Chapter One

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may [by experience; learn to] be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  We often suffer so that we may learn to emphasize and have mercy on others. That is why many are allowed to suffer for doing right; as our Lord did!   5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation [HOPE] also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual [ helpful and encouraging to others who must endure suffering] in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation [that you may be encouraged to also endure to salvation] and salvation. 7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. You shall be in the resurrection because you are faithful to God; and it is for your faithfulness that you are made to suffer. 8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but [TRUST] in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust [God}that he will [continue to] yet deliver us; 11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [of deliverance] bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.  Pray for us that ye may also rejoice with us in our deliverance.

12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation [conduct] in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge [the gospel] even to the end; 14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

That we may be present and rejoice with one another at the resurrection.

15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit [visit]; 16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. 17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I [propose to do this lightly] use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of God [can be counted upon] in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed [given us his spirit] us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul [life], that to spare you [for your benefit] I came not as yet [delayed coming] unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, [we cannot dominate you or control of your faith] but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Chapter Two

1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. I did not want to come correcting in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?  If I make you sorry unto repentance; you make me glad by your repentance and I rejoice with you. 3 And I wrote this same unto you, [I wrote the First Letter to the Corinthians in advance] lest, when I came, I should have sorrow [Because I would have to correct the sinner in person instead of rejoicing with you]from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; [I took no joy in correcting you] not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. 5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. [To shun and avoid until repentance: this is concerning the man caught in porniea] 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. [Forgive the person who repents] 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. [by forgiving him] 9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you [to test you whether you would obey me and turn away from sinfulness], whether ye be obedient [to God’s Word] in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person [on behalf of] of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, [I was troubled] because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence  into Macedonia. 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour [sweetness of the gospel] of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, [This is a reference to a Burnt Offering which pictures the smoke ascending up to God as a sweet smell, because the Burnt Offering represents Jesus Christ giving himself wholly and without reservation to do the Father’s will.] in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one [who rejects the gospel we are a bad odor] we are the savour of death unto death; and to [those who accept the gospel and repent we are the odor of life] the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many, [those which] which corrupt the word of God: but [we are filled with honest  sincerity] as of sincerity, but as of [as true men of] God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Chapter Three

1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves [brag]? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of [re]commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

The fruits of our preaching that are evident in you is our recommendation that we have preached the truth unto you.

4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [our thoughts are inspired of God] is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Keeping the law in the letter AND the spirit gives life; as is evident in the resurrected Christ who kept both the letter and the spirit of the law and taught us to do likewise. Keeping only the letter of the law engenders death.  7 But if the ministration of death [the letter of the law], written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away [the Mosaic Covenant was to end and a new Covenant was to come Jer 31]: 8 How shall not the ministration of the [spiritual New Covenant] spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. That Mosaic Covenant which had no promise of eternal life is surpassed by the spiritual New Covenant that does promise; and will produce eternal life for its adherents. The Mosaic Covenant was temporary; the spiritual New Covenant is eternal Jer 31. 10 For even that which was made glorious [the Mosaic Covenant] had no glory in this respect [the promise of eternal life], by reason of the glory that excelleth [the eternal spiritual New Covenant]. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth [is eternal] is glorious. 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness [boldness to speak openly] of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end [upon the glory of that which was to end] of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds [spirits] were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament [Covenant]; which vail is done away in Christ. This vail represents sin; which the Mosaic Covenant had no real atonement for. The sacrifices of the Mosaic Covenant could not atone for sin; they only pictured the need for such atonement and they pictured the atonement wrought by the ultimate sacrifice of our Creator and the entering in of a New Covenant through the atonement of Jesus Christ [Yeshua]. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail [of sin remains; preventing any understanding of spiritual things] is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it [they] shall turn to the Lord [accepting his sacrifice for sin and reconciling with God], the vail [of sin] shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Freedom from the burden of sin. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  We can be changed into an image [likeness] of our Lord Messiah through his spirit dwelling within us.  Through the Holy Spirit; which is given to those who repent and are then covered by that ultimate sacrifice; committing themselves to the  keeping all of the commandments of God through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ; dwelling within us.  It is through repentance and the true atoning sacrifice that the vail of sin may be removed; and the spirit of UNDERSTANDING of spiritual things, may then lead us into God’s truth.

