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2 Corinthians 11:2
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am jealous over you, etc. - The apostle evidently alludes either to the שושבינים shoshabinim or paranymphs among the Hebrews, whose office is largely explained in the notes on Joh 3:29, and the observations at the end of that chapter (see note at Joh 3:36); or to the harmosyni, a sort of magistrates among the Lacedemonians who had the care of virgins, and whose business it was to see them well educated, kept pure, and properly prepared for married life. That I may present you as a chaste virgin - The allusion is still kept up; and there seems to be a reference to Lev 21:14, that the high priest must not marry any one that was not a pure virgin. Here, then, Christ is the high priest, the spouse or husband; the Corinthian Church the pure virgin to be espoused; the apostle and his helpers the shoshabinim, or harmosyni, who had educated and prepared this virgin for her husband, and espoused her to him. See the observations already referred to at the end of the third chapter of John. (Joh 3:36 (note))
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I am jealous--The justification of his self-commendations lies in his zealous care lest they should fall from Christ, to whom he, as "the friend of the Bridegroom" (Joh 3:29), has espoused them; in order to lead them back from the false apostles to Christ, he is obliged to boast as an apostle of Christ, in a way which, but for the motive, would be "folly." godly jealousy--literally, "jealousy of God" (compare Co2 1:12, "godly sincerity," literally, "sincerity of God"). "If I am immoderate, I am immoderate to God" [BENGEL]. A jealousy which has God's honor at heart (Kg1 19:10). I . . . espoused you--Paul uses a Greek term applied properly to the bridegroom, just as he ascribes to himself "jealousy," a feeling properly belonging to the husband; so entirely does he identify himself with Christ. present you as a chaste virgin to Christ--at His coming, when the heavenly marriage shall take place (Mat 25:6; Rev 19:7, Rev 19:9). What Paul here says he desires to do, namely, "present" the Church as "a chaste virgin" to Christ, Christ Himself is said to do in the fuller sense. Whatever ministers do effectively, is really done by Christ (Eph 5:27-32). The espousals are going on now. He does not say "chaste virgins"; for not individual members, but the whole body of believers conjointly constitute the Bride.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy,.... He lets them know it was not so much on his own account, or at all with any selfish views, or for any secular interest of his own, that he was so concerned, but it was "a godly jealousy", or a "zeal of God"; which he was inspired with by God, and which was for the honour and glory of God, even Jesus Christ, who is God overall; and for their real good and spiritual welfare, as a church of Christ, that possessed him, which put him upon saying what he was about to do; and what affected him the more was, when he considered himself as a friend of the bridegroom, who had been concerned in the betrothing of them to Christ: for I have espoused you to one husband; by whom is meant Christ, as the following clause explains it: Christ stands in the relation of an husband to the church catholic and universal; to the whole general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven; even to all the elect of God, that ever were, are, or shall be; and so he does to particular congregated churches, as he did to this church at Corinth, and so he does to every individual believer: which character he responds to, by loving them with a love prior to theirs, a love of complacency and delight, which is single, special, and peculiar, strong and affectionate, wonderful and inconceivable, constant, and what will last for ever; by sympathizing with them under all their afflictions, temptations, desertions, and exercises of every kind; by nourishing and cherishing them, which phrases are expressive of the spiritual food and clothing he provides for them, of that intimate communion he admits them to, and of that whole care he takes of them; by paying all their debts, supplying all their wants, supporting them with his right hand, protecting them against all their enemies, giving them grace here, and glory hereafter; and, last of all, by interesting them in his person, and all that he has, in all the blessings and promises of the covenant in his wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The act of espousing, the apostle here, with respect to this church, takes to himself, though in another sense, and which is the principal one, it is ascribed to Christ himself, who betroths all his to himself in righteousness, in judgment, in lovingkindness, and tender mercies; he saw them in his Father's purposes and decrees, in all the glory they were designed to be brought unto, when he loved them as his Father did, and desired them for his spouse and bride, which was granted to him; and then secretly in covenant betrothed them to himself, and ever after looked upon them as in a conjugal relation to him; wherefore though they fell in Adam, and became guilty and filthy, he gave himself for them as his church and bride, to sanctify and cleanse them, that he might present them to himself, just such a glorious church he had seen them before. In consequence of this, the Spirit of God attends the ministration of the Gospel, to the conversion of each of these souls, when they become willing to be the Lord's, and give their free and full consent to have him for their husband; and this is the day of their open espousal to him, and in this the apostle had, and other ministers of the Gospel have a concern; he was a means, in the hands of the Spirit, of their regeneration, a minister by whom they believed, an instrument in directing their souls to Christ, by