## Ebc47 - 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

General

Paul found that the Corinthian Church had been beset by false teachers, and as a consequence, their faith in his apostleship and teaching was somewhat shaken. He therefore found it necessary to write to them; for, said he, I fear lest by any means your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. R551:5

Let us note the change which the full appreciation of the Gospel wrought upon the believers at Corinth. At first they were so negligent of their privilege that seemingly they never even thought of volunteering financial assistance to the Apostle when he was serving them by the labor of his own hands and receiving some assistance from believers in other places. But after the grace of God had entered more fully into their hearts, they began to appreciate the value of the truth which they had received and to realize that it had brought them priceless blessings of hope, joy, faith and character. Then they had a zeal, a "forwardness" to do something financially in the Lord's service. R5927:2, 2211:6

In the first chapter, verses 3-7, the Apostle uses the word, "comfort" ten times. A little further along in the same epistle 7:4-13, the Apostle uses this word, "comfort" seven times. Here we see illustrated, in the Apostle's language, the mutual helpfulness of the Church in this matter of comfort. Titus had a part in it, Paul had a part in it, the Church at Corinth had a part in it--every member possessing the holy Spirit and exercised by it had a share; and the Apostle declares that all this comfort was of God. R3435:5

Tischendorf writes regarding relative values of ancient manuscripts: "2

Cor. 4:13-12:6 are not found in the Alexandrine Codex." R1147:2

2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians 1:1

An apostle -- Showing the divine authority for Paul's teachings. R1419:2

All the saints -- The word "saint" is used to designate the truly consecrated. R1139:1

This entire epistle is addressed to the Church, the saints. NS569:3

Those who can not properly apply the term "saint"--sanctified in Christ Jesus--to themselves, can not properly apply to themselves the exceeding great and precious promises. R2987:4

Prospective "saints," the "elect," a "Little Flock." This class alone that receives spirit-begetting is the only class addressed throughout the New Testament. SM628:1

The followers of Jesus, of no earthly sect or party, "The church of the first-borns, whose names are written in heaven," (Heb. 12:23) who have died to worldly aims and have become alive toward God through the holy Spirit. SM391:2

This letter, together with the other epistles, was designed by the holy Spirit for the instruction of the whole Church, during the entire Gospel age. R1386:1

2 Corinthians 1:3

Father of our Lord -- Our Lord Jesus is not THE God, he never was and never will be. R5748:3

Father of mercies -- The God of the Bible is not a vengeful God, not unkind. R4982:3

"The God of all grace," whose name is love, and who is perfect in all his ways. SM443:1-445:2

All comfort -- The Apostle used "comfort" ten times in vss. 3-7. He used it seven times in chapter 7, vss. 4-13. R3435:4

Paul was peculiarly fond of repetition. Our modern taste prefers a change in sound to monotonous repetition, but change sometimes loses the force and power of repetition. R52:5*

Only the Bible reveals a God that is working all things for the ultimate comfort of as many of his creatures as will accept his favors after being brought to a knowledge of the truth respecting them. NS836:4

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us -- With the holy Spirit--the channel of divine favor--called the Comforter. (John 14:26) R2665:1

How often the Lord has thus comforted us, and how such comfort offsets the adverse conditions incident to the present pilgrim way! R3384:4

Paul exemplified his own words on an ill-fated ship. (Acts 27) R4506:5

To comfort them -- The children of God, who have learned the true source of comfort, are the only ones properly qualified to be comforters, in the Scriptural sense. R5537:4

Whether while still in the flesh, or after we have come into our inheritance beyond the veil, we are to be comforters. R5537:4

Ability to be a comforter depends upon growth in grace and knowledge, for none but those who themselves are comforted can dispense this grace to others. R3435:3

All of our lessons and experiences in life in connection with trials and difficulties should make us the more capable in communicating comfort to others. R2665:5

"Comfort all that mourn." (Isa. 61:2) R2665:4

The word comfort does not contain the thought of relief, but rather that of strengthen together, or added strength. R3734:4

By the comfort -- "Patience and comfort of the scriptures." (Rom. 15:4) R2665:1

Comforted of God -- "Comfort one another with these words." (1 Thes. 4:18) R2665:2

"Comfort yourselves together and edify one another." (1 Thes. 5:11) R2665:4

2 Corinthians 1:5

Sufferings of Christ -- We, the members of his Body, fill up the measure of the sufferings of Christ which are behind. And these sufferings require all of the Gospel age to complete. T50

Whosoever believeth in Christ is justified from all sin, and sickness is a mark of sin; yet God appoints this Gospel age as the time for the Church's trial and suffering, so we are not freed from sickness yet. R2000:3

The afflictions of the gospel can not be endured without the consolations of the gospel. R27:3*

Our consolation -- How much the Church needed such consolation, how much the God of all comfort wished to have his faithful ones comforted, and even the strongest in the Church, the apostles, needed comfort. R3435:4

2 Corinthians 1:7

Ye are partakers -- "Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." (1 Pet. 4:13) T50 When Jesus gave his cup to his disciples we were symbolically invited to be partakers of the sufferings of Christ. R4475:1

Of the sufferings -- These sufferings require all of the Gospel age to complete them. T50

Blessed are all in Zion who mourn over and lament the mighty power of evil in high places, both of church and of state. Setting themselves in opposition to it, they incur reproach. R1493:6*

The consolation -- "Your sorrow shall be turned into joy." (John 16:20) R1493:6*

2 Corinthians 1:8

Our trouble -- It may have been the intention to have the Apostle cast into the arena to be devoured by wild beasts (1 Cor. 15:32), or it is possible that he referred to the Ephesian mob itself, as "beasts" seeking his life. R2207:5

2 Corinthians 1:10

He will yet deliver us -- Saved from death as yet only by hope. (Rom. 8:24) Believers cannot experience the actual delivery from the power of death until the resurrection. F697

2 Corinthians 1:12

Godly sincerity -- Delighting in the beauty of holiness, adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, submissive to discipline, patient in tribulation, abounding in the work of the Lord and delighting only in his manifest favor. R2123:3*

It requires constant watching and purging, humility, sobriety, godliness, to enable us to put this in practice. R2038:2

A warning to guard against every approach to a spirit of pride and vain glory. R1972:2

Fleshly wisdom -- The wisdom of this world which depends on self and takes credit to self. R1988:1

By the grace of God -- We are men of passions like Peter's: a very little exaltation often engenders pride, against which we must guard with the grace of God. R1988:1

2 Corinthians 1:14

We are your rejoicing -- Those who were noting Paul's trials and how he walked in them, were stimulated to do likewise. R4449:3*

As ye also are ours -- Paul's hope is that in the day of the Lord Jesus the believers would be a cause of rejoicing, like epistles sent to the "ends of the earth," and "known and read of all men." (Acts 13:47; 2 Cor. 3:2) R1323:5

2 Corinthians 1:17

Did I use lightness? -- False brethren urged that Paul erred in teaching that circumcision was unnecessary to the Gentiles; that his teachings were not fixed and consistent. R4517:6

2 Corinthians 1:20

The promises of God -- The world does not see the overshadowing wings of divine protection, but the faithful have a blessed secret realization of it and may sweetly rest in the precious promises. R4925:6, 3331:5

2 Corinthians 1:21

Stablisheth us -- Sets us, establishes us. R5498:3

Hath anointed us -- Of the holy Spirit. R5498:3

The saints of this Gospel age are an anointed company--The Christ. A81

The Spirit in the sense of enlightening and anointing is given only to the Body of Christ (anointed). R218:5, 5498:3; F132; Q23:T When we come into Christ, we come into the anointing. If you and I maintain our membership in his Body, we are members of the Anointed One, we are under that anointing. Q23:T Is God -- God does the calling of those who come to him. R5498:3

"No man taketh this honor to himself." (Heb. 5:4) R5498:3

It is not the province of even our Redeemer to set us and anoint us. R5498:6

We are anointed in him by God. We cannot deal directly with God apart from Christ; we are not independent of Jesus. R1768:3*

2 Corinthians 1:22

Hath also sealed us -- Sealing goes beyond the anointing; you were not only anointed with the holy Spirit--you were also sealed. Our sealing, the imprint of the Lord's character upon us, is continuing unto the day of redemption. Q23:1

Marked or indicated by the giving of the holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:13) F132

Not an outward sign upon our foreheads, but in the heart. The Spirit of adoption or sealing as sons--the very cream of Christian experiences in the present life. E247

Impressed by the holy Spirit into the image of our dear Master through the promises of God. Those who are sealed have a considerable measure of appreciation of the truth. R5498:6

God only seals those hearts that are submitted willingly, joyfully, gladly, and fully, to him. CR349:4

Once entered into, the covenant or agreement is unalterable, the matter is fixed and sealed. R131:5

The earnest of the Spirit -- There is a change of nature for the Church, which begins here and is completed in the resurrection. R626:4

2 Corinthians 1:24

But are helpers -- The Lord does not raise up rulers from among our brethren in the Body of Christ; but he does raise up faithful leaders, to whom earnest heed should be given. R1559:4

2 Corinthians 2

2 Corinthians 2:4

With many tears -- His was the grief of an unselfish heart yearning over the salvation of others. R1886:5*

2 Corinthians 2:11

Lest -- "Watch and pray." (Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18) Important prerequisites to safety and victory. R2527:6

Satan -- The Apostle was a firm believer in a personal devil. R3165:6

The term Satan signifies adversary, opponent. R5183:3

"Deliver us from the evil one" (Luke 11:4) is a recognition that Satan is our great Adversary. (Eph. 6:12) R5379:5

Whose very existence is now being denied by many. See 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Cor. 11:14. F609

Get an advantage of us -- The spirit adversaries are especially on the alert to entrap and ensnare the consecrated followers of the Lord. R5248:3, 2770:1

Through Satan's attacks many are being tested and their love of unrighteousness is being shown. R5148:1

Through one or another of the numerous snares Satan has set for our feet. R1687:5

The enemy by first one agent and then another in heavenly garb seeks still to overthrow the truth, using all subtilty. R899:6

We are not ignorant -- We are aware that we are surrounded by the powers of evil. R5379:5

As we near the consummation of the harvest, it should not surprise us that in every way the Adversary becomes more persistent in his attacks. R5147:3, 3884:6

The saints' strength will lie in great part in that they are taking heed to the warnings of the Apostle respecting the present time. R2770:5

Even spirit mediums are well aware of the danger they encounter; if they become obsessed, the evil spirit obtaining full control, the human will is powerless to expel it. R3310:5

If the Lord's people will only go to the armory they will find that the Captain of our salvation has made abundant provision that we should not be helpless in the hands of our Adversary. R2527:6

The ability to discern spiritual things must depend on the extent to which our minds are controlled by the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 2:14) R21:3*

Some who are Satan's active servants are totally unaware of the fact, and are themselves deceived by his devices. R1217:3

His devices -- His intrigues, his deceptions. NS124:2; OV294:3

His snares. OV130:T The Adversary, with his associates, is doubly active today, realizing that he has but a short time and that the fight is a desperate one. NS563:3

Satan misrepresents God's character as unloving, unjust, and unkind. R5148:2

The blinding of the minds of men as respects the light of truth. SM102:T; R1217:6; CR463:2,6; HG256:1

That first great lie, "Ye shall not surely die," (Gen. 3:4) has been the foundation of all theological disaster. Satan sowed the evil seed of error in the wheat field, to have us think of God as the greatest of all demons. HG256:1

Many leading theologians teach that our Lord performed no miracles against demons or evil spirits, and that the people merely had nervous diseases or fits. 3310:5

Christian Science is one of Satan's latest fads. R3310:5, 3165:6

One of his old "devices" is his denial of his own existence. R3120:1, 3310:5, 3165:6

One snare, which at first seems to be harmless and benevolent, is the erroneous view of everlasting salvation of all. R1218:1

Our ancestors were among those whom Satan deceived and who ignorantly became his servants and tools in the establishment of the thought that the civilized kingdoms are the kingdoms of Christ--"Christendom." OV50:3

Opposition to the divine plan of the ages is on the increase. Slanderous misrepresentations are so unblushingly made as to carry a measure of conviction with them, to the injury of the cause we serve. R5147:3

What Satan cannot do against the truth along the lines of logic, the Bible and common sense, he seeks to do through slanderous misrepresentations of all who take their stand on the side of truth. R5147:3

Satan attempts to discourage us by exaggerating our weaknesses and failures, thus to cause us to cease striving. He would have us give up in despair. R5148:2

He got up dissensions among the Lord's chosen twelve; his spirit actuated Peter to interfere with the Lord's sacrifice; now, too, Satan is desirous to sift out some. R3884:6, 1217:3

Satan's devices and snares are operated by men. R1217:3

God's people have their contention with wicked spirits in influential positions. NS124:2, 563:3

There is a probability that Satan will prosecute his work in the near future through various materializations. R4743:3

Satan, wily, adroit and cunning, is the chief leader of the demons. The heathen world, while thinking they are worshiping God, are really deceived by demonology. NS124:2; OV295:T

2 Corinthians 2:13

Rest in my spirit -- Greek: pneuma, mind. E318

2 Corinthians 2:14

Causeth us to triumph -- Leads us forth to triumph. (Diaglott) R877:1

Paul's message was not always appreciated, but he triumphed in the fact that his labor was a sweet savor to God in any case. He rejoiced in his Master's approval, with an eye single to his glory. R877:2

If we accept the results of any matter as being good, realizing that we were guided to those results by divine providence, we should find no room for bitterness or railing against the instruments used. (Jude 9) R2896:1

We have full assurance that our labor shall not be in vain. In the harvest field, not even the humblest is excluded. The one, two, or many talents may all be employed. R877:1

In Christ -- With the Anointed One. (Diaglott) R877:1

Maketh manifest -- Diffuses. (Diaglott) R877:1

The savour of his knowledge -- The fragrance of the knowledge of him. (Diaglott) R877:1

2 Corinthians 2:15

A sweet savour of Christ -- As the spirit of loving zeal was demonstrated in the Lord's case, so in our case; otherwise we should not be members of that Body. R4922:2

Since nothing was said about offering the incense the second time, and we do not go into the Holy as individuals but as members of his Body, we are safe in saying that we are "in Christ, a sweet savor to God." Q343:6; R4922:2

In them that perish -- Among those who are perishing. (Diaglott) R877:1

2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one -- Those who are in a wrong condition of heart. R3537:1, 5678:1

To many, the words of Peter's Pentecost discourse were foolishness and had the death odor, and they passed on. R2930:5

In John 9, when the blind man received his sight miraculously, we see the spirit of disobedience and rebellion on the part of Pharisees, despising truth, rejecting light, because their deeds were evil. R2058:2*

As the persecutions of Stephen's day scattered the Church, some are thus sifted out, alienated, and develop a hard spirit. They go back into the outer darkness of the world. R4335:2

There is a danger that those whose hearts are selfish and lacking in gratitude will lapse into even greater worldliness, feeling that it will be well with them in the future in any event. R5678:1

We are -- Our good deeds, kind words and efforts. R3537:1

The word of truth. R2930:5, 877:2

The savour of death -- A bad, offensive odor. R3537:1, 877:2

A reproof, a warning, unpleasant in that it condemned them, declared their lives to be out of harmony with the will of God, showed that they are worthy of death. It held out no hopes of life to this class. R877:2

The preaching of the cross attracts the loyal-hearted and repels all others. NS625:1

Unto death -- The demands of consecration to some appear onerous, burdensome. They have an odor of death that repels them and leads on to second death. R4346:1

Tending to death. R3673:6

These whom our message does not now reach will be brought under favorable conditions shortly, when the glorious Millennial reign is fully inaugurated. Then the message will be rightly seen. R877:4

The conditions of the message as it relates to sin. God will not grant life to willful sinners--will not change, but the sinner's blindness will be removed, and then he must choose obedience and life or sin and death. R877:5

And to the other -- Those who are in the right attitude of heart. R3537:1

Inside and outside of all denominations we find the Lord's "Little Flock" considering it a privilege to have fellowship with Christ in sufferings, in prospect of the fellowship in his glory. NS625:1

As in Stephen's day, the Lord at times permits trials and persecutions which seem to wreck the interests of the Church, but they cause some to grow from grace to grace and from strength to strength. R4335:2

The young man who received his sight also received and appreciated the authority of truth and from its blessed testimony were drawn the lessons of faith, obedience, gratitude, humility and loving reverence. R2058:4*

As God's goodness and mercy hardened Pharaoh's heart and the love and humility of Jesus hardened Judas' heart, these principles are still at work, and may be witnessed in the harvest siftings today. R2450:1

Some feel an earnest desire to render thanks to the Lord for his great mercy and love as manifested in his glorious plan of the ages; they seek to know what is the Lord's will so that they may do it. R5678:1

The deeply interested hearers of Peter's Pentecost discourse were pricked to the heart, conscience-smitten, with his apt words. R2930:6

Regarding holding a meeting in the home of a brother with a weakness for alcohol, it would be most helpful to him to remove the meeting from that location so it would not bring dishonor on the truth. R4378:5

The savour of life -- With our endeavors to serve, some have been comforted and refreshed--to them the effort was a sweet odor. R3537:1

The message is "glad tidings," a sweet odor, a message of life giving hope of life. R877:2

Unto life -- Tending to life; there is no neutral ground. R3673:6

To some the ways of the Lord have a sweet odor, a life odor, bringing refreshment. R4346:1, 5678:1

It is only those who receive the truth into good and honest hearts that are rewarded with its blessed fruitage. R2058:4*

Who is sufficient -- There is a tremendous strain of responsibility upon all who minister the Lord's truth. R4346:2, 3674:4

None of us in our own strength. R3674:4

None but the faithful shall be able to stand, because the Lord will purposely make the test so severe as to sift and shake out all others. R1280:1

Who is qualified? (Diaglott) R877:1

2 Corinthians 2:17

Corrupt the word -- The authority of the Scriptures is assailed in high places; the rapids of skepticism are fast hurrying on toward the final plunge into open infidelity. R1584:2

Trafficking the Word. (Diaglott) R877:1

In the sight of God -- In the presence of God. (Diaglott) R877:1

In Christ -- Concerning Christ. (Diaglott) R877:1

2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 3:1

Commend ourselves -- False brethren had charged that Paul was given to self-commendation. (2 Cor. 5:12; 10:8) R4517:6

Epistles of commendation -- It was the custom to carry introductory letters. Paul sometimes used them, but he did not need one to the Corinthians, because he himself had founded and established that church and knew the brethren well. R1720:2

Paul's words explain why he was an exception--the brethren already knew him. We feel it is not right to expect people to receive strangers into their confidence without some introduction from us. R1706:5

2 Corinthians 3:2

Ye are our epistle -- The lives of God's people should in every case be "living epistles." R5571:6

It is well that we preach the Word. It is still more important that we live in it. R4391:4

Our Lord recognized no separate clergy class, but all the brethren were to be living epistles of God, ready at all times to give a reason to every inquirer, of the hope that is in them. R984:4

Every Christian is a tract, and one that all men read. R565:2*

A godly life is always a reproof to the ungodly, even where no word of truth may be possible or proper. E294

Written in our hearts -- These believers were not then "manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ," (verse 3) but it was Paul's hope that they would be so declared, and that hope was written in his heart. R1323:5*

We shall not know how to write in the hearts of others what we have not had written in our own hearts. Hence the propriety of caution in the choosing of elders, those who have the Lord in their hearts. Q235:3

Read of all men -- The best epistle--even more valuable than the Bible, as respects reaching the hearts of men--is the life of a true Christian. R5967:6

Especially by their own families. R5571:6, 4993:1

The person who is living to glorify the Father will be beneficial to himself and to the person to whom he ministers. Others will say, "It is good that such a person lives in our neighborhood." R4993:2

2 Corinthians 3:3

Epistle of Christ -- The writing, the tracing of the character likeness of the Master in the hearts of his people. R5968:4

Ministered -- Written. R5967:3

By us -- Paul declares he was one of the instruments used by the Lord in connection with the writing of the epistle. R5967:3

We wrote that in your hearts; we told you about it. CR436:2

Not in tables of stone -- Stone is a fitting figure of human hearts petrified by sin. R1322:4*

Of those upon whom the seed of the Kingdom falls, a large proportion are found to be "stony ground." (Mark 4:16) R1322:4*

2 Corinthians 3:5

But our sufficiency -- Ability to walk contrary to the course of the world. R2123:3*

For a contest against the powers of darkness. R2005:3

Is of God -- It is only as we become filled with the Spirit of God that we can do these things. R2123:3*

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthened me." (Phil. 4:13) R2123:4*

Our Lord is ready to deliver us and give us victory over the Evil One. R2005:3

2 Corinthians 3:6

Hath made us -- Our Lord's teaching, his ministry, were like the fullers' soap, the refiner's fire, purifying the sons of Levi, the consecrated Israelites indeed, the great Body of the Mediator, for its great work. R4595:6

Able ministers -- Greek: diakonos; servants. F252; R4537:6, 4331:3; CR326:6, 436:4

A servant, not a lord--servants of the truth, of the Gospel. CR436:4

Qualified or efficient servants or messengers. R4595:2, 4681:1, 4592:5, 4474:5, 4435:4

Paul and Timothy and all true elders in the Church are deacons (servants) of God and of the New Testament--the New Covenant. F252

Every member of the Church of Christ is an authorized mouthpiece of the Lord. CR434:2

We are associated with Christ in the work which he is now carrying on, to wit, the work of gathering together the Lord's jewels all through the Gospel age. R4596:6, 4474:6

"Ambassadors for Christ," representing the heavenly Kingdom and its King of kings, our words and conduct are all done in the name of the Lord Jesus from the time we formally confess him. R3329:6

There are still Church members who unfold prophecies, some who serve as pastors, some who strengthen and support others, some who give of this world's goods. R365:5

There are limitations, but there are plenty of opportunities. CR437:1

The first service is to sacrifice. R4537:6

Dying with Christ for the sealing of the New Covenant. R4319:6

We may now be permitted to minister or serve, to the laying down of our lives, and thus be prepared to be ministers to the world in general. R4310:6, 5294:1

Jesus is the messenger or servant of the New Covenant, and each one of the Church now being called and chosen becomes an under servant and messenger of the New Covenant. R4474:5

We are ministers in the sense that we are serving it by training for future service--after it shall have been inaugurated. R5294:1, 4474:5

Ambassadors for God, explaining to men his provision of the New Covenant. R4332:2

We (the Body of Christ) already, before the coming of our glory, are authorized ministers of this New Covenant to every one who now has an ear to hear. R974:3

Christ and the Church will be the "able ministers" of the New Covenant when God's mercy will return to natural Israel under it. NS864:4

The Church are ministers of the New Covenant to the world as Moses was the minister of the Law Covenant to Israel. NS386:1

Antitype of the sacrificing priests and the teaching Levites who were the ministers of the Law Covenant. SM558:1

To every "Israelite indeed," it was only a small change to understand that their pledges under the Law to Moses were now transferred to Christ, the surety of the New Covenant which they engaged to serve. F434

Our acceptance will not mean Israel's everlasting loss, but they will be profited through the blessing of spiritual Israel. R4592:5

New testament -- New Covenant. R4331:3, 4681:1, 4595:2

A Covenant of law and of works. R4332:4

Not that the New Covenant is in effect, but serving its interests. R4332:2

The Church is not under the New Covenant. R5294:1

Not one statement of Scripture identifies the New Covenant with the Gentiles. It is Israel's New Covenant given to displace the old Law Covenant. R4319:5 Making preparation for its inauguration. R4681:1; PT377:1*

The New Covenant is served by: (1) gathering the members of the Body, (2) learning and teaching to others the lessons necessary to qualify for the position, (3) preparing the blood with which it is to be sealed. R4496:4, 4474:5

Preparing it, carrying forward its various interests to present them to Israel and the world in due time. R4492:1, 4474:5

Paul and the other apostles and each of the Lord's faithful ones are ministers or servants of this New Covenant now. R4475:5; CR434:1

The early Church were mostly Hebrews. The Apostle's references to the New Covenant are almost exclusively in the epistle to the Hebrews. In Romans and Corinthians, he is teaching specific lessons to Gentiles. 4319:5

Not of the letter, but of the spirit -- Now, the spirit of obedience or endeavor to observe God's law is all of which men are capable. A305

The New Covenant makes allowance for all the slips occasioned by our imperfections and takes cognizance of our efforts to discern and follow its spirit--its general disposition. R1404:4

We cannot preach to others nor keep the very letter of that perfect New Covenant, because of the present condition of imperfection, but we can conform as nearly as possible to its spirit. R974:3

We are qualified ministers of the New Covenant, not according to the letter of that Covenant, as it will operate during the Millennium, but according to its spirit, which now operates toward us through our Advocate. R4597:5

Not our letter or spirit, nor the letter or spirit of the Word; nor the letter or spirit of the Law, but the letter and spirit of the Covenant. R4595:2, 614:1

When the Kingdom is delivered up to the Father, all mankind will be capable of rendering perfect obedience, in letter as well as in spirit. A305

For the letter killeth -- The absolute, strict, personal conformity to every jot and tittle of the Law, as required under the old Covenant. R1404:4, 614:6

The letter of that perfect New Covenant. R4597:5, 974:3

The full letter of God's perfect law would now condemn man to death at once. A305

The Jews were placed under the "letter" of the Law, and the world has witnessed its enforcement upon them. R812:4*

The only way that anything could be done to Israel's advantage would be to enter into a New Covenant through a new Mediator who would be able to make up for their deficiencies. R4595:3

The "figure," the "old" Covenant, was ministered "in letter." Even the letter of the gospel "came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the holy Spirit, and in much assurance." (1 Thes. 1:5) R1322:5*

It is not God's Word that kills, for his Word is the channel for communicating his will to men--for the minutest affairs of life, it furnishes principles, precepts and examples. R614:4

The tendency of seeing only the letter is killing. R67:3*

But the spirit giveth life -- The spirit of obedience or endeavor to observe God's law. A305

Which is love. R614:5

The spirit of the New Covenant. R4597:5, 974:3

The manifest disposition to obey the Law, and the acceptance of the righteousness of Christ to supplement our deficiency. R1404:4

"The Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." (1 Cor. 4:20) Neither the letter nor the word assists man to break his fetters, but "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Cor. 3:17) R1322:5*

When that which is perfect is come, that which we can now fulfill only in spirit and intent, we then shall fulfill in letter, joyfully. R974:3

Showing the upward and downward tendencies of feeding on the two phases of truth. Paul draws a contrast between the Law and the gospel, between the letter and the spirit of the Old Testament. R692:5*

The Word is the voice of the Spirit. Since God's "two witnesses," the Old and New Testaments, were prepared, he has honored them, as the medium of his will. R614:1

The writings of Moses contain the gospel of the Son of God, as a shell contains a kernel. Both are real; each is valuable in its own place, for the purpose designed. The kernel is more valuable than the shell. R67:3*

2 Corinthians 3:7

Ministration of death -- Israel found it to be unto death. (Rom. 7:10) R4595:3

Referring to the Law Covenant because it did not give life to any who were under it. NS386:1; R974:2, 1322:6

Because man is unholy, unjust, bad, the Law has neither promise nor power of life in it. R1322:6*

The figure, the Old Covenant, in its sanctions, did not extend beyond the first death; the reality, in its sanctions, includes the second death. R1323:6*

Was glorious -- "The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." (Rom. 7:12) R1403:3, 1322:6*

The condemnation was glorious because through its execution infinite wisdom and love were seen providing a penalty, from which eternal life could be extracted. R192:1*

Could not stedfastly behold -- As Moses put a veil over his face to hide the glory of his countenance, so fleshly Israel are still hindered from seeing anything more than the veil, the outward, the ceremonial. R2086:4

Was to be done away -- Greek: katargeo; to render powerless, utter destruction. R2001:4

Transitory, typical. NS386:1

2 Corinthians 3:8

The ministration of the spirit -- The glorious New Jerusalem, the true Mount Zion, the city of the living God. R2035:5

Be rather glorious -- Is an object of hope. R1323:4*

The glory that attended the setting up of the typical kingdom was nothing in comparison to that of the real Kingdom. R2035:5

2 Corinthians 3:9

Ministration of condemnation -- The Law Covenant, which ministered only condemnation to death to those under it. R1403:2, 1404:6, 238:5*

A chart compares the 1009 years from the Exodus to the overthrow of Zedekiah (the ministration of condemnation) with 1009 years from 1874 to the destruction of Satan (the ministration of righteousness). R3579:2*

Ministration of righteousness -- The New Covenant in Christ. R1403:2, 238:5*

2 Corinthians 3:10

The glory that excelleth -- While Paul points us to the superior glory of the New Covenant, as yet only apprehended by faith, he reminds us of the glory of the old Covenant, and calls attention to the typical character of that glory. R1403:2

