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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>S E C O N D C O R I N T H I A N S.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. VIII.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In this and the following chapter Paul is exhorting and directing the
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Corinthians about a particular work of charity--to relieve the
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necessities of the poor saints at Jerusalem and in Judea, according to
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the good example of the churches in Macedonia,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+15:26">Rom. xv. 26</A>.
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The Christians at Jerusalem, through war, famine, and persecution, had
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become poor, many of them had fallen into decay, and perhaps most of
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them were but poor when they first embraced Christianity; for Christ
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said, "The poor receive the gospel." Now Paul, though he was the
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apostle of the Gentiles, had a fonder regard, and kind concern, for
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those among the Jews who were converted to the Christian faith; and,
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though many of them had not so much affection to the Gentile converts
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as they ought to have had, yet the apostle would have the Gentiles to
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be kind to them, and stirred them up to contribute liberally for their
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relief. Upon this subject he is very copious, and writes very
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affectingly. In this eighth chapter he acquaints the Corinthians with,
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and commends, the good example of the Macedonians in this work of
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charity, and that Titus was sent to Corinth to collect their bounty,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
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He the proceeds to urge this duty with several cogent arguments
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:7-15">ver. 7-15</A>),
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and commends the persons who were employed in this affair,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:16-24">ver. 16-24</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="2Co8_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Charity of the Macedonians.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God
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bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
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2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of
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their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of
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their liberality.
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3 For to <I>their</I> power, I bear record, yea, and beyond <I>their</I>
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power <I>they were</I> willing of themselves;
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4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift,
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and <I>take upon us</I> the fellowship of the ministering to the
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saints.
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5 And <I>this they did,</I> not as we hoped, but first gave their
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own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
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6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he
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would also finish in you the same grace also.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Observe here,</P>
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<P>
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I. The apostle takes occasion from the good example of the churches of
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Macedonia, that is, of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and others in the
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region of Macedonia, to exhort the Corinthians and the Christians in
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Achaia to the good work of charity. And,</P>
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<P>
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1. He acquaints them with their great liberality, which he calls <I>the
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grace of God bestowed on the churches,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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Some think the words should be rendered, <I>the gift of God given in or
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by the churches.</I> He certainly means the charitable gifts of these
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churches, which are called the grace or gifts of God, either because
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they were very large, or rather because their charity to the poor
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saints did proceed from God as the author, and was accompanied with
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true love to God, which also was manifested this way. The grace of God
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must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good that is in us,
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or done by us, at any time; and it is great grace and favour from God,
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and bestowed on us, if we are made useful to others, and are forward to
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any good work.</P>
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<P>
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2. He commends the charity of the Macedonians, and sets it forth with
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good advantage. He tells them,
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(1.) They were but in a low condition, and themselves in distress, yet
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they contributed to the relief of others. <I>They were in great
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tribulation and deep poverty,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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It was a time of great affliction with them, as may be seen,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+18:17">Acts xviii. 17</A>.
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The Christians in these parts met with ill treatment, which had reduced
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them to deep poverty; yet, as they had abundance of joy in the midst of
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tribulation, they abounded in their liberality; they gave out of a
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little, trusting in God to provide for them, and make it up to them.
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(2.) They gave very largely, with <I>the riches of liberality</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
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that is, as liberally as if they had been rich. It was a large
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contribution they made, all things considered; it was <I>according
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to,</I> yea <I>beyond, their power</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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as much as could well be expected from them, if not more. Note, Though
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men may condemn the indiscretion, yet God will accept the pious zeal,
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of those who in real works of piety and charity do rather beyond their
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power.
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(3.) They were very ready and forward to this good work. <I>They were
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willing of themselves</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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and were so far from needing that Paul should urge and press them with
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many arguments that they <I>prayed him with much entreaty to receive
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the gift,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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It seems Paul was backward to undertake this trust, for <I>he would
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give himself to the word and prayer;</I> or, it may be, he was
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apprehensive how ready his enemies would be to reproach and blacken him
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upon all occasions, and might take a handle against him upon account of
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so large a sum deposited in his hands, to suspect or accuse him of
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indiscretion and partiality in the distribution, if not of some
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injustice. Note, How cautious ministers should be, especially in
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money-matters, not to give occasion to those who seek occasion to speak
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reproachfully!
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(4.) Their charity was founded in true piety, and this was the great
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commendation of it. They performed this good work in a right method:
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<I>First they gave themselves to the Lord, and then</I> they gave unto
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us their contributions, <I>by the will of God</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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that is, according as it was the will of God they should do, or to be
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disposed of as the will of God should be, and for his glory. This, it
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seems, exceeded the expectation of the apostle; it was more than he
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hoped for, to see such warm and pious affections shining in these
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Macedonians, and this good work performed with so much devotion and
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solemnity. They solemnly, jointly, and unanimously, made a fresh
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surrender of themselves, and all they had, unto the Lord Jesus Christ.
