mh_parser/vol_split/47 - 2Corinthians/Chapter 8.xml

<div2 id="iiCor.ix" n="ix" next="iiCor.x" prev="iiCor.viii" progress="53.19%" title="Chapter VIII">
<h2 id="iiCor.ix-p0.1">S E C O N D   C O R I N T H I A N
S.</h2>
<h3 id="iiCor.ix-p0.2">CHAP. VIII.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiCor.ix-p1">In this and the following chapter Paul is
exhorting and directing the Corinthians about a particular work of
charity—to relieve the necessities of the poor saints at Jerusalem
and in Judea, according to the good example of the churches in
Macedonia, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Rom.15.26" parsed="|Rom|15|26|0|0" passage="Ro 15:26">Rom. xv. 26</scripRef>. The
Christians at Jerusalem, through war, famine, and persecution, had
become poor, many of them had fallen into decay, and perhaps most
of them were but poor when they first embraced Christianity; for
Christ said, "The poor receive the gospel." Now Paul, though he was
the apostle of the Gentiles, had a fonder regard, and kind concern,
for those among the Jews who were converted to the Christian faith;
and, though many of them had not so much affection to the Gentile
converts as they ought to have had, yet the apostle would have the
Gentiles to be kind to them, and stirred them up to contribute
liberally for their relief. Upon this subject he is very copious,
and writes very affectingly. In this eighth chapter he acquaints
the Corinthians with, and commends, the good example of the
Macedonians in this work of charity, and that Titus was sent to
Corinth to collect their bounty, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.1-2Cor.8.6" parsed="|2Cor|8|1|8|6" passage="2Co 8:1-6">ver.
1-6</scripRef>. He the proceeds to urge this duty with several
cogent arguments (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.7-2Cor.8.15" parsed="|2Cor|8|7|8|15" passage="2Co 8:7-15">ver.
7-15</scripRef>), and commends the persons who were employed in
this affair, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.16-2Cor.8.24" parsed="|2Cor|8|16|8|24" passage="2Co 8:16-24">ver.
16-24</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiCor.ix-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8" parsed="|2Cor|8|0|0|0" passage="2Co 8" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiCor.ix-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.1-2Cor.8.6" parsed="|2Cor|8|1|8|6" passage="2Co 8:1-6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.8.1-2Cor.8.6">
<h4 id="iiCor.ix-p1.7">Charity of the Macedonians. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.ix-p1.8">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.ix-p2">1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the
grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;   2 How
that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and
their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
  3 For to <i>their</i> power, I bear record, yea, and beyond
<i>their</i> power <i>they were</i> willing of themselves;   4
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and
<i>take upon us</i> the fellowship of the ministering to the
saints.   5 And <i>this they did,</i> not as we hoped, but
first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of
God.   6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun,
so he would also finish in you the same grace also.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p3">Observe here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p4">I. The apostle takes occasion from the good
example of the churches of Macedonia, that is, of Philippi,
Thessalonica, Berea, and others in the region of Macedonia, to
exhort the Corinthians and the Christians in Achaia to the good
work of charity. And,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p5">1. He acquaints them with their great
liberality, which he calls <i>the grace of God bestowed on the
churches,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.1" parsed="|2Cor|8|1|0|0" passage="2Co 8:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>.
Some think the words should be rendered, <i>the gift of God given
in or by the churches.</i> He certainly means the charitable gifts
of these churches, which are called the grace or gifts of God,
either because they were very large, or rather because their
charity to the poor saints did proceed from God as the author, and
was accompanied with true love to God, which also was manifested
this way. The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain
of all the good that is in us, or done by us, at any time; and it
is great grace and favour from God, and bestowed on us, if we are
made useful to others, and are forward to any good work.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p6">2. He commends the charity of the
Macedonians, and sets it forth with good advantage. He tells them,
(1.) They were but in a low condition, and themselves in distress,
yet they contributed to the relief of others. <i>They were in great
tribulation and deep poverty,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.2" parsed="|2Cor|8|2|0|0" passage="2Co 8:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. It was a time of great affliction
with them, as may be seen, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Acts.18.17" parsed="|Acts|18|17|0|0" passage="Ac 18:17">Acts xviii.
