Category: Doctrine

We Are Not Ignorant

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2Corinthians 2:8-11 Wherefore I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 

‘I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him’ Paul pleads to them to forgive him and confirm their love to him, regardless of the reproach he had brought upon the gospel.

‘To this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you be obedient in all things.’ I wrote to know whether you have obeyed in all things.

‘I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ.’ I forgive whom you forgive. We must all forgive for the sake of all concerned and do so because Christ has forgiven (Eph. 4:32; Matt. 18:21-35). We must also do this lest satan take the advantage (2:11; Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9).

‘Devices’ [Greek: noema] thought (10:5); devices (2:11); and minds (3:14; 4:4; 11:3; Php. 4:7). It includes the idea of purpose and design. The devil will take advantage of every failure of the Christian using it to get into his life and cause his downfall (1Cor. 10:13; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18). In this case, satan could lead the despairing one into apostasy and hell, or the congregation into undue severity and hardness of heart toward guilty members, working untold harm to the cause of Christ.

‘For we are not ignorant of his devices’ the following works of satan is noted for our information: sin-rebellion (Gen. 3:1; 2Cor. 11:3); works of darkness, including moral sedition and sexual perversion (Eph. 5:11; 6:12; Acts 16:18; Rom. 1); works of wickedness (Col. 1:21); spiritual blindness (2Cor. 4:4); stealing the Word of God (Matt. 13:19); deceptions and false religions (2Cor. 11:14; 1Tim. 4; Rev. 12:9); to kill and destroy (John 10:10); sowing tares, tempting, and sifting saints (Matt. 4:3; 13:25; Luke 22:31); promoting counterfeit worship and miracles (2Thes. 2:8-12; 1Cor. 10:20); causing storms (Job 1:18-19; Eph. 2:2); ruling nations (Matt. 4:8-9; Dan. 10); executing death (Heb. 2:14-15); accusing the brethren (Rev. 12:10); hindering prayers (Dan. 10:12-21); opposing the gospel (Eph. 6:1-18); supervising demons (John 12:31), fallen angels (Rev. 12:7-12), and fallen man (Eph. 2:2; 1Jn. 3:8; John 8:44); causing sickness and disease (Matt. 4:23-24; 9:32-33; 15:22; Acts 10:38); causing infirmities (Matt. 8:17; Luke 13:16; John 10:10; Acts 10:38); causing lunacy and mania (Matt. 4:23-24; 17:14-21; Mark 5:1-18); urging suicides (Matt. 17:15; John 10:10); agitating lusts (John 8:44; Eph. 2:1-3); lying and false prophecy (1Kin. 22; Matt. 24:11, 24; 2Cor. 11:13-15); propagating false doctrines (1Tim. 4; 2Tim. 4; 2Thes. 2; Rev. 13); oppressing men (Acts 10:38); persecuting Christians and warring on saints (Eph. 6:10-18; 1Pet. 5:8-9).  Christ died to destroy and cancel all these works of the devil for believers in this age, and to give complete mastery over them (Col. 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24; Luke 10:19; John 14:12; Mark 16:17-18). The only works listed above that will not be put down in this age are: all sin and rebellion among men; satan’s rule of the nations; the reign of death; and the continued opposition of satan to saints. These will be done away in the Millennium (Eph. 1:10; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:1-8; 22:3).

If Any Have Caused Grief

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2Corinthians 2:5-7 But if any have caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise you ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

‘But if any have caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.’ If anyone has caused grief he has not grieved me [Paul] as much as he has caused pain to you (Corinth congregation]. It would not be fair for me to charge all of you with the blame of the few who have gone astray.

‘Sufficient to such a man is this punishment’ – this refers to the fornicator of 1Corinthians 5:1-13 who had his punishment inflicted by the congregation. This had brought him to repentance, and the people, like those of most congregations, were not so willing to forgive him and receive him back. Paul now writes the second letter instructing them to forgive him and to confirm their love to him, lest he should be overwhelmed by too much sorrow (2Cor. 2:6-8).

‘Punishment’ [Greek: epitimia] censure. The word really means full rights and privileges. The punishment consisted of taking away these rights and privileges which he had in the congregational group (1Cor. 5:1-13).

‘Many’ – the majority. This suggests that some in the Corinth congregation, perhaps relatives did not take part in such punishment.

