Reference: Corinthians, Second Epistle To
Hastings
CORINTHIANS, SECOND EPISTLE TO
1. Circumstances of the Epistle.
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After this Paul left Athens and arriv'd at Corinth: where having found a Jew nam'd Aquila, a native of Pontus, who lately came from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had order'd all the Jews to quit Rome; he went to them: read more. and being of the same trade, he liv'd with them, and follow'd the business of tent-making. every sabbath he disputed in the synagogue, and try'd to gain upon the Jews and the Greek proselytes: and when Silas and Timothy were arriv'd from Macedonia, Paul with great concern remonstrated to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah:
Whilst Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having pass'd through the upper provinces of Asia, arrived at Ephesus, where finding some disciples, he said to them,
Whilst Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having pass'd through the upper provinces of Asia, arrived at Ephesus, where finding some disciples, he said to them,
Whilst Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having pass'd through the upper provinces of Asia, arrived at Ephesus, where finding some disciples, he said to them,
after having visited the faithful in those parts, and given them many exhortations, he went to Greece. there he stay'd three months; and then the Jews conspiring to surprize him at his embarkation for Syria, it was thought adviseable he should return thro' Macedonia. Sopater of Berea,
there he stay'd three months; and then the Jews conspiring to surprize him at his embarkation for Syria, it was thought adviseable he should return thro' Macedonia. Sopater of Berea,
there he stay'd three months; and then the Jews conspiring to surprize him at his embarkation for Syria, it was thought adviseable he should return thro' Macedonia. Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derby and Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus both Asiatics, all accompanied him to Asia,
'tis for this end I have sent you Timothy, who is my dear disciple, and a faithful christian, who will inform you how I behave my self in every church where I teach the gospel of Christ.
we have it from all quarters, that incest is practis'd among you, and such as is not among the Gentiles, that of a man's having his father's wife.
we have it from all quarters, that incest is practis'd among you, and such as is not among the Gentiles, that of a man's having his father's wife. this you have made a matter of levity, instead of being concern'd in discarding him that has done such an action. read more. as for me, though I am absent in person, yet being present by my authority, with regard to him that has committed this fact, I am come to the same resolution, as if I was present, that is, when you are assembled, and I virtually there, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver him up to satan, to suffer corporal punishment, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I formerly writ to you, not to keep company with the vicious:
When I formerly writ to you, not to keep company with the vicious:
Now as to the question you writ to me about; "whether it is best for a man not to marry?"
Now as to things offered to idols, 'tis certain that the knowledge you all pretend to have, swells you with pride, but 'tis charity that edifieth.
Now as to the collection for the converts at Jerusalem, do as I have directed for the churches of Galatia.
If Timothy visit you, take care he may be perfectly safe: for he labours in the cause of christianity, as well as I.
I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus are come: for what was wanting on your side, they have supplied. for they have quieted my mind as well as yours: therefore to such have a regard.
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the divine appointment, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God, which is at Corinth, with all the christians throughout Achaia: favour, and peace be to you from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. read more. Blessed be the God, and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies, and the God of all consolation: who comforteth me in all my tribulations, that I may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith I myself am comforted of God. for as I have greatly suffered for Christ, so I have been greatly comforted thro' Christ.
for as I have greatly suffered for Christ, so I have been greatly comforted thro' Christ. but whether I am afflicted, it is for your consolation and relief, which is effected by your perseverance, patiently enduring the same sufferings which I also undergo: or whether I am comforted, it is for your consolation and relief. read more. and the hopes I had of you continue still the same, knowing that as you have had your share of suffering, so you will likewise have of consolation. For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of that insupportable weight of affliction that over-whelm'd me so in Asia that I despaired even of life:
For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of that insupportable weight of affliction that over-whelm'd me so in Asia that I despaired even of life:
For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of that insupportable weight of affliction that over-whelm'd me so in Asia that I despaired even of life: nay, I abandon'd my self to death, that I might not rely upon my self for deliverance, but on God who raiseth the dead. read more. and he did deliver me from so terrible a death, and on him I have relied for further deliverance: especially, being assisted by your prayers for me, so that thanks may be returned by many, for the gracious deliverance procur'd me by their prayers. for this is to me matter of glorying, the testimony of my conscience, that without artifice, and with religious sincerity, not by worldly wisdom, but by God's favourable assistance I have behaved my self towards all men, but more particularly to you.
for this is to me matter of glorying, the testimony of my conscience, that without artifice, and with religious sincerity, not by worldly wisdom, but by God's favourable assistance I have behaved my self towards all men, but more particularly to you.
for this is to me matter of glorying, the testimony of my conscience, that without artifice, and with religious sincerity, not by worldly wisdom, but by God's favourable assistance I have behaved my self towards all men, but more particularly to you.
in this confidence I purposed to visit you before now, (that you might have again the like satisfaction) not to call upon you as I pass into Macedonia, but in my return from thence, to be conducted by you toward Judea. read more. was this design therefore the effect of levity? or do I design first one thing, and then another, as it best suits my worldly interest? God is my witness, I never prevaricated with you.
