the object of that exhortation. It is better therefore to un- derstand the (/cat) also^ as simply intended to give j^i'oniinence to the words Iiorote^ as something additional to other things which he had done with the same general object. ' To this end I also wrote, as well as did many other things,' &c. The end (althongh not the only one), which the apostle had in view in enjoining on the chnrch the excommunication of the person here referred to, was, as he says, that I might know the ^woof of you. The word used is hoKtixiq^ which means trials 8, 2, "trial of affliction ; " or, proof test^ 13, 3, "As ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me ; " or, the result of trial, what is ap- proved, integrity that has been tested. Phil. 2, 22, "Ye know his tried integrity." The last meaning is the best suited to this place. ' That I might know your integrity, i. e. your true Christian temper.' This is explained by saying he wished to see whether they would be obedient in all things^ eh Travra, in reference to all things. These latter words stand first, ' Whether as to all things ye are obedient,' which is more em- phatic. Obedience to legitimate authority is one of the fruits and evidences of Christian sincerity. A rebellious, self-willed, disobedient spirit is a strong indication of an unsanctified heart. As the Corinthians had proved themselves obedient to the apostle's directions, and as the offender was truly peni- tent, the object of his letter, both as it related to them and to him, had been attained, and therefore there was no reason for the continuance of the punishment.
10. To whom ye forgive any thing, I (forgive) also : for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave (it),* for your sakes (forgave I it) in the person of Christ.
The apostle having exhorted the Corinthians to forgive their repentant brother, says he was ready to join in that for- giveness. To ichom ye forgive any thing ^ I also. Although this is stated generally, as though he meant to say that he would forgive any one whom they were ready to forgive, yet it is obvious from the context that he intended to be under-
* The received text here reads koI yap iyw e? rt k^x^-P'-'^P-''-'-^ V f exi^f '""MO'. for also I if I have forgiven any thiiirj, to ichom I forgave. Griesbach, Lach- manu, Tischendorf, Ruckert, Meyer, and others, after the majority of ancient MSS. read, kuX yap iyu o /cexapj(r/xaj, d Ti KexapiSfMai, for also I what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven any thing.
40 II. CORINTIIIAISrS 2, 10.
stood as referring to that particular case. He was satisfied with their course, and also with the evidence of the repentance of the offender, and therefore he was ready to sanction his restoration to their communion. His reason for this is stated in what follows, he did it for their sake. His forgiving, how- ever, was suspended upon theirs. He would not interfere to restore the person in question unless they were satisfied to re- ceive him. He therefore says, If I have forgiven any thincj^ that is, if the forgiveness expressed in the foregoing clause is to take effect and to bo considered as already done, I have done it for your sake. He was influenced by no personal con- sideration either in the censure originally pronounced, or in his present course, but solely by a desire to promote their best interests. In the person of Christy or, in the jyresence of Christ. This latter interpretation is the more consistent with usage, and is generally adopted. The meaning is that he act- ed in this matter as in the presence of Christ, i. e. as though Christ were looking on. The other explanation, which is pre- ferred by Luther and many others, is consistent with the meaning of the words, and gives a good sense. He acted in the person of Christ, i. e. as his representative and by his au- thority. This idea, however, is commonly expressed by the phrase in the name of Christ. 1 Cor. 5, 4. Calvin prefers the former view, and adds, Christ is to be placed before us, or we " are to act as in his presence, for nothing is better adapt- ed to incline us to mercy." No man can be severe in his judgment who feels that the mild eyes of Christ are fixed upon him.
The word xapt^o^ai, rendered to forgive in this verse, is a deponent verb, but is, in several of its forms, used in a passive sense. It is so taken here by Riickert and Meyer, who give an entirely different explanation of the passage. They adopt the reading of Griesbach, given in the margin, and render it thus : ' I forgive — for what I have been forgiven, if I have been forgiven anything, it is for your sake.' That is, if God has really pardoned my great sin in persecuting Christ, it was for your sake. Comp. 1 Tim. 1, ]6. But this interpretation is inconsistent with the common use of the word, with the whole context, and with I*auPs manner of speaking. His hu- mihty manifested itself in deep remorse and repentance for his past conduct, but not in doubting wliether he had been for- given. Besides, this interpretation v.ould require a very un- natural explanation of the following clause. ' If I have been