In this Epistle we find Paul for the first time openly confronting the Judaising reaction which threatened to obliterate the Gospel. The argument of chapter 3 contrasting the "law" and the "spirit" suggests they were exalting the Law somewhat from the point of view of the Judaizers who went to Antioch (Acts 15:1; Gal. 2:12).

This letter is the outpouring of his heart occasioned by the information that he received. It tells us several things in relation to the subject of the Spirit:

1. The excommunication of the incestuous person and the bodily affliction had its desired result 2:5-7.
2. Paul was not omnipresent or omniscient as some would suggest from 1 Cor. 5:3. This is proven by 2 Cor. 7:6-7.
3. The exposition of 1 Cor. 12-14 had apparently cleared up the problem because the subject is not raised here.
4. So that he might exhort them to holiness and good works, he appeals in several places to the fact that they had been given the Spirit. (e.g. 6:14-18; 8:7)

2 Cor. 1:22

"Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."

"Sealed" = Grk. sphragizo meaning "to seal, impress" (Y). The aorist is used indicating a completed act at a definite point in time.

"Earnest" = Grk. arrhabon meaning "pledge" (Y)

The word relates to a first installment given in pledge of full payment in due course. (cf. 2 Cor. 5:5). This divine seal was evidenced in the Holy Spirit gifts—which validated Paul's claim to be a true Apostle—by "signs, wonders and mighty deeds" (2 Cor. 12:12). But this was only a "tasting" of the "powers of the world (age) to come" (Heb. 6:4, 5). Indeed KNOX gives this idea in his translation: "And given us the foretaste of his Spirit". These words cannot apply to us since we have not been sealed by the Spirit in the sense of this verse. (cf. 5:5; Eph. 1:14).

2 Cor. 2:13

"I had no rest in my spirit because I found not Titus"

Here the word spirit conveys the meaning of mind and the word pneuma is so translated by the RSV. TCNT translates:

"I could get no peace of mind".

While Phillips is obviously a paraphrase, still it gives the idea:

"I was on edge the whole time because there was no sign of brother Titus". (cf. Rom. 1:9; 12:11).

2 Cor. 3:3

"Written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart."

In what way were the Corinthians engraved by the Spirit of the living God? By the following:

1. The Gospel which was the power of God (Rom. 1:16). This Gospel was conveyed through the Apostles (2 Cor. 5:18-21). This enlightenment effected a metamorphosis - a "new creation", (2 Cor. 5:17).
2. By the indirect operation of the Spirit through gifted men in the ecclesia, e.g. prophecy, teaching and revelation which would inscribe the divine instruction upon the fleshly tablets of the heart (cf. 1 Cor. 12:4-11).
3. By the influence of Apostolic example (2 Cor. 1:7; cf. 1 Tim. 4:16; 1 Cor. 11:1).
4. By the superintending influence of divine providence (Acts 18:10).

In case someone thinks that the writing (Grk. eggrapho) was a direct influence of the Spirit, let him or her recall that Proverbs 7:3 indicates that we can do this for ourselves.

"Bind them (my commandments) on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart."

"Spirit of God" is without the definite article and is parallel with "the word of God" in 2:17.

Paul uses the words that he does because they introduce the contrast which is to follow between the "Letter" and "Spirit" - the position of the Judaiser and the Apostles.

Close attention to the immediate context is particularly rewarding here and Moffatt in particular captures the fact that Paul is the one who actually does the inscribing:

"You make it obvious that you are a letter of Christ which I have been employed to inscribe ... on tablets of the human heart."

2 Cor. 3:6

"... not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (NASB)

Sometimes "the letter" is understood as the written Bible, and "the Spirit" is understood as a mystical inner influence at work in the believer’s heart. However such an interpretation fails to take into account the context which demonstrates a totally different meaning of these words.

The ministration of the "Spirit" superior to that of the Law

Paul now proceeds to attack the position of the Judaiser by clear contrasts between the temporary, transient design of the Law of Moses ("the letter")₁ and the enduring, eternal nature of the new covenant ("the spirit"). These contrasts are set out as follows:

While the following points are true this does not seem to be the reason why Paul terms the gospel the "ministration of the Spirit".

