mh_parser/vol_split/47 - 2Corinthians/Chapter 10.xml

<div2 id="iiCor.xi" n="xi" next="iiCor.xii" prev="iiCor.x" progress="53.68%" title="Chapter X">
<h2 id="iiCor.xi-p0.1">S E C O N D   C O R I N T H I A N
S.</h2>
<h3 id="iiCor.xi-p0.2">CHAP. X.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiCor.xi-p1">There was no place in which the apostle Paul met
with more opposition from false apostles than at Corinth; he had
many enemies there. Let not any of the ministers of Christ think it
strange if they meet with perils, not only from enemies, but from
false brethren; for blessed Paul himself did so. Though he was so
blameless and inoffensive in all his carriage, so condescending and
useful to all, yet there were those who bore him ill-will, who
envied him, and did all they could to undermine him, and lesson his
interest and reputation. Therefore he vindicates himself from their
imputation, and arms the Corinthians against their insinuations. In
this chapter the apostle, in a mild and humble manner, asserts the
power of his preaching, and to punish offenders, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.1-2Cor.10.6" parsed="|2Cor|10|1|10|6" passage="2Co 10:1-6">ver. 1-6</scripRef>. He then proceeds to reason the
case with the Corinthians, asserting his relation to Christ, and
his authority as an apostle of Christ (<scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.7-2Cor.10.11" parsed="|2Cor|10|7|10|11" passage="2Co 10:7-11">ver. 7-11</scripRef>), and refuses to justify
himself, or to act by such rules as the false teachers did, but
according to the better rules he had fixed for himself, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.12-2Cor.10.18" parsed="|2Cor|10|12|10|18" passage="2Co 10:12-18">ver. 12, to the end</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiCor.xi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10" parsed="|2Cor|10|0|0|0" passage="2Co 10" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiCor.xi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.1-2Cor.10.6" parsed="|2Cor|10|1|10|6" passage="2Co 10:1-6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.10.1-2Cor.10.6">
<h4 id="iiCor.xi-p1.6">The Apostle's Spiritual
Authority. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.xi-p1.7">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.xi-p2">1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness
and gentleness of Christ, who in presence <i>am</i> base among you,
but being absent am bold toward you:   2 But I beseech
<i>you,</i> that I may not be bold when I am present with that
confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think
of us as if we walked according to the flesh.   3 For though
we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:   4 (For
the weapons of our warfare <i>are</i> not carnal, but mighty
through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)   5 Casting
down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ;   6 And having in a
readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is
fulfilled.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p3">Here we may observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p4">I. The mild and humble manner in which the
blessed apostle addresses the Corinthians, and how desirous he is
that no occasion may be given him to use severity. 1. He addresses
them in a very mild and humble manner: <i>I Paul myself beseech
you,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.1" parsed="|2Cor|10|1|0|0" passage="2Co 10:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. We
find, in the introduction to this epistle, he joined Timothy with
himself; but now he speaks only for himself, against whom the false
apostles had particularly levelled their reproaches; yet in the
midst of the greatest provocations he shows humility and mildness,
from the consideration of the <i>meekness and gentleness of
Christ,</i> and desires this great example may have the same
influence on the Corinthians. Note, When we find ourselves tempted
or inclined to be rough and severe towards any body, we should
think of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, that appeared in
him in the days of his flesh, in the design of his undertaking, and
in all the acts of his grace towards poor souls. How humbly also
does this great apostle speak of himself, as <i>one in presence
base among them!</i> So his enemies spoke of him with contempt, and
he seems to acknowledge it; while others thought meanly, and spoke
scornfully of him, he had low thoughts of himself, and spoke humbly
of himself. Note, We should be sensible of our own infirmities, and
think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us for them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p5">2. He is desirous that no occasion may be
given to use severity, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.2" parsed="|2Cor|10|2|0|0" passage="2Co 10:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>. <i>He beseeches them</i> to give no occasion for him
to be bold, or to exercise his authority against them in general,
as he had resolved to do against some who unjustly charged him as
<i>walking according to the flesh,</i> that is, regulating his
conduct, even in his ministerial actions, according to carnal
policy or with worldly views. This was what the apostle had
renounced, and this is contrary to the spirit and design of the
gospel, and was far from being the aim and design of the apostle.
