2 Corinthians 1:12
Verse
Context
Paul’s Change of Plans
11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. 12And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.13For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely,
Sermons
J. Edwin Orr
Stephen Kaung
Phil Beach Jr.
Thomas WatsonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For our rejoicing is this - Ἡ καυχησις. Our boasting, exultation, subject of glorying. The testimony of our conscience - Μαρτυριον της συνειδησεως· That testimony or witness which conscience, under the light and influence of the Spirit of God, renders to the soul of its state, sincerity, safety, etc. In simplicity - Ἁπλοτητι· from α, denoting unity or together, and πελω, to be; or from α, negative, and πολυς, many; not compounded, having one end in view, having no sinister purpose, no by end to answer. Instead of ἁπλοτητι, many MSS. and versions have ἁγιοτητι, holiness. In godly sincerity - Ειλικρινειᾳ Θεου· The sincerity of God: that is, such a sincerity as comes from his work in the soul. Ειλικρινεια, sincerity, and ειλικρινης, sincere, come from ειλη, the splendor, or bright shining of the sun; and here signifies such simplicity of intention, and purity of affection, as can stand the test of the light of God shining upon it, without the discovery being made of a single blemish or flaw. Not with fleshly wisdom - The cunning and duplicity of man, who is uninfluenced by the Spirit of God, and has his secular interest, ease, profit, pleasure, and worldly honor in view. But by the grace of God - Which alone can produce the simplicity and godly sincerity before mentioned, and inspire the wisdom that comes from above. We have had our conversation - Ανεστραφημεν· We have conducted ourselves. The word properly refers to the whole tenor of a man's life - all that he does says, and intends; and the object or end he has in view, and in reference to which he speaks, acts, and thinks; and is so used by the best Greek writers. The verb αναστρεφω is compounded of ανα, again, and στρεφω, to turn; a continual coming back again to the point from which he set out; a circulation; beginning, continuing, and ending every thing to the glory of God; setting out with Divine views, and still maintaining them; beginning in the Spirit, and ending in the Spirit; acting in reference to God, as the planets do in reference to the sun, deriving all their light, heat, and motion from him; and incessantly and regularly revolving round him. Thus acted Paul; thus acted the primitive Christians; and thus must every Christian act who expects to see God in his glory. The word conversation is not an unapt Latinism for the Greek term, as conversatio comes from con, together, and verto, I turn; and is used by the Latins in precisely the same sense as the other is by the Greeks, signifying the whole of a man's conduct, the tenor and practice of his life: and conversio astrorum, and conversiones caelestes, is by Cicero used for the course of the stars and heavenly bodies. - De Leg. c. 8: Caelum una conversione atque eadem, ipse circum se torquetur et vertitur. - CIC de Univers., c. 8: "The heaven itself is, with one and the same revolution, whirled about, and revolves round itself." In the world - Both among Jews and Gentiles have we always acted as seeing Him who is invisible. More abundantly to you-ward - That is, We have given the fullest proof of this in our conduct towards you; You have witnessed the holy manner in which we have always acted; and God is witness of the purity of the motives by which we have been actuated; and our conscience tells us that we have lived in uprightness before him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--reason why he may confidently look for their prayers for him. our rejoicing--Greek, "our glorying." Not that he glories in the testimony of his conscience, as something to boast of; nay, this testimony is itself the thing in which his glorying consists. in simplicity--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "in holiness." English Version reading is perhaps a gloss from Eph 6:5 [ALFORD]. Some of the oldest manuscripts and versions, however, support it. godly sincerity--literally, "sincerity of God"; that is, sincerity as in the presence of God (Co1 5:8). We glory in this in spite of all our adversities. Sincerity in Greek implies the non-admixture of any foreign element. He had no sinister or selfish aims (as some insinuated) in failing to visit them as he had promised: such aims belonged to his adversaries, not to him (Co2 2:17). "Fleshly wisdom" suggests tortuous and insincere courses; but the "grace of God," which influenced him by God's gifts (Rom 12:3; Rom 15:15), suggests holy straightforwardness and sincere faithfulness to promises (Co2 1:17-20), even as God is faithful to His promises. The prudence which subserves selfish interests, or employs unchristian means, or relies on human means more than on the Divine Spirit, is "fleshly wisdom." in the world--even in relation to the world at large, which is full of disingenuousness. more abundantly to you-ward-- (Co2 2:4). His greater love to them would lead him to manifest, especially to them, proofs of his sincerity, which his less close connection with the world did