1.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Verse 1
The grace of God; the favor referred to above, that is, the offer of reconciliation and pardon.
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.)
Verse 2
He saith; Isaiah 49:8.
3.
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
Verse 3
The ministry; the ministry, or instrumentality to which the gospel was intrusted, including probably here the whole body of believers.
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,
Verse 7
On the right hand and on the left; protected by it on all sides.
8.
By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
Verse 8
By honor, &c.; whether our course leads through honor or dishonor.--As deceivers; as supposed deceivers, that is, being so regarded by men.
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.
11.
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.
Verse 12
Not--in us, &c.; ye are not straitened in our affection for you, but in your own regard and affection forms.
13.
Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
Verse 13
For a recompense; that is, that they might make a suitable return for his kindness and love for them.
14.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Verse 14
Unequally yoked together; joined with them in any of the pursuits or associations of life. This prohibition is often, though without reason, supposed to refer specially to marriage. It seems, however, to be more general in its meaning, referring to connections of every kind.--Unbelievers; idolatrous heathen. The term, as used here, cannot justly be considered as intended to include individuals not professedly pious in a Christian land. (See 1 Corinthians 7:39.)
15.
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,
Verse 17
The unclean thing; the sinful pursuits and pleasures of the idolatrous world around them.
18.
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.