Chapter 7
An
exhortation to holiness, and the whole church entreated to bear affection to
the apostle
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1–4
|
He
rejoiced in their sorrowing to repentance
|
5–11
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And
in the comfort they and Titus had together
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12–16
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Verses 1–4
The
promises of God are strong reasons for us to follow after holiness; we must
cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. If we hope in God as
our Father, we must seek to be holy as he is holy, and perfect as our Father in
heaven. His grace, by the influences of his Spirit, alone can purify, but
holiness should be the object of our constant prayers. If the ministers of the
gospel are thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be
despised also; and though ministers must flatter none, yet they must be gentle
towards all. Ministers may look for esteem and favour, when they can safely
appeal to the people, that they have corrupted no man by false doctrines or
flattering speeches; that they have defrauded no man; nor sought to promote
their own interests so as to hurt any. It was affection to them made the
apostle speak so freely to them, and caused him to glory of them, in all
places, and upon all occasions.
Verses 5–11
There were
fightings without, or continual contentions with, and opposition from Jews and
Gentiles; and there were fears within, and great concern for such as had
embraced the Christian faith. But God comforts those who are cast down. We
should look above and beyond all means and instruments, to God, as the author
of all the consolation and good we enjoy. Sorrow according to the will of God,
tending to the glory of God, and wrought by the Spirit of God, renders the
heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk
in newness of life. And this repentance is connected with saving faith in
Christ, and an interest in his atonement. There is a great difference between
this sorrow of a godly sort, and the sorrow of the world. The happy fruits of
true repentance are mentioned. Where the heart is changed, the life and actions
will be changed. It wrought indignation at sin, at themselves, at the tempter
and his instruments. It wrought a fear of watchfulness, and a cautious fear of
sin. It wrought desire to be reconciled with God. It wrought zeal for duty, and
against sin. It wrought revenge against sin and their own folly, by endeavours
to make satisfaction for injuries done thereby. Deep humility before God,
hatred of all sin, with faith in Christ, a new heart and a new life, make
repentance unto salvation. May the Lord bestow it on every one of us.
Verses 12–16
The
apostle was not disappointed concerning them, which he signified to Titus; and
he could with joy declare the confidence he had in them for the time to come.
Here see the duties of a pastor and of his flock; the latter must lighten the
troubles of the pastoral office, by respect and obedience; the former make a
due return by his care of them, and cherish the flock by testimonies of
satisfaction, joy, and tenderness.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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