Hereupon,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p6">II. He asserts the power of his preaching
and his power to punish offenders.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p7">1. The power of his preaching, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.3 Bible:2Cor.10.5" parsed="|2Cor|10|3|0|0;|2Cor|10|5|0|0" passage="2Co 10:3,5"><i>v.</i> 3, 5</scripRef>. Here observe, (1.)
The work of the ministry is a warfare, not <i>after the flesh</i>
indeed, for it is a spiritual warfare, with spiritual enemies and
for spiritual purposes. And though ministers walk in the flesh, or
live in the body, and in the common affairs of life act as other
men, yet in their work and warfare they must not go by the maxims
of the flesh, nor should they design to please the flesh: this must
be crucified with its affections and lusts; it must be mortified
and kept under. (2.) The doctrines of the gospel and discipline of
the church are the weapons of this warfare; and these are not
carnal: outward force, therefore, is not the method of the gospel,
but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of
wisdom. A good argument this is against persecution for conscience'
sake: conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be
persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force of arms. And
so the weapons of our warfare are mighty, or very powerful; the
evidence of truth is convincing and cogent. This indeed is through
God, or owing to him, because they are his institutions, and
accompanied with his blessing, which makes all opposition to fall
before his victorious gospel. We may here observe, [1.] What
opposition is made against the gospel by the powers of sin and
Satan in the hearts of men. Ignorance, prejudices, beloved lusts,
are Satan's strong-holds in the souls of some; vain imaginations,
carnal reasonings, and high thoughts, or proud conceits, in others,
<i>exalt themselves against the knowledge of God,</i> that is, by
these ways the devil endeavours to keep men from faith and
obedience to the gospel, and secures his possession of the hearts
of men, as his own house or property. But then observe, [2.] The
conquest which the word of God gains. These strong-holds are pulled
down by the gospel as the means, through the grace and power of God
accompanying it as the principal efficient cause. Note, The
conversion of the soul is the conquest of Satan in that soul.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p8">2. The apostle's power to punish offenders
(and that in an extraordinary manner) is asserted in <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.6" parsed="|2Cor|10|6|0|0" passage="2Co 10:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. The apostle was a
prime-minister in the kingdom of Christ, and chief officer in his
army, and <i>had in readiness</i> (that is, he had power and
authority at hand) <i>to revenge all disobedience,</i> or to punish
offenders in a most exemplary and extraordinary manner. The apostle
speaks not of personal revenge, but of punishing disobedience to
the gospel, and disorderly walking among church-members, by
inflicting church-censures. Note, Though the apostle showed
meekness and gentleness, yet he would not betray his authority; and
therefore intimates that when he would commend those whose
obedience was fulfilled or manifested others would fall under
severe censures.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.xi-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.7-2Cor.10.11" parsed="|2Cor|10|7|10|11" passage="2Co 10:7-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.10.7-2Cor.10.11">
<h4 id="iiCor.xi-p8.3">The Apostle's Spiritual
Authority. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.xi-p8.4">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.xi-p9">7 Do ye look on things after the outward
appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let
him of himself think this again, that, as he <i>is</i> Christ's,
even so <i>are</i> we Christ's.   8 For though I should boast
somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for
edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
  9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
  10 For <i>his</i> letters, say they, <i>are</i> weighty and
powerful; but <i>his</i> bodily presence <i>is</i> weak, and
<i>his</i> speech contemptible.   11 Let such an one think
this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent,
