Chapter XVII: Front Matter (17)

11:22. What, have you no houses to eat and to drink in? Or despise ye the church of God and put them to shame that have not? What shall I say to you? Do I praise you? In this I praise you not.

11:23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread,

11:24. And giving thanks, broke and said: Take ye and eat: This is my body, which shall be delivered for you. This do for the commemoration of me.

11:25. In like manner also the chalice, after he had supped, saying: This chalice is the new testament in my blood. This do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of me.

11:26. For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice, you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come.

11:27. Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord.

Or drink. . .Here erroneous translators corrupted the text, by putting and drink (contrary to the original) instead of or drink.

Guilty of the body, etc., not discerning the body, etc. . .This demonstrates the real presence of the body and blood of Christ, even to the unworthy communicant; who otherwise could not be guilty of the body and blood of Christ, or justly condemned for not discerning the Lord's body.

11:28. But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice.

Drink of the chalice. . .This is not said by way of command, but by way of allowance, viz., where and when it is agreeable to the practice and discipline of the church.

11:29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord.

11:30. Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you: and many sleep.

11:31. But if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

11:32. But whilst we are judged, we are chastised by the Lord, that we be not condemned with this world.

11:33. Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

11:34. If any man be hungry, let him eat at home; that you come not together unto judgment. And the rest I will set in order, when I come.

1 Corinthians Chapter 12

Of the diversity of spiritual gifts. The members of the mystical body, like those of the natural body, must mutually cherish one another.

12:1. Now concerning spiritual things, my brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

12:2. You know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led.

12:3. Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say The Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.

12:4. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit.

12:5. And there are diversities of ministries. but the same Lord.

12:6. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all.

12:7. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit.

12:8. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:

12:9. To another, faith in the same spirit: to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit:

12:10. To another the working of miracles: to another, prophecy: to another, the discerning of spirits: to another, diverse kinds of tongues: to another, interpretation of speeches.

12:11. But all these things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will.

12:12. For as the body is one and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body: So also is Christ.

12:13. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free: and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink.

12:14. For the body also is not one member, but many.

12:15. If the foot should say: Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body: Is it therefore not of the Body?

12:16. And if the ear should say: Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body: Is it therefore not of the body?

12:17. If the whole body were the eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?

12:18. But now God hath set the members, every one of them, in the body as it hath pleased him.

12:19. And if they all were one member, where would be the body?

12:20. But now there are many members indeed, yet one body.

12:21. And the eye cannot say to the hand: I need not thy help. Nor again the head to the feet: I have no need of you.

12:22. Yea, much, more those that seem to be the more feeble members of the body are more necessary

12:23. And such as we think to be the less honourable members of the body, about these we put more abundant honour: and those that are our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

12:24. But our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, giving to that which wanted the more abundant honour.

12:25. That there might be no schism in the body: but the members might be mutually careful one for another.

12:26. And if one member suffer any thing, all the members suffer with it: or if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it.

12:27. Now you are the body of Christ and members of member.

12:28. And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.

12:29. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?

12:30. Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

12:31. But be zealous for the better gifts. And I shew unto you yet a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians Chapter 13

Charity is to be preferred before all gifts.

13:1. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

13:2. And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

13:3. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

13:4. Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up,

13:5. Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil:

13:6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth:

13:7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

13:8. Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed.

13:9. For we know in part: and we prophesy in part.

13:10. But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

13:11. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.

13:12. We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known.

13:13. And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

1 Corinthians Chapter 14

The gift of prophesying is to be preferred before that of speaking strange tongues.

14:1. Follow after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy.

Prophesy. . .That is, declare or expound the mysteries of faith.

14:2. For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth. Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Not unto men. . .Viz., so as to be heard, that is, so as to be understood by them.

14:3. But he that prophesieth speaketh to men unto edification and exhortation and comfort.

14:4. He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church.

14:5. And I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification.

14:6. But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or in doctrine?

