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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [First Corinthians IV].</TITLE>
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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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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T 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. IV.</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 chapter the apostle,
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I. Directs them how to account of him and his fellow-ministers, and
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therein, tacitly at least, reproves them for their unworthy carriage
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towards him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
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II. He cautions them against pride and self-elation, and hints at the
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many temptations they had to conceive too highly of themselves, and
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despise him and other apostles, because of the great diversity in their
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circumstances and condition,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:7-13">ver. 7-13</A>.
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III. He challenges their regard to him as their father in Christ,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:14-16">ver. 14-16</A>.
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IV. He tells them of his having sent Timothy to them, and of his own
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purpose to come to them shortly, however some among them had pleased
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themselves, and grown vain, upon the quite contrary expectation,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:17-21">ver. 17 to the end</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="1Co4_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_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>The Stewardship of the Apostles.</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 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ,
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and stewards of the mysteries of God.
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2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found
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faithful.
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3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged
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of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
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4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified:
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but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
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5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come,
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who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and
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will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall
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every man have praise of God.
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6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to
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myself and <I>to</I> Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us
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not to think <I>of men</I> above that which is written, that no one of
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you be puffed up for one against another.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here,
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I. The apostle challenges the respect due to him on account of his
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character and office, in which many among them had at least very much
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failed: <I>Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ,
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and stewards of the mysteries of God</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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though possibly others might have valued them too highly, by setting
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him up as the head of a party, and professing to be his disciples. In
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our opinion of ministers, as well as all other things, we should be
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careful to avoid extremes. Apostles themselves were,
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1. Not to be overvalued, for they were ministers, not masters;
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stewards, not lords. They were servants of Christ, and no more, though
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they were servants of the highest rank, that had the care of his
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household, that were to provide food for the rest, and appoint and
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direct their work. Note, It is a very great abuse of their power, and
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highly criminal in common ministers, to lord it over their
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fellow-servants, and challenge authority over their faith or practice.
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For even apostles were but servants of Christ, employed in his work,
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and sent on his errand, and dispensers of the mysteries of God, or
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those truths which had been hidden from the world in ages and
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generations past. They had no authority to propagate their own fancies,
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but to spread Christian faith.
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2. Apostles were not to be undervalued; for, though they were
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ministers, they were ministers of Christ. The character and dignity of
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their master put an honour on them. Though they are but stewards, they
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are not stewards of the common things of the world, but of divine
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mysteries. They had a great trust, and for that reason had an
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honourable office. They were stewards of God's household, high-stewards
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in his kingdom of grace. They did not set up for masters, but they
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deserved respect and esteem in this honourable service.
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Especially,</P>
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<P>
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II. When they did their duty in it, and approved themselves faithful:
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<I>It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
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trustworthy. The stewards in Christ's family must appoint what he hath
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appointed. They must not set their fellow-servants to work for
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themselves. They must not require any thing from them without their
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Master's warrant. They must not feed them with the chaff of their own
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inventions, instead of the wholesome food of Christian doctrine and
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truth. They must teach what he hath commanded, and not the doctrines
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and commandments of men. They must be true to the interest of their
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Lord, and consult his honour. Note, The ministers of Christ should make
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it their hearty and continual endeavour to approve themselves
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trustworthy; and when they have the testimony of a good conscience, and
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the approbation of their Master, they must slight the opinions and
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censures of their fellow-servants: <I>But with me,</I> saith the
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apostle, <I>it is a small thing that I should be judged of you, or of
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man's judgment,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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Indeed, reputation and esteem among men are a good step towards
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usefulness in the ministry; and Paul's whole argument upon this head
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shows he had a just concern for his own reputation. But he that would
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make it his chief endeavour to please men would hardly approve himself
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a faithful servant of Christ,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+1:10">Gal. i. 10</A>.
