Page 751
VERS. IX.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
I wrote to you in an Epistle.
IN an Epistle? What?
I. The Aorist 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may be rendred, I had written, without any wrong to Gram∣mar. I had written in this Epistle, Accompany not, &c. before the report of this wicked∣ness came to me: but now hearing it, I sharpen my pen the more, and I bind you with a straighter prohibition, namely, That ye do not eat with such.
II. The Apostle had sent Timothy to the Corinthians before he wrote this Epistle, Chap. IV. 17. and it is very likely, that he sent some Epistle by him, in which he had so writ∣ten. But Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaious coming to the Apostle, and laying open the whole state of the Church of Corinth to him, and bringing him Letters and Questions from the Church, when as yet, as they knew, Timothy was not arrived at Corinth; he suppresses that Epistle, and comprizes it in this. And if you say, that is lost, you will say true in some respect, because the exact copy of that Epistle came not unto us: and you will not say true in another respect, because in this Epistle we have all things com∣prized in that, and much more besides.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Not to company.
I. It is plain the Apostle riseth higher here, and obligeth them with a straiter admo∣nition, than he had done before. He had written to them before Mr 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Not to company with them; now he writes, Mr 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Not to eat with them.
II. It is plain also, that he aims his words at prophane Christians, not at Heathens, both now, and when he writ before. For there were among the Christians converted from Heathenism some without doubt, whose Parents, or Children, or Kinsmen, not yet converted, wallowed in Idolatry, Covetousness, and Whoredoms. But now a Christian was not to forget all these alliances. Nor was all familiarity and respect towards them to be cast away.
III. The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 denotes, saith Camerarius, Necessitudinem aliquam inte∣riorem, some more intimate friendship, or Alliances: which indeed in some respect is true, if that more inward friendship be distinguished into that which is more close▪ and less close 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is to be reckoned that conversation and friendship, which a Jew might enter into with a Jew, and not with a Heathen: according to the rule of which, as be∣ing very well known, it scarcely can be coubted, but the Apostle speaks.
I. A Jew might deal and traffic with a Heathen: nevertheless under this, and some other cautions of that nature. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 c 1.1 Three days before the Festi∣vals of the Heathens, it is forbid to give and receive with them, to lend to or to borrow of them, to restore or to fetch back any thing, &c. I scarcely believe this falls under the signification of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, accompanying,
II. To eat together and at one Table was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to accompany, which cer∣tainly appears enough from the strait prohibition of such eating with a Heathen. A Pharisee in Markets and Fairs would have dealing with a common person, but he would not eat with him. So a common person would trade with a Heathen, but he would not eat with him. The Apostle therefore does not oppose 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 accompa∣nying, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Eating together, one against another, but propounds Eating to∣gether as a certain degree 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of Companying, or mixing together. For
III. There was, which by common experience may be observed, a much more inward friendship, than such a bare eating, namely, that which is called by the Jews Lawyers 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Copartnership in merchandize and traffic, and that which is called by us Deputa∣tion: both forbidden a Jew with a Gentile. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 d 1.2 It is for∣bidden a man to enter into Co-partnership with a Heathen: lest happly he mast sometime swear, and is compelled to swear by his Idol. And Maimonides, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 e 1.3 A Heathen is not made a Messenger, or a Deputy, for any thing. Nor is an Israelite made a Depu∣ty for a Heathen.
IV. Friendship was yet more close by contract of marriage and affinity: this the LXX call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Jos. XXIII. 12.
And now it is not very hard to fathom the sense of the Apostle, which take in this Paraphrase.
I wrote you in an Epistle, that ye mingle not with Fornicators in any more inward familiarity or friendship: which I understood not so much of Heathen For∣nicators, as of those who are called Brethren or Christians. But now I write the same thing, that ye mingle not in any such familiarity with them or others of that