In this chapter the apostle, I. Gives directions about some
charitable collection to be made in this church, for the afflicted and
impoverished churches in Judea (v. 1-4). II. He talks of paying them a visit (v.
5-9). III. He recommends Timothy to them, and tells them Apollos intended to
come to them (v. 10-12). IV. He presses them to watchfulness, constancy,
charity, and to pay a due regard to all who helped him and his fellow-labourers
in their work (v. 13-19). V. After salutations from others, and his own, he
closes the epistle with a solemn admonition to them, and his good wishes for
them (v. 20 to the end).
In this chapter Paul closes this long epistle with some
particular matters of less moment; but, as all was written by divine
inspiration, it is all profitable for our instruction. He begins with directing
them about a charitable collection on a particular occasion, the distresses and
poverty of Christians in Judea, which at this time were extraordinary, partly
through the general calamities of that nation and partly through the particular
sufferings to which they were exposed. Now concerning this observe,
I. How he introduces his direction. It was not a peculiar
service which he required of them; he had given similar orders to the
churches of Galatia, v. 1. He desired them only to conform to the same rules
which he had given to other churches on a similar occasion. He did not desire
that others should be eased and they burdened, 2 Co. 8:13. He also prudently
mentions these orders of his to the churches of Galatia, to excite emulation,
and stir them up to be liberal, according to their circumstances, and the
occasion. Those who exceeded most churches in spiritual gifts, and, as it is
probable, in worldly wealth (see the argument), surely would not suffer
themselves to come behind any in their bounty to their afflicted brethren. Note,
The good examples of other Christians and churches should excite in us a holy
emulation. It is becoming a Christian not to bear to be outdone by a fellow-christian
in any thing virtuous and praise-worthy, provided this consideration only makes
him exert himself, not envy others; and the more advantages we have above others
the more should we endeavour to exceed them. The church of Corinth should not be
outdone in this service of love by the churches of Galatia, which do not appear
to have been enriched with equal spiritual gifts nor outward ability.
II. The direction itself, concerning which observe,
1. The manner in which the collection was to be made: Every
one was to lay by in store (v. 2), have a treasury, or fund, with himself,
for this purpose. The meaning is that he should lay by as he could spare from
time to time, and by this means make up a sum for this charitable purpose. Note,
It is a good thing to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this
world should be rich in good works, 1 Tim. 6:17, 18. The best way to be so is to
appropriate of their income, and have a treasury for this purpose, a stock for
the poor as well as for themselves. By this means they will be ready to every
good work as the opportunity offers; and many who labour with their own hands
for a livelihood should so work that they may have to give to him that needeth,
Eph. 4:28. Indeed their treasury for good works can never be very large (though,
according to circumstances, it may considerably vary); but the best way in the
world for them to get a treasury for this purpose is to lay by from time to
time, as they can afford. Some of the Greek fathers rightly observe here that
this advice was given for the sake of the poorer among them. They were to lay by
from week to week, and not bring in to the common treasury, that by this means
their contributions might be easy to themselves, and yet grow into a fund for
the relief of their brethren. "Every little," as the proverb says,
"would make a mickle." Indeed all our charity and benevolence should
be free and cheerful, and for that reason should be made as easy to ourselves as
may be. And what more likely way to make us easy in this matter than thus to lay
by? We may cheerfully give when we know that we can spare, and that we have been
laying by in store that we may.
2. Here is the measure in which they are to lay by: As God
hath prospered them;ti an euodoµtai,
as he has been prospered, namely, by divine Providence, as God has been pleased
to bless and succeed his labours and business. Note, All our business and labour
are that to us which God is pleased to make them. It is not the diligent hand
that will make rich by itself, without the divine blessing, Prov. 10:4, 22. Our
prosperity and success are from God and not from ourselves; and he is to be
owned in all and honoured with all. It is his bounty and blessing to which we
owe all we have; and whatever we have is to be used, and employed, and improved,
for him. His right to ourselves and all that is ours is to be owned and yielded
to him. And what argument more proper to excite us to charity to the people and
children of God than to consider all we have as his gift, as coming from him?
Note, When God blesses and prospers us, we should be ready to relieve and
comfort his needy servants; when his bounty flows forth upon us, we should not
confine it to ourselves, but let it stream out to others. The good we receive
from him should stir us up to do good to others, to resemble him in our
beneficence; and therefore the more good we receive from God the more we should
do good to others. They were to lay by as God had blessed them, in that
proportion. The more they had, through God's blessing, gained by their
business or labour, their traffic or work, the more they were to lay by. Note,
God expects that our beneficence to others should hold some proportion to his
bounty to us. All we have is from God; the more he gives (circumstances being
considered), the more he enables us to give, and the more he expects we should
give, that we should give more than others who are less able, that we should
give more than ourselves when we were less able. And, on the other hand, from
him to whom God gives less he expects less. He is no tyrant nor cruel
taskmaster, to exact brick without straw, or expect men shall do more good than
he gives ability. Note, Where there is a willing mind he accepts according to
what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not (2 Co. 8:12); but as
he prospers and blesses us, and puts us in a capacity to do good, he expects we
should. The greater ability he gives, the more enlarged should our hearts be,
and the more open our hands; but, where the ability is less, the hands cannot be
as open, however willing the mind and however large the heart; nor does God
expect it.
3. Here is the time when this is to be done: The first day of
the week,kata mian sabbatoµn (Lu.
24:1), the Lord's day, the Christian holiday, when public assemblies were held
and public worship was celebrated, and the Christian institutions and mysteries
(as the ancients called them) were attended upon; then let every one lay by him.
It is a day of holy rest; and the more vacation the mind has from worldly cares
and toils the more disposition has it to show mercy: and the other duties of the
day should stir us up to the performance of this; works of charity should always
accompany works of piety. True piety towards God will beget kind and friendly
dispositions towards men. This commandment have we from him that he who
loveth God love his brother also, 1 Jn. 4:21. Works of mercy are the genuine
fruits of true love to God, and therefore are a proper service on his own day.
Note, God's day is a proper season on which to lay up for charitable uses, or
lay out in them, according as he has prospered us; it is paying tribute for the
blessings of the past week, and it is a proper way to procure his blessing on
the work of our hands for the next.
4. We have here the disposal of the collections thus made: the
apostle would have every thing ready against he came, and therefore gave
direction as before: That there be no gatherings when I come, v. 2. But,
when he came, as to the disposal of it, he would leave it much to themselves.
The charity was theirs, and it was fit they should dispose of it in their own
way, so it answered its end, and was applied to the right use. Paul no more
pretended to lord it over the purses of his hearers than over their faith; he
would not meddle with their contributions without their consent. (1.) He tells
them that they should give letters of credence, and send messengers of their own
with their liberality, v. 3. This would be a proper testimony of their respect
and brotherly love to their distressed brethren, to send their gift by members
of their own body, trusty and tenderhearted, who would have compassion on their
suffering brethren, and a Christian concern for them, and not defraud them. It
would argue that they were very hearty in this service, when they should send
some of their own body on so long and hazardous a journey or voyage, to convey
their liberality. Note, We should not only charitably relieve our poor fellow-christians
but do it in such a way as will best signify our compassion to them and care of
them. (2.) He offers to go with their messengers, if they think proper, v. 4.
His business, as an apostle, was not to serve tables, but to give himself to the
word and prayer; yet he was never wanting to set on foot, or help forward, a
work of charity, when an opportunity offered. He would go to Jerusalem, to carry
the contributions of the church at Corinth to their suffering brethren, rather
than they should go without them, or the charity of the Corinthians fail of a
due effect. It was no hindrance to his preaching work, but a great furtherance
to the success of it, to show such a tender and benign disposition of mind.
