Commentary on 2Corinthians Part 3 (No. F047iii)

Introduction

In part II, chapters 8-9 dealt with the collection documentation that commenced in the Sabbath Year the 28^th year of the First Jubilee at Corinth in the Sabbath Year 56 CE. The 2Corinthans sequence seems to have been written in 57 CE which is the 29^th year of the Jubilee and First Year of the Fifth Sabbath cycle. The next series of Chapter 10-13 are considered to represent the letter written by Paul after 1Corinthians and which caused such distress. It is thought to have been appended to that letter.

Intent of the chapters

Chapter 10

Paul begins in an appeal to the meekness and gentleness of Christ. He states he is humble when face to face with them but bold when he is away (v. 1). He begs that when he is present he may not have to show boldness with such confidence as he counts on showing to some who suspect us of acting in a worldly fashion (v. 2). This text indicates that the church is still split by factional divisions that were indicated as present in 1Corinthians. He says although they live in the world they are not carrying on a worldly war. For their weapons are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds (vv. 3-4). This is in effect an implied threat. He says that: “we destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the Knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish disobedience when your obedience is complete” (vv. 5-6).

He reprimands them by inviting them to “Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that they are Christ’s so are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I shall not be put to shame” (vv. 7-8). He says: “I would not seem to be frightening you with letters. For they say: ‘His letters are weighty and strong but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.’ Let such people understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present” (vv. 9-11). Paul is concerned here that the humility and meekness displayed by the Holy Spirit, even in Moses and Christ, is mistaken for weakness. He then says: “Not that we venture to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (v.12).

It is in these factional divisions that the Holy Spirit is grieved and the divisions are used by Satan in dividing the body of Christ. These divisions in Corinth reduced the church to a great degree into the future. This sin of creating divisions and factions continued on into the 21^st Century into the last phases of the Churches of God in both the Sardis and Laodicean systems (Revelation ch.3). The ministry played the internal divisions they created, or fostered, off against one another, in respect of persons (No. 221) using defamation and slander. In so doing, and by also using the false Hillel Calendar, or no calendar at all, they destroyed their chances of entry to the First Resurrection (No. 143A) and consigned the divisions and their ministry to the Second Resurrection (No. 143B).

Paul then rounds off Chapter 10 from verse 13: “But we will not boast beyond limit, but will keep to the limits God has apportioned us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in other men’s labours, but our hope is that as your faith increases, our field among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you without boasting of work already done in another’s field” (vv. 13-16).

He ends with saying:”Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord. For it is not the man who commends himself that is accepted, but the man whom the Lord commends” (vv. 17-18).

Chapter 11

He then says that: “I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me. I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ, to present you as a pure bride to her one husband. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray, from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (vv. 1-3).

Here he is basically implying that they are being led astray by a false spirit and false teachers. He continues from verse 4: “For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive another spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough” (v. 4).

He then deals with these assertions regarding the “superlative” apostles with which he seems to be compared. “I think that I am not in the least inferior to these superlative apostles. Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things” (vv. 5-6)

From verse 7, he questions what it was that made them devalue him. He says: “Did I commit a sin in abasing myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s Gospel without cost to you?” He then says that he robbed other churches, by accepting support from them, in order to serve Corinth (vv. 7-8).

He then writes of his needs when with them from verse 9. “And when I was with you and in want, I did not burden anyone, for my needs were supplied by the brethren who came from Macedonia. So I refrained, and will refrain, from burdening you in any way. As the truth of Christ is in me this boast shall not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!” (vv. 9-11)

These words are repetitive rebukes of disloyalty among the Corinthian brethren who have been seduced by false apostles, who seek to undermine Paul and his team in the gospel. The misapplication of Paul’s teachings continues right to this day in asserting antinomianism to him (cf. Paul Part I: Paul and the Law (No. 271)).

Paul then continues in verse 12. “And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds” (vv. 12-15).

From verse 16 he warns them again: “I repeat let no one think me foolish; But even if you do accept me as a fool so that I too may boast a little.” He then qualifies this text in verse 17. (What I am saying I say not with the Lord’s authority but as a fool, in this boastful confidence; since many boast of worldly things; I too will boast) (vv. 17-18). “For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! (v. 19)

He continues (vv. 20-21): For you bear it if a man makes slaves of you, or preys up on you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say we were too weak for that!”

Paul then proceeds to outline his heritage and qualifications from verse 21b-33 and 12:1-13. “But whatever anyone dares to boast of – I am speaking as a fool – I also dare to boast of that. He then proceeds to outline himself as a Hebrew, descendant of Abraham, servant of Christ with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, countless beatings, often near death. Five times he received forty lashes less one; three times beaten with rods; once he was stoned. Three times he was shipwrecked with a night and a day adrift at sea. He was in danger from rivers, robbers, Jews, Gentiles, in the city and in the wilderness, at sea, from false brethren. He was in toil and hardship, with many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

He then says (v. 28): Apart from other things there was the daily pressure of anxiety for all the churches. In verse 29 Paul asks: Who is weak and I am not weak? Who is made to fall and he is not indignant?