Chapter Four

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things [sins] of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully [dishonestly]; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost [refuse to keep the commandments; for sin is the transgression of the law 1 John 3:4]: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded [with the vail of sin] the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord [we always focus you on God and his Christ and not on ourselves or our corporation] ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 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 Jesus Christ.  Through his Holy Spirit given to those who keep all his commandments, Acts 5:31.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels [God’s spirit given to us now in our physical lives], that the Excellency of the power may be of God, [the understanding and power to control our personal conduct is from God and is not by our own strength] and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying [sacrifice of] of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest [we might reflect the very life of Jesus by our own conduct following his example in all things] in our body [lives]. 11 For we which live are alway delivered [destroying our physical nature and will, being made subject until the will of God] unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh [that Christ may dwell and do his will in us; through his spirit] . 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. The death of the sinful self engendering to life through our faith in the atoning sacrifice and promise of Jesus Christ. 15 For [we do] all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [spiritual] man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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 [physical and temporary] ; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  Our physical trials serve to keep us humble and focused on the things of God and his deliverance.

Chapter Five

 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved [we were to die], we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, [a new spiritual body reserved of God for us] eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our [new spiritual body] house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed [with righteousness Rev 19:8] we shall not be found naked [destitute of righteousness Rev 3:17] . 4 For we that are in this [our physical bodies] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon [with righteousness and a new spiritual body], that mortality [death] might be swallowed up of life [eternal]. 5 Now he that hath wrought us [God is building within us] for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest [down payment] of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, [when we are in the flesh we are not with our Lord; when we are made spirit and become spirit as he is we shall be together with him where he is] we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith [hope] not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. We are willing to die for the faith so as to receive eternal life with God.  9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present  or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in [this life] his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11 Knowing therefore the terror [we respect and fear God] of the Lord, we persuade [teach] men; but we are made manifest [our own works are known by God] unto God; and I trust also are [known to you] made manifest in your consciences. 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf [we refrain from bragging that you might give your own opinion] , that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and [that you might respond to them that glory in words and not in deeds] not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead [I know that we were definitely all facing death, if Christ had to die for us] : 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died [we should not live according to our own will and lusts, but according to the will of he has dies for us] for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things [the old man of sin is passed away; we are to become a new person in Christ; following his teachings and example and becoming like he is] are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God {WE TELL YOU IN THE NAME OF CHRIST: STOP TRANSGRESSING GOD’S WILL AND LAW]. 21 For he hath made him to be sin [take upon himself our sins] for us, who [he] knew [did] no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The righteousness of God is contained in HIS COMMANDMENTS.  To be made the righteousness of God by the sacrifice of Christ and his indwelling spirit: means to be at peace with; and at one with: THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD!

Chapter Six

1 We then, as workers together with him [Christ], beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain [for nothing]. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured [delivered] thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of [repentance to] salvation.) 3 Giving [we gave no offense in our conduct] no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, [the duty of a minister is to follow this example; being] in much patience, in afflictions, in [need but not demanding] 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, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report [of those who hate the gospel preached by us] and good report: as deceivers [called deceivers by ignorant men], and yet true; 9 As unknown [to the world] , and yet well known [by God and the saints]; as [the old sinful man] dying, and, behold, we live [in Christ] ; as chastened, and not killed [corrected yet given life by God] 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor [physically], yet making many rich [in spiritual things and in life eternal through the preaching of the gospel] ; as having nothing [now] , and yet [possessing spiritual and being promised all things by God] possessing all things.

