2 Corinthians 7:2
Verse
Context
Paul’s Joy in the Corinthians
1Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.3I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.
Sermons
Zac Poonen
Thomas Watson
Jacob BoehmeSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Receive us - Χωρησατε ἡμας. This address is variously understood. Receive us into your affections - love us as we love you. Receive us as your apostles and teachers; we have given you full proof that God hath both sent and owned us. Receive, comprehend, what we now say to you, and carefully mark it. We have wronged no man - We have never acted contrary to the strictest justice. We have corrupted no man - With any false doctrine or pernicious opinion. We have defrauded no man - Of any part of his property. But what have your false teachers done? They have beguiled you from the simplicity of the truth, and thus corrupted your minds. Co2 11:3. They have brought you into bondage; they have taken of you; devoured you; exalted themselves against you, and ye have patiently suffered all this. Co2 11:20. It is plain that he refers here to the false apostle or teacher which they had among them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Receive us--with enlarged hearts (Co2 6:13). we have wronged . . . corrupter . . . defrauded no man--(compare Co2 7:9). This is the ground on which he asks their reception of (making room for) him in their hearts. We wronged none by an undue exercise of apostolic authority; Co2 7:13 gives an instance in point. We have corrupted none, namely, by beguilements and flatteries, while preaching "another Gospel," as the false teachers did (Co2 11:3-4). We have defrauded none by "making a gain" of you (Co2 12:17). Modestly he leaves them to supply the positive good which he had done; suffering all things himself that they might be benefited (Co2 7:9, Co2 7:12; Co2 12:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Receive us,.... Into your affections, let us have a place in your hearts, as you have in ours: Gospel ministers ought to be received with love and respect, both into the hearts and houses of the saints; for "he that receiveth you", says Christ, "receiveth me", Mat 10:40. Their doctrines are to be received in the love of them, and with faith and meekness; and this may be another part of the apostle's meaning here; receive the word and ministry of reconciliation, which we as the ambassadors of Christ bring, and the several exhortations we give in his name, particularly the last mentioned: next follow reasons, or arguments, engaging, them to comply with this request, we have wronged no man; we have done no man any injury in his person, estate, or name. There is one among you that has done wrong, and another among you that has suffered wrong, Co2 7:12 and we have given very faithful advice to the church how to behave in this affair; but, in so doing, we have neither wronged him nor you; and as not in this, so neither in any other case: if I or my fellow apostles have wronged you in anything, it is in not being "burdensome" to you for our maintenance, "forgive me this wrong", Co2 12:13 for in no other respect have we done you any: some understand this of any lordly power, or tyrannical domination they had exercised over them, denied by the apostle; we have not behaved in an insolent manner towards you, we have not lorded it over God's heritage, or claimed any dominion over your faith, or required any unreasonable obedience and submission from you: we have corrupted no man; neither by our doctrines and principles, which are perfectly agreeable to the word of God, make for the good of souls, and tend to the glory of Christ; nor by our example, but have been careful to lead such lives and conversations as are becoming the Gospel of Christ, adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, and are patterns to them that believe; nor have we corrupted by flatteries, or with bribes, any of the leading men among you, in order to gain their good will, and thereby respect and credit among others: we have defrauded no man, or "coveted no man"; no man's silver, gold, or apparel; we have not sought yours, but you; not to amass wealth to ourselves, but that we might be useful to your souls, for your spiritual good, and serviceable to the glory of Christ; we have not through covetousness made merchandise of you, with feigned words, as the false apostles have done, therefore receive us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:2-4 Please open your hearts to us: Paul picks up his plea from 6:11-13 (see study note on 6:14–7:1). Paul had a deep concern for the churches (11:28), expressed by seeking a close bond of fellowship. When he was misunderstood, he explained his actions, as he does here. • We have not . . . taken advantage of anyone: That is, by taking their money.
2 Corinthians 7:2
Paul’s Joy in the Corinthians
1Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.3I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Through the Bible - 2 Corinthians - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.8K57:33Through The Bible2CO 2:42CO 3:52CO 4:12CO 6:32CO 7:22CO 8:202CO 11:19In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the qualities and characteristics of the apostle Paul as a servant of God. He emphasizes that Paul was called by God and had a deep love for those he served. Paul depended entirely on God and did not rely on human resources. He also never gave up despite facing hardships and challenges. The speaker encourages believers to be sincere, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and to conduct themselves as ambassadors of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.
Be an Ambassador of Jesus Christ
By Zac Poonen0Christian CharacterAmbassadorship2CO 1:12CO 2:42CO 3:52CO 4:12CO 5:202CO 6:32CO 7:22CO 8:202CO 10:132CO 11:232CO 12:92CO 13:9Zac Poonen emphasizes that Paul exemplified the role of an Ambassador of Jesus Christ, highlighting twelve essential marks that should characterize every believer's life. These include being called by God, sincere, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and loving those served. Paul’s total dependence on God, perseverance in ministry, and wise handling of resources are also crucial traits. Furthermore, he served as a model for others, accepted suffering, and aimed for the spiritual maturity of believers. Poonen encourages the congregation to emulate Paul's example in their own lives.