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They had done this before, and now they do it again upon this occasion;
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sanctifying their contributions to God's honour, by first giving
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themselves to the Lord. Note,
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[1.] We should give ourselves to God; we cannot bestow ourselves
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better.
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[2.] When we give ourselves to the Lord, we then give him all we have,
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to be called for and disposed of according to his will.
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[3.] Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving to him what
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is his own.
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[4.] What we give or bestow for charitable uses will not be accepted of
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God, nor turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the
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Lord.</P>
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<P>
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II. The apostle tells them that Titus was desired to go and make a
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collection among them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>),
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and Titus, he knew, would be an acceptable person to them. He had met
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with a kind reception among them formerly. They had shown good
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affection to him, and he had a great love for them. Besides, Titus had
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already begun this work among them, therefore he was desired to finish
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it. So that he was, on all accounts, a proper person to be employed;
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and, when so good a work had already prospered in so good a hand, it
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would be a pity if it should not proceed and be finished. Note, It is
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an instance of wisdom to use proper instruments in a work we desire to
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do well; and the work of charity will often succeed the best when the
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most proper persons are employed to solicit contributions and dispose
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of them.</P>
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<A NAME="2Co8_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Charity Urged.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>7 Therefore, as ye abound in every <I>thing, in</I> faith, and
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utterance, and knowledge, and <I>in</I> all diligence, and <I>in</I> your
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love to us, <I>see</I> that ye abound in this grace also.
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8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the
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forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
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9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though
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he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through
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his poverty might be rich.
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10 And herein I give <I>my</I> advice: for this is expedient for
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you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be
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forward a year ago.
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11 Now therefore perform the doing <I>of it;</I> that as <I>there was</I>
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a readiness to will, so <I>there may be</I> a performance also out of
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that which ye have.
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12 For if there be first a willing mind, <I>it is</I> accepted
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according to that a man hath, <I>and</I> not according to that he hath
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not.
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13 For <I>I mean</I> not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
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14 But by an equality, <I>that</I> now at this time your abundance
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<I>may be a supply</I> for their want, that their abundance also may
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be <I>a supply</I> for your want: that there may be equality:
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15 As it is written, He that <I>had gathered</I> much had nothing
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over; and he that <I>had gathered</I> little had no lack.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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In these verses the apostle uses several cogent arguments to stir up
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the Corinthians to this good work of charity.</P>
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<P>
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I. He urges upon them the consideration of their eminence in other
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gifts and graces, and would have them excel in this of charity also,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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Great address and much holy art are here used by the apostle. When he
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would persuade the Corinthians to this good thing, he commends them for
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other good things that were found in them. Most people love to be
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complimented, especially when we ask a gift of them for ourselves or
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others; and it is a justice we owe to those in whom God's grace shines
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to give them their due commendation. Observe here, What it was that the
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Corinthians abounded in. Faith is mentioned first, for that is the
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root; and, as <I>without faith it is impossible to please God</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+11:6">Heb. xi. 6</A>),
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so those who abound in faith will abound in other graces and good works
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also; and this will work and show itself by love. To their faith was
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added utterance, which is an excellent gift, and redounds much to the
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glory of God and the good of the church. Many have faith who want
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utterance. But these Corinthians excelled most churches in spiritual
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gifts, and particularly in utterance; and yet this was not in them, as
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in too many, both the effect and evidence of ignorance; for with their
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utterance there appeared knowledge, abundance of knowledge. They had a
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treasury of things new and old, and in their utterance they brought out
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of this treasury. They abounded also in all diligence. Those who have
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great knowledge and ready utterance are not always the most diligent
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Christians. Great talkers are not always the best doers; but these
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Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as know and talk, well. And
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further, they had abundant love to their minister; and were not like
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too many, who, having gifts of their own, are but too apt to slight
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their ministers, and neglect them. Now to all these good things the
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apostle desires them to add this grace also, to abound in charity to
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the poor; that, where so much good was found, there should be found yet
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more good. Before the apostle proceeds to another argument he takes
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care to prevent any misapprehensions of his design to impose on them,
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or to bind heavy burdens upon them by his authority; and tells them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>)
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he does not speak by commandment, or in a way of authority. I give
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<I>my advice,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
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He took occasion from the forwardness of others to propose what would
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be expedient for them, and would prove the sincerity of their love, or