setting forth his unsearchable riches, the glory of his person, and fulness of his grace: as Abraham's servant set forth the greatness of his master, and the large possessions his son was heir to, and brought out his bracelets and ear rings, his jewels of gold and silver, and thereby gained his point, a wife for Isaac; so the Spirit of God going along with the ministration of the apostle so wrought upon these Corinthians, as to give up themselves to the Lord, and take him for their head and husband, Saviour and Redeemer. This was the concern the apostle had herein, and his view, desire, and hope were, to set them before Christ their husband, pure and incorrupt: that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ; that is, single in their love to, him, strictly adhering to him, and him only, as standing in such a relation to them; pure in the principles of faith, sincere and upright in their worship, and holy in their lives and conversations; nothing was more desirable to him than this, that he might thus present them to Christ at the great day; whereby it would appear, that his labour was not in vain in the Lord: now having been concerned in this affair of espousing them to Christ, and they not yet presented to him, or took home by him, he could not, as things were circumstanced, but entertain a godly jealousy over them in his own breast, lest the false apostles should draw them aside in any degree from their love to Christ, and faith in him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:2 The church is called to be a pure bride to one husband—Christ. This metaphor goes back to the Old Testament, where Israel is the bride of the Lord (Isa 54:5; 62:5). Paul saw himself as the “best man” (the bridegroom’s close friend) who acted for the bridegroom (cp. John 3:29).
2 Corinthians 11:2
Paul and the False Apostles
1I hope you will bear with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Hatchet
By David Wilkerson3.4K1:28:30DefenceDEU 5:28PSA 74:1MAT 6:332CO 11:21TI 4:2HEB 4:12JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of idolatry and the deception that has taken hold of the church. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God and warns against the dangers of being consumed by worldly distractions, such as television. The preacher shares a personal story of a grandson who became disillusioned with his grandmother's faith due to her addiction to television soaps. He calls for a return to the fire and glory of true worship and urges the congregation to let go of their idols and seek God wholeheartedly.
Don't Break God's Heart
By Zac Poonen2.6K59:08InheritanceMAT 10:8MAT 22:36ROM 12:22CO 11:2GAL 5:22EPH 4:221PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of studying the Bible for 45 years and how he recently acquired a device that allows him to listen to the Bible wherever he goes. He emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus with all our hearts and how this changes our perspective on the world. The speaker also highlights the challenge of loving our enemies and allowing them to bring out the best in us. He encourages the audience to use their minds to understand the scriptures and to avoid corrupting it with sinful and useless things.
(Revelation) the Church at Ephesus
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:11:39Ephesus2CO 11:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of remembering and returning to one's first love for God. He emphasizes that it is possible to have many good qualities and be committed to serving God, but still lack a deep love for Him. The preacher urges the listeners to reflect on their initial love for Christ and to repent and restart their relationship with Him. He emphasizes that God desires a personal and intimate connection with His followers, not just religious activities or obligations.
Marriage - Marriage Supper of the Lamb
By Martin Geehan1.6K45:37MarriageGEN 24:63MAL 3:10MAT 6:332CO 11:2EPH 5:231TH 4:16REV 19:5In this sermon, the preacher uses the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 24 to illustrate the relationship between God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the church. Abraham represents God the Father, who sends his servant Eliezer (representing the Holy Spirit) to find a bride for his son Isaac (representing Jesus Christ). The preacher emphasizes the battle between good and evil that Christians face, as described by Paul in Romans 7. The sermon concludes with the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca, symbolizing the union between Christ and the church.
A Man of God - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill1.3K08:282CO 11:2This sermon addresses the prevalence of immorality and the prosperity of evil in the world, emphasizing the need for revival. It highlights the dangers of being led astray by false teachings and the importance of staying true to the simplicity of the Gospel. The speaker urges a return to the foundational message of the cross and the significance of genuine spiritual transformation, contrasting it with superficial conversions that lack true repentance and commitment.
Precious Purity
By Erlo Stegen1.2K00:00Purity2CO 11:2REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a pure and holy life before God. He uses the analogy of burning bronze that cannot be contained by sand to illustrate that God's judgment and righteousness cannot be hidden or avoided. The preacher warns against treating sin lightly and urges listeners to repent and turn away from sinful behavior. He also shares a story of a bridegroom who discovered that his wife was not a virgin and demanded his dowry back, highlighting the significance of purity in relationships. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's word to be written in the hearts and minds of the congregation, and for engaged couples to live in purity and holiness as a testimony to the world.