The Comforting Rod
By Thomas Watson0PSA 23:4PSA 119:50ISA 61:3HOS 14:82CO 4:172CO 7:2HEB 12:8REV 3:19Thomas Watson preaches on the comforting aspects of God's rod and staff as highlighted in Psalms 23:4. He explains that God's rod can be seen as a destroying rod upon His enemies, a pastoral rod guiding His sheep, and a disciplining rod for His children. Watson emphasizes that God's rod, even in affliction, provides comfort through instruction, a token of God's love, a means to bring us to glory, and as a way to make us better. He challenges the congregation to not be dejected in affliction but to seek comfort and growth in God's discipline.
Of Heaven and Hell
By Jacob Boehme02CO 2:112CO 7:21TH 4:11TH 4:6Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'defraud' (pleonekteo), emphasizing the act of selfishly taking advantage of others for personal gain, especially in the context of sexual sin. The term highlights the deprivation of one's rights and the deliberate perversion of truth, reflecting insatiable selfishness and idolatry. The misuse of 'defraud' extends to various forms of exploitation, including theft, evil ambition, and sexual immorality, ultimately leading to a violation of God's law and a lack of love for others.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Receive us - Χωρησατε ἡμας. This address is variously understood. Receive us into your affections - love us as we love you. Receive us as your apostles and teachers; we have given you full proof that God hath both sent and owned us. Receive, comprehend, what we now say to you, and carefully mark it. We have wronged no man - We have never acted contrary to the strictest justice. We have corrupted no man - With any false doctrine or pernicious opinion. We have defrauded no man - Of any part of his property. But what have your false teachers done? They have beguiled you from the simplicity of the truth, and thus corrupted your minds. Co2 11:3. They have brought you into bondage; they have taken of you; devoured you; exalted themselves against you, and ye have patiently suffered all this. Co2 11:20. It is plain that he refers here to the false apostle or teacher which they had among them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Receive us--with enlarged hearts (Co2 6:13). we have wronged . . . corrupter . . . defrauded no man--(compare Co2 7:9). This is the ground on which he asks their reception of (making room for) him in their hearts. We wronged none by an undue exercise of apostolic authority; Co2 7:13 gives an instance in point. We have corrupted none, namely, by beguilements and flatteries, while preaching "another Gospel," as the false teachers did (Co2 11:3-4). We have defrauded none by "making a gain" of you (Co2 12:17). Modestly he leaves them to supply the positive good which he had done; suffering all things himself that they might be benefited (Co2 7:9, Co2 7:12; Co2 12:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Receive us,.... Into your affections, let us have a place in your hearts, as you have in ours: Gospel ministers ought to be received with love and respect, both into the hearts and houses of the saints; for "he that receiveth you", says Christ, "receiveth me", Mat 10:40. Their doctrines are to be received in the love of them, and with faith and meekness; and this may be another part of the apostle's meaning here; receive the word and ministry of reconciliation, which we as the ambassadors of Christ bring, and the several exhortations we give in his name, particularly the last mentioned: next follow reasons, or arguments, engaging, them to comply with this request, we have wronged no man; we have done no man any injury in his person, estate, or name. There is one among you that has done wrong, and another among you that has suffered wrong, Co2 7:12 and we have given very faithful advice to the church how to behave in this affair; but, in so doing, we have neither wronged him nor you; and as not in this, so neither in any other case: if I or my fellow apostles have wronged you in anything, it is in not being "burdensome" to you for our maintenance, "forgive me this wrong", Co2 12:13 for in no other respect have we done you any: some understand this of any lordly power, or tyrannical domination they had exercised over them, denied by the apostle; we have not behaved in an insolent manner towards you, we have not lorded it over God's heritage, or claimed any dominion over your faith, or required any unreasonable obedience and submission from you: we have corrupted no man; neither by our doctrines and principles, which are perfectly agreeable to the word of God, make for the good of souls, and tend to the glory of Christ; nor by our example, but have been careful to lead such lives and conversations as are becoming the Gospel of Christ, adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, and are patterns to them that believe; nor have we corrupted by flatteries, or with bribes, any of the leading men among you, in order to gain their good will, and thereby respect and credit among others: we have defrauded no man, or "coveted no man"; no man's silver, gold, or apparel; we have not sought yours, but you; not to amass wealth to ourselves, but that we might be useful to your souls, for your spiritual good, and serviceable to the glory of Christ; we have not through covetousness made merchandise of you, with feigned words, as the false apostles have done, therefore receive us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:2-4 Please open your hearts to us: Paul picks up his plea from 6:11-13 (see study note on 6:14–7:1). Paul had a deep concern for the churches (11:28), expressed by seeking a close bond of fellowship. When he was misunderstood, he explained his actions, as he does here. • We have not . . . taken advantage of anyone: That is, by taking their money.