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He that would be faithful to Christ must despise the censures of men
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for his sake. He must look upon it as a very little thing (if his Lord
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approves him) what judgment men form of him. They may think very meanly
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or very hardly of him, while he is doing his duty; but it is not by
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their judgment that he must stand or fall. And happy is it for faithful
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ministers that they have a more just and candid judge than their
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fellow-servants; one who knows and pities their imperfections, though
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he has none of his own. It is better to <I>fall into the hands of God
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than into the hands of men,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+24:14">2 Sam. xxiv. 14</A>.
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The best of men are too apt to judge rashly, and harshly, and unjustly;
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but his judgment is always according to truth. It is a comfort that men
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are not to be our final judges. Nay, we are not thus to judge
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ourselves: "<I>Yea, I judge not myself. For though I know nothing by
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myself,</I> cannot charge myself with unfaithfulness, <I>yet I am not
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thereby justified,</I> this will not clear me of the charge; <I>but he
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that judgeth me is the Lord.</I> It is his judgment that must determine
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me. By his sentence I must abide. Such I am as he shall find and judge
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me to be." Note, It is not judging well of ourselves, justifying
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ourselves, that will prove us safe and happy. Nothing will do this but
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the acceptance and approbation of our sovereign Judge. <I>Not he that
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commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:18">2 Cor. x. 18</A>.</P>
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<P>
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III. The apostle takes occasion hence to caution the Corinthians
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against censoriousness--the forward and severe judging of others:
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<I>Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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It is judging out of season, and judging at an adventure. He is not to
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be understood of judging by persons in authority, within the verge of
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their office, nor of private judging concerning facts that are
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notorious; but of judging persons' future state, or the secret springs
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and principles of their actions, or about facts doubtful in themselves.
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To judge in these cases, and give decisive sentence, is to assume the
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seat of God and challenge his prerogative. Note, How bold a sinner is
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the forward and severe censurer! How ill-timed and arrogant are his
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censures! But there is one who will judge the censurer, and those he
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censures, without prejudice, passion, or partiality. And there is a
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time coming when men cannot fail judging aright concerning themselves
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and others, by following his judgment. This should make them now
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cautious of judging others, and careful in judging themselves. There is
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a time coming when <I>the Lord will bring to light the hidden things of
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darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts</I>--deeds of
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darkness that are now done in secret, and all the secret inclinations,
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purposes, and intentions, of the hidden man of the heart. Note, There
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is a day coming that will dispel the darkness and lay open the face of
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the deep, will fetch men's secret sins into open day and discover the
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secrets of their hearts: <I>The day shall declare it.</I> The judge
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will bring these things to light. The Lord Jesus Christ will manifest
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the counsels of the heart, of all hearts. Note, The Lord Jesus Christ
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must have the knowledge of the counsels of the heart, else he could not
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make them manifest. This is a divine prerogative
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+17:10">Jer. xvii. 10</A>),
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and yet it is what our Saviour challenges to himself in a very peculiar
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manner
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+2:23">Rev. ii. 23</A>):
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<I>All the churches shall know that I am HE who searcheth the reins and
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hearts, and I will give to every one of you according to your
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works.</I> Note, We should be very careful how we censure others, when
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we have to do with a Judge from whom we cannot conceal ourselves.
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Others do not lie open to our notice, but we lie all open to his: and,
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when he shall come to judge, <I>every man shall have praise of God.