1. The early preaching of the Gospel by Peter at Pentecost was preceded by the outpouring of the Spirit (gifts) as promised by Christ. (Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-18).
2. Converts to the Truth were instructed by the Spirit, manifested through Spirit-gifted teachers, prophets, apostles and tongue-speakers (1 Cor. 12).
3. The Holy Spirit enabled the preachers of the Gospel to attest to the validity of their message by the "signs" - miracles that were performed (Mark 16:17-20; Heb. 2:4; cf. Acts 19:11-12; 28:3-6).

"the letter killeth"

This highly figurative phrase is a beautiful example of the vigour and concentration of Paul’s thought. First the "letter" is put by metonymy for that which is written, the Law; secondly, the Law is personified as an active power which can put a person to death; and so, thirdly what is really an indirect consequence of the "law" is attributed to the Law as a personal action. Literally, the Law results in death because of man’s failure to keep it: but how much more vivid to put it in the active, concrete form, "the letter killeth".

"the spirit giveth life"

The action attributed to the Spirit can equally well (as death from the law) be an indirect consequence. Literally the Spirit which gives the word and so works on men’s minds is the source from which a new life comes.

The "spirit" is again used metonymically for "the dispensation of the Spirit" and relates to the great promise of forgiveness of sins through faith and the imputation of righteousness to life eternal. The dispensation of the Spirit was a "ministration of righteousness" - a better covenant because it was established on better promises (Heb. 8:6).

The glory had a hidden meaning. The spirit-illumination of the face of Moses contained a mystery - God-manifestation (cf. Luke 20:35,36). It was a reflection of divine Glory to show the nature and power of the author of the ministry and the intended object of that ministry - namely the bringing of men and women into Divine contact so that they might be the reflectors morally and ultimately the embodiments in nature of the glory. It is certain that the children of Israel had no idea of this and this fact was typified by the veil over Moses’ face illustrating their inability to "look to the end_† of that which is abolished."

Their inability to understand was confirmed by the fact that a sanctuary was required that they might have visible assurance of the Divine presence.

2 Cor. 3:8

"How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?"
"Will not the dispensation of the Spirit be attended with greater splendour?" (RSV).

Paul argues in effect as follows: Seeing that the dispensations are different, the "letter" being transient, and resulting only in death, then the dispensation of the "Spirit" - a new covenant which brings life - will be accompanied with far greater splendour. It is of course, obvious that Paul is comparing the physical glory which accompanied the giving of the Mosaic Law with the moral glory of the "Spirit".

It is important to view these words from the correct perspective. Paul’s thought is not "a ministration from the Spirit" but rather a "ministration about or leading to the Spirit". This is evident in a parallel phrase "the ministration of righteousness". It cannot be said that righteousness caused the ministration or that it was a ministration from righteousness. So likewise condemnation did not bring the other ministration. It was rather a ministration leading to death and condemnation.

2 Cor. 3:17

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

Problem:

This is taken to mean that:

1. We can presently experience the "Indwelling Presence of the Spirit" if we submit to it.
   "For the present ... the Indwelling Presence of the Spirit of my Lord means for me the buoyancy and enlargement of heart, the clarity of vision, the spiritual discernment, the infinite possibilities for transfiguration unto perfection which are realized in Christian liberty₁".

2. This "abiding presence of the Spirit" gives us liberty from "external codes". "He is now freed from the restraints, the prohibitions and the discipline of an external code₂ to regulate his conduct ... There must be ... a realization of unbounded liberty₁."

3. It also guides us depending on how much enlightenment we receive. "The indwelling of the Spirit ... confers upon him the God-given right to judge for himself what is the Divine will for him and to follow the dictates of his conscience in accordance with the progressive measure of enlightenment vouchsafed to him₁," He is "accountable only₃ to God through His Son₁."

4. The first century ecclesia (because they had this "indwelling of the Spirit") displayed "perfect unity and harmony₁" The spirit is a gift that enables us to lead lives of holiness.

Solution:

1. The verse has nothing to do with "the indwelling Presence of the Spirit". Rather the word spirit refers to the
   1. word of God (2:17)
   2. ministration of righteousness (3:9).
   3. the gospel (4:4)

      Simply it refers to the Spoken (3:12) word of the new covenant.

2. Paul nowhere mentions unbounded liberty or freedom from laws governing conduct. The liberty Paul spoke of here is clearly defined in the next verse. It was the ability to see beyond the Law to the glory of the Lord. Also ‘the one who says, "I have come to know him", and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him’ (1 John 2:4).