But I purposed in my self, I would not be the occasion of any uneasiness to you when I come again.
and I wrote to you upon that disagreeable subject, that when I came, I might not receive uneasiness from those from whom I ought to receive comfort, being persuaded that you will all think yourselves interested to promote my satisfaction.
the punishment, which was inflicted by the community, is sufficient on this occasion. so that now you ought rather to forgive, and comfort him, for fear he should be overwhelm'd by an excess of sorrow. read more. wherefore, pray, convince him of your affection to him: for this was one view I had in writing, to have this trial of you, whether you are intirely obedient. to whom you forgive any thing, I also forgive: for if I have forgiven any thing, I forgave it, for your sakes (as Christ is
to whom you forgive any thing, I also forgive: for if I have forgiven any thing, I forgave it, for your sakes (as Christ is witness) lest satan should have got some advantage of us: for we are apprized of his artifices.
witness) lest satan should have got some advantage of us: for we are apprized of his artifices. When an opportunity was given me by the Lord to preach the gospel of Christ, upon my arrival at Troas,
When an opportunity was given me by the Lord to preach the gospel of Christ, upon my arrival at Troas,
When an opportunity was given me by the Lord to preach the gospel of Christ, upon my arrival at Troas, I was so uneasy in my mind for not finding Titus my brother, that taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
I was so uneasy in my mind for not finding Titus my brother, that taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. but thanks be to God, who maketh me triumph, thro' Christ, and spreads his healing doctrine by me, in eevery place:
for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to enlighten others in the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines in the person of Jesus Christ. but this treasure is lodg'd in such earthen vessels as we are, that the exceeding efficacy of it may appear to be from God, and not from us.
but this treasure is lodg'd in such earthen vessels as we are, that the exceeding efficacy of it may appear to be from God, and not from us.
always bearing about in my body the marks of sufferings like those of Jesus, so that Jesus might be plainly prov'd to be alive by the sufferings of my body.
for which cause I am not discouraged, but tho' my body decays, yet my mind is daily renewed.
For I know, that if my body, which is but a tent for my sojourning upon earth, were dissolved, I have what is not fram'd by human art, but by the divine architect, a mansion eternal in the heavens.
) in this assurance, I say, I think it best to be quit of this body, and be present with the Lord.
for we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ; that every one may receive the retribution, according as his actions in the body were either good or evil. Shall I then, who know this terrible judgment of the Lord, endeavour to appease men? as for God, I am approved by him, and I trust also you are convinced of my being so approved. read more. and this I say, not to commend myself again unto you, but to give you an occasion of glorying on my account, that you may confront those who make a false show of glorying. for if I glory even to transport, my glorying is in God: if I am moderate, my glorying is for your service. to this I am urg'd by the love I bear to Christ, persuaded as I am, that if one died for all, then were all in a dying state: and that he died for all,
to this I am urg'd by the love I bear to Christ, persuaded as I am, that if one died for all, then were all in a dying state: and that he died for all, that they who are in a state of life should not live at their own discretion, but to the service of him who died for them, and rose again.
that they who are in a state of life should not live at their own discretion, but to the service of him who died for them, and rose again. Wherefore, henceforth I have no regard to any man for his external appearance: for tho' I formerly look'd for worldly grandeur in the Messiah, yet now I see things in another light.
Wherefore, henceforth I have no regard to any man for his external appearance: for tho' I formerly look'd for worldly grandeur in the Messiah, yet now I see things in another light. therefore, if any man be a christian, he is in a new creation: the old state of things is chang'd to one entirely new.
therefore, if any man be a christian, he is in a new creation: the old state of things is chang'd to one entirely new. Now this is all owing to God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath made us the ministers of this reconciliation;
Now this is all owing to God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath made us the ministers of this reconciliation; for it is God that has reconciled the world to himself, by Jesus Christ, by not imputing their sins to them; and hath committed to us the gospel of reconciliation.
for it is God that has reconciled the world to himself, by Jesus Christ, by not imputing their sins to them; and hath committed to us the gospel of reconciliation. we then are ambassadors for Christ, and 'tis God who makes you the offers by us: we pray you in the name of Christ, to make your peace with God.
we then are ambassadors for Christ, and 'tis God who makes you the offers by us: we pray you in the name of Christ, to make your peace with God. for he hath made him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us, that we might be justified by God thro' him.
for he hath made him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us, that we might be justified by God thro' him.