14:7. Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

14:8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

14:9. So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue plain speech, how shall it be known what is said? For you shall be speaking into the air.

14:10. There are, for example, so many kinds of tongues in this world: and none is without voice.

14:11. If then I know not the power of the voice, I shall be to him to whom I speak a barbarian: and he that speaketh a barbarian to me.

14:12. So you also, forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits, seek to abound unto the edifying of the church.

Of spirits. . .Of spiritual gifts.

14:13. And therefore he that speaketh by a tongue, let him pray that he may interpret.

14:14. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth: but my understanding is without fruit.

14:15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, I will pray also with the understanding, I will sing with the spirit, I will sing also with the understanding.

14:16. Else, if thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that holdeth the place of the unlearned say, Amen, to thy blessing? Because he knoweth not what thou sayest.

Amen. . .The unlearned, not knowing that you are then blessing, will not be qualified to join with you by saying Amen to your blessing. The use or abuse of strange tongues, of which the apostle here speaks, does not regard the public liturgy of the church, (in which strange tongues were never used,) but certain conferences of the faithful, ver. 26, etc., in which, meeting together, they discovered to one another their various miraculous gifts of the Spirit, common in those primitive times; amongst which the apostle prefers that of prophesying before that of speaking strange tongues, because it was more to the public edification. Where also not, that the Latin, used in our liturgy, is so far from being a strange or unknown tongue, that it is perhaps the best known tongue in the world.

14:17. For thou indeed givest thanks well: but the other is not edified.

14:18. I thank my God I speak with all your tongues.

14:19. But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also: than ten thousand words in a tongue.

14:20. Brethren, do not become children in sense. But in malice be children: and in sense be perfect.

14:21. In the law it is written: In other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people: and neither so will they hear me, saith the Lord.

14:22. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to believers but to unbelievers: but prophecies, not to unbelievers but to believers.

14:23. If therefore the whole church come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in unlearned persons or infidels, will they not say that you are mad?

14:24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not or an unlearned person, he is convinced of all: he is judged of all.

14:25. The secrets of his heart are made manifest. And so, falling down on his face, he will adore God, affirming that God is among you indeed.

14:26. How is it then, brethren? When you come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation: let all things be done to edification.

14:27. If any speak with a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in course: and let one interpret.

14:28. But if there be no interpreter, let him hold his peace in the church and speak to himself and to God.

14:29. And let the prophets speak, two or three: and let the rest judge.

14:30. But if any thing be revealed to another sitting, let the first hold his peace.

14:31. For you may all prophesy, one by one, that all may learn and all may be exhorted.

14:32. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

14:33. For God is not the God of dissension, but of peace: as also I teach in all the churches of the saints.

14:34. Let women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted them to speak but to be subject, as also the law saith.

14:35. But if they would learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is a shame for a woman to speak in the church.

14:36. Or did the word of God come out from you? Or came it only unto you?

14:37. If any seem to be a prophet or spiritual, let him know the things that I write to you, that they are the commandments of the Lord.

14:38. But if any man know not, he shall not be known.

14:39. Wherefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy: and forbid not to speak with tongues.

14:40. But let all things be done decently and according to order.

1 Corinthians Chapter 15

Christ's resurrection and ours. The manner of our resurrection.

15:1. Now I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received and wherein you stand.

15:2. By which also you are saved, if you hold fast after what manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.

15:3. For I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received: how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures:

15:4. And that he was buried: and that he rose again according to the scriptures:

15:5. And that he was seen by Cephas, and after that by the eleven.

15:6. Then was he seen by more than five hundred brethren at once: of whom many remain until this present, and some are fallen asleep.

15:7. After that, he was seen by James: then by all the apostles.

15:8. And last of all, he was seen also by me, as by one born out of due tine.

15:9. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

15:10. But by the grace of God, I am what I am. And his grace in me hath not been void: but I have laboured more abundantly than all they. Yet not I, but the grace of God with me:

15:11. For whether I or they, so we preach: and so you have believed.

