John Calvin on 2 Corinthians 9:14-15

14. And their prayer He omits no advantage which may be of any use for stirring up the Corinthians. “Qui puisse seruir a esmouuoir et encourager les Corinthtens.” — “That may serve to stir up and encourage the Corinthians.” In the first place, he has made mention of the comfort that believers would experience; secondly, the thanksgiving, by means of which God was to be glorified. Nay more, he has said that this would be a confession, which would manifest to all their unanimous concurrence in faith, and in pious obedience. He now adds the reward that the Corinthians would receive from the saints — good-will springing from gratitude, “Procedante de la recognoissance du benefice qu’ils auoyent receu des Corinthtens;” — “Proceeding from an acknowledgment of the kindness that they had received from the Corinthians.” and earnest prayers. “They will have,” says he, “the means of requiting you in return; for they will regard you with the love with which they ought, and they will be careful to commend you to God in their prayers.” At length, as though he had obtained his desire, he prepares himself “D’vne grande affection;” — “With great ardour.” to celebrate the praises of God, by which he was desirous to testify the confidence felt by him, as though the matter were already accomplished.

CHAPTER 10

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

1. Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

1. Pro ipse ego Paulus exhortor vos “Je vous exhorte, ou prie;” — “I exhort or entreat you.” per lenitatem et mansuetudinem Christi, qui secundum faciem humilis quidem sum inter vos, absens autem audax sum in vos.

2. But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

2. Rogo autem, ne praesens audeam ea fiducia, qua cogito audax esse in quosdam, qui nos aestimant, acsi secundum carnem ambularemus.

3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

3. Nam in carne ambulantes, non secundum carnem militamus.

4. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

4. Siquidem arma militiae nostrae non carnilia sunt, sed potentia Deo ad destructionem munitionum, quibus consilia destruimus.

5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

5. Et omnem celsitudinem, quae extollitur adversus cognitionem Dei: et captivam ducimus omnem cogitationem ad obediendum Christo: “Et reduisons en captiuite toute intelligence, ou, amenans conme prisonnier, toute,” etc.; — “And we bring into captivity every thought, or, leading forth as a prisoner every,” etc.

6. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

6. Et in promptu habemus vindictam adversus omnem inobedientiam, quum impleta fuerit vestra obedientia.