Here note, 1. The nature of the ministerial function: The ministry is. work, an arduous and laborious work; neither angels nor men are of themselves sufficient for it, without proportionable assistance from God. Ministers are WORKERS. Note, 2. They are workers TOGETHER; they join together with one... [ Continue Reading ]
These words are taken from the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 49:8. They are. promise which God the Father made to Christ as Mediator, That in the great work of saving his church, the Father would accept and succour him as the Head of the church: I HAVE HEARD THEE IN AN ACCEPTED TIME, IN THE DAY OF SALVATIO... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The nature and quality of the work which the ambassadors of Christ are called to and do labour in; A MINISTRY. Observe, 2. What was the desire and aim, the care and endeavour of the apostles then, ought to be the study of every minister now; namely, to avoid offence, and that unive... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The great care which the holy apostle took to approve himself unto God, in the exercise of his ministry: IN ALL THINGS APPROVING OURSELVES AS THE MINISTERS OF GOD. Observe, 2. What an approved minister must do and endure, in order to the obtaining the ends of his ministry: if he be... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle, in the foregoing verses, had declared how many difficulties and dangers must be encountered by him that will attain the ends of his ministry, and approve himself unto God in integrity and uprightness; here he shows by how many ways and means the work of the ministry is promoted, and how... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, Verily our life is made up of seeming, but not real contradictions. The wise men of the world look upon us AS DECEIVERS, but we are the TRUE dispensers of the word of life unto them; we are looked upon by the world AS UNKNOWN, obscure persons; but we are WELL KNOWN to God... [ Continue Reading ]
These words are very pathetic and expressive of St. Paul's most affectionate and ardent love towards the Corinthians, whom he had been an happy instrument to convert unto Christianity. He tells them, HIS mouth was opened to them, NOT TO RECEIVE, BUT TO BESTOW; HIS MOUTH WAS OPEN TO FILL THEM WITH TH... [ Continue Reading ]
The holy apostle closes this chapter with an exhortation to avoid all intimacy with idolators, either in civil affairs, in marriages, or in religious worship, lest they be brought into communion with their idolatry; there being no more agreement between. believer and an idolater, than betwixt light... [ Continue Reading ]
This form of questions evidently implies the absolute inconsistency between believers and idolaters, and the danger from communion with them. And the apostle's calling believers THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD, represents both their dignity and duty; their dignity, in having the Spirit of God to dwell... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said "Go not then to the idol's temples, join not with idolaters in communion to avoid persecution; but come out from amongst them, as an holy people separated to the Lord, and defile not yourselves with any unclean thing; and while you are pure, and cleave to God, he wil own y... [ Continue Reading ]