15:12. Now if Christ be preached, that he arose again from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

15:13. But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen again.

15:14. And if Christ be not risen again, then is our preaching vain: and your faith is also vain.

15:15. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God: because we have given testimony against God, that he hath raised up Christ, whom he hath not raised up, if the dead rise not again.

15:16. For if the dead rise not again, neither is Christ risen again.

15:17. And if Christ be not risen again, your faith is vain: for you are yet in your sins.

15:18. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

15:19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

15:20. But now Christ is risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that sleep:

15:21. For by a man came death: and by a man the resurrection of the dead.

15:22. And as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive.

15:23. But every one in his own order: the firstfruits, Christ: then they that are of Christ, who have believed in his coming.

15:24. Afterwards the end: when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father: when he shall have brought to nought all principality and power and virtue.

15:25. For he must reign, until he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

15:26. And the enemy, death, shall be destroyed last: For he hath put all things under his feet. And whereas he saith:

15:27. All things are put under him; undoubtedly, he is excepted, who put all things under him.

15:28. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then the Son also himself shall be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

The Son also himself shall be subject unto him. . .That is, the Son will be subject to the Father, according to his human nature, even after the general resurrection; and also the whole mystical body of Christ will be entirely subject to God, obeying him in every thing.

15:29. Otherwise, what shall they do that are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not again at all? Why are they then baptized for them?

That are baptized for the dead. . .Some think the apostle here alludes to a ceremony then in use; but others, more probably, to the prayers and penitential labours, performed by the primitive Christians for the souls of the faithful departed; or to the baptism of afflictions and sufferings undergone for sinners spiritually dead.

15:30. Why also are we in danger every hour?

15:31. I die daily, I protest by your glory, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord.

15:32. If (according to man) I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me, if the dead rise not again? Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall die.

Let us eat and drink, etc. . .That is, if we did not believe that we were to rise again from the dead, we might live like the impious and wicked, who have no belief in the resurrection.

15:33. Be not seduced: Evil communications corrupt good manners.

15:34. Awake, ye just, and sin not. For some have not the knowledge of God. I speak it to your shame.

15:35. But some man will say: How do the dead rise again? Or with what manner of body shall they come?

15:36. Senseless man, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die first.

15:37. And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not the body that shall be: but bare grain, as of wheat, or of some of the rest.

15:38. But God giveth it a body as he will: and to every seed its proper body.

15:39. All flesh is not the same flesh: but one is the flesh of men, another of beasts, other of birds, another of fishes.

15:40. And there are bodies celestial and bodies terrestrial: but, one is the glory of the celestial, and another of the terrestrial.

15:41. One is the glory of the sun, another the glory of the moon, and another the glory of the stars. For star differeth from star in glory.

15:42. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption: it shall rise in incorruption.

15:43. It is sown in dishonour: it shall rise in glory. It is sown in weakness: it shall rise in power.

15:44. It is sown a natural body: it shall rise a spiritual body. If there be a natural body, there is also a spiritual body, as it is written:

15:45. The first man Adam was made into a living soul; the last Adam into a quickening spirit.

15:46. Yet that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural: afterwards that which is spiritual.

15:47. The first man was of the earth, earthly: the second man, from heaven, heavenly.

15:48. Such as is the earthly, such also are the earthly: and such as is the heavenly, such also are they that are heavenly.

15:49. Therefore, as we have borne the image of the earthly, let us bear also the image of the heavenly.

15:50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot possess the kingdom of God: neither shall corruption possess incorruption.

15:51. Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall all indeed rise again: but we shall not all be changed.

15:52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall rise again incorruptible. And we shall be changed.

15:53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption: and this mortal must put on immortality.

15:54. And when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory.

15:55. O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?

15:56. Now the sting of death is sin: and the power of sin is the law.

15:57. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

15:58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast and unmoveable: always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians Chapter 16

Of collection of alms. Admonitions and salutations.

