Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 12:14

14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you , and I will not be burdensom to you ; for I seek not yours, but you : For the children ought not to lay up for the parents , but the parents for the children .

We read in holy Writ but of two Journies which the Apostle made to Corinth, Acts 18.1. & 20.3. and the latter is believed to have been after the writing of this Epistle. We must not think that all these motions are set down in Scripture. It is manifest, that Paul had thoughts of going oftner, Acts 19.21. 1 Cor. 16.5. Chap. 1.15. Man purposeth, but God disposeth. For which reason, Iames adviseth us to add, If God will, to our expressions, testifying our resolutions.

He lets them know, that he was coming to them, with the same resolutions he had before taken up, not to put them to any charge.

For that, which should be the design of every faithful Minister, was his design; viz. the gaining their Souls to Christ, and perfecting of them, that in the day of Judgment he might present them as a pure and chast Virgin unto Christ. His business was not to inrich himself by them; he sought the good of their Souls, not their Estates.

He looked upon them as his Children, upon himself as their Parent. And though indeed Children ought to relieve their Parents, if in want, yet it is not the course of the World for Children to lay up for their Parents.

But, on the contrary, it is the course of Parents to maintain their Children, and to lay up for them.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. 13.1.; [illegible: 1 word] 20.33.