2 Corinthians 3:11

Done away -- Greek: katargeo; to render powerless, utter destruction. R2001:4

This refutes the Seventh Day Adventist understanding, that Christians are under the Mosaic Law. HG584:2* Compare the Revised Version of this text with Matt. 5:18. HG584:2*

2 Corinthians 3:12

We have such hope -- When the "kings and priests of God" shall go out of the city "which has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it," they will need to wear a veil--a veil of flesh, to obscure their glory. (Rev. 21:23) HG34:3

2 Corinthians 3:13

As Moses -- A type of the greater Law-giver and Mediator of the New Covenant, the entire Church, of which our Lord is the Head. B134; D630

Vail over his face -- Seems to typify the earthly phase of the Kingdom, the "princes in all the earth" (Psa. 45:16) through whom the Christ will speak. D630

Illustrating that when the glory of the Lord is revealed, the glory of the spiritual persons cannot be seen. B134

If Moses concocted the Law with the assistance of a heathen legend, he perpetrated a fraud at Mt. Sinai; but our Lord and the Apostle Paul believed the Old Testament's record of Moses. R3177:5

That which is abolished -- "To those who are in Christ Jesus," there is now no further condemnation. (Rom. 8:1) R4619:4; Q729:1

It was the intention that the Law Covenant should not be perpetual; it is condemned, its passing away is arranged for. R4619:4; Q729:1

2 Corinthians 3:14

Remaineth the same vail -- The Law Covenant is still operating and is still a condemnation upon those who are under it. R4619:4

Untaken away in the reading of the old testament -- The Lord Jesus is found even in the writings of Moses, but hidden by the letter as a veil from the unbelieving Jew and from all others who "cannot discern spiritual things." R21:2*

Which vail is done away in Christ -- Greek: katargeo; done away, used in the sense of utter destruction. R2001:5

The whole Jewish nation will be granted an opportunity of transfer from the Law Covenant, under Moses, to the New (Law) Covenant, under the glorified Christ. R4619:5

2 Corinthians 3:15

Even unto this day -- The "veil" of prejudice still exists. R2605:2, 67:3*

The vail -- Those who are only fleshly Israel are still hindered from seeing anything more than the veil--the outward, the ceremonial. R2086:4

The writings of Moses are largely allegorical. In addition to the literal they have a superior value, typical, representing the great plan of salvation. R67:2*

We should refrain from covering our hearts with the veil of prejudice. HG584:3*

Upon their heart -- The veil which hides the liberation from this ministration of death is yet upon the heart of the Jew and the world. R812:5*

The "veil" of prejudice still exists, but it will be gradually taken away as the light of the Millennial morning dawns; nor should we be surprised to hear of many Jews coming to acknowledge Christ. R2605:2; HG387:4

2 Corinthians 3:16

The vail shall be taken away -- From the eyes of Israel after the flesh; after spiritual Israel has been changed. R2086:4

See Jer. 31:29-34. R812:5*

This same thought of the veil being ignorance and unbelief is given in Isa. 25:7. R154:1

"The blindness that has veiled with night the lost of Israel's fold, Will be replaced by Gospel light, when Gentile times are told." HG320:3

The veil of ignorance, pride and human wisdom which Satan now uses to becloud God's true plan of salvation. R2602:2

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord -- Jesus "changed," glorified. R4176:1

Whom "God has highly exalted and given a name above every name." (Phil. 2:9) E298; R4657:3, 4176:1; Q592:2

"Though we have known Christ after the flesh (yet) henceforth know we him (so) no more." (2 Cor. 5:16) E298; R3075:2, 2981:2, 1278:4; NS176:1, 32:6, 6:6

As our Lord was born from the dead a spirit being, he must have been previously begotten of the Spirit. E175; R5580:4, 4123:6, 1278:4

Is that Spirit -- Greek: pneuma, he is now a powerful and invisible being. E175, 174

"That which is born of the spirit is spirit." (John 3:6) E175; R1278:4

"Put to death in the flesh he was quickened in spirit." (1 Pet. 3:18) R3075:2, 5580:4, 5222:2, 2981:2, 2478:4, 1278:4; Q592:2

Christ Jesus was resurrected to the spirit plane "far above angels, principalities and powers." (Eph. 1:21) R5025:5, 4994:5, 4176:1; Q592:2 It was at his resurrection that he became the second Adam--"the last Adam, a quickening spirit." (1 Cor. 15:45) R2981:2

The forty days following Jesus' resurrection were very necessary for teaching the Jewish disciples and all of the Lord's followers since the great lesson that he was no longer a man, but a spirit. R5579:2

The Lord manifested himself in various forms so that his followers would know he was raised from the dead to a different plane of existence. The second Adam is heavenly, not the earthly Jesus. R5237:5

In Luke 24:39, Jesus appeared to the eleven in a body of flesh which veiled yet represented him. What they now saw was not his spirit but a body used to prove he was alive again. R1995:6, 2478:4

Paul says he saw the Lord, not in the flesh, but shining "above the brightness of the sun at noonday." (Acts 26:13-15) There is no Scriptural statement to the effect that Jesus arose in the flesh. R5222:2

The Lord is invisible to us, because in his resurrection he was changed, and instead of being, as before his death, the "man Christ Jesus," he is now the heavenly Lord. NS458:4

Our Lord is not a glorified man. R4155:1, 5579:1; Q592:2

"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God." (I Cor. 15:50) R3075:2

Having taken the human nature for the purpose of giving himself a ransom for all, he is now raised to newness of life in his resurrection--the Lord of glory, shining like the noonday sun. NS88:6

The Savior laid down the life he was privileged to have. Nor did he ever take it back. He arose from the dead on the third day, perfected as a new creature--as a spirit-being. NS751:4; R4155:1

"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19) cannot refer to Jesus' fleshly body which he gave for our redemption, but to his spirit-begotten new creature, the first of the glorified Church. R4123:6

"The beginning (of this new creation)." (Col. 1:18) R5580:4

He was the Church's forerunner; and Paul explains the Church's resurrection, "sown an animal body, raised a spirit body." (1 Cor. 15:44) R4994:5

The Church is not to expect that they will be what they now are, men, fleshly beings. We shall be like our Lord Jesus, who is no longer a man, no longer in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. HG366:5; Q592:2

Our expectations are, like those of the apostles, that we may be "changed" and made as he is, in order that we may see him as he is--not as he was at the first advent. NS6:6; Q592:2; E175

He is a manifestation or pattern to us of the spirit or disposition which we should have toward God's law. R1404:5

The Lord Jesus is the Spirit of the Word, the golden thread of revelation from end to end. R21:2*

There is liberty -- Not bound by priestcraft, ignorance and superstition. R4005:1

The papal counterfeit kingdom employed every means that could be thought of to crush out the very spirit of true Christianity, and to substitute the spirit, doctrines, and forms of antichrist. B328, 329

The essence of all human religion and philosophy seems to be the bondage of the individual to the customs, the usages, of his forefathers. R4005:1

Christians are, of their own free will and choice, under the authority of Christ. R1738:4

The Apostle presents the duty of submission on the part of the wife, a submission which savors of love, reverence, trust and humility, compatible with "the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Rom. 8:21) R1553:4

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all -- Hence, a strong inference that those who are not being so changed are not of the class addressed. R3655:6

With open face -- Unveiled faces. R1404:6

With no intervening veil of prejudice or fear or superstition, but with simplicity of heart and mind. R3656:2

Beholding -- May behold by faith. R1404:6

As in a glass -- Even though but dimly. R2137:4

As reflected in the mirror of the Lord's Word and as exemplified in his living Word, Jesus Christ. R3656:2, 3040:5, 1404:6

The glory of the Lord -- The grandeur of the divine character. F376

God is pleased to open the eyes of a small class at this time, that they may see the King in his beauty, by the eye of faith, looking through the telescope of God's Word. PD44/53

As revealed in this New Covenant. R1404:6

We wish to see the more glorious results of this more glorious law upon the hearts and lives of our brethren, especially as it was reflected in our great Elder Brother, the Lord Jesus. HG584:4*

Are changed -- As new spiritual creatures we grow in his likeness. R200:3

As we get clearer views of Christ's glorious character and seek to copy it. R3031:4; F376

Daily and hourly. R548:5

A full transformation into a likeness of character to our heavenly Father should be the constant effort of every true child of God. R3655:3, 1404:6; OV424:5

This transforming of our characters is not instantaneous but gradual--in our minds, wills, hearts, characters--through justification, adoption, consecration, holiness, resurrection. R3040:5

The Church, God's new creation, is undergoing process of gradual transformation, not in the shape of the head, but in the sentiments of the heart. NS17:4

The Little Flock's resurrection will not be gradual. Their gradual change takes place in this present life, changing them from glory to glory into the likeness of God's dear Son. HG231:1

True to my profession, I will strive to realize a mastery over sin, able to distinguish some degree of advancement, according to 2 Pet. 1:4, 1 John 3:3, John 15:3, 17:17, Eph. 5:26, 2 Cor. 7:1. R1628:5*

We are transformed by the renewing of our mind (Rom. 12:2), the beginning of the divine life. R371:1

Into the same image -- The disposition of our Father and Elder Brother. R548:5

When the human mind is surrendered to God, it instantly, under the influence of his spirit of truth, begins to change into a holy or God-like mind. R370:6

One of the best methods for acquiring and cultivating important graces of the Christian character is to compare ourselves with our perfect pattern, and be "conformed to the image of his Son." (Rom. 8:29) R3537:6

Jesus makes good our deficiencies and develops our characters, fashioning us into his own glorious image. R5422:2, 3040:5

From glory to glory -- From one stage of heart development to another, making the necessary progress to be ready for the final stage when we shall share his glory. R5727:3,4, 3040:5

Growing more and more like Christ. R3040:5

Into the likeness of our Lord. In the end, these overcomers will each be so grandly developed that the Lord will not be ashamed to confess any of them as his follower. R5669:4, 4132:5

"This is the will of God, even your sanctification" (1 Thes. 4:3); our full setting apart of mind and heart entirely to the Lord, that he may complete the good work of transforming us into his own glorious likeness. R3655:6

The power of resurrection will come upon them suddenly, "in the twinkling of an eye." (1 Cor. 15:52) Their gradual change takes place in this present life, through experiences and trials, sufferings and self-sacrifices. HG231:1

Besides the molding, fashioning influences of the Spirit of God, the specially appointed means for our transformation is in the careful and constant contemplation of the glory of God. R3656:2, 3040:5

As new creatures in Christ, we are to be changed from glory to glory as in the image of the Lord--to become daily, hourly, as new creatures more like our pattern, our risen Head. NS336:4

We shall be satisfied thoroughly when we awake in his likeness (Psa. 17:15)--when the "change" of the first resurrection shall have completed our transformation as new creatures. R4132:5

Our object is to assist those who are striving to make sure their election by being conformed to the image of God's dear Son--changed from glory to glory of character by the Spirit of the Lord. HG359:6

Spirit of the Lord -- The holy Spirit, or power, of God operating through his Word shall do this work in our hearts. SM585:T

2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 4:1

This ministry -- The Church's chief mission is toward herself. She holds up the light of the truth, to attract some--"A peculiar people," "even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:39) R2414:3

The Church is to teach and instruct those who see the light, and to introduce them to the full fellowship of the high calling. R2414:6

Not to rule the world, nor to judge the world now, but to "lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16) R2415:3

The Lord's followers in the present time are called upon to suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, to be tested, proved, polished, prepared for a future work of service. R2415:3

We faint not -- Are not discouraged. R2415:6

2 Corinthians 4:2

In craftiness -- Substituting traditions for God's Word. R525:3

The word of God -- Contrary to this text and many others, Rev. Lyman Abbott denied that the Bible is the Word of God, preaching rather that it is the product of the church, the literature of religion. R1584:3

Deceitfully -- Falsifying the Word of God (Diaglott)--wresting, twisting and ignoring Scripture. R525:3

We must cultivate honesty with ourselves, honesty with the Lord, honesty in handling his Word. R2569:6

It is as dangerous for one to deceive himself as to deceive others. We advise all to be especially on guard against self-deception in handling the divine Word. R1979:5

Quoting Biblical passages and words, robbing these words of their correct import, covertly and dangerously undermines the ransom even more than opposition that honestly states infidelity. R463:5, 448:5

By manifestation of the truth -- "The ministration of the spirit" is an object of hope, although many plume themselves with the conceit that they have that ministration now in all its fullness. R1323:4*

2 Corinthians 4:3

Our gospel -- Very much of what is preached today as gospel is far from being glad tidings. Like rubbish, it conceals, dims and tarnishes God's justice and love by misrepresentation. R525:2

The word "gospel" signifies the good message, the message of the angels at the birth of Jesus, the gospel of joy and blessing, divine love and mercy. HG655:3

Be hid -- Be veiled (Diaglott), obscured. R525:3, 1045:6*

The creeds of human tradition have so misrepresented God and his purposes as to make of them bad tidings. HG655:3

Them that are lost -- Those who are perishing. (Diaglott) R525:1

It is hidden to the perishing--the great mass of mankind, alienated, slaves of sin, including the very best of humanity. NS595:4

Not yet found. R857:5

All were lost, but believers (having heard and accepted) are reckoned as saved or recovered to life. These who reject are still in their former condition, still lost--unbenefited by the favor as yet. R877:4

The whole world is lost. The true gospel is hid to all but a few, and will be until the prince of this world is bound and man's ears are opened and the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the earth. HG190:4

They are not lost because they cannot see the gospel, but all Adam's race are lost through disobedience. HG656:2

Even though Christ died for them, the blinded ones are unable to realize the ransom, hence are still among the lost or condemned. They will not always be blinded or lost or condemned. R526:2

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom -- In the masses through ignorance, and the more intelligent through pride, selfishness, etc. E189

The god -- Greek: theos; used of any mighty one, same as elohim in the Hebrew. R5749:2, 803:1*, 1645:1

Ruler. E189; Q827:T Satan--John 14:30. R525:3

Satan, whose very existence is now being denied by many--see 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14. F609, 627; R5544:6, SM78:T, 310:2; OV342:2, 393:7

Satan, who fell from his holy estate and became the adversary of God through unholy ambition. R5909:3, 5896:1, 5034:6; SM344:T, 428:3

Satan, the prince of this world--he has had much to do with many of the religious systems of the world. CR200:6; R1684:2

The prince of darkness. R2550:2; CR200:6

The prince of darkness, of evil, of sin, of error; the "father of lies"; "a murderer from the beginning." (John 8:44) SM548:1

Satan did not have divine commission to be prince of this world, but got possession of mankind through ignorance and misrepresentation, and easily holds the position of master. E113

Satan is not recognized to be the ruler, nor has God given him this dominion, but by deceiving mankind he has usurped the control of their minds. R3719:2

The whole world, the groaning creation, has a claim upon our patience. Through the Scriptures, we see that their great difficulty is that they are under the delusions of our Adversary, who deceives them. F307

A deceptive work has been accomplished by the Adversary. Satan alienates the hearts of men and hinders them from a proper approach to their true Sovereign. NS521:6; F617

"The prince of this world," assisted by the fallen angels, deceived men by ignorance and blindness into iniquity, false doctrines and evil practices. Paul blamed not men so much as Satan who deluded them. R4527:2, 3274:2, 1645:1, 1174:6; CR424:2, 200:6

These words imply not only that there are evil principles at work in this world, but that behind them there are evil spirit beings, of whom Satan is the inspirer and through whom he is working. R5209:6; CR424:2

Paul warned that the falling away of the Church would be the result of giving heed to "seducing spirits" and "doctrines of demons"--the fallen angels. (1 Tim. 4:1) HG655:6; R3274:2; CR424:2; SM428:3

The dangers of ensnarement exist because Satan is the prince of this age; he has the majority of mankind under his influence, blinded by sin. R5445:3

It is because Satan is the ruler over this present order of things during this dispensation that it is termed an "evil world." Q827:T Satan presents his own version of the truth, so is designated "the devil which deceiveth the whole world." (Rev. 12:9) R5849:2

We do not charge our forefathers with evil intent in the making of the creeds. Satan substituted the creeds for the Bible. They are unhealthful for the saints and poisonous to others. HG655:3, 657:5; NS750:4; OV401:1; SM692:1

Of this world -- Of this present evil condition of things. E189; Q827:T Not that God gave Satan any authority to rule these kingdoms, but that he is ruling through human weakness. R5853:6

Jesus told his disciples that the "prince of this world" was coming (John 14:20); Satan would triumph over the world and bring it into subjection to his own evil sway until the Lord's second coming. Q826:2

Satan has a great spiritual empire amongst men, which controls through ignorance, superstition and fear. SM546:1, 425:1; R1174:6; NS750:4

"The prince of this world (age)" and the fallen angels have much to do with the iniquity prevailing in the world. R4527:2, 3274:2, 1645:1; CR424:2

The civilized world is called "Christendom"--Christ's kingdom. It is dominated by the "god of this world." God permits this, but he does not attempt authority over it nor its imperfect governments. R3752:5, 1645:1; CR201:1

It is natural that our first thought should be that the almighty God is the king and ruler of earth; but the Scriptures teach that Satan is the "prince," the "god," "of this world." NS547:3; R1645:1; Q827:T Our Lord is not ruling over the nations now, and will not until the appointed time for him to take unto himself his great power and authority and establish his own Kingdom in the earth. Q827:T Evil is a principle, and as such is eternal. Sin was produced by the evil principle becoming active when Satan himself sinned. He introduced sin and evil into the world through our first parents. Q773:4

Seeing men breaking away from error in the Reformation time, Satan misguided our fathers into the formation of their various creeds. HG546:2; NS798:6

Some of Satan's subtle attacks are through human agencies. He works in the hearts of the children of disobedience, not as a messenger of darkness, knowing that error and sin will repel the children of light. R5184:1

While many comprehend that Satan's present reign is invisible but powerful, they do not understand that Christ's reign over all the earth will also be invisible and powerful. HG365:5

Satan did not gain entire control of Christendom. There is a center or nucleus of truth in each creed, and around that kernel of truth, germinating power may be felt in every denomination. NS798:6

Thank God for the coming Kingdom and its righteous judgments and assistances to all now blinded! The Great Judge will have greater compassion upon the dupes than on those who teach them false doctrine. R3320:5, 2256:2

Hath -- Satan and the fallen angels have deceived mankind into false doctrines and evil practices: R4527:2 Atheists. R5849:2 Christian Science, Theosophy, Mesmerism, Clairvoyance, Hypnotism and Swedenborgianism--all related to Spiritism. R2189:1 "Mind cures." R2014:5 Mormons and Spiritualists. Q495:T Pantheism, fatalism, eternal torment and purgatory. Q547:T; R5849:2 Sectarianism. R2256:2 Unitarians. R5849:2

By deception, error, ignorance, and superstition. E218; F307; R5445:2, 4557:3, 3274:2, 2690:3, 2550:2, 1174:6, 862:2, 858:5; SM428:3, 102:T By doctrines of devils. F377; CR424:2; NS798:6, 526:3; OV401:1; SM428:3, 128:1

The saints "wrestle not with flesh and blood merely," but rather "with wicked spirits in high positions of influence." (Eph. 6:12) R5053:2; SM102:T By usurpation. R3719:2

By persuading men not to reason upon religious subjects. R3313:1

By supplying them with false religions. R1684:2

Another class he blinds with pride and liberty of earthly wisdom, science falsely so-called. R525:5; CR424:2

By a thousand enticements to sin, which appeal specially to the depraved appetites of the fallen race now, but which will not be tolerated when the new, heavenly rule is established. R1092:6

By the snare of the Adversary. R862:2; F617

By prejudice and traditions. R699:4

By prosperity. R526:1

By cares of this life. R526:2

By multiplied forms and ceremonies, blinding them to spirit or true meaning. R525:5

By the success, pride, and worldly honor which followed the Reformation. R525:6

By adherence to the traditions of men, sophistries, and fallacies. NS309:4; R3274:2, 2690:3

By putting darkness for light, and light for darkness, so that the creature feeling after God cannot find him. CR40:3; R5849:2*, 5718:6, 5545:1, 2707:2, 2504:3; NS521:6, 240:4; SM692:1, 421:3, 173:3

Largely by good people, used ignorantly on their part as Satan's tools. R5718:6, 1174:6; NS798:6, 240:4

The vast majority of those who promulgate the bad tidings of eternal misery as being the divine message are wholly unaware of how seriously they misrepresent the divine character and government. R2557:1; F617

Under the frenzied zeal of false religion, as Manasseh's false religions sanctioned immoralities; perhaps even his shedding of "innocent blood" being a crime done in the same ignorance. R2387:2

Through papacy in the Dark Ages. R525:6; OV401:1; SM128:1

Some see God's power, but are blinded to his justice, wisdom and love. R525:5; F617

In merely appealing to "the best that is within man," and in merely exhorting him "to lead a nobler life," there is afforded a general platform for all shades of opinion and every philosophic speculation. R5849:2

Some worship the work of their hands. In them the moral qualities--justice, love, etc.--are almost extinguished. These retain scarcely any of the image of God, in which man was created. R525:5

Blinded -- The skillful and intentional injury of the mental eye by Satan. R2582:5

More or less completely. R2573:6

In order that they might not see clearly. (Diaglott) R1046:1*

Originally, man had a clear eye, mental as well as physical. By reason of sin, his discernment of right and wrong has been blurred, and some are totally blind to the deeper and spiritual things. R5797:5

Because some wickedness is due to Satan's blinding influences, it was proper for David to pray that his enemies should go to sheol until the resurrection when they will have an opportunity to live righteously. E364

Satan is exercising a blinding, deceiving influence upon all except true believers. R4908:5, 5357:4, 4445:2, 3274:2, 2975:3, 1962:2; CR346:6

The wicked are those who willfully prefer sin to righteousness, while many violators of God's law now are deceived by the great enemy Satan and entrapped by depraved appetites. R1383:5

Satan obscures and obliterates the justice, mercy and love in men, and seeks to misrepresent God's character and thus hinder man's recognition of these qualities in Jehovah. R525:4, 5418:4; F617; NS798:6; SM692:1

They do not see things in their true light. R877:4

Satan presents himself as an angel of light. R5184:1; NS521:6; SM173:3

Besides man's natural depravity, Satan has conspired to blind man to principles of truth, warping and twisting him so that he is out of harmony with God, not even appreciating the message to return to him. R3915:1, 1175:1

Darkness covers the earth--gross darkness the people. (Isa. 60:2) T90; OV57:3

"The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not." (John 1:5) As in our Lord's day, Satan still blinds the darkened class. R4107:5, 3475:3

The religious leaders of Jesus' day did not receive his message; and during his ministry only about five hundred of the people believed. The god of this world blinded their eyes. CR499:1

The world still lieth in wickedness. (1 John 5:19) T90

The kingdoms of this world are under Satan, the prince of this world; but they do not realize this, for they are deceived. R5853:6, 3274:2; CR200:6

There are degrees of blindness: some see creation and not a Creator; some see the Creator but not his interest in us; some see creation and the Creator but they do not see accurately his character or plan. R3848:2

The whole world is referred to in the Bible as being blind and deaf to the things that are most interesting, most profitable. Only one here and there, like Bartimaeus, takes the proper steps to secure relief. R5485:2

Like the partly cured blind man of old, some see a brightness (as it shines around them on every hand) and can discern something, but see nothing clearly. R4214:2, 2377:4

As the Ephesians had been duped and were unable to discern God's message from Satan's teachings, so it is with heathens and Christians today--probably due to ignorance more than evil preferences. R3158:2

"Few there be who find" or see or know of the one way of return to the Lord, because Satan hath blinded their minds. R1771:2

The message of Jesus and the apostles comes as an eye-salve to some, but the majority, blinded by the Adversary and false doctrines, are ignorant respecting God and his Son and the plan of salvation. NS331:5

Never before did we realize so fully the need of the whole world for the promised eye-salve of Rev. 3:18, and none seem to need it more than the nominal Christian churches. R1400:6

The present heavens, the nominal religious systems, bow to Antichrist, "who now worketh in (through) the children of disobedience," (Eph. 2:2) and captivates and blinds the whole world with the exception of the few. R2832:3; CR200:6

Satan has not only blinded the heathen, but he is quite considerably blinding two thirds of Christendom represented in the Roman and Greek Catholic communions. R2548:4 The trinity is one of the dark mysteries by which Satan, through the papacy, has beclouded the Word and character and plan of God. E61

While Satan and his fallen angels have been persuading men that they were stoking fires for humanity's torture, they have been assisting in misrepresenting the Bible's parables and symbolic statements. HG655:6

"Destroy," "perish," "die," "second death," and "everlasting destruction" represent annihilation; but they are distorted into nightmares of torture. HG443:2; NS583:3, 530:5; SM521:T During the Dark Ages, Satan came forth with the errors of purgatory and torment, which men emulated by burning one another at the stake. HG159:2

Molech might require sacrifices of burning, but Jehovah never. NS309:4

Satan has used the human tendency of fear as a lash wherewith to drive man away from God, and from the Bible, his revelation. NS750:4; F617; SM692:1

Under the terrors of the words "doom's day," the god of this world has obscured the glorious blessings which belong to the day of the establishment of the Kingdom of the Lord. NS692:2

God's book is not the foundation of errors about the future or horrible nightmares which have afflicted us and hindered many from a proper love and reverence for our Creator. NS530:5; F617

Others can hear a little, and say that there is one chance in a million of escaping eternal torment. R5275:6; F617

Our minds have been poisoned by the Adversary's substituting devilish doctrines for the Scriptural truth that God created us with a glorious purpose in view and his divine sentiment toward us has not changed. NS526:3; F617

The majority of Christendom, including many of the Lord's noblest children, have so long put darkness for light and light for darkness that the very terms justice and love are confused in their minds. NS508:5; SM692:1

The Adversary caused the wayside hearers to forget what they did not understand. Their minds were so down-trodden with ignorance and superstition that it could find no lodgment in their hearts and minds. NS607:2

Often because of our careless handling of the Word, we were confused on the lines with which the Adversary blinded the heathen world. NS583:3, 309:4

The fact that Satan, the prince of death and sickness (Heb. 2:14 and Luke 13:16), has adopted "mind cures" to keep the world blinded proves that our great foe is put to straits to continue his hold upon man. R2014:5

We believe that some miraculous healers are God's agents, thus used in order to make a beginning of restitution work. Others' powers are from the prince of darkness. R2030:1

Amongst the enlightened and civilized, thought and investigation are being aroused; and there Satan is kept busy. Necromancy, incantations and spiritism are too senseless to deceive. So "new light" is assumed. R1643:2

Some Satan has blinded with the brilliancy of their own earthly learning and with their love of honor of men. R1418:3

Satan has multitudinous devices for blinding men--fair earthly prospects, ambitions to be some one great, selfish schemes for gaining advantage over others. SM344:T; R4092:5

The great Adversary is diligently seeking to stir up strife in the race question which will evidently have its part in this mighty conflict immediately preceding Messiah's reign of righteousness. HG515:5

Whoever sees our wonderful God in all his glorious attributes is inspired to walk in the right way. But, for the moment, the great mass of mankind are blinded, poorly able to withstand the Adversary. CR496:2; F617

A measure of blindness continues with us for some time after we have accepted Christ and become his followers, but we should desire increasing light; God intended the light for us only. HG745:6

Where Satan's work has been fully accomplished, and men are blinded by ignorance and superstition, the gospel message can do nothing. We must wait for Kingdom power. HG721:3

With pitying love, think and speak kindly of those who cause division and stumblings contrary to the doctrine which you have learned. Avoid them. Do not render evil for evil, nor slander for slander. R4531:5, 3274:2

All mankind are serving either Christ and the soldiers of his cross or Satan and the powers of darkness, and many on both sides serve ignorantly. R1948:1

Many, who through association with the Adversary have become goat-like in many respects, still have something of the sheep nature, which, under proper enlightenment, would assert itself. R2707:2

Our finances are as nothing compared to the millions devoted annually to the propaganda of error, ministers' salaries, church edifices, and now Higher Criticism and Evolution, all by the Lord's permission. R3909:5

The Gospel age just closing, in which the dim light of faith has been a light to the path of only a few, is part of the world's night of weeping, and is about to give place to the Millennial morning of joy. R1877:5

Those blinded for years with misconceptions of the divine character--when now the eyes of their understanding are opened, feel as did Saul, that life is only too short to show forth God's praises. R2824:4

"Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear," but there are many who have not this sight and hearing yet. HG145:5; R5354:4

Although God is reconciled through Christ, only a few have yet the hearing ear. The great mass of mankind are deaf to the voice divine speaking peace through Jesus Christ. NS384:6; R5832:2

The reconciled are privileged to tell of Jesus' redemption work to others--it is no longer confined to one nation or people--but only a few have the hearing ear. NS366:5

Up to this time, only elected ones have been favored, while the remainder of the race were passed by and are still in measurable darkness. NS351:6