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Every man,</I> that is, every one qualified for it, every one who has
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done well. Though none of God's servants can deserve any thing from
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him, though there be much that is blamable even in their best services,
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yet shall their fidelity be commended and crowned by him; and should
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they be condemned, reproached, or vilified, by their fellow-servants,
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he will roll away all such unjust censures and reproaches, and show
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them in their own amiable light. Note, Christians may well be patient
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under unjust censures, when they know such a day as this is coming,
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especially when they have their consciences testifying to their
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integrity. But how fearful should they be of loading any with
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reproaches now whom their common Judge shall hereafter commend.</P>
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<P>
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IV. The apostle here lets us into the reason why he had used his own
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name and that of Apollos in this discourse of his. He had done <I>it in
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a figure,</I> and <I>he had done it for their sakes.</I> He chose
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rather to mention his own name, and the name of a faithful
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fellow-labourer, than the names of any heads of factions among them,
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that hereby he might avoid what would provoke, and so procure for his
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advice the greater regard. Note, Ministers should use prudence in their
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advices and admonitions, but especially in their reproofs, lest they
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lose their end. The advice the apostle would by this means inculcate
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was <I>that they might learn not to think of men above what is
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written</I> (above what he had been writing), <I>nor be puffed up for
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one against another</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>).
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Apostles were not to be esteemed other than planters or waterers in
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God's husbandry, master-builders in his building, stewards of his
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mysteries, and servants of Christ. And common ministers cannot bear
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these characters in the same sense that apostles did. Note, We must be
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very careful not to transfer the honour and authority of the Master to
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his servant. <I>We must call no man Master on earth; one is our Master,
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even Christ,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+23:8,10">Matt. xxiii. 8, 10</A>.
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We must not think of them above what is written. Note, The word of God
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is the best rule by which to judge concerning men. And again, judging
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rightly concerning men, and not judging more highly of them than is
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fit, is one way to prevent quarrels and contentions in the churches.
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Pride commonly lies at the bottom of these quarrels. Self-conceit
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contributes very much to our immoderate esteem of our teachers, as well
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as ourselves. Our commendation of our own taste and judgment commonly
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goes along with our unreasonable applause, and always with a factious
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adherence to one teacher, in opposition to others that may be equally
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faithful and well qualified. But to think modestly of ourselves, and
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not above what is written of our teachers, is the most effectual means
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to prevent quarrels and contests, sidings and parties, in the church.
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We shall not be puffed up for one against another if we remember that
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they are all instruments employed by God in his husbandry and building,
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and endowed by him with their various talents and qualifications.</P>
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<A NAME="1Co4_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Co4_13"> </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>Caution against Censoriousness; Distressed Condition of the Apostles.</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 For who maketh thee to differ <I>from another?</I> and what hast
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thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive <I>it,</I>
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why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received <I>it?</I>
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8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings
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without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might
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reign with you.
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9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as
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it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the
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world, and to angels, and to men.
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10 We <I>are</I> fools for Christ's sake, but ye <I>are</I> wise in
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Christ; we <I>are</I> weak, but ye <I>are</I> strong; ye <I>are</I> honourable,
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but we <I>are</I> despised.
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11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and
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are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;
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12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we
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bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
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13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the
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world, <I>and are</I> the offscouring of all things unto this day.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here the apostle improves the foregoing hint to a caution against pride
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and self-conceit, and sets forth the temptations the Corinthians had to
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despise him, from the difference of their circumstances.</P>
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<P>
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I. He cautions them against pride and self-conceit by this
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consideration, that all the distinction made among them was owing to
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God: <I>Who maketh thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou didst
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not receive?</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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Here the apostle turns his discourse to the ministers who set
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themselves at the head of these factions, and did but too much
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encourage and abet the people in those feuds. What had they to glory
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in, when all their peculiar gifts were from God? They had received
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them, and could not glory in them as their own, without wronging God.
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At the time when they reflected on them to feed their vanity, they
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should have considered them as so many debts and obligations to divine
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bounty and grace. But it may be taken as a general maxim: We have no
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reason to be proud of our attainments, enjoyments, or performances; all
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that we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and
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rich grace of God. Boasting is for ever excluded. There is nothing we
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have that we can properly call our own: all is received from God. It is
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foolish in us therefore, and injurious to him, to boast of it; those
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who receive all should be proud of nothing,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+115:1">Ps. cxv. 1</A>.
