That is, "I acknowledge it neither decent nor advantageous, with respect to myself, to go on in farther boasting and glorying; but since it may be necessary with respect to you,. will declare what visions and revelations. have received from the Lord; in which. shall give such an evidence of the favo... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, 1. That the person here spoken of was doubtless himself, otherwise it had been no cause or ground of glorying to him at all; yet he speaks in the name of. third person. Thence note, That they who know most of God, are most modest when they come to speak of themselves. Observe, 2. The desc... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle declares, that although this foretaste of the heavenly glory was worthy to be gloried in, and though he might boast of himself as thus exalted, yet he being purely passive in it, and advanced freely by God to it, he chose rather to ascribe unto God the entire glory of that, and cont... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, The great and special sin which St. Paul was in danger of, by the abundance of revelations, namely, the sin of spiritual pride. Learn hence, That heavenly revelations may be matter and occasion of unmeet and sinful exaltation; The holiest Christians, after their most heavenly acquaint... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. The person prayed to, the Lord; that is, the Lord Jesus, as appears by the two next verses, that the POWER OF CHRIST MAY REST UPON ME. Here is an instance of prayer directed to Christ, therefore here is an instance of Christ's divinity; prayer made to Christ at all times, in all places... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, In this answer that is given to St. Paul's prayer, that the mercy prayed for, is not in kind given unto him, but promised grace and strength, which is better than the mercy he prayed for. Learn hence, That the frequent and earnest prayers of the most holy and eminent saints, for deliveranc... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The high and heroic pitch which St. Paul's spirit was raised to: HE TOOK PLEASURE IN REPROACHES AND PERSECUTIONS. Pleasure is. degree beyond joy; though these sufferings were painful to the flesh, yet were they pleasing to the spirit.. Christian may not love that which he bears, yet... [ Continue Reading ]
Here again does our apostle excuse his boasting, and tells the Corinthians that they had compelled him to it, and ought to have saved him the labour of it, by defending him themselves. For he had done and suffered as much as any of the most eminent apostles, though he looked upon all as nothing: and... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle here acquaints the Corinthians, that he prepared himself. third time to come unto them, being providentially hindered twice before, yet with. firm resolution not to be any ways burdensome to them; for he coveted not their possessions, but was desirous of their salvation. And as. parent... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle answers an objection, which without any just cause was made against him by some: it was suggested, "that though he was not burdensome to the Corinthians himself, nor took any thing of them for preaching the gospel, yet that he cunningly and craftily sent others to them, and set them... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, "Think not that for any sinister or by-ends of my own,. excuse myself so often to you, for deferring so long my promised and intended journey among you; for all. do is with an eye to your advantage. 'Tis your benefit and reformation. aim at; for verily. fear, whenever. co... [ Continue Reading ]