2 Corinthians 6
Dort1 Paul exhorts the Corinthians that they should not receive in vain the grace which was ministered unto them by him, as an Ambassador of Christ, 3 and relates how faithfully he had fulfilled his ministry, even in the midst of all troubles and tribulations, 6 with all, with what manner of virtues and power of the spirit his labour jade been accompanied. 11 Declares further his great inclination towards them, 13 and inquires the same of them again towards him. 14 Admonisheth them not to be yoked with the unbelievers, 16 and to have no communion with Idols, seeing the believers are Gods Temple, 17 but to separate themselves from them, 18 seeing God is their Father and they his children.
1. AND we [He includes with him Timothy: in whose name he also writeth] (as) labouring together [or, working together. Namely, with God as the ministers of the word are also elsewhere called, as being instruments and Ambassadors of God, 1 Cor. 3.9.10.] beseech [or, exhort] you also, that ye may not have received the grace of God [namely, which was offered you by the Gospel and our ministry, and received by you] in vain. [that is, without bringing forth suitable fruits of thankfulness, and increasing in faith.]
2. For he saith [Namely, Isaiah 49:8. where God the Father speaks thus to his Son, and promiseth the building up of his Church by him at his coming] in the acceptable time have I heard thee: behold now [these now are the words of Paul wherewith he expounds the words a foregoing, and applies them to the time of the new Testament] it is the well-accepted time [or, the time of the good pleasure, as the Hebrew word in Esay properly sounds, namely, which God in his pleasure and appointed to call men every where to repentance by Christ and his ministers, and by his spirit powerfully to bring them unto thereunto, Acts 2:16,17. and 17.v.30,31. etc.] behold now it is the day of salvation.
3. We give no offence in any thing, that the ministry [Namely, of the holy Gospel, which is instructed with us, and of which he spoke it in the end of the former chapter] be not reproached: [or, blamed, reproved, as Greek word properly imports: which uses to be done when the lives of the ministers of the word are not agreeable to their doctrine.]
4. But we as ministers of God, make ourselves acceptable [Gr. we commend ourselves: or cause the after trial made, we are approved or approve] in all things, in much long suffering, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5. In stripes, in prisons, in commotions, [Or, confusions, unsettlements: whereby is understood the state of those that are pursued or driven hither and thither] in labour, in watching, in fasting,
6. In pureness, [Or, chastise: So from henceforth the Apostle rehearseth the verues and means whereby he overcame the former troubles] in knowledge, in long suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Ghost, [hereby he understands the boldness and joy of the Spirit, who supports us even in the midst of all tribulations, John 16:33. Rom. 5.v.3,4,5. and 14.17.] in love unstained,
7. In the words of truth, [That is, the preaching of the Gospel, as John 17:17.] in the power of God, [namely, which accompanied this preaching of the Apostles, not only with signs and miracles, Hebrews 2:3,4. but also with power to resist & subdue the wicked, as with weapons which were mighty in God on all sides to gain the elect to Christ, and keep away the others from them, 2 Cor. 10. 4,5,6.] by the weapons of righteousness on the right and the left (side) [or, by the right and left weapons of righteousness.]
8. By honour and dishonour [That is, in the midst of honour and dishonour, namely, honour with the good, and dishonour with ungodly and worldly men. Understands the same difference also in the following oppositions: and see an example in Christ, John 7:12. and in Paul, Acts 17:18,32.] by evil report and good report: as seducers, and (notwithstanding) true:
9. As unknown and (notwithstanding) known: as dying [Namely, according to the judgment of men accounted for dead]and behold we live: [namely, by the special grace and protection of God, Psalms 118:18.] as chastened not killed:
10. As being sad yet always joyful; [That is, comforted in God, Romans 5:3. 1 Thes. 5.16.]] as poor, [namely, in respect of worldly riches] yet making many rich: [namely, with spiritual gifts] as having nothing and nevertheless possessing all things. [namely, in Christ and with Christ, 2 Cor. 3.21,22.]
11. Our mouth is opened towards you, O Corinthians: [That is, I speak boldly and at large with you concerning all my occasion, even as many inclinations and good heart towards you is also great. A Hebrew phrase] our heart is spread forth.
12. Ye are not narrow in us, [That is, ye posses our heart wholly. We set our hearts wide open for you] but ye are narrow in your bowels. [that is, you do not open your hearts enough, but keep them still in part as it were shut before us.]
13. Now (to make) the same recompense ( I speak as unto (my) children) be ye also extended. [Namely,in your bowels or heart: to bear the like affection or love unto us.]
14. Draw not another yoke with unbelievers; {that is, be not yoked or have no communion with them that be of unlike Religion, as the idolatrous Gentiles were. Whereby he doth not forbid all manner of communion, for that should contradict that which he said 1 Cor.5.10. but only such communion, whereby they might also be brought unto communion with their idolatry or other sins, or unbelievers be strengthened in their sins: and is a similitude taken from the Law, Deuteronomy 22:10. where God forbids that in ploughing they should join together an ox and an ass] For what partnership hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
15. And what agreement hath Christ with Belial? [This is a Hebrew word and signifies one that is without yoke, or profitable to no man. Here it is taken for Satan himself, who hath cast all obedience of God from him, See 1 Samuel 1:16.] or what part hath believer with the unbeliever?
16. Or what conjunction hath the Temple of God [Namely, which is sanctified for the service of the true God] with Idols? For ye [namely, who believe in Christ, Ephesians 2:21,22. 1 Pet. 2.5.] are the Temple of the living God: [that is, who not only liveth himself, but is the author of life unto all, Acts 17:25. and this title is here given to God, in opposition to dumb dead idols] even as God hath said, [these words are taken partly out of Levvit. 26.11,12. partly out of Ezekiel 37:26. I will dwell in them, and I will walk among (them) and I will be their God, and they shall be to me a people.
17. Therefore go out of the midst of them [These words are taken out of Esa. 52.11. so that this exhortation of Paul is out of diver’s places joined together] and separate your selves saith the Lord, and touch not that which is unclean, and I will receive you.
18. And I will be for a Father to you, and ye shall be to me for sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.