not admit of his exhibiting towards it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience,.... This rejoicing or glorying of the apostle's in the testimony of their consciences, to the goodness of their hearts, actions, conduct, and behaviour, was not before God, and in his sight, but before men, who were ready to accuse their good conversation in Christ: nor are these words to be considered as they generally are by interpreters, as if it was the testimony of a good conscience, which was the ground of their faith and confidence, that God would deliver them, and was an helping cause, together with the prayers of the saints, of their present deliverance. They refer to the charge exhibited against the apostle, that he had falsified his word in not coming to Corinth according to his promise; under which charge he could sit easy, having a witness within him, which was better than a thousand others, that we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-wards; the Corinthians, of which they themselves must be conscious: in simplicity; in opposition to double mindedness; they did not say one thing, and mean another, and act contrary to both; their heart and mouth went together, and their conduct agreed with both; what they promised they meant to perform; and where there was a want of performance, it was owing to intervening providences, which hindered, and not to any deceitfulness in them: the conscience of the apostle bore him witness, that he behaved in the simplicity and singleness of his heart; and also in godly sincerity, or "in the sincerity of God"; that is, such as God requires, gives, and approves of, and which will stand in his sight, will bear his examination, and to which he gives his testimony; and that his conduct was not influenced with fleshly wisdom: he used no artful sophistical methods to impose upon, and delude persons, for any sinister ends, or worldly advantage: but by the grace of God; which was bestowed upon him, implanted in him, and which taught him to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle in these verses attests their integrity by the sincerity of their conversation. This he does not in a way of boasting and vain-glory, but as one good reason for desiring the help of prayer, as well as for the more comfortably trusting in God (Heb 13:18), and for the necessary vindication of himself from the aspersions of some persons at Corinth, who reproached his person and questioned his apostleship. Here, I. He appeals to the testimony of conscience with rejoicing (Co2 1:12), in which observe, 1. The witness appealed to, namely, conscience, which is instead of a thousand witnesses. This God's deputy in the soul, and the voice of conscience is the voice of God. They rejoiced in the testimony of conscience, when their enemies reproached them, and were enraged against them. Note, The testimony of conscience for us, if that be right and upon good grounds, will be matter of rejoicing at all times and in all conditions. 2. The testimony this witness gave. And here take notice, Conscience witnessed, (1.) Concerning their conversation, their constant course and tenour of life: by that we may judge of ourselves, and not by this or that single act. (2.) Concerning the nature or manner of their conversation; that it was in simplicity and godly sincerity. This blessed apostle was a true Israelite, a man of plain dealing; you might know where to have him. He was not a man who seemed to be one thing and was another, but a man of sincerity. (3.) Concerning the principle they acted from in all their conversation, both in the world and towards these Corinthians; and that was not fleshly wisdom, nor carnal politics and worldly views, but it was the grace of God, a vital gracious principle in their hearts, that cometh from God, and tendeth to God. Then will our conversation be well ordered when we live and act under the influence and command of such a gracious principle in the heart. II. He appeals to the knowledge of the Corinthians with hope and confidence, Co2 1:13, Co2 1:14. Their conversation did in part fall under the observation of the Corinthians; and these knew how they behaved themselves, how holily, and justly, and unblamably; they never found any thing in them unbecoming an honest man. This they had acknowledged in part already, and he doubted not but they would still do so to the end, that is, that they would never have any good reason to think or say otherwise of him, but that he was an honest man. And so there would be mutual rejoicing in one another. We are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. Note, It is happy when ministers and people do rejoice in each other here; and this joy will be complete in that day when the great Shepherd of the sheep shall appear.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-14 Paul’s travel plans and his unfulfilled promise of a visit to Corinth were criticized; he was charged with being fickle like persons of the world “who say ‘Yes’ when they really mean ‘No’” (1:17). Before responding to that charge, he clarifies his motives in his ministry and in his letters. 1:12 holiness: Some manuscripts read honesty. The difference is only two letters in Greek (hagiotēti, “holiness”; haplotēti, “honesty”).
