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2.Ye are our Epistle. There is no little ingenuity in his making his own glory hinge upon the welfare of the Corinthians. “ long as you shall remain Christians, I shall have recommendation enough. For your faith speaks my praise, as being the seal of my apostleship. ” (1Co_9:2.)
When he says — written in our hearts, this may be understood in reference to Silvanus and Timotheus, and in that case the meaning will be: “ are not contented with this praise, that we derive from the thing itself. The recommendations, that others have, fly about before the eyes of men, but this, that we have, has its seat in men’ consciences.” It may also be viewed as referring in part to the Corinthians, in this sense: “ that obtain recommendations by dint of entreaty, have not in the conscience what they carry about written upon paper, and those that recommend others often do so rather by way of favor than from judgment. We, on the other hand, have the testimony of our apostleship, on this side and on that, engraven on men’ hearts.”
Which is known and read It might also be read — “ is known and acknowledged,” owing to the ambiguity of the word ἀναγινωσκεσαι, (363) and I do not know but that the latter might be more suitable. I was unwilling, however, to depart from the common rendering, when not constrained to do so. Only let the reader have this brought before his view, that he may consider which of the two renderings is the preferable one. If we render it acknowledged, there will be an implied contrast between an epistle that is sure and of unquestionable authority, and such as are counterfeit. (364) And, unquestionably, what immediately follows, is rather on the side of the latter rendering, for he brings forward the Epistle of Christ, in contrast with those that are forged and pretended.
(363) Calvin has had occasion to notice the double signification of this word when commenting on 2Co_1:13. An instance of the ambiguity of the word occurs in Mat_24:15, where the words ὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω are understood by Kypke as the words, not of the evangelist, but of Christ, and as meaning — “ who recognises this, (that is, the completion of Daniel’ prophecy by the ‘ of desolation standing where it ought not,’ let him take notice and reflect, while most other interpreters consider the words in question as an admonition of the evangelist to the reader — “ him that readeth understand or take notice. ” — Ed.
(364) “Celles qui sont attitrees et faites à plaisir;” — “ as are procured by unfair means, and are made to suit convenience.”