From verses 30-33 he writes of the things of which he might boast that in fact show his weakness. He states that God and Christ know he does not lie. At Damascus King Aretas guarded Damascus in order to seize him, but he was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped him.”

Chapter 12

Paul continues to list his achievements in visions and revelations of the Lord (v. 1).

From verse 2 he lists a man who, fourteen years prior (prob. 41 CE Sabbath 14^th Year), was caught up to the Third heaven and allegedly heard things that could not be told. He was to boast of this man but not of his own weaknesses. He was given a thorn in his side to keep him from being too elated (v. 7). Three times he asked the Lord that it leave him but it did not. He was told through the Spirit that God’s Grace is made sufficient for him for his power is made perfect in weakness (v. 9). In that way, for the sake of Christ, he is content with weaknesses, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for when he is weak then he is strong (through his reliance on the power and grace of God).

From verses 11-13 Paul states he has been a fool. The Corinthians forced him to it because he ought to have been commended by them. For he was not at all inferior to these false apostles even though he claims he was nothing. He says that the signs of a true apostle were performed among them in all patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works, He then asks: “For in what were you less favoured than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you, Forgive me this wrong.” This was said sarcastically as a rebuke to them (see below).

From verse 14 Paul says that for the third time he is ready to come to them but he does not wish to be a burden. He seeks not what is theirs but them. He then says that children ought not lay up for their parents but parents for their children. He says he will most gladly spend and be spent for their souls. If he loves them the more is he to be loved less. In verses 16-18 he then adds a further rebuke of them by saying: But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by guile. He then asks: Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

From verses 19ff. Paul asks: “Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ and all for your up-building beloved.” Paul then expresses the concern that: he fears he may come and find them not what he wishes and that they might find him not what they wish and that perhaps there may be quarrelling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit and disorder (v. 20).

All of these sins are caused by the factions of a church not led by the Holy Spirit and it appears these have become evident from the reports given to Paul. He confirms this in the next comment (v. 21) where he says: “I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, immorality and licentiousness which they have practiced.”

Chapter 13

Paul then concludes this letter with the Summary of Chapter 13. He again says that this is the Third time he was coming to them. There is disciplinary action mooted as he says that any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses. He says that he warned those who sinned before and all the others. He warns them here, while absent, as he did when present on his second visit, that if he comes again he will not spare them, since they desire proof that Christ is speaking in Paul. Christ is not weak in dealing with them but is powerful in them (vv. 1-3). Paul says: For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in dealing with them (at Corinth), they shall live with Christ by the power of God (v. 4).

From verse 5, Paul then exhorts them to examine themselves and see if they are holding to the faith. Test themselves; Do they not realise Christ is in them unless indeed they fail to meet the test. He says that he hopes that they will find out that they all, including Paul, have not failed. He says that they pray God that they may not do wrong – not that they all may appear to have met the test, but that they may do what is right though we may seem to have failed (v. 7). He says: they cannot do anything against the truth; but only for the truth. He then says: “For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong.” What Paul says they pray for is Corinth’s improvement (vv. 8-9).

From verse 10 Paul says that he writes this while he is away from them so that when he comes to them he does not have to be as severe in the use of his authority, which the Lord has given him for the building up and not for the tearing down.

From verse 11 he says: “Finally brethren, farewell. Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace be with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.”

Verse 14 ends with: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

This ends the letter from chapters 10-13. If this was not the harsh letter to which Paul refers then one would have hated to be on the receiving end of it. This letter stands in its own right and seems to be without doubt the letter to which Paul refers, which, for some reason, was placed at the end of 2Corinthians. It was a serious reprimand to the Corinthian Church and a direct accusation against the conduct and attitudes of the brethren. Nothing written in the Holy Spirit to the church has been lost.

*****

2Corinthians RSV

Chapter 10

¹I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold to you when I am away! -- ²I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of acting in worldly fashion. ³For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, ⁴for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ⁵We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, ⁶being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. ⁷Look at what is before your eyes. If any one is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that as he is Christ's, so are we. ⁸For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I shall not be put to shame. ⁹I would not seem to be frightening you with letters. ¹⁰For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account." ¹¹Let such people understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. ¹²Not that we venture to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. ¹³But we will not boast beyond limit, but will keep to the limits God has apportioned us, to reach even to you. ¹⁴For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. ¹⁵We do not boast beyond limit, in other men's labors; but our hope is that as your faith increases, our field among you may be greatly enlarged, ¹⁶so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's field. ¹⁷"Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord." ¹⁸For it is not the man who commends himself that is accepted, but the man whom the Lord commends.

Chapter 11

¹I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! ²I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure bride to her one husband. ³But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. ⁴For if some one comes and preaches, another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough. ⁵I think that I am not in the least inferior to these superlative apostles. ⁶Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. ⁷Did I commit a sin in abasing myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel without cost to you? ⁸I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. ⁹And when I was with you and was in want, I did not burden any one, for my needs were supplied by the brethren who came from Macedo'nia. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. ¹⁰As the truth of Christ is in me, this boast of mine shall not be silenced in the regions of Acha'ia. ¹¹And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! ¹²And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. ¹³For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ¹⁵So it is not strange if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. ¹⁶I repeat, let no one think me foolish; but even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. ¹⁷(What I am saying I say not with the Lord's authority but as a fool, in this boastful confidence; ¹⁸since many boast of worldly things, I too will boast.) ¹⁹For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! ²⁰For you bear it if a man makes slaves of you, or preys upon you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. ²¹To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever any one dares to boast of--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast of that. ²²Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.²³Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one--I am talking like a madman--with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. ²⁴Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. ²⁵Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift at sea; ²⁶on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brethren; ²⁷in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. ²⁸And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. ²⁹Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? ³⁰If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. ³¹The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. ³²At Damascus, the governor under King Ar'etas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, ³³but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands.