2 Corinthians 1:12
Paul’s Change of Plans
11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. 12And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.13For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Garland, Texas - Conscience
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K52:57PSA 139:23ISA 1:18JHN 16:8ROM 2:15ROM 8:1ROM 14:232CO 1:12TIT 1:15HEB 9:14HEB 10:22
This sermon delves into the historical context of moral decline post-American Revolution, highlighting the societal issues of drunkenness, immorality, and lawlessness. It transitions to the importance of conscience and the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of sin, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and cleansing through the blood of Christ. The speaker challenges the congregation to be open to God's conviction and willing to address any areas of wrongdoing in their lives to pave the way for personal revival and spiritual growth.
Christ and Him Crucified
By Stephen Kaung2.3K57:291CO 2:21CO 2:61CO 2:162CO 1:122CO 1:21In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the fellowship of believers and how it is shaped by our calling in Christ. The apostle Paul's experience in Corinth is used as an example. Paul initially came to Corinth in fear and weakness, but God encouraged him to continue preaching the testimony of God. The speaker emphasizes that the testimony of God is centered on Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, as he came to deliver people from their sins and redeem them. The sermon encourages believers to fellowship in a way that aligns with this calling and the testimony of God.
Growing in the Grace of God #17 - More Characteristics of New Covenant Living Part 1
By Bob Hoekstra82747:04MAT 6:332CO 1:122CO 2:142CO 3:32CO 3:182CO 4:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the ministry of mercy and how God wants to mark us as those who minister by His mercy. The speaker acknowledges that reaching people can be challenging, especially when they seem blind to the message. The enemy uses various tactics to blind people, but our message is the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of shining the light of Christ into the darkness of the world and appealing to people's conscience.
(Through the Bible) 2 Corinthians - Part 2
By Zac Poonen63557:402CO 1:12
This sermon delves into 2 Corinthians, highlighting the inner life of a servant of God, exemplified by the Apostle Paul. It emphasizes the importance of following Christ's example in practical situations, having ambitions aligned with pleasing God, and the fear of the Lord in accountability. The sermon also touches on surrendering to God's will, the need for humility, handling trials with grace, and the significance of staying devoted to Jesus Christ amidst challenges.
(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Godly Weddings
By Rick Leibee6321:11:53MAT 22:37ROM 12:21CO 10:312CO 1:12EPH 5:22COL 3:171PE 3:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a godly wedding. They emphasize the need for a solid foundation in courtship and engagement before planning a wedding. The speaker acknowledges that not all weddings are godly and joyful, but they encourage the audience to strive for a wedding that honors God. They conclude by offering to continue the discussion on this topic in future sessions.
A Healed Conscience
By Phil Beach Jr.4633:25Humility and PrideConscienceHealing of ConsciencePSA 34:18PRO 16:18ISA 57:15MAT 5:8ROM 2:152CO 1:12HEB 10:22JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 1:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a healed conscience, urging believers to acknowledge their faults and seek Jesus' help rather than justifying their pride or insensitivity. He explains that a broken spirit, exposed to God's light, leads to true humility and a tender conscience, which is essential for spiritual growth. Beach highlights that both saved and unsaved sinners are in need of God's grace, and that a healed conscience allows for genuine self-awareness and accountability. He encourages the congregation to embrace vulnerability and transparency in their walk with God, as these qualities foster a closer relationship with Him. Ultimately, he calls for prayer and reliance on Jesus to heal and restore our consciences, making them sensitive to the movements of our hearts.
Time's Shortness
By Thomas Watson0JOB 14:1PSA 133:1ECC 3:21CO 7:292CO 1:12EPH 3:20EPH 5:16REV 12:12REV 14:11REV 14:13Thomas Watson preaches a sermon on the shortness of time, emphasizing the brevity and transitoriness of life. He urges believers to love one another, avoid discord, and strive for unity. Watson highlights the importance of self-examination, repentance, and making the best use of time for God's glory. He warns the wicked of the consequences of sin and encourages the godly to find comfort in the shortness of their suffering and waiting time, looking forward to the eternal reward in heaven.
