THE SECOND EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
It should seem, from several expressions scattered over the different pages of this Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth, and particularly from what Paul saith, about Titus coming from them to him; that the Apostle's former Epistle had been very kindly received by the Church in general. And, it is more than probable, that Paul felt his mind, in consequence of it, the more encouraged to address the Church, as he here hath done in several of the Chapter s in words of the sweetest consolation.
As to the time when written, it hath been very generally supposed, that it was not later than a year after the former. The close of the Epistle dates it from Philippi. And Titus and Lucas, were the highly favored Post-men, to convey it to the Church.
The sum and substance of it, I do not think it necessary to describe, by a long detail of contents. Every Chapter carries with it the blessed particulars in its bosom, I would only observe, that the ministry of it, was not intended to be limited to the Church of Corinth, but to have regard to the whole body of Christ, in all ages. As Peter said of the Prophets, so we may say of the Apostles: not unto themselves, but unto us did they minister the things which are now reported unto us by them, in the Gospel preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven.
I only detain the Reader, on his entrance on this blessed book of God, to desire him, to join my spirit, in prayer to Him, from whom alone cometh every good, and every perfect gift, that it may be commissioned to our mutual benefit, and the divine praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord.