The apostle having throughout both his epistles blamed the Corinthians for several gross enormities found amongst them, and hearing there were some who had not repented of them, he gives them plainly to understand, that he had. full purpose to come unto them with his rod of ecclesiastical discipline... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle advises the Corinthians, instead of inquiring after the proof of Christ in him, to examine whether they were in Christ themselves; intimating to us, that such are usually most backward to examine the state of their own souls, who are forward to enquire into the spiritual state and c... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, "Whatever you, upon examination, shall be found to be,. trust you shall know, and be convinced, that we have not dishonoured Christ, nor shall be disowned of him: But whenever. come to you, you shall find that. am not destitute of the grace and power of Christ; whether fo... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle, drawing towards the conclusion of his epistle, shuts it up with prayer, earnestly imploring Almighty God, that the Corinthians might be found doing no evil, which might expose them to his censure, and force him to exercise his apostolical power, in punishing such offenders and offences... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle having prayed that the Corinthians might be found doing no evil, in the former verse, and assuring them thereupon, that they would then be secure from his CENSURES and CHASTISEMENTS, he assigns. reason here for that assurance given them; because, says he, WE CAN DO NOTHING AGAINST THE TR... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle may be understood two ways: 1. We are glad WHEN WE ARE WEAK; that is, when. have no occasion to manifest my APOSTOLICAL POWER, in censuring any of you as offenders: BUT YE ARE STRONG; strong in faith, and fruitful in good works. Or, 2. We are glad when we are weak, that is, when we are... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, "Verily. write thus to you, being absent, purposely, to reclaim you, lest being present,. should be forced to use some sharpness towards you, according to the power which the Lord hath given me, tending to your edification always, and not at any time to your destruction.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our apostle shuts up his epistle with. pathetical option and affectionate wish of all perfection, consolation, concord and communion, to his beloved Corinthians.- Where note, 1. What. fervent and unfeigned love there is in all the faithful ministers of Christ to the people committed to their c... [ Continue Reading ]
He exhorts them, according to the custom of those eastern countries, to salute one another with. kiss, as. token of mutual and sincere love: And since it was become. practice in sacred meetings and church assemblies, particularly before their receiving the holy communion, to kiss each other, he advi... [ Continue Reading ]
Here are the highest blessings and benefits wished to, and prayed for, in behalf of the Corinthians, which they could possibly be made partakers of; namely, all that love which doth or can flow from the Father; all that grace which was purchased by the Son, and all that fellowship and communion with... [ Continue Reading ]