Chapter 12

¹I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. ²I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. ³And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows-- ⁴and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. ⁵On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. ⁶Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. ⁷And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. ⁸Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; ⁹but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong. ¹¹I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these superlative apostles, even though I am nothing. ¹²The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. ¹³For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong! ¹⁴Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children. ¹⁵I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you the more, am I to be loved the less? ¹⁶But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by guile. ¹⁷Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? ¹⁸I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps? ¹⁹Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. ²⁰For I fear that perhaps I may come and find you not what I wish, and that you may find me not what you wish; that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. ²¹I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and licentiousness which they have practiced.

Chapter 13

¹This is the third time I am coming to you. Any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ²I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them-- ³since you desire proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful in you. ⁴For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in dealing with you we shall live with him by the power of God. ⁵Examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you fail to meet the test! ⁶I hope you will find out that we have not failed. ⁷But we pray God that you may not do wrong--not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. ⁸For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. ⁹For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. What we pray for is your improvement. ¹⁰I write this while I am away from you, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. ¹¹Finally, brethren, farewell. Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. ¹²Greet one another with a holy kiss. ¹³All the saints greet you. ¹⁴The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Bullinger’s Notes on 2Corinthians Chs. 10-13 (for KJV)

Chapter 10

Verse 1

beseech. Greek parakaleo. App-134.

by. Greek. die. App-104. 2 Corinthians 10:1.

meekness. Greek. praotes. See 1 Corinthians 4:21.

gentleness. Greek epieikeio. Only here and Acts 24:4. (clemency). The adjective epieikes occurs in Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:5 (moderation).

Christ. App-98.

in presence = according to (Greek. kata. App-104.) outward appearance (prosopon).

base = lowly. Greek. tapeinos. See Romans 12:16.

among. Greek. en. App-104.

am bold. Greek. tharred. See 2 Corinthians 5:6.

toward. Greek. eis. App-104. This refers to what his opponents said of him (2 Corinthians 10:10).

Verse 2

beseech = pray. Greek. deomai. App-134.

not. Greek. me App-105.

that = the.

confidence. Greek. pepoithesis. App-150.

think = reckon.

be bold = dare, as 12. Greek. tolmao. Tharreo expresses "confidence", tolmao carries the feeling into action.

against. Greek. epi. App-104.

some. Greek tines. App-124.

according to. Greek. kata, as in 2 Corinthians 10:1.

Verse 3

in. Greek. en. App-104.

not. Greek. ou. App-105.

war. Greek. strateuomai Seo 1 Corinthians 9:7.

after = according to, as above.

Verse 4

weapons. Greek. hoplon. See 2 Corinthians 6:7.

warfare. Greek. atrateia. Only here and 1 Timothy 1:18.

carnal. Greek. sarkikos. See Romans 7:14 and 1 Peter 2:11.

mighty. Greek. dunatos. Same as "able", 2 Corinthians 9:8.

through = by. No preposition. Dative case.

God. App-98.

to. Greek. pros. App-104.

pulling down = destruction. Greek. kathairesis. Only here, 2 Corinthians 10:8, and 2 Corinthians 13:10. The verb in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

strong holds. Greek. ochuroma. Only occurance.

Verse 5

imaginations = thoughts, or reasonings. Greek. logismos. Only here and Romans 2:15.

high thing. Greek. hupsoma. Only here and Romans 8:39.

exalteth. Greek. epairo. See Acts 1:9.

against. Greek. kata. App-104.

knowledge. Greek. gnosis. App-152.

bringing, he. Greek. aichmalotizo. See Romans 7:23.

thought. Greek. noema. See 2 Corinthians 2:11.

to. Greek. eis. App-104.

Verse 6

revenge = avenge. Greek. ekdikeo. See Luke 18:3, and Compare 2 Corinthians 7:11.

disobedience. Greek. parakoe. See Romans 5:19.

fulfilled. Greek. pleroo. App-125.

Verse 7

look on. Greek. blepo. App-13.

outward appearance. Greek. prosopon, as in 2 Corinthians 10:1.

If. App-118.

any man = any one. Greek. tis. App-123.

trust. Greek. peitho. App-150.

of = from. Greek. apo. App-104. All texts save L give epi with genitive App-104.

even so are we = so are we also.

Verse 8

though = if. App-118.

boast = glory. Greek. kauchaonmai. See Romans 2:17.

of = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104.

authority. Greek. exousia. App-172.