The Rise of Antichrist Pt 2
By Billy Strachan1.0K40:59Antichrist2CO 11:22TH 2:10REV 1:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of receiving the love of the truth in order to be saved. He references Second Thessalonians chapter two, which warns about the deception of Satan and the need to embrace the truth. The speaker emphasizes the significance of being faithful to Jesus and the Word of God. He also mentions the figurative description in Daniel chapter 8 of the coming of Jesus and the establishment of his kingdom, highlighting the impact of Alexander the Great and the subsequent four empires that arose. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the true nature of Jesus and the need to renounce anything that conflicts with the love of the truth.
Without Spot or Wrinkle
By Erlo Stegen96338:26PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ACT 2:472CO 11:2EPH 5:311TH 5:17JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living according to God's laws. He uses the analogy of driving on the road to illustrate this point, stating that if we don't follow the rules of the road, we won't reach our destination. The preacher also shares a story about a woman who appeared to be devoted to God but was involved in occultism at home, highlighting the need for true commitment to God. He then addresses the issue of young people engaging in inappropriate behavior at a young age and emphasizes the need for repentance. The sermon concludes with a story about a congregation that experienced a decline in attendance, prompting the minister to call for prayer and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance.
(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Practical Courtship Issues
By Rick Leibee6871:12:45RUT 2:9PRO 18:221CO 7:12CO 11:2REV 14:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the principles and indicators of God's work in young people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in courtship and making decisions based on biblical principles. The speaker highlights the significance of the last month before the wedding in a courtship and the need to filter everything through the lens of the Word of God. He emphasizes that the Bible is not just a book of knowledge, but a tool to transform and change the way we think and live.
A Return to the True Gospel
By Miki Hardy5561:32:16GospelMAT 13:24JHN 10:111CO 3:82CO 11:2GAL 3:1GAL 3:3In this sermon, the speaker addresses the spiritual emptiness and vacuum in the nation, where Christians are crying out for the truth. They express frustration with the current state of preaching, which focuses on material promises and inventions to keep people happy. The speaker shares a personal testimony of visiting a large church and discussing the message of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of returning to God rather than expecting Him to come to us. They also reference the parable of the wheat and the tares, highlighting the presence of both good and evil in the world and the need for discernment. The sermon concludes with a warning against false servants of God who seek personal gain instead of selflessly serving the Lord and His people.
Revelation Pt 5
By Billy Strachan4291:08:27Revelation2CO 11:2REV 19:6REV 22:3REV 22:8The video discussed the infiltration of the New Church Age Movement into society and the church, presenting itself as physical and health recreation but actually teaching Hinduism and Eastern occultism. The speaker emphasized that these practices are subtly leading people to open up to spirit forces. The video also mentioned the ecumenical movement, although it is unclear if it was specifically discussed in detail. The sermon then shifted to discussing the false peacemaker in the Middle East and the ultimate judgment and rule of Christ, as described in the book of Revelation.
Christ the Believer's Husband. (Isaiah 44:5)
By George Whitefield1ISA 54:5MAT 11:28JHN 15:132CO 11:2EPH 5:25George Whitefield preaches about the intimate relationship believers have with Jesus Christ, likening it to a marriage where believers are brought near to God by the blood of Jesus. He emphasizes the nearness, dearness, and intimacy of the relationship believers have with Jesus, who is not ashamed to call them brethren, friends, and even his spouse. Whitefield urges sinners, saints, and backsliders to fully surrender to Jesus, acknowledging Him as their Maker and Husband, and to experience the compassion, love, and faithfulness of the Lord in their lives.
Opening Words
By Seth Rees0ACT 2:12CO 11:2EPH 1:4EPH 5:25REV 21:2Seth Rees preaches about God's vision for the Pentecostal Church, emphasizing how God has always known the potential for grace within the Church despite the wreckage caused by sin. He compares God's vision to that of a sculptor, painter, or architect who envisions the final masterpiece before beginning the work. Just as a husband desires specific qualities in his wife, Christ has expressed His desires for His bride, the Church, who must align with His character for the eternal union. Rees highlights the importance of understanding God's thoughts and desires for the Church, which are clearly revealed in Scripture, particularly in the characteristics of the 'Ideal Pentecostal Church' outlined in Acts 2.