Invested then with such a commission, I beseech you let not the offers of divine favour be made to you in vain.
as for us, we give no occasion of offence, that our ministry may not be blamed:
Are you not become associates with infidels? but what affinity is there between virtue and vice? and what communication has light with darkness?
since then, we have these promises, my dear brethren, let us cleanse our selves from all impurity, whether of body or mind, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
I speak not this to your reproach: for I have already assured you, that I am so heartily well affected to you, I could live and die with you.
I speak not this to your reproach: for I have already assured you, that I am so heartily well affected to you, I could live and die with you. I use indeed great freedom of speech toward you, yet I greatly glory upon your account: I am filled with comfort, and my joy is still superiour to all my affliction. read more. for when I came to Macedonia, I had no respit from the trouble that beset me on every side: oppositions from without, and apprehensions within. nevertheless, God who comforteth those that are cast down, gave me comfort by the arrival of Titus: not barely by his presence, but by the consolation I received from you by him, when he acquainted me with your earnest desire to see me, with your concern, and your zeal for me; which greatly increas'd my joy.
but by the consolation I received from you by him, when he acquainted me with your earnest desire to see me, with your concern, and your zeal for me; which greatly increas'd my joy. For tho' I was sorry my letter gave you some uneasiness, I do not repent of it, perceiving, that the uneasiness you had from that letter, did not dwell upon your minds.
For tho' I was sorry my letter gave you some uneasiness, I do not repent of it, perceiving, that the uneasiness you had from that letter, did not dwell upon your minds.
For tho' I was sorry my letter gave you some uneasiness, I do not repent of it, perceiving, that the uneasiness you had from that letter, did not dwell upon your minds.
For tho' I was sorry my letter gave you some uneasiness, I do not repent of it, perceiving, that the uneasiness you had from that letter, did not dwell upon your minds. now I rejoice, not at your uneasiness, but at your repentance which succeeded: for your sorrow was a religious sorrow, such as convinc'd you I had done you no wrong.
now I rejoice, not at your uneasiness, but at your repentance which succeeded: for your sorrow was a religious sorrow, such as convinc'd you I had done you no wrong. for religious sorrow produces that salutary repentance, which we never regret: but worldly sorrow preys upon life.
for religious sorrow produces that salutary repentance, which we never regret: but worldly sorrow preys upon life. 'tis observable, even this religious sorrow which you had, what solicitude has it not wrought in you, what apologies, what indignation, what fear, what desire, what zeal, yea, what revenge! so that by your whole conduct, ye have shown your selves to be clear from guilt in this matter.
'tis observable, even this religious sorrow which you had, what solicitude has it not wrought in you, what apologies, what indignation, what fear, what desire, what zeal, yea, what revenge! so that by your whole conduct, ye have shown your selves to be clear from guilt in this matter. wherefore, my writing to you so severely did not proceed from any prejudice to him, that had done the wrong, or from favour to him that suffered wrong, but to show my conscientious regard to your welfare.
wherefore, my writing to you so severely did not proceed from any prejudice to him, that had done the wrong, or from favour to him that suffered wrong, but to show my conscientious regard to your welfare. so that your comfort was no small satisfaction to me: yea, and I was the more exceedingly pleased for that cheerful tranquillity of mind which Titus received from the behaviour of you all.
so that your comfort was no small satisfaction to me: yea, and I was the more exceedingly pleased for that cheerful tranquillity of mind which Titus received from the behaviour of you all. so that I am not ashamed of the commendations I have formerly given you to him; but as I have always preached the truth to you, so in my commendation to Titus, I have said nothing but truth of you.
so that I am not ashamed of the commendations I have formerly given you to him; but as I have always preached the truth to you, so in my commendation to Titus, I have said nothing but truth of you. and his affection to you is abundantly increased, whilst he remembers your obedience, and that fear and reverence with which you all received him.
and his affection to you is abundantly increased, whilst he remembers your obedience, and that fear and reverence with which you all received him. my having therefore such an entire confidence in you, does agreeably affect me.
