Chapter 6
The
apostle, with others, proved themselves faithful ministers of Christ, by
their unblamable life and behaviour
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1–10
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By
affection for them, And by earnest concern, that they might have no
fellowship with unbelievers and idolaters
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11–18
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Verses 1–10
The gospel
is a word of grace sounding in our ears. The gospel day is a day of salvation,
the means of grace the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers
of salvation, and the present time the proper time to accept these offers. The
morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we
shall be. We now enjoy a day of grace; then let all be careful not to neglect
it. Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves as God’s servants, and
act in every thing suitably to that character. The apostle did so, by much
patience in afflictions, by acting from good principles, and by due temper and
behaviour. Believers, in this world, need the grace of God, to arm them against
temptations, so as to bear the good report of men without pride; and so as to
bear their reproaches with patience. They have nothing in themselves, but
possess all things in Christ. Of such differences is a Christian’s life made up,
and through such a variety of conditions and reports, is our way to heaven; and
we should be careful in all things to approve ourselves to God. The gospel,
when faithfully preached, and fully received, betters the condition even of the
poorest. They save what before they riotously spent, and diligently employ
their time to useful purposes. They save and gain by religion, and thus are
made rich, both for the world to come and for this, when compared with their
sinful, profligate state, before they received the gospel.
Verses 11–18
It is
wrong for believers to join with the wicked and profane. The word unbeliever
applies to all destitute of true faith. True pastors will caution their beloved
children in the gospel, not to be unequally yoked. The fatal effects of
neglecting Scripture precepts as to marriages clearly appear. Instead of a help
meet, the union brings a snare. Those whose cross it is to be unequally united,
without their wilful fault, may expect consolation under it; but when believers
enter into such unions, against the express warnings of God’s word, they must
expect must distress. The caution also extends to common conversation. We
should not join in friendship and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers.
Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing and hearing, and being with such, yet we
should never choose them for friends. We must not defile ourselves by converse
with those who defile themselves with sin. Come out from the workers of
iniquity, and separate from their vain and sinful pleasures and pursuits; from
all conformity to the corruptions of this present evil world. If it be an
envied privilege to be the son or daughter of an earthly prince, who can
express the dignity and happiness of being sons and daughters of the Almighty?
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
Visit www.e-sword.net
or www.ccel.org