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Beggars and dependents may glory in their supports; but to glory in
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themselves is to be proud at once of meanness, impotence, and want.
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Note, Due attention to our obligations to divine grace would cure us of
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arrogance and self-conceit.</P>
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<P>
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II. He presses the duty of humility upon them by a very smart irony, or
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at least reproves them for their pride and self-conceit: "<I>You are
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full, you are rich, you have reigned as kings without us.</I> You have
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not only a sufficiency, but an affluence, of spiritual gifts; nay, you
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can make them the matter of your glory <I>without us,</I> that is, in
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my absence, and without having any need of me." There is a very elegant
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gradation from sufficiency to wealth, and thence to royalty, to
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intimate how much the Corinthians were elated by the abundance of their
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wisdom and spiritual gifts, which was a humour that prevailed among
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them while the apostle was away from them, and made them forget what an
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interest he had in all. See how apt pride is to overrate benefits and
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overlook the benefactor, to swell upon its possessions and forget from
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whom they come; nay, it is apt to behold them in a magnifying-glass:
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|
"<I>You have reigned as kings,</I>" says the apostle, "that is, in your
|
|
own conceit; and <I>I would to God you did reign, that we also might
|
|
reign with you.</I> I wish you had as much of the true glory of a
|
|
Christian church upon you as you arrogate to yourselves. I should come
|
|
in then for a share of the honour: <I>I should reign with you:</I> I
|
|
should not be overlooked by you as now I am, but valued and regarded as
|
|
a minister of Christ, and a very useful instrument among you." Note,
|
|
Those do not commonly know themselves best who think best of
|
|
themselves, who have the highest opinion of themselves. The Corinthians
|
|
might have reigned, and the apostle with them, if they had not been
|
|
blown up with an imaginary royalty. Note, Pride is a great prejudice to
|
|
our improvement. He is stopped from growing wiser or better who thinks
|
|
himself at the height; not only full, but rich, nay, a king.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. He comes to set forth his own circumstances and those of the other
|
|
apostles, and compares them with theirs.
|
|
|
|
1. To set forth the case of the apostles: <I>For I think it hath
|
|
pleased God to set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to
|
|
death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to
|
|
men.</I> Paul and his fellow-apostles were exposed to great hardships.
|
|
Never were any men in this world so hunted and worried. They carried
|
|
their lives in their hands: <I>God hath set forth us the apostles
|
|
last, as it were appointed to death,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
An allusion is made to some of the bloody spectacles in the Roman
|
|
amphitheatres, where men were exposed to fight with wild beasts, or to
|
|
cut one another to pieces, to make diversion for the populace, where
|
|
the victor did not escape with his life, though he should destroy his
|
|
adversary, but was only reserved for another combat, and must be
|
|
devoured or cut in pieces at last; so that such wretched criminals (for
|
|
they were ordinarily condemned persons that were thus exposed) might
|
|
very properly be called <B><I>epithanatioi</I></B>--<I>persons devoted
|
|
or appointed to death.</I> They are said to be set forth last, because
|
|
the meridian gladiators, those who combated one another in the
|
|
after-part of the day, were most exposed, being obliged to fight naked;
|
|
so that (as Seneca says, <I>epist.</I> 7) this was perfect butchery,
|
|
and those exposed to beasts in the morning were treated mercifully in
|
|
comparison with these. The general meaning is that the apostles were
|
|
exposed to continual danger of death, and that of the worst kinds, in
|
|
the faithful discharge of their office. God had set them forth, brought
|
|
them into view, as the Roman emperors brought their combatants into the
|
|
arena, the place of show, though not for the same purposes. They did it
|
|
to please the populace, and humour their own vanity, and sometimes a
|
|
much worse principle. The apostles were shown to manifest the power of
|
|
divine grace, to confirm the truth of their mission and doctrine, and
|
|
to propagate religion in the world. These were ends worthy of
|
|
God--noble views, fit to animate them to the combat. But they had like
|
|
difficulties to encounter, and were in a manner as much exposed as
|
|
these miserable Roman criminals. Note, The office of an apostle was,
|
|
as an honourable, so a hard and hazardous one: "<I>For we are made a
|
|
spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
A <I>show.</I> We are brought into the theatre, brought out to the
|
|
public view of the world. Angels and men are witnesses to our
|
|
persecutions, sufferings, patience, and magnanimity. They all see that
|
|
we suffer for our fidelity to Christ, and how we suffer; how great and
|
|
imminent are our dangers, and how bravely we encounter them; how sharp
|
|
our sufferings, and how patiently we endure them, by the power of
|
|
divine grace and our Christian principles. Ours is hard work, but
|
|
honourable; it is hazardous, but glorious. God will have honour from
|
|
us, religion will be credited by us. The world cannot but see and
|
|
wonder at our undaunted resolution, our invincible patience and
|
|
constancy." And how contentedly could they be exposed, both to
|
|
sufferings and scorn, for the honour of their Master! Note, The
|
|
faithful ministers and disciples of Christ should contentedly undergo
|
|
any thing for his sake and honour.
