2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

The apostle in these verses attests their integrity by the sincerity of their conversation. This he does not in a way of boasting and vain-glory, but as one good reason for desiring the help of prayer, as well as for the more comfortably trusting in God (Heb. 13:18), and for the necessary vindication of himself from the aspersions of some persons at Corinth, who reproached his person and questioned his apostleship. Here, I. He appeals to the testimony of conscience with rejoicing (2 Cor.... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

1:12-14 The only boast we make is this--and it is backed by the witness of our conscience--that in the world we have behaved ourselves with the holiness and the purity of God, not with a wisdom dominated by human motives, but with the grace of God, and especially so towards you. We have written no other things to you than those which you read and understand, and I hope that you will go on to understand even their deepest meanings and significances, just as you have already understood them at... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:12

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience ,.... This rejoicing or glorying of the apostle's in the testimony of their consciences, to the goodness of their hearts, actions, conduct, and behaviour, was not before God, and in his sight, but before men, who were ready to accuse their good conversation in Christ: nor are these words to be considered as they generally are by interpreters, as if it was the testimony of a good conscience, which was the ground of their faith and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:12

For our rejoicing is this - Ἡ καυχησις . Our boasting, exultation, subject of glorying. The testimony of our conscience - Μαρτυριον της συνειδησεως· That testimony or witness which conscience, under the light and influence of the Spirit of God, renders to the soul of its state, sincerity, safety, etc. In simplicity - Ἁπλοτητι· from α , denoting unity or together, and πελω , to be; or from α , negative, and πολυς , many; not compounded, having one end in view, having... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:12

Verse 12 12.For our glorying is this. He assigns a reason why his preservation should be a subject of interest to all — that he had conducted himself (258) among them all insimplicity and sincerity He deserved, therefore, to be dear to them, and it would have been very unfeeling not to be concerned in reference to such a servant of the Lord, that he might be long preserved for the benefit of the Church. “I have conducted myself before all in such a manner, that it is no wonder if I have the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:11-12

The gracious influence of prayerfulness and sympathy on suffering souls. The apostle wanted his friends to know of his sufferings so that he might have— I. THEIR SYMPATHY IN THE TROUBLES . Very tenderly beautiful is the way in which St. Paul, while turning to God for his great consolations, yet yearns for the sympathy of those among whom he laboured. He liked to have some of them with him. He was a most brotherly and sympathetic man, and could neither suffer nor rejoice... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:12

For our rejoicing ; rather, for our boasting is this . My expression of confidence in your sympathy with me may sound like a boast, but my boast merely accords with the testimony of my conscience that I have been sincere and honest to all, and most of all to you. The testimony of our conscience. To this St. Paul frequently appeals ( Acts 23:1-35 . 1; Acts 24:16 ; Romans 9:1 ; 1 Corinthians 4:4 ). In simplicity; rather, in holiness . The best reading is ἁγιότητι ( א ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:12

Conscience and the inner life of man. "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward." Three remarks are suggested. I. WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE SOUL CONSCIENCE OBSERVES . This is implied in its "testimony." The eye of conscience pierces into the deepest secrets of motives, and is cognizant of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:12

The testimony of our conscience. I. THE FAVOURABLE TESTIMONY OF CONSCIENCE IS A GREAT SUPPORT IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL AND SUFFERING . Affliction brought upon us directly by our own folly or sin is as wormwood for bitterness. Suffering is then greatly intensified by the reproaches of conscience. We feel that we are reaping only as we have sown. But when conscience acquits us we gain great moral support. The pressure of the heaviest burden is relieved; in the... read more

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