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T E S T A M E N T
COPYRIGHT BY W ILLIAM EVANS
SECOND CORINTHIANS (Continued)
I N our study o f 2 Corinthians, we have considered Introductory matters and the Synopsis o f the book; also the Introduction (i. 1-14), followed by sections 1, 2 and 3 o f the first main division of the book: “Matters Concerning the Apostle’s visit to the Church at Corinth” (i. 15-vii. 16). We now present sections 4 and 5 o f the first main division o f the book as follow s: 4. The Divine Provision Supports and Encourages the Apostle in his Labors for God (iv. 7-v. 10). (a ) The Simplicity o f the Instrument (iv. 7). God accomplishes the preaching o f the gospel, and, indeed, His whole work, with very simple instruments—“W e have this treasure in earthen vessels” (cf. 1 Corinth ians i. 25-29 ; 2 Timothy ii. 19-22). The magnificence o f the message (iii. 7-11) does not necessitate magnificent messengers. The poor appearance o f the apostles and their lack o f oratory had often been ridiculed (cf. x. 10, etc.). The contents o f a vessel, however, should not be judged by the nature o f the vessel which contains it. All this is jn order that the glory and sufficiency may be o f God (iv. 4-6), who not only glorifies simplicity, but supports in suffering by granting a vision o f future glory which shows present suffering to be comparatively light and but temporary (iv. 7-18). (6 ) The Support o f the Ministry (iv. 8- v. 10). How wondrously, in this series o f anti thetic clauses (iv. 8-18) is the surpassing
greatness o f God’s power, sufficiency, and support set forth, as it sustains the militant apostle in his campaign for Christ. No mat- iter how difficult the position in which he may be placed, a way out is always provided (cf. 1 Corinthians x. 13; Matthew xvi. 18; Psalm cxviii. 17). The sufferings o f the apostle were not, as his enemies asserted, a judgment on him for speaking against the law, but an opportunity for the display o f Christ’s sufficient grace (cf. xii. 8-10). The blessed, glorious resurrection hope and future glory is the sustaining truth o f these verses (iv. 18-v. 1 )). Four glorious, supporting, and sustaining truths are contained in'v. 1-10, as follows: First. There is a cheerful view o f death. This is indicated in verse 6: “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the L ord : W e are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” To the apostle death was simply an absence from the body to be at home with the Lord. Death had been robbed o f its sting and the grave o f its victory (cf. 1 Corin thians xv. 54-57). Dying days are not finish ing days with Paul. W e die unto life, unto largeness, unto liberty. Second. This life is not all. There is another and greater life than this. This is indicated in v. 1-4: “For we know that if our earthly house o f this tabernacle were dissolved, we .have a building o f God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
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