_Now concerning the collection_ During the apostle's eighteen months' abode at Corinth, he had exhorted the brethren there to undertake the making a collection for the poor saints in Judea. But the divisions in their church, it seems, had hitherto hindered them from beginning it. The apostle therefo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Upon the first day of the week_ So κατα μιαν σαββατων here signifies, the Hebrews using the numeral for the ordinal numbers, as Genesis 1:5, _The evening and the morning were one day;_ that is, the first day; and also using the word _sabbath_ to denote the week, as Luke 18:12. _I fast twice_, του σ... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now I will come unto you_ If Providence permit; _when I shall pass_ Or rather, _when I shall have passed; through Macedonia; for I do pass through Macedonia_ I purpose going that way, that I may visit the churches there, and receive their collections. _And it may be that I will abide_, &c. That I s... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now if_ In the mean time; _Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear_ Of any one's despising him for his youth. Encourage him in his labours; _for he worketh the work of the Lord_ The true ground of reverence and love to pastors: those who do so, none ought to despise or discourage;... [ Continue Reading ]
To conclude. _Watch ye_ Against all your seen and unseen enemies; _stand fast in the faith_ Seeing and trusting in Him that is invisible: _quit you like men_ With courage and patience; _be strong_ To do and suffer his will. _Let all your things be done with charity_ Namely, your differences about wo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye know the house_, or family, _of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia_ That he and they were the first converts in that province; _and that they have addicted themselves_ According to the rank in which Providence has placed them, and the abilities which God hath given them; _to the mi... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am glad of the coming of Stephanas_, &c. This Stephanas is supposed by many to have been the son of Stephanas mentioned 1 Corinthians 16:15. He, with Fortunatus and Achaicus, are supposed to have been the messengers sent, by the sincere part of the Corinthian church, with the letter mentioned 1 C... [ Continue Reading ]
The _churches of Asia_ Especially those of Ephesus and its neighbourhood; _salute you_ With all Christian affection, heartily wishing you peace and prosperity. _Aquila and Priscilla_ Formerly members of your church, (Acts 18:2; Acts 18:18,) but who at present are with me; _salute you much_ With sing... [ Continue Reading ]
_If any man love not the Lord Jesus_ In sincerity, but is secretly alienated from him in heart, while he calls himself his servant, preferring some secular interest of his own to that of his Divine Master; if any one be an enemy to Christ's person, offices, doctrines, or commands; _let him be Anathe... [ Continue Reading ]
_The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ_ All the blessed tokens and effects of his favour; _be with you_ And rest upon you for time and eternity! _My love_ My most sincere, tender, and affectionate regards; _be with you all in Christ Jesus_ Who is our peace, and the bond of our union with God and one an... [ Continue Reading ]