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

<div2 id="iiCor.iii" n="iii" next="iiCor.iv" prev="iiCor.ii" progress="51.70%" title="Chapter II">
<h2 id="iiCor.iii-p0.1">S E C O N D   C O R I N T H I A N
S.</h2>
<h3 id="iiCor.iii-p0.2">CHAP. II.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiCor.iii-p1">In this chapter the apostle proceeds in the
account of the reasons why he did not come to Corinth, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.1-2Cor.2.4" parsed="|2Cor|2|1|2|4" passage="2Co 2:1-4">ver. 1-4</scripRef>. Then he writes concerning
the incestuous person who lay under censure; and gives direction
for restoring him, together with the reasons for their so doing
(<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.5-2Cor.2.11" parsed="|2Cor|2|5|2|11" passage="2Co 2:5-11">ver. 5-11</scripRef>), and
afterwards informs them of his labours and success in preaching the
gospel in several places, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.12-2Cor.2.17" parsed="|2Cor|2|12|2|17" passage="2Co 2:12-17">ver.
12-17</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiCor.iii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2" parsed="|2Cor|2|0|0|0" passage="2Co 2" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiCor.iii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.1-2Cor.2.4" parsed="|2Cor|2|1|2|4" passage="2Co 2:1-4" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.2.1-2Cor.2.4">
<h4 id="iiCor.iii-p1.6">Paul Expresses His
Affection. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.iii-p1.7">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.iii-p2">1 But I determined this with myself, that I
would not come again to you in heaviness.   2 For if I make
you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which
is made sorry by me?   3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest,
when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to
rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is <i>the
joy</i> of you all.   4 For out of much affliction and anguish
of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be
grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more
abundantly unto you.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p3">In these verses, 1. The apostle proceeds in
giving an account of the reason why he did not come to Corinth, as
was expected; namely, because he was unwilling to grieve them, or
be grieved by them, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.1-2Cor.2.2" parsed="|2Cor|2|1|2|2" passage="2Co 2:1,2"><i>v.</i> 1,
2</scripRef>. <i>He had determined not to come to them in
heaviness,</i> which yet he would have done had he come and found
scandal among them not duly animadverted upon: this would have been
cause of grief both to him and them, for their sorrow or joy at
meeting would have been mutual. If he had made them sorry, that
would have been a sorrow to himself, for there would have been none
to have made him glad. But his desire was to have a cheerful
meeting with them, and not to have it embittered by any unhappy
occasion of disagreeing. 2. He tells them it was to the same intent
that he wrote his former epistle, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.3-2Cor.2.4" parsed="|2Cor|2|3|2|4" passage="2Co 2:3,4"><i>v.</i> 3, 4</scripRef>. (1.) <i>That he might not
have sorrow from those of whom he ought to rejoice;</i> and that he
had written to them in confidence of their doing what was
requisite, in order to their benefit and his comfort. The
particular thing referred to, as appears by the <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.5-2Cor.2.11" parsed="|2Cor|2|5|2|11" passage="2Co 2:5-11">following verses</scripRef>, was the case of the
incestuous person about whom he had written in the first epistle,
<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.5.1-1Cor.5.13" parsed="|1Cor|5|1|5|13" passage="1Co 5:1-13"><i>ch.</i> v</scripRef>. Nor was the
apostle disappointed in his expectation. (2.) He assures them that
he did not design to grieve them, but to testify his love to them,
and that he wrote to them with much <i>anguish and affliction</i>
in his own heart, and with great affection to them. He had
<i>written with tears, that they might know his abundant love to
them.</i> Note, [1.] Even in reproofs, admonitions, and acts of
discipline, faithful ministers show their love. [2.] Needful
censures, and the exercise of church-discipline towards offenders,
are a grief to tender-spirited ministers, and are administered with
regret.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.iii-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.5-2Cor.2.11" parsed="|2Cor|2|5|2|11" passage="2Co 2:5-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.2.5-2Cor.2.11">
<h4 id="iiCor.iii-p3.6">Case of the Incestuous
Person. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.iii-p3.7">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.iii-p4">5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not
grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.  
