21. providing<\/em> ] Most MSS. and editors here read for<\/strong> we provide<\/em>, or rather, take care beforehand to do<\/strong>, i.e. it is our custom to give no occasion for suspicion. See Rom 12:17<\/span>, where the same words occur. They are, as Dr Plumptre has reminded us, a quotation of Pro 3:4<\/span>. Cf. also Rom 14:6<\/span>; 1Ti 5:14<\/span>; 1Ti 6:1<\/span>; Tit 2:8<\/span>. Also ch. 2Co 6:3<\/span>.<\/p>\n honest things<\/em> ] Rather, what is honourable<\/strong>. The word implies what is of good repute among mankind, and hence what is honourable and noble in itself. See note on ch. 2Co 4:2<\/span>.<\/p>\n also in the sight of men<\/em> ] It is not enough for the Christian to have a clear conscience. He must give no man an opportunity of insinuating that his conscience is not<\/em> clear. See Mat 5:14-16<\/span>.<\/p>\n Providing for honest things – <\/B>The expression used here occurs in Rom 12:17<\/span>; see the note on that place. In that place, however, it refers to the manner in which we are to treat those who injure us; here it refers to the right way of using property; and it seems to have been a kind of maxim by which Paul regulated his life, a vade mecum that was applicable to everything. The sentiment is, that we are to see to it beforehand that all our conduct shall be comely or honest. The word rendered providing for (<\/SPAN><\/span> pronoumenoi) means foreseeing, or perceiving beforehand; and the idea is, that we are to make it a matter of previous calculation, a settled plan, a thing that is to be attended to of set design. In the middle voice, the form in which it occurs here, it means to provide for in ones own behalf; to apply oneself to anything; to practice diligently – Robinson. The word rendered things honest (<\/SPAN><\/span> kala) means properly beautiful, or comely.<\/P> The idea which is presented here is, that we are to see beforehand, or we are to make it a matter of set purpose that what we do shall be comely, that is, just, honorable, correct, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of mankind. Paul applies this in his own case to the alms which were to be entrusted to him. His idea is, that he meant so to conduct in the whole transaction as that his conduct should be approved by God, but that it should also be regarded as beautiful or correct in the sight of people. He knew how much his own usefulness depended on an irreproachable character. He, therefore, procured the appointment of one who had the entire confidence of the churches to travel with him. But there is no reason for confining this to the particular case under consideration. It seems to have been the leading maxim of the life of Paul, and it should be of ours. The maxim may be applied to everything which we have to do; and should constantly regulate us.<\/P> It may be applied to the acquisition and use of property; to the discharge of our professional duties; to our contact with others; to our treatment of inferiors and dependents; to our charities, etc. – in all of which we should make it a matter of previous thought, of earnest diligence, that our conduct should be perfectly honest and comely before God and man. Let us learn from this verse also, that ministers of the gospel should be especially careful that their conduct in money matters. and especially in the appropriation of the charities of the church, should be above suspicion. Much is often entrusted to their care, and the churches and individual Christians often commit much to their discretion. Their conduct in this should be without reproach; and in order to this, it is well to follow the example of Paul, and to insist that others who have the entire confidence of the churches should be associated with them. Nothing is easier than to raise a slanderous report against a minister of the gospel; and nothing gratifies a wicked world more than to be able to do it – and perhaps especially if it pertains to some improper use of money. It is not easy to meet such reports when they are started; and a minister, therefore, should be guarded, as Paul was, at every possible point, that he may be freed from that whose breath outvenoms all the worms of Nile – Slander.<\/P><\/p>\n Verse 21. Providing for honest things<\/B><\/I>] Taking care to act so as not only to be clear in the sight of God, but also to be clear in the sight of all men; avoiding even the appearance of evil. I wish the reader to refer to the excellent note on “<\/I>1Co 16:4<\/I><\/span>“<\/I>, which I have extracted from Dr. Paley<\/I>.