Note, Ministers are doing their proper business when they are promoting or
helping in works of charity. Paul stirs up the Corinthians to gather for the
relief of the churches in Judea, and he is ready to go with their messengers, to
convey what is gathered; and he is still in the way of his duty, in the business
of his office.
In this passage the apostle notifies and explains his purpose of
visiting them, concerning which, observe, 1. His purpose: he intended to pass
out of Asia, where he now was (vide v. 8, 19) and to go through Macedonia
into Achaia, where Corinth was, and to stay some time with them, and perhaps the
winter, v. 5, 6. He had long laboured in this church, and done much good among
them, and had his heart set upon doing much more (if God saw fit), and therefore
he had it in his thoughts to see them, and stay with them. Note, The heart of a
truly Christian minister must be much towards that people among whom he has long
laboured, and with remarkable success. No wonder that Paul was willing to see
Corinth and stay with them as long as the other duties of his office would
permit. Though some among this people despised him, and made a faction against
him, doubtless there were many who loved him tenderly, and paid him all the
respect due to an apostle and their spiritual father. And is it any wonder that
he should be willing to visit them, and stay with them? And as to the rest, who
now manifested great disrespect, he might hope to reduce them to a better
temper, and thereby rectify what was out of order in the church, by staying
among them for some time. It is plain that he hoped for some good effect,
because he says he intended to stay, that they might bring him on his journey
whithersoever he went (v. 6); not that they might accompany him a little way
on the road, but expedite and furnish him for his journey, help and encourage
him to it, and provide him for it. He is to be understood of being brought
forward in his journey after a godly sort (as it is expressed, 3 Jn. 6), so that
nothing might be wanting to him, as he himself speaks, Tit. 3:13. His stay among
them, he hoped, would cure their factious humour, and reconcile them to himself
and their duty. Note, It was a just reason for an apostle to make his abode in a
place that he had a prospect of doing good. 2. His excuse for not seeing them
now, because it would be only by the way (v. 7), en
parodoµ—in transitu—en passant: it would only be a
transient visit. He would not see them because he could not stay with them.
Such a visit would give neither him nor them any satisfaction or advantage; it
would rather raise the appetite than regale it, rather heighten their desires of
being together than satisfy them. He loved them so much that he longed for an
opportunity to stay with them, take up his abode among them for some length of
time. This would be more pleasing to himself, and more serviceable to them, than
a cursory visit in his way; and therefore he would not see them now, but another
time, when he could tarry longer. 3. We have the limitation of this purpose: I
trust to tarry awhile with you, if the Lord permit, v. 7. Though the
apostles wrote under inspiration, they did not know thereby how God would
dispose of them. Paul had a purpose of coming to Corinth, and staying there, and
hoped to do good thereby. This was not a purpose proceeding from any
extraordinary motion or impulse of the Spirit of God; it was not the effect of
inspiration; for had it been such he could not have spoken of it in this manner.
A purpose formed thus in him must have been the purpose of God, signified to him
by his Spirit; and could he say he would come to Corinth upon this view only, if
God permit, that is, that he would execute God's own purpose concerning
himself, with God's permission? It is to be understood then of a common
purpose, formed in his own spirit. And concerning all our purposes it is fit we
should say, "We will execute them if the Lord permit." Note, All our
purposes must be made with submission to the divine providence. We should say, If
the Lord will, we shall live, and do this and that, James 4:15. It is not in
us to effect our own designs, without the divine leave. It is by God's power
and permission, and under his direction, that we must do every thing. Heathens
have concurred in acknowledging this concern of Providence in all our actions
and concerns; surely we should readily own it, and frequently and seriously
attend to it. 4. We have his purpose expressed of staying at Ephesus for the
present. He says he would stay there till pentecost, v. 8. It is very probable
that at the time of writing this epistle he was in Ephesus, from this passage,
compared with v. 19, where he says, The churches of Asia salute you. A
proper salutation from Ephesus, but hardly so proper had he been at Philippi, as
the subscription to this epistle in our common copies has it. "The
churches of Macedonia salute you" had been much more properly inserted
in the close of a letter from Philippi, than the other. But, 5. We have the
reason given for his staying at Ephesus for the present: Because a great
door, and effectual, was opened to him, and there were many adversaries, v.
9. A great door and effectual was opened to him; many were prepared to receive
the gospel at Ephesus, and God gave him great success among them; he had brought
over many to Christ, and he had great hope of bringing over many more. For this
reason he determined to stay awhile at Ephesus. Note, Success, and a fair
prospect of more, was a just reason to determine an apostle to stay and labour
in a particular place. And there were many adversaries, because a great door,
and an effectual, was opened. Note, Great success in the work of the gospel
commonly creates many enemies. The devil opposes those most, and makes them most
trouble, who most heartily and successfully set themselves to destroy his
kingdom. There were many adversaries; and therefore the apostle determined to
stay. Some think he alludes in this passage to the custom of the Roman Circus,
and the doors of it, at which the charioteers were to enter, as their
antagonists did at the opposite doors. True courage is whetted by opposition;
and it is no wonder that the Christian courage of the apostle should be animated
by the zeal of his adversaries. They were bent to ruin him, and prevent the
effect of his ministry at Ephesus; and should he at this time desert his
station, and disgrace his character and doctrine? No, the opposition of
adversaries only animated his zeal. He was in nothing daunted by his
adversaries; but the more they raged and opposed the more he exerted himself.
Should such a man as he flee? Note, Adversaries and opposition do not break the
spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but only enkindle their zeal, and
inspire them with fresh courage. Indeed, to labour in vain is heartless and
discouraging. This damps the spirits, and breaks the heart. But success will
give life and vigour to a minister, though enemies rage, and blaspheme, and
persecute. It is not the opposition of enemies, but the hardness and obstinacy
of his hearers, and the backslidings and revolt of professors, that damp a
faithful minister, and break his heart.
I. He recommends Timothy to them, in several particulars. As, 1.
He bids them take care that he should be among them without feat, v. 10.
Timothy was sent by the apostle to correct the abuses which had crept in among
them; and not only to direct, but to blame, and censure, and reprove, those who
were culpable. They were all in factions, and no doubt the mutual strife and
hatred ran very high among them. There were some very rich, as it is probable;
and many very proud, upon account both of their outward wealth and spiritual
gifts. Proud spirits cannot easily bear reproof. It was reasonable therefore to
think young Timothy might be roughly used; hence the apostle warns them against
using him ill. Not but that he was prepared for the worst; but, whatever his
firmness and prudence might be, it was their duty to behave themselves well
towards him, and not discourage and dishearten him in his Lord's work. They
should not fly out into resentment at his reproof. Note, Christians should bear
faithful reproofs from their ministers, and not terrify and discourage them from
doing their duty. 2. He warns them against despising him, v. 11. He was but a
young man, and alone, as Ecumenius observes. He had no one to back him, and his
own youthful face and years commanded but little reverence; and therefore the
great pretenders to wisdom among them might be apt to entertain contemptuous
thoughts of him. "Now," says the apostle, "guard against this."
Not that he distrusted Timothy; he knew that Timothy would do nothing to bring
contempt on his character, nothing to make his youth despicable. But pride was a
reigning sin among the Corinthians, and such a caution was but too necessary.
Note, Christians should be very careful not to pour contempt on any, but
especially on ministers, the faithful ministers of Christ. These, whether young
or old, are to be had in high esteem for their works sake. 3. He tells them they
should give him all due encouragement, use him well while he was with them; and,
as an evidence of this, they should send him away in friendship, and well
prepared for his journey back again to Paul. This, as I have before observed, is
the meaning of bringing him on his journey in peace, v. 11. Note, Faithful
ministers are not only to be well received by a people among whom they may for a
season minister, but are to be sent away with due respect.