16:1. Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye also.

16:2. On the first day of the week, let every one of you put apart with himself, laying up what it shall well please him: that when I come, the collections be not then to be made.

16:3. And when I shall be with you, whomsoever you shall approve by letters, them will I send to carry your grace to Jerusalem.

16:4. And if it be meet that I also go, they shall go with me.

16:5. Now I will come to you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia. For I shall pass through Macedonia.

16:6. And with you perhaps I shall abide, or even spend the winter: that you may bring me on my way whithersoever I shall go.

16:7. For I will not see you now by the way: for I trust that I shall abide with you some time, if the Lord permit.

16:8. But I will tarry at Ephesus, until Pentecost.

16:9. For a great door and evident is opened unto me: and many adversaries.

16:10. Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

16:11. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct ye him on his way in peace, that he may come to me. For I look for him with the brethren.

16:12. And touching our brother Apollo, I give you to understand that I much entreated him to come unto you with the brethren: and indeed it was not his will at all to come at this time. But he will come when he shall have leisure.

16:13. Watch ye: stand fast in the faith: do manfully and be strengthened.

16:14. Let all your things be done in charity.

16:15. And I beseech you, brethren, you know the house of Stephanus, and of Fortunatus, and of Achaicus, that they are the firstfruits of Achaia, and have dedicated themselves to the ministry of the saints:

16:16. That you also be subject to such and to every one that worketh with us and laboureth.

16:17. And I rejoice in the presence of Stephanus and Fortunatus and Achaicus: because that which was wanting on your part, they have supplied.

16:18. For they have refreshed both my spirit and yours. Know them, therefore, that are such.

16:19. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house, with whom I also lodge.

16:20. All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.

16:21. The salutation of me Paul, with my own hand.

16:22. If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha.

Let him be anathema, maranatha. . .Anathema signifies here a thing accursed. Maran-atha, which, according to St. Jerome and St. Chrysostom, signify, 'The Lord is come' already, and therefore is to be taken as an admonition to those who doubted of the resurrection, and to put them in mind that Christ, the judge of the living and the dead, is come already. Others explain Maran-atha: 'May our Lord come', that is, to judge and punish those with exemplary judgments and punishments, that do not love the Lord Jesus Christ.

16:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

16:24. My charity be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS

In this Epistle St. Paul comforts those who are now reformed by his admonitions to them in the former and absolves the incestuous man on doing penance, whom he had before excommunicated for his crime. Hence he treats of true penance and of the dignity of the ministers of the New Testament. He cautions the faithful against false teachers and the society of infidels. He gives an account of his sufferings and also of the favours and graces which God hath bestowed on him. This second Epistle was written in the same year with the first and sent by Titus from some place in Macedonia.

2 Corinthians Chapter 1

He speaks of his troubles in Asia. His not coming to them was not out of levity. The constancy and sincerity of his doctrine.

1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother: to the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints that are in all Achaia:

1:2. Grace unto you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort:

1:4. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we also may be able to comfort them who are in all distress, by the exhortation wherewith we also are exhorted by God.

1:5. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us: so also by Christ doth our comfort abound.

1:6. Now whether we be in tribulation, it is for your exhortation and salvation: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation: or whether we be exhorted, it is for your exhortation and salvation, which worketh the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.

1:7. That our hope for you may be steadfast: knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation.

1:8. For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, of our tribulation which came to us in Asia: that we were pressed out of measure above our strength, so that we were weary even of life.

1:9. But we had in ourselves the answer of death, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead.

1:10. Who hath delivered and doth deliver us out of so great dangers: in whom we trust that he will yet also deliver us,

1:11. You helping withal in prayer for us. That for this gift obtained for us, by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many in our behalf.

1:12. For our glory is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity of heart and sincerity of God, and not in carnal wisdom, but in the grace of God, we have conversed in this world: and more abundantly towards you.

1:13. For we write no other things to you than what you have read and known. And I hope that you shall know unto the end.

