2Cor 12:19, 1Th 2:4 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 19. Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you ? . The sense is, do not suppose that this is said from mere anxiety to obtain your favour, or to ingratiate ourselves into your esteem. This is said doubtless to keep himself from the suspicion of being actuated by improper motives, he had manifested great solicitude certainly in the previous chapters to vindicate his character; but he here says that it was not from a mere desire to show them that his conduct was right; it was from a desire to honour Christ. We speak before God in Christ . We declare the simple and undisguised truth as in the presence of God. I have no mere desire to palliate my conduct; I disguise nothing; I conceal nothing; I say nothing for the mere purpose of self-vindication; but I can appeal to the Searcher of hearts for the exact truth of all that I say. The phrase "before God in Christ" means, probably, "I speak as in the presence of God and as a follower of Christ, as a Christian man." It is the solemn appeal of a Christian to his God for the truth of what he said, and a solemn asseveration that what he said was not for the mere purpose of excusing or apologizing for (Greek) his conduct. But we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying . All that I have done has been for your welfare. My vindication of my character, and my effort to disabuse you of your prejudices, have been that you might have unwavering confidence in the gospel, and might be built up in holy faith. On the word edify , , ; . (*) "excuse" "defend" (c) "ourselves"

2 Corinthians 12:19

Verse 19. Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? 2Cor 5:12. The sense is, do not suppose that this is said from mere anxiety to obtain your favour, or to ingratiate ourselves into your esteem. This is said doubtless to keep himself from the suspicion of being actuated by improper motives, he had manifested great solicitude certainly in the previous chapters to vindicate his character; but he here says that it was not from a mere desire to show them that his conduct was right; it was from a desire to honour Christ.

We speak before God in Christ. We declare the simple and undisguised truth as in the presence of God. I have no mere desire to palliate my conduct; I disguise nothing; I conceal nothing; I say nothing for the mere purpose of self-vindication; but I can appeal to the Searcher of hearts for the exact truth of all that I say. The phrase "before God in Christ" means, probably, "I speak as in the presence of God and as a follower of Christ, as a Christian man." It is the solemn appeal of a Christian to his God for the truth of what he said, and a solemn asseveration that what he said was not for the mere purpose of excusing or apologizing for (Greek) his conduct.

But we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. All that I have done has been for your welfare. My vindication of my character, and my effort to disabuse you of your prejudices, have been that you might have unwavering confidence in the gospel, and might be built up in holy faith. On the word edify, Rom 14:19, 1Cor 8:1; 1Cor 10:23.

(*) "excuse" "defend" (c) "ourselves" 2Cor 5:12

1 Thessalonians 2:4

Verse 4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel. Comp. @1Ti 1:11,12. Since there had been committed to us an office so high and holy, and so much demanding sincerity, fidelity, and honesty, we endeavoured to act in all respects in conformity to the trust reposed in us. The gospel is a system of truth and sincerity, and we evinced the same. The gospel is concerned with great realities, and we did not resort to trick and illusion. The office of the ministry is most responsible, and we acted in view of the great account which we must render. The meaning is, that Paul had such a sense of the truth, reality, and importance of the gospel, and of his responsibility, as effectually to keep him from anything like craft or cunning in preaching it. An effectual restrainer from mere management and trick will always be found in a deep conviction of the truth and importance of religion. Artifice and cunning are the usual accompaniments of a bad cause; and, when adopted by a minister of the gospel, will usually, when detected, leave the impression that he feels that he is engaged in such a cause. If an object cannot be secured by sincerity and straight-forward dealing, it is not desirable that it should be secured at all.

Even so we speak. In accordance with the nature of the gospel; with the truth and sincerity which such a cause demands.

Not as pleasing men. Not in the manner of impostors, who make it their object to please men. The meaning of the apostle is, that he did not aim to teach such doctrines as would flatter men; as would win their applause; or as would gratify their passions or their fancy. We are not to suppose that he desired to offend men; or that he regarded their esteem as of no value; or that he was indifferent whether they were pleased or displeased; but that it was not the direct object of his preaching to please them. It was to declare the truth, and to obtain the approbation of God, whatever men might think of it.

Gal 1:10.

Which trieth our hearts. It is often said to be an attribute of God that he tries or searches the hearts of men, 1Chr 28:9, 29:17; Jer 11:20, 17:10, Ps 11:4, Rom 8:27. The meaning here is, that the apostle had a deep conviction of the truth that God knew all his motives, and that all would be revealed in the last day.

(a) "trust with" 1Timm 1:11,12