Epistle 103
By George Fox0DEU 1:17DEU 25:15PSA 89:14PRO 16:11ROM 2:15ROM 13:32CO 1:122CO 10:14COL 4:6JAS 3:171PE 2:141JN 5:9George Fox preaches about the importance of staying within God's boundaries and fearing Him to receive divine wisdom, enabling believers to order their lives to glorify God and reflect His witness in all interactions. He emphasizes godly sincerity, simplicity, meekness, patience, humbleness, justice, truth, and mercy as qualities that honor God and serve as a praise to those who do well, while being a terror to evildoers. Fox warns against straying from God's witness within one's conscience, urging listeners to maintain the just weight, measure, balance, and true understanding to uphold God's principles.
St. Paul's "Election" Is Unto Sanctification.
By Daniel Steele0ROM 5:5ROM 6:192CO 1:122CO 6:62CO 11:3EPH 4:131TH 4:32TH 2:131TI 4:12HEB 12:141PE 1:2Daniel Steele preaches about sanctification and holiness post-Pentecost, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in creating and preserving purity in believing hearts. The act of sanctification involves divine grace removing impurity in those born of the Spirit, leading to deliverance from sin. Sanctification is viewed as the goal of Christian purification in this life, breaking the power of sin and allowing believers to bear fruit and experience eternal life. Steele highlights the importance of sanctification for spiritual perception, love, and clear spiritual eyesight, ultimately glorifying Christ and enabling believers to see God.
The Inner Monitor
By Ernest O'Neill0PRO 20:27ROM 2:151CO 2:152CO 1:12HEB 10:22Ernest O'Neill discusses the concept of the mature individual and the rounded personality, emphasizing the importance of inner direction through conscience. He highlights how aligning our wills and actions with our inner voice of conscience brings harmony and clarity to our lives, contrasting it with the confusion that comes from introspection and societal values. O'Neill delves into the personal nature of conscience, explaining that following it, informed by the revelation of God's nature in Christ, frees us from judgment by others and establishes a unique connection with our Creator. He further explores how conscience reinforces intuition, guiding us to perceive God's will and purpose for our lives.
A Seared Conscience--No. 2
By Charles Finney0Spiritual SensitivityConscienceMAT 7:21ROM 2:152CO 1:12GAL 6:7EPH 4:191TI 4:2HEB 10:22JAS 1:221PE 2:191JN 1:9Charles Finney warns about the dire consequences of a seared conscience, emphasizing that it leads to delusion regarding one's moral character, false security, and a mistaken sense of hope. He explains that a seared conscience can result in abandonment by the Spirit of God, a life of uselessness, and even physical ailments due to neglect of moral and physical laws. Finney stresses the importance of maintaining a sensitive conscience to avoid becoming a negative influence on others and to fulfill one's potential for good in the world. He calls for self-examination and the cultivation of a quick conscience, especially among those in ministry, to prevent the spread of sin and to promote true holiness.
The Love of Souls, a Necessary Qualification for the Ministerial Office
By Samuel Davies0ACT 20:28ACT 26:182CO 1:12PHP 2:16COL 3:41TH 2:82TI 4:2Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of the love of souls as a necessary qualification for the ministerial office, emphasizing the need for ministers to possess a constellation of graces and virtues, including love of God and man, compassion, meekness, and humility. He highlights the selfless and sacrificial love displayed by the apostle Paul towards the Thessalonians, willing to impart not only the gospel but also his own life for their sake. Davies urges ministers to ingratiate themselves with mankind through genuine love, to affect their hearers deeply, to be diligent and laborious in their ministry, to bear hardships with patience, and to avoid anything low or offensive in their conduct.
Having a Good Conscience
By Charles Finney0ConscienceMoral IntegrityPRO 28:1ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:51TI 3:92TI 1:3HEB 13:181PE 2:191PE 3:16Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good conscience, explaining that it involves moral awareness, enlightenment, and obedience to its dictates. He outlines the conditions necessary for a good conscience, including the need for divine light and the importance of indulging and obeying one's conscience. Finney argues that a good conscience is essential for self-respect, peace of mind, and usefulness in society, while also being indispensable for salvation. He warns that those who neglect their conscience become a nuisance to society and are ultimately odious to God and others. The sermon concludes with a call to heed the conscience, as it is vital for spiritual well-being and moral integrity.