<\/P><\/p>\n He had said the same, Rom 12:17<\/span>. In both places he instructeth us, what is the great duty of all Christians, but of ministers especially, (who are as cities built upon a hill, and cannot be hid, and against whom ill men are much more ready to open their mouths, than against private Christians of a more obscure condition), viz. to provide things honest, not only in the sight of God, <\/I>( having an eye, that in our actions we do nothing which God hath forbidden us, nor omit any thing which God hath commanded us), but also looking that in our conversation we (as much as in us lies) do those things which have a good report amongst men, Phi 4:8<\/span>. For besides that we are obliged to give no offence to Jews or Gentiles, nor any way to alienate them from the ways of God, we are also obliged to do what in us lieth to win and gain them to Christ; to which, the doing of actions which they account dishonest (though, it may be, some are not so upon a strict inquiry) is no fitting mean. <\/P> <\/p>\n 21.<\/B> The Septuagint<\/I>(Pro 3:4<\/span>; Rom 12:17<\/span>).The oldest manuscripts read, “For we provide.” <\/P> honest things<\/B>“thingshonorable.”<\/P><\/p>\n Providing for honest things<\/strong>,…. Or premeditating, forecasting, or considering before hand in the mind, things that are good, that are of good report among men, as well as accounted good by God; for it becomes professors of religion, and especially ministers of the Gospel, to be careful not only to exercise a good conscience towards God; but so to behave, that they may obtain and preserve the good opinion of men; for when they have once lost their credit and reputation among men, their ministry becomes in a great, measure useless; wherefore the apostle adds,<\/p>\n not only in the sight of the Lord<\/strong>: the same Lord as before, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is a diligent searcher of the hearts, and discerner of the thoughts, and observer of the ways and actions of all his people;<\/p>\n but also in the sight of men<\/strong>; not that the apostle affected a mere outside show, popular applause, and the praise of men; but was concerned lest any weak persons, by their conduct, should be stumbled and fall, the edification of any should be hindered, and their ministry become unprofitable.<\/p>\n We take thought <\/B> (<\/SPAN><\/span>). Old verb, to plan beforehand (–<\/SPAN><\/span>) as in Rom 12:17<\/span>; 1Tim 5:8<\/span>.<\/P> But also in the sight of men <\/B> ( <\/SPAN><\/span>). It is not enough for one’s financial accounts to be honourable (<\/SPAN><\/span>) as God sees them, but they should be so kept that men can understand them also. A timely warning. Paul took the utmost pains that no suspicion could be attached to him in this collection. <\/P> <\/p>\n We take thought [] <\/SPAN><\/span>. Beforehand [] <\/SPAN><\/span>. See on Rom 12:17<\/span>. The words are from Pro 3:4<\/span>, where the Septuagint reads, take thought for honorable things in the sight of the Lord and of men. <\/P> <\/p>\n 1) “Providing for honest things,”<\/strong> (pronooumen gar kala) “For we provide good (honest) things,” by inquiry and consideration; In our opportunities for enriching ourselves, we must never lose sight of honesty and integrity, Pro 3:3-4<\/span>; 1Pe 2:12<\/span>; 2Co 13:9<\/span>.<\/p>\n 2) “Not only in the sight of the Lord,”<\/strong> (ou monon enopion kuriou) “Not only before (in the face of) the Lord,” because we know he is looking on; Php_4:18. He knows all, Act 4:19<\/span>; 1Ti 2:3<\/span>; 1Th 1:3<\/span>.<\/p>\n 3) “But also in the sight of men,”<\/strong> (alla kai enopion anthropon) “but also before (in the sight) open to the examination of men.” Rom 12:17<\/span>; Rom 13:7-8<\/span>; 1Jn 3:22<\/span>.