the Third Week of Advent
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Bible Commentaries
Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible Henry's Complete
Comfort in Affliction; Paul's Plans.Chapter 2
Forgiveness; Paul's Travel Plans.Chapter 3
New Covenant; Glory of the Ministry.Chapter 4
Treasure in Jars of Clay; Perseverance.Chapter 5
New Creation; Ministry of Reconciliation.Chapter 6
Paul's Hardships; Call to Holiness.Chapter 7
Joy over the Corinthians' Repentance.Chapter 8
Collection for the Saints; Example of Generosity.Chapter 9
Generosity in Giving; Benefits and Blessings.Chapter 10
Paul's Defense of His Apostleship.Chapter 11
Paul's Sufferings; False Apostles.Chapter 12
Paul's Visions and Revelations; Thorn in the Flesh.Chapter 13
Final Warnings; Test of Faith; Greetings.
- 2 Corinthians
by Matthew Henry
AN
EXPOSITION,
W I T H P R A C T I C A L O B S E R V A T I O N S,
OF THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE
C O R I N T H I A N S.
IN his former epistle the apostle had signified his intentions of coming to Corinth, as he passed through Macedonia (1 Corinthians 16:5), but, being providentially hindered for some time, he writes this second epistle to them about a year after the former; and there seem to be these two urgent occasions:-- 1. The case of the incestuous person, who lay under censure, required that with all speed he should be restored and received again into communion. This therefore he gives directions about (2 Corinthians 2:1-17; 2 Corinthians 2:1-17), and afterwards (2 Corinthians 7:1-16; 2 Corinthians 7:1-16) he declares the satisfaction he had upon the intelligence he received of their good behaviour in that affair. 2. There was a contribution now making for the poor saints at Jerusalem, in which he exhorts the Corinthians to join, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9.
There are divers other things very observable in this epistle; for example, I. The account the apostle gives of his labours and success in preaching the gospel in several places, 2 Corinthians 2:1-17; 2 Corinthians 2:1-17. II. The comparison he makes between the Old and New Testament dispensation, 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18. III. The manifold sufferings that he and his fellow-labourers met with, and the motives and encouragements for their diligence and patience, 2 Corinthians 4:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:1-5. IV. The caution he gives the Corinthians against mingling with unbelievers, 2 Corinthians 6:1-18; 2 Corinthians 6:1-18. V. The way and manner in which he justifies himself and his apostleship from the opprobrious insinuations and accusations of false teachers, who endeavoured to ruin his reputation at Corinth, 2 Corinthians 10:1-12; 2 Corinthians 10:1-12, and throughout the whole epistle.
