I N our study of 2 Corinthians we have considered Introductory matters, the Synopsis of the book, the Introduc tion (i.1-14), and sections 1-5 of the first main division of the hook: “ Mat ters Concerning the Apostle’s visit to the Church at Corinth.” (i,15.-vii.l6). We now present section 6 of the first main division and the second main division: “ Matters Concerning the Col lection for the Poor Saints at Jeru salem” (viii.l— ix.15). 6. Confidential Relations Between the Apostle and the Corinthians Restored (vi.ll-vii.16). Two thoughts are presented in this section: first the plea for a restoration of such confiden tial relations (vi.ll-vii.4) ; second, the aècomplishment thereof (vii.5-16). (a) The Plea for the Establishment of Confidential Relations (vi. ll-vii.4 ) The apostle appeals to the frankness with which he has unbosomed himself and his actions to them as a basis for reciprocal treatment (vi. 11-13; vii. 2-4). Impressive is the feeling with which he appeals to them: “ O Corin thians!” Only rarely does he make such a personal appeal (Galatians iii. 1; Philippians iv. 15). It is as though the apostle said: We have given ourselves freely to you; now will you not freely give yourselves to us (vii. 2-4)? We have unreservedly committed ourselves to you; will you not do likewise? Let there be that confidential relationship between us that exists between a father and his children (vii. 13). In the midst of this plea for the establishment of a confidential relation ship, the apostle digresses (vi. 14-vii. 1)
in order to give expression to a warning which is based on the reestablishment of this relationship. The believer ini Christ is to make no worldly or unbe lieving alliances in business, social, domestic, or marital relations. On the contrary, he must separate himself from all such contaminating influences. By a series of contrasting expressions: “ light and darkness,” “ righteousness and unrighteousness,” “ Christ and Belial,” “ believer and infidel,” and the use of five words “ unequally yoked,” “ fellowship,” “ communion,” “ concord,” and “ agreement”—how impossible it is to believe in Christ and to have any con fidential fellowship or dealings with the heathen and unbelieving. The temple of the true and living God is not a place for dead idols. Both cannot co-exist in the one sanctuary. The believer is a temple of God; so is also the Church, the whole body of Christ (vi. 16; cf. Acts vii.; 48.; xvii. 24; 1 Corinthians iii. 16, 17; vi. 19,,20; Ephesians ii. 19-22; 1 Timothy iii; 15; Hebrews iii. 6; 1 Peter ii. 5). Here, however, the refer ence is to the whole Church rather than to the individual believer as the temple of God-34“ and such are we.” Note, too, that the Church and the individual be liever are referred to not as the Holy merely but as the Most Holy Place— the place where God actually manisfested forth His glory, the place where God dwelt among His people (Exodus xxix. 45; Leviticus xxvi. 12). “ I will dwell” indicates 'the presence of God; “ I will walk,” His work. So will the believer have companionship and fellowship with the living God. In view of such great and precious
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