One part of the gospel message to be proclaimed is the "recovering of sight to the blind." (Luke 4:18) R2580:3,5

God wills that all men shall be saved from the Adamic sentence and recovered from the ignorance and blindness with which Satan since the fall has darkened their minds. E470; R2550:2, 2504:3; OV381:5

Satan now realizes that it is impossible to shut out the light of the incoming day. SM323:1

We sorrow not as others in respect to friends who are blind to spiritual things. If we are unable to help them now, the time is coming when we shall be privileged to enlighten and uplift them. NS265:6; R2256:2

As the blind man received his sight on the Sabbath day (John 9), we remember that we are in the early dawn of the antitypical Sabbath when Satan-blinded eyes of men's understandings shall be opened. R1400:6

During the Millennial age, Christ's power will be exercised to prevent deceptions. R1092:6

"The eyes of the blind shall be opened." (Isa. 35:5) E470; R5896:2, 5832:2, 5667:4, 5354:4, 5084:1, 4107:5, 3195:2, 2414:6, 2375:4, 1958:4, 1400:6; CR40:3; HG145:5; NS769:3, 555:3, 85:3; OV393:7, 381:5, 253:2; SM680:T "In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness." (Isa. 29:18) Those blinded by Satan now will not be everlastingly tormented. R1958:4, 1400:6

Referring to the future opening of blinded eyes of understanding, Jesus said, "Greater works than these shall ye do." (John 14:12) R526:5

One means for bringing the world back into harmony with God, will be the removal of Satan's influence (deception, error, ignorance, superstition), now upon the world, blinding mankind. E218; R2690:3, 2550:2, 2504:3, 2375:4; OV381:5

Satan shall be bound for that thousand years, that he may deceive the nations no more. Then his deceptions will all be exposed by the glorious light of that day. NS555:3; CR200:5; OV381:5, 253:2

Satan is not yet bound. He has little difficulty in finding human servants. This should make us extremely skeptical respecting whatever we hear that is uncomplimentary to anybody. R5655:4

A great many blinded minds do not know the object of Christ's coming, do not have the Scriptural teaching as to why he comes. But their eyes shall be opened. R5269:4

For some who are now evildoers and lovers of sin, our hope is that they are such because of blinding of the devil, which leads them to make a choice they would not make if they had a full, clear knowledge. R3084:5

Soon their eyes will be opened; then each will be responsible. R5084:1; OV381:5

Nero, and whoever is blinded and weakened by depravity, in heathen or Christian lands, is entitled to a chance in the future because "Jesus Christ gave himself a ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5, 6) HG245:1

The great work of that thousand-year Sabbath will be the healing of the morally lame and the giving of sight and hearing to the minds now blinded and deaf under the evil influences of the great Adversary. R5034:6, 2256:2

Satan has blinded their eyes by error and superstition and gross darkness which covers the earth. HG179:5; F617

It is not possible for them to see. God has permitted Satan's great power. But God will alter matters. HG112:3; R5354:4

The minds -- The minds or "hearts" of men is the battle ground on which the holy Spirit contends with the evil spirit of Satan. E189

Six thousand years ago, Satan started this work of blinding human understanding to the goodness of God. R5485:2, 2557:1; F617; CR459:1

And thus hindered the light of divine truth from shining unto them. R2414:5, 5923:3, 5053:4, 2247:3; F617, CR463:4; OV255:3, 311:3; SM78:T Satan is in violent opposition to every feature of God's great plan. SM344:T The world in general knows not God. R5391:1, 2137:6

Man's ideas of right and wrong are badly warped and twisted, through various false doctrines and theories. R1175:1, 3915:4

They do not know the object of Christ's coming. R5269:4

The Adversary would alienate our hearts and minds from God and from his Book. He would have us think of God as the most terrible monster of the universe, bent upon the eternal misery of nearly all. NS701:2; F617

Satan has been successful in preventing mankind to enjoy a real knowledge of God, but it is impossible for him to hinder all appreciation of the Creator because man has an instinct for reverence. R3312:6

Of them -- The masses see not, hear not, neither do they understand the grace of God. R4557:3

Those in a lost condition, without God and without hope in the world; whoever is not in Christ, servants of sin, still under condemnation, still strangers from God, still lost in the wilderness of sin. R2414:5

The wise, the prudent, the self-satisfied; the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. R2267:5

Jesus did not mention the blindness of the heathen, but that of the favored people of Israel, especially the Pharisaic doctors of the Law. (Matt. 15:6, 14) R525:5

Good men, deceived, bound up with error, influenced by sectarianism. R2256:2; Q752:4

The more honorable they are, and the more closely identified with the Lord and his people these children of disobedience may be, the greater service they may render to the Adversary. R5184:1

The great masses of Christendom, even as all the heathen, may have been in churches occasionally; nevertheless, the eyes of their understanding were darkened. OV311:3

There are very many who lack spiritual sight, many who cannot exercise faith in what they cannot see; and according to the Scriptures they are not responsible for their failure. SM680:T; R5418:4; Q752:4

There are some who desire to get away from the Lord as far as possible and to keep away. These have no real knowledge of him. R5717:4

Nearly one-fourth of the world's population are named by his name--Christians--yet the vast majority of these are in nearly as great darkness as the three-fourths who are heathen. R3475:3

As soon as they have any knowledge of God, the Adversary seems to conjure up slavish fear which crowds out love, and produces dread. R4841:2

Misunderstanding our gracious Creator, they are thus driven away from him. SM428:3, 128:1; F617; R3848:1; NS701:2

Many are deceived who would love to be on the right side, but Satan utilizes them on his own side of the question. NS240:4; R1174:6

They are ignorantly and blindly waiting, hoping for the "Golden Age" of which the world's poets have long sung. R2049:2

The "Great Light" arose in Palestine, and was not sent into Africa nor India nor China, but northward and westward to Europe and America. These lands were "honored"; these people "have seen a great light." (Isa. 9:2) R2377:4

Neither the masses in down town New York nor their polished, wealthy, better educated neighbors who have moved up-town as "churches," are on trial now; they will have their trial with the "heathen" millions. R2428:6; OV311:3

These who reject and do not receive the offer of life. R877:4

These will not be everlastingly tormented. R1958:4

Having fallen into the ditch, they shall be proved unworthy of the grand prize, but shall ultimately be recovered and freed from the blindings of false teachings. R862:2

God knows, not we, how many of these despisers who wonder (Acts 13:41), while perishing, have sinned against a sufficiency of light to hinder them from having any further opportunity during the Millennium. R4364:6

The world in general knows not God, and hence could not sin against the holy Spirit in that full sense or degree which would be punished with second death. R5391:1, 1962:2

These shall not be utterly and forever cast down. R1958:4, 862:2

Some may really be saints and merely blinded for the time by the errors which the Adversary has caused to be promulgated. R4692:5

Which believe not -- The children of disobedience. D611; R5362:5; CR200:6

Whose eyes of understanding have not been anointed with the Lord's eye-salve. D611

So they cannot believe. R2122:5

Millions have been driven into the Church by doctrines of demons, but driven away from God and from the Bible. SM128:1; NS750:4, 701:2

These are the "unjust" of Acts 24:15, who will have a part in the resurrection which is provided for all and which will be accomplished in all who will not individually reject its gracious provisions. R3195:2

The wise and prudent according to the course of this world, blinded with the brilliancy of their own earthly learning and with their love of honor of men. HG311:1

Some are so stupid through the blinding of the Adversary that they cannot believe it. To such, it is not good tidings at all, but foolishness. R5275:6, 858:5

They believe not simply and implicitly in God's Word, but manufacture and use theories of their own and the traditions of other men to accomplish their own plans and to bring quick and popular results. R1645:1

Compassionate toward the ignorant who are blinded by Satan, some oppose the Scriptural teaching of restitution and education and trial, substituting the teaching of unbelievers going to heaven. R2247:3

As these were the vast majority in fleshly Israel, so they have been also among the Gentiles. D567; R5832:2

Well intentioned men try to explain how noble non-Christians will be saved, by lowering the standards, eliminating faith in Jesus as a necessary prerequisite. R2220:4; SM311:T The real grounds for sympathy and hope for the masses is the statement that Satan has blinded their minds, misinterpreted the facts. R4907:5

During the present Gospel age, the spirit dispensation, the world of mankind is not liable to the second death because Satan is exercising a blinding, deceiving influence upon all except true believers. R4908:5, 1962:2

These words apply not only to an entire lack of faith, but also to the various imperfect degrees of development of faith in ourselves and in others. R4692:4

The ear of faith is the special favor of God to those who are of a meek, honest heart, desiring truth and righteousness. R4557:2

Lest -- To hinder. R5362:5

The battle of darkness against the light. R2137:6, 2504:3; CR200:6

The woman of Samaria was a type of thousands of others who would act very differently if they only knew that Jesus is Christ. If the Jews had known, they would not have crucified him. (1 Cor. 2:8) R1712:1

The Adversary has wrapped the creeds which hold some truth with layer after layer of mistranslation and misinterpretation. NS798:6

The light -- The truth. A20

Like Paul, the persecuted tent-maker, we thank God for the opening of our eyes and ears and mouths to this blessed message--the light of the goodness of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord. R1959:5

Well can we see how Satan put light for darkness and darkness for light during the Dark Ages. R5053:4; OV401:1

The mission of the great Light into the world was to enlighten man and to restore as many as may be willing to accept sonship. The vast majority from every kindred have been hindered from seeing that Light. R2409:3

Loving the darkness of error rather than the light of truth and reason which God's Word supplies, when brought in contact with truth they fear it and cling to the darkness. R1645:1

The message is clear and favorable, but they are blind. R877:4

The Sun of Righteousness has not yet arisen with healing in his beams. The world is still in darkness. The enlightenment of Jesus' followers' lamps is inadequate to dispel the night and bring in the glorious day. R3686:3

The mission of Christ and the Church in glory is to scatter the darkness of earth, binding the prince of darkness, and setting at liberty from the bonds of ignorance the whole world of mankind. NS292:6; R2504:3, 2256:2; OV381:5; SM428:3

The glorious gospel -- Of the goodness of God. R2851:3; NS583:3; OV393:7; Q547:T; SM521:T The glorious light of divine goodness. E260; R2712:2

Those favored with the light of the knowledge of God, shining in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord, can rejoice and give thanks under all circumstances and conditions. R2076:3

The good message, the gospel blessing, of divine love and mercy toward our race is hidden because the creeds of human tradition have so misrepresented God and his purposes as to make of them bad tidings. HG655:3; F617

Only believers have received the atonement in the sense of accepting the opportunity which the grace of God has thus provided; the rest of mankind are blinded. E19

The gospel in this age is foolishness to many whom the god of this world hath blinded by error, etc. R858:5

The Adversary did not wish us to see with "the eyes of our hearts" the glorious character of our Creator, his love for mankind, and his glorious provision for us. HG546:4; F617; NS798:6, 701:2

God has but one way of salvation: through faith in the precious blood of Christ, and through an endeavor to come into harmony with his righteous law through the merit of the Savior. SM311:T The apostolic writings were to the saints. The ministry of reconciliation is entrusted to us. We must eagerly proclaim the "the effulgence of the glad tidings of the glory." (Diaglott) R1046:1*

History is divided into (1) a time when God's grace was not revealed, (2) a time when some would see it and others would be blinded; and (3) a coming time in which salvation will be manifest. NS405:3

"I will come again, and receive you unto myself." (John 14:3)--and his Church shall sit with him in his throne, the righteous shall flourish, and all the evil-doers shall be cut off. R5362:5

God plans that the earthly Kingdom work shall be done gradually and that all shall come to a clear knowledge of the Truth so that they may make the best possible use of their new trial for life. OV381:5

"God so loved the world"--not just the holy angels and the saints. He would not plan to torture his enemies or the ignorant, the superstitious, the great masses of mankind. NS645:4

The Lord promises to turn to the people a "pure message"--instead of the contradiction of creeds of heathenism and Churchianity. OV253:2

Of Christ -- Of the Anointed One. R1046:1*

In the face of Jesus Christ. E260; R2550:2

The world, during the Millennial age, shall find how thoroughly they have been blinded by Satan against the true light of God's character, shining through Christ. See also 2 Tim. 2:26. F627

The image of God -- The likeness of God. (Diaglott) R1046:1*

"The express image of the Father's person." (Heb. 1:3) The Bride of Christ was promised to be made partaker with her Lord. (Rev. 21:11 and 2 Pet. 1:4) R1210:6*

We are not to be surprised at the wide difference of understanding of God and of his mightiness and of his character as viewed by the saints and by the world. R2712:2

Should shine unto them -- Shine into their hearts. R5718:6, 4629:1; CR392:6, 459:2

Should shine into their hearts, and should bring to them the spirit of a sound mind. E260

Into their hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the divine character and plan. R2712:2

Shining in the face of Jesus our Lord. R2712:2, 2550:2

Should enlighten them, and drive out the darkness of ignorance and misconception and let them see the real character and gracious plan of the heavenly Father. F617; CR392:6; SM428:3

Those thus favored can rejoice and give thanks under all circumstances and conditions. R2076:3

"God is not far from every one of us." Every one who will seek or feel after him, he will be pleased to bless. The object of this Gospel age is to gather those who "hunger and thirst after righteousness." (Matt. 5:6) R4629:1

All who obey the light are the "children of light"; after the image of the Lord has been impressed upon their hearts, they become light-bearers to others, reflecting the light from the divine source. R2137:6

It does not shine into the hearts of many. R2851:3

Thick darkness of error hinders many hearts from receiving the full benefit of God's light and blessing and joy. They find it impossible to love the Lord; because from all they know of him, he is not worthy. R2851:3

The only ones who are not blinded are those who are the servants of God, and the degree of the clearness of vision depends upon the singleness of their eye, heart, purpose, loyalty. R4445:2

Through all the darkness of the Dark Ages there were some who, by shutting their eyes to the error and opening their eyes by faith to the real character of God, were enabled to love God supremely. R2851:5

We long to see the knowledge of the goodness of God shine into the hearts of the Salvation Army and others who in ignorance commit the grievous wrong of preaching damnation while calling it gospel. R2596:1

If men could only get a glimpse of God's goodness in Christ, the entire world would be converted. God purposes to reveal his glory to the world in the Millennial Kingdom. OV393:7

When Paradise Lost shall be Paradise Regained, when the Lord will turn to the people a "pure message," (Zeph. 3:9) the most glorious change will be the change in humanity. NS769:3; OV253:2

"Every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him." (Rev. 1:7) OV57:3

The heathen and great masses of Christendom shall be brought by Messiah's Kingdom to a clear knowledge of the truth and then will hear of the real character of God and his requirements of them. OV311:3

We rejoice that the time is near when Immanuel with the true Church shall bind Satan and set at liberty his blinded captives. R2256:2; CR200:5

2 Corinthians 4:5

Not ourselves -- Let us remember our highest place is lying low; the greatest mastery is self-mastery. R3614:4

Peter, too, arrested when he had healed the lame man in the Temple, wisely and properly credited the miracle to Jesus. This is a lesson for all who would represent the Lord as his ambassadors! R5839:3

Your servants -- The Church's servants, not the world's servants. R2416:1

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God -- The Spirit of God, the Spirit of truth. E293; R375:2

The light to shine -- Which is the only true light. (John 1:9) D238

The truth is breaking through the clouds of tradition and error. R795:2

Causing the path of the just to shine "more and more unto the perfect day." (Prov. 4:18) F61

Out of darkness -- With the clouds removed (by recognizing "The Rich Man and Lazarus" to be a parable), our eyes may behold the King in his beauty, and our hearts be drawn to him as to a Father, a God of love, a Savior. NS818:3

Hath shined in our hearts -- It was necessary that some be honored with the gospel message in advance of its general revealing. R3282:4

This glorious shining in our hearts has impelled us to let our light shine out upon others. R1661:5*

Giving beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. (Isa. 61:3) R1103:2

Our ideas of the glory and ministration of the Prophet like unto Moses are contracted, inadequate; but we have the witness of Patmos's description of the Glorious One, and our hearts are not blinded. R1323:4*

God's grace shined into our hearts, in contrast to those who "have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge," (Rom. 10:12) and those Paul reproves who "have not the knowledge of God." (1 Cor. 15:34) NS506:3

The great mass of mankind see not and hear not. R5354:4

In the Millennial Kingdom the Prince of Light (Christ, Head and Body) will open the blinded eyes that all may see. R1771:5

After preaching on this text three times, a member of the Brethren's Church learned the truth of the Bible rather than "orthodoxy" and wrote accurate facts which were put into a helpful tract. R802:2*

To give the light -- The blessed radiance has illuminated many hearts, and as one after another receives it and in turn becomes a luminary to others, the glory of God is seen more and more in his Church. R1661:5*

How we long for the ability to let the glorious sunlight of divine love shine into the hearts of the world, for the opportunity to show them that the Word of God is a message of love and benevolence! NS522:6

Pastor Russell's New Year wish for those feeling after God is that they might find the Lord, and obtain through his grace the peace of God, to rule in their hearts and to shed abroad in them this light. R2751:3

The Millennial church will walk by sight, not by the light of the lamp, the Bible, so precious and necessary to us now--a lamp to our feet and a light to our footsteps, assisting us in the "narrow way." NS660:1

Of the knowledge -- Greek: gnosis; the definition as "the spirit of judicial investigation and inquiry" is not adequate. R2037:2

The knowledge of God resulting from our experience in the school of Christ and the begetting of the holy Spirit. R2037:2

Delivered from the bondage of ignorance and superstition. R5602:2; NS660:1

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have -- The Church only; mankind has no such treasure. E306

This treasure -- The holy Spirit, the renewed mind in harmony with God. E245; R3656:5

Our own spirit-begetting--the start of the new nature. Q714:6

The new spirit. R2463:6

The spirit of the truth and the new wills begotten of it. R1698:2

The new mind, the new nature. E195; F71; R5440:4, 5428:1, 1984:1; CR321:5; Q655:4

The newly begotten mind, or will, is all there is at present to represent the new nature, and all there will be until in the first resurrection that new will shall be provided a suitable body. F71; R5123:4

The newly begotten will or heavenly mind, "the mind of Christ." R1856:2

The new creature, the new will. Q508:2; CR454:1

The new heart--the new nature. R2445:4, 5185:2, 5123:4, 2304:2

We must be diligent in the exercise and cultivation of the powers of the new nature, that it may thereby develop strength sufficient to ever keep the old nature under full control. R1670:2

The new character. CR470:5

In earthen vessels -- Fragile and leaky. A226

Imperfect, fallen, earthly body. CR321:5; R5958:3, 5440:4, 5325:6; CR470:5; SM392:1

Which are subject to like passions and storms that assail the world in general. R5248:3; Q654:4

More or less cracked by the fall, so that we are unable to contain or to retain a full measure of the spirit of the truth. R1698:2

Under unfavorable conditions. R5428:1; Q655:4

We are surrounded by adverse conditions. The world, the flesh and the devil are assailing our hearts. We have these adverse tendencies, or conditions, to deal with. R4904:2

These earthen vessels are surrounded by selfish tendencies and examples; they must be kept well filled with the Spirit of the Lord, that the evil spirit of selfishness does not gain access. R2463:6

It is not that Christians are of two natures. But the new mind proposes to regulate the mortal body, which is reckoned dead, consecrated, sacrificed to death. R2445:4

Before his crucifixion, Jesus had the seed of the divine nature in an earthen body. R340:6*

In "earthen vessels," "new creatures" possess the promise of "divine nature," which they will have fully in resurrection; having borne the "image of the earthly," they will bear the "image of the heavenly." (1

Cor. 15:49) R1149:2*

The Bride class may not always be known, nor their true character and unselfishness be discerned, because they have the treasure in "earthen vessels," which do not always present their true benevolence of heart. SM190:1

We must have a condition of heart that will be in opposition to sin, that would die rather than yield to sin. To will is present with us, but the performance is another matter. NS227:6

Never satisfactory, to God or to us (except reckonedly through Christ), until the treasure, polished by the Lord, is set as a jewel in a heavenly, spiritual casket or body, by an actual quickening. R1856:2

It behooves us to take heed lest we lose this new treasure, lest the old selfish nature of the earthen vessel again rise up and re-assert itself. R1670:2

We are to do all in our power for the repair of the blemishes, that we may receive and retain larger measures of the spirit of holiness. R2373:4

Because the imperfections of our human bodies mar all our efforts to please and serve God, even the most devout find that they need to go repeatedly to the throne of divine grace for mercy (forgiveness). R1984:1

Moses fell within sight of the promised land; the man fell, but the movement went on; Canaan was reached. Man may stand or fall; the cause of the Lord will not fail. R41:2*

The fact that we hold this treasure of a transformed mind in these defective, deformed vessels proves the excellency of the power of God, and not of us. R3656:5, 1921:4

Illustrated in the Tabernacle by the sockets of copper in which were set the gold covered door posts of the Holy. T114

May be of God -- Let our present glory be in that we understand and know the Lord, and in that he condescends to make use of these poor earthen vessels in his service. R1921:4

Our infirmities will cause God's power to shine forth the more brightly. R1046:2*

Not of us -- With all our willingness, we have difficulty in performing because of the adverse conditions of our flesh and the world. So the Lord tests us respecting our faith and our obedience to him and his principles. NS228:1

It is not demanded of the Church that they must get the victory to overcome the world to so full an extent that they will never make a mistake. The Lord will judge them according to the spirit, mind, will. NS17:5

2 Corinthians 4:8

Yet not distressed -- Trusting in the Lord's precious promises that the troubles should all work out for good. R5670:6

God's grace was always sufficient for Paul. R2426:1* Not in despair -- Though things may look very dark, the Lord's people will not despair for the Lord has said he will never leave us. (Heb. 13:5) R5671:2

Anxiety or uncertainty of the Lord's people should never go to the length of despair. R5671:2

2 Corinthians 4:9

Persecuted -- Because of your love for God and his plan, and your desire to tell the good tidings, even nominal Christians will think you peculiar; you will be despised and counted a fool for Christ's sake. A347

Some are the objects of persecution and others share in those persecutions by suffering with those so persecuted. R5670:3

We are not to condemn those who run away from persecution. "If they persecute you in one city, flee to another." (Matt. 10:23) R5671:3

When persecutions come to us we are to inquire if there is something in our disposition which causes them. R5671:3

But not forsaken -- Though persecuted for righteousness sake, the Lord's people are not forsaken. R5671:3

Cast down -- A heaviness of spirit, feeling of loneliness--may be accentuated by physical health. R5671:4

But not destroyed -- The afflictions of the gospel can not be endured without the consolations of the gospel. R27:3*

If the Lord permits trouble, we are to exercise fortitude, to patiently endure, not allow it to destroy our faith, our loyalty. R5671:4

2 Corinthians 4:10

The dying of the Lord -- The members of his Body fill up the measure of the sufferings of Christ which are behind. (Col. 1:24) T50; R5053:6, 212:1*

Always representing Christ and his sacrifice as dying members of his Body. R2416:1 The Lord's people are dying daily as he died, "laying down their lives." R5671:6

The testator (Heb. 9:16), through whom Israel will get the blessing of the New Covenant, is the Christ, Head and Body. The laying down of the restitution right received by us is our sacrifice, the dying of the testator's body. R4498:2

More than simply a crucifixion of the flesh. R128:1

God expects the life, or spirit, of Christ to be manifest in your mortal body. R5901:5*

Be made manifest -- Rendered apparent. E77

In our body -- The human body--the new creature owns this body. R5671:6

We must develop more and more the Spirit of the Lord in order to be useful now. First, by example. God expects this of you. The brethren need such an example and stimulus as you can give. R5901:5*

2 Corinthians 4:11

For we which live -- As new creatures in Christ Jesus. R2416:1

Unto death -- Our consecration was a consecration to death. R2416:1

The life also of Jesus -- His life vitalizes and raises to a high and glorious condition those who hear and believe (the Little Flock), those who feed on him. R327:6*

Be made manifest -- Rendered apparent. E77

When the world sees you it sees a member of The Christ, not in glory, but in the flesh. R455:5

In us, as in our leader and Head, God is manifest in our mortal flesh. R338:2, 455:5

In our mortal flesh -- By our sufferings as a part of the whole Christ. T84

Man is mortal, death is possible to him. R1642:5

We, now, though sons of the Most High, die and appear to men nothing more than others. R338:3

2 Corinthians 4:12

Death worketh in us -- Paul and his companions faced persecutions, difficulties, trials by the way, that they might bring spiritual blessing to the Church. The Church was to lay down their lives for one another. R5022:3,5; Q212:1,2

2 Corinthians 4:13

We having the same spirit -- Tischendorf: The Alexandrine Codex, which appears to have been written about the middle of the fifth century, does not have 2 Cor. 4:13 to 12:6. R1147:2

We also believe -- The whole matter is a question of faith and none of it is a matter of knowledge. CR308:1

2 Corinthians 4:14

He -- "God the Father." (Gal. 1:1) R2795:2

We are particularly informed that it was the Father that raised up Jesus from the dead and that the Father will "raise us up also" by his power exercised through Jesus our Head. R4528:3

Which raised up -- The Scriptures nowhere intimate that Jesus did or could raise himself from the dead. R2795:2

Shall raise up us also -- From the dead--if faithful to our call and covenant. R3282:1

What has been done for Jesus is God's promise unto us. R74:3*

Though death swallows up every member of the Church, all shall come forth to victory. R813:4*

Jehovah is our Father--lifegiver--though he has used the Spirit and the Word as his agents in our begetting, and will use Jesus as his agent in our birth or resurrection.R297:2

By Jesus -- Jesus will be the active agent. R5507:5 The Father's power exercised through Jesus. R4528:3

If he had not come to be the life-giver, mankind would have been like the brute beasts in death. CR321:3

Shall present us -- Unblameable and unreprovable in love. R1007:5

Then we shall in the fullest sense enter into the fullness of sonship. R916:4

2 Corinthians 4:15

All things -- Whatever cannot be overruled for their good must be hindered. R4133:6

The spirit-begotten will need to grow in grace and knowledge and faith, and he will find in the divine provision everything needful to these ends. R4133:6

Not all the bad things, but all the arrangements of the divine plan. R1777:6

Paul's general use of the expression shows that it is not used in the absolute sense. R1269:5

For your sakes -- Everything in the realm of nature and of grace must for the time so operate as to be most favorable to this class. (Rom. 8:28) R4133:6

Thanksgiving of many -- Of the world to be blessed by our exaltation. R1777:6

2 Corinthians 4:16

We faint not -- In our battlings. R3275:2

The Christian's life is one of continual trials, of such a nature that the superficial Christian, who does not fully comprehend their use, cannot endure them. R27:3*

Our outward man perish -- Our natural man. R212:1*

New creatures have an old man, but God knows us not after the flesh. R2231:6; F675

Suffered, perished, been mortified. NS592:2

An advanced Christian recalls life's storms and its tears, and sorrows not as others who have no hope. His troubles have been minimized by the spirit of a sound mind. R2737:3

Individually and collectively, physically. Great as the annoyance and distress is to have a sore heel, it is infinitely better than to have a sore head. R192:4*

The inward man -- New or hidden man of the heart. F675; R2231:6

The spiritual. R212:1*

Mind. (Eph. 4:23) R192:4*

The new nature, renewed, strengthened, upbuilt in the image of God. NS592:2

The Scriptures speak literally when they declare the Church to be a "new creation." To these "new creatures" there is a spirit begetting, which will culminate in the first resurrection, in their spirit birth. NS591:2

God has been so overruling that their outward man may suffer but their inward man has been upbuilt in the image of God. Their trials have made them more nearly exact copies of God's dear Son. SM631:1

It is a misunderstanding to apply this thought of an outward and inward man to non-Christians. SM627:3

The confusion of thinking all have an inward man is due to the different classes of nominal Christianity: applying scriptures to all which only apply to those who have made a full consecration. SM627:4

Is renewed -- By communion with Jesus in spirit. R5052:6

We become stronger in the Lord and in the power of his might. R3275:2

Paul was energized by the power divine and by the message of God's Word, which spoke to him peace and relationship to God through Christ. R5951:3

We have the same favors of God, the same promises of God, the same inspiring hopes which Jesus and the apostles had. R5951:3

The new creature can triumph, become strong in the new, the resurrected life, only in proportion as the old body is kept dead--mortified. (Col. 3:5) NS637:6

The Church's resurrection is merely of the mind, of the will, of the heart, not physical; renewed day by day, the new creature progresses. NS337:4

Paul's inward man had the assurance of the Lord that the glories of the future would be proportionate to the trials faithfully endured. R5951:2

From the time of his baptism when the holy Spirit came upon him, our Lord was dying daily as the man Christ Jesus, but was being renewed in the inner man, the new creature, the spirit being. R2422:2

2 Corinthians 4:17

Our light affliction -- Trials, which may include these battlings with our own flesh. R3275:2

