260 II. CORINTHIANS 11, 9.

came from Macedonia (rather, Hlie brethren ha^ang come from Macedonia,') supplied ; TrpoaaviTrX-qpoicrav, a double com- jDound verb, to siipj^ly in addition. The contribution of the churches were added to what Paul earned by his labour, or, to his diminished stock which he had brought with him to Corinth. The point on which he here dwells is not that he laboured for his own support, but that he received assistance from other churches, while he refused to receive any thing from the Corinthians. His conduct in reference to receiving aid varied with circumstances. From some churches he re- ceived it without hesitation ; from others he would not receive it at all. He said to the Ephesians, " I coveted no man's sil- ver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me," Acts 20, 34. 35. So also to the Thessalonians he said, " Ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail : for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God," 1 Thess. 2, 9. 2 Thess. 3, 8. Among the Corinthians he adopt- ed the same course. Acts 18, 3. 1 Cor. 9, 15-18. Whereas from the Philippians he received repeated contributions, not only while labouring among them, but as he reminds them, " Even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my neces- sity," Phil. 4, 16 ; and when a prisoner in Rome they sent by the hands of Epaphroditus an abundant supply, so that he said, "I have all, and abound," Phil. 4, 18. It was therefore from no unwillingness to receive what he knew to be due by the ordinance of Christ, (viz., an adequate support,) 1 Cor. 9, 14, but simply, as he says, to cut off occasion from those who sought occasion. He was unwilling that his enemies should have the opportunity of imputing to him any mercenary mo- tive in preaching the gospel. This was specially necessary in Corinth, and therefore the apostle says, ' In all things (iv Travrt', in every thing, not only in pecuniary matters, but in every thing else,) I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and will keep myself.' He would receive no obligation at their hands. He was determined to assume towards them a position of entire independence. This was doubtless very painful to the faithful in Corinth. They could not but regard it as a proof either of the want of love or of the want of con- lidcnce on his part. Still his determination as to this point was settled, and he therefore adds solemnly in the next verse :