The Second Epistle of St Paul the Apostle
to the Corinthians
Next
Book
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The 1st
Chapter
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and brother
Timotheus.
Unto the congregation of God, which is at Corinthum with all
the saints which are in all Achaia. Grace be with you and peace from
God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father
of mercy, and the God of all comfort, which comforts us in all our
tribulation, in so much that we are able to comfort them which are
troubled, in whatsoever tribulation it be, with the same comfort,
wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the afflictions
of Christ are plenteous in us, even so is our *consolation plenteous
by Christ.
Whether we be troubled for your consolation and salvation,
which salvation shows her power in that you suffer the same
afflictions, which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted for
your consolation and salvation: yet our hope is steadfast for you,
in as much as we know how that as you have your part in afflictions,
so shall you be partakers of consolation.
Brethren I would not have you ignorant of our trouble, which
happened unto us in Asia. For we were grieved out of measure passing
strength, so greatly that we despaired even of life. Also we
received an answer of death in ourselves, and that because we should
not put our trust in ourselves: but in God, which raises the dead to
life again, and which delivered us from so great a death, and does
deliver. On whom we trust, that yet hereafter he will deliver, by
the help of your prayer for us, that by the means of many occasions,
thanks may be given of many on our behalf, for the grace given unto
us.
Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in
singleness and godly pureness and not in fleshly wisdom, but by the
grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and most of
all to you wards. We write no other things unto you, than that you
read and also know. Yea and I trust you shall find us unto the end,
even as you have found us partly: for we are your rejoicing, even as
you are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
And in this confidence was I minded the other time to have come
unto you, that you might have had yet one pleasure more, and to have
passed by you into Macedonia, and to have come again out of
Macedonia unto you, and to have been led forth to Jewry ward of you.
When I thus wise was minded: did I use lightness? Or think I
carnally those things which I think? that with me should be yes,
yes, and no, no. God is faithful: For our preaching unto you, was
not yes and no. For Gods son Jesus Christ which was preached among
you by us (that is to say by me and Silvanus and Timotheus) was not
yes and no: but in him it was yes: For all the promises of God, in
him are yes: and are in him Amen, unto the *laud of God through us.
For it is God which stablishes us and you in Christ, and has
anointed us, which has also sealed us, and has given the earnest of
the spirit into our hearts.
*consolation (relief, peace of our
heart and soul ) *laud (glorify, honor, celebrate) |
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The 2nd
Chapter
I call God for a record unto my soul, that for to favour you
with all I came not any more unto Corinthum. Not that we be lords
over your faith: but helpers of your joy. For by faith you stand.
But I determined this in my self, that I would not come again to you
in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is it that should make me
glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same
epistle unto you, least if I came, I should take heaviness of them,
of whom I ought to rejoice. Certainly this confidence have I in you
all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For in great affliction and
anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears: not to make you
sorry, but that you might perceive the love which I have, most
specially unto you.
If any man has caused sorrow, the same has not made me sorry,
but partly: least I should grieve you all. It is sufficient unto the
same man that he was rebuked of many. So that now contrary wise you
ought to forgive him and comfort him: least that same person should
be swallowed up with over much heaviness. Wherefore I exhort you
that love may have strength over him. For this cause verily did I
write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you should be
obedient in all things. To whom you forgive any thing, I forgive
also. And verily if I forgive any thing, to whom I forgave it, for
your sakes forgave I it, in the room of Christ, least Satan should
prevent us. For his thoughts are not unknown unto us.
When I was come to Tronda for Christs Gospels sake (and a great
door was opened unto me of the Lord) I had no rest in my spirit,
because I found not Titus my brother: but took my leave of them and
went away into Macedonia. Thanks be unto God which always gives us
the victory in Christ, and opens the savour of his knowledge by us
in every place. For we are unto God the sweet savour of Christ, both
among them that are saved, and also among them which perish. To the
one part are we the savour of death unto death. And unto the other
part are we the savour of life unto life. And who is meet unto these
things? For we are not as many are which chop and change with the
word of God: but even out of pureness, and by the power of God, and
in the sight of God, so speak we in Christ.
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The 3rd
Chapter
We begin to praise ourselves again. Need we as some other, of
Epistles of recommendation unto you? or letters of recommendation
from you? you are our epistle written in our hearts, which is
understood and read of all men, in that you are known, how 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 fleshly tables of the heart.