1 Timothy 5:11-15
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 18:161CO 2:91CO 7:342CO 11:2EPH 2:61TI 5:11John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of living a life of purpose and faithfulness, highlighting the dangers of idleness, gossip, and straying away from God's path. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining one's faith and fulfilling responsibilities, such as marriage, childbearing, and managing the household, to avoid falling into sinful behaviors and giving the adversary an opportunity to speak reproachfully. Chrysostom urges believers to work diligently, rebuke sin with severity, and honor those who labor in the word and doctrine, emphasizing the need for accountability and discipline within the church community.
(Power From on High) 22. God's Jealous Love
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual FidelityGod's Jealous LoveISA 61:10ROM 12:12CO 11:2GAL 5:22EPH 5:25PHP 1:6HEB 12:1JAS 4:51JN 2:15REV 19:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's jealous love as depicted in James 4:5, illustrating how the Holy Spirit yearns for our fidelity to Christ, akin to a bride's devotion to her groom. He draws parallels between the biblical narrative of Rebekah and the Church's relationship with Christ, highlighting the Spirit's role in guiding believers towards deeper union and sanctification. Simpson warns against spiritual adultery, urging believers to forsake worldly distractions and embrace their identity as the Bride of the Lamb, prepared for Christ's return. He encourages a life of consecration, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's work in refining and educating us for our eternal purpose. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a response to the Holy Spirit's jealous love, leading to a life of deeper faith and service.
Espoused to Christ
By Edgar Parkyns0LUK 1:45ROM 4:5ROM 7:22CO 11:21JN 5:18REV 14:4Edgar Parkyns preaches about the importance of being espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ, drawing parallels from the stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary to illustrate the journey of conversion, sanctification, and redemption. He emphasizes the need for a pure love relationship with the Lord Jesus, highlighting the transformation from darkness to light, sin to holiness, and self-love to Christ-love. Parkyns urges the congregation to examine their hearts and ensure they are fully surrendered to Jesus, experiencing God's mercy, grace, and love.
The Certainty of Death
By Samuel Davies0ISA 3:10EZK 33:8MAT 20:161CO 6:92CO 11:2GAL 4:20GAL 5:19COL 3:5REV 21:8Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the certainty of death, emphasizing that all individuals, whether righteous or wicked, will face physical death. He highlights the distinction between the death of the wicked, filled with terror and eternal separation from God, and the death of the righteous, which leads to eternal life and joy in the presence of God. Davies urges the congregation to reflect on their own mortality, to seek salvation through repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and a transformed life. He warns against self-deception and presumption, stressing the urgency of preparing for eternity.
Adultery and Apostasy: The Bride and Bridegroom
By Francis Schaeffer0EXO 20:14JER 3:14JHN 3:282CO 11:2EPH 5:22REV 17:1Francis Schaeffer delves into Ephesians 5:21-32, emphasizing the profound connection between Christ and the church as His bride, mirroring the marriage relationship between husband and wife. The Bible portrays believers as individually the bride of Christ and collectively as the church being His bride, highlighting the mystery of Christ as the divine Bridegroom. Schaeffer explores the significance of the bride and Bridegroom symbolism in both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring the beauty of marriage and the deep relationship between God and His people. He addresses the seriousness of sexual immorality in relation to the sacredness of the marriage relationship and the spiritual adultery that occurs when believers turn away from Christ.
What Drives You?
By Erlo Stegen0EternityEvangelismPSA 33:13MAT 28:192CO 11:2HEB 9:27Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of understanding what drives us in life, urging believers to reflect on their motivations and passions. He shares the experiences of Dr. Rawlings, who encountered both heavenly and hellish visions after near-death experiences, highlighting the reality of judgment and eternity. Stegen challenges the congregation to consider whether their lives are focused on leading others to Christ or consumed by worldly desires. He stresses that true Christians should be actively engaged in God's business, sharing the Gospel and living out their faith in their immediate surroundings. Ultimately, he calls for a heart of wisdom that recognizes the urgency of preparing for eternity.
Hebrews 11:37-12:3
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 45:13MAT 25:82CO 11:2EPH 5:271TI 2:91TI 6:8John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of cultivating inner beauty and modesty, urging believers to adorn themselves with virtues rather than worldly adornments. He emphasizes the need to focus on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others, highlighting the eternal value of a pure and uncorrupted soul. Chrysostom encourages women to dress simply and avoid extravagant adornments, reminding them that true beauty lies in the soul and in pleasing God. He warns against the dangers of vanity, pride, and extravagance, urging believers to seek the beauty that attracts God and leads to eternal blessings.