The adverse influences of the present time constitute the grindstone upon which the jewels are polished. Satan, through his various agencies, is used of the Lord in turning the grindstone. SM325:T As we consider our Master's experiences and faithfulness, it makes ours seem very light. R5684:5

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." (Is. 26:3) "No storm can shake our inmost calm, While to this Refuge clinging." We have peace, no matter what the outward conditions. R5879:2

The Royal Priesthood find a peace and joy to which formerly they were strangers, and which the world can neither give nor take away; for now their faith can firmly grasp the promises as their own. R2762:6

Rejoicing in spirit is necessary to our courage and zeal, even with the wound of every thorn and the pain of every sharp arrow of bitter words with which we are assaulted for Christ's sake. R4592:4

Rom. 12:1--"Present your bodies a living sacrifice--your reasonable service." Paul teaches the truth by reason, law, prophecy, type and history. R1566:1

The loss may at first seem heavy, but if you endure it for Christ's sake, you will soon be able to say that such losses are not worthy to be compared with the offsetting blessings. (Phil. 3:8) R2444:2

It is our faith in our Father's wisdom and love that sustains us, that causes us to hope, and enables us to profit by our afflictions. R423:6*

These chiselings, chastisings "are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:18) NS604:5, 338:2

True Christians, the elect, enjoy superior joys with Christ Jesus and can thank God often for earthly adversities. "Before I was afflicted, I went astray." (Psa. 119:67) SM330:T Those who have believed through the word of the apostles have the consolations of scriptures to offset troubles. SM271:T Sufferings of self-sacrifice for godliness, righteousness, the Lord, his people, the truth, are accompanied by joy and peace; sufferings for correction and unfaithfulness lack joy and rejoicing. R1699:6

More of the mortification of our flesh comes from professed brethren than from any other source. NS592:2; SM630:1

Our afflictions do not work out for us this glory because we are looking at our business, our family, the world and its pleasures, and the many other things the enemy places about us to distract us. R456:1*

But for a moment -- As compared with the eternity we hope to gain. R3275:2, 2405:1

A grand change is coming. Every sigh and tear and sacrifice for righteousness' sake shall be fully rewarded in a manner that is beyond our present comprehension, because we serve from devotion. R2543:4; OV425:T Worketh for us -- Preparing us for. R2413:3

The called and chosen are in "the school of Christ" now, for their development and testing. R3637:2

The Lord assures us that inherited physical weakness, troubles and pains permitted in the lives of sacrificers are not manifestations of God's wrath, but will be overruled to prepare them for glory. E411

God is making use of the implements of opposition which the Adversary is furnishing and is causing the wrath of men and devils to praise him; these experiences of his Church are working out for us glory. F628

Paul reasoned that if the sufferings of Christ are to measure the coming glories of Christ, then he was willing and anxious to fill up that which was behind in order to participate in those glories. R5951:5

Each of the Lord's chosen ones must prove their obedience by suffering in this present time, that they may be thus prepared for glory. To suffer much implies qualification for the higher glory hereafter. R2825:4

We are under divine supervision. This is the ground of our confidence and gives us the peace of God. "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above." (John 19:11) R2786:6

To him that hath (used) shall be given (more) and from him that hath not (used) shall be taken away that which he hath. (Matt. 13:12) Faithfulness in little trials will bring increasing strength in the Lord. R2496:6

The Lord does not pour into our cup of sorrow and trial any bitter experiences that are not needful to us, and that will not subsequently work out for us the eternal glory. R2469:1

Any who have no opportunity for suffering with Christ cannot be of those "called;" for the terms are stated--If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him; the sufferings work out for us the glory. (2 Tim. 2:12) R1782:6

When the Father permits the enemy to try us by unusual suffering, then we are compelled to cease our anxious chase after the things seen, and our spirits are drawn with unusual power to cry out: Lord, save us! R456:1*

Our dear Redeemer permits the temptations of life to assail us, and often fiery trials, promising that they shall work out for us glory. NS597:1

Those who have received the adoption of children of God and undergo special disciplinary trials are God's favorites. NS578:2

Even if Satan should appear to get the victory over us. R5185:1

Disputation is better than not to care; such fiery trials will work out good for you. The lukewarm lose the privilege of being followers of Christ, but the Little Flock let these experiences work for them. R5118:4

Far more exceeding -- The parable of the pounds (Luke 19:17) shows differences of reward among the faithful. Matt. 11:11 speaks of some "least in the kingdom of heaven." R1973:5

While an exceeding glory is to be the inheritance of all the elect Body, the Apostle clearly indicates that that treasure may be augmented by special zeal and faithfulness. R1821:2

Eternal weight of glory -- "He called us unto his eternal glory." (1

Pet. 5:10) A211

"Obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thes. 2:14) A211

"Riches of the glory." (Col. 1:27) A211

"Like him." (1 John 3:2) A211

We are "called to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2

Thes. 2:14) R5684:5

"The glory which thou gavest me, I have given them." (John 17:22) A211

Heavenly glory--the things that the Lord has promised to those that love him. R5223:6

We are to rejoice even under tribulation; for, rightly received, it will work out for us the "eternal weight of glory." The Lord promises us sustaining grace in the midst of trouble. R5758:4, 5546:6

We have the guarantee from the Lord that "all things shall work together for good to those that love God," who put their trust in him. (Rom. 8:28) Whatever would not be a blessing to us will not be permitted. R5546:6 We desire to serve the Lord and be pleasing to him; be as close to him as possible. The closer we come to him in the present trials with faithfulness, the closer we will be to him in the future. R3362:6

The trials, difficulties and adversities of life, rightly accepted as lessons, are blessings in disguise and will result in glory in the life to come. R2737:3

"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (Psa. 73:24) Our subjection to present ills, while often painful, is necessary, in the providence of God. R1561:2

When the reign of Christ begins, all the members of the Body will share the glory, share the reigning. NS338:3

In the continual warfare waged between the old nature and the new, their interests are so antagonistic that the development and victory of the one means the overthrow and destruction of the other. SM632:T Because Paul had the hope of sharing his Master's glory, honor and immortality, he was willing to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ and to count all his sufferings but light afflictions. R5851:1

The time for showing the divine favor to the elect has not yet come. When it does come, the Church will shine forth all glorious with their Lord. NS338:2

"Blessed are ye when men shall revile you. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven." (Matt 5:11, 12) "If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him." (2 Tim. 2:12) R3776:5

The spirit-begotten seed of Abraham must be developed through trials before it can be used as God's agency in glory to bless all the families of the earth. SM784:1

2 Corinthians 4:18

While -- This little adverb "while" is the hinge on which the door of entrance to the glory hangs. R456:1*

Look not at the things which are seen -- By the natural eye. R242:6

Popularity, worldly show, denominational greatness. E238; R279:6

Things of the present order. R5499:6

Earthly applause and glory. R5223:6

Uncertain and unsatisfactory. R1798:6

We labor not for these things, which we are "selling off." R1656:6

All the things of the present evil world are temporal in character; they are to pass away with the new dispensation which is just at the door; earthly honors and powers are of less value every minute. R5952:1, 1798:6

The things which are not seen -- Spiritual and eternal things. E238

Glories to come. R5499:6

The crown, the throne, the Church whose names are written in heaven. R374:5

Eternal, sure to the faithful, of inestimable value; things revealed to the eye of faith in the promises of God; hopes, ambitions and joys of a higher, nobler order than those of the world. R1798:6

The hidden treasure, the treasures of God's gracious plan hid in Christ, which we are giving our little all to possess. R1656:6

None of the things which we prize are visible to the natural eye--our heavenly Father's smile, Jesus as our Leader, the "crown of life," and "prize of our high calling." R176:2

Faith deals with the future and the invisible. The future is our hope, our reward. The invisible is our strength for the work of life. R74:5*

Those in the school of Christ can appreciate that the trials which are upon the Lord's people are manifestations of divine favor--the tried ones are under inspection and being chastened, polished, prepared. NS328:5

Paul had spiritual eyesight. Earthly attractions lost their drawing power upon him because of his perception of the things unseen--the heavenly Father, the glorified Lord Jesus, the coming Kingdom. R5951:6

This was the secret of Paul's perseverance. He seemed never to weary. He was always on the alert, in season and out of season, ready to preach the gospel anywhere, everywhere, to all who would listen. R5951:6

God's children have a peace that the world knows not of, that the world can neither give nor take away. When the trials are all over, the Lord will make up for all his children have suffered. R5403:3

The entire Church of this age has been "looking unto Jesus." (Heb. 2:9) "We see Jesus." (Heb. 12:2) T85

With the eyes of their understanding, the "watchers" discern the second presence of the Lord in its due time, by the light of the divine Word. T85

The invisibility of the new being to mortals is implied in verses 14-18. R237:1*

Are temporal -- Natural. R279:6

Some have experienced the tender care of their Counsellor and Guide, then lost that first love, becoming deaf to the precious promises, and are now striving merely for the things which perish. R4784:5

Are eternal -- Whoever is without the knowledge of the Kingdom and without spiritual sight and hearing will necessarily be weak, and will lack the evidence of being a new creature in Christ Jesus. R5952:4

2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we -- The Apostle is writing to the new creation, not the natural man. F673

Our earthly house -- The present mortal bodies of the saints, their houses of pilgrimage. (Psa. 119:54) R2231:2

The human body has become a temporary dwelling place for the new mind, the begotten new creature. R701:3*

Now we are as new beings in an "earthly house" and so our bodies are said to be the "temple of the holy Spirit." (1 Cor. 6:19) R237:2*

The nominal church is being dissolved. No matter. The Corinthians and the Galatians feared lest they should not be connected with the earthly house, but it was only a type of something better. R180:2,4*

For the world the body is part of themselves and not a house. R701:3*

Of this tabernacle -- A tabernacle is a temporary structure. CR457:4

A tent, which is better than none, though quite unsatisfactory. F673

Were dissolved -- Sacrificed, dead with Christ. E196

The human is to die--the earthly form must be laid off. (2 Pet. 1:14) R344:5, 340:6*

Even before the Lord's presence, it was the privilege of the saints to know that after their earthly house should be dissolved--in God's due time--they should be clothed upon with the heavenly house. R702:4*

A building of God -- A new, glorious, spiritual body, in every way fitted for the indwelling of the new mind and its Spirit of holiness. E196; F663; R371:3

A new or spiritual body prepared for them, adapted to the desires of the new mind. R701:3*

"Ye (both individually and collectively) are God's building"; the habitation of God through the spirit, ye are the temple of God; though now it is but a tabernacle in the flesh. (1 Cor. 3:9, 16; Eph. 2:22) R1982:2

Those who are begotten will constitute the house of God, not the house of Moses nor the house of David (after the flesh) nor any other house but the house of God eternal. R179:6* If we keep our hearts loyal, we shall enter in due time. Then our Lord will present us before the Father. R5907:4

New creatures in Christ may be spoken of as separate and distinct from their mortal bodies. R5686:4

Not made with hands -- Not produced by human powers. F673; R2231:3

Eternal in the heavens -- The new life hid with Christ will not die. R344:5

The hope of the Church is the completion of our change of nature from human to spiritual, remembering that the full fellowship of the Lord cannot be obtained before that change. R701:6

2 Corinthians 5:2

In this we groan -- "We ourselves groan within ourselves." (Rom. 8:23) F673 Oppressed by the evil influence of the world and the devil, and by the weaknesses of our flesh. F673; R2231:3, 2226:1

Our house which is from heaven -- Our new, perfect and permanent body, our "home." F673

Spiritual bodies. R2194:6

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth." (Rev. 14:13) R344:5

2 Corinthians 5:3

Not be found naked -- Unclothed, without a body, asleep, waiting for the resurrection morning. F673

2 Corinthians 5:4

For we -- New creatures. R2226:1

The newly begotten spirit beings, the Church. R2194:6

In this tabernacle -- Earthly body. R2194:6

Present earthly conditions unfavorable to the new creature. R2226:1

Do groan, being burdened -- Oppressed by the evil influence of the world and the devil, and by the weaknesses of the flesh. F673; R2231:3, 2226:1

The new mind must constantly fight a battle against the flesh because the race toward the mark and the attainment of that mark must be made by the new mind while it is still in this "earthen vessel." R2754:2

Our fleshly imperfections and weaknesses burden us, and the weaknesses and frailties of our friends and neighbors have their influence upon us--we are in such close and constant contact with them. NS380:3

The burdens of God's people are lightened as their hearts are cheered through faith in the divine character and promises, and the burden decreases as we become acquainted with our Father and with our Lord. NS223:3

We, by virtue of our covenant with the Lord, have much advantage every way over the majority of mankind in that to us belong the covenants and the promises, and with them the hopes and the joys of the Lord. NS496:6

Unclothed -- The unclothed or death condition is not desirable though the majority of the Church had to remain in that condition for many years. The crown was not to be received until the day of Christ's appearing. R702:1*

That we should lose our imperfect human bodies in death, and be obliged to wait until Christ's second coming. R2194:6

What we prefer is not to have the little spark of present life extinguished, but to have it absorbed into the perfect conditions of the life to which we are begotten. F674; R2231:4

2 Corinthians 5:5

The selfsame thing -- The perfect condition we are to obtain in the resurrection. F674; R2231:4

The earnest -- The holy Spirit granted us in the present time is a pre-payment. F674; R2231:4

We are begotten of God for the very purpose of being developed and born in to the spiritual likeness, leading us to sacrifice the earthly that we may be made like unto Christ's glorious body. R702:1*

In the fullest sense, God will not recognize us as sons until our Lord shall present us actually perfect before the Father in the end of the Gospel age. R916:4

2 Corinthians 5:6

At home in the body -- So long as we feel entirely contented with present conditions--ourselves and our surroundings. F674; R2231:4

But would feel like pilgrims and strangers, seeking a better rest, a better home. F674

Absent from the Lord -- Not living near to him, not "walking with God" as we should. F674

2 Corinthians 5:7

We walk by faith -- The Lord has made faith a condition for all his blessings of the present age. R4347:3, 4744:6

Whoever cannot exercise faith cannot have the blessings now proffered to the believer, but must wait for the next dispensation, in which sight will be granted and works will be required. HG453:5; NS617:5

In this time, his power is not manifested, so all his followers are required to walk by faith. NS579:1

The Lord desires we should learn to trust him where we cannot trace him; hence he leaves many things partially obscure. F142; R3004:2

In some of life's events we can see the Lord's protecting and guiding care most markedly (as with Peter's release), while in others it would seem absolutely lacking (as with James). R3004:2

We develop in faith by continuing in the spirit of obedience, following on wherever the Lord points the way. R5717:6

The true watchers are to expect reasonable, satisfactory evidence for faith, and not ocular demonstrations. R2975:6, 5634:2

Faith implies an expectation of divine guidance in the understanding of the Scriptures, even as God has promised, and, expecting this, God's people may seek for this understanding in prayer. R4885:1

We are to walk in newness of life, not after the flesh, but after the spirit; not as others walk in the vanity of their mind, but circumspectly and not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time. R1753:5

To these alone comes a measure of appreciation of the divine glories and blessings. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he will make them to understand his covenant." (Psa. 25:14) NS462:2

We must have a heart condition of faith in God, as the great Teacher who knows our limitations and who has promised to guide the willing and obedient into all truth as it becomes "meat in due season." R4884:6

It would now be inappropriate to expect angels to appear, to manifest themselves outwardly. R5635:1, 5606:1

We merely have God's Word as respects his justice and love and gracious plans. OV129:5

Not by sight -- There is no warrant for seeking or expecting communications from the angels--no unusual manifestations or sights or sounds. R2179:3

The Gospel church is different from the Jewish church (which was privileged to walk considerably by sight) and the Millennial church (when the light of knowledge will flood the world). NS659:6

In the next age, the world will have the actuality instead of the promise--the world will walk by sight. OV129:5

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath in reservation." (1 Cor. 2:9) OV119:1

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident -- Full of faith toward God, we rejoice to walk by faith. F674; R2231:5

Rather to be absent -- Homeless, pilgrims, and strangers on the earth. F674; R2231:5

From the body -- The Methodist body, the Baptist body or the Presbyterian body, who may yet form the "household of God," but we are hid with Christ in God. R180:5*

With the Lord -- In the spirit of our fellowship. F674

2 Corinthians 5:9

Whether present -- In the present when we are away from home, pilgrims, and strangers. F674

Or absent -- By and by when we reach our home. F674; R2231:5

Be accepted of him -- Have his favor and blessing, with the assurance of ultimate acceptance. F674

God's Church is not yet organized. Unorganized, called out ones are seeking to make their calling and election sure that they may obtain a share in the Kingdom, counted worthy of the honors promised. R1574:1

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must -- We, the Church. This text does not refer to "all nations" who will be judged by the Son of Man and the Church. F418

All through this pilgrimage we are standing at the bar of our Lord's judgment: he is testing us, proving us. F675; R2231:5; Q382:7

All -- The consecrated Church of the Gospel age. R2231:2

Appear -- In the end of this age, the first work of the King at his second advent, before he begins to deal with the world. F419

The judgment seat -- Every one is to receive stripes or favor "according to that he hath done." R570:1

In one sense of the word we are all standing before the judgment seat of Christ now. We are on trial. Jesus, as the Father's representative, is trying the Church. Q382:7

All the way down, the Lord has been judging his people. Q383:T We are in the school of Christ; he is our teacher and instructor and discipliner. When we need to receive corrections, the Lord Jesus attends to that matter. Q383:T That every one may receive -- The Church's judgment is pictured by our Lord in Matt. 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-26. F419

According to that he hath done -- The rewards will not all be alike as respects glory and honor, though all will be glorious and honorable. F419

Faithfulness, love, zeal will be the tests. F419

2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord -- Our Creator has declared that "the wages of sin is death" (not eternal torment); "all the wicked will God destroy" (not preserve in fire). (Rom. 6:23; Psa. 145:20) NS836:3

Only such as come into vital relationship with the Redeemer can have everlasting life. NS836:3

We persuade men -- The Lord never compels the acceptance of his favors, but he does constrain by his love and grace and promises. R1958:4

In your consciences -- If conscience were a sufficient guide you would have no need of the Scriptures. R4803:6

2 Corinthians 5:12

For we commend not -- False brethren had charged that Paul was given to self-commendation. (2 Cor. 3:1; 10:8) R4517:6

2 Corinthians 5:13

Beside ourselves -- They say we are of unsound mind because we care for the better things, the heavenly things. R5094:6

Some thought Paul's mind unbalanced because he endured so much for the sake of preaching Christ; but he assures us that from his point of view he did none too much, that he would do more if he were able. R588:2

2 Corinthians 5:14

The love of Christ -- The love of Christ is the love of the Father. It was manifested by our Redeemer. R5597:4; CR487:3 The moving power must be love--love for God, love for the brethren, and at least sympathetic love for the whole world of mankind, even including our enemies. R3797:2

Not that we first loved God, but that he first loved us. This is the "should" love, duty love--the first, the simplest development of our love toward God, our starting point in the race toward perfect love. R2754:4

Love is the lever which will move men's hearts--not fear. R311:5, 2599:1; SM135:4

We are called during this time when Satan is the world's prince and sin abounds, in order that we make the demonstration of our love by sacrifice. NS362:6

The permanent conversion which produces the saintly characters is the appeal of love. OV138:2; R4774:6

This love can effect changes in conduct, language and thought, which can be accomplished by nothing else. OV138:2; R4774:6

Constraineth us -- Draweth, impelleth. R2723:1

The word constrain has the double thought of drawing together, holding together. R4836:3; F242

Paul would say, I am so closely drawn to Christ that I have the same sympathetic love for others that he had. As he had laid down his life for the brethren, so would I. R4836:3, 2204:1

All members of the new creation are bound each to the other by the cords of love. F242

Draws out our love in return. R2754:4

Those of a "broken and contrite heart" are charmed with the message of forgiveness of sins. If they continue to hunger and thirst after the Lord and his message, he will satisfy them and receive them back. R5596:3

Since Christ is the "express image of the Father's glorious person," (Heb. 1:3) God also constrains us--draws us to himself by his love. His "loving-kindness is better than life." (Psa. 63:3) CR487:3

The knowledge of the mercy and love of God should draw our hearts to him and incline us to love him in return, and to seek to do those things which would please him. HG451:3

The drawing power of Christ has been exerted upon a class in whom the love of Christ as manifested in his being lifted up, awakens a sense of gratitude that draws them to follow in his footprints at any cost. R1055:1

There can be no better test of love than devotion, and no better test of devotion than obedience. R2456:4

The Lord never compels the acceptance of his favors, but he does constrain by his love and grace and promises those who love righteousness and truth. R1958:5

Drew us to the Lord in consecration. R4352:1, 5597:4, 1055:2, 1054:6

The assistance which should be rendered to those who have accepted Christ as their Redeemer is to teach them of consecration and sanctification so that their hearts may be constrained to obey. NS170:5

Simplicity and godly sincerity find delight in the beauty of holiness, but who can walk so contrary to the course of this present world? It is only as we become filled with the Spirit of God. R2123:4*

The class God is now seeking needs no stripes or punishments to constrain their obedience. They are constrained by love. R3305:2

The love of Christ has not lost its power to draw some and to hold them in loyalty and fidelity even against all the subtle and deceptive influences of this "evil day," and these perilous times. R1055:2

The power which constrains the saints into harmony and union with Christ, and through him with our Heavenly Father, is the truth. Hence the more clearly we discern the truth, the more it can influence us. R1055:3

The drawing is one thing and the coming another. It is God's prerogative to invite, and man's privilege to come. The truth is our anchor, but we can sunder it according to our free will. R1056:3

The Word of God is the treasure-house of our Father, wherein is "given exceeding great and precious promises." (2 Pet. 1:4) In it is revealed "the love of Christ." By it our Master prayed that we should be sanctified. R200:5

Many members of the sects are not constrained by the love of Christ but by the fear of hell. R2599:1

If one died for all -- "He, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man," (Heb. 2:9) the just for the unjust, to bring us to God (1 Pet. 3:18); to open up for us a way of return or reconciliation to harmony with the Father. E446

Jesus is not merely the Savior of the Church, but he is also the Savior of the world. R5596:3

Jesus, in the laying down of his life, was giving himself "a ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:6) Q760:4

While the work of redemption was done by our Lord Jesus, it was all planned by the Father. R1269:5, 1778:3

Christ died for us whether we believe it or not. Whatever facts or changes were produced by the death of Christ are not dependent on our believing. R77:3*

As the "wise of this world" are denying the value of the precious blood, those whose eyes have been opened must emphasize the value of the cross as the basis of reconciliation between God and man. R3560:6

If the death of Christ secures spiritual life for some (as some teach, but which we do not believe), it would follow that it would secure it for all. R77:3*

Then were all dead -- Legally. R1697:5

Under just sentence of death. R3560:6

From God's standpoint all the world has already lost life, is dying, and might now be more properly described as dead than alive. A289; R1231:3, 1077:1

Yea, worse than dead in trespasses and sins and condemnation. R2723:1

Under divine sentence, the curse. R2754:4, 1231:3

To live means a great deal, in its full import. Adam and Eve lived, i.e., had life in perfect measure, before sin entered. When death entered, and the dying commenced, it was a process of ceasing to live. R1231:3

It is a fundamental teaching of Christ and his apostles (true Christianity) that man fell into sin and under its penalty--death. R3106:6

The law of God demanded as a penalty the life of the transgressor, and Adam through disobedience having incurred this, all his posterity are heirs of death--life being forfeited. R676:6*

Either actually dead and buried, or else under sure sentence of death. R588:2; Q760:4

The condition in which man now is, is Scripturally called death, even before he enters the tomb. R360:3

So counted even before execution. R75:3*

2 Corinthians 5:15

He died for all -- "He, by the grace of God tasted death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) E446

"For all" means the whole race was dead, none had a right to life. R5597:4

The love of God was manifested in giving his Son, not to redeem a few, as Calvinism would have us believe, but to redeem a world; while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. R556:1

They which live -- Justified to life through faith in Jesus' redemption. R2754:1

Justified to life through faith in his blood. R2723:1

Justified and begotten to newness of life. R2456:4

Now reckoned alive in Christ. R2076:4

Through Christ's promise and work. R1697:5

Should not henceforth live unto themselves -- If any man will be my disciple let him renounce his own self-will; begin to live contrary to his own preferences, in that he will do according to the divine will, instead of according to his own will. R5596:6

The proper heart responds to God's grace by desiring to do his will; then the power of God operates in such, leading to works of obedience, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. R3305:3

It is not that the Lord looks with displeasure upon a life which seeks to avoid sin and which recognizes the merit of Christ, but it is a "reasonable service" to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God. R1672:2

Those who were thus redeemed should not live for their own pleasure, but consecrate themselves to his service. R1576:6

But unto him -- Let us be more and more zealous in expending our little all in the service of him who loved us and who bought us with his own precious blood. R2671:6

The Lord and the apostles urge all true followers of Christ to present their bodies living sacrifices, to lay down their lives for the brethren, that they may thus attest their devotion to the Lord. R2659:1

It is not enough that we call ourselves by his name and say we are his servants, but his servants we are to whom we render service. R588:5

Not to give a tithe to the Lord, but to give all that we are and have--all that we can in as direct a way as we can, and the remainder is to be given him in a more indirect way. HG583:2

Christ having died for us, we should live the remainder of our lives in his service. R1672:2, 5597:4, 588:2

If the Master has placed you in such position that you cannot render great service, do not neglect what he has given you, to do that which he has not given you to do--faithful in least, faithful in greater. R588:5

In thankfulness. R2076:4

For the most profitable meetings, it is important to resolve to come together as God's children, henceforth to live unto him who died for you. R1866:6

2 Corinthians 5:16

Know we no man -- Not even "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself." (1

Tim. 2:5, 6) B107

No man in Christ after the flesh. D476; R1861:5, 216:2

Those who have received the new mind--the spirit of a sound mind. R1414:2

After the flesh -- We are to know each other according to the spirit, the intentions, the heart. R2446:2

As new creatures. R2581:2, 216:5

God knows us according to the spirit, the will, the heart, the intent. R4494:6, 216:5; E110

"Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Christ dwell in you." (Rom. 8:9) R3832:1

Toward the end of the third quarter mark, our love for the brethren grows deep and strong and we learn to sympathize with them as new creatures in their battlings with the weaknesses of their flesh. NS417:4

Yet now henceforth -- "Now the Lord is that Spirit." (2 Cor. 3:17) E298; R3075:2, 2981:2, 1287:4; NS176:5, 32:6

We shall see him as he is when made like him. R629:6, 262:6; NS33:1

To "sit on David's throne" does not mean that Jesus will be a fleshly being--a glorified man; for he shall become ruler of Israel and all nations and families of earth unseen, through his agents. R453:2

When the work in the Most Holy is done, he comes into the Holy place, but not in the flesh. R102:6*

Know we him -- Know we him so. E298; R5917:5, 2556:4, 340:3

Not as the man Jesus, but as the glorified Lord. R5597:4, 1336:6*

Our knowledge of him as the risen and glorified Lord and Saviour thoroughly outshines all of our interest in his earthly life. R2556:4

We now know him as the King of glory. R1693:1, 5917:5

As a spiritual being--the express image of the Father's person. (Heb. 1:3) R546:3, 507:4

No more -- Our Lord is no longer a human being; as a human being he gave himself a ransom for men, having become a man for that very purpose. He was raised from the dead a life-giving spirit being, and not a man. B107; R1806:2

"The man Christ Jesus" suffered for us death, "everlasting destruction." The flesh, the human nature, was given as our ransom price. E466

The life given in ransom was human life--flesh and blood life--never taken back. If he took back the price of redemption, there is no hope for us. R690:3*, 1806:2

Christ will not again appear in the flesh. R578:2, 5917:5, 1336:6*, 262:6, 18:6

His humanity was all dropped. R507:4

"My flesh I give for the life of the world" (John 6:51)--not only for three days but forever. R4123:6

"He was put to death in the flesh but quickened in the spirit." (1 Pet. 3:18) He was raised by the Father's power from the grave the Lord of glory. R4123:6, 3075:2, 2981:2, 1278:4, 507:4; NS176:5, 32:5

"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor. 15:50) R3075:2, 507:4

"Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more." (John 14:19) R1904:1

His human body was the body of his humiliation, which was sacrificed, given as the price of our redemption. He no longer lives life in the flesh, but is now highly exalted and lives as our divine High Priest. R1806:2

Jesus was tempted along the same lines as his followers of this Gospel age--who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit;--who are judged according to the spirit of their minds--their new wills. E110

2 Corinthians 5:17

If any man be in Christ -- Diaglott translation--"any one," rather than "any man." R5325:2

The sisters in the Church equally "present their bodies living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God," (Rom. 12:1) and perform an important "work of service" in the Church as members of the "Royal Priesthood." T103

