2 Corinthians 11:2 - Exposition

For . This gives the reason why they bore with him. It was due to a reciprocity of affection. I am jealous over you. The word implies both jealousy and zeal ( 2 Corinthians 7:7 ; 2 Corinthians 9:2 ). With a godly jealousy; literally, with a jealousy of God . My jealousy is not the poor earthly vice ( Numbers 5:14 ; Ecclesiastes 9:1 ), but a heavenly zeal of love. For I have espoused you; rather, for I betrothed you; at your conversion. I acted as the paranymph, or "bridegroom's friend" ( John 3:29 ), in bringing you to Christ, the Bridegroom. The metaphor is found alike in the Old and New Testaments ( Isaiah 54:5 ; Ezekiel 23:1-49 .; Hosea 2:19 ; Ephesians 5:25-27 ). To one husband ( Jeremiah 3:1 ; Ezekiel 16:15 ). Our Lord used an analogous metaphor in the parable of the king's wedding feast, the virgins, etc. T hat I may present you. The same word as in 2 Corinthians 4:14 . The conversion of the Church was its betrothal to Christ, brought about by St. Paul as the paranymph; and, in the same capacity, at the final marriage feast, he would present their Church as a pure bride to Christ at his coming ( Revelation 19:7-9 ).