|
|
|
|
2. He compares his own case with that of the Corinthians: "<I>We are
|
|
fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but
|
|
you are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>We are fools for Christ's sake;</I> such in common account, and we
|
|
are well content to be so accounted. We can pass for fools in the
|
|
world, and be despised as such, so that the wisdom of God and the
|
|
honour of the gospel may by this means be secured and displayed." Note,
|
|
Faithful ministers can bear being despised, so that the wisdom of God
|
|
and the power of his grace be thereby displayed. "<I>But you are wise
|
|
in Christ.</I> You have the fame of being wise and learned Christians,
|
|
and you do not a little value yourselves upon it. We are under disgrace
|
|
for delivering the plain truths of the gospel, and in as plain a
|
|
manner: you are in reputation for your eloquence and human wisdom,
|
|
which among many make you pass for wise men in Christ. <I>We are weak,
|
|
but you are strong.</I> We are suffering for Christ's sake" (so being
|
|
weak plainly signifies,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+12:10">2 Cor. xii. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
"when you are in easy and flourishing circumstances." Note, All
|
|
Christians are not alike exposed. Some suffer greater hardships than
|
|
others who are yet engaged in the same warfare. The standard-bearers in
|
|
an army are most struck at. So ministers in a time of persecution are
|
|
commonly the first and greatest sufferers. Or else, "We pass upon the
|
|
world for persons of but mean endowments, mere striplings in
|
|
Christianity; but you look upon yourselves, and are looked upon by
|
|
others, as men, as those of a much more advanced growth and confirmed
|
|
strength." Note, Those are not always the greatest proficients in
|
|
Christianity who think thus of themselves, or pass for such upon
|
|
others. It is but too easy and common for self-love to commit such a
|
|
mistake. The Corinthians may think themselves, and be esteemed by
|
|
others, as wiser and stronger men in Christ than the apostles
|
|
themselves. But O! how gross is the mistake!</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. He enters into some particularities of their sufferings: <I>Even to
|
|
this present hour;</I> that is, after all the service we have been
|
|
doing among you and other churches, <I>we hunger and thirst, and are
|
|
naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place, and
|
|
labour, working with our own hands,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:11,12"><I>v.</I> 11, 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Nay, they were <I>made as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring
|
|
of all things,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were forced to labour with their own hands to get subsistence, and
|
|
had so much, and so much greater, business to mind, that they could not
|
|
attend enough to this, to get a comfortable livelihood, but were
|
|
exposed to hunger, thirst, and nakedness--many times wanted meat, and
|
|
drink, and clothes. They were driven about the world, without having
|
|
any fixed abode, any stated habitation. Poor circumstances indeed, for
|
|
the prime ministers of our Saviour's kingdom to have no house nor home,
|
|
and to be destitute of food and raiment! But yet no poorer than his who
|
|
had not <I>where to lay his head,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+9:58">Luke ix. 58</A>.
