_Let a man_, &c. Having warned the believers at Corinth against entertaining an undue esteem for their own ministers, he now proceeds to show them in what light they ought to view all true ministers of Christ: and lest, from what was advanced in the preceding Chapter s concerning the inspiration of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Moreover_ As for what remains to be done in the discharge of this office; _it is required of stewards_ Since they also, as well as lower servants in the family, are subject to account; _that a man be found faithful_ That he act according to his commission, and neither withhold any privilege, or any... [ Continue Reading ]
_And these things_ Mentioned 1 Corinthians 1:10, &c., 1 Corinthians 3:4, &c.; _I have in a figure_ very obviously _transferred to myself and Apollos_ And Cephas, instead of naming those particular preachers at Corinth, to whom you are so fondly attached; _that ye might learn in us_ From what has bee... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now ye are full_ The Corinthians abounded with spiritual gifts; and so did the apostles. But the apostles, by continual want and sufferings, were preserved from self-complacency. The Corinthians suffered nothing; and having plenty of all things, were pleased with and applauded themselves. And they... [ Continue Reading ]
_For God hath set forth us the apostles_ And all faithful ministers; _last, as it were appointed to death_ He alludes to the Roman theatrical spectacles, in which those persons were brought forth last on the stage, either to fight with each other, or with wild beasts, who were _devoted to death;_ so... [ Continue Reading ]
_We are fools_ In the account of the world, _for Christ's sake_ Because we expose ourselves to so many dangers and sufferings for his cause: or because we preach the plain truths of the gospel, and affirm such high things of one who was crucified as a malefactor. _But ye are wise in Christ_ Though y... [ Continue Reading ]
_I write not these things to shame you_ Publicly to disgrace you, and stain your credit with other churches; _but as my beloved sons I warn you_ Show you in a mild and tender way what is wrong in your conduct, and put you in mind of your duty. It is with admirable prudence and sweetness the apostle... [ Continue Reading ]
_For this cause_ That you may be better able to trace my steps, and may be animated to do it with the greater care; _I have sent unto you Timotheus, my beloved son_ One whom I love with an entire fatherly affection, as if he were my son, 2 Timothy 1:2. Elsewhere he styles him _brother_, but here pat... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now some are puffed up_ Are grown insolent; _as though I would not come_ To censure them for their misconduct, and to reform abuses; fancying that, because I have sent Timothy, I am not coming myself, being afraid to appear in a place where I have so many opposers. The apostle saw, by a divine ligh... [ Continue Reading ]