Such trust have we through Christ to God ward, not that we are
sufficient of our selves to think anything as it were of our selves
but our ableness comes of God, which has made us able to minister
the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit. For the
letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
If ministration of death through the letters figured in stones
was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not behold the
face of Moses for the glory of countenance (which glory nevertheless
is done away) why shall not the ministration of the spirit be much
more glorious? For if the ministering of condemnation be glorious:
much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For no doubt that which was there glorified is not once glorified in
respect of this exceeding glory. Then if that which is destroyed was
glorious, much more shall that which remains, be glorious.
Seeing then that we have such trust, we use great boldness, and
do not as Moses, which put a veil over his face that the children of
Israel should not see for what purpose that served which is put
away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day remains the
same covering untaken away in the old testament when they read it,
which in Christ is put away. But even unto this day when Moses is
read, the veil hangs before their hearts. Nevertheless when they
turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. The Lord no doubt is
a spirit. And where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But
we all behold the glory of the Lord with his face open, and are
changed unto the same similitude, from glory to glory, even of the
spirit of the Lord.
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The 4th
Chapter
Therefore seeing that we have such an office, even as mercy is
come on us, we faint not: but have cast from us the cloaks of
unhonesty, and walk not in craftiness neither corrupt we the word of
God: but walk in open truth, and report our selves to every mans
conscience in the sight of God. If our Gospel be yet hid, it is hid
among them that are lost, in whom the God of this world has blinded
the minds of them which believe not, least the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ which is the image of God should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus to be the Lord,
and our selves your servants, for Jesus sake. For it is God that
commanded the light to shine out of darkness, which has shined in
our hearts, for to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of
God, in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellent
power of it might appear to be of God, and not of us. We are
troubled on every side, yet are we not without shift. We are in
poverty: but not utterly without somewhat. We are persecuted: but
are not forsaken. We are cast down: nevertheless we perish not. And
we always bear in our bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the
life of *Jesu might appear in our bodies.
For we which live, are always delivered unto death for Jesus
sake, that the life also of Jesu might appear in our mortal flesh.
So then death works in us, and life in you.
Seeing then that we have the same spirit of faith, according as
it is written: I believed, and therefore have I spoken. We also
believe, and therefore speak. For we know that he which raised up
the Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also by the means of Jesus, and
shall set us with you. For all things do I for your sakes, that the
plenteous grace by thanks given of many, may *redound to the praise
of God.
Wherefore we are not wearied, but though our outward man
perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our exceeding
tribulation which is momentary and light, prepares an exceeding and
an eternal weight of glory unto us, while we look not on the things
which are seen, but on the things which are not seen. For things
which are seen, are temporal: but things which are not seen, are
eternal.
*Jesu: Hebrew name of Jesus. *redound
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The 5th
Chapter
We know surely if our earthy mansion wherein we now dwell were
destroyed, that we have a building ordained of God, an habitation
not made with hands, but eternal in heaven: And therefore sigh we,
desiring to be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven: so yet
if that we be found clothed, and not naked. For as long as we are in
this tabernacle, we sigh and are grieved, for we would not be
unclothed, but would be clothed upon, that mortality might be
swallowed up of life. He that has ordained us for this thing, is
God: which very same has given unto us the earnest of the spirit.
Therefore we are always of good cheer, and know well that as
long as we are at home in the body, we are absent from God. For we
walk in faith and see not. Nevertheless we are of good comfort, and
had *liefer to be absent from the body and to be present with the
Lord. Wherefore, whether we be at home or from home we endeavor our
selves to please him. For we must all appear before the judgement
seat of Christ, that every man may receive the works of his body
according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad?
Seeing then that we know, how the Lord is to be feared, we fare
fair with men. For we are known well enough unto God. I trust also
that we are known in your consciences.
We praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an
occasion to rejoice of us, that you may have somewhat against them,
which rejoice in the face, and not in the heart. For if we be too
fervent to God are we too fervent. If we keep measure, for your
cause keep we measure. For the love of Christ constrains us, because
we thus judge, if one be dead for all, that then are all dead, and
that he died for all, that they which live, should not from this
time live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose
again.