Lord. App-98. A:

hath given = gave.

for. Greek. eis. App-104.

edification. Greek. oikodome. See 1 Corinthians 3:9.

be ashamed. Greek. oischunoenai. Occurs elsewhere, Luke 16:3. Philippians 1:1, Philippians 1:20. 1 Peter 4:16; 1 John 2:22. The more frequent word in N.T. is kataischuno. See Romans 5:5.

Verse 9

That = In order that. Greek. hina.

terrify. Greek. ekphobeo. Only here.

Verse 10

weighty. Greek. barus. See Acts 20:29.

powerful. Greek. ischuros. Compare App-172.

presence. Greek. parousia. See Matthew 24:3.

weak. As 1 Corinthians 1:27.

speech. Greek. logos. App-121.

contemptible = of no account. Greek. exoutheneo. See Acts 4:11.

Verse 11

in. No preposition. Dative case.

word. Greek. logos. Same as "speech" above.

Verse 12

dare. Same as "be bold", 2 Corinthians 10:2.

make . . . of the number. Greek. enkrino, to judge or reckon among. Only here. App-122.

compare. Greek. sonkrino. App-122.

some. Greek. tines. App-124.

commend. Greek. sunistano, See Romans 3:5.

by = among. Greek. en. App-104.

are not wise = do not understand. First occurrence Matthew 13:13.

Verse 13

not. Greek. ouchi, App-105.

of = with reference to. Greek. eis. App-104.

things without our measure. Literally the unmeasured (Greek. ametros, only here and 2 Corinthians 10:15) things.

rule. Greek kanon. Occurs elsewhere, verses: 2 Corinthians 10:15-16. Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:16, Philippians 3:16. Hence English "canon".

distributed. Greek. merizo. See 1 Corinthians 7:17.

reach = arrive. Greek. ephikneomai. Only here and 2 Corinthians 10:14.

even unto you = unto (Greek. (achri, as far as) you also.

Verse 14

stretch . . . beyond. Greek. huperekteino, stretch out over. Only

here. unto. Greek. eis. App-104.

gospel. Compare App-140.

Verse 15

of = in. Greek. en. App-104.

other men"s, Greek. attotrios. App-124.

faith. Greek. pistil. App-150.

enlarged = magnified. Greek. megatuno. See Acts 5:13.

by = in. Greek. en. App-104.

abundantly = unto (Greek. eis) abundance.

Verse 16

preach the gospel Greek. euangetizo. App-121.

in = unto. Greek. eis, as above.

beyond. Greek. huperekeina. Only here.

another man"s. Greek. allotrios, as in 2 Corinthians 10:15.

line. Same as "rule", 2 Corinthians 10:13.

Verse 17

glorieth. Same as boast, 2 Corinthians 10:8. The quotation is from Jeremiah 9:24.

LORD. App-98.

Verse 18

approved. Greek. dokimos. See Romans 14:18,

Chapter 11

Verse 1

Would to God. See 1 Corinthians 4:8.

bear with. Gr anechomai. See Luke 9:41.

folly. Greek. aphroaunt. Only here, verses: 2 Corinthians 11:17, 2 Corinthians 11:21, and Mark 7:22. Compare 22Colossians 11:16.

bear = ye do bear.

Verse 2

jealous. Gr. zeloo See Acts 7:9,

godly = of God. App-98. It means a great jealousy. Compare Acts 7:20.

jealousy. Greek. zelos. See Acts 5:17,

have. Omit.

espoused. Greek. harmoza. Only here.

husband. Greek aner. App-123.

chaste. Greek. hagnos. See 2 Corinthians 7:11.

Christ. App-98.

Verse 3

lest by any means. Greek. me pos.

beguiled = deceived. Greek. exapatao. See Romans 7:11.

through = in. Greek. en. App-104.

subtilty = craftiness. Greek. panourgia. See Luke 20:23

minds. Greek. noema. See 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 3:14.

corrupted. Greek. phtheiro. See 1 Corinthians 3:17.

from. Greek. apo. App-104

simplicity. Greek. haptotes. See 2 Corinthians 1:12,

in = towards. Greek. eis. App-104.

Verse 4

if. App-118.

preacheth. On. kerusso. App-121.

another. Greek. allos. App-124.

Jesus. App-98.

not. Greek. ou. App-106.

another. Greek hetaros. App-124.

spirit. App-101., Compare verses: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15,

another. Greek. heteros as above. Compare Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:7.

gospel. Compare App-140.

ye might, &c. The meaning is, if the false teacher professed to bring a fresh gospel, might be some excuse for their hearing what he had to say, that it is the same as Paul"s message.

Verse 5

suppose = reckon.

was . . . behind. Greek. hustero, See. Cor. 2 Corinthians 1:7.

not a whit = in nothing. Greek. medeis. Whit is the O. E, wiht (wight), a person or thing.

very chiefest. Greek. huper (App-104) lian (exceeding). Farrar translated "extra-super

apostles. App-189. This is said ironically of the claims of those who decried him.

Verse 6

though = even if. App-118.

rude. Greek. idiotes. See Acts 4:13.

speech. Greek. logos. App-121.

knowledge. Greek. gnosis. App-132.

throughly = in (Greek. en) every way.

made manifest. Greek. phaneroo. App-106.

among. Greek. eis. App-104.

in. Greek. en. App-104,

Verse 7

offence = sin. Greek. harnartia. App-128.

abasing. Greek. tapeinoo, Compare tapeinosis, Acts 8:33.

that = in order that. Greek. hina.

exalted. Greek. hubsoo. See John 12:32,

have. Omit.

preached. Greek. euangelizo. App-121.