One who has made a full consecration of himself and has been begotten by the holy Spirit. R5148:3, 5923:6, 5899:1, 5597:1, 5439:1, 5431:4

A very small proportion of the religious church membership. OV379:1

All who are have "passed from death unto life." (John 5:24) Only a very limited number have so done. SM341:3; R5923:6, 1841:1

Only since Pentecost have any been begotten as "new creatures in Christ." R5613:2

Not membership in any earthly organization, but union with the Lord as a member of his mystical Body. F78; R5227:3

The Scriptures frequently speak of the Church as being "in Christ," as here and in Rom. 12:5. R5227:3

Although the Greek word en sometimes means "through," "by," "with" or "under," it is here correctly translated "in." R826:3

To be accepted in Christ, obedience is a prime requisite, then consecration to sacrifice. R5431:4

Before we were in Christ, "We were enemies," (Rom. 5:10) because "The whole world lieth in the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) "Ye are children of wrath even as others." (Eph. 2:3) "All are sinners." (Rom. 5:2) R3458:1

Conversion, belief and reformation of life does not necessarily make a Christian in the Biblical sense. Righteous living should commend itself to all intelligent minds as advantageous and beneficial. HG667:3

He is -- Includes not only our Lord and the Church, but also the "Great Company." R5022:3

This is an individual matter. R5022:3; Q506:6

A new creature -- It is such a complete revolution that those who voluntarily surrender their will and all they possess to God are called new creatures in Christ Jesus. SM274:1

The Church of the Gospel age is frequently spoken of in the Scriptures as a new creation--its ultimate members, the overcomers, being specifically mentioned as "new creatures" in Christ Jesus. F59

Those who have become God's people by making a full consecration of themselves and then being begotten of the holy Spirit as new creatures in Christ. All such are recipients of special divine care. R5583:6

Having been begotten by the holy Spirit to a new life. R5312:6, 5325:2, 5208:2; OV143:3

The special good news (gospel) is that God is calling some to become the Bride--to become "new creatures," and as such to be "heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord." This is "our high calling." R217:3

The Church is wholly distinct and separate from the remainder of mankind: the Scriptures speak literally when they declare the Church to be a "new creation" and its members "new creatures." NS591:2, 336:6

Spirit beings like unto our Lord, not flesh beings like Adam. (1 Cor. 15:45-49) HG235:5

From God's standpoint, the consecrated, the quickened, the begotten, the anointed, the risen with Christ seated in the Holy are new creatures, begotten again by the holy Spirit. NS337:1

Diaglott translation: "creation" rather than "creature." R5325:2

We no longer belong to the family of Adam. R5923:6, 5221:1

We are now spirit beings in human bodies. R5325:3

The Church, God's new creation, is heavenly, not earthly. PD8/15; R4553:3; HG333:6; SM430:2

Begotten, not yet born of the Spirit. A226; R3707:5

The Apostle speaks of these "dearly beloved" ones as "sons and daughters" of the Lord, children of the Almighty--hence begotten again of the holy Spirit. SM391:1

This new creature is in an embryotic state or condition while in the flesh, and will be born of the spirit in the resurrection. Q808:4

"We become partakers of the divine nature." (2 Pet. 1:4) R1881:4, 217:3

The new creature expects to attain the divine nature--glory, honor, and immortality--while the old creature desires earthly things and comforts. Thus there is a conflict. It is a fight to the finish. R5439:4, 5312:6, 216:2

A spirit-begotten child of God possessing eternal life by faith, but the new creature is not yet completed. R5325:6, 5326:1; SM391:1

The new creature has the old body, but a new will--the will of Christ. R4842:1, 216:2

Newly "created in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:10) reckonedly; and in due time, if he "abide in him," he will be a new creature actually. R1438:1; A227; Q505:2

This new nature is the basis of our recognition as Christians, and of our fellowship. The reason we are so counted is because we are in Christ, and he is no longer known after the flesh. R237:2*

These who walk in the narrow way--begotten again, not of the will of the flesh, not of man, but begotten of truth. (John 1:13; James 1:18) NS19:3

The divine nature is the highest of all, yet each nature will be so thoroughly in accord with its own conditions and environments and perfection that each will have satisfaction in his own state. F63

The new creation is entirely separate and distinct from the angelic orders and from man. Each order will be perfect in itself. F62

The best epistle--even more valuable than the Bible, as respects reaching the hearts of men--is the life of a true Christian, a new creature in Christ Jesus. R5967:6

May be spoken of as separate and distinct from their mortal bodies. R5686:4; NS517:1

There is nothing said about being reckonedly new creatures. The change is actual, bona-fide. R5325:2, 4932:3; Q509:2, 61:2

The new creature is real, so real that it can die the second death. If it were only a reckoned matter, it would not be so serious. Q509:2

The robe of justification is given to the new creature to cover the blemishes of its imperfect body. R4761:5, 216:5; Q604:6

Their King, in calling them to be this "holy nation," started them as a new race. Their Master opened the way for a completion of his purpose. They were begotten again, "new creatures." (Gal. 6:15) R2129:1

God is dealing with our spirits, our minds. Through the transforming influence of his Word, he is giving us a new mind; it is this new mind which he receives into his family. SM350:1

Old things are passed away -- The old love of sin, the old disposition to do evil, the old worldly and selfish ambitions, strifes, etc. R1438:1,4; CR411:2

Jesus is the Captain of all those who voluntarily enlist as soldiers of the cross to battle against sin, especially in themselves--fighting a "good fight of faith" and overcoming the spirit of the world. SM180:1

The elements of darkness that reign in our mortal bodies are to be discouraged and to be expelled therefrom. R5099:6

Sins that are past are all cleansed. SM430:2; R5325:2, 4553:3

Old sins and hopes. E488

Human hopes, will, and ambitions. A227

Dead to worldly aims and objects. SM391:1

The embryo "new creature" continues to grow and develop, as the old human nature, with its hopes, aims, desires, etc., is crucified. A197; E488; R5597:1, 5072:6; CR353:2

All earthly rights have been abrogated. R5325:5

Earthly things, prides, vanities, and follies, shall have passed from the will even though they may harass us because in a measure attractive to our flesh. F78

The thorns that choke the wheat are not wicked practices, but "cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches" (Matt. 13:22, Mark 4:19)--the ordinary duties of life, proper to a limited degree. NS607:6

We have put off the old man, the natural, fallen man, with his privileges as the successor of Adam, in the same sense that we put off the old will. R5221:1

These old things pass away, not instantly, but gradually. R5742:5, 216:2

In Romans 8, the Apostle shows that a way of escape from the condemnation of the Law Covenant was provided for those Jews who come into Christ. R4869:3

New creatures are not under the Law Covenant, but under the arrangement of grace, or God's favor. R5072:6

These "peculiar people" enter into covenant relationship with God by which they surrender all their rights and privileges as men. SM274:1

From the time the new creature is reckoned as coming into existence, the old creature, from the divine viewpoint, is non-existent. R4842:1

None of the human remains; at the time we were made members of the Body of Christ, we had become dead as human beings, by the surrender of our wills. R5881:6; Q570:1

All distinctions of sex and color and condition are ignored, dropped from divine notice. (Gal. 3:28; 1 Cor. 12:13) T103

When grievous weapons of destruction and poisonous tongues do injury to the old creature--which we have already consecrated to death--they help us as new creatures, killing the flesh. R3051:1

All things are become new -- New relationship with God. R5947:4, 5325:2

New hopes, aims, ambitions, prospects, standards. R5899:1, 5597:1, 5148:3; CR469:5; OV379:1; SM510:T, 342:T New will, new mind, with heavenly hopes and aspirations. R5439:2, 5461:6, 216:2; SM350:1, 430:2, 274:1; OV356:1

New heart, new desires. R3735:4; OV379:2

They have new ideals, heavenly ambitions, new standards, new representatives of these. SM274:1

New affections. "Transformed by the renewing of their minds." (Rom. 12:2) OV379:2; SM342:T We have received a new mind in Christ. We have stepped into membership in the Body of Christ. R5221:1

To accomplish so radical a change requires a powerful influence--the holy Spirit. R5148:6

At first we are babes. Beginning with strong determination, we must grow in grace--grow in the Lord and the power of his might--grow up unto him in all things, becoming stronger and stronger. R5312:6

It regulates them as respects what they eat, what they drink, where they go, what they do, what they read, what companionship they cultivate, even their very thoughts. R5796:5

When the Jew became dead to the Law, he came into this one hope which could be attained only through sacrifice. His new creature was bound to do what is right; his old creature was reckoned dead. R5072:6

If we are in Christ we are keeping God's law in a way that is impossible to others, even though we have only the body of flesh in which to operate. R4869:3

The "wedding garment" is given to the new creature, to cover the blemishes of its imperfect body. R4842:1

At the moment of God's acceptance of our sacrifice, and of the begetting of the holy Spirit, the new creature is reckoned as coming into existence and as wearing the wedding garment. R4842:1

The new creature only is recognized of God, and invited to the wedding, and granted the wedding garment--the robe of Christ's righteousness--not for itself, but as a covering for its flesh. R4761:5

With this class, all of the Lord's dealings are intended to develop character. R4817:6

Such are already back into harmony or covenant relationship with God. R4542:3

Where the conversion from sin to righteousness is thorough. R3735:4

We, similar to the man with the unclean spirit (Mark 5:2), receive the new mind of Christ; we stand at Jesus' feet, clothed and in our right mind. R3773:2

Jesus ascended up on high and presented the merit of his sacrifice on our behalf. God granted the holy Spirit to the waiting disciples. That holy Spirit came to them as a begetting to the new nature. Q509:2

We are begotten again by the holy Spirit to newness of life, newness of purpose. To us he gives various talents. SM510:T We now have the precious promises of God and the prospect of a spiritual existence in the future instead of a human existence. SM342:T They will have higher riches and greater privileges as spirit beings, fully entered upon at their resurrection change but reckonedly entered into from the time of their covenant. SM274:1

Let each make an inquiry of himself: Am I living to the extent of my ability even in the present life in accord with the new mind, the new nature? Am I thus developing it at the expense of my old nature? NS102:1

If you have made the proper consecration and God has begotten you of the holy Spirit, you are a son of God. Q665:1

Now counted as members of his glorious Church. SM430:2

He has "passed from death unto life," (1 John 3:14) and has found the peace which the world can neither give nor take away. R1841:1

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things -- All these new things. E488; R4542:3

Not all the wickedness and sin of the world. R1778:3, 1269:5

Here the term is absolute and unqualified. All the features of our redemption are of God, planned by the Father himself. R1778:3, 1268:3

Are of God -- Not of the Apostle's making up, nor of Jesus' origination. R5597:5

God himself shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. It was God's plan from the very first--God so loved the world that he sent Jesus; and so, of him and through him and to him are all things. R333:3

Who hath -- Before we were born Christ effected a work. R3707:5

Reconciled -- Back into harmony or covenant relationship with God. R4542:3

None can be reconciled to God without a Redeemer's sacrifice. R5284:3

Us -- True believers. R3707:5

God's real work is the reconciliation of the world, but he begins his work with an elect class, not with the world. NS384:4

So far as the world is concerned this reconciliation is still future. R3707:4

By Jesus Christ -- By the death of his Son. R3707:5

Through Jesus Christ--through the work which Jesus did for us. NS383:5

The ministry -- Service. E488; R4542:4

Not the service of our own reconciliation, but the service of making known that through Christ's death whosoever wills may return to harmony with God. R4542:4,5

The ministry of the New Covenant--the service of bringing Israel in covenant relationship with God anew. R4542:6

Of reconciliation -- Greek: kattalage; the same word rendered "atonement" in Rom. 5:11. E488

Reconciliation to God which is eventually to reach the whole world, but at the present time is intended only for "him that hath an ear to hear." R4542:5; NS386:5

When we all shall have reached that glorious consummation of the Church, then the world's reconciling will be the great work of the Millennial age, carried on in power and great glory. NS386:2

Amongst the Lord's people we find some in a measure of reconciliation, others in a state of partial reconciliation; our message is to all: accept his Word, conform your heart and life to his arrangement. NS386:6

In proportion as we attain this reconciliation to God we are attaining a harmony with righteousness and truth and are learning that we are not our own but his, bought with his blood. Be fully reconciled. NS386:6

The ministry of reconciliation, committed to the Church, will not be finished until the close of the Millennium. R2855:6

2 Corinthians 5:19

To wit -- Namely. E488

God was in Christ -- This Christ is composed of many members. (1 Cor. 12:12) R4841:3

In or by or through Christ. R827:2

Paying the ransom exacted by his own justice. R333:3

Whose love? The Father's and the Son's, primarily the Father's, who hates sin but loves man. He hates sin because he loves man, and sin destroys man's happiness and if persisted in will destroy man himself. R9:5*

The salvation here taught does not depend upon acceptance of Christ. R108:5*

Reconciling -- At-one-ing. E488

The Church to be saved by a change of nature, the world by a resurrection to the perfection of human nature. R5596:3

In a Bible reading list entitled "Seven Stages," this text is included under "Deliverance" with Isa. 63:5, Luke 2:10,11, Gal. 3:13, 1 John 1:7, Rom. 5:18 and John 1:9. R465:4

A work begun, but not yet concluded. R2855:6

We must stand aloof from the practical anarchy, knowing that if all men loved God supremely and "their neighbors as themselves," they would "walk humbly before God"; all would become reconciled to him. R1190:5*

Christ did die, the Just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; that we are "reconciled to God through the death of his Son." (Rom. 5:10) NS365:2,6

The world -- This Scripture is a comprehensive statement, covering the Lord's favor to believers in this present time, and as well his ultimate favor to all the families of the earth during the times of restitution. NS440:4

Those from the world who now accept the Gospel call. R5918:2, 2855:6

God is not yet reconciled to the world, and the world is not yet reconciled to God. R3707:4, 2855:6

For centuries we have been overlooking scriptures which speak of a reconciliation with the world, and not noting the difference between the Church and the world: "Ye are not of the world." (John 17:16) NS821:6

Unto himself -- First by the reconciling of his own justice, second by a restoration of those who turn from sin to righteousness. R3707:4

Not imputing -- Not reckoning. NS383:5

Trespasses unto them -- Because their penalty was borne by Christ. E488

But imputing them unto "him who died for us and rose again." E444, 488; SM381:2

But reckoning those trespasses unto his Son Jesus, who died for your sins, the just for the unjust, that he might reconcile us to God. (1 Pet. 3:18) NS383:5

Committed unto us -- The Body of Christ is helped and succored in its day of salvation in order that it may be the instrument of God for the blessing and releasing of those who are in the prison-house of death. HG337:1

God hath committed unto us, the Royal Priesthood. E488

The word -- Message, good tidings. E488

Of reconciliation -- At-one-ment. E488

The message of God's love. R5597:5

Telling of the way of return to God. R5597:5

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then -- Because God has called us and given us as a priesthood this service, and this message to declare. E488

We are ambassadors -- God's representatives amongst men--ministers, or servants. R5597:5

Commissioned to tell the good tidings in the world. R3707:5

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new covenant." (2 Cor. 3:6) R3329:6

Whose commission arrays him, as defender of the faith, in opposition to every other form of doctrine. R1588:2

With all the consecrated, when they come to see the privileges of the present high calling, the service in the "Royal Priesthood" is superior to all else, even if tent-making is still a necessity. R1021:1

The Father is sending out messengers to inform the condemned of his reconciliation. R504:5

One necessity for ambassadorship is that "brethren" still in Babylon are in danger. They do not cry for help, because they do not realize their need. We must not wait our sacrificing until they request it. R2457:1

Whoever is negligent of his opportunities to serve others shows his own lack of appreciation of God's message. R4666:2

The spirit which would permit us to please simply ourselves, to the neglect of others who might be greatly blessed by the same truths which have so refreshed our hearts, would not be the spirit of love. R1672:3

The Apostle and all consecrated believers as members of the Church, the Body of Christ, are God's ambassadors in speaking to the world. NS569:3

From the time that Jesus had died and risen again and ascended up on high and appeared in the presence of God on our behalf, the apostles and all believers were commissioned to be ambassadors for God. NS365:5

The very humblest of the Lord's people should consider the honor, the dignity, the responsibility of being the representatives of the King of glory--the King of the universe. NS465:4

As workers with Christ, we must study him as the model workman in his work among men: The work is sometimes irksome, not to our taste; those we are to gladly help may be uninteresting or repugnant to us. R835:3*

"Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Col. 3:17) R3329:6

"Our citizenship is in heaven." (Phil. 3:20) R3330:2

"Ye are not of this world." (John 17:14) R3330:2

We have transferred our allegiance and citizenship to the heavenly Kingdom. R3330:2

For Christ -- Our official head or High Priest, and the Father's representative. E488

"On behalf of Christ." (Diaglott) Let us make haste to publish the more the sure mercies of our God, through Christ. R1045:6*

We would bear more fruit, save wasted talent and energy, lighten and gladden the labor, if we would permit his power to relieve our heavy and wearisome toil and sanctify the senses in his work. R835:2*

God did beseech you by us -- The word "you" is in italics, indicating it is not in the original. It should be omitted. God is not beseeching the Church through the Church to be reconciled, for all of the Church are reconciled. R5597:6, 4542:4; Q578:6

This epistle was addressed "Unto the church, with all the saints." Paul would not beseech the Church to pray that the saints, the Church, be reconciled to God. They had already become reconciled. NS569:6

God through us is beseeching or urging all who have the hearing ear. R5597:6; NS365:5, 264:6

"As if God were inviting through us." (Diaglott) We must be on the alert to use every opportunity presented to call forth from Babylon the consecrated children. R1045:6*

"As though God were entreating by us." NS383:1

It is a mistake to interpret the divine attitude toward man as being a coaxing, pleading one. NS365:2

As the vine does not bear fruit directly, but by means of the branches, so it is with Christ. "Together with him," even as the branch abiding together in the vine, we are workers with Christ. R835:2*

The part of Christ's work of mediation which related to the settlement of the claims of justice against us, as sinners, was at a full end; the part remaining was the making known of reconciliation to sinners. R788:2

This has been the chief business of God's people all these 1800 years. CR308:4

The omnipotent one now uses "The foolishness of preaching" (1 Cor. 1:21) as his agency for appealing to sinners; but by and by he will send forth his commands, with penalties for disobedience and rewards for obedience. NS364:3

We pray you in Christ's stead -- "We entreat, on behalf of Christ." (Diaglott) We who are consciously receiving "meat in due season" are especially called to proclaim the glad tidings of reconciliation. R1045:6*

Be ye reconciled to God -- At-oned. E488

The whole Gospel message is to this effect. R4978:3; NS383:2

God is now ready and willing to receive all who come to him through Christ. R788:2, 4978:3

This phrase may be applicable to the unconverted, but it was addressed to Christians. He is Lord and Master; we are called upon to admit his claims, and thus be at agreement with God. R99:6*

While our greatest work comes in the next age, let us not forget we should do all in our power in the present age to counteract sin and to restore mankind to harmony with our Father. R87:4

Knowing that only such as come into vital relationship with the Redeemer can have everlasting life, we persuade men everywhere, "Be reconciled." NS836:2

There was no reconciliation to God previous to the ministry of reconciliation, the gospel, when Jesus Christ by the grace of God tasted death for every man. (Heb. 2:9) NS384:2

The one little nation of Israel was favored with special information not granted to the other nations of the world, but even the Jews were not offered a full, complete reconciliation, but merely a typical one. NS365:4

The gospel was preached in advance to Abraham, but it was an indistinct statement--intended for Abraham and his natural seed, so that they would be able to exercise faith in the promise. NS365:5

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath -- God. R4542:3

Jehovah, the Heavenly Father. R1849:2

Made him -- Jesus. R4542:3

To be sin -- "A sin-offering." (Diaglott) R1696:2, 73:2

A sin-offering, not a sinner or sin. R1336:6, 5253:4, 4704:2, 4542:3, 416:6*; E446

A sin-sacrifice or sin-offering. R1287:2

Christ took the sinner's place. R5597:6

He was treated as the sinner, and received the punishment that properly belonged to the sinner. R5356:2, 5253:4, 4371:3, 701:5, 660:4, 441:4, 93:6

"Made a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13)--cut off from life, treated as the sinner, as our substitute. R701:5, 4371:3

Jesus freely gave himself up and submitted to entire destruction of the flesh. R73:2

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so God declared in type that the man Christ Jesus would be lifted up upon the cross as our sin-offering. R1849:2, 1696:2

The bite of a fiery serpent (sin) was cured by a look at the brazen serpent (Christ)--the only hope of the fallen race of mankind. R1696:2

For us -- The household of faith. R4542:6

The guilt of the sinner was borne by the Redeemer, who gave the full corresponding price for our sins, that all seeking righteousness might be accepted as righteous, through the merits of his sacrifice. E444

Jesus was tested to the utmost to prove his worthiness of the greatest exaltation at his Father's hands. Our Lord Jesus gave up all that he had on man's behalf. E444

For him--"God hath reconciled us to himself." (2 Cor. 5:18) R4542:3,4

Who knew no sin -- Either personal or inherited. R660:4

He personally knew no sin--holy, harmless, separate from sinners. (Heb. 7:26) R5597:6, 73:2

Born of a woman he partook of the woman's nature, though retaining all the purity and perfection of the pre-existent (spirit) state. E105; R777:5

Jesus did not need to wait for any sacrifice for sins, for he knew no sin. NS51:3

John did not want to baptize Jesus, knowing he was not a sinner. HG261:6

Jesus kept, fulfilled, all the requirements of the Law, which we know was the measure of a perfect man's ability; he must have been a perfect man if able to do what no imperfect man could do. R776:2

"I have found no cause of death in him." (Luke 23:22) Death, pain and sorrow are the direct result of sin. Death in no sense had any claim upon Jesus. R573:2

Our Head, our Lord, the holy, the pure One, was perfect as a man and gave a perfect sacrifice, without spot or blemish. R964:6, 73:2

His cross consisted not in his living separate from sin, for he had lived separate from sin up to that time. NS622:6

That we -- Those who receive this message. R5597:6

His "members." R4542:6

Zion. The typical Zion is the Jewish nation; the antitypical Zion is the glorified Christ. HG606:3

Might be made -- May have. R5597:6

The righteousness of God -- May have the privilege of coming into the righteous condition acceptable to God. R5597:6 The antitypical Zion is the glorified Christ. "He shall be called, Jehovah our Righteousness." (Jer. 23:6) "She shall be called, Jehovah our Righteousness (or, the Righteousness of Jehovah)." (Jer. 33:16) R4913:3

God's mercy will pass through the Church to natural Israel to whomsoever wills of all the families of the earth. R4542:6

In him -- Only sons of God are covered by the robe of Christ's righteousness imputed to them, because of which they find acceptance with the Father--not all believers, but only those who abide "in him." R1008:2

2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6:1

Workers together with him -- Our vital union with our Lord as members of his Body is shown by the prophet Isaiah, 49th chapter, verses 7-9, which is here interpreted. R5536:5

We are invited to become co-workers with God in carrying out his plan; in so doing, we are counted in with Christ Jesus as filling up the measure of the sufferings necessary to its accomplishment. R3161:4

In the accomplishment of the great transforming work to be wrought in us by the renewing of our minds. R4790:1

All the anointed ones, including women, are anointed to preach the gospel. R1083:2*

The grace of God -- Justification. F682, 117; A236; R859:2

The privilege of justification. R2733:1

Tentative justification--giving a standing with God--from which a believer may offer himself in consecration. R5207:6, 5196:2; Fiii Our advice to Christians is that they no longer delay, but hasten to avail themselves of the greatest privilege that could be offered, the grace of the forgiveness of sins, of justification through faith. R2642:3

In vain -- The person who has come to a knowledge of God's grace and has rejected it will be in a worse position than those who have never heard. R5208:1; F118

Those that are justified to friendship with God (see Fiii) and fail to go on to make a full consecration. F682, 117; A236; R4629:2, 1669:5; SM762:1; Q396:3, 733:3

God justifies us reckonedly instead of actually, so that those who choose might draw back after being justified by faith, receiving the grace of God in vain, their reckoned justification becoming void. R1669:5

Those who neglect to use their reckoned perfection, by presenting themselves as acceptable sacrifices to God, have received the favor of justification in vain, and are not much better off than the world. R859:2

Receiving probationary adoption into the Lord's family in vain is a way we can take the name of the Lord our God in vain. (Exod. 20:7) R4014:6

As justification is accounted unto us only for the purpose of permitting us to go on to sanctification, such results or works must be forthcoming, or it will prove that we have received it in vain. R2847:4

Some are glad for what they see, but not anxious to see any more, as, intuitively, they realize that further knowledge would bring greater responsibilities, which they desire to avoid. R2733:1

To the extent that anyone's eyes see and his ears hear of the grace of God, he has responsibility. To possess the knowledge of God and to disdain it is to receive the grace of God in vain. NS741:6

If we receive God's grace and truth in vain, we may be sure it will be but a little while until it will slip from us and be replaced by misconceptions. R4782:6

Those whom God has called should seek enlargement in his grace, that as well-springs they may be filled to overflowing with that grace which came by Jesus, not vainly choked with worldly rubbish. R2508:6

Having just explained how God's grace provided reconciliation, the Apostle now exhorts such as have already recognized God's gracious character and the gift of his grace toward mankind. R2285:5

This text is one of many warnings that deny the view that whoever becomes a child of God can never become a "castaway" from divine favor. R1699:6

The gospel is to some a savor of life unto life, and to others of death unto death. Some have a form of godliness until fear is removed, when they manifest their preference for sin. R1633:6

The refining process means much to these who have been enlightened more than others, for their present testing is for either life or death, and to prove if they have received God's gift in vain. NS447:3

Any who are drawn or called of God and who do not accept him. Q288:3; R5207:6

Those who are consecrated and begotten of the holy Spirit and who go into second death or who do not run as they should and fail to get the great blessing to which they were called. Q288:2,3

2 Corinthians 6:2

I have heard thee -- The class addressed is seen to be consecrated believers of the Gospel age, the anointed, The Christ, Head and Body, which is to accomplish the great work of restitution in the next age. R858:3

Accepted -- Greek: dektos; acceptable or receivable. A213

Behold, now -- During the Gospel age. T61, 118; R5126:3, 859:1

The privilege of sacrifice is unique to this age. R4646:3

Could not begin until our Lord Jesus had made his sacrifice and opened up "the new and living way." (Heb. 10:20) R4653:4

The accepted time did not commence until the Gospel age began with Jesus' sacrifice, dating from his consecration at baptism. R858:6

Now is the time that God will accept us. (Rom. 12:1) It will not always be an acceptable time, for it will cease when the Bride class has been gathered, and there will be no more sacrifice. CR55:4

Is the accepted time -- The time in which sacrificers, coming in the merit of Jesus and becoming dead with him, are acceptable to God. A213; R4535:3, 4493:1

The time for sacrifice as represented by the Lord's goat. T61

"To offer up sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ," (1 Pet. 2:5) the time in which God will accept you as "members" of the Body of The Christ. R4535:3

"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." (Eph. 1:6) Some, from Enoch to John, had the sacrificing spirit and did lay down their lives for the Lord, but our Lord's great sacrifice was necessary first. R4535:3

"Present your bodies living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God." (Rom. 12:1) Now is the opportunity for believers who have the sacrificing spirit to be accepted to God. R4535:3

When we, like our Lord, may sacrifice earthly rights and restitution privileges and thereby attain the spiritual blessing of our "high calling." (Phil. 3:14) R4542:2

Now is the time when God is willing to accept our sacrifices, however poor or lean, contemptible or mean, if they are all that we have and are presented with faith in the name and the merit of Jesus. NS610:5

Isa. 49:8-10--The time in which God will accept the sacrifices of the Royal Priesthood; this day of acceptance of these sacrifices will end; the great privilege, the glorious reward, will then be passed forever. NS215:3

The time for the finding, testing, and glorifying of the antitypical Mediator. R4528:5

The opportunity, and the only one, to attain unto the divine nature--immortality. R527:3*

"The acceptable year of the Lord." (Isa. 61:2; Luke 4:19) R4535:3

Is the day -- Not a 24-hour day, but a definite or special period of time. A138

"Today" (Heb. 4:7), the age of sacrifice. R5134:2, 4528:4

A prophecy applicable to the entire membership of Christ, of whom our Lord Jesus is the Head: "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Psa. 44:22) R5173:5

The Gospel age, the antitypical Day of Atonement. R5173:5, 4542:2, 4528:4

The entire Gospel age. Q758:2; R268:1, 34:3

This day of salvation is already over 1800 years long; as with the great days of creation, they are long periods of time. HG583:4

Of salvation -- The great salvation to the divine nature. R4542:2, 859:1; F94

This Gospel age is the day of salvation, a special salvation such as will never again be offered to mankind, to joint-heirship with the Lord Jesus as his Bride, not referring to the world in general. NS500:1