II. He assigns the reasons why they should behave thus towards
Timothy. 1. Because he was employed in the same work as Paul, and acted in it by
the same authority, v. 10. He did not come on Paul's errand among them, nor to
do his work, but the work of the Lord. Though he was not an apostle, he was
assistant to one, and was sent upon this very business by a divine commission.
And therefore to vex his spirit would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise
him would be to despise him that sent him, not Paul, but Paul's Lord and
theirs. Note, Those who work the work of the Lord should be neither terrified
nor despised, but treated with all tenderness and respect. Such are all the
faithful ministers of the word, though not all in the same rank and degree.
Pastors and teachers, as well as apostles and evangelists, while they are doing
their duty, are to be treated with honour and respect. 2. Another reason is
implied; as they were to esteem him for his work's sake, so also for Paul's
sake, who had sent him to Corinth; not of his own errand indeed, but to work the
work of the Lord: Conduct him forth in peace, that he may come to me, for I
look for him with the brethren (v. 11); or I with the brethren look for
him (the original will bear either), ekdechomai
gar auton meta toµn adelphoµn—"I am expecting his return,
and his report concerning you; and shall judge by your conduct towards him what
your regard and respect for me will be. Look to it that you send him back with
no evil report." Paul might expect from the Corinthians, that a messenger
from him, upon such an errand, should be regarded, and well treated. His
services and success among them, his authority with them as an apostle, would
challenge this at their hands. They would hardly dare to send back Timothy with
a report that would grieve or provoke the apostle. "I and the brethren
expect his return, wait for the report he is to make; and therefore do not use
him ill, but respect him, regard his message, and let him return in peace."
III. He informs them of Apollos's purpose to see them. 1. He
himself had greatly desired him to come to them, v. 12. Though one party among
them had declared for Apollos against Paul (if that passage is to be understood
literally, vide ch. 4:6), yet Paul did not hinder Apollos from going to
Corinth in his own absence, nay, he pressed him to go thither. He had no
suspicions of Apollos, as if he would lessen Paul's interest and respect among
them, to the advancement of his own. Note, Faithful ministers are not apt to
entertain jealousies of each other, nor suspect of such selfish designs. True
charity and brotherly love think no evil. And where should these reign, if not
in the breasts of the ministers of Christ? 2. Apollos could not be prevailed on
for the present to come, but would at a more convenient season. Perhaps their
feuds and factions might render the present season improper. He would not go to
be set at the head of a party and countenance the dividing and contentious
humour. When this had subsided, through Paul's epistle to them and Timothy's
ministry among them, he might conclude a visit would be more proper. Apostles
did not vie with each other, but consulted each other's comfort and
usefulness. Paul intimates his great regard to the church of Corinth, when they
had used him ill, by entreating Apollos to go to them; and Apollos shows his
respect to Paul, and his concern to keep up his character and authority, by
declining the journey till the Corinthians were in better temper. Note, It is
very becoming the ministers of the gospel to have and manifest a concern for
each other's reputation and usefulness.
I. Some general advices; as, 1. That they should watch (v. 13),
be wakeful and upon their guard. A Christian is always in danger, and therefore
should ever be on the watch; but the danger is greater at some times and under
some circumstances. The Corinthians were in manifest danger upon many accounts:
their feuds ran high, the irregularities among them were very great, there were
deceivers got among them, who endeavoured to corrupt their faith in the most
important articles, those without which the practice of virtue and piety could
never subsist. And surely in such dangerous circumstances it was their concern
to watch. Note, If a Christian would be secure, he must be on his guard; and the
more his danger the greater vigilance is needful for his security. 2. He advises
them to stand fast in the faith, to keep their ground, adhere to the
revelation of God, and not give it up for the wisdom of the world, nor suffer it
to be corrupted by it—stand for the faith of the gospel, and maintain it even
to death; and stand in it, so as to abide in the profession of it, and feel and
yield to its influence. Note, A Christian should be fixed in the faith of the
gospel, and never desert nor renounce it. It is by this faith alone that he will
be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation; it is by faith that we
stand (2 Co. 1:24); it is by this that we must overcome the world (1 Jn. 5:4),
both when it fawns and when it frowns, when it tempts and when it terrifies. We
must stand therefore in the faith of the gospel, if we would maintain our
integrity. 3. He advises them to act like men, and be strong: "Act the
manly, firm, and resolved part: behave strenuously, in opposition to the bad men
who would divide and corrupt you, those who would split you into factions or
seduce you from the faith: be not terrified nor inveigled by them; but show
yourselves men in Christ, by your steadiness, by your sound judgment and firm
resolution." Note, Christians should be manly and firm in all their
contests with their enemies, in defending their faith, and maintaining their
integrity. They should, in an especial manner, be so in those points of faith
that lie at the foundation of sound and practical religion, such as were
attacked among the Corinthians: these must be maintained with solid judgment and
strong resolution. 4. He advises them to do every thing in charity, v. 14. Our
zeal and constancy must be consistent with charity. When the apostle would have
us play the man for our faith or religion, he puts in a caution against playing
the devil for it. We may defend our faith, but we must, at the same time,
maintain our innocence, and not devour and destroy, and think with ourselves
that the wrath of man will work the righteousness of God, James 1:24. Note,
Christians should be careful that charity not only reign in their hearts, but
shine out in their lives, nay, in their most manly defences of the faith of the
gospel. There is a great difference between constancy and cruelty, between
Christian firmness and feverish wrath and transport. Christianity never appears
to so much advantage as when the charity of Christians is most conspicuous when
they can bear with their mistaken brethren, and oppose the open enemies of their
holy faith in love, when every thing is done in charity, when they behave
towards one another, and towards all men, with a spirit of meekness and good
will.
II. Some particular directions how they should behave towards
some that had been eminently serviceable to the cause of Christ among them.
1. He gives us their character (1.) The household of Stephanas
is mentioned by him, and their character is, that they were the first-fruits of
Achaia, the first converts to Christianity in that region of Greece in which
Corinth was. Note, It is an honourable character to any man to be early a
Christian, betimes in Christ. But they had moreover addicted themselves to the
ministry of the saints, to serve the saints. They have disposed and devoted
themselves—etaxan heautous, to
serve the saints, to do service to the saints. It is not meant of the ministry
of the word properly, but of serving them in other respects, supplying their
wants, helping and assisting them upon all occasions, both in their temporal and
spiritual concerns. The family of Stephanas seems to have been a family of rank
and importance in those parts, and yet they willingly offered themselves to this
service. Note, It is an honour to persons of the highest rank to devote
themselves to the service of the saints. I do not mean to change ranks, and
become proper servants to the inferiors, but freely and voluntarily to help
them, and do good to them in all their concerns. (2.) He mentions Stephanas, and
Fortunatus, and Achaicus, as coming to him from the church of Corinth. The
account he gives of them is that they supplied the deficiencies of the church
towards him, and by so doing refreshed his spirit and theirs, v. 17, 18.
They gave him a more perfect account of the state of the church by word of mouth
than he could acquire by their letter, and by that means much quieted his mind,
and upon their return from him would quiet the minds of the Corinthians. Report
had made their cause much worse than it was in fact, and their letters had not
explained it sufficiently to give the apostle satisfaction; but he had been made
more easy by converse with them. It was a very good office they did, by truly
stating facts, and removing the ill opinion Paul had received by common fame.
They came to him with a truly Christian intention, to set the apostle right, and
give him as favourable sentiments of the church as they could, as peace-makers.
Note, It is a great refreshment to the spirit of a faithful minister to hear
better of a people by wise and good men of their own body than by common report,
to find himself misinformed concerning them, that matters are not so bad as they
had been represented. It is a grief to him to hear ill of those he loves; it
gladdens his heart to hear the report thereof is false. And the greater value he
has for those who give him this information, and the more he can depend upon
their veracity, the greater is his joy.