17</scripRef>. The Christians in these parts met with ill
treatment, which had reduced them to deep poverty; yet, as they had
abundance of joy in the midst of tribulation, they abounded in
their liberality; they gave out of a little, trusting in God to
provide for them, and make it up to them. (2.) They gave very
largely, with <i>the riches of liberality</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.2" parsed="|2Cor|8|2|0|0" passage="2Co 8:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>), that is, as liberally as if they
had been rich. It was a large contribution they made, all things
considered; it was <i>according to,</i> yea <i>beyond, their
power</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.3" parsed="|2Cor|8|3|0|0" passage="2Co 8:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), as
much as could well be expected from them, if not more. Note, Though
men may condemn the indiscretion, yet God will accept the pious
zeal, of those who in real works of piety and charity do rather
beyond their power. (3.) They were very ready and forward to this
good work. <i>They were willing of themselves</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.3" parsed="|2Cor|8|3|0|0" passage="2Co 8:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), and were so far from
needing that Paul should urge and press them with many arguments
that they <i>prayed him with much entreaty to receive the gift,</i>
<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p6.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.4" parsed="|2Cor|8|4|0|0" passage="2Co 8:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. It seems Paul
was backward to undertake this trust, for <i>he would give himself
to the word and prayer;</i> or, it may be, he was apprehensive how
ready his enemies would be to reproach and blacken him upon all
occasions, and might take a handle against him upon account of so
large a sum deposited in his hands, to suspect or accuse him of
indiscretion and partiality in the distribution, if not of some
injustice. Note, How cautious ministers should be, especially in
money-matters, not to give occasion to those who seek occasion to
speak reproachfully! (4.) Their charity was founded in true piety,
and this was the great commendation of it. They performed this good
work in a right method: <i>First they gave themselves to the Lord,
and then</i> they gave unto us their contributions, <i>by the will
of God</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p6.7" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.5" parsed="|2Cor|8|5|0|0" passage="2Co 8:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>),
that is, according as it was the will of God they should do, or to
be disposed of as the will of God should be, and for his glory.
This, it seems, exceeded the expectation of the apostle; it was
more than he hoped for, to see such warm and pious affections
shining in these Macedonians, and this good work performed with so
much devotion and solemnity. They solemnly, jointly, and
unanimously, made a fresh surrender of themselves, and all they
had, unto the Lord Jesus Christ. They had done this before, and now
they do it again upon this occasion; sanctifying their
contributions to God's honour, by first giving themselves to the
Lord. Note, [1.] We should give ourselves to God; we cannot bestow
ourselves better. [2.] When we give ourselves to the Lord, we then
give him all we have, to be called for and disposed of according to
his will. [3.] Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only
giving to him what is his own. [4.] What we give or bestow for
charitable uses will not be accepted of God, nor turn to our
advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p7">II. The apostle tells them that Titus was
desired to go and make a collection among them (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.6" parsed="|2Cor|8|6|0|0" passage="2Co 8:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), and Titus, he knew, would be an
acceptable person to them. He had met with a kind reception among
them formerly. They had shown good affection to him, and he had a
great love for them. Besides, Titus had already begun this work
among them, therefore he was desired to finish it. So that he was,
on all accounts, a proper person to be employed; and, when so good
a work had already prospered in so good a hand, it would be a pity
if it should not proceed and be finished. Note, It is an instance
of wisdom to use proper instruments in a work we desire to do well;
and the work of charity will often succeed the best when the most
proper persons are employed to solicit contributions and dispose of
them.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.ix-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.7-2Cor.8.15" parsed="|2Cor|8|7|8|15" passage="2Co 8:7-15" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.8.7-2Cor.8.15">
<h4 id="iiCor.ix-p7.3">Charity Urged. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.ix-p7.4">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.ix-p8">7 Therefore, as ye abound in every <i>thing,
in</i> faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and <i>in</i> all
diligence, and <i>in</i> your love to us, <i>see</i> that ye abound
in this grace also.   8 I speak not by commandment, but by
occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity
of your love.   9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became
poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.   10 And
herein I give <i>my</i> advice: for this is expedient for you, who
have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year
ago.   11 Now therefore perform the doing <i>of it;</i> that
as <i>there was</i> a readiness to will, so <i>there may be</i> a
performance also out of that which ye have.   12 For if there
be first a willing mind, <i>it is</i> accepted according to that a
man hath, <i>and</i> not according to that he hath not.   13
For <i>I mean</i> not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
  14 But by an equality, <i>that</i> now at this time your
abundance <i>may be a supply</i> for their want, that their
abundance also may be <i>a supply</i> for your want: that there may
be equality:   15 As it is written, He that <i>had
gathered</i> much had nothing over; and he that <i>had gathered</i>
little had no lack.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p9">In these verses the apostle uses several
cogent arguments to stir up the Corinthians to this good work of
charity.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p10">I. He urges upon them the consideration of
their eminence in other gifts and graces, and would have them excel
in this of charity also, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.7" parsed="|2Cor|8|7|0|0" passage="2Co 8:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>. Great address and much holy art are here used by the
apostle. When he would persuade the Corinthians to this good thing,
he commends them for other good things that were found in them.