I must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made,
I must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made,
I must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made, who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power, read more. (I bear them witness) yea, and beyond their power: earnestly intreating me to take the gift, and the charge of conveying it to the converts at Jerusalem: and in this they out-did my expectation; such was the divine pleasure, they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then made me an offer to go themselves to Corinth. I therefore desired Titus, as he had begun, to finish this contribution among you.
but was chosen by the churches to accompany me with this collection; which service I undertook for the sake of Christ, and to encourage your generous design.
for I know your generous propensity, and I mention'd it with applause to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; so that your zeal has influenc'd many others.
I thought it therefore necessary to counsel the brethren to go before, and settle the management of the contribution by this previous notice, that it might have such dispatch, as shows a bountiful, and not a niggardly temper. remember, " he who sows sparingly, shall reap also sparingly: and he who sows bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." read more. let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor. and God is able to make every charitable gift redound to your advantage; that being always sufficiently supply'd in every thing, you may excel in every good work: as it is written, " he hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his liberality remaineth for ever." now he that furnishes seed to the sower, and bread for food, shall furnish and multiply what you sow, and increase the fruits of your liberality. so that being enriched in every thing, you may be continually beneficent to the glory of God by our thanksgiving. for the execution of this charitable office, does not only supply the necessities of the converts, but by the thanksgivings of many redounds also to the glory of God. having this proof of you by such a supply, they will glorify God for your profess'd subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them as well as others; and you will have the advantage of their earnest prayers, for the exceeding favour God has bestowed upon them by you: thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
I who am a person of a mean presence, when among you, but exert myself upon your account, when absent; I Paul intreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not to let me exert that authority,
I who am a person of a mean presence, when among you, but exert myself upon your account, when absent; I Paul intreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not to let me exert that authority,
(for 'tis objected that my letters are weighty and powerful, but my bodily presence weak, and my preaching
Would you could bear with me a little in my vanity, but indeed you do bear with me.
Are they Hebrews? so am I: are they Israelites? so am I: are they of the race of Abraham? so am I: are they ministers of Christ? is it my vanity? I am more so: in toilsome labours I surpass them, in stripes I am exceedingly beyond them, in prisons I have been oftner, and frequently in the very jaws of death. read more. from the Jews I have five times received forty stripes save one. thrice was I whip'd with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I was shipwreck'd; a night and a day I was floating on the deep: in my voyages I have been frequently in perils from rivers, in perils from robbers, in perils from my own countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the country, in perils at sea, in perils among false brethren; expos'd to toil, to fatigue, to frequent watchings, to hunger and thirst, to frequent fastings, to cold and penury. besides these troubles from without, that which crouds upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Have not I reason to glory? for now I shall mention my visions and revelations from the Lord.
and lest I should be exalted above measure by the extraordinary revelations I have had, I was afflicted in my person, so that the messenger of satan insulted me; concerning which,
and lest I should be exalted above measure by the extraordinary revelations I have had, I was afflicted in my person, so that the messenger of satan insulted me; concerning which, I besought the Lord thrice, to make him leave me. read more. but he said to me, "my favour is sufficient for thee: for my strength is shown to be perfect by thy weakness." with pleasure therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may be seen to dwell in me.
This is the third time I purposed to come to you; but I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: since it is not expected children should lay up for their parents, but parents for their children: on the contrary,
what, did I make a gain of you by any body I sent to you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother: did Titus make a gain of you? didn't we follow the same principles, and take the same measures?
I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother: did Titus make a gain of you? didn't we follow the same principles, and take the same measures? do you think I have been making excuses for not coming? as I am a christian, in the presence of God, I have, my beloved, in every thing consulted your advantage.
do you think I have been making excuses for not coming? as I am a christian, in the presence of God, I have, my beloved, in every thing consulted your advantage. yet I fear when I do come I shall not find you such as I would, and that you will find me such as you least desire: I am afraid there are among you debates, envyings, animosities, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults: read more. and I am afraid, God will humble me when I come again among you, and I shall bewail many who have formerly sinned, and have not yet repented of their impurity, their fornication, and dissoluteness.
and I am afraid, God will humble me when I come again among you, and I shall bewail many who have formerly sinned, and have not yet repented of their impurity, their fornication, and dissoluteness.
This is the third time I am coming to you: "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
This is the third time I am coming to you: "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.
these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.
these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction. Finally, brethren, be cheerful: redress yourselves, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. read more. salute one another with religious affection. all the converts salute you. the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communication of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. amen.
giving thanks to the father, who has qualified you to share in that light he affords to his people: