Tag: Corinthians

Casting Down Imaginations

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2Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 

‘For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.’ Here Paul denies the charges of 2Corinthians 10:1-2. Though he lived in the flesh he did not war after the flesh (10:3-5). His weapons were not carnal (10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18; 1Tim. 1:18; 2Tim. 2:3-5; Rom. 13:12).

‘But mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.’ Four great conquests of spiritual weapons: [1] Destruction of strongholds – we destroy reasonings of pagan philosophers and Jewish rabbis and their dogmas that nullify the Word of God and the facts of the Gospel. These fortifications we pull down and demolish. We put to flight the demon powers and alien armies, raising the banner of the cross high on the field of battle (10:4). Destroying all ideas or opinions about ourselves, others and God that is in contrast with His Word on these matters. [2] Casting down imaginations – we demolish all theories, reasonings, and any high system of ethics, religion, mythology, metaphysics, sublime doctrines or philosophy set forth to defy the knowledge of God (10:5). All the boasted gods, lords, sacrificial and mediatorial systems fell before the Gospel. The high-sounding phrases of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, church doctrines and even Judaism fell before the preaching of the crucified and risen Christ. Heathenism shrank before the Gospel and called on secular powers to defend it. [3] Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – we take every thought prisoner and lead it into captivity to obey Christ (10:5). Lascivious, vain and evil thoughts of all kinds are brought down and made obedient to His laws. That includes any thinking which is contrary to virtue, purity and righteousness. We cannot allow any unholy thoughts (standard set in Philippians 4:8) to come into our minds and defile us.  See Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-22; 1Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 5:19; Philippians 4:8; Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 15:26; Isaiah 55:7; 59:7 and Jeremiah 4:14. [4] Having in readiness to avenge all disobedience – we stand at all times ready, so to speak, to court-martial any opposing the Gospel of Christ, after separating ourselves from them (10:6). The whole picture here is that of a strongly fortified city where the enemy makes his last stand; entrenching himself about the walls; raising towers and preparing engines of defence and offence upon the walls to ensure victory. The fortifications, walls, towers, and castles are taken by the Gospel and the whole opposition is destroyed and taken captive. We have no excuse for sinful thoughts; we are to wear the helmet of salvation (Eph. 6:17) a state of repentance, which mean to renew our minds (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23) so that God’s mind and thoughts (as given in His Word) can become ours.

Meekness and Gentleness

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2Corinthians 10:1-2 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 

‘Meekness and gentleness of Christ’ – Holy Spirit fruit that was always part of Christ’s human character and used as an example for us. Gentleness [Greek: chrestotes] a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured, and refined in character and conduct (2Tim. 2:24-26; Tit. 3:1-2; Jas. 3:17). Meekness [Greek: praotes] the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge.

From Matthew 11:28-30, Christ characterized Himself as follows: I will give you rest (v28). I am meek and lowly in heart (v29). My yoke is easy (v30). My burden is light (v30).

‘Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you.’ Having completed instructions for collections for the poor (8-9), Paul now returns to dealing with the false apostle who had gained considerable ground in discrediting him at Corinth, as being base, contemptible, and a boaster living in the flesh (10:1-10).

‘Against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.’ Paul defended himself against the accusations that he walked in the flesh and answered accordingly as we see in verses 3-5 that though he lived in the flesh he did not war after the flesh (10:3-5).

His Unspeakable Gift

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2Corinthians 9:12-15 For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 

‘Administration of this service’ – the ministering, as in 2Corinthians 9:1.

‘Supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.’ Four benefits of ministering to saints: It supplies the needs of saints. It causes them to glorify God. It gives proof that the givers are true Christians (9:13; 1Jn. 3:17). It causes prayers of those supplied to go up for their benefactors (9:14).

‘Experiment’ [Greek: dokime] proof, as in 2Corinthians 2:9.

‘Professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men.’ Glorify God for your subjection or submission to what you profess. You profess to be Christians and that you love your brethren. Your bountifulness is proof of it (1Jn. 3:17).

‘Exceeding grace of God in you.’ The Corinthians had the means with which to promote charity and the heart to do it, but God’s grace was the author of it.

‘Unspeakable gift’ [Greek: anekdiegetos] that which cannot be fully declared. This gift is no doubt God’s gift of His Son (John 4:10; 2Cor. 8:9; cp. Rom. 9:5; 11:33, 36; 1Cor. 15:57; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 3:10; 1Tim. 1:17).

Five reasons why Christ gave Himself: For our sins (Gal. 1:4; Matt. 1:21; 26:28; 1Cor. 15:3; 1Pet. 2:24); that He might deliver us from this present evil world (Gal. 1:4; Tit. 2:14); for His body – that He might sanctify it by the Word (Eph. 5:25-26); to be a ransom for all (1Tim. 2:6); for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (Tit. 2:14).

To All Bountifulness

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2Corinthians 9:9-11 (As it is written, He had dispersed abroad; he had given to the poor: his righteousness remained for ever. Now he that ministered seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which cause through us thanksgiving to God. 

‘He had dispersed abroad; he had given to the poor: his righteousness remained for ever.’ This is the 4th and last Old Testament prophecy in 2Corinthians that is fulfilled in Christ’s first coming, quoted in Psalms 112:9.

‘Ministered’ [Greek: epichoregeo] to supply; to aid. Only in 2Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 3:5 and 2Peter 1:11. God is the one who ministers seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Since all this comes from God, and since we cannot exist without Him, He has the right to regulate how it is to be disbursed. It is also God who increases the fruit of righteousness and blesses all sowing and increase of the gospel.

‘Minister’ [Greek: choregeo] same as the word in the note above without the prefix epi-. It is used only here and in 1Peter 4:11. The choregos was the leader of a chorus. It was used by one who defrayed the expenses of the chorus at the public festivals. Here God is represented by providence as leading the grand chorus of all causes and effects – keeping everything in its proper place with all things working in harmony and according to His laws, each dependent on another, and all things dependent on Himself.

‘Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which cause through us thanksgiving to God.’ God increases riches to be used for His glory and the good of people. 2Corinthians 9:9-10 should be read in parenthesis and this verse connected with 9:8.

All Grace Abound

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2Corinthians 9:6-8 But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work 

‘But this I say, he which sowed sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sowed bountifully shall reap also bountifully.’ An unfailing law taught by Jesus (Luke 6:38); Solomon (Eccl. 11:1; Prov. 11:24-25; 19:17; 22:9); and David (Ps. 18:25; 41:1-2).

‘Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity.’ Four things a person must do in giving: He must give willingly from the heart. He must not give grudgingly. He must not give of compulsion. He must give cheerfully.

‘Cheerful’ [Greek: hilaros] cheerful, joyful, hilarious; the opposite of grudging and of feeling one is forced to give.

‘God is able to make all grace abound toward you.’ God is able to: Give you much more than this (2Chron. 25:9). Deliver you (Dan. 3:17). Raise children from stones (Matt. 3:9). Destroy body and soul in hell (Matt. 10:28). Graft them in again (Rom. 11:23). Make him stand (Rom. 14:4). Make all grace abound (2Cor. 9:8). Subdue all things (Php. 3:21). Keep all committed to Him (2Tim. 1:12). Help the tempted (Heb. 2:18). Save from death (Heb. 5:7) and to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25).

‘Always having all sufficiency in all things’ – if this is not true of any believer he is coming short of gospel provision. Such grace is measured out according to the sowing (9:6). This is the law and there is no exception to the rule. That this is the cause of failure to reap is further proved in 2Corinthians 9:9-10. If we give to the poor it shall be given to us again (9:6; Luke 6:38). If we sow seed we shall reap a harvest (9:10).

‘To every good work’ – this does not refer only to good works to the poor, but also to miraculous works of the gospel, for it is “every good work,” not certain ones (1Cor. 15:58).

Not As of Covetousness

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2Corinthians 9:1-5 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, you) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 

‘I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.’ Paul had been boasting of their giving, to the congregations of Macedonia, and of Greece which was ready to contribute a year ago (8:10). Their zeal for charity has provoked many to do their best in giving to the poor (those who had suffered financially because of the fierce persecutions amongst Christians).

‘I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready.’ Paul sent the brethren, lest their boasting is in vain, and so they may be ready with their gift when the time comes. Paul didn’t want the brethren from Macedonia to come with him and find the congregation of Jerusalem unprepared. In that case, Paul would be ashamed that he had boasted about them (9:4). Because of this, he thought it necessary to exhort the brethren that they would go before them and prepare their gift beforehand. They wanted this to be a matter of the fruit of blessings poured out from willing and beneficent hearts, not from a grudging and covetous spirit (9:5).

Covetousness breeds the following: Greed and murder (Prov. 1:19; Isa. 56:11; Jer. 22:17); poverty and rebellion (Prov. 11:24); oppression and violence (Prov. 22:16; Jer. 22:17; Mic. 2:2); denial of God (Prov. 30:8-9); injustice (Isa. 1:23; Mic. 7:3); backsliding (Mic. 3:11); deceptions (Matt. 13:22); defilement (Mark 7:21-23); temptations and lusts (1Tim. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 2:15-17); a short life and a fool’s end (Jer. 17:11; Luke 12:16-21). Examples of covetousness: Eve-forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6); Lot-lands (Gen. 13:10-13); Jacob-birthright and his father’s blessing (Gen. 25:31; 27:6-29); Balaam-rewards (2Pet. 2:15); Achan-money (Josh. 7:21); David-woman (2Sam. 11:2-5); Ahab-vineyard (1Kin. 21:2-16); Gehazi-gifts (2Kin. 5:20-27); Rich fool-security (Luke 12:17); Judas-silver (Matt. 26:15-16); Pharisees-riches (Luke 16:14); Simon Magus-Holy Ghost power (Acts 8:18-23); Festus-money (Acts 24:26); Demas-pleasures (2Tim. 4:10).

Thanks Be to God

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2Corinthians 8:16-24 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore show you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. 

‘Put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.’ To the end that they were blessed by supplying the poor saints at Jerusalem, Paul has sent Titus and another brother who was well known among the congregations (2Cor. 8:16-18).

‘Brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.’ Who this brother was is not known.

‘Travel with us with this grace’ – with this clue it is still impossible to tell who this brother was, as Paul had different companions – Timothy, Silas, Titus, Luke, and others. It is noticeable that Paul did not go around collecting money by himself, nor did he send only one brother to do so (2Cor. 8:16-20). This was a way to keep things honest in the sight of both God and man (2Cor. 8:20-23). Regardless of how honest one is and how much confidence the people have in a man, it is always right to have every part of the work of God carried on in a professional manner and fully above reproach.

‘Messengers’ [Greek: apostoloi; apostolos] a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16).

‘Our boasting on your behalf’ – the only boasting allowed is “in the Lord” (2Cor. 10:12-18) and we boast only of things which God has done by us. The Greek word kauchesis means boasting (7:14; 8:24; 9:4; 11:10, 17; Rom. 3:27); glorying (7:4; Rom. 15:17); and rejoicing (1Cor. 15:31; 2Cor. 1:12; 1Thess. 2:19; Jas. 4:16).

Expedient for You

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2Corinthians 8:8-15 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 

‘I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.’ Paul did not order them to do this. He had no authority over their property. What they gave to charity should have been a willing work on their part. He took the occasion of the quickness of other congregations to help the poor (8:2-5), to prove the sincerity of their love.

‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.’ The grace of giving was not by commandment (8:8), but by the example of other congregations (8:2-5), and especially by the supreme example of the Lord Jesus Christ. He became poor for all Christians, that by this poverty they might be rich.

‘Rich, yet for your sakes he became poor.’ If Jesus Christ was a mere man, as some contend, in what sense was He rich and how could He make many others rich by His poverty? His family was poor. He possessed no property from the manger to the cross. He died a poor man and was buried in a borrowed grave. The answer to these questions would have to be that He was and still is more than a mere man. He was God from all eternity (Mic. 5:1-2; John 1:1-2). He created and owned the vast universe (Eph. 3:9; John 1:3; Col. 1:15-18). He laid aside His divine form and riches and took human form to redeem. He became poor and died as man’s substitute. He now saves all who believe (John 3:16). They become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ of all God owns (Php. 2:5-11; John 3:16; Rom. 8:17-18; Col. 3:1-4; Rev. 1:5-6; 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5).

