CHAPTER II. _The apostle farther explains the reasons why he did not pay his_ _intended visit to the Corinthians_, 1. _And why he wrote to them in the manner he did_, 2-5. _He exhorts them also to forgive the incestuous person, who had_ _become a true penitent; and therefore he had forgiven him... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:2. _FOR IF I MAKE YOU SORRY_] Should he have come and used his _apostolical authority_, in inflicting punishment upon the transgressors, this would have been a common cause of distress. And though he might expect that the _sound part_ of the Church would be a cause of consolati... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:3. _AND I WROTE THIS SAME UNTO YOU_] This I particularly marked in my first epistle to you; earnestly desiring your reformation, lest, if I came before this had taken place, I must have come with a _rod_, and have inflicted punishment on the transgressors. 1 Corinthians 5:1. _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:4. _FOR OUT OF MUCH AFFLICTION_, c.] It is very likely that the apostle's enemies had represented him as a _harsh,_ _austere, authoritative_ man who was better pleased with inflicting wounds than in healing them. But he vindicates himself from this charge by solemnly asserting... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:5. _BUT, IF ANY HAVE CAUSED GRIEF_] Here he seems to refer particularly to the cause of the incestuous person. _GRIEVED ME, BUT IN PART_] I cannot help thinking that the εκ μερους and απο μερους, which we render _in part_, and which the apostle uses so frequently in these epi... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:6. _SUFFICIENT TO SUCH A MAN IS THIS PUNISHMENT_] That is, the man has already suffered sufficiently. Here he gives a proof of his parental tenderness towards this great transgressor. He had been disowned by the Church; he had deeply repented; and now the apostle pleads for him... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:7. YE OUGHT _RATHER TO FORGIVE HIM_] He had now suffered enough; for the punishment inflicted had answered the end for which it was inflicted; and there was some danger that, if this poor culprit were not restored to the bosom of the Church, his distress and anguish would destr... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:8. _THAT YE WOULD CONFIRM_ YOUR _LOVE TOWARD HIM._] You do love him, notwithstanding the reproach he has brought on the Gospel; and notwithstanding your love to him, ye were obliged to cut him off for the credit of the Gospel. Now that he has repented, _I beseech you to confirm... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:9. _FOR TO THIS END ALSO DID I WRITE_] εγραψα, _I have_ _written_ this also, the advices and commands which I now give you, _that I might know whether ye be obedient in all things_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:10. _TO WHOM YE FORGIVE ANY THING_] Here he farther shows them that his sole object in the punishment inflicted on the transgressor, was his amendment and therefore promises to _ratify_, in the _name_ and _authority_ of _Christ_, the free pardon which he exhorts them to dispens... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:11. _LEST SATAN SHOULD GET AN ADVANTAGE_] If the man who has given sufficient proof of the sincerity of his repentance be not restored, he may be overwhelmed with sorrow, and sink into despair; and then the discipline of the Church will be represented, not as _emendatory_, but... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:12. _WHEN I CAME TO TROAS_] After having written the former epistle, and not having heard what effect it had produced on your minds; though the Lord had opened me a particular door to preach the Gospel, in which I so especially rejoice and glory;... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:13. _I HAD NO REST IN MY SPIRIT_] I was so concerned for you, through the love I bear you, that I was greatly distressed because I did not find Titus returned to give me an account of your state. _BUT TAKING MY LEAVE OF THEM_] I went thence into Macedonia, expecting to find hi... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 14. _NOW, THANKS_ BE _UNTO GOD_] His coming dispelled all my fears, and was the cause of the highest satisfaction to my mind; and filled my heart with gratitude to God, who is the Author of all good, and who _always causes us to triumph in Christ_; not only gives us the _victory_, but such a v... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 15. _FOR WE ARE UNTO GOD A SWEET SAVOUR OF CHRIST_] The apostle still alludes to the case of a _triumph_; the conqueror always represented the person of _Jupiter_; as even the heathens supposed that God alone could give the victory: and as the punishment of death was inflicted on _some_ of the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 16. _TO THE ONE_ WE ARE _THE SAVOUR OF DEATH UNTO DEATH_] There are several sayings among the ancient Jewish writers similar to this. In _Debarim Rabba_, sec. i. fol. 248, it is said: "As the bee brings home honey to its owner, but stings others; so it is with the words of the law;" : סם חיים... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Corinthians 2:17. _FOR WE ARE NOT AS MANY, WHICH CORRUPT THE WORD OF_ _GOD_] God has made US _sufficient for these things_ by giving us his own pure _doctrine_, the _ministry of reconciliation_, which we conscientiously preserve and preach; and we act, not like _many_ among you, who, having... [ Continue Reading ]