such <i>will we be</i> also in deed when we are present.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p10">In these verses the apostle proceeds to
reason the case with the Corinthians, in opposition to those who
despised him, judged him, and spoke hardly of him: "<i>Do you,</i>"
says he, "<i>look on things after the outward appearance?</i>
<scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.7" parsed="|2Cor|10|7|0|0" passage="2Co 10:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Is this a fit
measure or rule to make an estimate of things or persons by, and to
judge between me and my adversaries?" In outward appearance, Paul
was mean and despicable with some; he did not make a figure, as
perhaps some of his competitors might do: but this was a false rule
to make a judgment by. It should seem that some boasted mighty
things of themselves, and made a fair show. But there are often
false appearances. A man may seem to be learned who has not learned
Christ, and appear virtuous when he has not a principle of grace in
his heart. However, the apostle asserts two things of
himself:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p11">I. His relation to Christ: <i>If any man
trust to himself that he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's,</i>
<scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.7" parsed="|2Cor|10|7|0|0" passage="2Co 10:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. It would seem
by this that Paul's adversaries boasted of their relation to Christ
as his ministers and servants. Now the apostle reasons thus with
the Corinthians: "Suppose it to be so, allowing what they say to be
true (and let us observe that, in fair arguing, we should allow all
that may be reasonably granted, and should not think it impossible
but those who differ from us very much may yet belong to Christ, as
well as we), allowing them," might the apostle say, "what they
boast of, yet they ought also to allow this to us, that <i>we also
are Christ's.</i>" Note, 1. We must not, by the most charitable
allowances we make to others who differ from us, cut ourselves off
from Christ, nor deny our relation to him. For, 2. There is room in
Christ for many; and those who differ much from one another may yet
be one in him. It would help to heal the differences that are among
us if we would remember that, how confident soever we may be that
we belong to Christ, yet, at the same time, we must allow that
those who differ from us may belong to Christ too, and therefore
should be treated accordingly. We must not think that we are the
people, and that none belong to Christ but ourselves. This we may
plead for ourselves, against those who judge us and despise us
that, how weak soever we are, yet, as they are Christ's, so are we:
we profess the same faith, we walk by the same rule, we build upon
the same foundation, and hope for the same inheritance.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p12">II. His authority from Christ as an
apostle. This he had mentioned before (<scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.6" parsed="|2Cor|10|6|0|0" passage="2Co 10:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), and now he tells them that he
might speak of it again, and that with some sort of boasting,
seeing it was a truth, that the <i>Lord had given it to him,</i>
and it was more than his adversaries could justly pretend to. It
was certainly what he should not be ashamed of, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.8" parsed="|2Cor|10|8|0|0" passage="2Co 10:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. Concerning this observe, 1. The
nature of his authority: it was for <i>edification, and not for
destruction.</i> This indeed is the end of all authority, civil and
ecclesiastical, and was the end of that extraordinary authority
which the apostles had, and of all church-discipline. 2. The
caution with which he speaks of his authority, professing that his
design was not to terrify them with big words, nor by angry
letters, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.9" parsed="|2Cor|10|9|0|0" passage="2Co 10:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. Thus
he seems to obviate an objection that might have been formed
against him, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.10" parsed="|2Cor|10|10|0|0" passage="2Co 10:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>.
But the apostle declares he did not intend to frighten those who
were obedient, nor did he write any thing in his letters that he
was not able to make good by deeds against the disobedient; and he
would have his adversaries <i>know this</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.11" parsed="|2Cor|10|11|0|0" passage="2Co 10:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>), that he would, by the
exercise of his apostolical power committed to him, make it appear
to have a real efficacy.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.xi-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.12-2Cor.10.18" parsed="|2Cor|10|12|10|18" passage="2Co 10:12-18" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.10.12-2Cor.10.18">
<h4 id="iiCor.xi-p12.7">The Apostle Asserts His
Claims. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.xi-p12.8">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.xi-p13">12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number,
or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they
measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among
themselves, are not wise.   13 But we will not boast of things
without <i>our</i> measure, but according to the measure of the
rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto
you.   14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond <i>our
measure,</i> as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as
far as to you also in <i>preaching</i> the gospel of Christ:  
15 Not boasting of things without <i>our</i> measure, <i>that
is,</i> of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is
increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule
abundantly,   16 To preach the gospel in the <i>regions</i>
beyond you, <i>and</i> not to boast in another man's line of things
made ready to our hand.   17 But he that glorieth, let him
glory in the Lord.   18 For not he that commendeth himself is
approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p14">In these verses observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p15">I. The apostle refuses to justify himself,
or to act by such rules as the false apostles did, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.12" parsed="|2Cor|10|12|0|0" passage="2Co 10:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. He plainly intimates
that they took a wrong method to commend themselves, in
<i>measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves
among themselves,</i> which was <i>not wise.</i> They were pleased,
and did pride themselves, in their own attainments, and never
considered those who far exceeded them in gifts and graces, in
power and authority; and this made them haughty and insolent. Note,
If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would
be a good method to keep us humble; we should be pleased and
thankful for what we have of gifts or graces, but never pride
ourselves therein, as if there were none to be compared with us or
that did excel us. The apostle would not be of the number of such
vain men: let us resolve that we will not make ourselves of that
number.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p16">II. He fixes a better rule for his conduct,
namely, <i>not to boast of things without his measure,</i> which
was the measure <i>God had distributed</i> to him, <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.13" parsed="|2Cor|10|13|0|0" passage="2Co 10:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. His meaning is, either
that he would not boast of more gifts or graces, or power and
authority, than God had really bestowed on him; or, rather, that he
would not act beyond his commission as to persons or things, nor go
beyond the line prescribed to him, which he plainly intimates the
false apostles did, while they <i>boasted of other men's
labors.</i> The apostle's resolution was to keep within his own
province, and that compass of ground which God had marked out for
him. His commission as an apostle was to preach the gospel every
where, especially among the Gentiles, and he was not confined to
one place; yet he observed the directions of Providence, and the
Holy Spirit, as to the particular places whither he went or where
he did abide.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p17">III. He acted according to this rule: <i>We
stretch not ourselves beyond our measure,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.14" parsed="|2Cor|10|14|0|0" passage="2Co 10:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. And, particularly, he acted
according to this rule in preaching at Corinth, and in the exercise
of his apostolical authority there; for he came thither by divine
direction, and there he converted many to Christianity; and,
therefore, in boasting of them as his charge, he acted not contrary
to his rule, he boasted not of <i>other men's labours,</i>
<scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.15" parsed="|2Cor|10|15|0|0" passage="2Co 10:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p18">IV. He declares his success in observing
this rule. His hope was that their faith was increased, and that
others beyond them, even in the remoter parts of Achaia, would
embrace the gospel also; and in all this he exceeded not his
commission, nor acted in another man's line.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.xi-p19">V. He seems to check himself in this
matter, as if he had spoken too much in his own praise. The unjust
accusations and reflections of his enemies had made it needful he
should justify himself; and the wrong methods they took gave him
good occasion to mention the better rule he had observed: yet he is
afraid of boasting, or taking any praise to himself, and therefore
he mentions two things which ought to be regarded:—1. <i>He that
glorieth should glory in the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.17" parsed="|2Cor|10|17|0|0" passage="2Co 10:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. If we are able to fix good
rules for our conduct, or act by them, or have any good success in
so doing, the praise and glory of all are owing unto God. Ministers
in particular must be careful not to glory in their performances,
but must give God the glory of their work, and the success thereof.
2. <i>Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the
Lord commendeth,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.xi-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.10.18" parsed="|2Cor|10|18|0|0" passage="2Co 10:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>. Of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst, and
self-applause is seldom any better than self-flattery and
self-deceit. At the best, self-commendation is no praise, and it is
oftentimes as foolish and vain as it is proud; therefore, instead
of praising or commending ourselves, we should strive to approve
ourselves to God, and his approbation will be our best
commendation.</p>
</div></div2>