Ye are our epistle - compare 1Co_9:2. This is a most beautiful and happy turn given to the whole subject. The sense is plain. It is, that the conversion of the Corinthians, under the faithful labors of the apostle, was a better testimonial of his character and fidelity than any letters could be. To see the force of this, it must be remembered: (1) That Corinth was an exceedingly dissolute and abandoned place (see the introduction to the First Epistle); (2) That a large number of them had been converted, and a church organized; (3) That their conversion, and the organization of a church in such a city were events that would be known abroad; and, (4) That it had been accomplished entirely under the labor of Paul and his companions. To their knowledge of him, therefore, and to his success there, he could confidently appeal as a testimonial of his character. The characteristics of this commendatory epistle, he proceeds immediately to state. The general sense is, that they were the letter of recommendation which God had given to him; and that their conversion under his ministry was the public testimonial of his character which all might see and read. Albert Barnes
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 10:57:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015