God. App-98.

freely. Greek dorean.

As a free gift. See Romans 3:24.

Verse 8

robbed. Greek. sulao. Only here. Compare Acts 19:37.

other. Greek. allos, as in 2 Corinthians 11:4. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:9.

churches. App-186.

wages. Greek. opsonion. See Romans 6:23.

to do you service. Lit, for (Greek. pros. App-104.) the service (Greek. diakonia. App-190.) of you.

Verse 9

with. Greek. pros, as above.

wanted = was in need, Greek. hustereo, as in 2 Corinthians 11:5.

was chargeable = distressed. Greek. katanarkao. Only here and 2 Corinthians 12:13, 2 Corinthians 12:14.

no man. A double negative here. Greek. ou oudeis.

that which was lacking to me = my need. Greek. husterema. See 1 Corinthians 16:17.

which = when they.

Macedonia. See Acts 18:5.

supplied. Greek. prosanapleroo. See 2 Corinthians 9:12. Compare Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:15, Philippians 1:16.

from being, &c. Literally unburdensome. Greek. abares. Only here.

unto = to.

Verse 10

no man, &c. Literally this glorying shall not (Greek. ou) be stopped (Greek. phrasso. See Romans 3:19) to (Greek. eis) me.

boasting. Greek. kauchesis. See Romans 3:27,

regions. Greek. klima, See Romans 15:23.

Verse 11

love. Greek. agapao. App-132.

knoweth. Greek. oida. App-132.

Verse 12

occasion. Greek. aphorme. See Romans 7:8.

desire. Greek thelo. App-102.

wherein = in (Greek. en) what.

glory. Greek kauchaomai. See Romans 2:17.

Verse 13

false apostles. Greek. pseudapostotos. Only here. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:26 and 2 Peter 2:1,

deceitful. Greek. dolios. Only here. The verb in Romans 3:13.

transforming themselves. Greek. metaschematizo. See 1 Corinthians 4:6.

into. Greek. eis. App-104.

the. Omit

Verse 14

no. Greek. no, as 2 Corinthians 11:4.

light. Greek. phos. App-130. See 2 Corinthians 2:11. Revelation 2:24.

Verse 15

ministers. Greek. diakonos. App-190.

righteousness. Greek. dikaiosune. App-191.

according to. Greek. kata, App-104.

Verse 16

no. Greek. me. App-105.

man = one. Greek. tin. App-123.

fool, Greek. aphron. See Luke 11:40. The fifth, sixth, and seventh one. in this verse and 2 Corinthians 11:19. Compare aphrosune, 2 Corinthians 11:12.

otherwise = not. Greek. me, as above.

boast = glory, as in 2 Corinthians 11:12.

Verse 17

speak. Greek. laleo. App-121.

after = according to. Greek. kata, as in 2 Corinthians 11:15.

Lord. App-98.

foolishly = in (Greek. en) folly (2 Corinthians 11:1).

confidence. See 2 Corinthians 9:4. Compare Philippians 1:3, Philippians 1:4-6.

Verse 18

Seeing that = Since.

I, &c. Read I also, U.

Verse 19

suffer. Same as "bear with", 2 Corinthians 11:1.

gladly. Greek. hedeos. Only here, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 12:15. Mark 8:12, Mark 8:37,

seeing, &c. Literally being wise.

Verse 20

bring. into bondage = enslave. Greek. katadouloo. Only here and Galatians 1:2, Galatians 1:4. Compare App-190.

devour. Greek. katesthio. Elsewhere, Matthew 23:14. Mark 12:40. Luke 20:47, Galatians 1:5, Galatians 1:15. Revelation 11:5.

exalt. Greek epoira. See Acts 1:9.

on = upon. Greek. eis. App-104.

Verse 21

as concerning = according to, or by way of. Greek. kata, as in verses: 2 Corinthians 11:15, 2 Corinthians 11:17.

reproach = shame. Greek. atimia. See Romans 1:26.

though = that.

weak. Supply the Ellipsis with "as they say",

whereinsoever = in (Greek. en) whatever.

any. Greek. tis, as in 2 Corinthians 11:16.

is bold, am bold = dares, dare. See 2 Corinthians 10:2.

Verse 22

Are they Hebrews? &c. These questions are an example of the Figure of speech Epiphoza. App-6.

Verse 23

as a fool = being beside myself. Greek. paraphroneo. Compare 2 Peter 2:15 (madness).

more. Greek. huper (App-104., here used adverbially). The Ellipsis of any object adds emphasis.

labours. Greek kopos. See 2 Corinthians 11:27.

more abundant. See 2 Corinthians 1:12.

above measure. Greek huperballontos. Only here. Compare 2 Corinthians 3:10 (excel). See Acts 16:23.

more frequent. Same as "more abundant", above.

Verse 24

Of = By. Greek. hupo. App-104.

forty. See Deuteronomy 25:3.

save = beside. Greek para. App-104.