6 Sufficient to such a man <i>is</i> this punishment, which <i>was
inflicted</i> of many.   7 So that contrariwise ye
<i>ought</i> rather to forgive <i>him,</i> and comfort <i>him,</i>
lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch
sorrow.   8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm
<i>your</i> love toward him.   9 For to this end also did I
write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient
in all things.   10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I
<i>forgive</i> also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave
<i>it,</i> for your sakes <i>forgave I it</i> in the person of
Christ;   11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p5">In these verses the apostle treats
concerning the incestuous person who had been excommunicated, which
seems to be one principal cause of his writing this epistle. Here
observe, 1. He tells them that the crime of that person had grieved
him <i>in part;</i> and that he was grieved also with a part of
them, who, notwithstanding this scandal had been found among them,
were <i>puffed up and had not mourned,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.5.2" parsed="|1Cor|5|2|0|0" passage="1Co 5:2">1 Cor. v. 2</scripRef>. However, he was unwilling to lay
too heavy a charge upon the whole church, especially seeing they
had cleared themselves in that matter by observing the directions
he had formerly given them. 2. He tells them that the punishment
which had been inflicted upon this offender was sufficient,
<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.6" parsed="|2Cor|2|6|0|0" passage="2Co 2:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. The desired
effect was obtained, for the man was humbled, and they had shown
the proof of their obedience to his directions. 3. He therefore
directs them, with all speed, to restore the excommunicated person,
or to receive him again to their communion, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.7-2Cor.2.8" parsed="|2Cor|2|7|2|8" passage="2Co 2:7,8"><i>v.</i> 7, 8</scripRef>. This is expressed several
ways. He beseeches them to forgive him, that is, to release him
from church-censures, for they could not remit the guilt or offence
against God; and also to comfort him, for in many cases the comfort
of penitents depends upon their reconciliation not only with God,
but with men also, whom they have scandalized or injured. They must
also confirm their love to him; that is, they should show that
their reproofs and censures proceeded from love to his person, as
well as hatred to his sin, and that their design was to reform, not
to ruin him. Or thus: If his fall had weakened their love to him,
that they could not take such satisfaction in him as formerly; yet,
now that he was recovered by repentance, they must renew and
confirm their love to him. 4. He uses several weighty arguments to
persuade them to do thus, as, (1.) The case of the penitent called
for this; for he was in danger of being <i>swallowed up with
over-much sorrow,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.7" parsed="|2Cor|2|7|0|0" passage="2Co 2:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>. He was so sensible of this fault, and so much
afflicted under his punishment, that he was in danger of falling
into despair. When sorrow is excessive it does hurt; and even
sorrow for sin is too great when it unfits for other duties, and
drives men to despair. (2.) They had shown obedience to his
directions in passing a censure upon the offender and now he would
have them comply with his desire to restore him, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.9" parsed="|2Cor|2|9|0|0" passage="2Co 2:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. (3.) He mentions his readiness to
forgive this penitent, and concur with them in this matter. "<i>To
whom you forgive I forgive also,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p5.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.10" parsed="|2Cor|2|10|0|0" passage="2Co 2:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. I will readily concur with you
in forgiving him." And this he would do for their sakes, for love
to them and for their advantage; and for Christ's sake, or in his
name, as his apostle, and in conformity to his doctrine and
example, which are so full of kindness and tender mercy towards all
those who truly repent. (4.) He gives another weighty reason
(<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p5.7" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.11" parsed="|2Cor|2|11|0|0" passage="2Co 2:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>): <i>Lest
Satan get an advantage against us.</i> Not only was there danger
lest Satan should get an advantage against the penitent, by driving
him to despair; but against the churches also, and the apostles or
ministers of Christ, by representing them as too rigid and severe,
and so frightening people from coming among them. In this, as in
other things, <i>wisdom is profitable to direct,</i> so to manage
according as the case may be that the <i>ministry may not be
blamed,</i> for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great
severity towards sinners on the other hand. Note, Satan is a subtle
enemy, and uses many stratagems to deceive us; and we should not be
<i>ignorant of his devices:</i> he is also a watchful adversary,
ready to take all advantages against us, and we should be very
cautious lest we give him any occasion so to do.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.iii-p5.8" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.12-2Cor.2.17" parsed="|2Cor|2|12|2|17" passage="2Co 2:12-17" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.2.12-2Cor.2.17">
<h4 id="iiCor.iii-p5.9">Effects of the Christian
Ministry. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.iii-p5.10">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.iii-p6">12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to
<i>preach</i> Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the
Lord,   13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not
Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence
into Macedonia.   14 Now thanks <i>be</i> unto God, which
always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the
savour of his knowledge by us in every place.   15 For we are
unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in
them that perish:   16 To the one <i>we are</i> the savour of
death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.
And who <i>is</i> sufficient for these things?   17 For we are
not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity,
but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p7">After these directions concerning the
excommunicated person the apostle makes a long digression, to give
the Corinthians an account of his travels and labours for the
furtherance of the gospel, and what success he had therein,
declaring at the same time how much he was concerned for them in
their affairs, how he <i>had no rest in his spirit,</i> when he
found not Titus at Troas (<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.13" parsed="|2Cor|2|13|0|0" passage="2Co 2:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>), as he expected, from whom he hoped to have
understood more perfectly how it fared with them. And we find
afterwards (<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.7.5-2Cor.7.7" parsed="|2Cor|7|5|7|7" passage="2Co 7:5-7"><i>ch.</i> vii.
5-7</scripRef>) that when the apostle had come into Macedonia he
was comforted by the coming of Titus, and the information he gave
him concerning them. So that we may look upon all that we read from
this second chapter, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.12-2Cor.7.5" parsed="|2Cor|2|12|7|5" passage="2Co 2:12-7:5"><i>v.</i> 12,
to <i>ch.</i> vii. 5</scripRef>, as a kind of parenthesis. Observe
here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p8">I. Paul's unwearied labour and diligence in
his work, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.12-2Cor.2.13" parsed="|2Cor|2|12|2|13" passage="2Co 2:12,13"><i>v.</i> 12,
13</scripRef>. He travelled from place to place, to preach the
gospel. He went to Troas from Philippi by sea (<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Acts.20.6" parsed="|Acts|20|6|0|0" passage="Ac 20:6">Acts xx. 6</scripRef>), and thence he went to Macedonia;
so that he was prevented from passing by Corinth, as he had
designed, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.1.16" parsed="|2Cor|1|16|0|0" passage="2Co 1:16"><i>ch.</i> i. 16</scripRef>.