‘Lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.’ The specific man had already suffered sufficiently. The purpose of the punishment was to bring him to repentance. This had been accomplished and now there was danger of him destroying his life if other believers would not forgive him. This example cannot be used as an example to anyone who chooses to remain in sin and then demands that everyone forgives him but there is no repentance. Without repentance, there can be no forgiveness. Most people, when caught in a sinful act, will demand forgiveness but mostly with the intent to stay in sin. One of the modern fallacies is that men are not required to seek the Lord; that they are not required to repent, pray, call upon God, confess, or do anything else besides belief in order to be saved from sin. The truth is that all these terms are used many times in Scripture to tell people what they must do to find God, as in the following: [1] Seek (Isaiah 55:6; Deut. 4:29; 1Chron. 16:11; 28:9; 2Chron. 7:14; 15:2; Amos 5:6; Matt. 6:33; Acts 15:17; 17:27; Heb. 11:6); [2] Repent (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; 6:12; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 26:20; 2Cor. 7:8; Rev. 2:5, 16); [3] Call upon God (Isa. 55:6; Joel 2:32; Zeph. 3:9; Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:9-14); [4] Confess (Prov. 28:13; Matt. 3:6; Mark 1:5; Rom. 10:9-10; 1Jn. 1:9); [5] Pray (2Chron. 7:14; Luke 18:10-14; Acts 8:22); [6] Humble self (2Chron. 7:14; Matt. 18:3-4; 23:12; Luke 14:14; Jas. 4:10); [7] Hear (Matt. 10:14; 11:15; 13:13-15; John 12:47; Rom. 10:9-14); [8] Obey (Rom. 2:4-8; Gal. 3:1; 5:7; 2Thess. 1:8; Heb. 5:9; 1Pet. 4:17). When one truly believes it means that he does these and all the other things required by the gospel (Rom. 10:9-10).

Have Sorrow

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2Corinthians 2:1-4 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. 

‘I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.’ I decided that it would be best not to see you at all until you have acted by my first letter, putting the evils away from you. I do not want to come to you in sorrow and grief. If I make you sorry enough to cause you to put away sin, then you will make me glad (2:1-2).

‘And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.’ I wrote the first epistle to you so you could correct the evils in your midst, lest when I came I would have to take action and make you sorry by having to deal with those who should make me rejoice. I know that you wish my joy and I wish yours, so if writing will accomplish my present purpose we shall be happier with one another when I do come.

‘For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.’ It is the hardest part of my [Paul] ministry to have to bring judgment, so this is another reason why I wrote to you before I came. My purpose was not to cause you grief but to let you know my love and concern for you. Paul knew the consequences of someone who sinned willfully and was determined to have this individual brought to repentance through this judgment, rather let him be removed from God’s grace (no more sacrifice) as he clearly stated in Hebrews 10:26-31. The warning here to all Christians are NOT TO: Sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth (Heb. 10:26). Renounce Christ as the only sacrifice after we have received Him (Heb. 10:26). Despise the gospel after we have received its knowledge (Heb. 10:26, 28). Tread under feet the Son of God after knowing Him (Heb. 10:29). Count Christ’s blood that once sanctified us, an unholy thing (Heb. 10:29). Do despite or blaspheme the Holy Spirit of grace that we have received (Heb. 10:29). Become an adversary after knowing the truth (Heb. 10:26-27).

God Is True

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2Corinthians 1:18-24 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith you stand. 

‘God is true’ – true in contrast with false gods (2Chr. 15:3; Jer. 10:10; John 3:33; 17:3; 8:26; 1Thess. 1:9; 1Jn. 5:20; Rev. 6:10).

‘Preached’ [Greek: kerusso] to announce, or proclaim as a herald, without reference to the matter proclaimed, and without including the idea of teaching. It is translated “proclaim” (Luke 12:3; Rev. 5:2); “publish” (Mark 1:45; 5:20; 7:36; 13:10; Luke 8:39); and “preach” 52 times (2Cor. 1:19; 4:5; 11:4).

‘Yea’ – all God’s promises are yes and so be it, or yes and truth. In Him, they are always yes, and in Him, they are always truthful. Not one promise of God is no to the one who will believe and meet the conditions.

‘Amen’ – this word means truly or truth – so it shall be then as we proclaim in Jesus’ name.

‘Unto the glory of God by us’ – the promises of God were confirmed by Paul and the apostles to His own glory. God backed them up in their preaching.

‘He which stablishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God.’ Four great blessings of God (1:21-22): He confirms people in the faith (Rom. 15:8). He anoints with power (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; Heb. 1:9; 1Jn. 2:27). He seals with the stamp of ownership (Rom. 4:11; 2Tim. 2:19; Eph. 1:13; 4:30). He gives His Spirit of sonship (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:4-7).