Preserve Your Devotion to Jesus at Any Cost
By Zac Poonen0GEN 3:1MAT 22:372CO 11:21TI 4:1REV 2:4Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of believers maintaining their devotion to Jesus Christ, likening it to being engaged to Him and staying pure and faithful. He draws parallels to Abraham's servant protecting Rebecca's commitment to Isaac and urges Christians to guard their hearts against worldly distractions that may lead them astray. Poonen highlights the danger of losing devotion to Christ as the mark of backsliding, stressing the need for believers to be preserved in their love for Jesus above all else, as the devil seeks to draw them away from Him.
Prepare to Meet Christ
By Erlo Stegen0PurityFaithfulness in Christ2CO 11:2Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of purity and faithfulness in our relationship with Christ, likening it to a bride preparing for her wedding. He warns against the deception that can lead us away from the simplicity of Christ, urging believers to maintain a pure heart as the church is betrothed to Jesus. Stegen reflects on the cultural significance of purity and the need for both husbands and wives to honor their commitments and spread the Gospel. He shares the story of C.T. Studd to illustrate the passion for God that should remain even after marriage. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, unwavering devotion to Christ as we prepare to meet Him.
The Harp
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 139:23ROM 8:282CO 11:2HEB 12:6JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman uses the analogy of a harper lovingly tuning his harp to illustrate how God, in His jealousy and love for us, works to bring harmony and alignment in our lives. Just as the harper patiently adjusts each string to produce beautiful melodies, God lovingly corrects and refines us through trials and challenges, aiming for us to surrender our will to His perfect plan. The process may involve pain and discord, but it is necessary for us to experience the fullness of God's love and purpose in our lives.
Epistle 246
By George Fox0ROM 6:4ROM 9:21ROM 14:191CO 6:132CO 11:2HEB 7:16HEB 12:14George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the power of the Lord God, maintaining unity and fellowship in the spotless truth and life of God, and being a good savour to God by living in the newness of life. He emphasizes the need to keep in the holy life, guided by the spirit of the Almighty, to walk in truth, righteousness, peace, and holiness to see God. Fox urges living in peace, as God is the author of peace, and avoiding unrighteous actions that lead to wars and troubles. He encourages living in the truth and power of God to inherit the endless life and serve the Lord with pure mind, soul, and spirit.
The Marriage of the Lamb - Eph. 5:25
By Bernard Fell0GEN 2:18ISA 53:52CO 11:2EPH 1:4EPH 5:251TH 4:16REV 19:7REV 21:2Bernard Fell preaches about the sacrificial love of Christ for the Church, illustrating how Jesus left His heavenly abode to seek a bride among humble sinners, purchasing her with His own blood to present her as a radiant and beautiful bride in His righteousness. The sermon delves into the deep relationship between Christ and His Church, a divine union purposed by the Father before the world began, culminating in an eternal and joyous union in heaven.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am jealous over you, etc. - The apostle evidently alludes either to the שושבינים shoshabinim or paranymphs among the Hebrews, whose office is largely explained in the notes on Joh 3:29, and the observations at the end of that chapter (see note at Joh 3:36); or to the harmosyni, a sort of magistrates among the Lacedemonians who had the care of virgins, and whose business it was to see them well educated, kept pure, and properly prepared for married life. That I may present you as a chaste virgin - The allusion is still kept up; and there seems to be a reference to Lev 21:14, that the high priest must not marry any one that was not a pure virgin. Here, then, Christ is the high priest, the spouse or husband; the Corinthian Church the pure virgin to be espoused; the apostle and his helpers the shoshabinim, or harmosyni, who had educated and prepared this virgin for her husband, and espoused her to him. See the observations already referred to at the end of the third chapter of John. (Joh 3:36 (note))
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I am jealous--The justification of his self-commendations lies in his zealous care lest they should fall from Christ, to whom he, as "the friend of the Bridegroom" (Joh 3:29), has espoused them; in order to lead them back from the false apostles to Christ, he is obliged to boast as an apostle of Christ, in a way which, but for the motive, would be "folly." godly jealousy--literally, "jealousy of God" (compare Co2 1:12, "godly sincerity," literally, "sincerity of God"). "If I am immoderate, I am immoderate to God" [BENGEL]. A jealousy which has God's honor at heart (Kg1 19:10). I . . . espoused you--Paul uses a Greek term applied properly to the bridegroom, just as he ascribes to himself "jealousy," a feeling properly belonging to the husband; so entirely does he identify himself with Christ. present you as a chaste virgin to Christ--at His coming, when the heavenly marriage shall take place (Mat 25:6; Rev 19:7, Rev 19:9). What Paul here says he desires to do, namely, "present" the Church as "a chaste virgin" to Christ, Christ Himself is said to do in the fuller sense. Whatever ministers do effectively, is really done by Christ (Eph 5:27-32). The espousals are going on now. He does not say "chaste virgins"; for not individual members, but the whole body of believers conjointly constitute the Bride.