‘A year ago’ – about a year ago they started the growth of this grace. Now is the time to finish it (8:10-12).

‘For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened’ – Paul did not mean that some are burdened and others eased, but that there be equality and he explained as follows: At this time they can share your abundance and supply their need. It may be that circumstances will change and they may by their abundance supply your need (8:13-14). ‘He that had gathered much had nothing over, and he that had gathered little had no lack.’ Quoted from Exodus 16:18.

To the Lord

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2Corinthians 8:1-7 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.

‘We do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.’ Paul now brags [praise always ‘in the Lord’ on the congregations of Macedonia about their giving to the poor saints at Jerusalem (8:1-5).

‘How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.’ The Macedonians, though poor and persecuted, rejoiced at the opportunity of doing good to their more impoverished and persecuted brethren in Judea.

‘Liberality’ [Greek: haplotes] simplicity (1:12; 11:3; Rom. 12:8;); singleness (Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22); liberality (8:2; 9:13); and bountifulness (9:11).

Liberality commanded regarding: God (Ex. 22:29-30; 25:1-8; 35:4-29; 36:3-6; 38:8; Lev. 19:5; Num. 35:8); Israel’s feasts (Deut. 12:11-19); Ministers (Deut. 12:19; 14:27-29; 18:1-8; Prov. 3:9; Mal. 3:1-18; 1Cor. 9:1-27; Gal. 6:6); The poor (Deut. 24:19-22; Ps. 41:1-3; 112:5, 112:9; Prov. 11:24; 13:7; 14:21; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27; Matt. 6:1-4; 19:21; 25:34-46; Luke 3:10-11; 6:38; 11:41; 12:33-34; Acts 20:35; Rom. 12:8-13; 1Cor. 16:1-3; 2Cor. 8-9; Eph. 4:28; 1Tim. 6:18; Heb. 6:10; 13:16; 1Jn. 3:17).

‘Beyond their power they were willing of themselves.’ The Macedonian congregations gave beyond their ability, and did so willingly, even praying that their brethren would receive the gift (8:3-5).

‘But first gave their selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.’ This is the secret of all giving of material things. When one gives himself to the Lord, he is willing to do all other things the gospel teaches.

‘Grace’ this compassion on the poor is called a grace in 2Corinthians 8:1, 6, 7, 19; 9:14.

‘As you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.’ Seven blessings of the Corinthian congregations: They were enriched in everything (8:7), and abounding in faith (8:7; 12:9), utterance: tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy (8:7; 1Cor. 12:10; 14:1-40), knowledge (8:7; 1Cor. 12:8), in all diligence (8:7; 7:11), in love (8:7; 1Cor. 13:1-13), and in the grace of giving (8:7).

In the Sight of God

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2Corinthians 7:11-16 For behold this selfsame thing, that you sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. 

‘What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.’ Seven blessings of godly sorrow are mentioned here – it promotes: Working of carefulness and obedience. Clearing of selves from guilt. Indignation and hatred of sin. Fear of God and the result of sin. Desire to make things right. Zeal to do the right thing. Revenge in punishing the guilty.

‘I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.’ This is a reference to the fornicator of 1Corinthians 5:1-13.

‘For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I make before Titus, is found a truth.’ Paul boasted to Titus of the Corinthians and they have confirmed his boasts to Titus themself. For that reason was he exceedingly happy (7:13-14). Titus was moved with great affection for them when he saw their obedience and how they received him with fear and trembling (7:15).

‘I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.’ Paul rejoiced then since he has learned of them that they have judged the guilty and had broken up the factions that were among them. If the false prophet who seduced them from truth and righteousness had succeeded Paul would have had to act by his power to correct things (1Cor. 4:19-21). As it is now, he had confidence in them in all things that they will obey.