2 Corinthians 6:3

Giving no offence -- Against the principles of truth and righteousness. R859:4

That the ministry -- All who serve the Lord are ministers. R5774:4

Be not blamed -- We should adapt ourselves to customs of others, without violating our consciences, to avoid offense and increase our influence for good. R5774:5

2 Corinthians 6:4

In all things -- Ours is not a life of easy lethargy, nor one that secures the approval of the worldly minded, nor which secures present temporal advantage, nor agreeable to the flesh; yet the "new creature" rejoices. R859:5

Approving ourselves -- The Apostle declares that the endurance of these crosses is a mark of his faithfulness as a servant of the Lord. R2616:4

Although the signs of an Apostle were wrought among the brethren in mighty deeds, the ministration of the Spirit was mainly an object of hope, presently overshadowed by many afflictions. R1323:5*

At most we have but a few years to live--a few years only to sacrifice. At best we have very little talent and opportunity to lay at the Lord's feet: hence the importance of doing so wholeheartedly. NS454:4

As the ministers -- Greek: diakonos; servants. F252; R5774:4

In much patience -- In a study on patience, this series of verses is listed with James 5:10, 11 and 2 Cor. 12:12 as notable examples recorded in Scripture. R3585:4

2 Corinthians 6:5

In stripes -- We are not to think of the Apostle as whipping and imprisoning himself, as do some, but as suffering on account of his faithfulness in declaring the good tidings. R2022:5

In fastings -- Some may have been enforced fastings because of his service of the truth. R2022:5

2 Corinthians 6:6

By knowledge -- The value of knowledge is set forth in the Scripture many times--the treasures of wisdom and knowledge divine which are hidden in Christ and intended for those who come unto the Father through him. NS506:3

2 Corinthians 6:8

By honour -- The fact that God has begotten any one of his holy Spirit should make us wish to respect those whom the Lord has thus honored. R5773:6

And dishonour -- Throughout this Gospel age God allows his faithful servants to suffer reproaches and losses. R5189:3, 2616:5

In the great feast and Kingdom work, "The rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth," (Isa. 25:8) but this odium has been attached to being God's people throughout "the reign of sin and death." NS694:3

By evil report and good report -- All who are to be members of the Bride class must be tested in respect to their humility--their submissiveness to the divine will. R5252:6

The faith and zeal of many are not sufficient to endure this test. R5118:2

As deceivers -- Our Master was counted a deceiver, while yet he was the true one. How faithfully he bore that cross! His followers must expect to share this cross, and be misjudged by those who are blinded by the Adversary. R2616:5

Paul was considered a deceiver by many Jews who accused him of being unfaithful to the Law. R5774:1

Such experience need not make the Lord's people timid or fearful. R4736:5

The great time of trouble is the "recompense of the controversy of Zion"--the saints, (Isa. 34:8) who have in every century suffered, been counted "the filth and offscouring of the earth." OV346:T

2 Corinthians 6:10

Making many rich -- Rich in hope, faith, love. R5927:5, 2212:5

The true riches of grace--"godliness with contentment." (1 Tim. 6:6) R2083:4

Unlike the apostles whom they claim to succeed, the popes are rich by making others poor. R1002:4

Possessing all things -- In that all things are ours, for we are Christ's and Christ is God's. NS388:3

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally -- Ezra's reform against mixed marriages was a time of weeping. While there is surely divine wisdom to marry "only in the Lord," (1 Cor. 7:39) it is not a law for Christians; they must fulfill their marriage covenants. R4912:4

Jehoshaphat arranged a marriage between his son and the daughter of Ahab, considering it a wise method of re-uniting the two kingdoms; this was worldly wisdom, foolishness, not from the Lord. R4730:5

For one consecrated to God to thereafter become unequally yoked with one of the world's children, is to violate the direct command of God. R1075:5*, 765:5*

The spiritual Israelite is commanded to be separate from the world. R2534:2

Yoked -- Married. R1554:1

Signifies an intimacy, a companionship, a fellowship of spirit. R1588:1

Jehoshaphat's most important mistake was in affiliating with Ahab, king of Israel, in war. "Shouldest thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord?" (2 Chron. 19:2) R4730:5

Together -- Neither by marriage ties nor by business partnerships and close friendships. R4730:5, 2666:5, 2534:2

In bonds of fellowship and friendship. R1588:2

With unbelievers -- Those who are of the world. R1588:2

Masonry is a system, and a very beautiful system--as is very much of Satan's work--when seen from the worldly standpoint; but its symbolism is derived from devil worship and the worship of the sun. R1848:6*

What fellowship hath -- None whatever. R1588:2

Our fellowship must be based upon the sure foundation, the blood of Jesus Christ. R647:2*

What communion -- Paul was not the man for compromises. R1559:1

Let us see to it that our fellowship is based upon the sure foundation of the blood of Jesus Christ, and that our rejoicing and communion be of the increasing light as we walk together. R647:2*

Hath light -- Truth. A20

Light is healing, beneficial, health-giving. R5544:6

With darkness -- Darkness stands for Satan, for sin, for everything contrary to righteousness. R5544:6

Error and ignorance concerning God's plans and ways. R1282:3, 1588:3; A18

"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph. 5:11) R753:6

"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (of Christ), receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:" (2 John 10) R753:6

2 Corinthians 6:15

And what concord -- What harmony. R1588:3

"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils." (1 Cor. 10:21) R3963:3

There is no concord between Christ and Satan; nor between a believer in Christ and an unbeliever in his ransom and Lordship. R538:1

Hath Christ -- The Body of Christ, the true Church. R1588:3

With Belial -- With those who say, "Let us go and serve other gods." (Deut. 13:13) R1588:3

2 Corinthians 6:16

What agreement hath -- What harmony is there between the purity that belongs to the Temple of God and the impurities that belong to the flesh, the world and the devil? CR363:2, 457:4

The temple of God -- "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God." (Rev. 3:12) B209, 239

The Church, the Body of Christ. R1588:3; C98

There are seven uses of this phrase in the New Testament, none of which refers to the literal Jewish Temple, but all referring to the body of believers, including the Head and the members. R638:3*

With idols -- Can the spirit of God and the spirit of idolatry dwell in the same heart? God will not share his Temple. R1588:3

Ye are the temple -- The antitype of Solomon's Temple is found in God's holy people--the Church. R5713:2

Every faithful, consecrated child of God is a Temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19) R1981:3

"How amiable are thy tabernacles" (Psa. 84:1) in the eyes of all who have the same Spirit. R1401:6

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore -- In view of the fact that it is impossible to serve two masters or to have the Spirit of Christ, and still have fellowship with the opponents of Christ. R1588:4

There is a tendency toward the denial of all positive faith in Christian religion in civilized lands, and a substitution of unbelief coupled with forms and liturgies, an agnostic ceremonialism. R2537:6

Come out -- "Come out of her, my people." (Rev. 18:4) R4022:6, 3963:3, 457:5*, 46:4; OV347:7

"The Lord knoweth them that are his," (2 Tim. 2:19) and is calling in a voice which all his true ones will hear and recognize and obey. R2704:6

"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." (Eph. 5:11) R538:1

Look at Babylon. If you remain there you must submit to its fetters. Your presence binds your influence to its systems. You dare not declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) lest it condemn them. R457:5*

Paul makes a quotation from the Old Testament (Isa. 52:11) to support his teaching that Christians should be separate from unbelievers. R227:5

If your church lives in adulterous union with the world, you must leave her. If it lives separate from the world and bears the fruits of the spirit, it is not part of Babylon. R46:5

It is the duty of all who see the truth clearly to act positively. SM135:2

Regarding Rev. 18:4, a withdrawal letter, worded plainly but kindly, calculated to arouse interest in precious truths, was supplied. Each member of the congregation received one, with appropriate tracts. R3135:3

Many ministers and the more intelligent of all denominations realize that Churchianity is a golden calf, unworthy of reverence. Like Aaron, they lack courage and reluctantly join in sectarian practices. R4022:6

Since we hold to doctrines taught by Jesus and the apostles, and separate and cut ourselves off from all other religious jurisdiction and control, we are a sect by Webster's definition. R537:6

From among them -- The untrue, the unbelieving, the unclean. R3986:6

The enemies of Christ, whether the avowed or the deceitfully cloaked. R1588:4

Be ye separate -- The "wheat," will first be separated from the "tares," as now commanded by the Lord; then the binding of the "tares" in bundles will take place, ready for the "fire" (trouble) of this Day of Vengeance. R2538:1

We are to make a clean-cut division between ourselves and all the unclean, the impure in heart. R1588:5

Stand free from all slandering of the Almighty God and his gracious provisions. OV347:7

And touch not -- "Avoid them" (Rom. 16:17)--have no part or lot with them. R1588:5

Whatever God condemns and disapproves we are to condemn and discountenance both in word and in deed. R227:6

It is only on these conditions that we have the Lord's promise--"I will receive you." R1588:5

Whoever lends financial aid or moral support to the great systems which are opposing the true teachings of God's Word is a partaker of the evil deeds and will share in the woes soon to come. SM135:2

The unclean thing -- How many others like Lot and his wife have made the serious mistake of claiming more for the physical and temporal interests of their families than for their intellectual and moral welfare! R5179:2

I would not be dogmatic, but the position of separateness from human institutions (unions) and bondages is a safe position for the saints. R1285:5

The new creation should have nothing whatever to do with any of the semi-religious societies, clubs, orders, churches. This may not apply to labor organizations or insurance associations. F581

2 Corinthians 6:18

Be a Father unto you -- What a promise! To become his children and be given the assurance of his parental affection for us. R5739:5

Be my sons and daughters -- As sons we have the joy of knowing of our Father's character through his Word. R5739:5

2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 7:1

These promises -- The exceeding great and precious promises of God's Word. (2 Pet. 1:4) R3986:6

The things which God has prepared for those that love him--things which "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man." (1 Cor. 2:9) R4975:4

Without these divine promises of the present and the future blessings, who would battle against his own weaknesses? R5739:4

The promises are indeed the power of God unto our cleansing--our salvation. (Rom. 1:16; Phil. 2:13) R5739:4; SM389:T The Apostle shows the object of our consecration and subsequent disciplining under the guidance and power of the truth, its precious promises, our spiritual food, to be the formation of a holy character. R4782:5

The formation of a noble and pure character is the legitimate result of the reception of divine truth into a good and honest heart. R1628:5

Whoever has such a hope in him will purify himself. (1 John 3:3) R3987:1

Dearly beloved -- The saints. (2 Cor. 1:1) SM391:2; R5737:1

Not addressed to the world, but to the Church; not to unbelievers, but to believers; not to sinners, but to those who have already turned away from sin. R5737:1

Disciples, pupils in the school of Christ. R5737:3

Those who left the "wallowing in the mire." (2 Pet. 2:22) R4974:3, 5737:6

This text addresses those who have made considerable progress--those who are seeking to perfect holiness in their hearts, and so far as possible also in their earthly bodies. R2891:2

Because they have the mind of Christ. SM391:1

Let us -- It is the new creature that is addressed--the new will. R4974:6

The class already justified "through faith in his blood." (Rom. 3:25) R3985:3

The great King commands his consecrated people to purify the Temple of God, which is the Church. R4812:5, 2380:4,5

Those who at heart are loyal to the Lord are distressed by the blemishes, even though they are aware that the Lord has graciously covered them. R5738:2

Cleanse ourselves -- Does not have reference to our getting rid of Adamic condemnation. Such cleansing from original sin is impossible on our part. R5738:3, 3985:2

A progressive work--to a high standard toward which we progress: "Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48) R4974:3, 4663:5

In proportion as this is done, a blessed influence will go forth from the Temple of God, the true Church. R4812:5

It requires great strength of character, great power of the will, to cleanse our minds and our flesh. R3986:4

Purge out the old leaven of malice, hatred and envy. R3631:6

Now a believer will inspect his words, his thoughts, his actions, his clothing, his personal appearance from a new standpoint--as God's representative, his ambassador. R3168:5

As with Josiah's public work, so it should be with the heart work of all who present themselves to the Lord: they should break off their sins in righteousness, utterly destroying their fleshly idols. R2390:5

As with Hezekiah's reform, the Lord's people need to remember the necessity for cleansing from worldly defilements, of the past and also those which are ever present in the world. R2380:5

The minds (thoughts) should be pure, should be cleansed of everything not fully in sympathy and accord with the mind of Christ. SM395:1

Let none of us forget to "put away all leaven"--sin--in preparation for the eating of the Passover. Thus the remainder of life will be a feast of unleavened bread. R2283:4

"If we would judge (correct, chastise) ourselves, then we should not be judged (corrected, chastised) of the Lord." (1 Cor. 11:31) R2160:3

The armor of Eph. 6:10-18 cannot be put on until the body be washed and clothed in the garment of Christ's imputed righteousness. R1995:4

The cleansing process must begin at once, but it will continue until our latest breath. R3986:5

Every effort made by the chosen ones to cleanse themselves is a reproof to others who are not so striving. R5737:6

Elders are outwardly and inwardly clean--washed by the water of the Word from the meanness, the filthiness of the flesh. R5123:3

In preparing for a convention, make ready the heart in advance for a blessing, putting away the flesh that the Lord may open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings which will overflow to others. R4222:1

So long as we are in contact with the world we are liable to a certain degree of earthly defilement; thus, we should wash one another's feet. (John 13:14; Eph. 5:26) R3544:1

Although the words of this text were not addressed by St. Paul to the worldly they would, nevertheless, be excellent advice and very profitable to all. NS824:2

From all filthiness -- Figuratively represented by "Having our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb. 10:22) R2671:3, 5123:3

Noticing to see where there is anything in us that is impure, and putting all that away from our conduct--and, from our minds. R5739:2

It is a tedious work--day by day we strive to put away sin, selfishness--every element of ungodliness and unloveliness. R5738:4 No longer slaves of sin--do not bear the fruits of unrighteousness. R5123:3

So that all unrighteousness, all sin, all injustice, would be an abomination to them--whoever truly loves righteousness must in the same proportion hate iniquity. R4663:5

Regarding the experiences of Nadab and Abihu, we learn the great importance of approaching the Lord in the proper spirit and condition of mind and heart--the spirit of a sound mind. R3055:3

The babes who are not developed new creatures will have their attention occupied with the cruder elementary lessons, respecting the coarser sins which the new creature must abhor and battle against. R2891:2

The world does not parade its defilement of mind and body where the bright light of truth and righteousness and purity shines. To do so would be a horrible condition, like Sodom. It prefers to hide. NS824:3

Generally, salvation is to be brought at Christ's second advent, but Zacchaeus's salvation (Luke 19:9) was of the heart, reclaiming it from sin, selfishness, meanness--filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit. R2731:2

In the Millennial age God will not impress the law of love upon the hearts of any--each then, as now, must put away from his heart selfishness and all of the concomitant evils resulting from sin. R2330:6

Of the flesh -- Put away evil practices, outward wrongdoing of every kind--avoid careless language, restrain passions, curb selfishness. R5738:5; SM395:1

Not controlled by the desires and weaknesses of the fallen flesh--loves cleanliness of person, of clothing, of language and of habits. R5123:3, 3168:5

Uncleanness of hands, of teeth, etc.--filthy habits, tobacco, etc. R4975:1

An outward cleansing of the flesh would not prove a purity within of the mind, the heart (Matt. 23:25), but outward filthiness does indicate a filthiness of the mind (spirit), because the mind controls. R3986:3

In proportion as the spirit of righteousness, truth and love enter into the heart, filthy words, conduct, habits and appearance, all begin to come under the control of the transformed mind. R3631:6

Cleansing the flesh is a part of the sanctifying work. R3168:5

The Bible does not specifically condemn tobacco. Christians may spend money for it and smoke it if they believe it will do them good and result to God's glory; but our Lord did not reek with its fumes. R1849:4

And spirit -- Does not mean the new creature is filthy. The word spirit is used to represent the mind. R5738:6, 4975:1, 2390:5, 2022:1, 1739:3; SM335:1, 395:1 Every thought be brought into captivity to the will of God. (2 Cor. 10:5) F409

Our minds must be cleansed. We must learn to hate sin, to repel its first advances. R5738:5

The new creature must use the old brain and must exercise control so that we think purely. R4975:1

The cleansing of our minds is far more important than the cleansing of our flesh. R3986:1

Some filthiness of the mind is selfishness, which frequently hides itself under pretexts of generosity, etc. Other features of this filthiness are jealousy, covetousness, ambition, sensuality. R3986:2

Filthiness of the spirit cannot be cleansed with ordinary soap and water. SM388:1

Perfecting holiness -- God has but one standard--perfection of holiness. Our Lord's instruction is "Be ye perfect." (Matt. 5:48) R3987:1

We cannot conceive of any other condition being acceptable to God, in harmony with our calling. How we long to have our new bodies in which the new mind can act perfectly, without hindrance, glorifying God. R4664:1

For the Christian the chief business of life. R1739:6, 5738:2

The present is the time for God's people to draw very near to the Lord, to come under the shadow of the Almighty, to put their trust more and more in him and to purge themselves from all filthiness. NS627:6

Holiness cannot be attained in a moment. It must be gradually effected, perfected. We must allow the Lord to work in us the holy will, the holy conduct--a life work. R5739:3, 3631:6, 1739:2

A pure heart delights in the society of the pure and shuns all others. R5123:4

The special work of the Church in this present time consists of the building up of one another, helping one another to perfect holiness. R2690:4

We exhort all in a remembrance and renewal of our covenant with the Lord--to be obediently and lovingly his, in thought, word and deed. R2084:1

Through the cleansing power of his truth, "by the washing of water, by the Word." (Eph. 5:26, 27) R2160:4, 4782:5

Disciplines should be reminders to us that we are not perfect, that we still have need of the mercy of God in Christ; and they should lead us to greater diligence in perfecting holiness. R2061:2

When we shall have finished the race we shall not be absolutely clean. But, if our hearts (wills) are subject to the Lord, they will be constantly seeking to come as near as possible to absolute purity. R2022:1

Holiness is moral purity--"without holiness no man shall see the Lord." (Heb. 12:14) R1739:2

The shining of one honorable upright life (even though it be not perfect--and none are perfect) is sure to have its effect in the midst of the darkness of sin and degradation which prevail in the world. NS824:3

In the fear of God -- Filial fear. R1739:2

The fear that is reverential, profitable, not the fear that is slavish. R5739:2

Through a reverence for the Lord--an appreciation of his greatness, his perfection. R3987:4, 2022:1

The Christian who is deficient in veneration will have difficulty in perfecting holiness. R3987:4

2 Corinthians 7:4

Filled with comfort -- The Apostle used "comfort" seven times in vss. 4-13. He used it ten times in chapter 1, vss. 3-7. R3435:5,4

Exceeding joyful -- Paul was happy, giving constantly for the good of others from his store of grace and truth. R4526:2

Hope and courage, inspired by the promises and strengthened by the experiences, will keep us joyful while we are still in the enemy's country. R4048:1

Let us learn to rejoice in tribulation because it is an evidence that the Lord still considers us worthy of being prepared, chiseled, polished, made ready for a place in his glorious heavenly Temple. R3929:3

Learn to trust to the Lord's providences in all affairs--not only in those which seem to go favorably, but in those also which apparently are working disadvantage and disaster. R3012:5

We have the present joys and hope and faith in the things unseen. R1949:1

"Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous." (Psa. 33:1) R1948:6

"At thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (Psa. 16:11)--even in the present life. R1948:6, 1949:2

In all our tribulation -- Tribulation has the thought of serious trouble--a combination of troubles that makes the experiences serious--severe and continued troubles. R5779:4

Tribulations are necessary for the perfecting of the saints, for the trial of faith, for the testing and preparation of those who would be joint-heirs. R3013:4, 3929:3

2 Corinthians 7:6

God that comforteth -- All comfort, though working through Titus, Paul, or the Church at Corinth, was of God; this is God's disposition, to comfort. R3435:5

The coming of Titus -- The word parousia occurs twenty-four times in the Greek Testament, and is only twice correctly translated "presence." "Coming" in this text is one of the 22 mistranslations. B159

2 Corinthians 7:7

By his coming -- The word parousia occurs 24 times in the Greek Testament, and is only twice correctly translated "presence." "Coming" in this text is one of the 22 mistranslations. B159

Comforted in you -- There was a mutual helpfulness of the Church in this matter of comfort--every member possessing the holy Spirit and exercised by it had a share. R3435:5

2 Corinthians 7:9

Sorrowed to repentance -- Repentance would be the proper fruitage or result of a proper sorrow. R2931:2

2 Corinthians 7:10

Godly sorrow worketh repentance -- Sorrow is not repentance. R2931:2

One has not repented until he has renounced sin and become a follower of Christ's teachings. R2931:2,3

2 Corinthians 7:13

Comforted in your comfort -- Even the strongest in the Church, the apostles, needed comfort. R3435:4

His spirit was refreshed -- Wherever we find one of the Lord's followers, we have an opportunity of serving the Lord, of being channels of his mercy, and carrying to the downcast one something of comfort and consolation and helpfulness. R3435:5

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8:1

The grace of God bestowed -- At the council at Jerusalem, AD 50, Paul promised to take up collections among the congregations of the Gentiles for the poor at Jerusalem, which he had now done in Macedonia, Greece and Asia Minor. R1593:2

The grace of benevolence is an important factor in spiritual living. R1593:6

2 Corinthians 8:2

Their deep poverty -- Evidently in the churches of Macedonia, as elsewhere, "not many rich" were among the "called." R4526:2

No doubt resulting from the famine which occurred in the reign of the Emperor Claudius. (Acts 11:28) R1593:6, 4526:1

Riches of their liberality -- They gave to the measure of their power and beyond it and without urging. R4526:2

God permits his work often to seem to lag for want of means, that the seeming necessity may give us the opportunity to deny ourselves in his service--for our benefit, our development, our blessing. R1334:5, 548:2

The warp in our "earthen vessels" is such that we shall probably find self more and better provided for than our poorer brother or the work of our Father. We should be constantly on our guard about this. R548:5

2 Corinthians 8:3

Beyond their power -- Inquire not, "How much shall I give of my time, money and influence?" Rather, ask, "How much may I use for myself?" None of the things you have are yours, but God's; you are his steward. R548:4

2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us with much intreaty -- They had entreated the Apostle to act as their representative in this service. R4526:2

The Lord's children and work will get along without us; but what a loss of opportunity and blessing we should sustain. If we fail to use our privileges, some more worthy will enjoy them and be rewarded. R548:4

To the saints -- The poor saints at Jerusalem. There was great need: (1) the converts were mostly from the poorer classes, (2) the turbulent state of the times, (3) Christians were unpopular, and could expect no outside aid. R1593:2

The word saint is used to designate the truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1

2 Corinthians 8:5

Not as we hoped -- Their course was more noble than the Apostle had dared hope. R4526:4

But first gave -- They had said in effect, "We are Christ's in this matter, and yours after him; for this we realize to be the will of God." R4526:4

Their own selves -- The Church at Macedonia did not stop with the giving of money, but extended even to the giving of themselves in any way to serve the cause of God, and thus it brought them spiritual blessings. R1594:1

Let each one possessing the gift of wealth exercise it according to his judgment of the Master's will--in "doing good unto all men (temporally or spiritually, especially spiritually)." (Gal. 6:10) R1593:5, 548:6

"The liberal soul shall be made fat." (Prov. 11:25) R1593:6

What am I sacrificing? I have time, money and influence, some of each: am I so arranging my affairs that as large a proportion as possible of these is used directly in the Master's service? R548:3

2 Corinthians 8:6

We desired Titus -- In view of this spiritual blessing upon the Macedonian Christians, the Apostle urged upon Titus the importance of bringing the subject to the careful notice of the troubled and distracted Christians at Corinth. R1594:1

In you the same grace -- It was this giving from the heart which the Apostle wished to inculcate. R4526:4

This Scripture may be said to be the only appeal for money recorded in the Bible. R4526:1

If they would practice the spirit of Christianity--benevolence--they would come to see more clearly the doctrines of Christ, which, because of failure to practice, they were in danger of losing. R1594:1

2 Corinthians 8:7

As ye abound -- The Apostle complimented them. R4526:4

And knowledge -- The clear teachings of the Word were so powerfully counteracted by selfishness--love of self, its ease, honors, etc., that the Word had but slight practical effect. R548:3

See that ye abound -- He urged for their own good. R4526:4

He asked nothing for himself. R4526:2

In this grace also -- The grace of giving. R4526:4

The congregation at Corinth had been appealed to with reference to contributions for the poor of the congregation at Jerusalem, but they had not responded according to their means. R1593:6

He would stir them up to the exercise of generosity that he might increase their spiritual vitality and joy. R4526:2

2 Corinthians 8:8

Prove -- "The Lord your God doth prove you." He permits his work often to seem to lag for want of means, that the seeming necessity may give us the opportunity to deny ourselves in his service--for our development. R1334:5

Sincerity -- Benevolence, unselfishness, is a test or proof of the sincerity of our love. The opportunities for the exercise of benevolence will prove to what extent the new mind is ruling in us and conquering the old. R1594:1

Of your love -- For the Lord and for the brethren. R4526:4

The Gentiles acknowledged that the spiritual blessings of the gospel message had come to them through representatives of the Jewish people. R4526:2

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know -- To emphasize the necessity for development of a spirit of benevolence, Paul reminds them of Jesus' example. R4526:4, 1594:1, 1299:1*

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ -- The same spirit of benevolence that moved him to leave the glory controlled him throughout. R106:4*

Though he was rich -- The great Logos, "the Only Begotten of the Father," the chiefest of all God's creatures. R5846:6, 505:2*

"His dear Son, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." (Col. 1:15) R446:5*; OV328:8

The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Rev. 1:8; 3:14; 21:6; 22:13). As Jehovah's agent, he is the beginner and finisher of the wondrous plan. R1060:4, 446:5*

"Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." (1 Cor. 8:6

R446:5*

"The glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John 17:5) E87; R4098:2, 1161:5, 1060:2, 446:4*

The spiritual nature with all its glory and honor. R5927:5, 5748:2, 4526:4, 2761:4, 2212:5, 1125:3, 327:2*; T51

He left the heavenly condition. R3847:3

On the spirit plane with its heavenly comforts. R5352:2

With dignity and honor. R5157:1

Our Lord Jesus existed prior to his incarnation in a more exalted nature and condition. R1673:3

In every sense of the word, far beyond our comprehension. R2762:2, 2729:2

He was possessed of glory and honor and riches of wisdom and power above both angels and men. HG292:3

He had been the honored agent of Jehovah in all his mighty works. R1247:2

"Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58) R1161:5, 505:2*

Unitarians take away from the dignity and honor of our Lord, besides contradicting much Scripture, by denying that he had an existence before his conception in Mary. (See Col. 1:15-17) R505:2*

This text, along with many others, refutes the theory that Jesus began his existence the same as other men--that he was the son of Joseph. R5767:6

Yet for your sakes -- "That he, by the grace of God, might taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) R4964:4

That he might redeem our race from its death sentence. R4526:4, 5927:6, 1125:4

The world of mankind, the entire race of Adam, was lost in sin and its penalty, death--without hope of ability to recover itself, for no member of the race could redeem it or give a ransom. (Psa. 49:7) R3847:3

The grandest example on record of self-denial in the interest of others is the gift by our Lord Jesus of himself for the world. R2212:5

He exchanged the heavenly things for the earthly, that he might sacrifice them. CR43:4; Q442:3

Many of earth's heroes have been warriors who slaughtered millions. Jesus refused men's honors and yielded up his own life that he might bring back to life and joy and peace those untold millions. R1063:3

When the time came for the Father to send a Savior into the world to redeem it, and the proposal to render the great service to men was proffered to the Logos, he replied, "I delight to do thy will." (Psa. 40:8) R5846:6

Inasmuch as the man and race to be redeemed were human, it was needful that he become human so as to give the ransom or corresponding price. R1879:3

Whoever would redeem man must himself be a man--the full equivalent of the man who sinned. SM659:T There were no spirit beings condemned to death. He did not sacrifice pre-human rights. Man needs earthly rights. It is those rights Jesus redeems through giving his earthly life sacrificially. R4905:1; Q442:3,4

For the joy set before him. (Heb. 12:2) E394; R5215:2, 4905:1; Q442:3

He became poor -- Jesus has illustrated to us the proper course of full self-abasement and submission to whatever may be the divine will. R5847:5

Willingly our Lord Jesus laid aside the glory of the higher nature which he had had with the Father from before the creation of man. R1125:4; HG292:5

A great humiliation--leaving the dignity of the chiefest on the spirit plane, to become a human being--a man amongst men. R5846:6, 5927:5, 4964:3, 4905:1, 4669:5, 4587:6, 3847:3

"He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Phil. 2:7) R446:5*

Humbling himself to a lower nature, even as a man, becoming obedient even unto death. HG292:3