‘I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.’ Here Paul returns to his subject of 2Corinthians 1:16. I call God to be witness that it was because I was afraid that I would have to use my power to judge you if I came, so I thought it best not to come at the time proposed (1:23-24).

‘Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy.’ Not that we want to come to lord it over your faith, but to help you.

In This Confidence

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2Corinthians 1:13-17 For we write none other things unto you, than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end; As also you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that you might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 

‘Than what you read or acknowledge.’ Than what you read or acknowledge in the first epistle to you.

‘As also you have acknowledged us in part.’ We hope that you will always acknowledge the truths in the first epistle to you. Some of you acknowledge us, even as we acknowledge that you are ours (1:13-14).

‘We are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.’ We are the cause of your rejoicing because we have won you to Christ and you believe we are His ministers. You also will be our rejoicing in the day of Christ when we present you as our converts before Him (1Thess. 2:18-20; 3:13).

‘Day of the Lord Jesus’ this is the first New Testament prophecy in 2Corinthians (1:14). Will be fulfilled at the Rapture of the body of Christ for the Christians from Corinth in Paul’s day as well as all Christians who are not ignorant of the six things noted in 2Corinthians 1:8: God’s faithfulness in trouble (1:8-10); Gospel responsibility (Rom. 1:11-18); Spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:1-31); God’s purpose for Israel (Rom. 11:25-32); The resurrection and future life (1Thess. 4:13-18); God’s judgments on backsliders (1Cor. 10:1-13).

‘In this confidence I was minded to come unto you before.’ Under the conviction that you rejoice in us as ministers of Christ, and we rejoice in you as our converts.

‘Benefit’ [Greek: charis] grace or favour. It refers to the benefits of grace that Paul’s ministry would naturally bring to them on his second visit. It does not and could not refer to a second work of grace to sanctify them or take out the old man, as taught by some. They were already sanctified (1Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11).

‘Come again out of Macedonia unto you’ – it appears that Paul fulfilled this second ministry before he finished writing this epistle, for in 2Corinthians 12:14 and 13:1 he speaks of coming to them a third time. ‘Do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay.’ Do I act as carnal people, who change their minds from day to day and falsify their engagements to suit their own secular interests? They say yea, yea, and nay, nay, or say one thing one day and change it the next day if it is to their advantage. All our promises have been true and God has confirmed them to you (1:20-22).

Godly Sincerity

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2Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 

‘Rejoicing’ [Greek: kauchesis] boasting (7:14; 8:24; 9:4; 11:10, 17; Rom. 3:27); glorying (7:4; Rom. 15:17); and rejoicing (1Cor. 15:31; 1Thess. 2:19; Jas. 4:16).

‘Testimony of our conscience’ – Fourfold testimony of Paul’s conversion: It was simple. It was in godly sincerity. It was not with fleshly wisdom. It was seasoned by God’s grace.

‘Simplicity’ [Greek: haplotes] From 2Corinthians 8:2 we see that the Macedonians, though poor and persecuted, rejoiced at the opportunity of doing good to their more impoverished and persecuted brethren in Judea.

‘Godly sincerity’: Does not exempt from guilt (Gen. 20:1-18). Must accompany forgiveness (Matt. 18:35). Commanded (Josh. 24:14; 1Cor. 5:8). Must characterize service (Eph. 6:5-7; 1Cor. 10:31; Tit. 2:7); our love to God (8:8, 24); our love to Jesus (Eph. 6:24); our faith (1Tim. 1:5); our love to others (Rom. 12:9); our doctrine (2:17; 1Thess. 2:3-5); and our whole conduct (1:12). A characteristic of truth (1Pet. 2:2).

Three godly things in 2 Corinthians: Godly sincerity (1:12); godly sorrow (7:10); godly jealousy (11:2).

‘Fleshly wisdom’ [Greek: sarkikos] From James 3:14-16 we see the eight characteristics of false wisdom: Bitter envying (Jas. 3:14, 16); strife in the heart (Jas. 3:14, 16); glory in profession (Jas. 3:14); earthly, having this life only in view (Jas. 3:15); sensual, living only to satisfy the animal appetites (Jas. 3:15); devilish, inspired by demons (Jas. 3:15); confusion (Jas. 3:16); every evil work (Jas. 3:16).

‘Conversation’ [Greek: anastrepho] behavior or manner of life – all that one speaks, thinks and does – the whole conduct. Translated “conversation” (1:12; Eph. 2:3); “overthrow” (John 2:15); “return” (Acts 5:22; 15:16); “be used” (Heb. 10:33); “behave” (1Tim. 3:15); “live” (Heb. 13:18; 2Pet. 2:18); “abide” (Matt. 17:22); and “pass” (1Pet. 1:17).