11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.  We are full of love and compassion for you; and speak openly the truth of God. 12 Ye are not straitened [convicted of sin by] in us, but ye are straitened [convicted by your own heart and spirit] in your own bowels. 13 Now for a recompence [because you are convicted; repent and be blessed] in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged [delivered]. 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together [do NOT marry outside the faith] with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 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 [therefore why will you be ONE flesh with an evildoers?]; 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 [evildoers: which includes those who refuse to obey God and those church corporations that are slack to obey God] them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing;  [DO NOT pollute yourselves with the false teachings of unconverted, commandment rejecting rebellious men; who are standing on their own opinions and traditions and NOT on the word of God. That is spiritual adultery! And if your corporate church tolerates such spiritual adultery; RUN!   DO NOT seek out and learn the ways of the heathen and use their teaching to support your own pet ideas.  This is a very great sin; and a very great problem in the Church of God Groups today. God WILL NOT receive those who do such things! ] and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Chapter Seven

1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.  This is done by the keeping of God’s commandments.

2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. In all my trials I am encouraged by your love of God and his law. 5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.  I was comforted upon hearing of your concern for me. 8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, [I was very saddened to have corrected you and I am now glad that I did so; for it made you sorry and repentant, to your benefit.] though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation [Godly sorrow is not to be repented of or regretted] not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death [because it does not result is real repentance; real change; just sorrow at being caught]  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness [concern and regret] it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Because you hated sin; you are angry at the sin and resolved to avoit it and turn to your God in righteous zeal! 12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. I wrote to you about this thing so that you would know how very much I really cared for you all. 13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14 For if I have boasted any thing to him [I boated about you to him] of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found [to be] a truth. 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all [Titus loves you the more; knowing of your obedience to the Word of God], how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. I rejoice, confident that you will obey God’s commandments in all things.

Chapter Eight

 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit [know] of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality [in their poverty they are generous]. 3 For to their [credit] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power [they were willing beyond their ability] they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift [entreating us to accept their gift], and take upon us the fellowship of the [desiring to be fellow servants in the faith] ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. They gave themselves fully to God and unto us as God’s servants. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish [remain and continue to instruct you] in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. Forgiving one another and accepting the grace {forgiveness} of God; being merciful to others and turning from breaking the Law. 8 I speak not by [out of necessity because of any sin on your part but] commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness [self willed nature] of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes [he gave up his divinity] he became poor, that ye through his poverty [flesh and sacrifice] might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.  Remember that it is not enough to desire; you must be a doer of the word. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: I now ask you to supply the goods that you willingly promised last year; so that as saints you keep your promises and help each other. 15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: 20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us [account this sharing of your blessing as having come from us] in this abundance which is administered by us: 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Paul asks the Corinthians to accept the people he has sent, as his associates; and asks them to give the things they had promised a year ago, so that his boating about them would not be in vain.

Chapter Nine

1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to [I need not] write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness [willingness] of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that  [Corinth is in Achaia] Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many [to also do good in sharing with the saints] . 3 Yet have I sent the brethren [to make sure of you], lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; [and] that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, [and] ye) should be ashamed  [being not yet ready] in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go [ahead and warn you to make ready] before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty [gifts], whereof ye had notice [warning of] before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness [in generosity and not selfishness] . 6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. In this Paul gives us a principle of Christian living; let those who have, share with those in need: that all may have sufficiency.  7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he [Jesus Christ]that [provides] ministereth seed to the sower both minister [provide] bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through [our teaching] us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want [needs] of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings [causes many to give thanks to God] unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection into the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Your generosity has caused many to praise God and thank him for your liberality and for your self evident love and faithfulness to the gospel of Christ [the Law and love of God].

