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Afflictions for the faith.

II. CORINTHIANS.

Of immortal glory.

2 But have renounced the hidden things made with hands, eternal in the heavens. of dishonesty; not walking in craftiness, 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desir nor handling the word of God deceitfully; ing to be clothed upon with our house but, by manifestation of the truth, com- which is from heaven: mending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we 4 In whom the god of this world hath would be unclothed, but clothed upon, blinded the minds of them which believe that mortality might be swallowed up of not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of life. Christ, who is the image of God, should 5 Now, he that hath wrought us for the shine unto them. self-same thing is God, who also hath 5 For we preach not ourselves, but given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet 10 For we must all appear before the not distressed; we are perplexed, but not judgment-seat of Christ; that every one in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us, but life

in you.

may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

13 For whether we be beside ourselves, 13 We having the same spirit of faith, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is according as it is written, I believed, and for your cause.

therefore have I spoken; we also believe, 14 For the love of Christ constraineth and therefore speak; us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

14 Knowing, that he which raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have 16 For which cause we faint not; but known Christ after the flesh, yet now though our outward man perish, yet the henceforth know we him no more. inward man is renewed day by day. 17 Therefore, if any man be in Christ,

17 For our light affliction, which is but he is a new creature: old things are passed for a moment, worketh for us a far more away; behold, all things are become new. exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 And all things are of God, who hath 18 While we look not the things reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, which are seen, but at the things which and hath given to us the ministry of reare not seen for the things which are conciliation; seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

FOR

CHAP. V.

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

OR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not 20 Now then we are ambassadors for

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CHAP. VI.

then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

His comfort in affliction.

CHAP. VII.
Han behered, it heel
TAVING therefore these promises,

selves from all filthiness of the flesh and
spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

I

3 I speak not this to condemn you: for have said before, that ye are in our hearts 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a to die and live with you. time accepted, and in the day of salvation 4 Great is my boldness of speech tohave I succoured thee: behold, now is the ward you, great is my glorying of you: I accepted time; behold, now is the day of am filled with comfort, I am exceeding salvation.) joyful in all our tribulation.

3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were 4 But in all things approving ourselves troubled on every side; without were as the ministers of God, in much patience, fightings, within were fears.

in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tu- those that are cast down, comforted us by mults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; the coming of Titus;

6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long- 7 And not by his coming only, but by suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, the consolation wherewith he was comby love unfeigned, forted in you, when he told us your earn7 By the word of truth, by the power est desire, your mourning, your fervent of God, by the armour of righteousness mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the on the right hand and on the left,

more.

8 By honour and dishonour, by evil re- 8 For though I made you sorry with a port and good report; as deceivers, and letter, I do not repent, though I did reyet true; pent: for I perceive that the same epistle 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as hath made you sorry, though it were but dying, and behold, we live ; as chastened, for a season. and not killed;

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made 10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: as poor, yet making many rich; as having for ye were made sorry after a godly mannothing, and yet possessing all things. ner, that ye might receive damage by us

11 O'ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

13 Now for a recompence in the same 11 For behold this self-same thing, that (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what care enlarged. fulness it wrought in you, yea, what clear14 Be ye not unequally yoked together ing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, with unbelievers: for what fellowship yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, hath righteousness with unrighteousness? yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all and what communion hath light with dark-things ye have approved yourselves to be

ness?

clear in this matter.

15 And what concord hath Christ with 12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto Belial? or what part hath he that believeth you, I did it not for his cause that had done with an infidel? the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered 16 And what agreement hath the tem- wrong, but that our care for you in the ple of God with idols? for ye are the tem- sight of God might appear unto you. ple of the living God; as God hath said, 13 Therefore we were comforted in I will dwell in them, and walk in them; your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the and I will be their God, and they shall be more joyed we for the joy of Titus, bemy people. cause his spirit was refreshed by you all. 17 Wherefore come out from among 14 For if I have boasted any thing to them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we and touch not the unclean thing; and I spake all things to you in truth, even so will receive you; our boasting, which I made before Titus, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and is found a truth. ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

15 And his inward affection is more labundant toward you, whilst he remem.

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we do you to

He exhorts their liberality.

