THE SECT. XIII. CHAP. XVI. 13-24. CONTENTS. HE conclusion, wherein St. Paul, according to his custom, leaves with them some, which he thinks most necessary, exhortations, and sends particular greetings. ye, TEXT. stand fast in the faith, quit you like Watch 13 14 Let all your things be done with charity. 15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus: for that, which was lacking on your part, they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore, acknowledge ye them that are such. 19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. PARAPHRASE. 13 Be upon your guard, stand firm in the faith, behave yourselves and resolution: And whatever is done 14 like men, with courage amongst you, either in public assemblies, or elsewhere, let it all be done with affection, and good-will, one to another'. 15 You know the house of Stephanas, that they were the first converts of Achaia, and have all along made it their business 16 to minister to the saints: To such, I beseech you to submit yourselves: let such as, with us, labour to promote the gospel, 17 be your leaders. I am glad, that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came to me; because they have supplied what was 18 deficient on your side. For, by the account they have given me of you, they have quieted my mind, and yours too": 19 therefore have a regard to such men as these. The churches of NOTES. 14 a His main design being to put an end to the faction and division which the false apostle had made amongst them, it is no wonder that we find unity and charity so much, and so often pressed, in this and the second epistle. 18 b Viz. By removing those suspicions and fears, that were on both sides. TEXT. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet you one another with an holy kiss. 21 The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own hand. 22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. PARAPHRASE. of Asia salute you, and so do Aquila and Priscilla, with much 20 christian affection; with the church that is in their house. All the brethren here salute you: salute one another with an holy 21 kiss. That, which followeth, is the salutation of me, Paul, 22 with my own hand. If any one be an enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ, and his gospel, let him be accursed, or devoted to destruction. The Lord cometh to execute vengeance on him. 23 The favour of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be 24 with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. 22 NOTE. This being so different a sentence from any of those, writ with St. Paul's own hand, in any of his other epistles, may it not with probability be understood to mean the false apostle, to whom St. Paul imputes all the disorders in this church, and of whom he speaks, not much less severely? 2 Cor. xi. 13-15. |