The Holy Spirit and Conscience
By Andrew Murray0ConscienceThe Holy SpiritROM 8:16ROM 9:12CO 1:12COL 1:101TI 1:51TI 1:19TIT 1:15HEB 9:14HEB 12:281JN 3:21Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of conscience in the believer's life, asserting that it serves as a reflection of God's holiness and a guide towards righteousness. He explains that the Holy Spirit works in harmony with our conscience, leading us to recognize sin and embrace God's grace through Christ's blood. The cleansing of the conscience is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining a close relationship with God, as it allows believers to walk in the light of His favor. Murray encourages believers to yield to their conscience, ensuring it remains pure and responsive to God's will, which in turn strengthens their faith and assurance of salvation. Ultimately, he calls for a life characterized by a clear conscience, testifying to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Day 118, Romans 7
By David Servant0ROM 6:61CO 4:42CO 1:121TH 2:102TI 1:3David Servant delves into Paul's response to Jewish objections regarding the Mosaic Law, explaining how believers in Christ are released from the Law through His death, not as a license to sin but to bear fruit for God by following the Spirit. Paul clarifies that the Law itself is holy and good, and it is sin against the Law that leads to death. He contrasts the experience under the Law with the freedom in Christ, emphasizing the transformation believers undergo from being enslaved to sin to being slaves of righteousness.
The Testimony of Conscience
By Thomas Reade0PSA 51:10PRO 4:23ACT 23:12CO 1:12PHP 1:10COL 3:231TI 1:5HEB 10:221PE 3:16Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of having a good conscience, highlighting the transformation in Saul of Tarsus from persecutor to Apostle through the enlightenment of the Spirit. He emphasizes that a good conscience is a work of grace, bringing peace and purity to the soul, and enabling a sincere and faithful walk with God. Reade urges believers to maintain a clear conscience, rooted in faith, love, and hope, and to be vigilant against worldly influences that may dull their spiritual sensitivity.
Humility and Sin
By Andrew Murray0GraceHumilityISA 2:11MAT 5:3ROM 7:18ROM 8:21CO 15:92CO 1:12EPH 3:81TH 2:101TI 1:15JAS 4:10Andrew Murray emphasizes that true humility is rooted not in a constant focus on sin, but in the recognition of God's grace and the displacement of self by God. He illustrates this through the life of the Apostle Paul, who, despite his past as a sinner, found his identity in being a ransomed sinner saved by grace. Murray argues that humility is the essence of holiness and is cultivated through a deep awareness of God's love and grace rather than through self-condemnation. He concludes that it is the revelation of God's grace that fosters a genuine humility, allowing believers to live in the light of God's redeeming love.
On Conscience
By John Wesley0Moral GuidanceConscienceJOB 16:19PSA 139:23MIC 6:8MAT 5:8ACT 24:16ROM 9:12CO 1:121TI 1:5HEB 10:221JN 2:20John Wesley's sermon 'On Conscience' emphasizes the critical role of conscience in guiding moral behavior and understanding right from wrong. He explains that conscience is a divine gift that allows individuals to discern their actions in relation to God's will, serving as both a witness and a judge. Wesley categorizes different types of conscience, including good, tender, scrupulous, and hardened, and stresses the importance of obeying one's conscience to maintain its sensitivity. He concludes with practical directions for nurturing a good conscience, urging believers to live in constant awareness of God's presence and to align their actions with His word.
Exposition on Psalm 54
By St. Augustine01SA 24:4PSA 53:1ISA 40:6LUK 12:20JHN 18:36ROM 8:262CO 1:122CO 12:8COL 3:3St. Augustine preaches on the significance of Psalm 53, focusing on the hidden meanings within the text. He delves into the allegorical interpretation of the Ziphites as enemies of David, representing those who flourish in worldly pursuits but wither in judgment. Augustine emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help and judgment, rather than being swayed by temporary worldly success. He encourages voluntary sacrifice of praise to God out of genuine love and gratitude, highlighting the joy found in praising God for His own sake. Through tribulations, one can gain a deeper understanding of God's goodness and deliverance from all troubles.