|
|
|
|
But O glorious charity and devotion, that would carry them through all
|
|
these hardships! How ardently did they love God, how vehemently did
|
|
they thirst for the salvation of souls! Theirs was voluntary, it was
|
|
pleasing poverty. They thought they had a rich amends for all the
|
|
outward good things they wanted, if they might but serve Christ and
|
|
save souls. Nay, though they <I>were made the filth of the world, and
|
|
the off-scouring of all things.</I> They were treated as men not fit to
|
|
live, <B><I>perikatharmata.</I></B> It is reasonably thought by the
|
|
critics that an allusion is here made to a common custom of many
|
|
heathen nations, to offer men in sacrifice in a time of pestilence, or
|
|
other like grievous calamity. These were ordinarily the vilest of men,
|
|
persons of the lowest rank and worst character. Thus, in the first
|
|
ages, Christians were counted the source of all public calamities, and
|
|
were sacrificed to the people's rage, if not to appease their angry
|
|
deities. And apostles could not meet with better usage. They suffered
|
|
in their persons and characters as the very worst and vilest men, as
|
|
the most proper to make such a sacrifice: or else as the very dirt of
|
|
the world, that was to be swept away: nay, as the <I>off-scouring of
|
|
all things,</I> the dross, the filings of all things. They were the
|
|
common-sewer into which all the reproaches of the world were to be
|
|
poured. To be the off-scouring of any thing is bad, but what is it to
|
|
be the off-scouring of all things! How much did the apostles resemble
|
|
their Master, <I>and fill up that which was behind of his afflictions,
|
|
for his body's sake, which is the church!</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:24">Col. i. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
They suffered for him, and they suffered after his example. Thus poor
|
|
and despised was he in his life and ministry. And every one who would
|
|
be faithful in Christ Jesus must prepare for the same poverty and
|
|
contempt. Note, Those may be very dear to God, and honourable in his
|
|
esteem, whom men may think unworthy to live, and use and scorn as the
|
|
very dirt and refuse of the world. <I>God seeth not as man seeth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+16:7">1 Sam. xvi. 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. We have here the apostles' behaviour under all; and the return they
|
|
made for this mal-treatment: <I>Being reviled, we bless; being
|
|
persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:12,13"><I>v.</I> 12, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
They returned blessings for reproaches, and entreaties and kind
|
|
exhortations for the rudest slanders and defamation, and were patient
|
|
under the sharpest persecutions. Note, The disciples of Christ, and
|
|
especially his ministers, should hold fast their integrity, and keep a
|
|
good conscience, whatever opposition of hardships they meet with from
|
|
the world. Whatever they suffer from men, they must follow the example,
|
|
and fulfil the will and precepts, of their Lord. They must be content,
|
|
with him and for him, to be despised and abused.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_16"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Paul's Tenderness and Affection.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved
|
|
sons I warn <I>you.</I>
|
|
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet
|
|
<I>have ye</I> not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten
|
|
you through the gospel.
|
|
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here Paul challenges their regard to him as their father. He tells
|
|
them,
|
|
|
|
1. That what he had written was not for their reproach, but admonition;
|
|
not with the gall of an enemy, but the bowels of a father
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I write not to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.</I>
|
|
Note, In reproving for sin, we should have a tender regard to the
|
|
reputation, as well as the reformation, of the sinner. We should aim to
|
|
distinguish between them and their sins, and take care not to discover
|
|
any spite against them ourselves, nor expose them to contempt and
|
|
reproach in the world. Reproofs that expose commonly do but exasperate,
|
|
when those that kindly and affectionately warn are likely to reform.
