letters and his actions as the false teachers in Corinth, to whom he was probably personally unknown, endeavoured to make the people believe.
11. Let such an one think this, that such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such (will we be) also in deed when we are present.
Let such an one, i. e. any one, not necessarily implying that there was only one person who had set himself up in op- position to the apostle. That such as ice are in word, &c. It was admitted that his letters were energetic. He assures them that, when present, his deeds would correspond to his words. His denunciations would not prove idle threats.
12. Eor we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend them- selves : but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
In confirmation of his declaration that his acts would be found to correspond with his words, he adds, ' For I am not like those, who having nothing to recommend them, commend themselves.' We dare not (ov toX/xcu/xcv, we cannot bring our- selves to, or, we cannot prevail on ourselves to. Rom. 5, 7. 1 Cor. 6, 1) make ourselves of the member, or compare our- selves; [iyKfnvat rj cruyKptvat, enrol ourselves among, or place ourselves by,) so77ie who commend themselves. The reference is obviously to the false teachers, whose only reliance was self- laudation. So far this verse is jilain. The latter part of the passage is exceedingly difiicult, and has been very variously explained. There are three classes of interpretation, two of which proceed on the assumption of the correctness of the common text, and the third is founded on a different reading. According to the first general view, the avroi refers to the apostle himself. He is assumed to contrast himself, in this verse, with his opponents. The sense, according to some then is, 'They commend themselves, but we, measuring our- selves by ourselves, (i. e. we do not overestimate ourselves, but determine our importance by our performances,) and