Taking the human nature that he might redeem us. R2212:5

His human body was the body of his humiliation (Acts 8:33), the "body prepared" for sacrifice. (Heb. 10:5) R1806:2

Endured the cross, despising the shame, took the bondman's form and humbled himself even unto the most ignominious form of death. R1879:3

He did not merely pretend to be poor, but he actually became poor--"He was made flesh." (John 1:14) R2409:6, 5622:5, 5157:1, 5064:1; CR290:5

Coming to the scenes of this world, darkened by sin and death. R5352:2

He lost friend after friend, and in his last hour was forsaken by all. R4818:2

Not just posing as though he were poor. R5157:1

As a man, he had none of this world's goods. R1060:2, 1247:3,4, 446:4*

As the Master made a full surrender of his will and talents and all, so also must all who, hearing the Master's voice, become his disciples or footstep followers. CR423:5

The fact that the faith and preaching of the Lord and the apostles did not bring them wealth, but cost them much in self-sacrifice, is a convincing proof to us of their sincerity and their honesty. R4526:1

If you have given your attention, time, mind, reputation, friends, money and life, you are like Jesus of Nazareth, who for our sakes became poor. Poor for awhile, you are an heir of the Kingdom. R285:4, 210:4*

Here and there amongst the many nominal Christians are found a few who have forsaken all earthly interests and have voluntarily and gladly cast in their lot with him who was rich and for our sakes became poor. NS271:2

Like Joseph, all of his humiliation prepared the way for him to be succored and honored by Pharaoh. R5215:2

Not just Jesus' body died: "He poured out his soul unto death." He made "his soul an offering for sin." (Isa. 53:10, 12) R5238:4

One proof that Christ's sacrificial death does not refer to his leaving his pre-existent life is that in John 10:17, 18 he said, "I lay down my life," speaking of something he was about to do. R1298:5*

Higher Criticism teaches that our Lord happened to be a rather superior type of man, but that he never had a pre-human existence, nor did he take a human form that he might be our Redeemer. NS255:5

Through his poverty -- The Logos was made Jesus. The death of Jesus constitutes the basis of all future blessings to the Church and to the world. R5352:4

All his previous humiliation from the spiritual to the human nature was only preparatory to the offering of the great sacrifice which was to accomplish our redemption. R1247:3,4

He humbled himself unto death, even unto the death of the cross. (Phil. 2:8) R5064:3

It is unsupposable that man's redemption would cost Jesus an eternity of poverty, while the Church would be rich. OV354:2

Might be rich -- Possessed of divine favor and the riches of divine grace in Christ--even joint-heirship with him. R5927:6, 4526:4, 2212:5

Eventually, in the Millennial Kingdom. R2761:4

That mankind might be redeemed from the curse--the death sentence and all it includes of sorrow, pain and alienation from God. PD55/67

2 Corinthians 8:10

Who have begun before -- They were dilatory about doing what they had purposed. R1594:1

2 Corinthians 8:11

Perform the doing of it -- Our concern is for you who have consecrated, lest you should fail to perform your sacrifice. We have for some time seen the necessity of sacrifice on the part of all who would win the great prize. R548:2

No saint has so little that he has nothing to spend for the glory and honor of him who did so much for us. If you have been led of the Lord to consecrate your all, you surely have a way before you to perform. R548:6, 4526:5

2 Corinthians 8:12

First a willing mind -- A truly "willing mind" to serve the Lord will always find a way. R1973:4

To be a sacrifice at all, it must be a willing offering and not one forced upon us. R548:4

God looks not at the amount, but at the heart condition prompting the gift. R4526:5, 1594:4

Lest some who had a proper, benevolent will in the matter might feel that their gifts were too insignificant, Paul assures them that God accepts our hearts, our wills. See Mark 12:42-44. R1594:4

According to that a man hath -- In this dark pathway of sorrow, there are abundant opportunities to be generous, even for those who have no money--perhaps a kind word of sympathy or advice, or even a kind look. R4526:5

Where much is possessed much is required; where little is possessed less is required as respects the flesh, provided the heart is up to the standard. SM309:2

This will be as true of the world during the Millennial age as it is of the Church now. A143

Not according to that he hath not -- If you have nothing to give, then you cannot sacrifice anything, and all who attain that goal are sacrificers. Search carefully; none were called to whom one talent or more had not been given. R548:6

2 Corinthians 8:14

By an equality -- Do for the poor so as to have them "decent;" yourself and family should be "decent;" the cause of truth should be supported decently; in no way have you a right to waste the Lord's goods by extravagance. R548:5

2 Corinthians 8:17

The exhortation -- Even when the apostles called or sent any of the younger brethren in the ministry, it was not as of arbitrary authority, but as of request which they were likely to follow, because of their confidence in him. R1822:2

2 Corinthians 8:18

The brother -- The apostles did not title each other, nor receive such homage from the Church. All the Church were similarly greeted--as brothers and sisters in Christ. F230; R1523:5

2 Corinthians 8:19

Who was also -- Paul himself was evidently chosen, by vote, to be a missionary--a representative of the churches. F277

Chosen -- Greek: kirotoneo; to elect by stretching out the hand. F277

2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things -- It is not wrong to make a reasonable provision for tomorrow, with a view to the necessities of one's family. The mistake would be to spend no money for the Lord until we have attained the comforts of life. R2259:4

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9:1

Ministering to -- Some serve and feed and care for the Body as pastors. Others (equally members of the Body and beloved of the Head) support these by their means and by their prayers, and by their influence. R365:5

The saints -- The poor saints at Jerusalem--a severe famine had prevailed in the vicinity of Jerusalem, the city was not a commercial one, there was a great deal of opposition to the gospel. R2211:1

Superfluous -- Paul's suggestion nearly a year before had been well received and zealously entered upon. R5926:6, 2211:4

2 Corinthians 9:2

Forwardness -- Zeal. R5927:2, 2212:1

At first, the Corinthians did not think of volunteering financial assistance to the Apostle, but later the grace of God gave them a zeal to do something financially in the Lord's service. R5927:2, 2211:6

2 Corinthians 9:3

In vain -- A hint that the work zealously begun might not have been patiently carried out. R5926:6, 2211:4

2 Corinthians 9:4

Come with me -- Living at a time when the conveniences for transferring money were very inferior to the very poorest known today, the various congregations could send their gifts only at the hand of the Apostle. R5926:5, 2211:4

2 Corinthians 9:5

Your bounty -- Those who have never learned to give, have failed to rightly appreciate one of our choice privileges and pleasures. R365:6, 2511:2

Systematic charity is better than spasmodic giving. (1 Cor. 16:1, 2) The influence upon the giver is more beneficial. It keeps before the mind a service to be rendered unto the Lord. R5926:6, 2211:5

Whereas the rich of Jerusalem were too proud to follow the humble Nazarene, the poor of the Gentiles were too superstitious; so it was the more prosperous element of Corinth which accepted the Gospel. R5926:3, 2211:2

The books of magic which were burned represented a very large amount of money, verifying the fact that the chiefs of Asia were generally quite wealthy and prominent. R2211:2

Whereof ye had notice before -- The Apostle waited more than a year before he asked alms of these believers, lest they should get the impression that the gospel was being preached from mercenary motives. R5927:1, 2211:6

He sought not their money but themselves, to do them good. R2212:1

2 Corinthians 9:6

This I say -- What Paul says is equally true, whether we sow wild oats or good wheat. R1653:3

Reap also sparingly -- An intimation that absolute privation among the Lord's people may mean that at some time in their past life, when possessed of means, they failed to use a portion in the Lord's service. R5927:3, 2212:1

Some are lean of soul because they have not enough love and reverence. Giving the Lord the fag ends of time and influence, and only a dribble of their talents, their sacrifices cannot be acceptable. R2541:5

The present separation will not only gather out the tares, but it will also gather out those that fail to come in fullness of consecration to the Lord, who must therefore pass through the great tribulation. R2541:6

"Sow to the wind, reap the whirlwind" (Hos. 8:7); "Sow iniquity, reap vanity" (Prov. 22:8) R1653:3

Dig up your talent quickly and make active use of it, lest the King should speedily finish his reckoning with the servants and call you "wicked and slothful." (Matt. 25:26) R547:6

Soweth bountifully -- Liberality, in proportion to ability, would in a large degree be an index of love for the Lord and for the gospel. R5927:1, 2211:6

All who appreciate the "good tidings" feel as did the early Church, that it is a thing so precious that they must declare it. R547:3

"The liberal soul shall be made fat." (Prov. 11:25) R5927:2, 2212:1

The Lord is pleased to see his people cultivate breadth of heart as well as of mind. R5927:2, 2212:1

The giving of time, talent, strength, money or influence in the divine service will result in proportionate abounding in the different graces. R5927:5

Malachi 3:10 reproves and chides for the purpose of stimulating and reviving his people to spend and be spent in the Lord's service, according to their covenant of self-sacrifice. R2541:6

The tithe obligation was commanded to fleshly Israel, but the house of sons has a mind to consecrate all their possessions; the Lord makes us stewards of all which we sacrifice to him. Go, use; I will judge. R2542:1

The Lord esteems our gifts according to the spirit which prompts them, not the amount; the privilege of giving belongs to even the very poorest of the Lord's people. (Luke 21:1-4) R5927:3, 2212:5

In some instances in Scripture, giving has been restrained: no one should give to the extent of causing privation to his dependents, nor to bring financial bankruptcy upon himself or others. R5927:4, 2212:3

Reap also bountifully -- The great blessing which would result from liberality in the Lord's cause. R5927:2, 2212:1

2 Corinthians 9:7

Not grudgingly, or of necessity -- Giving, to be acceptable in the Lord's sight, must be voluntary--free will offerings--"not of constraint." R2511:2

The work may seem to lag to excite your generosity. R1334:5

Jehovah is not impoverished, and his cause shall not suffer from lack of funds. R450:4

The calls upon us for pecuniary aid were formerly so extensive and burdensome, that when the burden was removed there was a tendency to run to the other extreme and carry no burden at all. R449:2*

Our Father is rich (Hag. 2:8; Psa. 50:10) and will not permit a single saint to go hungry for the bread of life through our unfaithfulness; yet, if we do not minister to the saints, the loss will be ours. R547:3

A cheerful giver -- It is impossible for the Lord's people to grow in the other graces inculcated in his Word without growing also in the grace of benevolence. R2540:3

Very likely, many of the individuals in the Body would, if their attention were called to it, cheerfully contribute that which would be for the growth and perfection of the whole. R449:2*

The original signifies, "The Lord loveth a hilarious (merry) giver." R3448:5

It gives pleasure to each who has contributed even "two mites" that he has helped to preach the "glad tidings of great joy." R547:3

When the glorious import of the good news comes to be understood and fully comprehended, and we accept of the conditions of the "high calling," we then begin our everlasting, blessed and eternal employment of giving. R449:3*

A prompt giver--not merely of money, but of everything. R2951:1

Willing giver. R2511:2

Gifts bestowed in any other spirit might just as well not be given. R2212:4

Such will find no difficulty in finding opportunities for contributing to the work they desire to serve. CR118:2

Otherwise there is no blessing. The gift must be a thank-offering to the giver of every good and perfect gift, or it has no "sweet odor." R5927:5, 2212:4

Money raised by the various begging devices is offensive, unacceptable to the Lord, and does not bring his blessing either upon the givers or the work accomplished. R2511:2

As in Malachi 1:8, we are warned not to bring the sick, the lame, the blind sacrifices to the Lord, for that is only "a form" of worship. The fruit of our lips, our service, our money is to be given heartily. R2541:1

We mention this as an aid to self-examination. May we all faithfully judge ourselves regarding the fulfillment of our covenant. R547:3

2 Corinthians 9:8

All grace abound -- The grace of giving is indissolubly attached to all the other graces of God's spirit. R2540:3

Whoever gives anything in the divine service will find himself proportionately abounding in the different graces. R5927:5, 2212:4

Sufficiency in all things -- Not necessarily luxury and every comfort, but "all sufficiency" is gained always where there is "godliness with contentment." (1 Tim. 6:6) R5927:5, 2212:4

We shall never be impoverished while the Almighty God is pouring into the vessel from which we are taking out. R449:6*

After consecration, we no longer ask, "How much should I give to the Lord?" We gave it all to him, and now ask, "How much may I use for myself?" R548:4

2 Corinthians 9:9

As it is written -- In proof that no new theory is being inculcated Paul quotes from the Psalms (112:9). R5927:5, 2212:4,5

Given to the poor -- The new creature is to be on the lookout for the welfare, the interests, the comforts of the weaker and the less able, whereas the self-pleasing world expects the weak to support and uphold the strong. R5926:2

Some are still in want because of famine (Amos 8:11). What a privilege to answer their prayer "Give us this day our daily bread," giving the "meat in due season." Freely receive, freely give the heavenly manna. R548:1

His righteousness remaineth forever -- Where a consecrated child of God can do so, it is far better that he should give spiritual gifts and blessings. R5926:6

2 Corinthians 9:10

The fruits -- These graces, these fruits grow gradually. R455:2

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched -- Not financially, but in heart--rich in hope, faith, love. R5927:5, 2212:5

2 Corinthians 9:12

The administration -- For our benefit, development, and blessing. R1334:5

It is not the Lord's poverty, but his desire to give us an opportunity to be co-workers with him, that is the cause of the seeming poverty of many of his saints and of his treasury. R548:2

If you have been unfaithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? How can we expect to be entrusted with heavenly things while we set a higher value on earthly things? R450:2,4*

The want of the saints -- The Christians in Jerusalem had suffered economically because of (1) a severe famine, (2) little commerce there, and (3) these brethren had always been poor. R5926:2

The wealthy and learned people of Jerusalem had developed a religious pride; the leaders and theologians could not regard the humble Nazarene and his unlearned followers except as impostors. R2211:2

To strengthen his appeal for the Corinthian brethren's liberality in giving to the saints, Paul reminds them (in the context of these chapters) of the Lord Jesus' gracious favor to them. R1299:1*

It is a privilege to care for the "earthen vessel"; yet more blessed is the feeding of the spiritually hungry with "the bread of life," and clothing them with the "wedding garment" by scattering the truth. R547:6

Unto God -- Not offering our sacrifices to "Churchianity"; this is sacrificing to idols. How can spiritual blessings be expected from God, when the reverence and service are rendered to men and to human institutions? R2541:5

Selfishness is our most imminent danger--our greatest enemy. We must arrange our affairs so that we will sacrifice as much of our time, money and influence as possible to be used in the Master's service. R548:3

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be unto God -- Only the consecrated Church is in any sense prepared to give thanks now for the unspeakable gift. Their thanks go up in words and actions, ascending as sweet incense to God as his blessings and mercies abound. HG595:5; R5927:6

By and by, the whole world of mankind, including those awakened from the sleep of death, will be in a condition to recognize God's unspeakable gift, and bow and praise him for it. HG595:5, 5927:6

His unspeakable gift -- Eternal life through Christ. E285; NS516:4

Our Savior, our Redeemer. R5927:6

Refuting the teaching that it was Christ's pre-existent life that was sacrificed, many scriptures are used, including 1 Tim. 2:5, 6 ("The man Christ Jesus gave himself a ransom"). R1299:2*

Not called for by divine justice, this gift was prompted by divine love. HG595:4

As a gift to the world, Jesus' merit is beyond the power of tongue to tell. HG594:3

To his footstep followers, the Savior is specially an unspeakable gift of God, leading forth these sons of God, his younger brethren, to glory. HG594:3

Not only as Captain of our salvation, or as Bridegroom, is Jesus the unspeakable gift; but as High Priest, his merit imputed to our sacrifices makes them acceptable. HG594:4

It is impossible to tell the riches of God's grace in this connection--the numberless blessings and mercies which are ours through Jesus. HG593:1

This gift was not compulsory; rather, the Logos entered fully into the transaction. He had absolute faith and delight in doing the Father's will. HG593:2

Only by recognizing that our Lord Jesus is one person and the Heavenly Father another person, can we appreciate how God could give his Son, and how Jesus could consent to be the gift of God. HG592:3

As we discern something of the magnitude of God's great gift, we have the greater desire to be likewise generous with all with whom we have to do, both in temporal and spiritual matters. NS750:2

The thought can only be imperfectly communicated, only imperfectly grasped, and must gradually dawn upon us, grow upon us in appreciation and comprehension. NS516:4

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10:4

Weapons of our warfare -- All laboring upon the walls of Zion, as with Nehemiah, need to be equipped with the weapons of 1 Thes. 5:8 and Eph. 6:17 every moment or they will be in danger of being overcome by the Adversary. R3675:6

Are not carnal -- But spiritual. R1744:5

The Lord's great army will use carnal weapons. D543

Carnal weapons are not merely swords, spears and guns, but anger, malice, hatred, strife, and a contesting, combative spirit. R3274:4

There is no commission in the Bible for God's consecrated people to war--to take from others either life or property. R5760:6

The spiritual Israelite fights against a different kind of enemy and with different weapons. R2681:6

We have various weapons of defense given us by our Captain, a helmet of salvation, etc., but we only have one weapon for offensive warfare, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. NS239:4

Under the typical Jewish dispensation carnal weapons were proper. R2015:3, 768:4

Mighty through God -- Through the Spirit, the power of God. E250

God's truth is mighty. R3089:5, 1627:5*

Without him we can do nothing, but in him we become eventually mighty through God to the pulling down of the strongholds of error and to the setting up of the Kingdom of God under the whole heavens. NS502:2

Pulling down of strong holds -- Of error. R3675:5

Of error and superstition. R3089:5

Of error and iniquity. R1744:5

Of error and sin. E250; R5592:6, 3858:1

These are in ourselves, sin in our minds, in our imaginations--mental strongholds. R5889:3

The spiritual Israelite is to watch and pray to pull down error and gain victory over sin and self and Satan. R2681:6

Deceptive errors and influences must be pelted to death by the stones of truth. R768:4

Of the devil. CR437:5

2 Corinthians 10:5

Imaginations -- Human reasonings. D543

False doctrines, superstitions--ignorance, pride, unholy ambitions, idle speculations, etc. R5889:3

Every high thing -- Those which exalt themselves against the true knowledge of God, the Spirit of God. R5889:5

Against -- We should not accept any theory that does not prove itself from God's Word, and also be very certain that our heart is empty of self will and plans which we want to see carried out. R1223:1

To wrest the Scriptures in order to establish a theory is a terrible crime. If we begin with a theory we want to prove, the Adversary will be ready to assist us. R1223:1

The knowledge of God -- The members of the Church are required to avail themselves of knowledge, as a part of being copies of God's dear Son, the righteous Servant who shall justify many by his knowledge. (Isa. 53:11) NS506:2

Bringing into captivity -- That we may realize the seductive influences and treachery of our fallen natures and utterly destroy them, and thus come into the condition mentioned by the Apostle. R3103:4, 5646:3, 4527:2

Absolute holiness is to be the standard. R5127:4, 3307:4

This should be our constant aim. He who would be perfect must find his chief delight in learning and doing the will of Christ, even as Christ Jesus delights to do the will of Jehovah. R765:3*

By increased limitations of one's own liberty. F149

Judging ourselves--we scrutinize, criticize, so as to bring our very thoughts into captivity. R4524:1

Setting guards upon their lives, those who have suffered disease of the soul can manifest to themselves and others that they have sought and used Jesus' assistance in gaining victories over their weaknesses. F149

The saints' weapons are mighty among those who are influenced by them (to the true people of God, his Word is sharper than any two-edged sword) but these weapons do not operate upon the world thus. D543

Every thought -- And so far as possible, every word and act. R2878:3

Wishes, desires of our hearts. R2480:5, 5127:4; CR432:4

If we are filled with love there is no room left in our hearts for evil. R4241:4*

Whatsoever things are pure, lovely, etc., think on these things. (Phil. 4:8) R1802:5*

The subjection of the Church to Christ is a willing subjection, inspired by love, veneration, gratitude, implicit confidence and trust in his superior wisdom to do what is best for us. R1552:5

This is the holiness that belongs to the Temple class. CR458:4

Through all his tribulations the Apostle pressed toward the mark for the prize of the high calling. The mark to be attained was the holiness which brings every thought into captivity to God and Christ. R1885:2

The Vow has helped many in this respect. R4227:3

Obedience of Christ -- To the will of God in Christ. R5488:2, 5127:4, 2480:5

He who would be perfect must find his chief delight in learning and doing the will of Christ, even as Christ Jesus delights to do the will of Jehovah. It should be his constant aim. R1075:3,4

Obedience to the Lord's Word is the first condition of acceptance with him. R2415:6, 2416:1

Heart-loyalty to the Lord requires effort. It is our first duty, our continual duty, the end of duty. "Be ye holy, for I am holy." "This is the will of God, your sanctification." (1 Pet. 1:16; 1 Thess. 4:3) R5127:4, 4524:1, 765:3

In proportion to our zeal for the Lord, will we be zealous in putting down all idols. R2381:4

2 Corinthians 10:7

Even so are we Christ's -- False brethren had charged that Paul was not Christ's servant. (2 Cor. 11:23) R4517:6

2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast -- False brethren had charged that Paul was given to self-commendation (2 Cor. 3:1; 5:12). R4517:6

2 Corinthians 10:10

His bodily presence -- Greek: parousia; one of two places where properly rendered "presence." B158, 159; R2979:1; HG24:4

Contemptible -- Intimating that Paul was but lightly esteemed at Corinth. R3127:3

2 Corinthians 10:11

In deed when we are present -- Paul declares he would speak in the same denunciatory manner if he were present with them. R2514:4

2 Corinthians 10:12

Measuring themselves by themselves -- We are not to measure ourselves by one another, but by the standard "Be ye perfect, even as your Father." (Matt. 5:48) R5123:4

2 Corinthians 10:14

We stretch not ourselves -- False brethren had charged that Paul assumed unauthorized authority. R4517:6

We would like to awaken the foolish virgins to a realization of their proper position and need of prompt action and redoubled energy in cleansing the robe and embroidering it. SM260:1

2 Corinthians 11

2 Corinthians 11:2

I am jealous -- Not a mean jealousy, but an earnest, anxious solicitude and vigilant watchfulness--a godly jealousy. R4789:4

Over you -- It is evident that the entire faithful Church is meant. R1386:1; CR214:3

The Church's present work is to make herself ready. (Rev. 19:7) F608

With godly jealousy -- Paul was jealous for the things that were right and that the Church should be in accord with them. R4789:4

A jealousy we all should feel in the Church--be very sure, however, it is not jealousy of another, but jealousy for another. R4789:5

I have espoused you -- The consecrated Church. HG409:2

In the Jewish custom the espousal is the real marriage, accompanied by a definite contract which became absolutely binding forthwith. F74; SM122:T In the present time the Lord's people are spoken of as the betrothed or espoused, never as the married wife or joint-heir. NS291:6

The Redeemer has appeared in the presence of God for us, the Church, and thus, as our Advocate has made it possible for us to become his Bride. R4997:1

The promise to Jesus' faithful followers is that they shall be counted with him as his "Bride." R2859:6

We have entered into a special contract with our Heavenly Father to become the Bride of his Son. CR214:4

The beautiful imagery of Psa. 45:10, 11 relates to the elect Church of this Gospel age, pictured as a Bride, the spouse, and ultimately wife of the great King Immanuel. SM251:2

It is the Church of the future, after the resurrection, that is designated the Bride, the married wife. NS291:2

As the consecration of the Lord's people and their begetting of the holy Spirit constitute the betrothal to Christ, so the glorification of the first resurrection will constitute their marriage to him. NS295:1

The Revelator's picture of the Spirit and the Bride saying "Come" to whosoever will is future, for now there is no Bride. R3496:5

Abraham typified the rich heavenly Father; Isaac typified the Lord Jesus, heir of all; Abraham's servant was sent to find Isaac a wife, typifying the Church, which the Apostle here addresses. R3867:6

Abraham's servant represents the divine message, the Spirit of the Word of truth, sent forth of God, to gather during the Gospel age a people, who shall constitute the Bride. R2861:4

During Moses' absence (from Pharaoh's domain), he married a Gentile wife. In the interval between Christ's first and second advents, he selects a wife from among the Gentiles--the Gospel Church, the Bride. R1652:1

To one husband -- This saintly class is already vitally united with Jesus. OV126:2

To the Jewish house Jesus presented himself in three characters--as Bridegroom, Reaper, and King. To the Christian house he presents himself in the same three characters. B238

A chaste virgin -- The true Church is a virgin. R2047:1

All who as "wise virgins" continue faithful to the espousal vows. R1386:1

One who will recognize no other Lord than Jesus and call herself by no other name than his. NS294:5

The Church of Christ in its present condition; not the Bride of Christ until the Bridegroom's presence when the marriage of the Lamb shall take place and the marriage supper shall follow. (Rev. 19:9) Q838:2

The Bride of Christ is everywhere spoken of as a "chaste virgin," and never as impure or in unholy alliance with the world (a harlot). R399:4

The contrast is those nominally betrothed to Christ but really associated with the world, figuratively called harlots. NS294:5

The true Church of Christ, the "chaste virgin," the "Bride, the Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:9), contrasted to the false churches represented as corrupt and debauched women. (Rev. 17:1-5; Rev. 21:9-11) Q842:5

The Spirit is choosing a Bride for Christ during the Gospel age; at the end, the marriage is consummated; during the Millennial age, the Spirit and the Bride (the Church) say, Come. R137:3

This is the same class sometimes referred to as the Church, the Bride of Christ who says "Come and partake of the waters of life freely," (Rev. 22:17) also symbolized as a beautiful city. Q789:2

Typified by Rebecca. F170, 363; R3867:6, 1386:2

The typical circumstances of Abraham calling a bride for his son is an illustration for the calling of the Gospel Church as a chaste virgin to be the help-meet and joint-heir with the true Isaac--Jesus. R609:5

Unity by returning to the Catholic church is not the solution. The "one church, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:5) must be built upon the foundation of truth, not on any denomination. Our union is with the Lord. R4755:6

To Christ -- No virgin is a member of the body of her espoused husband until united to him in marriage. R493:4*

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I fear -- "Let us fear lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." (Heb. 4:1) R3331:3

We stand in constant fear for those who have failed to perform the symbol after having realized the true significance of baptism. R396:5

Serpent beguiled Eve -- Contrary to the teachings of many modern theologians. A61

This is one of many instances in which Paul wrote of his belief in the fall of man from a state of perfection, a doctrine contrary to the teachings of Evolution. R1799:4

By Satan's first great lie: "Ye shall not surely die"--God has deceived you, nobody dies. (Gen. 3:4, 5) R5909:6

Eve was deceived. Adam sinned knowingly. R866:1

Into thinking of the Almighty as ignoble and selfish, conspiring against the interests of his creatures and threatening them with death which the old serpent had assured her God was unable to inflict. NS549:5

The temptation put before Eve was an easy acquirement of knowledge. R728:2

Satan's general procedure is to put darkness for light--to deceive, to mislead. R3925:6

Whoever helps to blind others concerning "Christ in you"--that this is the only basis for your "hope of glory"--is beguiling them of the prize; for if any loses sight of it, he will cease to strive for it. R4535:5

The Apostle has forewarned the Church of an effort of the Adversary to beguile the second Eve, the prospective Bride of the second Adam. R1024:6

Lion-like, he springs upon us unawares. Serpent-like, he assumes a pleasing aspect and endeavors to beguile us. Our vigilant Adversary could gain an advantage over us which we may not be able to resist. R1053:6

Through is subtilty -- The English word "through" is translated from the Greek word en. In scriptures, en may mean "in," "by," "with" or "under." We judge which English word best translates the Greek original by its context. R826:3

Cunning. R2180:3

With crafty sophistry. R910:3

One of the Adversary's seductions is curiosity. It was Eve's curiosity and her fearlessness to disobey the Lord's command that got her into difficulty. R2389:2

So your minds -- The Corinthian Church had been beset by false teachers and their faith in Paul's teaching was shaken. R551:5

So now the Church, the second Eve, is tempted to forsake all the truths of God's Word, and to seek other wisdom. R1257:1

Should be corrupted -- Those who are not ignorant of Satan's ways expect, and find, more subtle snares than ever before laid to entrap them. R1335:6

Through the same denial of God's sentence against sinners. R911:1

From the simplicity -- Purity. R2180:3

Simple truth. R867:1

In Christ -- Christ's doctrine. R1442:4, 1024:6*

2 Corinthians 11:4

Preacheth another Jesus -- The apostles continually sought to put believers on their guard against false teachers. R910:1

This does not signify they will deny our Lord as a person, nor deny his Lordship or authority over the Church. R910:2

Another gospel -- Built upon a different foundation--not on the ransom. R3820:5

Theosophy, Evolution, New Theology. R5137:2

2 Corinthians 11:5

For I suppose -- Paul felt a duty toward the truth which led him to state in no uncertain terms his apostleship. R5941:6