Chapter Ten

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [I did not need to be bold among you for when I was with you; you were attentive.  Now I need to be bolder in my letter, because some have forgotten the gospel which I had preached among you] am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold [that I may not need to correct with boldness] when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war [we may be in the flesh now, but our weapons are of the spirit] after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations [with the truth], and [destroying] every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity [disciplining our minds, subjecting our very thought to our Lord] every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge [correct and root out] all disobedience, when [that you may fulfill all obedience to the law of God] your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we [also] Christ’s. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for [your benefit] edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. Let the evildoer beware; that as I am bold in my letters, so will I be bold in deeds when I come. 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. WE ought to compare ourselves to Christ; then we shall get a true picture of what we are. Comparing ourselves with others makes us to think too much of ourselves.  Thinking too much of ourselves is not wise; when we come we shall act according to the authority that God has given to us; and shall not exalt ourselves. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure [without having the fruits of our labours to demonstrate our calling], but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even [our fruits equal yours and our authority reaches unto you] unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure [we do not take more authority than we were given] , as though we reached not [were not your equals] unto you: for we are come as far as to you [you received the gospel from us, therefore you should listen to us ]  also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

If I commend myself or if the whole world commends me; it is nothing. What is important is what Almighty God thinks of me.

Chapter Eleven

Here Paul begins to boast; for the purpose of reminding the Corinthians of how hard he has worked and how much he has done for them.  Paul is comparing himself with false apostles who have crept in and would enslave the people; leading them away from the purity and simplicity of Christ to gain followers for themselves.  Paul is trying to point out the difference in conduct and example between a true apostle and minister; and these false teachers.  He is showing them the truth of Christ and asking them why they would want to be enslaved by such men.

 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed [please] bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband [Jesus Christ], that I may present you as a chaste virgin [faithful to Christ and not adulterously consorting with false doctrines] to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted [by false teachings and false religion] from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he [anyone] that cometh preacheth another Jesus [one who allows men to exalt themselves over him and the Father] , whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him [I am afraid that you will listen to them]. Paul here defends his office and teaching. 5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles [in doctrine and the gospel] . 6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest [made known] among you in all things. 7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? Was I wrong to be humble or to refuse tithes and gifts from you? 8 I robbed [took from] other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 9 And when I was present with you, and [was in need] wanted, I was chargeable to no man [I took nothing from you]: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall [can deny this] stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth [how very much I love you]. 12 But what I do, [is what] that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion [to accuse me of enriching myself at your expense]; that wherein they glory, they may be found [no better than we] even as we. 13 For such [accusers] are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into [falsely appearing to be] the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Satan sends false apostles to confuse and lead astray the people of God. You must judge them by their works, Mat 7:15-21. Only those who do the Father’s will; by keeping all of the Father’s commandments will enter the Kingdom of God.

16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as [allow me a little boasting that I may present my defense] a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. 17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly [the foolishness of a little personal boasting] , in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye [will begin to] suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? [of course not] (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Chapter Twelve

 It is not expedient for me doubtless to [engage in self glorying] glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. Paul was allowed to suffer physically to keep him humble lest he should glory over the multitude of visions and revelations that he had received of Christ. Other scriptures indicate that this was a matter of bad eyesight or near blindness; from having seen  Christ in a measure of his glory. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.  Paul takes pleasure in his personal trials and weakness, because he knows that because of these things; men will glorify God and NOT himself. It is in him to give all glory to God and to seek none for himself.  May God grant us all to have such an honest and pure humility.

11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you:  [it is you who should have respected what I have done and you should not have forced me to remind you of the works of a true apostle of God] for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. 14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you [your good] : for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. A rule of inheritance. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less  [you seem to love me] I be loved. 16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile [wisdom]. 17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?  [We did the same thing and acted in the same way toward you] 19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying [we did everything for your benefit] . 20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.  I fear that many have been turned away from the truth and from Godly conduct by false teachers and the false reasoning’s of men; who desire to gain a following from among you.

Today the Church is filled with spiritual adultery; as well as all of the sins mentioned by Paul.  Men leaning to their own understanding and traditions; and our compromising with the Word and Commandments of God have led very many astray.

Chapter Thirteen

 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

I give you a warning: Jesus Christ will not spare those who will not repent.

3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.  As God made Jesus Christ to live; he shall make us to live: If we are faithful to him as Jesus was.  5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?  If Christ be dwelling within you, you will be doing through his power; the things that he did. 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind [doctrine], live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

13 All the saints salute you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

James David Malm   Copyright 2010