The Bible, Douay-Rheims Part 767

He is willing to leave his earthly mansion to be with the Lord. His charity to the Corinthians.

5:1. For we know, if our earthly house of this habitation be dissolved, that we have a building of G.o.d, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

5:2. For in this also we groan, desiring to be clothed upon with our habitation that is from heaven.

5:3. Yet so that we be found clothed, not naked.

5:4. For we also, who are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burthened; because we would not be unclothed, but clothed upon, that that which is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

5:5. Now he that maketh us for this very thing is G.o.d, who hath given us the pledge of the Spirit,

5:6. Therefore having always confidence, knowing that while we are in the body we are absent from the Lord.

5:7. (For we walk by faith and not by sight.)

5:8. But we are confident and have a good will to be absent rather from the body and to be present with the Lord.

5:9. And therefore we labour, whether absent or present, to please him.

5:10. For we must all be manifested before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the proper things of the body, according as he hath done, whether it be good or evil.

The proper things of the body... In the particular judgment, immediately after death, the soul is rewarded or punished according to what it has done in the body.

5:11. Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we use persuasion to men: but to G.o.d we are manifest. And I trust also that in your consciences we are manifest.

5:12. We commend not ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory in our behalf: that you may have somewhat to answer them who glory in face, and not in heart.

5:13. For whether we be transported in mind, it is to G.o.d: or whether we be sober, it is for you.

5:14. For the charity of Christ presseth us: judging this, that if one died for all, then all were dead.

5:15. And Christ died for all: that they also who live may not now live to themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again.

5:16. Wherefore henceforth, we know no man according to the flesh. And if we have known Christ according to the flesh: but now we know him so no longer.

We know no man according to the flesh... That is, we consider not any man with regard to his nation, family, kindred, or other natural qualities or advantages; but only with relation to Christ, and according to the order of divine charity, in G.o.d, and for G.o.d. The apostle adds, that even with respect to Christ himself, he now no longer considers him according to the flesh, by taking a satisfaction in his being his countryman; his affection being now purified from all such earthly considerations.

5:17. If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are pa.s.sed away. Behold all things are made new.

5:18. But all things are of G.o.d, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

5:19. For G.o.d indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.

5:20. For Christ therefore we are amba.s.sadors, G.o.d as it were exhorting by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to G.o.d.

5:21. Him, who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us: that we might be made the justice of G.o.d in him.

Sin for us... That is, to be a sin offering, a victim for sin.

2 Corinthians Chapter 6

He exhorts them to a correspondence with G.o.d's grace and not to a.s.sociate with unbelievers.

6:1. And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of G.o.d in vain.

6:2. For he saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation.

6:3. Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed.

6:4. But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of G.o.d, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses,

6:5. In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings,

6:6. In chast.i.ty, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned,

6:7. In the word of truth, in the power of G.o.d: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left:

6:8. By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known:

6:9. As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed:

6:10. As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

6:11. Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians: our heart is enlarged.

6:12. You are not straitened in us: but in your own bowels you are straitened.

6:13. But having the same recompense (I speak as to my children): be you also enlarged.

6:14. Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what partic.i.p.ation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellows.h.i.+p hath light with darkness?

6:15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

6:16. And what agreement hath the temple of G.o.d with idols? For you are the temple of the living G.o.d: as G.o.d saith: I will dwell in them and walk among them. And I will be their G.o.d: and they shall be my people.

6:17. Wherefore: Go out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing:

6:18. And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians Chapter 7

The apostle's affection for the Corinthians. His comfort and joy on their account.

7:1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear of G.o.d.

7:2. Receive us. We have injured no man: we have corrupted no man: we have overreached no man.

7:3. I speak not this to your condemnation. For we have said before that you are in our hearts: to die together and to live together.