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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us - Who shows himself to be the God of tender mercy, by condescending to notice us, who have never deserved any good at his hand; and also the God of all consolation, by comforting us in all our tribulation - never leaving us a prey to anxiety, carking care, persecution, or temptation; but, by the comforts of his Spirit, bearing us up in, through, and above, all our trials and difficulties. That we may be able to comfort them - Even spiritual comforts are not given us for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:1

Verse 1 1.Paul an Apostle As to the reasons why he designates himself an Apostle of Christ, and adds that he has obtained this honor by the will of God, see the foregoing Epistle, where it has been observed that none are to be listened to but those, who have been sent by God, and speak from his mouth, and that, consequently, to secure authority for any one, two things are required — a call, and fidelity on the part of the person who is called, in the execution of his office. (214) Both of these... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:3

Verse 3 3Blessed be God He begins (as has been observed) with this thanksgiving — partly for the purpose of extolling the goodness of God — partly, with the view of animating the Corinthians by his example to the resolute endurance of persecutions; and partly, that he may magnify himself in a strain of pious glorying, in opposition to the malignant slanderings of the false apostles. For such is the depravity of the world, that it treats with derision martyrdoms, (217) which it ought to have... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:4

Verse 4 4.That we may be able to comfort There can be no doubt, that, as he had a little before cleared his afflictions from reproach and unfavorable reports, so now he instructs the Corinthians, that his having come off victorious through heavenly consolation was for their sake and with a view to their advantage, that they may stir themselves up to fellowship in suffering, instead of haughtily despising his conflicts. As, however, the Apostle lived not for himself but for the Church, so he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1

By the will of God (see 1 Corinthians 1:1 ). In the face of Judaizing opponents, it was essential that he should vindicate his independent apostolate ( Acts 26:15-18 ). And Timothy. Timothy had been absent from St. Paul when he wrote the First Epistle, and Sosthenes had taken his place, whether as amanuensis or merely as a sort of joint authenticator. Our brother; literally, the brother, as in 1 Corinthians 1:1 . The brotherhood applies both to St. Paul and to the Corinthians;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1

An apostle by the will of God. Paul claims to be what he is, not by his own choice, not by the favour or nomination of his fellow men, but by the Divine will, There were special reasons why he should so think of himself; the office to which he was called was special, for he was a commissioned apostle; and the manner in which he was called to that office was marvellous, supernatural, and miraculous. But the principle contained in this language applies to every Christian; whatever we... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1

Saints. A beautiful title frequently conferred upon the people of God in Scripture, They are called believers, since they exercise faith in Christ; disciples, as they place themselves under the teaching of Christ; servants, as they are pledged to do his bidding; children, as they are adopted into the family of God; and saints, since they are to live holily—"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke [blemish], in the midst of a crooked and perverse... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1

By the will. In this assertion, "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God," St. Paul briefly summarizes the claim to apostleship which he elsewhere argues, and which he so earnestly vindicates in a later portion of this Epistle. He carries the question to the final court of appeal, declaring that the primal source whence comes all call to office in the Christian Church is the "will of God." It matters not how that "will" may be expressed; whether, as to the older disciples, in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1-2

The will of God. "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ," etc. Here are three subjects of thought. I. THE SUPREME LAW . "By the will of God." 1 . God has a will . He is, therefore, personality, free and intelligent. His will explains the origin, sustenance, and order of the universe. His will is the force of all forces, the law of all laws. 2 . God has a will in relation to individual men . He has a purpose in relation to every man, every man's existence, mission, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1-2

Salutation. It is a greeting from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from "'Timothy our brother," instead of Sosthenes, as in the First Epistle. It is to the Church of God at Corinth, with all the saints in the whole of Achaia, all connected in the province with the central Church at Corinth. "Beginning at Jerusalem"—the holy city was to be the starting point. Antioch, Caesarea, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, were to be early reached by the gospel. Community centres were to... read more

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