2. Upon this account of the men, he directs how they should
behave towards them; and, (1.) He would have them acknowledged (v. 11), that is,
owned and respected. They deserve it for their good offices. Those who serve the
saints, those who consult the honour and good esteem of the churches, and are
concerned to wipe off reproaches from them, and take off from the ill opinion
fame had propagated, are to be valued, and esteemed, and loved. Those who
discover so good a spirit cannot easily be over-valued. (2.) He advises that
they should submit themselves to such, and to all who helped with the
apostles, and laboured, v. 16. This is not to be understood of subjection to
proper superiors, but of a voluntary acknowledgment of their worth. They were
persons to whom they owed peculiar respect, and whom they should have in
veneration. Note, It is a venerable character which those bear who serve the
saints and labour hard to help the success of the gospel, who countenance and
encourage the faithful ministers of Christ, and endeavour to promote their
usefulness. Such should be had in honourable esteem.
I. With salutations to the church of Corinth, first from those
of Asia, from Priscilla and Aquila (who seem to have been at this
time inhabitants of Ephesus, vid. Acts 18:26), with the church in
their house (v. 19), and from all the brethren (v. 20) at Ephesus,
where, it is highly probable at least, he then was. All these saluted the church
at Corinth, by Paul. Note, Christianity does by no means destroy civility and
good manners. Paul could find room in an epistle treating of very important
matters to send the salutations of friends. Religion should promote a courteous
and obliging temper towards all. Those misrepresent and reproach it who would
take any encouragement from it to be sour and morose. Some of these salute
them much in the Lord. Note, Christian salutations are not empty
compliments; they carry in them real expressions of good-will, and are attended
with hearty recommendations to the divine grace and blessing. Those who salute
in the Lord wish their brethren all good from the Lord, and breathe out their
good wishes in fervent prayers. We read also of a church in a private family, v.
19. It is very probable that the family itself is called the church in their
house. Note, Every Christian family should in some respects be a Christian
church. In some cases (as, for instance, were they cast away on a foreign shore,
where there are no other Christians), they should be a church themselves, if
large enough, and live in the use of all ordinances; but in common cases they
should live under the direction of Christian rules, and daily offer up Christian
worship. Wherever two or three are gathered together, and Christ is among them,
there is a church. To these salutations he subjoins, 1. An advice, that they
should greet one another with a holy kiss (v. 20), or with sincere
good-will, a tacit reproof of their feuds and factions. When the churches of
Asia, and the Christian brethren so remote, did so heartily salute them in the
Lord, and own and love them as brethren, and expressed so much good-will to
them, it would be a shame for them not to own and love one another as brethren.
Note, The love of the brethren should be a powerful incentive to mutual love.
When the other churches of Christ love us all, we are very culpable if we do not
love one another. 2. He subjoins his own salutation: The salutation of me
Paul with my own hand, v. 21. His amanuensis, it is reasonable to
think, wrote the rest of his epistle from his mouth, but at the close it was fit
that himself should sign it, that they might know it to be genuine; and
therefore it is added (2 Th. 3:17), Which is my token in every epistle,
the mark of its being genuine; so he wrote in every epistle which he did not
wholly pen, as he did that to the Galatians, Gal. 6:11. Note, Those churches to
whom apostolical letters were sent were duly certified of their being authentic
and divine. Nor would Paul be behind the rest of the brethren in respect to the
Corinthians; and therefore, after he has given their salutations, he adds his
own.
II. With a very solemn warning to them: If any man love not
the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maran-atha, v. 22. We sometimes
need words of threatening, that we may fear. Blessed is he, says the wise
man, who feareth always. Holy fear is a very good friend both to holy
faith and holy living. An how much reason have all Christians to fear falling
under this doom! If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be
Anathema, Maran-atha. Here observe, 1. The person described, who is liable
to this doom: He that loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ. A meioµsis,
as some think; he who blasphemes Christ disowns his doctrine, slights and
contemns his institutions, or, through pride of human knowledge and learning,
despises his revelations. It stands here as a warning to the Corinthians and a
rebuke of their criminal behaviour. It is an admonition to them not to be led
away from the simplicity of the gospel, or those principles of it which were the
great motives to purity of life, by pretenders to science, by the wisdom of the
world, which would call their religion folly, and its most important doctrines
absurd and ridiculous. Those men had a spite at Christ; and, if the Corinthians
give ear to their seducing speeches, they were in danger of apostatizing from
him. Against this he gives them here a very solemn caution. "Do not give
into such conduct, if you would escape the severest vengeance." Note,
Professed Christians will, by contempt of Christ, and revolt from him, bring
upon themselves the most dreadful destruction. Some understand the words as they
lie, in their plain and obvious meaning, for such as are without holy and
sincere affection for the Lord Jesus Christ. Many who have his name much in
their mouths have no true love to him in their hearts, will not have him to rule
over them (Lu. 19:27), no, not though they have very towering hopes of being
saved by him. And none love him in truth who do not love his laws and keep his
commandments. Note, There are many Christians in name who do not love Christ
Jesus the Lord in sincerity. But can any thing be more criminal or provoking?
What, not love the most glorious lover in the world! Him who loved us, and gave
himself for us, who shed his blood for us, to testify his love to us, and that
after heinous wrong and provocation! What had we a power of loving for, if we
are unmoved with such love as this, and without affection to such a Saviour?
But, 2. We have here the doom of the person described: "Let him be
Anathema, Maran-atha, lie under the heaviest and most dreadful curse. Let
him be separated from the people of God, from the favour of God, and delivered
up to his final, irrevocable, and inexorable vengeance" Maran-atha
is a Syriac phrase, and signifies The Lord cometh. That very Lord whom
they do not love, to whom they are inwardly and really disaffected whatever
outward profession they make, is coming to execute judgment. And to be exposed
to his wrath, to be divided to his left hand, to be condemned by him, how
dreadful! If he will destroy, who can save? Those who fall under his condemning
sentence must perish, and that for ever. Note, Those who love not the Lord Jesus
Christ must perish without remedy. The wrath of God abides on every one who
believes not on the Son, Jn. 3:36. And true faith in Christ will evermore be
productive of sincere love to him. Those who love him not cannot be believers in
him.
III. With his good wishes for them and expressions of good-will
to them. 1. With his good wishes: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you, v. 23. As much as if he had said, "Though I warn you against
falling under his displeasure, I heartily wish you an interest in his dearest
love and his eternal favour." The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
comprehends in it all that is good, for time or eternity. To wish our friends
may have this grace with them is wishing them the utmost good. And this we
should wish all our friends and brethren in Christ. We can wish them nothing
more, and we should wish them nothing less. We should heartily pray that they
may value, and seek, and obtain, and secure, the grace and good-will of their
Lord and Judge. Note, The most solemn warnings are the result of the tenderest
affection and the greatest good-will. We may tell our brethren and friends with
great plainness and pathos that, if they love not the Lord Jesus Christ, they
must perish, while we heartily wish the grace of Christ may be with them. Nay,
we may give them this warning that they may prize and lay hold of this grace.