Wherefore from this time know we no man after the flesh. In so
much though we have known Christ after the flesh, now from this time
know we him so no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a
new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are
become new. Nevertheless all things are of God, which has reconciled
us unto himself by Jesus Christ, and has given unto us the office to
preach the atonement. For God was in Christ, and made agreement
between the world and him self, and imputed not their sins unto
them: and has committed to us the preaching of the atonement. Now
then are we messengers in the room of Christ even as though God did
beseech you through us: So pray we you in Christs stead, that you be
at one with God: for he has made him to be sin for us, which knew no
sin, that we by his means should be that righteousness which before
God is allowed.
*liefer (loved to, ready willing, ) |
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The 6th
Chapter
We as helpers therefore exhort you, that you receive not the
grace of God in vain. For he says: I have heard you in a time
accepted: and in the day of salvation, have I succoured you. Behold,
now is that well accepted time: behold now is the day of salvation.
Let us give no man occasion of evil, that in our office be found no
fault: but in all things let us behave our selves as the ministers
of God.
In much patience, in afflictions, in necessity, in anguish, in
stripes, in prisonment, in strife, in labour, in watching, in
fasting, in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness,
in the holy ghost, in love unfeigned, in the words of truth, in the
power of God, by the armour of righteousness of the right hand and
on the left, in honour and dishonour, in evil report and good
report, as deceivers and yet true, as unknown, and yet known: as
dying, and behold we yet live: as chastened, and not killed: as
sorrowing, and yet always merry: as poor, and yet make many rich: as
having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
O you Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you. Our heart is
made large: you are in no strait in us, but are in a strait in your
own bowels: I promise you like reward with me, as to my children.
Set your selves therefore at large, and bear not a strangers yoke
with the unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with
unrighteousness? What company has light with darkness? What *concord
has Christ with Beliall? Either what part has he that believes, with
an infidel? how agrees the temple of God with images? And you are
the temple of the living God, as said God. I will dwell among them
and walk among them, and will be their God: and they shall be my
people. Wherefore come out from among them, and separate yourselves
(says the Lord) and touch none unclean thing: so will I receive you,
and will be a father unto you, and you shall be unto me sons and
daughters, says the Lord almighty.
*concord (agreement)
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The 7th
Chapter
Seeing that we have such promises dearly beloved, let us
cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and
grow up to full holiness in the fear of God. Understand us, we have
hurt no man: we have corrupted no man: we have defrauded no man. I
speak not this to condemn you: for I have showed you before that you
are in our hearts to die and live with you. I am very bold over you,
and rejoice greatly in you. I am filled with comfort and am
exceeding joyous in all our tribulations. For when we were come into
Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every
side. Outward was fighting, inward was fear. Nevertheless God that
comforts the *abject, comforted us at the coming of Titus.
And not with his coming only: but also with the consolation
wherewith he was comforted of you. For he told us your desire, your
mourning, your fervent mind to me ward: so that I now rejoice the
more. Wherefore though I made you sorry with a letter, I repent not:
though I did repent. For I perceive that, that same epistle made you
sorry, though it were but for a season. But I now rejoice, not that
you were sorry, but that you so sorrowed, that you repented. For you
sorrowed godly: so that in nothing you were hurt by us. For godly
sorrow causes repentance unto salvation not to be repented of: when
worldly sorrow causes death.
Behold what diligence this godly sorrow that you took, has
wrought in you: yes it caused you to clear yourselves. It caused
indignation, it caused fear, it caused desire, it caused a fervent
mind, it caused punishment: For in all things you have showed
yourselves that you were clear in that matter. Wherefore though I
wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that did hurt, neither
for his cause that was hurt: but that our good mind which we have
toward you in the sight of God, might appear unto you.
Therefore we are comforted, because you are comforted: yes and
exceedingly the more joyed we, for the joy that Titus had: because
his spirit was refreshed of you all. I am therefore, not now ashamed
though I boasted my self to him of you. For as all things which I
preached unto you are true, even so is our boasting, that I boasted
my self to Titus withal, found true. And now is his inward affection
more abundant toward you, when he remembers the obedience of every
one of you: how with fear and trembling you received him. I rejoice
that I may be bold over you in all things.
