Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin
13. By the experiment of that administration The term experiment here, as in a variety of other places, means proof or trial 1627 For it was a sufficient token for bringing the love of the Corinthians to the test, — that they were so liberal to brethren that were at a great distance from them. Paul, however, extends it farther — to their concurrent obedience in the gospel. 1628 For by such proofs we truly manifest, that we are obedient to the doctrine of the gospel. Now their concurrence appears from this — that alms are conferred with the common consent of all.
14. And their prayer He omits no advantage which may be of any use for stirring up the Corinthians. 1629 In the first place, he has made mention of the comfort that believers would experience; secondly, the thanksgiving, by means of which God was to be glorified. Nay more, he has said that this would be a confession, which would manifest to all their unanimous concurrence in faith, and in pious obedience. He now adds the reward that the Corinthians would receive from the saints — good-will springing from gratitude, 1630 and earnest prayers. "They will have," says he, "the means of requiting you in return; for they will regard you with the love with which they ought, and they will be careful to commend you to God in their prayers." At length, as though he had obtained his desire, he prepares himself 1631 to celebrate the praises of God, by which he was desirous to testify the confidence felt by him, as though the matter were already accomplished.
1627"Tesmoignage, enseignement, ou experience;" — "Proof, voucher, or trial." 1628"Leur obeissance qu'ils rendoyent tons d'vn accord a l'euangile;" — "Their obedience which they rendered, all with one accord, to the gospel."
1629"Qui puisse seruir a esmouuoir et encourager les Corinthtens." — "That may serve to stir up and encourage the Corinthians."
1630"Procedante de la recognoissance du benefice qu'ils auoyent receu des Corinthtens;" — "Proceeding from an acknowledgment of the kindness that they had received from the Corinthians."
1631"D'vne grande affection;" — "With great ardour."