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¶ We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye
receive not the grace of God in vain.
.2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: |
1 -
Workers together with him Our good work is entirely dependent on
Christ. jn1505.
2 - Now is the accepted time Or "now is the time of God's favor." Paul quoted the Septuagint for is4908. 3 - Offence Literally, "occasion for stumbling." |
| 4 But in all things
approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions,
in necessities, in distresses,
.5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. |
4
- Approving ourselves Paul had been condemned
or discredited 3:1-3; 4:2;
5:12;
10:12-18.
Also see the note on this chapter's home page 2co.
5 - Stripes Blows as with a whip See mt1017, 2co1124,5. 5 - Tumults From akatastasiai, Disorder. See the word in lu2109. The apostles were in great danger, often charged for starting the disorder they were caught in. See ac1350, ac1408-19, ac1705, ac1812, ac2128-31, ac2307-10. |
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¶ O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
.12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. .14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? |
12
- Bowels The upper abdominal area thought to be the seat of the
affections. Paul's affection is not restrained but the Corinthian believers
experienced this.
14 - Unequally yoked The picture is of two oxen pulling together. Today we might think of socks being matched, or a twin-engine aircraft. It is tempting to join in serious business relationships for money while overlooking the practices of the partner that would dishonor the Lord. The most important relationship to which this principle applies is marriage. Compare am0303; ge0602. |
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And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth
with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. .17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, .18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. |
15
- Belial The term is here personified. See 2sa1607.
17 - Wherefore come out Paul alludes to OT statements about coming out of captivity where writers appealed to the people to leave behind the pagan practices of the cities where they had been held is5211, je5106, je5145. For us, we live in a world with wicked cultures. We need to come out of spiritual Babylon and be holy people. 18 - Sons and daughters What a privilege to be reborn in the Spirit. jn0112, jn0303, 1jo0301, and become human members of the divine family lu0249, jn0114, jn0434, jn0829. |
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