*abject (low, pitiful),
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The 8th
Chapter
I do you to *wit brethren, of the grace of God which is given
in the congregations of Macedonia, how that the abundance of their
rejoicing is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And thereto
though they were exceeding poor, yet have they given exceeding
richly, and that in singleness. For to their powers (I bear record)
yes and beyond their power, they were willing of their own accord,
and prayed us with great instance, that we would receive their
benefit, and allow them to be partakers with others in ministering
to the saints. And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave
their own selves first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of
God: so that we could not but desire. Titus to accomplish the same
benevolence among you also, even as he had begun.
Now therefore, as you are rich in all parts, in faith, in word,
in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which you have to us:
even so see that you be plenteous in this benevolence. This say I
not as commanding: but because others are so fervent, therefore
prove I your love, whether it be perfect or no. you know the
liberality of our Lord Jesus Christ, which though he were rich, yet
for your sakes became poor: that you through his poverty, might be
made rich.
And I give counsel here to. For this is expedient for you,
which began, not to do only: but also to will a year ago. Now
therefore perform the deed: that as there was in you a readiness to
will, even so you may perform the deed, of that which you have. For
if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a
man has, and not according to that he has not.
It is not my mind that others be set at ease, and you brought
into cumbrance: but that there be *egalness now at this time, that
your abundance succour their lack: that their abundance may supply
your lack: that there may be equality, agreeing to that which is
written: He that gathered much had never the more abundance, and he
that gathered little had never the less. Thanks be unto God, which
put in the heart of Titus the same good mind toward you. For he
accepted the request yes rather he was so well willing that of his
own accord came unto you.
We have sent with him that brother, whose laud is in the gospel
throughout all the congregations: and not so only, but is also
chosen of the congregations to be a fellow with us in our journey
concerning this benevolence that is ministered by us unto the praise
of the Lord and to stir up your prompt mind.
For this we *eschew, that any man should rebuke us in this
plenteous distribution that is ministered by us, and therefore make
provision for honest things, not in the sight of God only, but also
in the sight of men.
We have sent with them a brother of ours whom we have often
times proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent.
The great confidence which I have in you, has caused me this to do:
partly for Titus sake which is my fellow and helper as concerning
you, partly because of others which are our brethren, and the
messengers of the congregations, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore
show unto them the proof of your love, and of the rejoicing that we
have of you, that the congregations may see it.
*wit (know) *egalness
(eagleness, agileness: meaning to quicken, to have lightness ...no
burden ?) *eschew (avoid),
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The 9th
Chapter
Of the ministering to the saints, it is but *superfluous for me
to write unto you: for I know your readiness of mind, whereof I
boast my self unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia was
prepared a year ago, and your ferventness has provoked many.
Nevertheless yet have I sent these brethren, least our rejoicing
over you should be in vain in this behalf, and that you (as I have
said) prepare yourselves, least peradventure if they of Macedonia
come with me and find you unprepared, the boast that I made in this
matter, should be a shame to us: I say not unto you.
Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, to
come before hand unto you for to prepare your good blessing promised
before, that it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a
defrauding. This yet remember, how that he which sows little, shall
reap little: and he that sows plenteously shall reap plenteously.
And let every man do according as he has purposed in his heart, not
grudgingly, or of necessity. For God loves a cheerful giver.
God is able to make you rich in all grace, that you in all
things having sufficient unto the utmost, may be rich unto all
manner good works, as it is written: He that dispersed abroad and
has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever. He that
finds the sower seed, shall minister bread for food, and shall
multiply your seed and increase the fruits of your righteousness
that on all parts, you may be made rich in all singleness, which
causes through us, thanks giving unto God.
For the office of this ministration, not only supplies the need
of the saints: but also is abundant herein, that for this laudable
ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise God
for the obedience of your professing the Gospel of Christ, and for
your singleness in distributing to them and to all men: and in their
prayers to God for you, long after you, for the abundant grace of
God given unto you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
*superfluous
(more than enough )
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The 10th
Chapter
I Paul my self beseech you by the meekness and softness of
Christ which when I am present among you, am of no reputation, but
am bold toward you being absent. I beseech you that I need not to be
bold when I am present (with that same confidence, wherewith I am
supposed to be bold) against some which repute us as though we
walked carnally. Nevertheless though we walk compassed with the
flesh, yet we war not fleshly. For the weapons of our war are not
carnal things, but things mighty in God, to cast down strongholds,
wherewith we overthrow imaginations, and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity
all understanding to the obedience of Christ, and are ready to take
vengeance on all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Look you on things after the outer appearance?