Paul labored hard with the Church at Corinth. To have them fail to make progress in the truth because they thought him incompetent seemed to him to be a pity. R5942:1

Not a whit behind -- In understanding of the divine program. R5941:6

God brought forth Paul to succeed Judas. R5830:3

Jesus chose Paul and ordained him to be an apostle (Rom. 1:5); and since all the apostles must be eye witnesses of Jesus' resurrection, Paul was caused to see him. R162:5

"He is a chosen vessel unto me." (Acts 9:15) F209

Sometimes Paul pointed to the Lord's blessing in connection with his revelations and ministries. F216

At the time the early Church attempted communism, Paul (who would become the twelfth apostle, replacing Judas) had not yet had his eyes open to the truth of the gospel. R5850:1

Chiefest apostles -- Having had special visions and revelations which the other apostles did not have. F215; A27; R5941:5, 552:1

False brethren had charged that Paul had falsely assumed to be one of the ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 12:1). R4517:6, 5941:6

The apostles alone are authorized as mouthpieces of the Lord Jesus Christ and his Church to the world. R5588:1

God never recognized any but twelve apostles. It was never designed that there should be any more (Rev. 21:14). The names of the twelve apostles (no more) are mentioned in connection with the foundations. R162:5

2 Corinthians 11:6

Rude in speech -- Paul was inferior to Apollos and some others in oratory. R365:2

2 Corinthians 11:7

Committed an offence -- You doubtless, thought I sacrificed the dignity of the office of an apostle by the things which I suffered for your sake. R552:1

Freely -- Lest they should get the impression the gospel was being preached from mercenary motives. R5927:1, 2211:6

The traveling "elders" all seem to have strenuously avoided asking or receiving anything from those whom they were seeking to win to Christ. R1822:4

2 Corinthians 11:8

I robbed other churches -- Paul was explaining to the Corinthians that others had been more careful to look after his necessities than they. R2514:4

Taking wages -- He used some of the Philippians' gifts to him to help out. R619:5*

2 Corinthians 11:9

And wanted -- Being physically weak (1 Cor. 2:3), possibly ailing to such an extent as to be unable to work, he was in want. R3143:5

Chargeable to no man -- He never so much as asked assistance while with them. R2514:3, 2211:6

Macedonia supplied -- Voluntarily. F288

The Philippians--no other Church is mentioned as having aided Paul. R5846:2, 3127:2

Internally, false brethren made various charges against St. Paul. They reproached him for having worked at his trade and received gifts from Macedonia, saying he should have urged his needs upon the Corinthians. R4518:1

He would not have refused assistance from the Corinthian brethren if it had been tendered. R2514:3

Paul explained that others had been more careful of his welfare than they and had a corresponding blessing. R2514:4

From being burdensome -- Paul made no request for personal assistance, however much he may have been in need. R5810:3, 2227:6, 2211:6

He was willing to present the Word of God without charge so that his ministry would be more impressive, exhibiting the fact that he sought not their money but their highest welfare. R2514:3

The Apostle did not desire a gift, but realized that whoever receives the truth must be generous and do his share in forwarding it, or he will go backward and lose blessings and light already received. R2514:4

Traveling elders like Paul were sometimes supported by contributions of those previously served but seem to have strenuously avoided asking or receiving from those whom they were seeking to win to Christ. R1822:4

And so will I keep myself -- Paul had confidence the Lord would supply his necessities in the best way. R2514:3

2 Corinthians 11:10

The truth of Christ is in me -- We look to Paul as our example, who, when misrepresented and opposed by brethren who had deserted the cross, explained that all his actions had been for the Lord's glory. R1235:6

Boasting -- Paul boasted not of himself but of things others would think to be for his shame--his sufferings for Christ. R5942:1

2 Corinthians 11:13

False apostles -- "Wandering stars." (Jude 3; Rev. 2:2) D594

There were never more than twelve; any others were false. F209

We are not to recognize bishops whom Satan has deluded into thinking that they have apostolic power (apostolic succession). Jesus declares that they are false apostles and do lie (Rev. 2:2). R5347:2

The only annoyance ever manifested by the apostle Paul was upon his misrepresentation of false brethren. R3820:5

Their teachings served as siftings to draw off those who were not Israelites indeed. R2206:2

As in olden times there were false prophets among God's people, so there will be also false teachers among us. (2 Pet. 2:1) R1663:6*

Whether knowingly or ignorantly, they are serving Satan and error. R910:3

The apostles continually sought to put believers on their guard against false teachers. R910:1

Use and experience will teach you how to measure any new view presented. If its foundation is out of square, stop there. You have proved it to be false. To handle it further is to run a great risk. R867:2

Deceitful workers -- Pretending to bring in "new light." R5800:5, 1643:1; SM133:2

By cunning sophistries, wrapped in fragments of truth, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. R882:6

Transforming themselves -- Imitating. R5848:6*

Apostles of Christ -- Some of the ministers of Satan are thought to be ministers of God. R5259:1

Those whom the Adversary has used to advance errors, have always been loud in their professions of faith in the Lord. R910:2

2 Corinthians 11:14

For Satan himself -- Whose very existence is now being denied by many. See 2 Cor. 2:11; 4:4. F609

Who makes himself to appear a leader amongst the children of light. R5981:5

The Apostle was a firm believer in a personal devil. R3165:6

We have a cunning, "wily" foe in Satan, and must keep close to our Shepherd if we would be delivered out of temptation and from the power of the Evil One. F610

False doctrine shall always be sugar-coated. R2852:5

In the present time there are two great opposing forces in conflict, Christ and Satan. All mankind are serving one of them. Many, on both sides, serve ignorantly. R1948:1

The main attack is on the ransom. R1335:3

As each new ray of light shines out, Satan counterfeits it with rays of false light. R910:4

Is transformed -- In order to fight the truth and destroy its influence. Aii Makes himself to appear a leader amongst the children of light. R5981:4

The Adversary appeared, not as an enemy, but as a friend to the Master. R4970:3

The Adversary's method is to simulate, or counterfeit, the voice of the Shepherd. R3163:3

For the accomplishment of his purposes there is no measure of hypocrisy which he would spurn. R1687:4

He becomes a teacher along what might be termed good lines--he is aware that nothing wholly false could succeed. SM323:1

As Rome transformed itself from heathenism and claimed to be Christian. A259

An angel -- So as to exercise greater influence over humanity and thereby inculcate more successfully false doctrines. R4979:6

Feigning works of mercy and goodness to bolster his tottering kingdom. R3275:1

One of the delights of demons is to personate the pure, the good. R4070:1

When the Master was weakened, through fasting, at the end of the forty days, the Adversary appeared--not as an enemy and a fiend of darkness, but as a friend, professing interest in the Savior's welfare and work. R4970:3

Particularly within the past fifty years. F623

That he may preach false gospels and perform "many wonderful works," healing, etc.--Christian Science, Spiritism, Theosophy. R1736:4; B157

Matt. 24:23-26 describes happenings during Jesus' presence. If Satan is transformed, appearing as an angel of light, and if we look for Jesus to come in the flesh, it would be an easy matter to be deceived. R171:1*

Of light -- Messenger of truth. R551:5, 370:6

Minister of righteousness. Q623:T Seldom or never does our Adversary commence with open error or direct infidelity--he seeks to clothe himself with a mixture of truth. R494:3

Satan knows that error and sin will repel the children of light. R5184:1

Evidently he has had much to do with formulating the creeds of Christendom. R5184:3

He associates eternal torture with moral platitudes and church work. R2852:5

Older sects are well defined, plainly presenting their errors; we understand them. Newer forms of doctrine feign reverence, humility, allegiance to the Lord--as messengers of truth--then deny him. R3185:3

In the guise of Spiritism. B157

Some have come into a "new light" which declares that the Holy One, Jehovah, is the author and instigator of "all sin, wickedness and crime." R1800:2

2 Corinthians 11:15

No great thing -- Not to be wondered at. R5848:6

His ministers -- The most insidious and dangerous "enemies of the cross of Christ" (Phil. 3:18) are those who, professing to be his servants and preaching his gospel, attack it on the inside by denying it. R1719:4

The servants of the arch enemy may be willful or ignorant. R1335:3

Satan sends his ministers preaching "another gospel" and "perverting the gospel of Christ." (Gal. 1:6, 7) R760:1

Also be transformed -- Error always presents itself as truth. R753:3

Romanism wears a garment of light--where necessary. R994:1

Ministers of righteousness -- Who represent themselves as messengers of truth. R1025:1*, 882:6

The apostles of Satan are not saloon-keepers and white slave traffickers, but for the most part "ordained" ministers. R5848:5*

Paul warns against those teachers, to put the brethren on guard lest they be injured by false teachings. R3820:6

Authority is given not in his own name, but in the name of God, at the hands of the apostate church. R1094:6

2 Corinthians 11:19

Ye suffer fools gladly -- The louder a man boasts of himself and the more domineering he becomes the more will he be reverenced. R3286:2

2 Corinthians 11:20

For ye suffer -- The more a religious teacher brow-beats you and the more he exacts from you of money and reverence, the more you esteem him. R3286:2

2 Corinthians 11:21

I speak foolishly -- Foolish boasting--Paul did not approve of boasting. He boasted not of himself but of things others would think to be for his shame. R5942:1

2 Corinthians 11:22

So am I -- False brethren had charged that Paul was unpatriotic and had fallen away from the faith. R4517:6

They even asked if it were certain Paul was a Hebrew at all--of pure blood--if he were not a Gentile in whole or in part. R4518:1

2 Corinthians 11:23

I speak as a fool -- The Apostle was narrating his experiences for our benefit, not as a matter of boasting. Q613:4

See verse 21. I am more -- False brethren had charged that Paul was not Christ's servant. (2 Cor. 10:7) R4517:6

The leading servants in the early Church did not act like lords but served and were persecuted. R1523:6

Paul now lists his Christian experience, not just feelings of ecstasy, nor sitting quietly and letting the Spirit of God work in his heart, but "wisdom gained from practice," as a doer of the Word. R1022:4*

In labours more abundant -- Than the other apostles. R552:2

In stripes above measure -- Paul's zeal for the Lord and the brethren, and his willingness in laying down his life for them--in spending time and energy for them--testify to his worthiness to rank as an equal of any Apostle. F216

Through all these tribulations the Apostle pressed toward the mark for the prize of the high calling. R1885:1, 5851:1

2 Corinthians 11:25

Thrice -- One of the times was at Philippi, after Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl. R3123:1

Beaten with rods -- The apostles were not treated like lords of God's heritage. F231

I suffered shipwreck -- The Apostle had advised that it would be unsafe to sail on. This may have been the result of inspiration, but was possibly the result of his own judgment or experience or his contact with sailors. R3204:3

2 Corinthians 11:26

In perils -- To Paul these things were the marks of divine love and favor. R5942:1

Among false brethren -- Paul had his severest trials from "false brethren." R3820:4

More than the sarcastic, bitter threats of the scribes and Pharisees, or Satan's temptations, or open enemies, it was most sorrowful when Jesus' bosom disciples forsook him and one of them betrayed him. R3820:4

It is possible for human mouths to do us more harm than the mouths of brute beasts. R2502:5

False brethren will become the Church's greatest peril in these last times. R1319:3

Brethren of the closest imaginable relationship--fellow-members of the Body of Christ. SM219:T The professed Church of Christ. (Isa. 66:5; Matt. 7:21-23) SM222:1

2 Corinthians 11:27

In weariness and painfulness -- Paul furnishes a noble example for our imitation. R1041:4 In fastings often -- Some may have been enforced fastings, because of Paul's service of the truth. R2022:5

2 Corinthians 11:28

The care of all the churches -- Particularly those which he had been the means of establishing, or who accepted his ministry, either in person or by letter. R3172:1

Upon Paul devolved the care of all the churches of the Gentiles, and great were the responsibilities of his office. R1744:3

Paul left Timothy as a sort of successor in this capacity. R4526:3

Sometimes Scripture counts a part of a thing as though it were the whole. Thus, any number of the living Church assembled together in any place may properly be called the Church of that place. R1893:5

2 Corinthians 11:30

Of the things -- Paul mentions not one word about praying for the removal of these by divine power. R2009:3

Concern mine infirmities -- See 2 Cor. 12:10.

2 Corinthians 11:33

Escaped his hands -- We may use all lawful and legal means in our self-defense, and may even wisely run away from dangers and persecutors (Matt. 10:23), but we are not authorized to retaliate. R3738:3

2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:1

I will come -- False brethren had charged that Paul had falsely assumed to be one of the ambassadors of Christ. (2 Cor. 11:5) R4517:6

Visions and revelations -- The Apostle's mind thus illuminated, he was able to write with great intelligence, clearness and power. Nearly all of our knowledge of the deep things comes from Paul's epistles. R5339:4; F215, 216

The Lord more than made up to Paul what he lacked to make him a competent and reliable witness to us. R1523:1, 1472:5, 1148:4, 665:5, 435:2

Not due and hence not permitted to be plainly expressed in Paul's day. R1525:6, 551:6

Hypnotism is now being used to make the visions and revelations granted the apostles appear very ordinary. R2033:2

Of the Lord -- Paul did not preach foolish speculations or human reasonings because of the popular craving for something new. He confined himself to the Scriptures and to exhortations inspired by revelations made to him. R1719:6

2 Corinthians 12:2

Caught up -- Caught away down the stream of time. A70

Caught away (in the spirit--that is, mentally). R900:6

Snatched away. R529:1*

To the third heaven -- To the new condition of things as they will be under the spiritual control of Christ. A70; HG539:2

The Millennial reign of Christ. R1744:3, 1558:3, 551:6, 529:2*; A70

A glimpse of the next dispensation, "the world to come." HG539:2

"New heavens." (2 Pet. 3:13) R2832:2; Q830:T; HG539:2

2 Corinthians 12:3

I cannot tell -- Paul saw things so vividly he could not tell whether it was physical or merely mental. R551:6; A70; HG539:2

2 Corinthians 12:4

Into paradise -- "A new earth." (2 Pet. 3:13) R2832:2; Q830:T The new earth brought to perfection under restitution blessings. R2832:1; D648

The new dispensation or Kingdom of God where he saw things to come. R900:6

As our Lord knew matters fully after he was begotten of the holy Spirit, so Paul was caught away to the third heaven and received knowledge of wonderful things. R5066:1

Unspeakable words -- Doubtless the plan and purpose of God, as now made manifest in this harvest period. R1744:3, 901:1

It is not lawful -- He must not explain these visions; their meaning was a secret entrusted to him. R5339:4

Not then due to be understood by the Church in general. R2832:1, 1744:3, 901:1, 551:6

Paul is the clearest eye the Church has ever had, though he was not permitted to make known what he saw; but his writings have a rich depth and fullness possessed by no other New Testament writer. R365:1

Doubtless these were the same things which John afterward saw and was permitted to express to the Church in symbols, which may only be understood as they become due. A70

For a man to utter -- Not to be uttered clearly because it was not yet the due time. R900:6

But the illumination which they gave to the apostle's mind has through his writings been reflected, giving a force, shading, and depth of meaning to his words. F215; A27; R901:1; NS557:3; OV6:1

Paul had the gift or office of revelation in a remarkable degree, being in visions and revelations of the Lord more abundant than they all. R365:1

From this standpoint of knowledge he was able to guide the Church by his teachings all through the age--from the beginning down to the closing days of her course. R901:1

2 Corinthians 12:5

I will not glory -- Paul did not approve of boasting. He boasted not of himself, but of things others would think to be for his shame. R5942:1

2 Corinthians 12:6

Tischendorf writes regarding relative values of ancient manuscripts: "2

Cor. 4:13-12:6 are not found in the Alexandrine Codex." R1147:2

2 Corinthians 12:7

Exalted above measure -- The "thorn" was left as a reminder of previous error and hence served to keep Paul humble. R1540:4, 5933:5, 5416:6, 4821:5, 3794:1

In God's dealings with his people at all times we can see his care in guarding them against pride and self-sufficiency. R1920:6

The abundance of the revelations -- The broad view of God's plan thus given to the Apostle enabled him to realize the real position of the saints, and the weighty interests involved in their development as members of the Body of Christ. R901:1

The writings of the twelve apostles were especially supervised by the Lord, and their doctrinal utterances inspired. SM672:3; OV412:1

Thorn in the flesh -- In a measure a retribution, a correction. R5933:5, 5624:4

Not the sufferings of Christ. R5117:4

Kept him in remembrance of the great blunder he made in his zeal without knowledge, and of the Lord's mercy to him. R4356:6, 5416:6, 4821:5

Paul's Christian brethren would have gladly plucked out their own eyes for him. Although a learned man, Paul wrote very few of his own epistles and was largely dependent upon his companions. R2825:1

Following his blindness in the way to Damascus, Paul's sight was never again normal. History has styled him the "bleared-eye Jew." This would explain why Paul did not baptize more of his converts. (1 Cor. 1:14) R2118:2,4, 5963:2, 4486:2, 1540:4; F651

Figurative--an affliction. R1540:4, 435:6

Messenger of Satan -- Physical sufferings resulting from heredity are ministers of Satan. R5117:4

It came not from the hand of the Lord, though by his permission. R1744:3

To buffet me -- To tempt, annoy. A68

Trying his patience, his humility, etc. F651

To oppose, cause much difficulty. R5117:4

To polish. SM324:2

Because Satan is the prince (ruler) of the present evil world, evil prospers and the wicked flourish. He has no interest in Jesus' followers except to oppose, tempt, annoy and buffet them. HG538:3

2 Corinthians 12:8

Besought the Lord thrice -- The saints are never invited to pray for their own physical healing. R2837:6; F651

The Lord did not answer the first and second time. CR468:5; R2006:6

That it might depart -- In all the records we find no instance of the exercise of the gift of healing on behalf of any of the apostles or any of the Church. R2006:6, 5624:4, 1754:6

2 Corinthians 12:9

My grace -- My favor. R1745:1

Spiritual, not earthly favors. R2009:3

Sometimes our Lord may be pleased to grant physical relief and at other times he may do as he did to Paul--give us the more grace to bear the physical ills. R2281:1

Instead of removing the difficulty, the Lord promised the more grace, the more strength, the more endurance to meet the difficulty. R4433:5, 5952:4; CR468:5

The Lord gives consolation of heart that will enable his children to rejoice in tribulation. R5758:4

If the Lord's grace is proportionate to our trials, let us receive with rejoicing all the trials he may send that we may have the more of his grace. R4184:6

His grace justifies us, by his grace we will have part in the divine nature. CR469:6

Is sufficient -- God would give Paul that which would be better for him as a new creature. R5624:4

It shall cost us our earthly life--laying down our lives in God's service for the brethren, and in doing good unto all men as we have opportunity; but he promises us succor and every needed assistance. F374

To the faithful, in every time of need, he will make up the deficiency. R5437:4, 5477:2; Q440:T "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Heb. 13:5) R5058:3

I will be with thee in six troubles, and in the seventh I will not forsake thee. (Job 5:19) R4784:2

"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13) R1558:5

What trials and difficulties he does not remove from us, he permits for wise and loving purposes. R4433:5

Grace is helpful in all things, taking away of the thorn would have been relief in only one. R4433:5, 5963:2

The moment of discouragement is the opportune moment for the discouraged one to recognize his need of the Savior and to cry unto him, and forthwith receive the re-enforcements promised. NS619:6

On the eve of the Apostle's departure to Jerusalem, the Adversary was permitted to stir up persecution. The Apostle knew "All things work together for good." (Rom. 8:28) R4432:1

It was not necessary for the Apostle to say one unkind word in reference to the goddess Diana. It is not necessary for us to do or say a single unkind word or act toward our friends in Babylon. R4433:1

This would not mean that we might not sometimes fall into temptation. R5668:6

For thee -- All of us who are of the one Body and energized by its one Spirit. R4433:2

My strength -- There is a wonderful power in the religion of Jesus, our Redeemer. R4432:6

Be of good cheer; I have overcome. (John 16:33) A214

The weakest are provided for, the strongest get what they need--no one is required to do more than he is able to perform. R5886:4

Our source of strength when battling with the current of life is never to be forgotten--"When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee." (Isa. 43:2) R4005:4

We have much advantage over the apostles prior to Pentecost. That was before their anointing of the holy Spirit, whereas our testings come to us at the time we are of the anointed Body. R4167:6

The more we exercise faith, the more of it we will have, becoming stronger in the Lord and in the power of his might; thus by divine grace and under the Master's assistance we come off conquerors. R2568:5

Made perfect in weakness -- Made manifest in your weakness. R1745:1, 5510:1; HG652:3

This is one of the "exceeding great and precious promises" (2 Pet. 1:4) upon which we may stand when tempted in any line or to any degree. R1802:5*

This is the secret of every successful Christian life. R5942:4, 1745:1

Our weaknesses and imperfections are covered by our Redeemer's robe of righteousness, which constitutes our "wedding garment." Thus we stand before the Father complete in the Beloved. R5855:3

My strength, operating through this imperfect earthen vessel, will be more manifest to men than if the vessel were a perfect and polished one. R1920:6

If Paul's thorn had been removed, permitting him to take back his consecration to sacrifice, it would mean his letting go of spiritual blessings which God bestows upon us when we sacrifice earthly things. R4433:4

As we note our progress in the fruits and graces of the holy Spirit, let us rejoice if the progress was great, and lament the fact if it was small, but not to the degree of discouragement or surrender. R4100:5

If we knew of our future trials, we should be unjustly overwhelmed, but as we take one step after another we find God's promises true: We are sustained. We have no more than we can bear. We can overcome. R4164:3

The hour of temptation would deceive the very elect if it were possible, but it will not be possible because of their love and zeal and the consequent blessings that divine favor will provide for them. R4167:6

This chapter gives examples of Christian experience--keeping ourselves unspotted from the world as we put off the old man, growing in grace and knowledge, and laboring in the Lord's vineyard. R1022:4

Charmed with the prospect of becoming "joint-heirs of Jesus Christ," believers are not daunted by the trials and difficulties of the way, especially when they hear the Redeemer's Word encouraging them. HG652:3

Most gladly therefore -- If having the affliction meant more divine grace, then Paul was content. R4356:6

I rather glory -- Paul had more abundant revelations than the other apostles, and he had made more converts and established more churches, but it was his sufferings he considered most important. R552:1

Since I shall have correspondingly more of the grace of God wherewith to resist them and be profited by them. SM324:2

My infirmities -- Physical restitution is not the hope set before the "Little Flock." R749:4, 2364:6

May rest upon me -- Work through Paul as a ready instrument--meek, willing, and energetic. R1921:1

The more our enemies assail and falsely charge us with evil, the more the Lord blesses us and his work under our care. R4660:6

2 Corinthians 12:10

I take pleasure -- Paul was a strong character, naturally positive and firm. He ruled himself. When the truth reached him, he was firm and steady. He is a noble example of steadfastness, endurance, untiring zeal, devotion. R1041:4

When I am weak -- When fully loyal to the Lord, I feel my own weakness and insufficiency. R5550:5

When I realize my own weakness and cannot successfully battle alone against the flesh and its infirmities. R5510:1, 3667:4; CR437:5

This was really the strength of Solomon's character--he was meek, teachable, like a little child. R5714:6

Then -- God's grace is sufficient for all God's people when their weakness is recognized and confessed and abhorred, and his mercy appreciated, sought, and accepted. R4821:5

Am I strong -- And reversely, "when I am strong in self-assurance, I am then weak." R4379:1, 2878:2

The moment when we feel self-confident is the dangerous one. R3667:5

By reason of his assistance, we are stronger in the power of the Lord's might than we could have been in our own strength. (Eph. 6:10) R3667:5

By relying upon the Lord for grace and help and guidance and strength. R3667:5, 5550:5, 5510:1,4

He shall divide the spoil with the strong. (Isa. 53:12) R3592:1

2 Corinthians 12:11

In nothing am I behind -- In the understanding of the divine program. R5941:6

Since all apostles must be eye witnesses of Jesus resurrection, Paul was caused to see Jesus. God never recognized any but twelve apostles. Rev. 21:14 speaks of the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. R162:5

There were eleven apostles until St. Paul was received of the Lord. We have them still with us represented by their teachings. R5831:3

Though I be nothing -- It is Christ in me. R552:1

2 Corinthians 12:12

Truly the signs -- Greek, seemion; proof or evidence. D598

Of an apostle -- While some plume themselves with the conceit that they have that ministration now in all its fullness, to Paul, "the ministration of the Spirit" was an object of hope. R1323:5*

In all patience -- This scripture is listed with Jas. 5:10, 11 and 2

Cor. 6:4-10 as a notable example of patience. R3585:4

2 Corinthians 12:14

Not be burdensome -- "I have coveted no man's silver or gold or apparel." (Acts 20:33) F287

Not yours, but you -- Paul was laying down his life for the brethren--our object should be like his. R3143:4

But the parents -- Implying reasonable forethought and provision on the part of parents for those whom they have brought into being. R2488:1; F578

In one sense, God is the Father of the whole human race. A good father educates his children. The fact that he has not yet had these children instructed in Christ shows that his due time for this is future. R33:3*

For the children -- Includes not only food and raiment, but also intellectual and moral instructions. The child fairly well born and who receives a reasonable education and guidance to maturity has a rich legacy in himself. F578

2 Corinthians 12:15

Be spent for you -- This and Eph. 4:28 ("give to him that needeth") should be obeyed as nearly as possible, whatever our circumstances. It is well to use the spirit of a sound mind in attaining enough to be able to give. R2513:2

2 Corinthians 12:16

I did not burden you -- False brethren had insinuated that the collections taken for the poor at Jerusalem were probably in part, at least, for Paul. R4518:1

Being crafty -- Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove (Matt. 10:16), Paul exercised wisdom in his method of dealing with those whom he desired to bless, hiding from them for a time truths which they could not appreciate. R3675:1

We should take advantage of our hearers' present religious views, as Paul did. R825:4

Caught you with guile -- Paul quotes his enemies as charging him with guile. An evil mind can put an evil construction on the noblest words and deeds. R3675:1

2 Corinthians 12:18

Walked we not -- They were walking in the spirit and steps of the Master. R3238:4

All in this pathway have the same spirit, mind or disposition--to do the Father's will and to serve his cause. R3238:4

2 Corinthians 12:20

Backbitings -- Evil speaking, backbiting, slandering are strictly forbidden, even if the evil be true. R4803:1

Professed Christians are often the most pronounced scandalmongers. R4803:1

2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13:4

By the power of God -- "Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father." God "raised up Jesus from the dead." "God hath raised up the Lord." (Rom. 6:4; 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:14) R2037:5

2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine yourselves -- "Try your own selves"--look at your present condition as compared with your past. R1516:2*, 1516:3*

For the "witness" of chiselings polishings, prunings, disciplines, chastisements. E232

Whether I am something or nothing in God's estimation is to be measured by my love for him, his brethren, his cause, the world in general, and even my enemies, rather than my knowledge. R4917:6

In the faith -- "The faith" is much more than belief, confidence, or trust. It involves much more than acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice as the at-one-ment. It also involves having Jesus' sacrificing spirit. R759:2*

Trials of faith can come when subtle errors are presented as advanced truth. R3104:2

Christ is in you -- No real child of God is devoid of this evidence of his adoption. R3251:5

Be ye reprobates -- No longer acceptable to God. R3251:4

2 Corinthians 13:8

Against the truth -- Our consciences will not permit us to compromise where principles are involved, though we should gladly be the readiest of all to compromise where principle is not involved. R4022:5

Whoever intelligently, willfully, heartily does anything against the truth is in serious danger. R3894:3

Some of the Lord's people are not as particular as they should be in estimating the weight of their influence and in determining they will do nothing against the truth. R3667:1

Not a finger dare we move, not a whisper utter, injurious to members of the Body of Christ. R3052:4

But for the truth -- Every effort must be for the truth. R4076:6

Do all in their power for the truth--for righteousness. R3667:1

2 Corinthians 13:11

Be of one mind -- This is the oneness of thought, mind and action required of the Church of God. R1130:6*

Live in peace -- The comfort and peace of the Church are dependent largely upon unity of the Spirit of the Lord in the various members. R3436:5

Among yourselves--we should strive to be at peace with all who love the Lord. R2251:1

"Be at peace among yourselves." "Lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." "Follow after the things which make for peace." (1

Thes. 5:13; 1 Tim. 2:2; Rom. 14:19) 2946:6

2 Corinthians 13:12

An holy kiss -- The Eastern custom of males kissing males. R4238:2

There would be nothing wrong in a kiss of love, but there is no intimation that the brethren should kiss the sisters or the sisters kiss the brethren. Q618:5

2 Corinthians 13:13

Saints -- The word "saint" is used to designate the truly consecrated. R1139:1

Salute you -- The churches were prompt to send Christian greetings. R1895:4