Chapter 16—Second Epistle to the Corinthians
From Ephesus Paul went to Troas, with the same object which
was ever before him, that of making known to the people the way of
salvation through Christ. It was while visiting this city upon a former
journey that the vision of the man of Macedonia and the imploring
cry, “Come over and help us,” had decided him to preach the gospel in
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Europe. His stay in Troas was thus shortened, and he was prevented
from laboring there as he had purposed; but he states that a door was
now open to him of the Lord, and he laid the foundation of a church,
which rapidly increased.
Paul had directed Titus, on his return from Corinth, to rejoin him
at Troas, and he awaited the coming of this beloved fellow-laborer,
hoping to receive some tidings from the Corinthian church. But week
after week passed, and Titus came not. The apostle’s solicitude became
almost insupportable. He says, “My spirit found no rest, because of
Titus, my brother.” He left Troas, and went to Philippi, where he met
Timothy, his son in the gospel.
Here was a church which had proved its love for the gospel of
Christ by its faith and works. The brethren had not swerved from their
confidence in the Lord’s messenger. Paul, in his epistle to the Philippi-
ans, does not censure them, but speaks words of warm approval. The
truth of the gospel had thoroughly converted them. This church could
not be prevented from making donations to the apostle for his support
while preaching the gospel, although he had repeatedly refused to
accept their liberality. He was very persistent in his determination to
sustain himself, lest occasion might be given his enemies to say that he
labored for his personal gain. But the Philippians would not be denied
the privilege of aiding the Lord’s ambassador by bestowing of their
means to meet his necessities. Twice while he was at Thessalonica,
immediately after their conversion, they urged their gifts upon him.
Again they sent him relief while he was preaching at Corinth, and
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working for his own support. Also when the apostle was a prisoner at
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