fire different designations for the same thing. Miracles are called signs in reference to their design, which is to confirm the divine mission of those who perform them ; wonders be- cause of the effect which they produced ; and ^nighty deeds (Bvvdjxets) because they are manifestations of divine power.
13. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to oth- er clmrches, except (it be) that I myself was not bur- densome to you ? forgive me this wrong.
M>r. The connection indicated by this particle is with the assertion in v. 12. 'I am not inferior to the chief apostles, for you are not behind other churches.' The fact that the churches founded by Paul were as numerous, as well furnished with gifts and graces, as those founded by the other apostles, was a proof that he was their equal. In other words, as it is said Gal. 2, 8, " He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me towards the gentiles." Comp. 1 Cor. 1, 5-7. Wei^e ye infe- rior to other cJuircJies^ literally, less, or weaker than. The verb rjTTaofxaL (from t/ttoji/, less) has a comparative sense, and therefore is followed hy vTrep^ beg o?id ; 'weak beyond other churches.' The only distinction to the disadvantage of the Corinthians was, that the apostle had refused to accejit aid from them. This is not to be regarded as a sarcasm, or as a reproach. It was said in a tone of tenderness, as is plain from what follows. Forgive me this \orong. It was, apparently, a reflection on the Corinthians ; it seemed to imply a want of confidence in their liberality or love, that Paul refused to receive from them what he wilhngly received from other churches. In the preceding chapter he endeavoured to con- vince them that his doing so was no proof of his want of aftec- tion to them, or of his want of confidence in their love to him. His conduct in this matter had other and sufficient reasons, reasons which constrained liim to persist in this course of con- duct, hoAvever j^ainful to him and to them.
14. Bchohl, the third time I am ready to come to you ; and 1 will not be burdensome to you : for I seek not yours, but you. Por the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.