<\/p>\n 21. Providing things honest I am of opinion, that there were not wanting, even among the Corinthians, some who would have proceeded so far as to revile, if occasion had been allowed them. Hence he wished them to know the state of matters, that he might shut the mouths of all everywhere. Accordingly he declares, that he is not merely concerned to have a good conscience in the sight of God, but also to have a good character among men. At the same time, there can be no doubt, that he designed to instruct the Corinthians, as well as all others, by his example, that, in doing what is right, the opinion of men is not to be disregarded. The first thing, (698) it is true, is that the person take care, that he be a good man. This is secured, not by mere outward actions, but by an upright conscience. The next thing is, that the persons, with whom you are conversant, recognize you as such. <\/p>\n Here, however, the object in view must be looked to. Nothing, assuredly, is worse than ambition, which vitiates the best things in the world, disfigures, I say, the most graceful, and makes sacrifices of the sweetest smell have an offensive odor before the Lord. Hence this passage is slippery, so that care must be taken (699) lest one should pretend to be desirous, in common with Paul, of a good reputation, and yet be very far from having Paul’s disposition, for he provided things honest in the sight of men, that no one might be stumbled by his example, but that, on the contrary, all might be edified. Hence we must, if we would desire to be like him, take care that we be not on our own account desirous of a good name. “He that is regardless of fame,” says Augustine, “is cruel, because it is not less necessary before our neighbor, than a good conscience is before God.” This is true, provided you consult the welfare of your brethren with a view to the glory of God, and in the mean time are prepared to bear reproaches and ignominy in place of commendation, if the Lord should see it meet. Let a Christian man, however, always take care to frame his life with a view to the edification of his neighbors, and diligently take heed, that the ministers of Satan shall have no pretext for reviling, to the dishonor of God and the offense of the good. <\/p>\n (698) “ Le premier et le principal;” — “The first and the chief thing.” <\/p>\n (699) “ Ainsi c’est yci vn passage glissant; et pourtant il faut que chacun aduise a soy;” — “Thus there is here a slippery passage; and hence every one must take heed to himself.” <\/p>\n (21) Providing for honest things . . .<\/strong>Many of the best MSS. give: For we provide for honest things, as though he gave the general principle on which he was now acting in this particular instance. The rule of life is repeated, a few months afterwards, in Rom. 12:17<\/span>. The English reader does not recognise the fact, which the Greek reader would see at once, that the words are a quotation from Pro. 3:4<\/span>. where the Greek version has: Write them upon the table of thine heart, and thou shalt find favour. Provide things honest in the sight of God and man.<\/em> The citation is interesting, as showing that even one who was taught by the Spirit, as St. Paul was, could yet find guidance for his daily conduct in a book which seems to many almost to be below the level of the spiritual life. In this case, had the Apostle had only the judgment of God to consider, he could with a pure conscience have taken up the money to Jerusalem by himself. But he had to consider that men were judging him, and might suspect him, and therefore he insisted, as has been said above, on having his accounts audited.<\/p>\n 21<\/strong>. <\/strong> Honest<\/strong> In its old sense honourable<\/em> above wrong and above suspicion. <\/p>\n In sight of men<\/strong> Guarding wisely not only against evil, but against the appearance of evil.<\/p>\n 2Co 8:21<\/span> . Ground of this precautionary measure. For our anxiety is directed to what is good, not merely before the Lord<\/em> , not merely so that we set before us God<\/em> in this way (Pro 3:4<\/span> ), but also before men<\/em> . Comp. on Rom 12:17<\/span> . Were it merely the former, we should not need such precautionary measures, since to God we , 2Co 5:11<\/span> ; but “propter alios fama<\/em> necessaria est,” Augustine. The misuse of the latter consideration is guarded against by . .<\/p>\n , prospicere<\/em> , also in the active<\/em> ; comp. Plato, Clit.<\/em> p. 408 E; Xen. Mem<\/em> . ii. 10. 3; Aelian, V. H.<\/em> ii. 21; Wis 6:7 ; Hesych.: .<\/p>\n For analogous Rabbinical sayings, see Wetstein.<\/p>\n 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Ver. 21. Providing<\/strong> ] Projecting, procuring, . A good name is a great blessing, and therefore the same word in Hebrew signifieth both, Pro 28:20<\/span> , <\/p>\n 21.<\/strong> ] ‘And such caution is in accordance with our general practice.’ See reff. Rom. and Prov.<\/p>\n 2Co 8:21<\/span> . . . .: for “we provide things honest” not only “in the sight of the Lord,” but also “in the sight of men,”<\/em> an injunction in the Proverbs which the Apostle quotes again at Rom 12:17<\/span> . Where other people’s money is in question, one cannot be too careful; and the prudence of the method pursued in this collection, whereby the contributing Churches appointed colleagues to accompany St. Paul and to check his accounts, is worthy of close imitation in the ecclesiastical finance of a later age ( cf.<\/em> 2Co 6:3<\/span> ).<\/p>\n Providing for. The texts read “For we provide”. Greek. pronoeo. See Rom 12:17. <\/p>\n honest. See item. 2Co 12:17. <\/p>\n Lord. App-98. <\/p>\n also, &c. = in the sight of men also. This is a reply to the charge referred to in 2Co 12:17. <\/p>\n men. App-123. <\/p>\n 21.] And such caution is in accordance with our general practice. See reff. Rom. and Prov.<\/p>\n 2Co 8:21. , in the sight of the Lord) in private, in truth: comp. Rom 12:17, note.<\/p>\n 2Co 8:21<\/p>\n 2Co 8:21 <\/p>\n for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.-He set an example in this by which every Christian ought to profit. He was not willing to handle means, save under safeguards that he should not be charged with malfeasance in the handling of it. This he desired to do not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. [In handling money it is always best to keep on the safe side. If most men are too readily suspected by others, it only answers to the fact that most men are too ready to trust themselves. We have an infinite confidence in our own honesty; and when auditors are appointed to examine their books, the inexperienced are apt to think it needless, and even impertinent. If they were wise, they would welcome it as a protection against suspicion and even against themselves.] <\/p>\n for: Rom 12:17, Phi 4:8, 1Ti 5:14, Tit 2:5-8, 1Pe 2:12 <\/p>\n not: 2Co 2:17, 2Co 5:9-11, Mat 5:16, Mat 6:1, Mat 6:4, Mat 23:5, 1Th 5:22 <\/p>\n Reciprocal: Gen 31:32 – before Gen 43:12 – double Rth 3:14 – Let it not Rth 4:4 – Buy it 1Ki 18:34 – Do it the second 2Ki 22:7 – they dealt faithfully Ezr 8:25 – weighed Ezr 8:33 – weighed Jer 32:12 – and in Act 4:35 – at Act 10:23 – and certain Rom 14:16 – General Rom 14:18 – is 1Co 10:29 – why 2Co 13:7 – honest 1Th 4:12 – ye may walk 1Ti 3:7 – lest<\/p>\n 2Co 8:21. The Lord knows the heart of every man, but human beings do not. It is necessary, therefore, that a man who handles the money contrib.. uted by others, should so conduct himself that his honest things will be evident to all.<\/p>\n 2Co 8:21. for we take thought for things honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of menso as to be above suspicion, and give no shadow of ground for such unworthy thoughts as those hinted at in chap. 2Co 12:17-18. Who this brother was, it is quite vain to conjecture. For to all who have been supposed to be meantBarnabas, Silas, Apollos, Trophimus, Mark, Lukethere are different objections, all having their own weight, while the arguments in favour of any one of them are too slender to build upon. Enough it must be for us to know that those written to did not need him to be named, and that he was held in such esteem that to send him with Titus would be deemed a boon.<\/p>\n Verse 21<\/strong> <\/strong> He wanted to be right in God’s eyes and have a good reputation among men if possible. <\/p>\n for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. [Paul welcomed the appointment of assistance in this work, for their co-operation lifted him above suspicion, which was according to his desire, for he wished not only to have a good character in the sight of God, but also a fair reputation among men.] <\/p>\n Verse 21 <\/p>\n For honest things; things reputable, free from all appearance of wrong.<\/p>\n Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 21. providing ] Most MSS. and editors here read for we provide, or rather, take care beforehand to do, i.e. it is our custom to give no occasion for suspicion. See Rom 12:17, where the same … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:21”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28899"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28899\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Greek Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"