INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORTHINIANS 13 In this chapter the apostle continues his resolution to come to the Corinthians, and to threaten with severity the incorrigible among them, giving the reasons of it; prays to God that they might so behave, that there might be no occasion for the exercise of it; and... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I AM COMING TO YOU,.... Or "am ready to come to you", as the Alexandrian copy reads, as in 2 Corinthians 12:14. Though he had been as yet but once at Corinth, and is to be reckoned and accounted for, either after this manner; he had been "once" with them when he first preached... [ Continue Reading ]
I TOLD YOU BEFORE, AND FORETELL YOU AS IF I WERE PRESENT A SECOND TIME,.... He means, that he had in his former epistle faithfully told them of their evils, and admonished them for them; and now he sends to them a second time before his coming, and again admonishes them, as if he was upon the spot w... [ Continue Reading ]
SINCE YE SEEK A PROOF OF CHRIST SPEAKING IN ME,.... This is the reason why he was determined, that should he come among them, he would not spare them, because they called in question his apostleship, and demanded a proof of it; which, of all men, they had the least reason to do; for they themselves... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOUGH HE WAS CRUCIFIED THROUGH WEAKNESS,.... Of the human nature; for the nature which Christ assumed was in all things like to ours, excepting sin; it was subject to all sinless infirmities; it was mortal, passible, liable to sufferings, and death, and so he came to be crucified; though not ag... [ Continue Reading ]
EXAMINE YOURSELVES WHETHER YE BE IN THE FAITH,.... These words are to be considered in connection with 2 Corinthians 13:3 for seeing they sought and demanded a proof the voice and power of Christ in the apostle, he directs them to self examination, to look within themselves, to try, prove, and recog... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I TRUST THAT YE SHALL KNOW,.... Whether they were reprobates or not, the apostle would not pretend to say; that he left to themselves, and of which they were capable of making judgment for themselves: however, he hoped and believed, that he and his fellow apostles would give such proof of themse... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW L PRAY TO GOD,.... A strong mark of the apostle's affection for them. For though they used him so ill, he took every way and method to do them good; he not only wrote to them, sent the brethren to them, but put up his supplications at the throne of grace for them: The Alexandrian copy, the Vulga... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WE CAN DO NOTHING AGAINST THE TRUTH,.... The apostles had no power, nor could they, nor did they desire to exercise any against such who received the truth of the Gospel in the love of it; who continued in it, walked in it, and held it fast; who worshipped God in Spirit and in truth, and who wal... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WE ARE GLAD WHEN WE ARE WEAK,.... Appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority; the apostles rejoiced when they had no occasion of exerting themselves, and of exercising that high office, and extraordinary commission they had received of Christ Jesus: AND YE ARE STRONG... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE I WRITE THESE THINGS BEING ABSENT,.... Assuring them of his power and authority, expressing his concern for their welfare, earnestly desiring that they might be kept from evil, and perform good works; and that they might be in a more honourable, orderly, and comfortable situation, whilst h... [ Continue Reading ]
FINALLY, BRETHREN, FAREWELL,.... Or "rejoice", with spiritual joy in Christ, their Saviour and Redeemer; in his person, in whom they were accepted; in his righteousness, by which they were justified; in his blood, by which they were washed and cleansed; and in his fulness, from which they were suppl... [ Continue Reading ]
GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH AN HOLY KISS. Romans 16:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE SAINTS SALUTE YOU. Being all interested in the same divine favour, redeemed by the same blood, and sanctified by the same grace, they have a common concern for each other's welfare; Romans 16:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.... Meaning either the love of Christ; see 2 Corinthians 8:9 which is the same with that of his Father's, is as early, and of the same nature, being a love of complacency and delight; and which, as it is without beginning, will be without end. This is the ground an... [ Continue Reading ]