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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:15-24

The apostle here vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy, in that he did not hold his purpose of coming to them at Corinth. His adversaries there sought all occasions to blemish his character, and reflect upon his conduct; and, it seemed, they took hold of this handle to reproach his person and discredit his ministry. Now, for his justification, I. He avers the sincerity of his intention (2 Cor. 1:15-17), and he does this in confidence of their good opinion of him, and... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:23-24

1:23-24 I call God to witness against my soul that it was because I wished to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth. I am not saying this because we have any desire to domineer over your faith, but because we desire to labour with you to produce joy. As far as faith is concerned, you stand firm. But for my own peace of mind I came to this decision--not to come to you again in grief. For, if I grieve you, who then is there to make me glad, except him who is grieved by what I have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion ,.... Since he had spoke of "sparing" of them, lest it should be thought that he and his fellow ministers assumed to themselves any tyrannical power over the churches, or lorded it over God's heritage, these words are subjoined: in which there is something denied of the ministers of the Gospel, as that they have not dominion over your faith : by which may be meant both the grace and doctrine of faith: they cannot give or produce in the heart the grace of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion over your faith - I will not come to exercise my apostolical authority in punishing them who have acted sinfully and disorderly; for this would be to several of you a cause of distress, the delinquents being friends and relatives; but I hope to come to promote your joy, to increase your spiritual happiness, by watering the seed which I have already sowed. This I think to be the meaning of the apostle. It is certain that the faith which they had already received... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:24

Verse 24 24.Not that we exercise dominion He anticipates an objection that might be brought forward. “What! Do you then act so tyrannically (305) as to be formidable in your very look? Such were not the gravity of a Christian pastor, but the cruelty of a savage tyrant.” He answers this objection first indirectly, by declaring that matters are not so; and afterwards directly, by showing that the very circumstance, that he had been constrained to treat them more harshly, was owing to his fatherly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:12-24

Defence of himself; character of his preaching. "On our behalf" were the closing words of the preceding verse, and St. Paul would now impress upon the Corinthians that he was worthy of their confidence and affection. And yet, further, if their regard had been manifested by intercessions in his behalf, he wished to assure them that he had in his own mind a blessed witness to the truth and sincerity of his apostolic work. Conscience was this witness. It testified that, "in simplicity and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:23-24

A threefold theme. "Moreover I call God for a record," etc. In these verses we have three things worthy of note. I. THE FULFILMENT OF A PROMISE ADJOURNED . "Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth." Paul here, in the most solemn way, assigns the reason why he had adjourned his promised visit to Corinth. It was not for his personal convenience, or from a change of purpose, or from any indifference towards them, but on the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion over your faith. The expression, "to spare you," might have been resented as involving a claim "to lord it over their faith." He had, indeed, authority ( 1 Corinthians 4:21 ; 2 Corinthians 10:6 ; 2 Corinthians 13:2 , 2 Corinthians 13:10 ), but it was a purely spiritual authority; it was valid only over those who recognized in him an apostolic commission. St. Peter, no less than St. Paul, discourages the spirit of ecclesiastical tyranny ( 1 Peter 5:3 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:24

The apostolic ministry. I. APOSTOLIC TESTIMONY . Our religion is based on facts seen and known, abundantly verified and honestly related. Of these facts apostles were the chosen witnesses. When they spoke to their countrymen, the Jews, they showed how those facts concerning Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled Old Testament types and prophecies of the Christ. But the real foundation which they laid everywhere was one of fact. Jesus had died and God had raised him from the dead. Of these things... read more

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