Note also, How much true Christianity enlarges our hearts; it makes us wish
those whom we love the blessings of both worlds; for this is implied in wishing
the grace of Christ to be with them. And therefore it is no wonder that the
apostle should close all, 2. With the declaration of his love to them in Christ
Jesus: My love be with you all, in Christ Jesus, Amen, v. 24. He had
dealt very plainly with them in this epistle, and told them of their faults with
just severity; but, to show that he was not transported with passion, he parts
with them in love, makes solemn profession of his love to them, nay, to them all
in Christ Jesus, that is, for Christ's sake. He tells them that his heart was
with them, that he truly loved them; but lest this, after all, should be deemed
flattery and insinuation, he adds that his affection was the result of his
religion, and would be guided by the rules of it. His heart would be with them,
and he would bear them dear affection as long as their hearts were with Christ,
and they bore true affection to his cause and interest. Note, We should be
cordial lovers of all who are in Christ, and who love him in sincerity. Not but
we should love all men, and wish them well, and do them what good is in our
power; but those must have our dearest affection who are dear to Christ,
and lovers of him. May our love be with all those who are in Christ Jesus! Amen.
1 Corinthians 16 Bible Commentary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete)
In this chapter the apostle, I. Gives directions about some charitable collection to be made in this church, for the afflicted and impoverished churches in Judea (v. 1-4). II. He talks of paying them a visit (v. 5-9). III. He recommends Timothy to them, and tells them Apollos intended to come to them (v. 10-12). IV. He presses them to watchfulness, constancy, charity, and to pay a due regard to all who helped him and his fellow-labourers in their work (v. 13-19). V. After salutations from others, and his own, he closes the epistle with a solemn admonition to them, and his good wishes for them (v. 20 to the end).
Verses 1-4
In this chapter Paul closes this long epistle with some particular matters of less moment; but, as all was written by divine inspiration, it is all profitable for our instruction. He begins with directing them about a charitable collection on a particular occasion, the distresses and poverty of Christians in Judea, which at this time were extraordinary, partly through the general calamities of that nation and partly through the particular sufferings to which they were exposed. Now concerning this observe,
I. How he introduces his direction. It was not a peculiar service which he required of them; he had given similar orders to the churches of Galatia, v. 1. He desired them only to conform to the same rules which he had given to other churches on a similar occasion. He did not desire that others should be eased and they burdened, 2 Co. 8:13. He also prudently mentions these orders of his to the churches of Galatia, to excite emulation, and stir them up to be liberal, according to their circumstances, and the occasion. Those who exceeded most churches in spiritual gifts, and, as it is probable, in worldly wealth (see the argument), surely would not suffer themselves to come behind any in their bounty to their afflicted brethren. Note, The good examples of other Christians and churches should excite in us a holy emulation. It is becoming a Christian not to bear to be outdone by a fellow-christian in any thing virtuous and praise-worthy, provided this consideration only makes him exert himself, not envy others; and the more advantages we have above others the more should we endeavour to exceed them. The church of Corinth should not be outdone in this service of love by the churches of Galatia, which do not appear to have been enriched with equal spiritual gifts nor outward ability.
II. The direction itself, concerning which observe,
1. The manner in which the collection was to be made: Every one was to lay by in store (v. 2), have a treasury, or fund, with himself, for this purpose. The meaning is that he should lay by as he could spare from time to time, and by this means make up a sum for this charitable purpose. Note, It is a good thing to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this world should be rich in good works, 1 Tim. 6:17, 18. The best way to be so is to appropriate of their income, and have a treasury for this purpose, a stock for the poor as well as for themselves. By this means they will be ready to every good work as the opportunity offers; and many who labour with their own hands for a livelihood should so work that they may have to give to him that needeth, Eph. 4:28. Indeed their treasury for good works can never be very large (though, according to circumstances, it may considerably vary); but the best way in the world for them to get a treasury for this purpose is to lay by from time to time, as they can afford. Some of the Greek fathers rightly observe here that this advice was given for the sake of the poorer among them. They were to lay by from week to week, and not bring in to the common treasury, that by this means their contributions might be easy to themselves, and yet grow into a fund for the relief of their brethren. "Every little," as the proverb says, "would make a mickle." Indeed all our charity and benevolence should be free and cheerful, and for that reason should be made as easy to ourselves as may be. And what more likely way to make us easy in this matter than thus to lay by? We may cheerfully give when we know that we can spare, and that we have been laying by in store that we may.
2. Here is the measure in which they are to lay by: As God hath prospered them; ti an euodoµtai, as he has been prospered, namely, by divine Providence, as God has been pleased to bless and succeed his labours and business. Note, All our business and labour are that to us which God is pleased to make them. It is not the diligent hand that will make rich by itself, without the divine blessing, Prov. 10:4, 22. Our prosperity and success are from God and not from ourselves; and he is to be owned in all and honoured with all. It is his bounty and blessing to which we owe all we have; and whatever we have is to be used, and employed, and improved, for him. His right to ourselves and all that is ours is to be owned and yielded to him. And what argument more proper to excite us to charity to the people and children of God than to consider all we have as his gift, as coming from him? Note, When God blesses and prospers us, we should be ready to relieve and comfort his needy servants; when his bounty flows forth upon us, we should not confine it to ourselves, but let it stream out to others. The good we receive from him should stir us up to do good to others, to resemble him in our beneficence; and therefore the more good we receive from God the more we should do good to others. They were to lay by as God had blessed them, in that proportion. The more they had, through God's blessing, gained by their business or labour, their traffic or work, the more they were to lay by. Note, God expects that our beneficence to others should hold some proportion to his bounty to us. All we have is from God; the more he gives (circumstances being considered), the more he enables us to give, and the more he expects we should give, that we should give more than others who are less able, that we should give more than ourselves when we were less able. And, on the other hand, from him to whom God gives less he expects less. He is no tyrant nor cruel taskmaster, to exact brick without straw, or expect men shall do more good than he gives ability. Note, Where there is a willing mind he accepts according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not (2 Co. 8:12); but as he prospers and blesses us, and puts us in a capacity to do good, he expects we should. The greater ability he gives, the more enlarged should our hearts be, and the more open our hands; but, where the ability is less, the hands cannot be as open, however willing the mind and however large the heart; nor does God expect it.
3. Here is the time when this is to be done: The first day of the week, kata mian sabbatoµn (Lu. 24:1), the Lord's day, the Christian holiday, when public assemblies were held and public worship was celebrated, and the Christian institutions and mysteries (as the ancients called them) were attended upon; then let every one lay by him. It is a day of holy rest; and the more vacation the mind has from worldly cares and toils the more disposition has it to show mercy: and the other duties of the day should stir us up to the performance of this; works of charity should always accompany works of piety. True piety towards God will beget kind and friendly dispositions towards men. This commandment have we from him that he who loveth God love his brother also, 1 Jn. 4:21. Works of mercy are the genuine fruits of true love to God, and therefore are a proper service on his own day. Note, God's day is a proper season on which to lay up for charitable uses, or lay out in them, according as he has prospered us; it is paying tribute for the blessings of the past week, and it is a proper way to procure his blessing on the work of our hands for the next.
4. We have here the disposal of the collections thus made: the apostle would have every thing ready against he came, and therefore gave direction as before: That there be no gatherings when I come, v. 2. But, when he came, as to the disposal of it, he would leave it much to themselves. The charity was theirs, and it was fit they should dispose of it in their own way, so it answered its end, and was applied to the right use. Paul no more pretended to lord it over the purses of his hearers than over their faith; he would not meddle with their contributions without their consent. (1.) He tells them that they should give letters of credence, and send messengers of their own with their liberality, v. 3. This would be a proper testimony of their respect and brotherly love to their distressed brethren, to send their gift by members of their own body, trusty and tenderhearted, who would have compassion on their suffering brethren, and a Christian concern for them, and not defraud them. It would argue that they were very hearty in this service, when they should send some of their own body on so long and hazardous a journey or voyage, to convey their liberality. Note, We should not only charitably relieve our poor fellow-christians but do it in such a way as will best signify our compassion to them and care of them. (2.) He offers to go with their messengers, if they think proper, v. 4. His business, as an apostle, was not to serve tables, but to give himself to the word and prayer; yet he was never wanting to set on foot, or help forward, a work of charity, when an opportunity offered. He would go to Jerusalem, to carry the contributions of the church at Corinth to their suffering brethren, rather than they should go without them, or the charity of the Corinthians fail of a due effect. It was no hindrance to his preaching work, but a great furtherance to the success of it, to show such a tender and benign disposition of mind. Note, Ministers are doing their proper business when they are promoting or helping in works of charity. Paul stirs up the Corinthians to gather for the relief of the churches in Judea, and he is ready to go with their messengers, to convey what is gathered; and he is still in the way of his duty, in the business of his office.