1:14. As also you have known us in part, that we are your glory: as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:15. And in this confidence I had a mind to come to you before, that you might have a second grace:

1:16. And to pass by you into Macedonia: and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be brought on my way towards Judea.

1:17. Whereas then I was thus minded, did I use lightness? Or, the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that there should be with me, It is, and It is not?

1:18. But God is faithful: for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.

1:19. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me and Sylvanus and Timothy, was not: It is and It is not. But, It is, was in him.

It is, was in him. . .There was no inconstancy in the doctrine of the apostles, sometimes, like modern sectaries, saying, It is, and at other times saying, It is not. But their doctrine was ever the same, one uniform yea, in Jesus Christ, one Amen, that is, one truth in him.

1:20. For all the promises of God are in him, It is. Therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.

1:21. Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ and that hath anointed us, is God:

1:22. Who also hath sealed us and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

1:23. But I call God to witness upon my soul that to spare you, I came not any more to Corinth: not because we exercise dominion over your faith: but we are helpers of your joy. For in faith you stand.

2 Corinthians Chapter 2

He grants a pardon to the incestuous man upon his doing penance.

2:1. But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow.

2:2. For if I make you sorrowful, who is he then that can make me glad, but the same who is made sorrowful by me?

2:3. And I wrote this same to you: that I may not, when I come, have sorrow upon sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice: having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

2:4. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not that you should be made sorrowful: but that you might know the charity I have more abundantly towards you.

2:5. And if any one have caused grief, he hath not grieved me: but in part, that I may not burden you all.

2:6. To him who is such a one, this rebuke is sufficient, which is given by many.

2:7. So that on the contrary, you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

2:8. Wherefore, I beseech you that you would confirm your charity towards him.

2:9. For to this end also did I write, that I may know the experiment of you, whether you be obedient in all things.

2:10. And to whom you have pardoned any thing, I also. For, what I have pardoned, if I have pardoned any thing, for your sakes have I done it in the person of Christ:

I also. . .The apostle here granted an indulgence, or pardon, in the person and by the authority of Christ, to the incestuous Corinthian, whom before he had put under penance, which pardon consisted in a releasing of part of the temporal punishment due to his sin.

2:11. That we be not overreached by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his devices.

2:12. And when I was come to Troas for the gospel of Christ and a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

2:13. I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but bidding them farewell, I went into Macedonia.

2:14. Now thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph in Christ Jesus and manifesteth the odour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2:15. For we are the good odour of Christ unto God, in them that are saved and in them that perish.

2:16. To the one indeed the odour of death unto death: but to the others the odour of life unto life. And for these things who is so sufficient?

The odour of death, etc. . .The preaching of the apostle, which by its fragrant odour, brought many to life, was to others, through their own fault, the occasion of death; by their wilfully opposing and resisting that divine call.

2:17. For we are not as many, adulterating the word of God: but with sincerity: but as from God, before God, in Christ we speak.

2 Corinthians Chapter 3

He needs no commendatory letters. The glory of the ministry of the New Testament.

3:1. Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need (as some do) epistles of commendation to you, or from you?

3:2. You are our epistle, written in our hearts, which is known and read by all men:

3:3. Being manifested, that you are the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, and written: not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God: not in tables of stone but in the fleshly tables of the heart.

3:4. And such confidence we have, through Christ, towards God.

3:5. Not that we are sufficient to think any thing of ourselves, as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is from God.

3:6. Who also hath made us fit ministers of the new testament, not in the letter but in the spirit. For the letter killeth: but the spirit quickeneth.

The letter. . .Not rightly understood, and taken without the spirit.

3:7. Now if the ministration of death, engraven with letters upon stones, was glorious (so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance), which is made void:

3:8. How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather in glory?

3:9. For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more the ministration of justice aboundeth in glory.

3:10. For even that which was glorious in this part was not glorified by reason of the glory that excelleth.

3:11. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is in glory.

