was afraid to come to Corinth, and therefore sent Timothy in his place.
19. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and Avill know, not the speech of them which are puflPed up, but the power.
In opposition to this boasting of his opponents, Paul de- clares his purpose soon to visit Corinth, (f the Lord (i. e. Christ) will. Comp. 16, 7, and Acts 16, 7. This is a recogni- tion both of the providential and spiritual government of Christ. It supposes the external circumstances, and the inward state of the apostle, his purposes and convictions of duty, to be determined by the providence and Spirit of Christ. Thus constantly did Paul live in communion with Christ as his God, submitting to him and trusting to him at all times.
A7id icill knoio not the speech hut the power of those loho are puffed up. That is, not what they can say, but what they can do. By poicer (8wa/x,ts) some understand miraculous power, which does not suit the context. Others confine it to sjnritucd power, that is, the power derived from the Spirit. The word is sometimes used for the essential power, or true nature and efficacy of a thing. And this sense best suits the antithesis between speech and power. Paul meant to put to the test, not what these men could say, but what they really were and did; that is, their true character and efficiency Comp. 1 Thess. 1, 5. 2 Tim. 3, 5. *' Having the form of god- liness, but denying the power (8wa/>ttv) thereof," i. e. its real nature and efficacy.
20. For the kingdom of God (is) not in word, but in power.
The idea expressed by the phrase " kingdom of God," in the New Testament, is very comprehensive and manifold, and therefore indefinite. The two senses under which most, if not all, its applications may be comprehended are, 1. The royal authority or dominion exercised by God or Christ ; and 2. Those over whom that authority extends, or who recognize and submit to it. In the former sense, the word (/3tto-iAeta) kingdom is used in such expressions as. Thy kingdom come, Of his kingdom there is no end. The sceptre of his kingdom, &c., &c. In such expressions as, To enter the kingdom of