1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 2:1

Communicate to the necessities of the saints - Relieve all Christians that are in want. It is remarkable, that the apostle, treating expressly of the duties flowing from the communion of saints, yet never says one word about the dead. Pursue hospitality - Not only embracing those that offer, but seeking opportunities to exercise it.

1 Corinthians 2:2

Curse not - No, not in your heart.

1 Corinthians 2:3

Rejoice - The direct opposite to weeping is laughter; but this does not so well suit a Christian.

1 Corinthians 2:4

Mind not high things - Desire not riches, honour, or the company of the great.

1 Corinthians 2:5

Provide - Think beforehand; contrive to give as little offence as may be to any.

1 Corinthians 2:7

Dearly beloved - So he softens the rugged spirit. Revenge not yourselves, but leave that to God. Perhaps it might more properly be rendered, leave room for wrath; that is, the wrath of God, to whom vengeance properly belongs. Deuteronomy 32:35

1 Corinthians 2:8

Feed him - With your own hand: if it be needful, even put bread into his mouth. Heap coals of fire upon his head - That part which is most sensible. “So artists melt the sullen ore of lead, By heaping coals of fire upon its head; In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow, And pure from dross the silver runs below.” Proverbs 25:21, &c.

1 Corinthians 2:9

And if you see no present fruit, yet persevere. Be not overcome with evil - As all are who avenge themselves. But overcome evil with good. Conquer your enemies by kindness and patience.

1 Corinthians 2:11

St. Paul, writing to the Romans, whose city was the seat of the empire, speaks largely of obedience to magistrates: and this was also, in effect, a public apology for the Christian religion. Let every soul be subject to the supreme powers - An admonition peculiarly needful for the Jews. Power, in the singular number, is the supreme authority; powers are they who are invested with it. That is more readily acknowledged to be from God than these. The apostle affirms it of both.

They are all from God, who constituted all in general, and permits each in particular by his providence. The powers that be are appointed by God - It might be rendered, are subordinate to, or, orderly disposed under, God; implying, that they are God’s deputies or vicegerents and consequently, their authority being, in effect, his, demands our conscientious obedience.

1 Corinthians 2:12

Whosoever resisteth the power - In any other manner than the laws of the community direct. Shall receive condemnation - Not only from the magistrate, but from God also.

1 Corinthians 2:13

For rulers are - In the general, notwithstanding some particular exceptions. A terror to evil works - Only. Wouldest thou then not be afraid - There is one fear which precedes evil actions, and deters from them: this should always remain. There is another fear which follows evil actions: they who do well are free from this.

1 Corinthians 2:14

The sword - The instrument of capital punishment, which God authorizes him to inflict.

1 Corinthians 2:15

Not only for fear of wrath - That is, punishment from man. But for conscience’ sake - Out of obedience to God.

1 Corinthians 2:16

For this cause - Because they are the ministers (officers) of God for the public good. This very thing - The public good.