Verses 5-9
In this passage the apostle notifies and explains his purpose of visiting them, concerning which, observe, 1. His purpose: he intended to pass out of Asia, where he now was (vide v. 8, 19) and to go through Macedonia into Achaia, where Corinth was, and to stay some time with them, and perhaps the winter, v. 5, 6. He had long laboured in this church, and done much good among them, and had his heart set upon doing much more (if God saw fit), and therefore he had it in his thoughts to see them, and stay with them. Note, The heart of a truly Christian minister must be much towards that people among whom he has long laboured, and with remarkable success. No wonder that Paul was willing to see Corinth and stay with them as long as the other duties of his office would permit. Though some among this people despised him, and made a faction against him, doubtless there were many who loved him tenderly, and paid him all the respect due to an apostle and their spiritual father. And is it any wonder that he should be willing to visit them, and stay with them? And as to the rest, who now manifested great disrespect, he might hope to reduce them to a better temper, and thereby rectify what was out of order in the church, by staying among them for some time. It is plain that he hoped for some good effect, because he says he intended to stay, that they might bring him on his journey whithersoever he went (v. 6); not that they might accompany him a little way on the road, but expedite and furnish him for his journey, help and encourage him to it, and provide him for it. He is to be understood of being brought forward in his journey after a godly sort (as it is expressed, 3 Jn. 6), so that nothing might be wanting to him, as he himself speaks, Tit. 3:13. His stay among them, he hoped, would cure their factious humour, and reconcile them to himself and their duty. Note, It was a just reason for an apostle to make his abode in a place that he had a prospect of doing good. 2. His excuse for not seeing them now, because it would be only by the way (v. 7), en parodoµ—in transitu—en passant: it would only be a transient visit. He would not see them because he could not stay with them. Such a visit would give neither him nor them any satisfaction or advantage; it would rather raise the appetite than regale it, rather heighten their desires of being together than satisfy them. He loved them so much that he longed for an opportunity to stay with them, take up his abode among them for some length of time. This would be more pleasing to himself, and more serviceable to them, than a cursory visit in his way; and therefore he would not see them now, but another time, when he could tarry longer. 3. We have the limitation of this purpose: I trust to tarry awhile with you, if the Lord permit, v. 7. Though the apostles wrote under inspiration, they did not know thereby how God would dispose of them. Paul had a purpose of coming to Corinth, and staying there, and hoped to do good thereby. This was not a purpose proceeding from any extraordinary motion or impulse of the Spirit of God; it was not the effect of inspiration; for had it been such he could not have spoken of it in this manner. A purpose formed thus in him must have been the purpose of God, signified to him by his Spirit; and could he say he would come to Corinth upon this view only, if God permit, that is, that he would execute God's own purpose concerning himself, with God's permission? It is to be understood then of a common purpose, formed in his own spirit. And concerning all our purposes it is fit we should say, "We will execute them if the Lord permit." Note, All our purposes must be made with submission to the divine providence. We should say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this and that, James 4:15. It is not in us to effect our own designs, without the divine leave. It is by God's power and permission, and under his direction, that we must do every thing. Heathens have concurred in acknowledging this concern of Providence in all our actions and concerns; surely we should readily own it, and frequently and seriously attend to it. 4. We have his purpose expressed of staying at Ephesus for the present. He says he would stay there till pentecost, v. 8. It is very probable that at the time of writing this epistle he was in Ephesus, from this passage, compared with v. 19, where he says, The churches of Asia salute you. A proper salutation from Ephesus, but hardly so proper had he been at Philippi, as the subscription to this epistle in our common copies has it. "The churches of Macedonia salute you" had been much more properly inserted in the close of a letter from Philippi, than the other. But, 5. We have the reason given for his staying at Ephesus for the present: Because a great door, and effectual, was opened to him, and there were many adversaries, v. 9. A great door and effectual was opened to him; many were prepared to receive the gospel at Ephesus, and God gave him great success among them; he had brought over many to Christ, and he had great hope of bringing over many more. For this reason he determined to stay awhile at Ephesus. Note, Success, and a fair prospect of more, was a just reason to determine an apostle to stay and labour in a particular place. And there were many adversaries, because a great door, and an effectual, was opened. Note, Great success in the work of the gospel commonly creates many enemies. The devil opposes those most, and makes them most trouble, who most heartily and successfully set themselves to destroy his kingdom. There were many adversaries; and therefore the apostle determined to stay. Some think he alludes in this passage to the custom of the Roman Circus, and the doors of it, at which the charioteers were to enter, as their antagonists did at the opposite doors. True courage is whetted by opposition; and it is no wonder that the Christian courage of the apostle should be animated by the zeal of his adversaries. They were bent to ruin him, and prevent the effect of his ministry at Ephesus; and should he at this time desert his station, and disgrace his character and doctrine? No, the opposition of adversaries only animated his zeal. He was in nothing daunted by his adversaries; but the more they raged and opposed the more he exerted himself. Should such a man as he flee? Note, Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but only enkindle their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. Indeed, to labour in vain is heartless and discouraging. This damps the spirits, and breaks the heart. But success will give life and vigour to a minister, though enemies rage, and blaspheme, and persecute. It is not the opposition of enemies, but the hardness and obstinacy of his hearers, and the backslidings and revolt of professors, that damp a faithful minister, and break his heart.
Verses 10-12
In this passage,
I. He recommends Timothy to them, in several particulars. As, 1. He bids them take care that he should be among them without feat, v. 10. Timothy was sent by the apostle to correct the abuses which had crept in among them; and not only to direct, but to blame, and censure, and reprove, those who were culpable. They were all in factions, and no doubt the mutual strife and hatred ran very high among them. There were some very rich, as it is probable; and many very proud, upon account both of their outward wealth and spiritual gifts. Proud spirits cannot easily bear reproof. It was reasonable therefore to think young Timothy might be roughly used; hence the apostle warns them against using him ill. Not but that he was prepared for the worst; but, whatever his firmness and prudence might be, it was their duty to behave themselves well towards him, and not discourage and dishearten him in his Lord's work. They should not fly out into resentment at his reproof. Note, Christians should bear faithful reproofs from their ministers, and not terrify and discourage them from doing their duty. 2. He warns them against despising him, v. 11. He was but a young man, and alone, as Ecumenius observes. He had no one to back him, and his own youthful face and years commanded but little reverence; and therefore the great pretenders to wisdom among them might be apt to entertain contemptuous thoughts of him. "Now," says the apostle, "guard against this." Not that he distrusted Timothy; he knew that Timothy would do nothing to bring contempt on his character, nothing to make his youth despicable. But pride was a reigning sin among the Corinthians, and such a caution was but too necessary. Note, Christians should be very careful not to pour contempt on any, but especially on ministers, the faithful ministers of Christ. These, whether young or old, are to be had in high esteem for their works sake. 3. He tells them they should give him all due encouragement, use him well while he was with them; and, as an evidence of this, they should send him away in friendship, and well prepared for his journey back again to Paul. This, as I have before observed, is the meaning of bringing him on his journey in peace, v. 11. Note, Faithful ministers are not only to be well received by a people among whom they may for a season minister, but are to be sent away with due respect.