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy,.... He lets them know it was not so much on his own account, or at all with any selfish views, or for any secular interest of his own, that he was so concerned, but it was "a godly jealousy", or a "zeal of God"; which he was inspired with by God, and which was for the honour and glory of God, even Jesus Christ, who is God overall; and for their real good and spiritual welfare, as a church of Christ, that possessed him, which put him upon saying what he was about to do; and what affected him the more was, when he considered himself as a friend of the bridegroom, who had been concerned in the betrothing of them to Christ: for I have espoused you to one husband; by whom is meant Christ, as the following clause explains it: Christ stands in the relation of an husband to the church catholic and universal; to the whole general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven; even to all the elect of God, that ever were, are, or shall be; and so he does to particular congregated churches, as he did to this church at Corinth, and so he does to every individual believer: which character he responds to, by loving them with a love prior to theirs, a love of complacency and delight, which is single, special, and peculiar, strong and affectionate, wonderful and inconceivable, constant, and what will last for ever; by sympathizing with them under all their afflictions, temptations, desertions, and exercises of every kind; by nourishing and cherishing them, which phrases are expressive of the spiritual food and clothing he provides for them, of that intimate communion he admits them to, and of that whole care he takes of them; by paying all their debts, supplying all their wants, supporting them with his right hand, protecting them against all their enemies, giving them grace here, and glory hereafter; and, last of all, by interesting them in his person, and all that he has, in all the blessings and promises of the covenant in his wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The act of espousing, the apostle here, with respect to this church, takes to himself, though in another sense, and which is the principal one, it is ascribed to Christ himself, who betroths all his to himself in righteousness, in judgment, in lovingkindness, and tender mercies; he saw them in his Father's purposes and decrees, in all the glory they were designed to be brought unto, when he loved them as his Father did, and desired them for his spouse and bride, which was granted to him; and then secretly in covenant betrothed them to himself, and ever after looked upon them as in a conjugal relation to him; wherefore though they fell in Adam, and became guilty and filthy, he gave himself for them as his church and bride, to sanctify and cleanse them, that he might present them to himself, just such a glorious church he had seen them before. In consequence of this, the Spirit of God attends the ministration of the Gospel, to the conversion of each of these souls, when they become willing to be the Lord's, and give their free and full consent to have him for their husband; and this is the day of their open espousal to him, and in this the apostle had, and other ministers of the Gospel have a concern; he was a means, in the hands of the Spirit, of their regeneration, a minister by whom they believed, an instrument in directing their souls to Christ, by setting forth his unsearchable riches, the glory of his person, and fulness of his grace: as Abraham's servant set forth the greatness of his master, and the large possessions his son was heir to, and brought out his bracelets and ear rings, his jewels of gold and silver, and thereby gained his point, a wife for Isaac; so the Spirit of God going along with the ministration of the apostle so wrought upon these Corinthians, as to give up themselves to the Lord, and take him for their head and husband, Saviour and Redeemer. This was the concern the apostle had herein, and his view, desire, and hope were, to set them before Christ their husband, pure and incorrupt: that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ; that is, single in their love to, him, strictly adhering to him, and him only, as standing in such a relation to them; pure in the principles of faith, sincere and upright in their worship, and holy in their lives and conversations; nothing was more desirable to him than this, that he might thus present them to Christ at the great day; whereby it would appear, that his labour was not in vain in the Lord: now having been concerned in this affair of espousing them to Christ, and they not yet presented to him, or took home by him, he could not, as things were circumstanced, but entertain a godly jealousy over them in his own breast, lest the false apostles should draw them aside in any degree from their love to Christ, and faith in him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:2 The church is called to be a pure bride to one husband—Christ. This metaphor goes back to the Old Testament, where Israel is the bride of the Lord (Isa 54:5; 62:5). Paul saw himself as the “best man” (the bridegroom’s close friend) who acted for the bridegroom (cp. John 3:29).