Bible Commentaries

And Timothy. It would seem, from the circumstance that the name of Timothy is here associated with that of Paul, that he did not go to Corinth, as Paul had intended, (1 Corinthians 4:17,18,) but that he went only to Macedonia, and remained there until Paul joined him. In fact, Paul intimates a doubt whether he would actually reach Corinth, in his allusion to the subject in 1 Corinthians 16:10. His primary destination was Macedonia, as is stated in the account in the Acts. (Acts 19:21,22.)--Achaia; the province of which Corinth was the capital.

Our tribulation. Paul, and probably Timothy with him, had been exposed to great danger at Ephesus, (Acts 19:23-41;) and his mind appears to have been oppressed at this time with much anxiety and dejection. (Compare 2 Corinthians 1:8,2:13.)

Asia; that province of Asia Minor of which Ephesus was the capital. See 1 Peter 1:1, where it is enumerated with the other provinces.--Pressed, by the violent hostility of enemies.

Sentence of death in ourselves; a strong presentiment that we should not escape death.

Fleshly wisdom; human wisdom.--Had our conversation; regulated our conduct.--More abundantly, more especially.

Read or acknowledge; know or acknowledge. The word read would seem to be used, in this connection, in a sense analogous to that in which the word hear is often employed; as in John 8:43.

In part; in some degree.--Are--ours; are to be ours. The apostle expresses a similar sentiment, in another of his Epistles. (1 Thessalonians 2:19.)

In this confidence; namely, his confidence in their regard and attachment to him.--I was minded to come; I had intended to come.--A second benefit. He had already once visited Corinth, when he first planted the gospel there.

Did I use lightness? was it through lightness or fickleness of mind that I did not carry this design into effect?--According to the flesh; insincerely and dishonestly, as men often do.--Yea, yea, and nay, nay; one thing in promise and profession, and another in secret design.

Silvanus; Silas, who is often mentioned in the Acts as Paul's companion in labor and suffering.

In him; in Christ.--Are yea, are faithful and true.

Anointed us; consecrated us to his service; anointing having been, in ancient times, a ceremony of consecration.

The earnest of the Spirit; the influences of the Spirit, as the earnest and pledge of the faithful fulfilment of the divine covenant.

To spare you, &c. The idea seems to be, that his reason for not going to them, as he had intended, was to spare them the pain of a personal interview under the peculiar circumstances of the case.

The meaning is, that he disavows, on the part of himself and Timothy, all authority to exercise spiritual dominion over them; their province was only to aid and guide them in their efforts to attain eternal life.