2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you… To be in the faith therefore implies — 1. That we make an open confession of Christ, as the founder of the Christian religion, by union with His professed followers (Matthew 10:32, 33). 2. A sincere and hearty belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Corinthians, before they embraced Christianity, were idolaters. Paul wished them to examine and see if they had really renounced all dependence upon their idols, and were putting their trust in the living and true God alone, and in Jesus Christ whom He had sent. It is possible, too, to embrace Christianity from interested motives. Any new system will attract some admirers. The apostle, therefore, was afraid lest their faith should be insincere or superficial, and hence wished them to examine carefully into their motives and character. 3. The phrase "in the faith" means an actual participation in the blessings of Christianity. (1) If "Christ is in you," you are conscious of communion with Him. (2) As your Lord and Master you admit Him, for instance, as the Lord of your faith, your Teacher, leaning not to your own understanding, but meekly sitting at His feet and saying, "Lord, what I know not, teach Thou me."(3) If you are in the faith, Christ is in you as your Sanctifier. (4) As a Comforter. (C. Williams.) Parallel Verses KJV: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? |
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