22(5
8. "H drj, now), in comparison with us. The wTords without us, which immediately after occur, agree with this. — x&xopsff/xsvoi, full) A gradation [ascending climax] : full, rich, kings. Its opposite is, ice hunger, etc., ver. 11, 12. As the two epistles to the Corinthians exhibit great variety in mental feeling \fkg, Append.], incomparable urbanity [asteismus, Append,], and abundant and playful acuteness, so the passage before us is to such a degree remarkable for these qualities, that it should be understood, in respect either of the Corinthians or of the apostles, concerning their internal or external condition, con- cerning the facts themselves or concerning the puffed-up opinion of the Corinthians. The spiritual condition of the Corinthians w’as truly flourishing — flourishing also was that of the apostles. This was right : but troubles [the cross] from without galled the apostles and prevented them from pleasing themselves on that account : the Corinthians, inasmuch as being in a flourish- ing state even in things external, were pleased with and were applauding themselves, wdiich was wrong. Therefore, the Co- rinthians were imitating the conduct of sons, who, after they have become illustrious, care little for their humble parents : in consequence of fulness, they were fastidious ; of opulence, they wTere insolent ; of kingly power, they were proud. — yupig rifiuv, icithout us) A new and apt ambiguity ; you have not us as your partners ; consequently you have not had us as your assistants ; you have forgotten us, as the saying expresses it, u many pupils become superior to their teachers,” ^roXXoi /j.a dr\ra} xpsirroveg didacxdXuv. — ifiaciXivtiare, ye have reigned) ye have come to your kingdom. In this is implied the majesty of Christians. — xai o(psXov ys, and I wish) i.e. I do not envy you, my only desire is, that it may really promote your best interests, 2 Cor. xii. 14, 15. — ha xai rifisTg, that we also) When you shall be perfected, the apostles will enjoy ease, and reach the end of all their troubles. — ffv/nf3agiXsvcu/xsv, we might reign together) This is modestly said : with you ; comp. ix. 23, iii. 22.
9. A oxu, I think) A feeling of humility ; a gentle mimesis.1 The Corinthians thought [or, seemed to themselves, dons?, c. iii.
1 See Appendix. A delicate allusion to the words of another whom we wish to set right : as the apostle’s Iona here refers to the Corinthians’ chap. iii. 18. — Ed.