If any man trust in him self that he is Christs, let the same
also consider of him self, that as he is Christs, even so are we
Christs. And though I should boast my self somewhat more of our
authority which the Lord has given us to edify and not to destroy
you, it should not be to my shame. This say I, least I should seem
as though I went about to make you afraid with letters. For the
epistles (says he) are sore and strong: but his bodily presence is
weak, and his speech rude. Let him that is such think on this wise,
that as we are in words by letters when we are absent, such are we
in deeds when we are present.
For we cannot find in our hearts to make ourselves of the
number of them, or to compare ourselves to them, which *laud them
selves nevertheless while they measure them selves with them selves,
and compare them selves with them selves, they understand nought.
But we will not rejoice above measure: but according to the quantity
of the measure which God has distributed unto us, a measure that
reaches even unto you. For we stretch not out ourselves beyond
measure as though we had not reached unto you. For even unto you
have we come with the gospel of Christ, and we boast not our selves
out of measure in other mens labors. Yes and we hope, when your
faith is increased among you, to be magnified according to our
measure, more largely, and to preach the gospel in those regions
which are beyond you: and not to rejoice of that which is by another
mans measure prepared already. Let him that rejoices, rejoice in the
Lord. For he that praises him self, is not allowed: but he whom the
Lord praises.
*laud (praise, exalt) |
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The 11th
Chapter
Would to God, you could *suffer me a little in my foolishness:
yes, and I pray you forbear me. For I am jealous over you with godly
jealousy. For I coupled you to one man, to make you a chaste virgin
to Christ. But I fear least as the serpent beguiled Eve through his
subtlety, even so your wits should be corrupt from the singleness
that is in Christ. For if he that comes, preach another Jesus than
him whom we preached: or if you receive another spirit than that
which you have received: either another gospel than that you have
received, you might right well have been content. I suppose that I
was not behind the chief Apostles. though I be rude in speaking, yet
I am not so in knowledge. How be it among you we are known to the
utmost what we are in all things. Did I therein sin, because I
submitted myself, that you might be exalted, and because I preached
to you the gospel of God free? I robbed other congregations, and
took wages of them, to do you service with all. And when I was
present with you, and had need, I was grievous to no man for that
which was lacking unto me, the brethren which came from Macedonia,
supplied: and in all things I kept my self that I should not be
grievous to you: and so will I keep myself.
If the truth of Christ be in me, this rejoicing shall not be
taken from me in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? Because I love
you not? God knows. Nevertheless what I do, that will I do, to cut
away occasion from them which desire occasion, that they might be
found like unto us in that wherein they rejoice. For these false
apostles are deceitful workers, and fashion them selves like unto
the Apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan himself is changed
into the fashion of an angel of light. Therefore it is no great
thing, though his ministers fashion them selves as though they were
the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to
their deeds.
I say again, least any man think that I am foolish: or else
even now take me as a fool, that I may boast my self a little. That
I speak, I speak it not after the ways of the Lord: but as it were
foolishly, while we are now come to boasting. Seeing that many
rejoice after the flesh, I will rejoice also. For you **suffer fools
gladly, because that you your selves are wise. For you **suffer even
if a man bring you into bondage: if a man devour: if a man take: if
a man exalt him self: if a man smite you on the face. I speak as
concerning rebuke, as though we had been weak.
How be it whereinsoever any man dare be bold (I speak
foolishly) I dare be bold also. They are Hebrews, so am I: They are
Israelites, even so am I. They are the seed of Abraham, even so am
I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as a fool) I am more:
In labors more abundant: In stripes above measure: In prison more
plenteously: In death often. Of the Jewes five times received I
every time forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods. I
was once stoned. I suffered three times shipwreck. Night and day
have I been in the deep of the sea. In journeying often: In perils
of waters: In perils of robbers: In jeopardies of mine own nation In
jeopardies among the heathen. I have been in perils in cities, in
perils in wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false
brethren, in labour and travail, in watching often, in hunger, in
thirst, in fastings often, in cold and in nakedness. And beside the
things which outwardly happen unto me, I am cumbered daily, and do
care for all congregations. Who is sick, and I am not sick? Who is
hurt in the faith and my heart burns not? If I must needs rejoice, I
will rejoice of mine infirmities.