3:12. Having therefore such hope, we use much confidence.

3:13. And not as Moses put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel might not steadfastly look on the face of that which is made void.

3:14. But their senses were made dull. For, until this present day, the selfsame veil, in the reading of the old testament, remaineth not taken away (because in Christ it is made void).

3:15. But even until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.

3:16. But when they shall be converted to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.

3:17. Now the Lord is a Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

3:18. But we all, beholding the glory of the Lord with open face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians Chapter 4

The sincerity of his preaching. His comfort in his afflictions.

4:1. Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not.

4:2. But we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God: but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God.

4:3. And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost,

4:4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them.

4:5. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord: and ourselves your servants through Jesus.

4:6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.

4:7. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us.

4:8. In all things we suffer tribulation: but are not distressed. We are straitened: but are not destitute.

4:9. We suffer persecution: but are not forsaken. We are cast down: but we perish not.

4:10. Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies.

4:11. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake: that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

4:12. So then death worketh in us: but life in you.

4:13. But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken; we also believe. For which cause we speak also:

4:14. Knowing that he who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and place us with you.

4:15. For all things are for your sakes: that the grace, abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.

4:16. For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

4:17. For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation worketh for us above measure, exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.

4:18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal.

2 Corinthians Chapter 5

He is willing to leave his earthly mansion to be with the Lord. His charity to the Corinthians.

5:1. For we know, if our earthly house of this habitation be dissolved, that we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

5:2. For in this also we groan, desiring to be clothed upon with our habitation that is from heaven.

5:3. Yet so that we be found clothed, not naked.

5:4. For we also, who are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burthened; because we would not be unclothed, but clothed upon, that that which is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

5:5. Now he that maketh us for this very thing is God, who hath given us the pledge of the Spirit,

5:6. Therefore having always confidence, knowing that while we are in the body we are absent from the Lord.

5:7. (For we walk by faith and not by sight.)

5:8. But we are confident and have a good will to be absent rather from the body and to be present with the Lord.

5:9. And therefore we labour, whether absent or present, to please him.

5:10. For we must all be manifested before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the proper things of the body, according as he hath done, whether it be good or evil.

The proper things of the body. . .In the particular judgment, immediately after death, the soul is rewarded or punished according to what it has done in the body.

5:11. Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we use persuasion to men: but to God we are manifest. And I trust also that in your consciences we are manifest.

5:12. We commend not ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory in our behalf: that you may have somewhat to answer them who glory in face, and not in heart.

5:13. For whether we be transported in mind, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for you.

5:14. For the charity of Christ presseth us: judging this, that if one died for all, then all were dead.

5:15. And Christ died for all: that they also who live may not now live to themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again.

5:16. Wherefore henceforth, we know no man according to the flesh. And if we have known Christ according to the flesh: but now we know him so no longer.

We know no man according to the flesh. . .That is, we consider not any man with regard to his nation, family, kindred, or other natural qualities or advantages; but only with relation to Christ, and according to the order of divine charity, in God, and for God. The apostle adds, that even with respect to Christ himself, he now no longer considers him according to the flesh, by taking a satisfaction in his being his countryman; his affection being now purified from all such earthly considerations.

5:17. If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new.

5:18. But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

5:19. For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.

5:20. For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.

5:21. Him, who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us: that we might be made the justice of God in him.

Sin for us. . .That is, to be a sin offering, a victim for sin.

2 Corinthians Chapter 6

He exhorts them to a correspondence with God's grace and not to associate with unbelievers.

6:1. And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.

6:2. For he saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation.

6:3. Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed.

6:4. But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses,

6:5. In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings,

6:6. In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned,

6:7. In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left:

6:8. By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known:

6:9. As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed:

6:10. As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

6:11. Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians: our heart is enlarged.

6:12. You are not straitened in us: but in your own bowels you are straitened.

6:13. But having the same recompense (I speak as to my children): be you also enlarged.