Verse 25

beaten, he. Greek. rhabdizo. See Acts 16:22.

stoned. At Lystra, Acts 14:19.

suffered shipwreck = was shipwrecked. Greek. nauageo. Only here and 1 Timothy 1:19.

a night and a day. Greek nuchthemeron. Only here.

been. Literally made, i.e. spent.

deep. Greek. buthos. Only here. Before this was written Paul made at least seven voyages. Acts 13:4, Acts 13:13; Acts 14:26; Acts 16:11; Acts 18:18, Acts 18:19, Acts 18:21; Acts 2:12, Acts 2:13; and possibly many more.

Verse 26

journey = inv. Greek. hodoiporia. Only here and John 4:6. Compare Acts 10:9.

perils. Greek. kindunos. Only in this verse and Item. 2 Corinthians 8:35,

robbers = bandits. Greek. lestes. See John 18:40.

by = from. Greek. ek. App-104.

countrymen = nation. Greek. genos. See Mark 7:26. Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:14.

heathen. Greek. ethnos Genitive translation "nation", or" Gentile"; "heathen "here, Acts 4:25. Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:16; Galatians 2:9; Galatians 3:8. "

among. Greek. en. App-104.

false brethren. Greek. pseudadelphos. Only here and Galatians 2:4, compare 2 Corinthians 11:13. Only a few of these dangers and sufferings are described in Paul"s history as recorded in Acts.

Verse 27

weariness. Same as "labours", 2 Corinthians 11:23.

painfulness. Greek. mochthos. Only here, 1 Thessalonians 2:9. 2 Thessalonians 3:8.

watehings. Greek. agrupnia. See 2 Corinthians 6:5.

thirst. Greek. dipsos. Only here.

cold. Greek. psuchos. See Acts 28:2.

nakedness. Greek. gumnotes. See Romans 8:35, and compare 1 Corinthians 4:11.

Verse 28

Beside = Apart from.

those . . . are = the things.

without. Greek parektos. Compare Acts 26:29.

that which . . . me. Literally my crowd. Greek. epieustasis. Only here and Acts 24:12.

daily. Greek. kath (App-104.) hemeran. The daily crowd of matters demanding his attention. Besides the letters which have come down to us, he must have written many others in answer to those from his convents. See, Cor. 2 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Verse 29

offended. Greek. skandalizo. See 1 Corinthians 8:13.

burn. Greek. puroomai. See 1 Corinthians 7:9. Here it means, with zeal or indignation.

Verse 30

which concern = of.

Verse 31

Father. App-98.

Lord. App-98.

Jesus Christ. App-98. but the texts omit "Christ".

blessed. Greek. eulogetos. See 2 Corinthians 1:3.

for evermore. App-161.

Verse 32

governor. Greek. ethnarches. Only here. It means a prefect.

Aretas. The father-in-law of Herod Antipas. App-109,

kept . . . with a garrison = guarded. Greek. phroureo. Only here, Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:23. Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:7. 1 Peter 1:5.

desirous = wishing. Greek. thelo. App-102, but the texts omit.

apprehend. Greek. piazo. See John 11:57. No doubt to please the Jews in Damascus. Compare Acts 12:3; Acts 24:27; Acts 20:9.

Verse 33

through. Greek. dia. App-104. 2 Corinthians 11:1.

window. Greek. thuris. See Acts 20:9.

basket. Greek. sargane. Only here. In Acts 9:25 the word is spuris.

let down. Greek. chalao. See Luke 5:4,

by. Greek. dia, as above.

Chapter 12

Verse 1

not. Greek. ou. App-105.

glory. Greek. kauchaomai. See Romans 2:19.

I will = But I will.

to = unto. Greek. eis. App-104.

visions. Greek. optasia. See Acts 26:19

revelations. Greek. apokalupsis. App-106.

Lord. App-98.

Verse 2

knew. Greek. oida. App-132. The 2nd Perf. with sense of the Present Tense.

man. Greek. anthropos. App-129.

in. Greek. en. App-104.

Christ. App-98.

above, &c. Literally before (Greek. pro. App-104. xiv) four-teen years.

cannot tell = know (Greek. oida as above) not (Greek. au).

out of = without. Greek. ektos. See 1 Corinthians 6:18.

God. App-98.

caught up = caught away. Greek. harpazo. See John 10:12.

to = as far as. Greek. heos.

heaven. Singular. See Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.

Verse 4

into. Greek. eis. App-104.

paradise. See note on Ecclesiastes 2:5,

unspeakable. Greek. arretos. Only here.

words, Greek. rhema. See Mark 9:32.

utter. Greek. laleo. App-121. Paul was alive, and whether be was carried away bodily, as Phillip was (Acts 8:39), or not, he knew not, nor can we, only God knows. He may have been as Ezekiel was (Ezekiel 8:3), or John (Revelation 1:10).

Verse 5

Of = On behalf of. Greek. huper. App-104.

but = except. Greek. ei me.

infirmities = weaknesses. Same word in 2 Corinthians 9:10.