‘World’ [Greek: kosmos] the worldly social system. ‘More abundantly’ [Greek: perissoteros] more abundantly (1:12; 2:4; 7:15; 11:23; 12:15; 1Thess. 2:17); more exceedingly (7:13; Mark 15:14; Gal. 1:14); much more (Php. 1:14); more frequent (11:23); more earnest heed to (Heb. 2:1) and rather (Heb. 13:19). The idea here is, “We have given the fullest proof of our conduct to you Christians in particular.”

Sufferings

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2Corinthians 1:5-11 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounded by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation. For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raised the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 

‘Sufferings’ [Greek: pathema] It refers to sufferings for Christ, not to those of Christ on earth. Translated “suffering” (1:5-7; Rom. 8:18; Php. 3:10; Col. 1:24; Heb. 2:9-10; 1Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1); “affliction” (2Tim. 3:11; Heb. 10:32; 1Pet. 5:9); “affections” (Gal. 5:24); and “motions” (Rom. 7:5).

‘So our consolation also abounded by Christ’ – the more we suffer for Christ, the more grace and comfort abound by Christ (1Cor. 10:13).

‘Afflicted’ [Greek: thlibo] narrow (Matt. 7:14); suffer tribulation (1Thess. 3:4); throng (Mark 3:9); afflict (1:6; 1Tim. 5:10; Heb. 11:37); and trouble (4:8; 7:5; 2Thess. 1:6-7).

‘It is for your consolation and salvation’ – the substance of 2Corinthians 1:6-7 is: whether we be afflicted or comforted, it is for your good and for an example to you.

‘Partakers’ [Greek: koinonos] partaker (1:7; Matt. 23:30; 1Cor. 10:18; 1Pet. 5:1; 2Pet. 1:4); partner (8:23; Luke 5:10; Phm. 1:17); companion (Heb. 10:33); and have fellowship with (1Cor. 10:20).

‘So shall you be also of the consolation.’ Since you share sufferings for Christ, you will share His grace and comfort.

‘For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia’ Six things not to be ignorant of: God’s faithfulness in trouble (1:8-10); Gospel responsibility (Rom. 1:11-18); Spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:1-31); God’s purpose for Israel (Rom. 11:25-32); The resurrection and future life (1Thess. 4:13-18); God’s judgments on backsliders (1Cor. 10:1-13).

‘Our trouble which came to us in Asia’ Acts 13:44 – 20:3 cover his troubles in Asia.

‘Raised the dead’ an example from Paul’s own life is given in Acts 14:19.

‘You also helping together by prayer for us.’ Paul depended upon saints for prayer. ‘Gift bestowed upon us’ – this gift refers to the contributions of the saints to Paul’s work for God (1:10-11).

In Christ Jesus

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1Corinthians 16:19-24 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet you one another with an holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

‘The churches of Asia salute you’ – the congregations of Asia Minor. He was at Ephesus in this Asia, proving further that he was not at Philippi, as some teach (1Cor. 16:8).

‘Aquila and Priscilla’ – They had a congregational group in their house (Rom. 16:3-4). They are always mentioned together as man and wife (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; 2Tim. 4:19).

‘Church that is in their house’ – The company of believers who worshipped in their house at Corinth, as all other congregations did.

‘The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.’ The salutation was by Paul’s own hand,

(2Thess. 3:17) some of his letters were written by scribes as Paul’s dictated God’s Words to them (Rom. 16:22; Col. 4:18).

‘Let be Anathema Maranatha’ – Let him be accursed; our Lord comes. This is directed against the Jews and heathen who delighted to call Jesus accursed (1Cor. 12:3). ‘In Christ Jesus’ – The word IN means “in union with” and when used of persons it does not mean “bodily entrance into,” except in the case of disembodied spirits, or demons. We read of God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19) and Christ being in God (John 14:10-11, 20); of man being in Christ (2Cor. 5:17) and Christ being in man (Rom. 8:10); of man being in the Spirit and the Spirit being in man (Rom. 8:9); and of satan entering into man (John 13:27); but it never means in these cases “bodily entrance into,” for all these persons have bodies and cannot get inside each other bodily. When Paul said of believers, “I have you in my heart” and “you are in our hearts” (2Cor. 7:3; Php. 1:7), he could only mean “in union with,” not “bodily entrance into.” The Bible doctrine of interpenetration means “the union of two or more persons together for the same end.” Thus, persons can be one with each other to a common end without literally getting inside each other or without being one single person. Being one with and in each other does not depend on bodily contact, or the loss of either personality. Persons can be in each other and one with each other though they are apart bodily. Thus, when God dwelled in Christ and Christ dwelled in God, it did not mean they were one person or that they dwelt inside each other bodily. They were one in union – one to the same end, in the same sense that men and Christ, or men and men, dwell in each other. “He that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit” (1Cor. 6:17).