|
|
When the affections of a father mingle with the admonitions of a
|
|
minister, it is to be hoped that they may at once melt and mend; but to
|
|
lash like an enemy or executioner will provoke and render obstinate. To
|
|
expose to open shame is but the way to render shameless.
|
|
|
|
2. He shows them upon what foundation he claimed paternal relation to
|
|
them, and called them his sons. They might have other pedagogues or
|
|
instructors, but he was their father; <I>for in Christ Jesus he had
|
|
begotten them by the gospel,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were made Christians by his ministry. He had laid the foundation
|
|
of a church among them. Others could only build upon it. Whatever other
|
|
teachers they had, he was their spiritual father. He first brought them
|
|
off from pagan idolatry to the faith of the gospel and the worship of
|
|
the true and living God. He was the instrument of their new birth, and
|
|
therefore claimed the relation of a father to them, and felt the bowels
|
|
of a father towards them. Note, There commonly is, and always ought to
|
|
be, an endeared affection between faithful ministers and those they
|
|
beget in Christ Jesus through the gospel. They should love like parents
|
|
and children.
|
|
|
|
3. We have here the special advice he urges on them: <I>Wherefore I
|
|
beseech you be you followers of me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
This he elsewhere explains and limits
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:1"><I>ch.</I> xi. 1</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Be you followers of me, as I also am of Christ.</I> Follow me as
|
|
far as I follow Christ. Come up as close as you can to my example in
|
|
those instances wherein I endeavour to copy after his pattern. Be my
|
|
disciples, as far as I manifest myself to be a faithful minister and
|
|
disciple of Christ, and no further. I would not have you be my
|
|
disciples, but his. But I hope I have approved myself a faithful
|
|
steward of the mysteries of Christ, and a faithful servant of my master
|
|
Christ; so far follow me, and tread in my steps." Note, Ministers
|
|
should so live that their people may take pattern from them, and live
|
|
after their copy. They should guide them by their lives as well as
|
|
their lips, go before them in the way to heaven, and not content
|
|
themselves with pointing it out. Note, As ministers are to set a
|
|
pattern, others must take it. They should follow them as far as they
|
|
are satisfied that they follow Christ in faith and practice.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Co4_21"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Paul's Affection and Authority.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my
|
|
beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into
|
|
remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where
|
|
in every church.
|
|
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
|
|
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will
|
|
know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
|
|
20 For the kingdom of God <I>is</I> not in word, but in power.
|
|
21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love,
|
|
and <I>in</I> the spirit of meekness?
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here,
|
|
|
|
I. He tells them of his having sent Timothy to them, <I>to bring them
|
|
into remembrance of his ways in Christ, as he taught every where in
|
|
every church</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>)--
|
|
|
|
to remind them of his ways in Christ, to refresh their memory as to his
|
|
preaching and practice, what he taught, and how he lived among them.
|
|
Note, Those who have had ever so good teaching are apt to forget, and
|
|
need to have their memories refreshed. The same truth, taught over
|
|
again, if it give no new light, may make new and quicker impression. He
|
|
also lets them know that <I>his teaching was the same every where, and
|
|
in every church.</I> He had not one doctrine for one place and people,
|
|
and another for another. He kept close to his instructions. What <I>he
|
|
received of the Lord, that he delivered,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:23"><I>ch.</I> xi. 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
This was the gospel revelation, which was the equal concern of all men,
|
|
and did not very from itself. He therefore taught the same things in
|
|
every church, and lived after the same manner in all times and places.
|
|
Note, The truth of Christ is one and invariable. What one apostle
|
|
taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one
|
|
place, he taught at all times and in all places. Christians may mistake
|
|
and differ in their apprehensions, but Christ and Christian truth
|
|
<I>are the same yesterday, today, and for ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:8">Heb. xiii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
To render their regard to Timothy the greater, he gives them his
|
|
character. He was <I>his beloved son,</I> a spiritual child of his, as
|
|
well as themselves. Note, Spiritual brotherhood should engage affection
|
|
as well as what is common and natural. The children of one father
|
|
should have one heart. But he adds, "<I>He is faithful in the
|
|
Lord</I>--trustworthy, as one that feared the Lord. He will be faithful
|
|
in the particular office he has now received of the Lord, the
|
|
particular errand on which he comes; not only from me, but from Christ.
