2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom… By this Paul does not mean faultlessness. "If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves." He is not speaking of personal character but of ministry; and again not of the blamelessness of his ministry, but of its success. He had been straightforward in his ministry, and his worst enemies could be refuted if they said that he was insincere. Now this sincerity excluded — I. SUBTLE MANOEUVRING, ALL INDIRECT MODES OF TEACHING. II. ALL TEACHING UPON THE GROUND OF MERE AUTHORITY. Conclusion: This was the secret of the apostle's wondrous power. It was because he had used no craft, nor any threat of authority, but stood simply on the truth, evident like the sunlight to all who had eyes to see, that thousands, go where he would, "acknowledged" what he taught, (F. W. Robertson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. |
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