Chapter 13
The
apostle threatens obstinate offenders
|
1–6
|
He
prays for their reformation
|
7–10
|
And
ends the epistle with a salutation and blessing
|
11–14
|
Verses 1–6
Though it
is God’s gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear
always; at length he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate
and impenitent. Christ at his crucifixion, appeared as only a weak and helpless
man, but his resurrection and life showed his Divine power. So the apostles,
how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, yet, as
instruments, they manifested the power of God. Let them prove their tempers,
conduct, and experience, as gold is assayed or proved by the touchstone. If
they could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of Christ,
he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate, not disowned by Christ.
They ought to know if Christ Jesus was in them, by the influences, graces, and
indwelling of his Spirit, by his kingdom set up in their hearts. Let us
question our own souls; either we are true Christians, or we are deceivers.
Unless Christ be in us by his Spirit, and power of his love, our faith is dead,
and we are yet disapproved by our Judge.
Verses 7–10
The most
desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept
from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that
we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only
desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in
grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we
caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be
glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means
of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a
proper use of all our talents.
Verses 11–14
Here are
several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he
hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our
constant aim so to walk, that separation from our friends may be only for a
time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown.
He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace
and favour has purchased; the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the
Holy Ghost applies and bestows.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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