Chapter Note Matthew Henry Commentary (Complete)
S E C O N D C O R I N T H I A N S.
CHAP. V.
The apostle proceeds in showing the reasons why they did not faint under their afflictions, namely, their expectation, desire, and assurance of happiness after death 2 Corinthians 5:1 - 5 ), and deduces an inference for the comfort of believers in their present state 2 Corinthians 5:6 - 8 ), and another to quicken them in their duty, 2 Corinthians 5:9 - 11 . Then he makes an apology for seeming to commend himself, and gives a good reason for his zeal and diligence 2 Corinthians 5:12 - 15 ), and mentions two things that are necessary in order to our living to Christ, regeneration and reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:16 - 21 .
Book Note Matthew Henry Commentary (Complete)
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.
I N 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 - 172 Corinthians 2:1 - 17 ), and afterwards 2 Corinthians 7:1 - 162 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 - 92 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 - 172 Corinthians 2:1 - 17 . II. The comparison he makes between the Old and New Testament dispensation, 2 Corinthians 3:1 - 182 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 - 52 Corinthians 4:1 - 5 . IV. The caution he gives the Corinthians against mingling with unbelievers, 2 Corinthians 6:1 - 182 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 - 122 Corinthians 10:1 - 12 , and throughout the whole epistle.
