The first argument which our apostle makes use of to excite the charity of the Corinthians, is drawn from the example of the Macedonians, into whose hearts God had poured that excellent grace of charity: insomuch that the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and other churches in the region of... [ Continue Reading ]
Three things are here recorded as the glory of the Macedonian's charity. (1.) It was profusely liberal, beyond their ability: TO THEIR POWER, YEA, AND BEYOND THEIR POWER, THEY WERE READY. Though, generally speaking, we are to consult our own ability and present circumstances in all our charitable d... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said,"Verily these Macedonians, in the liberal distribution of their alms to the poor Christians, have exceeded our hopes and expectation." Wherein? First, they gave their own-selves to the Lord, and then unto us by the will of God. They gave themselves, their own-selves, fir... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our apostle proceeds to make use of several other arguments to persuade the Corinthians to the exercise of the duty and grace of charity: as namely, (1.) Because he had desired Titus to go to them; and as he had in his last visit begun to stir them up to this duty, and to exercise this grace,... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have the grand motive used by the apostle to excite their charity, namely, the example of Christ, who impoverished himself to enrich us, and emptied himself to fill us; therefore should we be ready to administer unto others: YE KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST &C. Observe hence, 1. d... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle proceeds to. fresh argument for the quickening and exciting the Corinthians charity, drawn from their own reputation. He had heard, that. year ago, upon writing his former epistle, they had made several collections, at several times, as their gains came in; his advice therefore is,... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, The humble modesty and holy prudence of the apostle, in what he demanded of the Corinthians by way of charity for the poor saints in Judea. He tells them freely, he did not design to lay. load upon them to ease others, or to make others rich by making themselves poor; but that there mi... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle has said,. thank God that Titus was as forward to move you to this good work as myself; for he did not barely yield to it at my request, but of his own accord was ready to come to you about it. And with him he sent Luke,. beloved brother, whose service for the gospel has made him h... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, The holy wisdom of this great apostle, in joining some other persons with himself, as Titus and Luke, &c. in the distribution of this charity; lest evilminded men should suspect him of dishonesty, he takes care to cut off all occasion of suspicion, that he either kept any part of this lar... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, What pains the apostle takes to answer all cavils and objections that might hinder the free collection and regular distribution of this charity. Some might pretend, possibly, to say then, (as many amongst us do now,) "We know not into whose hands this charity-money may fall; we know no... [ Continue Reading ]