6:14. Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness?

6:15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

6:16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God: as God saith: I will dwell in them and walk among them. And I will be their God: and they shall be my people.

6:17. Wherefore: Go out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing:

6:18. And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians Chapter 7

The apostle's affection for the Corinthians. His comfort and joy on their account.

7:1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear of God.

7:2. Receive us. We have injured no man: we have corrupted no man: we have overreached no man.

7:3. I speak not this to your condemnation. For we have said before that you are in our hearts: to die together and to live together.

7:4. Great is my confidence for you: great is my glorying for you. I am filled with comfort: I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulation.

7:5. For also, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest: but we suffered all tribulation. Combats without: fears within.

7:6. But God, who comforteth the humble, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

7:7. And not by his coming only, but also by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, relating to us your desire, your mourning, your zeal for me: so that I rejoiced the more.

7:8. For although I made you sorrowful by my epistle, I do not repent. And if I did repent, seeing that the same epistle (although but for a time) did make you sorrowful,

7:9. Now I am glad: not because you were made sorrowful, but because you were made sorrowful unto penance. For you were made sorrowful according to God, that you might suffer damage by us in nothing.

7:10. For the sorrow that is according to God worketh penance, steadfast unto salvation: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

7:11. For behold this selfsame thing, that you were made sorrowful according to God, how great carefulness it worketh in you: yea defence, yea indignation, yea fear, yea desire, yea zeal, yea revenge. In all things you have shewed yourselves to be undefiled in the matter.

7:12. Wherefore although I wrote to you, it was not for his sake that did the wrong, nor for him that suffered it: but to manifest our carefulness that we have for you

7:13. Before God: therefore we were comforted. But in our consolation we did the more abundantly rejoice for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

7:14. And if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I have not been put to shame: but as we have spoken all things to you in truth, so also our boasting that was made to Titus is found a truth.

7:15. And his bowels are more abundantly towards you: remembering the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.

7:16. I rejoice that in all things I have confidence in you.

2 Corinthians Chapter 8

He exhorts them to contribute bountifully to relieve the poor of Jerusalem.

8:1. Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia.

8:2. That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity.

Simplicity. . .That is, sincere bounty and charity.

8:3. For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond their power, they were willing:

8:4. With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints.

8:5. And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God;

8:6. Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace.

8:7. That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in this grace also you may abound.

8:8. I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity.

8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be rich.

8:10. And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago.

8:11. Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have.

8:12. For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not.

8:13. For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but by an equality.

8:14. In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an equality,

8:15. As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that had little had no want.

8:16. And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you in the heart of Titus.

8:17. For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful, of his own will he went unto you.

8:18. We have sent also with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel through all the churches.

8:19. And not that only: but he was also ordained by the churches companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us, to the glory of the Lord and our determined will:

8:20. Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us.

8:21. For we forecast what may be good, not only before God but also before men.

8:22. And we have sent with them our brother also, whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent: with much confidence in you,

8:23. Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.

8:24. Wherefore shew ye to them, in the sight of the churches, the evidence of your charity and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Corinthians Chapter 9

A further exhortation to almsgiving. The fruits of it.

9:1. For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.

9:2. For I know your forward mind: for which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia also is ready from the year past. And your emulation hath provoked very many.

9:3. Now I have sent the brethren, that the thing which we boast of concerning you be not made void in this behalf, that (as I have said) you may be ready:

9:4. Lest, when the Macedonians shall come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to say ye) should be ashamed in this matter.

9:5. Therefore I thought it necessary to desire the brethren that they would go to you before and prepare this blessing before promised, to be ready, so as a blessing, not as covetousness.

9:6. Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings shall also reap blessings.

9:7. Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

9:8. And God is able to make all grace abound in you: that ye always, having all sufficiently in all things, may abound to every good work,

9:9. As it is written: He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever.

9:10. And he that ministereth seed to the sower will both give you bread to eat and will multiply your seed and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice: