2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians 1:1

For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body. “For by means of one spirit we were all baptized into one body” (Meyer). Rather, moved by one spirit acting through the apostles and evangelists, we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, bond or free. The idea is that though diverse in race and condition, all have been made parts of one body by baptism, and that this had all been done under the direction of one spirit. All, too, receiving it as a gift, drank of the same spirit. Hence, if special and extraordinary spiritual gifts were imparted to the members of this body, these would be due to one spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:9

And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee. Every member of the body has its place and is needed by every other member.

2 Corinthians 1:15

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. All were “baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13), and hence are severally members or parts of the one body, with offices to discharge like those of the members of the human body.

2 Corinthians 1:16

And God hath set some in the church. The various offices of the members are pointed out. Some had stations to which they were assigned by the spirit. Nine spiritual gifts have already been named (1 Corinthians 12:8-10); nine positions in the church are now given. To each the Spirit granted the special gifts required. Apostles. The twelve, Paul, and such evangelists as Barnabas and others; men sent by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel. Prophets. See PNT 1 Corinthians 12:10. Teachers. Men gifted by the spirit to teach in the church. Miracles. Those who had the power to work miracles. Gifts of healing. One division of miraculous powers granted. Helps. Spiritual aid granted to helpers, such as deacons. Governments. The administrative abilities of the presbytery.

2 Corinthians 1:17

[Are] all apostles? Only a few had this office given them, and so of each of the other gifts.

2 Corinthians 1:19

Covet earnestly the best gifts. The highest spiritual gifts. See 1 Corinthians 14:12. I show to you a more excellent way. There is something still better than these which all may possess. This best of all things is shown in the next chapter.

2 Corinthians 1:21

The Greatest of All Things SUMMARY OF I CORINTHIANS 13: Christian Love Better Than Miraculous Gifts. The Nature of Love and Its Action. All the Miraculous Gifts Shall Pass Away, but Love Endureth. Forever. All Human Knowledge Imperfect and Transient. But Faith, Hope, and Love Eternal. Of the Three, Love Is the Greatest. Meyer says of this chapter: ``This praise of love, almost a psalm on love it might be called, is as rich in its contents drawn from deep experience as in rhetorical truth, fullness and power, grace and simplicity.’' Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 Paul has spoken of spiritual gifts, one of which was to speak in tongues. “A more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31) is now to be shown. Hence, various spiritual gifts are taken up and shown to be useless and vain without love. And have not charity. “Love”, in the Revised Version. If he spoke not only with the tongues of men, but even those of angels, it would be, without love, [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. An empty sound. The latter was a brazen basin, which was beaten. The sounds of these instruments would not be musical.

2 Corinthians 1:22

Though I have [the gift of] prophecy. Another and a high spiritual gift. See PNT 1 Corinthians 12:10. And understand all mysteries. Have supernatural wisdom so as to understand all the secrets of God. And all knowledge. See PNT 1 Corinthians 12:8. Though I have all faith. See PNT 1 Corinthians 12:9. The faith that imparts miraculous power, faith that could remove mountains. See Matthew 17:20. It is clear that Paul knew of the utterance of Christ, since the test of the power of faith is the same.

2 Corinthians 1:23

And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor]. Though he exhibit what the world calls charity in the highest degree, unless he is filled with love, it is nothing. One might give his goods from a desire of praise. Though I give my body to be burned. Gives not only goods, but his body itself. If, like a Buddhist ascetic, he leaps into the flames to burn away the dross and to etherialize his spirit. And have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. These sacrifices are useless unless consecrated by love. All these things are excellences if sanctified by the divine principle of love, but are profitless without it.

2 Corinthians 1:24

The action of love is now described. Charity suffereth long. Love endures slights and wrongs patiently and long, and returns a kindly spirit. It is “slow to anger” (Psalms 103:8). Christ, “when he was reviled, reviled not again” (1 Peter 2:23). “The fruit of the Spirit is long-suffering” (Galatians 5:22). See also Romans 2:4 2 Corinthians 6:6. Charity envieth not. How miserable is that envy which is made unhappy by the good fortune of another. Cain is an example. Love excludes it. A mother does not envy her child. Vaunteth not itself. Does not ostentatiously boast of superiority, not is it inflated.