*suffer (allow)
**suffer (allow, even suffer) *Thrice (three times)
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The 12th
Chapter
The God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed
for evermore, knows that I lie not. In the city of Damascon, the
governor of the people under king Aretas, laid watch in the city of
the Damascens, and would have caught me, and at a window was I let
down in a basket through the wall, and so escaped his hands.
It is not expedient for me no doubt to rejoice. Nevertheless I
will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in
Christ above fourteen years ago (whether he were in the body I
cannot tell, or whether he were out of the body I cannot tell,(God
knows) which was taken up into the third heaven. And I know the same
man (whether in the body, or out of the body. I cannot tell God
knows) how that he was taken up into Paradise, and heard words not
to be spoken, which no man can utter. Of this man will I rejoice, of
my self will I not rejoice, except it be of mine infirmities. And
yet though I would rejoice, I should not be a fool: for I would say
the truth. Nevertheless I spare, least any man should think of me
above that he sees me to be, or hears of me.
And least I should be exalted out of measure through the
abundance of revelations, there was given unto me unquietness of the
flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me: because I should not be
exalted out of measure. For this thing besought I the Lord thrice,
that it might depart from me. And he said unto me: my grace is
sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect through
weakness. Very gladly therefore will I rejoice of my weakness, that
the strength of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore have I
*delectation in infirmities, in rebukes, in need, in persecutions,
in anguish, for Christs sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
I am made a fool in boasting myself. you have compelled me: I
ought to have been commended of you. For in nothing was I inferior
unto the chief Apostles, though I be nothing, yet the tokens of an
Apostle were wrought among you with all patience: with signs and
wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein you were inferiors
unto other congregations except it be therein that I was not
grievous unto you. Forgive me this wrong done unto you. Behold now
the third time I am ready to come unto you: and yet will I not be
grievous unto you. For I seek not yours, but you. Also the children
ought not to lay up for the fathers and mothers: but the fathers and
mothers for the children.
I will very gladly bestow, and will be bestowed for your souls:
though the more I love you, the less I am loved again. But be it
that I grieved you not: nevertheless I was crafty and took you with
guile. Did I *pill you by any of them which I sent unto you: I
desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus defraud you
of any thing? walked we not in one spirit? walked we not in like
steps? Again think you that we excuse ourselves? We speak in Christ
in the sight of God.
But we do all things dearly beloved for your edifying. For I
fear least it come to pass, that when I come, I shall not find you
such as I would: and I shall be found unto you such as I would not:
I fear least there be found among you debate, envying, wrath,
strife, backbitings, whisperings, swellings and discord. I fear
least when I come again, God bring me low among you, and I be
constrained to bewail many of them which have sinned already, and
have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication and wantonness
which they have committed.
*thrice (three times), *delectation
(enjoyment, delight) *pill (from pilliage: extort, place in bondage) |
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The 13th
Chapter
Now come I the third time unto you in the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall everything stand. I told you before, and tell you
before: and as I said when I was present with you the second time,
so write I now being absent to them which in time past have sinned,
and to all other: that if I come again, I will not spare, seeing
that you seek experience of Christ which speaks in me, which among
you is not weak, but is mighty in you. And verily though it came of
weakness that he was crucified, yet lives he through the power of
God. And we no doubt are weak in him: but we shall live with him, by
the might of God among you.
Prove yourselves whether you are in the faith or not. Examine
your own selves: know you not your own selves how that Jesus Christ
is in you, except you be castaways? I trust that you shall know that
we are not castaways. I desire before God that you do none evil, not
that we should seem commendable: but that you should do that which
is honest: and let us be counted as lewd persons. We can do nothing
against the truth, but for the truth. We are glad when we are weak,
and you strong. This also we wish for, even that you were perfect.
Therefore write I these things being absent, least when I am
present, I should use sharpness according to the power which the
Lord has given me, to edify, and not to destroy. Finally brethren
fare you well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live
in peace, and the God of love and peace, shall be with you. Greet
one another in an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of
the holy ghost be with you all. Amen
The end of the second
epistle to the Corinthians
Sent from Philippi a city in Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas. |
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