Chapter 4
The
true character of gospel ministers
|
1–6
|
Cautions
against despising the apostle
|
7–13
|
He
claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his
concern for them
|
14–21
|
Verses 1–6
Apostles
were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They
had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable office. Paul had a
just concern for his own reputation, but he knew that he who chiefly aimed to
please men, would not prove himself a faithful servant of Christ. It is a
comfort that men are not to be our final judges. And it is not judging well of
ourselves, or justifying ourselves, that will prove us safe and happy. Our own
judgment is not to be depended upon as to our faithfulness, any more than our
own works for our justification. There is a day coming, that will bring men’s
secret sins into open day, and discover the secrets of their hearts. Then every
slandered believer will be justified, and every faithful servant approved and
rewarded. The word of God is the best rule by which to judge as to men. Pride
commonly is at the bottom of quarrels. Self-conceit contributes to produce
undue esteem of our teachers, as well as of ourselves. We shall not be puffed up
for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by
God, and endowed by him with various talents.
Verses 7–13
We have no
reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the
free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign
grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts
of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to
the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were forced to cut one
another to pieces, to divert the people; and where the victor did not escape
with his life, though he should destroy his adversary, but was only kept for
another combat, and must be killed at last. The thought that many eyes are upon
believers, when struggling with difficulties or temptations, should encourage
constancy and patience. “We are weak, but ye are strong.” All Christians are
not alike exposed. Some suffer greater hardships than others. The apostle
enters into particulars of their sufferings. And how glorious the charity and
devotion that carried them through all these hardships! They suffered in their
persons and characters as the worst and vilest of men; as the very dirt of the
world, that was to be swept away: nay, as the offscouring of all things, the
dross of all things. And every one who would be faithful in Christ Jesus, must
be prepared for poverty and contempt. Whatever the disciples of Christ suffer
from men, they must follow the example, and fulfil the will and precepts of
their Lord. They must be content, with him and for him, to be despised and
abused. It is much better to be rejected, despised, and ill used, as St. Paul
was, than to have the good opinion and favour of the world. Though cast off by
the world as vile, yet we may be precious to God, gathered up with his own
hand, and placed upon his throne.
Verses 14–21
In
reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins.
Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the
apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love.
And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they
follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their
views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for
ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in
power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the
slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and
comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by
the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy
temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain
just authority.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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or www.ccel.org
