1._For we know. _Here follows an amplification (επεξεργασια) or embellishment of the foregoing statement. (507) For Paul has it in view, to correct in us impatience, dread, and dislike of the cross, contempt for what is mean, and in fine, pride, and effeminacy; and this can only be accomplished by r... [ Continue Reading ]
3._Since clothed _He restricts to believers, what he had stated respecting the certainty of a future life, as it is a thing peculiar to them. For the wicked, too, are stripped of the body, but as they bring nothing within the view of God, but a disgraceful nakedness, they are, consequently, not clot... [ Continue Reading ]
4._We groan, being burdened, because we desire not to be unclothed. _The wicked, too, _groan, _because they are not contented with their present condition; but afterwards an opposite disposition prevails, that is, a clinging to life, so that they view death with horror, and do not feel the long cont... [ Continue Reading ]
5._Now he that hath fitted us. _This is added in order that we may know, that this disposition is supernatural. For mere natural feeling will not lead us forward to this, for it does not comprehend that hundredfold recompense which springs from the _dying _of a single _grain. _(John 12:24.) We must,... [ Continue Reading ]
6._Therefore we are always confident _That is, as exercising dependence on the _earnest of the Spirit; _for, otherwise, we always tremble, or, at least, are courageous or alarmed by turns, and do not retain a uniform and even tenor of mind. Hence, that good courage of which Paul speaks has no place... [ Continue Reading ]
7._For we walk by faith _ (Εἰδος) I have here rendered _aspectum _ _, _(_sight,_) because few understood the meaning of the word _species _ _, _(_appearance._) (520) He states the reason, why it is that we are now _absent from the Lord _— because we do not as yet see him _face to face. _(1 Corinthia... [ Continue Reading ]
8._We are confident, I say _He again repeats, what he had said respecting the confidence of the pious — that they are so far from breaking down under the severity of the cross, and from being disheartened by afflictions, that they are made thereby more courageous. For the worst of evils is death, ye... [ Continue Reading ]
9._Wherefore we strive. _Having shown how magnanimous Christians ought to be in the endurance of afflictions, (531) so that even in dying they may be conquerors over death, and that too, because by afflictions and death they attain to a blessed life, he now from the same source draws also another co... [ Continue Reading ]
10._We must be manifested. _Though this is common to all, yet all without distinction do not raise their views in such a way as to consider every moment, that they must appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. But while Paul, from a holy desire of acting aright, constantly sisted himself before th... [ Continue Reading ]
11._Knowing therefore. _He now returns to speak of himself, or he again applies the general doctrine to himself personally. “I am not ignorant,” says he, “nor devoid of the fear of God, which ought to reign in the hearts of all the pious.” To _know the terror of the Lord, _then, is to be influenced... [ Continue Reading ]
12._For we commend not ourselves. _He confirms what he had said immediately before, and at the same time anticipates a calumny that might be brought against him. For it might seem as if he were too careful as to his own praise, inasmuch as he spoke so frequently respecting himself. Nay, it is probab... [ Continue Reading ]
13._Whether we are beside ourselves. _This is said by way of concession; for Paul’s glorying was sane, or it was, if we may so term it, a sober and most judicious madness; (542) but as he appeared foolish in the eyes of many, he speaks according to their views. Now he declares two things: in the _fi... [ Continue Reading ]
14._For the love of Christ. _The term _love _may be taken either in a _passive _signification, or in an _active. _I prefer the latter. For if we be not harder than iron, we cannot refrain from devoting ourselves entirely to Christ, when we consider what great love he exercised towards us, when he en... [ Continue Reading ]
16._Therefore we henceforth know no man. _To _know, _here, is taken as meaning to _reckon. _“We do not judge according to external appearance, so as to reckon that man to be the most illustrious who seems so in appearance.” Under the term _flesh, _he includes all external endowments which mankind ar... [ Continue Reading ]
17._Therefore if any man is in Christ. _As there is something wanting in this expression, it must be supplied in this way — “_If any one _is desirous to hold some place _in Christ, _that is, in the kingdom of Christ, or in the Church (551) let him be a _new creature _” By this expression he condemns... [ Continue Reading ]
18._All things are of God. _He means, all things that belong to Christ’s kingdom. “If we would be Christ’s, we must be regenerated by God. Now that is no ordinary gift.” He does not, therefore, speak here of creation generally; but of the grace of regeneration, which God confers peculiarly upon his... [ Continue Reading ]
19._God was in Christ. _Some take this as meaning simply — _God reconciled the world to himself in Christ; _but the meaning is fuller and more _comprehensive _— _first, _that God was in Christ; and, _secondly, _that he reconciled the world to himself by his intercession. It is also of the Father tha... [ Continue Reading ]
20._As if God did beseech you _This is of no small importance for giving authority to the embassy: nay more, it is absolutely necessary, for who would rest upon the testimony of men, in reference to his eternal salvation? It is a matter of too much importance, to allow of our resting contented with... [ Continue Reading ]
21._Him who knew no sin. _Do you observe, that, according to Paul, there is no return to favor with God, except what is founded on the sacrifice of Christ alone? Let us learn, therefore, to turn our views in that direction, whenever we desire to be absolved from guilt. He now teaches more clearly, w... [ Continue Reading ]