|
|
He knows what I have taught, and what my conversation has been in all
|
|
places, and, you may depend upon it, he will make a faithful report."
|
|
Note, It is a great commendation of any minister that he is faithful in
|
|
the Lord, faithful to his soul, to his light, to his trust from God;
|
|
this must go a great way in procuring regard to his message with those
|
|
that fear God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He rebukes the vanity of those who imagined he would not come to
|
|
them, by letting them know this was his purpose, though he had sent
|
|
Timothy: "<I>I will come to you shortly,</I> though some of you are so
|
|
vain as to think I will not." But he adds, <I>if the Lord will.</I> It
|
|
seems, as to the common events of life, apostles knew no more than
|
|
other men, nor were they in these points under inspiration. For, had
|
|
the apostle certainly known the mind of God in this matter, he would
|
|
not have expressed himself with this certainty. But he sets a good
|
|
example to us in it. Note, All our purposes must be formed with a
|
|
dependence on Providence, and a reserve for the overruling purposes of
|
|
God. <I>If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this and that,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+4:15">Jam. iv. 15</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. He lets them know what would follow upon his coming to them: <I>I
|
|
will know, not the speech of those that are puffed up, but the
|
|
power,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
He would bring the great pretenders among them to a trial, would know
|
|
what they were, not by their rhetoric or philosophy, but by the
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authority and efficacy of what they taught, whether they could confirm
|
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it by miraculous operations, and whether it was accompanied with divine
|
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influences and saving effects on the minds of men. For, adds he, <I>the
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|
kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.</I> It is not set up, nor
|
|
propagated, nor established, in the hearts of men, by plausible
|
|
reasonings nor florid discourses, but by the external power of the Holy
|
|
Spirit in miraculous operations at first, and the powerful influence of
|
|
divine truth on the minds and manners of men. Note, It is a good way in
|
|
the general to judge of a preacher's doctrine, to see whether the
|
|
effects of it upon men's hearts to be truly divine. That is most likely
|
|
to come from God which in its own nature is most fit, and in event is
|
|
found to produce most likeness to God, to spread piety and virtue, to
|
|
change men's hearts and mend their manners.</P>
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<P>
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IV. He puts it to their choice how he should come among them,
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|
<I>whether with a rod or in love and the spirit of meekness</I>
|
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>);
|
|
|
|
that is, according as they were they would find him. If they continued
|
|
perverse among themselves and with him, it would be necessary to come
|
|
with a rod; that is, to exert his apostolical power in chastising them,
|
|
by making some examples, and inflicting some diseases and corporal
|
|
punishments, or by other censures for their faults. Note, Stubborn
|
|
offenders must be used with severity. In families, in Christian
|
|
communities, paternal pity and tenderness, Christian love and
|
|
compassion, will sometimes force the use of the rod. But this is far
|
|
from being desirable, if it may be prevented. And therefore the apostle
|
|
adds that it was in their own option whether he should come with a rod
|
|
or in a quite different disposition and manner: <I>Or in love and the
|
|
spirit of meekness.</I> As much as if he had said, "Take warning, cease
|
|
your unchristian feuds, rectify the abuses among you, and return to
|
|
your duty, and you shall find me as gentle and benign as you can with.
|
|
It will be a force upon my inclination to proceed with severity. I had
|
|
rather come and display the tenderness of a father among you than
|
|
assert his authority. Do but your duty, and you have no reason to avoid
|
|
my presence." Note, It is a happy temper in a minister to have the
|
|
spirit of love and meekness predominant, and yet to maintain his just
|
|
authority.</P>
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