Most people love to be complimented, especially when we ask a gift
of them for ourselves or others; and it is a justice we owe to
those in whom God's grace shines to give them their due
commendation. Observe here, What it was that the Corinthians
abounded in. Faith is mentioned first, for that is the root; and,
as <i>without faith it is impossible to please God</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.11.6" parsed="|Heb|11|6|0|0" passage="Heb 11:6">Heb. xi. 6</scripRef>), so those who abound in
faith will abound in other graces and good works also; and this
will work and show itself by love. To their faith was added
utterance, which is an excellent gift, and redounds much to the
glory of God and the good of the church. Many have faith who want
utterance. But these Corinthians excelled most churches in
spiritual gifts, and particularly in utterance; and yet this was
not in them, as in too many, both the effect and evidence of
ignorance; for with their utterance there appeared knowledge,
abundance of knowledge. They had a treasury of things new and old,
and in their utterance they brought out of this treasury. They
abounded also in all diligence. Those who have great knowledge and
ready utterance are not always the most diligent Christians. Great
talkers are not always the best doers; but these Corinthians were
diligent to do, as well as know and talk, well. And further, they
had abundant love to their minister; and were not like too many,
who, having gifts of their own, are but too apt to slight their
ministers, and neglect them. Now to all these good things the
apostle desires them to add this grace also, to abound in charity
to the poor; that, where so much good was found, there should be
found yet more good. Before the apostle proceeds to another
argument he takes care to prevent any misapprehensions of his
design to impose on them, or to bind heavy burdens upon them by his
authority; and tells them (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.8" parsed="|2Cor|8|8|0|0" passage="2Co 8:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>) he does not speak by commandment, or in a way of
authority. I give <i>my advice,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.10" parsed="|2Cor|8|10|0|0" passage="2Co 8:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. He took occasion from the
forwardness of others to propose what would be expedient for them,
and would prove the sincerity of their love, or be the genuine
effect and evidence thereof. Note, A great difference should be
made between plain and positive duty, and the improvement of a
present opportunity of doing or getting good. Many a thing which is
good for us to do, yet can not be said to be, by express and
indispensable commandment, our duty at this or that time.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p11">II. Another argument is taken from the
consideration of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The best
arguments for Christian duties are those that are taken from the
love of Christ, <i>that constraineth us.</i> The example of the
churches of Macedonia was such as the Corinthians should imitate;
but the example of our Lord Jesus Christ should have much greater
influence. And <i>you know,</i> saith the apostle, <i>the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.9" parsed="|2Cor|8|9|0|0" passage="2Co 8:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>), <i>that though he was rich,</i> as being God, equal
in power and glory with the Father, rich in all the glory and
blessedness of the upper world, <i>yet for your sakes he became
poor;</i> not only did become man for us, but he became poor also.