Verse 6

though = if, App-118.

desire. Greek. thelo. App-102.

fool. Greek. aphron. See Luke 11:40. This is the eighth occurance of the word, and the ninth is in 2 Corinthians 12:11.

forbear = spare. Greek. pheidomai. See Acts 20:29.

lest. Greek. me. App-105.

any man = anyone. Greek. tis. App-123.

think = reckon.

of = with reference to. Greek. eis. App-104.

above. Greek. huper. App-104.

seeth. Greek. blepo. App-133.

of. Greek. ek. App-104.

Verse 7

lest = in order that (Greek. hina). . . not (Gr, me, as above).

exalted . . . measure = over-exalted. Greek. huperairomai. Only here and 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

through = by. No preposition. Dative case.

abundance = excellence. Greek. huperbole.

thorn. Greek. skolops. Only here in N.T. Found in the Septuagint Numbers 33:55. Ezekiel 28:24. Hosea 2:6. Also in the Papyri.

the = a.

messenger. Greek. angelos

to = in order that (Greek. hina) he (or it) should.

buffet. Greek. kolaphizo. See 1 Corinthians 4:11,

Verse 8

For = In behalf of. Greek. huper. App-104.

besought. Greek. parakaleo. App-134.

Lord. App-98.

that = in order that. Greek. hina.

from. Greek. apo. App-104.

Verse 9

unto = to.

grace. App-184.

My. The texts omit.

strength. Greek dunamis. App-172.

is made perfect. Greek. teleioo. App-125.

Most gladly. Greek. hedista. Neut. Plural Superlative of hedus; used adverbially.

power. Greek. dunamis, as above.

rest, i.e. as a tent is spread over one. Greek. episkenoo. Only here. John uses skenoo in 2 Corinthians 1:14. See note there.

upon. Greek. epi. App-104.

Verse 10

reproaches = insults. Greek. hubris. See Acts 27:10.

distresses. Greek. steuachoria. See 2 Corinthians 6:4.

for. sake. Greek. huper. App-104.

Verse 11

in glorying, The texts omit.

Commended. Greek. sunistemi. See 2 Corinthians 3:1,

of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104.

nothing. Greek. oudeis.

am I behind. Greek hustereo. See Romans 3:23, and Compare 2 Corinthians 11:5 and 1 Corinthians 1:7.

very chiefest. See 2 Corinthians 11:5.

apostles. App-189.

though = even if. Greek. ei (App-118. a) kai.

Verse 12

signs. Greek. semeion. App-176.

among. App-104.

wonders. Greek. teras. App-176.

mighty deeds = powers. Greek. dunamis. App-176.

Verse 13

were inferior. Greek. hetiaomai. Only here and 2 Peter 2:19-20. Literally, "were worsted".

to = beyond. Greek. huper. App-104.

Other. = the rest of. App-124 2 Corinthians 124:3.

churches. App-186.

except. Greek. ei me. Some as "but", 2 Corinthians 12:5

was . . . burdensome. Greek. katanarkao. See 2 Corinthians 11:9.

forgive. Greek. chartizomai. App-184.

wrong. Greek. adikia. App-128.

Verse 14

Behold. Greek. idou. App-133.

third time, See 2 Corinthians 13:1 and Introduction Notes.

to = unto. Greek. pros. App-104.

to you. The texts omit.

children. Greek. teknon. App-108.

lay up = treesnro up. Greek. thesaurizo. As 1 Corinthians 18:2 (in store).

Verse 15

spend. Greek. dapanao. See Acts 21:24.

be spent. Greek. ekdapanao. Spend out, exhaust. Only her

You = your souls (App-110.)

love. Greek. agapao. App-136.

Verse 16

burden. Greek. katatareo. Only here.

being. Greek. huparcho. It means being essentially, from the beginning. See Luke 9:48.

crafty. Greek. panourgos: Only here. Compare Luke 20:23. These words are spoken ironicelly, quoting what his opponents alleged.

Verse 17

Did I. The question, expecting a negative answer, is introduced by me.

make a gain. Greek. pleonekteo. See 2 Corinthians 2:11.

by. Greek. dia. App-104. 2 Corinthians 12:1.

any. Greek. tis, as in 2 Corinthians 12:6.

sent. Greek. apostello. App-174.

unto. Greek. pros, as in 2 Corinthians 12:14.

Verse 18

with, &c. Greek. sunopostello. App-174. Only here.

a = the. See 2 Corinthians 8:18.

spirit. App-101. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy for mind. The internal purpose, in contrast with the external walk.

steps. Greek. ichnos. See Romans 4:12.

Verse 19

excuse ourselves = are making an apology. Greek. apologeomai. See Acts 19:33.

speak. Greek. laleo, as in 2 Corinthians 12:4.

dearly beloved. Greek. agapetos. App-136.

edifying. Greek. oikodome. See 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Verse 20

lest = lest in any way. Greek. me pos.

would = wish. Greek. thelo. App-102.

debates. Greek. eris, strife. See Romans 1:29.

envyings = jealousies. Greek. zelos. See Acts 5:17.

wraths. Greek. thumos. Occurs eighteen times. Transl, "wrath except Romans 2:3 (indignation), and Revelation 16:19; Revelation 19:15 (fierceness).

strifes. Greek. eritheia. Occurs seven times. Translated "strife", except Romans 2:8, Philippians 1:1, Philippians 1:16 (contention).

backbitinge. Greek. katalalia, speaking against. Only here and 1 Peter 2:1.

whisperings. Greek. psithurismos. Only here and Ecclesiastes 1:10, Ecclesiastes 1:11 (enchantment, i.e. the muttering of the charmer). The verb occurs 2 Samuel 12:19. Psalms 41:7. See also Romans 1:29.

swellings. Greek. phusiosis. Only here. Compare 1 Corinthians 4:6.

tumults. Greek. akataslasia. See Luke 21:9.