Stand Fast In the Faith

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1Corinthians 16:12-18 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That you submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helped with us, and laboured. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge you them that are such. 

‘I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren.’ This shows Paul was not jealous of the popularity of Apollos (1Cor. 1:12; 3:5). A shortened name of Apollonius. An eloquent Christian of Alexandria (1:12; 3:4-7; 16:12; Acts 18:24-28; 19:1; Tit. 3:13).

‘Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.’ Six final commands to Christians: [1] Watch – be continually on your guard: For Christ’s coming (Matt. 24:42); that you enter not into temptation (Matt. 26:41); that you may be worthy to escape all these things (tribulations, Luke 21:36); for grievous wolves (Acts 20:29); in prayer (Col. 4:3; 1Pet. 4:7); in soberness (1Thess. 5:6) and in all things (2Tim. 4:5). [2] Stand fast in the faith (Gal. 5:1; Php. 1:27; 4:1; 1Thess. 3:8; 2Thess. 2:15). Keep rank. Do not be disorderly or retreat. Keep unity. Let nothing divide you so that satan can defeat you. [3] Behave like men (1Cor. 14:20; Eph. 4:14). Do not flinch in the fight. Maintain your ground at all costs. Resist, press forward. Strike deadly blows. [4] Be strong (Luke 1:80; 2:40; Eph. 3:16). Keep yourself fit. Learn how to conquer. Die in the contest or win. [5] Do all things in love (1Cor. 13:4). [6] Submit to all true workers (1Cor. 16:15-16).

‘Firstfruits of Achaia’ – First converts in Greece.

‘Addicted’ [Greek: tasso] determined to minister to the saints (Acts 13:48). This is a great ministry in itself, for when one does anything for a saint he does it for Christ (Matt. 25:34-46).

‘I am glad of the coming of Stephanas …’ When anyone can make a true servant of God glad, he is doing good work. ‘Stephanas’ – It was by these that the Corinthians had sent a letter asking Paul the many questions starting from 1Corinthians 7 about: The unmarried (7:1-9); the married and unmarried (7:10-17); circumcision – servitude (7:18-24); virgins (7:25-40); things offered to idols (8:1-13); Paul’s apostleship or ministry (9:1-27); the Mosaic and Christian dispensations (10:1-11:1); customs for women (11:2-16); the Lord’s Supper (11:17-34); spiritual gifts (12:1-14:40); the resurrections (15:1-58); collections for the poor and his coming visit (16:1-9).

‘Lacking’ [Greek: husterema] Elsewhere (Luke 21:4; 2Cor. 8:14; 9:12; 11:9; Php. 2:30; Col. 1:24; 1Thess. 3:10). This either refers to information Paul got from these brethren from Corinth or to material help from the congregation. It could refer to both. Whatever it was it refreshed Paul’s spirit and gave him courage as well as the congregation (1Cor. 16:18).

Worked the Work of the Lord

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1Corinthians 16:5-11 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that you may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worked the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. 

‘For I do pass through Macedonia’ – Paul was at Ephesus when he wrote the epistle and planned to stay there until Pentecost, which would be in June. He would then spend time in Macedonia and perhaps winter with them (1Cor. 16:5-9).

‘For a great door and effectual is opened unto me’ – Christ is the door of the sheep (John 10:7-9) and through Him – who is also the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6), salvation is granted to enable man to be reconciled with God.

‘For he worked the work of the Lord, as I also do.’ Timothy had apostolic power like Paul (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). This refers to the gifts and graces of God given to Timothy, enabling him to do the same works that Paul did (16:10; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Such power was given by prophecy and the laying on of hands. The prophecy was some prediction that Timothy would be used of God (1Tim. 1:18; 4:14). Paul warns in 1Timothy 4:14 that gifts can be neglected. If this happens, if they are not properly used or replenished with continued grace and power from the Holy Spirit anointing they will become powerless and useless and thus fail in their purpose. This is why people need a constant supply of the Spirit – many fillings, as we see in Acts. This is why Jesus Himself had to live in constant prayer (Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28; 11:1; 22:41-44). This is what Paul prayed for and expected in Philippians 1:19 and Ephesians 3:14-21.

‘I look for him with the brethren’ Timothy evidently was to meet Paul in Corinth later.