Titus . This refers to the first visit of Titus. He was now on the eve of a second visit with two others ( 2 Corinthians 8:6 , 2 Corinthians 8:18 , 2 Corinthians 8:22 ). A brother; rather, the brother . Who it was is entirely unknown. Perhaps Tychicus ( Titus 3:12 ). In the same Spirit; namely, in the Spirit of God. read more
Again, think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? The best reading is not palin, again, but palai, long ago. This word with the present is an elegant classical idiom, and means, "You have, perhaps, been imagining all this time that I am pleading with you by way of self-defence. Do not think it! You are no judges of mine. My only object is to speak before God in Christ, not to defend myself since I need no defence so far as you are concerned—but to help in building you up, by removing... read more
Such as ye would not (see 1 Corinthians 4:21 ). Debates . "Discords," "quarrels." Strifes . "Party intrigues," "factious and emulous rivalries" ( Romans 2:8 ). Backbiting . Detractions, talkings against one another. Swellings . Inflated conceit pompous egotism ( 1 Corinthians 4:6 , 1 Corinthians 4:18 , 1 Corinthians 4:19 ; Colossians 2:18 ). Tumults . Disorderly excitement. read more
Humble me among you; rather, in my relation to you . Many which have sinned already, and have not repented; rather, who have sinned before and did not repent . Many had sinned ( 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 ); some only had repented. read more
This chapter 2 Corinthians 12:0 is a continuation of the same general subject which was discussed in the two previous chapters. The general design of the apostle is, to defend himself from the charges brought against him in Corinth, and especially, as it would appear, from the charge that he had no claims to the character of an apostle. In the previous chapters he had met these charges, and had shown that he had just cause to be bold toward them; that he had in his life given evidence that he... read more
It is not expedient - It is not well; it does not become me. This may either mean that he felt and admitted that it did not become him to boast in this manner; that there was an impropriety in his doing it though circumstances had compelled him, and in this sense it is understood by nearly, or quite, all expositors; or it may be taken ironically. “Such a man as I am ought not to boast. So you say, and so it would seem. A man who has done no more than I have; who has suffered nothing; who has... read more
I knew a man in Christ - I was acquainted with a Christian; the phrase “in Christ” meaning nothing more than that he was united to Christ or was a Christian; see Romans 16:7. The reason why Paul did not speak of this directly as a vision which he had himself seen was probably that he was accused of boasting, and he had admitted that it did not become him to glory. But though it did not become him to boast directly, yet he could tell them of a man concerning whom there would be no impropriety... read more
And I knew such a man - It is not uncommon to repeat a solemn affirmation in order that it may be made more emphatic. This is done here. Paul repeats the idea, that he was intimately acquainted with such a man, and that he did not know whether he was in the body or out of the body. All that was known to God. read more
Into paradise - The word “paradise” (παράδεισος paradeisos) occurs but three times in the New Testament; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7. It occurs often in the Septuagint, as the translation of the word garden; Genesis 2:8-10, Genesis 2:15-16; Genesis 3:1-3, Genesis 3:8,Genesis 3:16, Genesis 3:23-24; Genesis 13:10; Numbers 24:6; Isaiah 51:3; Ezekiel 28:13; Ezekiel 31:8-9; Joel 2:3. And also Isaiah 1:30; Jeremiah 29:5; and of the word פּרדס pardēc in Nehemiah 2:8; Ecclesiastes... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:17
Did I make a gain of you, etc.? The same verb as in 2 Corinthians 2:11 . It means" to overreach," "to take unfair advantages." read more