19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

MOREOVER, brethren, bestowed on blame us in this abundance which is ad

the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves;

20 Avoiding this, that no man should ministered by us:

21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

4 Praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the 23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he fellowship of the ministering to the saints. is my partner and fellow-helper concern5 And this they did, not as we hoped, ing you: or our brethren be inquired of, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, they are the messengers of the churches, and unto us by the will of God: and the glory of Christ.

6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened:

24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. CHAP. IX.

FOR

NOR as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand, your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he 14 But by an equality, that now at this which soweth bountifully, shall reap also time your abundance may be a supply for bountifully.

their want, that their abundance also may 7 Every man according as he purpose th be a supply for your want: that there may in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingbe equality: ly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

16 But thanks be to God which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

10 Now, he that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness ;)

CHAP. X, XI.

He commends himself.

Paul's spiritual might. 11 Being enriched in every thing to all out our measure, but according to the meabountifulness, which causeth through us sure of the rule which God hath distributed thanksgiving to God. to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 12 For the administration of this service 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond not only supplieth the want of the saints, our measure, as though we reached not but is abundant also by many thanks- unto you; for we are come as far as to you givings unto God; also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

13 While by the experiment of this mi- 15 Not boasting of things without our nistration they glorify God for your pro-measure, that is, of other men's labours; fessed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, but having hope, when your faith is inand for your liberal distribution unto them, creased, that we shall be enlarged by you, and unto all men ; according to our rule abundantly,

14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you, for the exceeding grace of God in you.

15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. CHAP. X.

Now I Paul myself beseech you, by the

16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

18 For not he that commendeth himself

is approved, but whom the Lord com

meekness and gentleness of Christ, mendeth. who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

WOU

CHAP, XI.

YOULD to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed

2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that con- bear with me. fidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh :

2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one Thusband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, not carnal, but mighty through God to the so your minds should be corrupted from pulling down of strong holds ;) the simplicity that is in Christ.

5 Casting down imaginations, and every 4 For if he that cometh preacheth ano high thing that exalteth itself against the ther Jesus, whom we have not preached knowledge of God, and bringing into cap-or if ye receive another spirit, which ye tivity every thought to the obedience of have not received, or another gospel, Christ; which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

10 For his letters (say they) are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

11 Let such a one think this, that such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things.

7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man : for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with. 11 Wherefore? because I love you not? some that commend themselves: but they, God knoweth.

measuring themselves by themselves, and 12 But what I do, that I will do, that I comparing themselves among themselves, I may cut off occasion from them which are not wise. desire occasion; that wherein they glory, 13 But we will not boast of things with- they may be found even as we.

The sufferings of Paul.

II. CORINTHIANS. His apostleship commended.

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful

workers, transforming themselves into the T

apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

CHAP. XII.

T is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth ;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell : God knoweth ;)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6 For though I would desire to glory, I 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: bondage, if a man devour you, if a man but now I forbear, lest any man should take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. How beit, whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly) I am bold also.

22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they seed of Abraham? so am I.

the

think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufspeak as a fool) I am more; in labours ficient for thee: for my strength is made more abundant, in stripes above measure, perfect in weakness. Most gladly therein prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. fore will I rather glory in my infirmities, 24 Of the Jews five times received I that the power of Christ may rest upon me. forty stripes save one. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirm25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once ities, in reproaches, in necessities, in perwas I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, secutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: a night and a day I have been in the deep; for when I am weak, then am I strong.

26 In journeyings often, in perils of wa- 11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye ters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine have compelled me: for I ought to have own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, been commended of you: for in nothing in perils in the city, in perils in the wil-am I behind the very chiefest apostles, derness, in perils in the sea, in perils among though I be nothing.

false brethren; 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were 27 In weariness and painfulness, in wrought among you in all patience, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 13 For what is it wherein ye were in

28 Besides those things that are with-ferior to other churches, except it be that I out, that which cometh upon me daily, the myself was not burdensome to you? forcare of all the churches. give me this wrong.

29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burden30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of some to you: for I seek not yours, but you. the things which concern mine infirmities. For the children ought not to lay up for the 31 The God and Father of our Lord parents, but the parents for the children. Jesus Christ, which is blessed for ever- 15 And I will very gladly spend and be more, knoweth that I lie not. spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

16 But be it so, I did not burden you : nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a

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