of the good dispositions of the Corinthians had proved to be true, vs. 13-16.
1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
This verse properly belongs to the preceding chapter. It is the appropriate conclusion of the exposition there made. The promises referred to are, 1st. Of the indwelling of God, 6, 16. 2d. Of his favour, v. 17. 3d. That they should be his sons and daughters. Therefore^ says the apostle, having these promises of intimate association with God, and this assurance of his love, let us purify ourselves ; i. e. not merely keep our- selves pure by avoiding contamination, but, as already defiled, let us strive to become pure. Though the work of purifica- tion is so often referred to God as its author. Acts 15, 9. Eph. 5, 26, this does not preclude the agency of his people. They are to work out their own salvation, because it is God who worketh in them both to will and to do. If God's agency in sanctification does not arouse and direct ours ; if it does not create the desire for holiness, and strenuous efforts to attain it, we may be sure that we are not its subjects. He is leaving us undisturbed in our sins. From all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. All sin is a pollution. There are two classes of sin here recognized ; those of the flesh, and those of the spirit. By the former we are to understand those sins which defile the body, as drunkenness and debauchery ; and by the latter those which affect only the soul, as pride and malice. By filthiness of the flesh, therefore, is not to be understood mere ceremonial uncleanness, nor the participation of the body in sinful acts, such as bowing down to an idol, or offering incense to false gods, but the desecration of the body as the temple of the Holy Ghost. See 1 Cor. 6, 19. Perfecting holiness. This expresses or indicates the way in which we are to purify ourselves. It is by perfecting holiness. The word tViTcAcw does not here mean simply to practise^ but to complete, to carry on to perfection. Comp. 8, 6. 11. Phil. 1, 6. It is only by being completely or perfectly holy that we can attain tlie purity required of us as the temples of God. JloUness (dyio>- o-vVt;, Rom. 1,3. 1 Thess. 3, 10) includes not only the negative idea of i)urity, or freedom from aU defilement, but also, posi- tively, that of moral excellence. In the fear of God, This