Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 12:20

20 For I fear, lest when I come, I shall not find you such as I would , and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not , lest there be debates , envyings , wraths, strifes, back-bitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.

A good man, especially a faithful Minister of the Gospel, will be concerned at the sins of others, and as to their spiritual welfare. A profane person, either rejoyceth in the sins of others, or at least is unconcerned for them; but a good man cannot be so; as knowing the sins of others reflect dishonour upon God.

He also cannot delight in the punishments of others, or doing any thing which may be ingrateful to them. Paul feareth lest the miscarriages of this Church should inforce from him some acts of [illegible: 1 letter]everity.

He instanceth in some particular disorders in the members of this Church, which he feared that he should find amongst them not amended; all the effects of Pride, and Passion.

Debates, or contentions, such as he had taxed them for, 1 Cor. 1.11. and 3.3.

Envyings, or heats of Passion; Envying of one another for their gifts, &c. The other things which he mentioneth, are all sins against that Brotherly love which ought to be found amongst Christians, and tending to ruptures amongst them; and teach us how contrary these are to the duty of Christians, who are one body.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 4.21. Chap. 10.2. & 13.2, 10.