But, though he was prevented in his design as to the place of
working, yet he was unwearied in his work.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p9">II. His success in his work: A <i>great
door was opened to him of the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.12" parsed="|2Cor|2|12|0|0" passage="2Co 2:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. He had a great deal of work to
do wherever he came, and had good success in his work; for God
<i>made manifest the savour of his knowledge</i> by him in every
place where he came. He had an opportunity to open the door of his
mouth freely, and God opened the hearts of his hearers, as the
heart of Lydia (<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Acts.16.14" parsed="|Acts|16|14|0|0" passage="Ac 16:14">Acts xvi.
14</scripRef>), and the apostle speaks of this as a matter of
thankfulness to God and of rejoicing to his soul: <i>Thanks be to
God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ.</i> Note, 1. A
believer's triumphs are all in Christ. In ourselves we are weak,
and have neither joy nor victory; but in Christ we may rejoice and
triumph. 2. True believers have constant cause of triumph in
Christ, for they are more than conquerors through him who hath
loved them, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Rom.8.37" parsed="|Rom|8|37|0|0" passage="Ro 8:37">Rom. viii. 37</scripRef>.
3. God causeth them to triumph in Christ. It is God who has given
us matter for triumph, and hearts to triumph. To him therefore be
the praise and glory of all. 4. The good success of the gospel is a
good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p10">III. The comfort that the apostle and his
companions in labour found, even when the gospel was not successful
to the salvation of some who heard it, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.15-2Cor.2.17" parsed="|2Cor|2|15|2|17" passage="2Co 2:15-17"><i>v.</i> 15-17</scripRef>. Here observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p11">1. The different success of the gospel, and
its different effects upon several sorts of persons to whom it is
preached. The success is different; for some are saved by it, while
others perish under it. Nor is this to be wondered at, considering
the different effects the gospel has. For, (1.) Unto some it is a
<i>savour of death unto death.</i> Those who are willingly
ignorant, and wilfully obstinate, disrelish the gospel, as men
dislike an ill savour, and therefore they are blinded and hardened
by it: it stirs up their corruptions, and exasperates their
spirits. They reject the gospel, to their ruin, even to spiritual
and eternal death. (2.) Unto others the gospel is a <i>savour of
life unto life.</i> To humble and gracious souls the preaching of
the word is most delightful and profitable. As it is sweeter than
honey to the taste, so it is more grateful than the most precious
odours to the senses, and much more profitable; for as it quickened
them at first, <i>when they were dead in trespasses and sins,</i>
so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p12">2. The awful impressions this matter made
upon the mind of the apostle, and should also make upon our
spirits: <i>Who is sufficient for these things?</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.16" parsed="|2Cor|2|16|0|0" passage="2Co 2:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. <b><i>Tis
hikanos</i></b>—who is <i>worthy</i> to be employed in such
weighty work, a work of such vast importance, because of so great
consequence? Who is able to perform such a difficult work, that
requires so much skill and industry? The work is great and our
strength is small; yea, of ourselves we have no strength at all;
<i>all our sufficiency is of God.</i> Note, If men did seriously
consider what great things depend upon the preaching of the gospel,
and how difficult the work of the ministry is, they would be very
cautious how they enter upon it, and very careful to perform it
well.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.iii-p13">3. The comfort which the apostle had under
this serious consideration, (1.) Because faithful ministers shall
be accepted of God, whatever their success be: <i>We are,</i> if
faithful, <i>unto God a sweet savour of Christ</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.15" parsed="|2Cor|2|15|0|0" passage="2Co 2:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), in those who are saved
and in those also who perish. God will accept of sincere
intentions, and honest endeavours, though with many they are not
successful. Ministers shall be accepted, and recompensed, not
according to their success, but according to their fidelity.
<i>Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the
eyes of the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.49.5" parsed="|Isa|49|5|0|0" passage="Isa 49:5">Isa. xlix.
5</scripRef>. (2.) Because his conscience witnessed to his
faithfulness, <scripRef id="iiCor.iii-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.17" parsed="|2Cor|2|17|0|0" passage="2Co 2:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>.
Though many <i>did corrupt the word of God,</i> yet the apostle's
conscience witnessed to his fidelity. He did not mix his own
notions with the doctrines and institutions of Christ; he durst not
add to, nor diminish from, the word of God; he was faithful in
dispensing the gospel, as he received it from the Lord, and had no
secular turn to serve; his aim was to approve himself to God,
remembering that his eye was always upon him; he therefore spoke
and acted always as in the sight of God, and therefore in
sincerity. Note, What we do in religion is not of God, does not
come from God, will not reach to God, unless it be done in
sincerity, as in the sight of God.</p>
</div></div2>