He was born in poor circumstances, lived a poor life, and died in
poverty; and this was for our sakes, that we thereby might be made
rich, rich in the love and favour of God, rich in the blessings and
promises of the new covenant, rich in the hopes of eternal life,
being heirs of the kingdom. This is a good reason why we should be
charitable to the poor out of what we have, because we ourselves
live upon the charity of the Lord Jesus Christ.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p12">III. Another argument is taken from their
good purposes, and their forwardness to begin this good work. As to
this he tells them, 1. It was expedient for them to perform what
they purposed, and finish what they had begun, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.10-2Cor.8.11" parsed="|2Cor|8|10|8|11" passage="2Co 8:10,11"><i>v.</i> 10, 11</scripRef>. What else did their good
purposes and good beginnings signify? Good purposes, indeed, are
good things; they are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold,
and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify
nothing, without performances. So good beginnings are amiable; but
we shall lose the benefit unless there be perseverance, and we
bring forth fruit to perfection. Seeing therefore the Corinthians
had shown a readiness to will, he would have them be careful also
in the performance, according to their ability. For, 2. This would
be acceptable to God. <i>This willing mind is accepted</i>
(<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.12" parsed="|2Cor|8|12|0|0" passage="2Co 8:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>), when
accompanied with sincere endeavours. When men purpose that which is
good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also,
God will accept of what they have, or can do, and not reject them
for 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 meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the
profession of a willing mind, are sufficient to save them. It is
accepted, indeed, where there is a performance as far as we are
able, and when Providence hinders the performance, as in David's
case concerning building a house for the Lord, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.7.1-2Sam.7.29" parsed="|2Sam|7|1|7|29" passage="2Sa 7:1-29">2 Sam. vii</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p13">IV. Another argument is taken from the
discrimination which the divine Providence makes in the
distribution of the things of this world, and the mutability of
human affairs, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.13-2Cor.8.15" parsed="|2Cor|8|13|8|15" passage="2Co 8:13-15"><i>v.</i>
13-15</scripRef>. The force of the arguing seems to be
this:—Providence gives to some more of the good things of this
world, and to some less, and that with this design, that those who
have a greater <i>abundance may supply those who are in want,</i>
that there may be room for charity. And further, considering the
mutability of human affairs, and how soon 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
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 sort of equality;</i> not an <i>absolute</i> equality indeed,
or such a 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, concerning which (as we may
read, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.1-Exod.16.36" parsed="|Exod|16|1|16|36" passage="Ex 16:1-36">Exod. xvi.</scripRef>) it was
the duty of every family, and all in the family, to gather what
they could, which, when it was gathered, was put into some common
receptacle for each family, whence the master of the family
distributed 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>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.ix-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.16-2Cor.8.24" parsed="|2Cor|8|16|8|24" passage="2Co 8:16-24" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.8.16-2Cor.8.24">
<h4 id="iiCor.ix-p13.4">Commendations of Titus and
Others. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.ix-p13.5">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.ix-p14">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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p15">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> (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.23" parsed="|2Cor|8|23|0|0" passage="2Co 8:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>),
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 class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p16">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 (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.16" parsed="|2Cor|8|16|0|0" passage="2Co 8:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>), 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, <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.17" parsed="|2Cor|8|17|0|0" passage="2Co 8:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>.
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 class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p17">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> <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.18" parsed="|2Cor|8|18|0|0" passage="2Co 8:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.19" parsed="|2Cor|8|19|0|0" passage="2Co 8:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>) 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>
(<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.20" parsed="|2Cor|8|20|0|0" passage="2Co 8:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>), 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 class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p18">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
(<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.22" parsed="|2Cor|8|22|0|0" passage="2Co 8:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>), and it is a
great comfort to see those employed in good works who have formerly
approved themselves diligent.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.ix-p19">IV. He concludes this point with a general
good character of them all (<scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.23" parsed="|2Cor|8|23|0|0" passage="2Co 8:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>), 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> <scripRef id="iiCor.ix-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.8.24" parsed="|2Cor|8|24|0|0" passage="2Co 8:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>. Note, The good opinion others
entertain of us should be an argument with us to do well.</p>
</div></div2>