II. He assigns the reasons why they should behave thus towards Timothy. 1. Because he was employed in the same work as Paul, and acted in it by the same authority, v. 10. He did not come on Paul's errand among them, nor to do his work, but the work of the Lord. Though he was not an apostle, he was assistant to one, and was sent upon this very business by a divine commission. And therefore to vex his spirit would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise him would be to despise him that sent him, not Paul, but Paul's Lord and theirs. Note, Those who work the work of the Lord should be neither terrified nor despised, but treated with all tenderness and respect. Such are all the faithful ministers of the word, though not all in the same rank and degree. Pastors and teachers, as well as apostles and evangelists, while they are doing their duty, are to be treated with honour and respect. 2. Another reason is implied; as they were to esteem him for his work's sake, so also for Paul's sake, who had sent him to Corinth; not of his own errand indeed, but to work the work of the Lord: Conduct him forth in peace, that he may come to me, for I look for him with the brethren (v. 11); or I with the brethren look for him (the original will bear either), ekdechomai gar auton meta toµn adelphoµn—"I am expecting his return, and his report concerning you; and shall judge by your conduct towards him what your regard and respect for me will be. Look to it that you send him back with no evil report." Paul might expect from the Corinthians, that a messenger from him, upon such an errand, should be regarded, and well treated. His services and success among them, his authority with them as an apostle, would challenge this at their hands. They would hardly dare to send back Timothy with a report that would grieve or provoke the apostle. "I and the brethren expect his return, wait for the report he is to make; and therefore do not use him ill, but respect him, regard his message, and let him return in peace."
III. He informs them of Apollos's purpose to see them. 1. He himself had greatly desired him to come to them, v. 12. Though one party among them had declared for Apollos against Paul (if that passage is to be understood literally, vide ch. 4:6), yet Paul did not hinder Apollos from going to Corinth in his own absence, nay, he pressed him to go thither. He had no suspicions of Apollos, as if he would lessen Paul's interest and respect among them, to the advancement of his own. Note, Faithful ministers are not apt to entertain jealousies of each other, nor suspect of such selfish designs. True charity and brotherly love think no evil. And where should these reign, if not in the breasts of the ministers of Christ? 2. Apollos could not be prevailed on for the present to come, but would at a more convenient season. Perhaps their feuds and factions might render the present season improper. He would not go to be set at the head of a party and countenance the dividing and contentious humour. When this had subsided, through Paul's epistle to them and Timothy's ministry among them, he might conclude a visit would be more proper. Apostles did not vie with each other, but consulted each other's comfort and usefulness. Paul intimates his great regard to the church of Corinth, when they had used him ill, by entreating Apollos to go to them; and Apollos shows his respect to Paul, and his concern to keep up his character and authority, by declining the journey till the Corinthians were in better temper. Note, It is very becoming the ministers of the gospel to have and manifest a concern for each other's reputation and usefulness.
Verses 13-18
In this passage the apostle gives,
I. Some general advices; as, 1. That they should watch (v. 13), be wakeful and upon their guard. A Christian is always in danger, and therefore should ever be on the watch; but the danger is greater at some times and under some circumstances. The Corinthians were in manifest danger upon many accounts: their feuds ran high, the irregularities among them were very great, there were deceivers got among them, who endeavoured to corrupt their faith in the most important articles, those without which the practice of virtue and piety could never subsist. And surely in such dangerous circumstances it was their concern to watch. Note, If a Christian would be secure, he must be on his guard; and the more his danger the greater vigilance is needful for his security. 2. He advises them to stand fast in the faith, to keep their ground, adhere to the revelation of God, and not give it up for the wisdom of the world, nor suffer it to be corrupted by it—stand for the faith of the gospel, and maintain it even to death; and stand in it, so as to abide in the profession of it, and feel and yield to its influence. Note, A Christian should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert nor renounce it. It is by this faith alone that he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation; it is by faith that we stand (2 Co. 1:24); it is by this that we must overcome the world (1 Jn. 5:4), both when it fawns and when it frowns, when it tempts and when it terrifies. We must stand therefore in the faith of the gospel, if we would maintain our integrity. 3. He advises them to act like men, and be strong: "Act the manly, firm, and resolved part: behave strenuously, in opposition to the bad men who would divide and corrupt you, those who would split you into factions or seduce you from the faith: be not terrified nor inveigled by them; but show yourselves men in Christ, by your steadiness, by your sound judgment and firm resolution." Note, Christians should be manly and firm in all their contests with their enemies, in defending their faith, and maintaining their integrity. They should, in an especial manner, be so in those points of faith that lie at the foundation of sound and practical religion, such as were attacked among the Corinthians: these must be maintained with solid judgment and strong resolution. 4. He advises them to do every thing in charity, v. 14. Our zeal and constancy must be consistent with charity. When the apostle would have us play the man for our faith or religion, he puts in a caution against playing the devil for it. We may defend our faith, but we must, at the same time, maintain our innocence, and not devour and destroy, and think with ourselves that the wrath of man will work the righteousness of God, James 1:24. Note, Christians should be careful that charity not only reign in their hearts, but shine out in their lives, nay, in their most manly defences of the faith of the gospel. There is a great difference between constancy and cruelty, between Christian firmness and feverish wrath and transport. Christianity never appears to so much advantage as when the charity of Christians is most conspicuous when they can bear with their mistaken brethren, and oppose the open enemies of their holy faith in love, when every thing is done in charity, when they behave towards one another, and towards all men, with a spirit of meekness and good will.
II. Some particular directions how they should behave towards some that had been eminently serviceable to the cause of Christ among them.
1. He gives us their character (1.) The household of Stephanas is mentioned by him, and their character is, that they were the first-fruits of Achaia, the first converts to Christianity in that region of Greece in which Corinth was. Note, It is an honourable character to any man to be early a Christian, betimes in Christ. But they had moreover addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, to serve the saints. They have disposed and devoted themselves—etaxan heautous, to serve the saints, to do service to the saints. It is not meant of the ministry of the word properly, but of serving them in other respects, supplying their wants, helping and assisting them upon all occasions, both in their temporal and spiritual concerns. The family of Stephanas seems to have been a family of rank and importance in those parts, and yet they willingly offered themselves to this service. Note, It is an honour to persons of the highest rank to devote themselves to the service of the saints. I do not mean to change ranks, and become proper servants to the inferiors, but freely and voluntarily to help them, and do good to them in all their concerns. (2.) He mentions Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, as coming to him from the church of Corinth. The account he gives of them is that they supplied the deficiencies of the church towards him, and by so doing refreshed his spirit and theirs, v. 17, 18. They gave him a more perfect account of the state of the church by word of mouth than he could acquire by their letter, and by that means much quieted his mind, and upon their return from him would quiet the minds of the Corinthians. Report had made their cause much worse than it was in fact, and their letters had not explained it sufficiently to give the apostle satisfaction; but he had been made more easy by converse with them. It was a very good office they did, by truly stating facts, and removing the ill opinion Paul had received by common fame. They came to him with a truly Christian intention, to set the apostle right, and give him as favourable sentiments of the church as they could, as peace-makers. Note, It is a great refreshment to the spirit of a faithful minister to hear better of a people by wise and good men of their own body than by common report, to find himself misinformed concerning them, that matters are not so bad as they had been represented. It is a grief to him to hear ill of those he loves; it gladdens his heart to hear the report thereof is false. And the greater value he has for those who give him this information, and the more he can depend upon their veracity, the greater is his joy.