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be the genuine effect and evidence thereof. Note, A great difference
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should be made between plain and positive duty, and the improvement of
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a present opportunity of doing or getting good. Many a thing which is
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good for us to do, yet can not be said to be, by express and
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indispensable commandment, our duty at this or that time.</P>
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<P>
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II. Another argument is taken from the consideration of the grace of
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our Lord Jesus Christ. The best arguments for Christian duties are
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those that are taken from the love of Christ, <I>that constraineth
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us.</I> The example of the churches of Macedonia was such as the
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Corinthians should imitate; but the example of our Lord Jesus Christ
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should have much greater influence. And <I>you know,</I> saith the
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apostle, <I>the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
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<I>that though he was rich,</I> as being God, equal in power and glory
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with the Father, rich in all the glory and blessedness of the upper
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world, <I>yet for your sakes he became poor;</I> not only did become
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man for us, but he became poor also. He was born in poor circumstances,
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lived a poor life, and died in poverty; and this was for our sakes,
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that we thereby might be made rich, rich in the love and favour of God,
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rich in the blessings and promises of the new covenant, rich in the
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hopes of eternal life, being heirs of the kingdom. This is a good
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reason why we should be charitable to the poor out of what we have,
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because we ourselves live upon the charity of the Lord Jesus
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Christ.</P>
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<P>
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III. Another argument is taken from their good purposes, and their
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forwardness to begin this good work. As to this he tells them,
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1. It was expedient for them to perform what they purposed, and finish
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what they had begun,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:10,11"><I>v.</I> 10, 11</A>.
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What else did their good purposes and good beginnings signify? Good
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purposes, indeed, are good things; they are like buds and blossoms,
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|
pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost,
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|
and signify nothing, without performances. So good beginnings are
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amiable; but we shall lose the benefit unless there be perseverance,
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|
and we bring forth fruit to perfection. Seeing therefore the
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Corinthians had shown a readiness to will, he would have them be
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|
careful also in the performance, according to their ability. For,
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2. This would be acceptable to God. <I>This willing mind is
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accepted</I>
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>),
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when accompanied with sincere endeavours. When men purpose that which
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|
is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also,
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|
God will accept of what they have, or can do, and not reject them for
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|
what they have not, and what is not in their power to do: and this is
|
|
true as to other things besides the work of charity. But let us note
|
|
here that this scripture will by no means justify those who think good
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meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the profession of a
|
|
willing mind, are sufficient to save them. It is accepted, indeed,
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|
where there is a performance as far as we are able, and when Providence
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|
hinders the performance, as in David's case concerning building a house
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for the Lord,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+7:1-29">2 Sam. vii</A>.</P>
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<P>
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IV. Another argument is taken from the discrimination which the divine
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Providence makes in the distribution of the things of this world, and
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|
the mutability of human affairs,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:13-15"><I>v.</I> 13-15</A>.
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The force of the arguing seems to be this:--Providence gives to some
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|
more of the good things of this world, and to some less, and that with
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|
this design, that those who have a greater <I>abundance may supply
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|
those who are in want,</I> that there may be room for charity. And
|
|
further, considering the mutability of human affairs, and how soon
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|
there may be an alteration, so that those who now have an abundance may
|
|
stand in need of being supplied themselves in their wants, this should
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|
induce them to be charitable while they are able. It is the will of God
|
|
that, by our mutually supplying one another, there should <I>be some
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|
sort of equality;</I> not an <I>absolute</I> equality indeed, or such a
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|
levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be
|
|
no exercise of charity. But as in works of charity there should be an
|
|
equitable proportion observed, that the burden should not lie too heavy
|
|
on some, while others are wholly eased, so all should think themselves
|
|
concerned to supply those who are in want. This is illustrated by the
|
|
instance of gathering and distributing manna in the wilderness,
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|
concerning which (as we may read,
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|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+16:1-36">Exod. xvi.</A>)
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|
it was the duty of every family, and all in the family, to gather what
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|
they could, which, when it was gathered, was put into some common
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|
receptacle for each family, whence the master of the family distributed
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|
to every one as he had occasion, to some more than they were able,
|
|
through age and infirmity, to gather up; to others less than they
|
|
gathered, because they did not need so much: and thus <I>he that had
|
|
gathered much</I> (more than he had occasion for) had nothing over,
|
|
when a communication was made to him <I>that had gathered little,</I>
|
|
who by this method had no lack. Note, Such is the condition of men in
|
|
this world that we mutually depend on one another, and should help one
|
|
another. Those who have ever so much of this world have no more than
|
|
food and raiment; and those who have but a little of this world seldom
|
|
want these; nor, indeed, should those who have abundance suffer others
|
|
to want, but be ready to afford supply.</P>
|
|
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|
<A NAME="2Co8_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_17"> </A>
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|
<A NAME="2Co8_18"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co8_19"> </A>
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|
<A NAME="2Co8_20"> </A>
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|
<A NAME="2Co8_21"> </A>
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|
<A NAME="2Co8_22"> </A>
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|
<A NAME="2Co8_23"> </A>
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|
<A NAME="2Co8_24"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Commendations of Titus and Others.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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|
</TABLE>
|
|
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<P>
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|
<FONT SIZE=+1>16 But thanks <I>be</I> to God, which put the same earnest care into
|
|
the heart of Titus for you.