Spiritual Confirmation
By A.W. Tozer01SA 12:23PSA 139:23MAT 5:23ACT 23:1ROM 2:15ROM 9:21CO 8:72CO 1:121TI 1:52TI 1:3TIT 1:15HEB 9:91PE 2:19Paul, in his letter to Timothy, emphasizes the significance of conscience, describing it as a 'knowing with' oneself, a witness to one's conduct based on the apprehension of God's will. He highlights the importance of maintaining a clear conscience, not necessarily free from sin, but habitually seeking to obey and please God, facing acts of sin before Him. Paul's prayers for Timothy day and night serve as a powerful example of intercession and encouragement in times of challenge and spiritual warfare.
God's Preacher in the Heart
By Thomas Brooks0Sin and AssuranceConsciencePSA 66:18PRO 28:13ISA 59:2ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:19HEB 10:22JAS 4:81JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that conscience serves as God's preacher within us, acting as a witness to our actions and intentions. He warns that tampering with sin leads to a guilty conscience, which obstructs our peace and assurance in God. Brooks explains that harboring unconfessed sins creates a barrier between us and God, preventing Him from revealing His love and grace. He stresses that God will not listen to the prayers of those who continue to indulge in sin, as it is contrary to His holiness. Ultimately, a clear conscience is essential for true communion with God.
"Single-Faced"
By A.W. Tozer0IntegrityAuthenticityPSA 51:6PRO 12:22MAT 5:8MAT 7:1LUK 12:22CO 1:12GAL 6:7EPH 4:25JAS 1:81PE 2:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of childlike candor in the Christian life, urging believers to embody honesty and integrity without duplicity or hypocrisy. He contrasts the simplicity and openness of children with the deceitfulness exemplified by Judas Iscariot, who lived a double life and ultimately betrayed Jesus. Tozer calls for a community of faith where individuals present a single, authentic face, free from the masks of pretense and dishonesty. He warns that having multiple faces is a sign of spiritual danger and invites believers to seek genuine transparency in their relationships with God and others.
The First Fruits of the Spirit
By John Wesley0Freedom from CondemnationWalking In The SpiritISA 43:25JHN 3:17ROM 8:11CO 2:122CO 1:12GAL 5:16PHP 1:61TI 1:8HEB 10:141JN 3:24John Wesley emphasizes that those who are in Christ Jesus and walk according to the Spirit are free from condemnation. He explains that true believers, justified by faith, are no longer under the law's condemnation due to their past, present, or even inward sins, as they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live righteously. Wesley clarifies that while believers may struggle with sin, their sincere efforts to walk in the Spirit ensure they are not condemned by God or their own conscience. He encourages believers to trust in God's grace and to continue striving for holiness, knowing that their faith in Christ secures their standing before God. The sermon concludes with practical inferences on living a life led by the Spirit, free from fear and condemnation.
Of Godly Sincerity.
By John Gill0Integrity in FaithSincerityPSA 51:6MAT 5:8JHN 3:191CO 5:82CO 1:12PHP 1:101PE 2:22PE 3:1John Gill emphasizes the significance of godly sincerity, contrasting it with hypocrisy, which is detestable to God. He explains that true sincerity is a grace bestowed by God, characterized by purity and integrity in one's heart, thoughts, and actions. Gill illustrates that sincere individuals are those who possess a true heart, are sound in faith, and worship God in spirit and truth. He encourages believers to seek this grace from God, as it leads to spiritual joy, blessings, and protection. Ultimately, sincerity is essential for a genuine relationship with God and reflects one's true character.