Verse 21

humble. Greek. tapeinoo. See 2 Corinthians 11:7.

among = before. Greek. pros. App-104.

bewail = mourn for.

which = of those who.

sinned already = sinned before. Greek. proarnartano. Only here and 2 Corinthians 13:2. Compare App-128.

have. repented = repented. Greek. metanoeo. App-111.

not. Greek. me. App-105.

of = over. Greek. epi. App-104.

lasciviousness. Greek. aselgeia. First occurance: Mark 7:22.

Chapter 13

Verse 1

third. See 2 Corinthians 12:11.

to = unto. Greek. pros. App-104.

In. Greek. epi. App-104.

witnesses. See p. 1511.

word. Greek. rhema. See Mark 9:32.

be established = stand. The reference is to Deuteronomy 19:15. Compare Matthew 18:16.

Verse 2

told. before, foretell. Greek. prolego, as Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:21.

if I were = being.

I write. The texts omit.

heretofore, &c. = have sinned before. See 2 Corinthians 12:21.

other = the rest. Greek. loipos. App-124.

if. App-118.

again. Literally for (Greek. eis) again.

not. Greek. ou. App-100.

spare. Greek. pheidomai. See Acts 20:29.

Verse 3

proof. Greek. dokime. See 2 Corinthians 2:8.

Christ. App-98.

speaking. Greek. laleo. App-121.

in. Greek. en. App-104.

Which = Who.

to you-ward = unto Greek. eis. App-104. you.

is mighty. Greek. dunateo. Only here. See 2 Corinthians 8:8.

Verse 4

For = For indeed.

though. Most of the texts omit.

through = out. of Greek. ek. App-104.

liveth. App-110.

by = oat of. Greek. ek, as above.

power. Greek. dunamis. App-172. Compare Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 1:20.

God. App-98.

with. Greek. sun. App-104.

Verse 5

Examine = Try. In John 6:6, prove,

whether = if. App-118.

faith. Greek. pistis. App-160.

Know. Greek. epiginosko. App-132.

Jesus Christ. App-98.

except = if (Greek. ei. App-118) . . . not (Greek. me, App-106) in some respect (Greek. tis).

reprobates. Greek. adokimos. See Romans 1:28.

Verse 6

trust = hope.

know. Greek. ginosko. App-132.

Verse 7

pray. Greek. euchomai. App-134.

do no = should not (Greek. me) do anything (Greek. medets). A double negative.

evil. Greek kakos. App-128.

that = sin order that. Greek. hina.

appear. Greek. phaino. App-108.

approved. Greek. dotkimos. See Romans 14:18.

honest. See 2 Corinthians 8:21.

Verse 8

nothing = not (Greek. ou. App-106.)

any thing. (Greek. tis. App-123.)

against. Greek. kata. App-104.

for = on behalf of. Greek. huper. App-104.

Verse 9

also we wish = we pray for (Greek. euchomai. App-134.) also.

perfection. Greek. katartisis. Only here. Compare 2 Corinthians 13:11 and App-125.

Verse 10

Therefore = On account of (Greek. dia. App-104.) this.

lest = in order that Greek. hina) . . . not (Greek. me. App-105).

use sharpness = act severely.

use. Greek chraomai. See Acts 27:3,

sharpness. Greek. apotomos. Only here and Titus 1:13. Compare Romans 11:22.

according to. Greek. kata. App-104.

power = authority. Greek. erousia. App-172.

Lord. App-98.

hath given = gave.

to = for. Greek. eis. App-104.

edification. Greek oikodome. See 1 Corinthians 3:9.

destruction. Greek kathairesis. See 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Verse 11

Finally = For the rest. Greek. Ioipon. See a Cor. 2 Corinthians 1:16.

Be perfect. Greek. katartizo. App-125.,

be of good comfort = be encouraged. Greek. parakaleo. App-134.

be of one mind = mind (Greek. phroneo) the same thing. Compare Romans 12:16; Romans 15:5. Philippians 1:2, Philippians 1:2; Philippians 3:16; Philippians 3:4, Philippians 3:2.

live in peace. Greek. eireneuo, as Romans 12:18,

love. Greek. agape. App-133.

with. Greek. en, App-104.

Verse 12

Greet = Salute. Greek. aspazomai. See Acts 20:1.

with. Greek. en. App-104.

Verse 13

saints. See Acts 9:13. salute. Same as "greet", 2 Corinthians 13:12.

Verse 14

grace. Greek. charis. App-184. Compare 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:12. 1 Timothy 1:14. 2 Timothy 2:1.

communion = fellowship. Greek. koinenia, as 1 Corinthians 1:9.

Ghost = Spirit. App-101.

Note the order in this benediction.

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