2. Upon this account of the men, he directs how they should behave towards them; and, (1.) He would have them acknowledged (v. 11), that is, owned and respected. They deserve it for their good offices. Those who serve the saints, those who consult the honour and good esteem of the churches, and are concerned to wipe off reproaches from them, and take off from the ill opinion fame had propagated, are to be valued, and esteemed, and loved. Those who discover so good a spirit cannot easily be over-valued. (2.) He advises that they should submit themselves to such, and to all who helped with the apostles, and laboured, v. 16. This is not to be understood of subjection to proper superiors, but of a voluntary acknowledgment of their worth. They were persons to whom they owed peculiar respect, and whom they should have in veneration. Note, It is a venerable character which those bear who serve the saints and labour hard to help the success of the gospel, who countenance and encourage the faithful ministers of Christ, and endeavour to promote their usefulness. Such should be had in honourable esteem.
Verses 19-24
The apostle closes his epistle,
I. With salutations to the church of Corinth, first from those of Asia, from Priscilla and Aquila (who seem to have been at this time inhabitants of Ephesus, vid. Acts 18:26), with the church in their house (v. 19), and from all the brethren (v. 20) at Ephesus, where, it is highly probable at least, he then was. All these saluted the church at Corinth, by Paul. Note, Christianity does by no means destroy civility and good manners. Paul could find room in an epistle treating of very important matters to send the salutations of friends. Religion should promote a courteous and obliging temper towards all. Those misrepresent and reproach it who would take any encouragement from it to be sour and morose. Some of these salute them much in the Lord. Note, Christian salutations are not empty compliments; they carry in them real expressions of good-will, and are attended with hearty recommendations to the divine grace and blessing. Those who salute in the Lord wish their brethren all good from the Lord, and breathe out their good wishes in fervent prayers. We read also of a church in a private family, v. 19. It is very probable that the family itself is called the church in their house. Note, Every Christian family should in some respects be a Christian church. In some cases (as, for instance, were they cast away on a foreign shore, where there are no other Christians), they should be a church themselves, if large enough, and live in the use of all ordinances; but in common cases they should live under the direction of Christian rules, and daily offer up Christian worship. Wherever two or three are gathered together, and Christ is among them, there is a church. To these salutations he subjoins, 1. An advice, that they should greet one another with a holy kiss (v. 20), or with sincere good-will, a tacit reproof of their feuds and factions. When the churches of Asia, and the Christian brethren so remote, did so heartily salute them in the Lord, and own and love them as brethren, and expressed so much good-will to them, it would be a shame for them not to own and love one another as brethren. Note, The love of the brethren should be a powerful incentive to mutual love. When the other churches of Christ love us all, we are very culpable if we do not love one another. 2. He subjoins his own salutation: The salutation of me Paul with my own hand, v. 21. His amanuensis, it is reasonable to think, wrote the rest of his epistle from his mouth, but at the close it was fit that himself should sign it, that they might know it to be genuine; and therefore it is added (2 Th. 3:17), Which is my token in every epistle, the mark of its being genuine; so he wrote in every epistle which he did not wholly pen, as he did that to the Galatians, Gal. 6:11. Note, Those churches to whom apostolical letters were sent were duly certified of their being authentic and divine. Nor would Paul be behind the rest of the brethren in respect to the Corinthians; and therefore, after he has given their salutations, he adds his own.
II. With a very solemn warning to them: If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maran-atha, v. 22. We sometimes need words of threatening, that we may fear. Blessed is he, says the wise man, who feareth always. Holy fear is a very good friend both to holy faith and holy living. An how much reason have all Christians to fear falling under this doom! If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maran-atha. Here observe, 1. The person described, who is liable to this doom: He that loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ. A meioµsis, as some think; he who blasphemes Christ disowns his doctrine, slights and contemns his institutions, or, through pride of human knowledge and learning, despises his revelations. It stands here as a warning to the Corinthians and a rebuke of their criminal behaviour. It is an admonition to them not to be led away from the simplicity of the gospel, or those principles of it which were the great motives to purity of life, by pretenders to science, by the wisdom of the world, which would call their religion folly, and its most important doctrines absurd and ridiculous. Those men had a spite at Christ; and, if the Corinthians give ear to their seducing speeches, they were in danger of apostatizing from him. Against this he gives them here a very solemn caution. "Do not give into such conduct, if you would escape the severest vengeance." Note, Professed Christians will, by contempt of Christ, and revolt from him, bring upon themselves the most dreadful destruction. Some understand the words as they lie, in their plain and obvious meaning, for such as are without holy and sincere affection for the Lord Jesus Christ. Many who have his name much in their mouths have no true love to him in their hearts, will not have him to rule over them (Lu. 19:27), no, not though they have very towering hopes of being saved by him. And none love him in truth who do not love his laws and keep his commandments. Note, There are many Christians in name who do not love Christ Jesus the Lord in sincerity. But can any thing be more criminal or provoking? What, not love the most glorious lover in the world! Him who loved us, and gave himself for us, who shed his blood for us, to testify his love to us, and that after heinous wrong and provocation! What had we a power of loving for, if we are unmoved with such love as this, and without affection to such a Saviour? But, 2. We have here the doom of the person described: "Let him be Anathema, Maran-atha, lie under the heaviest and most dreadful curse. Let him be separated from the people of God, from the favour of God, and delivered up to his final, irrevocable, and inexorable vengeance" Maran-atha is a Syriac phrase, and signifies The Lord cometh. That very Lord whom they do not love, to whom they are inwardly and really disaffected whatever outward profession they make, is coming to execute judgment. And to be exposed to his wrath, to be divided to his left hand, to be condemned by him, how dreadful! If he will destroy, who can save? Those who fall under his condemning sentence must perish, and that for ever. Note, Those who love not the Lord Jesus Christ must perish without remedy. The wrath of God abides on every one who believes not on the Son, Jn. 3:36. And true faith in Christ will evermore be productive of sincere love to him. Those who love him not cannot be believers in him.
III. With his good wishes for them and expressions of good-will to them. 1. With his good wishes: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, v. 23. As much as if he had said, "Though I warn you against falling under his displeasure, I heartily wish you an interest in his dearest love and his eternal favour." The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ comprehends in it all that is good, for time or eternity. To wish our friends may have this grace with them is wishing them the utmost good. And this we should wish all our friends and brethren in Christ. We can wish them nothing more, and we should wish them nothing less. We should heartily pray that they may value, and seek, and obtain, and secure, the grace and good-will of their Lord and Judge. Note, The most solemn warnings are the result of the tenderest affection and the greatest good-will. We may tell our brethren and friends with great plainness and pathos that, if they love not the Lord Jesus Christ, they must perish, while we heartily wish the grace of Christ may be with them. Nay, we may give them this warning that they may prize and lay hold of this grace. Note also, How much true Christianity enlarges our hearts; it makes us wish those whom we love the blessings of both worlds; for this is implied in wishing the grace of Christ to be with them. And therefore it is no wonder that the apostle should close all, 2. With the declaration of his love to them in Christ Jesus: My love be with you all, in Christ Jesus, Amen, v. 24. He had dealt very plainly with them in this epistle, and told them of their faults with just severity; but, to show that he was not transported with passion, he parts with them in love, makes solemn profession of his love to them, nay, to them all in Christ Jesus, that is, for Christ's sake. He tells them that his heart was with them, that he truly loved them; but lest this, after all, should be deemed flattery and insinuation, he adds that his affection was the result of his religion, and would be guided by the rules of it. His heart would be with them, and he would bear them dear affection as long as their hearts were with Christ, and they bore true affection to his cause and interest. Note, We should be cordial lovers of all who are in Christ, and who love him in sincerity. Not but we should love all men, and wish them well, and do them what good is in our power; but those must have our dearest affection who are dear to Christ, and lovers of him. May our love be with all those who are in Christ Jesus! Amen.