Homilies on Second Corinthians

“For this cause have I sent the brethren that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void.”

Do you see that he is in anxiety and terror, lest he should seem to have said what he said only for exhortation's sake? 'But because so it is,' says he, “I have sent the brethren;” 'so earnest am I on your behalf,' “that our glorying may not be made void.” And he appears to make himself of the Corinthians' party throughout, although caring for all alike. What he says is this; 'I am very proud of you, I glory before all, I boasted even unto them, so that if you be found wanting, I am partner in the shame.' And this indeed he says under limitation, for he added,

“In this respect,” not, in all points;

“That even as I said, you may be prepared.” 'For I did not say, 'they are purposing,' but 'all is ready; and nothing is now wanting on their part. This then,' he says, 'I wish to be shown by your deeds.' Then he even heightens the anxiety, saying,