|
|
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more
|
|
forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
|
|
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise <I>is</I> in
|
|
the gospel throughout all the churches;
|
|
19 And not <I>that</I> only, but who was also chosen of the churches
|
|
to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to
|
|
the glory of the same Lord, and <I>declaration of</I> your ready mind:
|
|
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance
|
|
which is administered by us:
|
|
21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the
|
|
Lord, but also in the sight of men.
|
|
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have
|
|
oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more
|
|
diligent, upon the great confidence which <I>I have</I> in you.
|
|
23 Whether <I>any do enquire</I> of Titus, <I>he is</I> my partner and
|
|
fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren <I>be enquired of,
|
|
they are</I> the messengers of the churches, <I>and</I> the glory of
|
|
Christ.
|
|
24 Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the
|
|
proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
In these verses the apostle commends the brethren who were sent to them
|
|
to collect their charity; and as it were, gives them letters
|
|
credential, that, if they <I>were enquired after</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
if any should be inquisitive or suspicious concerning them, it might be
|
|
known who they were and how safely they might be trusted.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. He commends Titus,
|
|
|
|
1. For his earnest care and great concern of heart for them, and desire
|
|
in all things to promote their welfare. This is mentioned with
|
|
thankfulness to God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
and it is cause of thankfulness if God hath put it into the hearts of
|
|
any to do us or others any good.
|
|
|
|
2. For his readiness to this present service. He accepted the office,
|
|
and was forward to go upon this good errand,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Asking charity for the relief of others is by many looked upon as a
|
|
thankless office; yet it is a good office, and what we should not be
|
|
shy of when we are called to it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He commends another brother, who was sent with Titus. It is
|
|
generally thought that this was Luke. He is commended,
|
|
|
|
1. As a man whose <I>praise was in the gospel through all the
|
|
churches,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
His ministerial services of several kinds were well known, and he had
|
|
approved himself praiseworthy in what he had done.
|
|
|
|
2. As one chosen of the churches
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>)
|
|
|
|
and joined with the apostle in his ministration. This was done, it is
|
|
most likely, at the motion and request of Paul himself; for this
|
|
reason, <I>that no man might blame him in that abundance which was
|
|
administered by him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
so cautious was the apostle to avoid all occasions that evil-minded men
|
|
might lay hold on to blacken him. He would not give occasion to any to
|
|
accuse him of injustice or partiality in this affair, and thought it to
|
|
be his duty, as it is the duty of all Christians, <I>to provide for
|
|
things honest, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight
|
|
of men;</I> that is, to act so prudently as to prevent, as far as we
|
|
can, all unjust suspicions concerning us, and all occasions of
|
|
scandalous imputations. Note, We live in a censorious world, and should
|
|
cut off occasion from those who seek occasion to speak reproachfully.
|
|
It is the crime of others if they reproach or censure us without
|
|
occasion; and it is our imprudence at least if we give them any
|
|
occasion, when there may not be a just cause for them so to do.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. He commends also another brother who was joined with the two
|
|
former in this affair. This brother is thought to be Apollos. Whoever
|
|
he was, he had <I>approved himself diligent in many things;</I> and
|
|
therefore was fit to be employed in this affair. Moreover, he had
|
|
great desire to this work, because of the confidence or good opinion he
|
|
had of the Corinthians
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
and it is a great comfort to see those employed in good works who have
|
|
formerly approved themselves diligent.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. He concludes this point with a general good character of them all
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
as <I>fellow-labourers with him</I> for their welfare; as the
|
|
<I>messengers of the churches;</I> as the <I>glory of Christ,</I> who
|
|
were to him for a name and a praise, who brought glory to Christ as
|
|
instruments and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted faithful
|
|
and employed in his service. Wherefore, upon the whole, he exhorts them
|
|
to show their liberality, answerable to the great expectation others
|
|
had concerning them at this time, that these messengers of the
|
|
churches, and the churches themselves, might see a full <I>proof of
|
|
their love</I> to God and to their afflicted brethren, and that it was
|
|
with good reason the apostle had even <I>boasted on their behalf,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The good opinion others entertain of us should be an argument
|
|
with us to do well.</P>
|
|
|
|
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