The Witness of Our Own Spirit
By John Wesley0The Role of ConscienceJoy in ChristJHN 8:12ROM 2:142CO 1:12PHP 4:4John Wesley emphasizes the profound joy that comes from a clear conscience in Christ, rooted in faith and love. He explains that true believers rejoice not in worldly wisdom but through the grace of God, which enables them to live in simplicity and godly sincerity. Wesley elaborates on the nature of conscience, asserting that it serves as a moral compass, guiding believers in their actions and thoughts according to God's Word. He highlights that this joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep, spiritual satisfaction that arises from a relationship with God. Ultimately, Wesley encourages Christians to rejoice in their obedience and the transformative power of God's grace in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For our rejoicing is this - Ἡ καυχησις. Our boasting, exultation, subject of glorying. The testimony of our conscience - Μαρτυριον της συνειδησεως· That testimony or witness which conscience, under the light and influence of the Spirit of God, renders to the soul of its state, sincerity, safety, etc. In simplicity - Ἁπλοτητι· from α, denoting unity or together, and πελω, to be; or from α, negative, and πολυς, many; not compounded, having one end in view, having no sinister purpose, no by end to answer. Instead of ἁπλοτητι, many MSS. and versions have ἁγιοτητι, holiness. In godly sincerity - Ειλικρινειᾳ Θεου· The sincerity of God: that is, such a sincerity as comes from his work in the soul. Ειλικρινεια, sincerity, and ειλικρινης, sincere, come from ειλη, the splendor, or bright shining of the sun; and here signifies such simplicity of intention, and purity of affection, as can stand the test of the light of God shining upon it, without the discovery being made of a single blemish or flaw. Not with fleshly wisdom - The cunning and duplicity of man, who is uninfluenced by the Spirit of God, and has his secular interest, ease, profit, pleasure, and worldly honor in view. But by the grace of God - Which alone can produce the simplicity and godly sincerity before mentioned, and inspire the wisdom that comes from above. We have had our conversation - Ανεστραφημεν· We have conducted ourselves. The word properly refers to the whole tenor of a man's life - all that he does says, and intends; and the object or end he has in view, and in reference to which he speaks, acts, and thinks; and is so used by the best Greek writers. The verb αναστρεφω is compounded of ανα, again, and στρεφω, to turn; a continual coming back again to the point from which he set out; a circulation; beginning, continuing, and ending every thing to the glory of God; setting out with Divine views, and still maintaining them; beginning in the Spirit, and ending in the Spirit; acting in reference to God, as the planets do in reference to the sun, deriving all their light, heat, and motion from him; and incessantly and regularly revolving round him. Thus acted Paul; thus acted the primitive Christians; and thus must every Christian act who expects to see God in his glory. The word conversation is not an unapt Latinism for the Greek term, as conversatio comes from con, together, and verto, I turn; and is used by the Latins in precisely the same sense as the other is by the Greeks, signifying the whole of a man's conduct, the tenor and practice of his life: and conversio astrorum, and conversiones caelestes, is by Cicero used for the course of the stars and heavenly bodies. - De Leg. c. 8: Caelum una conversione atque eadem, ipse circum se torquetur et vertitur. - CIC de Univers., c. 8: "The heaven itself is, with one and the same revolution, whirled about, and revolves round itself." In the world - Both among Jews and Gentiles have we always acted as seeing Him who is invisible. More abundantly to you-ward - That is, We have given the fullest proof of this in our conduct towards you; You have witnessed the holy manner in which we have always acted; and God is witness of the purity of the motives by which we have been actuated; and our conscience tells us that we have lived in uprightness before him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--reason why he may confidently look for their prayers for him. our rejoicing--Greek, "our glorying." Not that he glories in the testimony of his conscience, as something to boast of; nay, this testimony is itself the thing in which his glorying consists. in simplicity--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "in holiness." English Version reading is perhaps a gloss from Eph 6:5 [ALFORD]. Some of the oldest manuscripts and versions, however, support it. godly sincerity--literally, "sincerity of God"; that is, sincerity as in the presence of God (Co1 5:8). We glory in this in spite of all our adversities. Sincerity in Greek implies the non-admixture of any foreign element. He had no sinister or selfish aims (as some insinuated) in failing to visit them as he had promised: such aims belonged to his adversaries, not to him (Co2 2:17). "Fleshly wisdom" suggests tortuous and insincere courses; but the "grace of God," which influenced him by God's gifts (Rom 12:3; Rom 15:15), suggests holy straightforwardness and sincere faithfulness to promises (Co2 1:17-20), even as God is faithful to His promises. The prudence which subserves selfish interests, or employs unchristian means, or relies on human means more than on the Divine Spirit, is "fleshly wisdom." in the world--even in