The Second Epistle to the Corinthians should be read with the introductory verses of* this chapter, as it reveals the Apostle’s inner mind at this time. He seems to have been less impressed with the imminent peril from which he had been rescued, and more solicitous as to the condition of the church at Corinth, to which he had addressed his first Epistle during the early days of his Ephesian ministry.

Into how small a compass, v. 3, the evangelist crowds the three months’ ministry in Greece, where he visited the scenes of his memorable first journey. In a few lines he enumerates the companions of his return journey, and before we are well aware we are back again in Treas and on our way to Jerusalem.

Notice that reference to the breaking of bread on the first day of the week, v. 7. This proves that the primitive Church was adopting the first day of the week for its characteristic meal; and as the Gentile element became predominant, it is easy to see how gradually and inevitably Sunday superseded Saturday as the rest day. See also Col. 2:16. It is possible that Kutyehus was not already dead, although believed to be so. In that ease, Paul’s loving embrace and prayer restored him from the swoon that might easily have

become death. Can we not imagine the theme of that talk which lasted till dawn!