As it is the highest act of grace to make our boast of God all the day long, so it is the highest act of corruption, to mak... [ Continue Reading ]
Three things are here observable, 1. The proneness which is in human nature to admire, applaud and commend itself. Man is. proud piece of flesh, and. little apprehended excellency in himself presently puffs him up, and he looks big with conceit: "Tis rare to see. man rich in gifts, and poor in spiri... [ Continue Reading ]