relation to the world at large, which is full of disingenuousness. more abundantly to you-ward-- (Co2 2:4). His greater love to them would lead him to manifest, especially to them, proofs of his sincerity, which his less close connection with the world did not admit of his exhibiting towards it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience,.... This rejoicing or glorying of the apostle's in the testimony of their consciences, to the goodness of their hearts, actions, conduct, and behaviour, was not before God, and in his sight, but before men, who were ready to accuse their good conversation in Christ: nor are these words to be considered as they generally are by interpreters, as if it was the testimony of a good conscience, which was the ground of their faith and confidence, that God would deliver them, and was an helping cause, together with the prayers of the saints, of their present deliverance. They refer to the charge exhibited against the apostle, that he had falsified his word in not coming to Corinth according to his promise; under which charge he could sit easy, having a witness within him, which was better than a thousand others, that we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-wards; the Corinthians, of which they themselves must be conscious: in simplicity; in opposition to double mindedness; they did not say one thing, and mean another, and act contrary to both; their heart and mouth went together, and their conduct agreed with both; what they promised they meant to perform; and where there was a want of performance, it was owing to intervening providences, which hindered, and not to any deceitfulness in them: the conscience of the apostle bore him witness, that he behaved in the simplicity and singleness of his heart; and also in godly sincerity, or "in the sincerity of God"; that is, such as God requires, gives, and approves of, and which will stand in his sight, will bear his examination, and to which he gives his testimony; and that his conduct was not influenced with fleshly wisdom: he used no artful sophistical methods to impose upon, and delude persons, for any sinister ends, or worldly advantage: but by the grace of God; which was bestowed upon him, implanted in him, and which taught him to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle in these verses attests their integrity by the sincerity of their conversation. This he does not in a way of boasting and vain-glory, but as one good reason for desiring the help of prayer, as well as for the more comfortably trusting in God (Heb 13:18), and for the necessary vindication of himself from the aspersions of some persons at Corinth, who reproached his person and questioned his apostleship. Here, I. He appeals to the testimony of conscience with rejoicing (Co2 1:12), in which observe, 1. The witness appealed to, namely, conscience, which is instead of a thousand witnesses. This God's deputy in the soul, and the voice of conscience is the voice of God. They rejoiced in the testimony of conscience, when their enemies reproached them, and were enraged against them. Note, The testimony of conscience for us, if that be right and upon good grounds, will be matter of rejoicing at all times and in all conditions. 2. The testimony this witness gave. And here take notice, Conscience witnessed, (1.) Concerning their conversation, their constant course and tenour of life: by that we may judge of ourselves, and not by this or that single act. (2.) Concerning the nature or manner of their conversation; that it was in simplicity and godly sincerity. This blessed apostle was a true Israelite, a man of plain dealing; you might know where to have him. He was not a man who seemed to be one thing and was another, but a man of sincerity. (3.) Concerning the principle they acted from in all their conversation, both in the world and towards these Corinthians; and that was not fleshly wisdom, nor carnal politics and worldly views, but it was the grace of God, a vital gracious principle in their hearts, that cometh from God, and tendeth to God. Then will our conversation be well ordered when we live and act under the influence and command of such a gracious principle in the heart. II. He appeals to the knowledge of the Corinthians with hope and confidence, Co2 1:13, Co2 1:14. Their conversation did in part fall under the observation of the Corinthians; and these knew how they behaved themselves, how holily, and justly, and unblamably; they never found any thing in them unbecoming an honest man. This they had acknowledged in part already, and he doubted not but they would still do so to the end, that is, that they would never have any good reason to think or say otherwise of him, but that he was an honest man. And so there would be mutual rejoicing in one another. We are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. Note, It is happy when ministers and people do rejoice in each other here; and this joy will be complete in that day when the great Shepherd of the sheep shall appear.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-14 Paul’s travel plans and his unfulfilled promise of a visit to Corinth were criticized; he was charged with being fickle like persons of the world “who say ‘Yes’ when they really mean ‘No’” (1:17). Before responding to that charge, he clarifies his motives in his ministry and in his letters. 1:12 holiness: Some manuscripts read honesty. The difference is only two letters in Greek (hagiotēti, “holiness”; haplotēti, “honesty”).