Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 2 Corinthians 1:22 - 1:22

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Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 2 Corinthians 1:22 - 1:22


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22. ὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς. The ὁ is omitted in א1Acts 1 KP and some versions. The sealing is not a mere change of metaphor; it continues and extends what has just been stated. Seals have had an enormous use in the East, and without a seal no document was valid. This may be part of the meaning here; ‘God stamped us as a guarantee of genuineness, especially by the signs of His power which we manifested’ (2Co 12:12; Rom 15:18-19; Eph 1:13; Eph 4:30 : comp. 1Co 9:2). The middle voice introduces another idea; ‘He stamped us as His own property, sealed us for Himself. And the proximity of βεβαιῶν and ἀρραβῶνα suggests the further thought of the confirmation of a bargain: He confirms us along with you unto Christ, in as much as He put His seal upon us. Comp. Joh 6:27 and esp. Rev 7:3. See Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 108, 109.

τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ πνεύματος. The expression occurs again 2Co 1:5, and the remarkable word ἀρραβών, Lat. arrhabo and arrha, Scotch ‘arles,’ is found Eph 1:14, ἀρραβὼν τῆς κληρονομίας ἡμῶν, where see Ellicott’s and Lightfoot’s notes. It is said to be of Phoenician origin. It is more than a pledge (pignus); it is a part of what is to be handed over, which is delivered at once, as a guarantee that the main portion will follow. It is an instalment paid in advance, e.g. a coin from a large sum, a turf from an estate, a tile from a house. See on 2Co 2:6. The genitive is one of apposition, the Spirit being the earnest of the eternal life, which is hereafter to be given in full. Comp. Rom 8:23. God confirms His ministers, and with them those to whom they minister, unto Christ; and as a security that they will become Christ’s fully and for ever, He gave the Spirit. Or, the reference may be to the bestowal of the Spirit at the beginning of the Christian life; Act 2:38; Act 19:6; Tit 3:5.