3. The statement expressed in Problem C is rubbish! Nowhere in the Scripture can anything close to this be found. The only enlightenment we can have has been revealed and will not be revealed individually again.

4. This statement (expressed in D above) establishes beyond doubt that the writer of the statement does not have a clue about the first century ecclesias, to say nothing of the operation of the Spirit. Corinth displayed marked disunity!

   carnal divisions (1 Cor. 3:1-4),

   contentions (1 Cor. 1:10, 11)

   going to law before the unbeliever (1 Cor. 6:1).

   incest (1 Cor. 5 :1),

   heresies (1 Cor. 11:19).

   A list of a least 30 things could easily be compiled to show the lack of unity and harmony which existed at Corinth at one time.

   One of the purposes of the miraculous gifts (not indwelling Spirit) was the edification of the ecclesia. This was obtained by a person exercising the gift for the benefit of others, not himself. The possession of the Spirit did not cause holiness₄.

Conclusion

Many obviously invalid interpretations of this verse may be given if it is wrenched from the context or from the Bible. We must not be text pickers, nor dreamers.

"Now the Lord".

"‘The Lord’ means the Spirit" (MOFF) (WEY). The Lord here is the same as in v. 16 where it refers to the Angel of the Presence who bore the title YAHWEH when he appeared to Moses on Mount Sinai. V. 16 is a paraphrase of Exod. 34:34 in the LXX, and this must be borne in mind when determining who "Lord" refers to. It can be seen therefore, that "Lord" does not refer to Christ. In Paul’s application of the narrative of the veiling of Moses, the counterpart of "Lord" in the New Covenant is "spirit" which has already been contrasted in v. 6 with the letter of the Mosaic Law.

Paul is clearly saying that "the Lord" of Exodus 34 stands for or represents "the spirit" in the allegory he is developing. The reflected glory on Moses’ face was representative of the free spiritual fellowship he repeatedly enjoyed with the Angel of the Presence ("the Lord") (cf. Acts 7:38 and 53).

"is" i.e. means (MOFF) (Wey) or represents - cf. 1 Cor. 11:24 "This is my body".

"that spirit" - "Spirit" stands for the "dispensation of the Spirit" of v.6.

In the allegory Paul is developing he says that the Angel of the Presence (Lord) represents "the Spirit" as opposed to "the letter" which Israel saw.

Paul normally uses the Greek definite article with "Lord" when he means Christ and omits it when he means Yahweh. In this passage, only the first "Lord" has the article, and here it is retrospective.

‘Now that Lord (i.e. Yahweh - the Angel v. 16) whom Moses approached, means for us in the allegory the Spirit’.

"and where the Spirit" (gen. of apposition.) = "the spirit, that is to say, the Lord" (Companion Bible).

"of" Westcott and Hort (WH) suggest the phrase is "Where the Spirit is Lord". Here the "of" is equivalent to "that is to say".

"the Lord" (is)

"(there is) liberty"

In contrast to the fear which Israel had in beholding the reflected glory of the "Lord" (Exod. 34:30) cf. John 8:32; Rom. 8:15.

The freedom (RSV) included the ability to gaze with unveiled face upon the glory of God revealed in Christ through the gospel.

For a summary we can paraphrase the verse:

"The Angel of the Presence (Lord) represented the real meaning of the new covenant variously termed ‘word of God’ (2:17), ‘ministration of righteousness’ (3:9), ‘the light of the glorious gospel about Christ’ (4:4), ‘our gospel’ (4:3) and in the allegory ‘Spirit’ - God manifestation.

For us of course, the glory of God is revealed in Christ (cf. 4:6) and this replaces "the Lord" in the allegory.

As the train of thought is followed in this chapter one thing becomes clear: neither the term "letter" nor "spirit" can be treated with narrow literalism. "Spirit" does not mean a vaguely defined intention nor does it mean ‘Holy Spirit’. The word stands for that which leads to spirit life and for that activity brought to focus in Christ Jesus.

2 Cor. 3:18

"the glory of the Lord"

- "the Lord" here is the same as in v.16 and 17. The message of the Divine allegory does not end with the lesson for the Jew concerning the fading glory of Moses. Paul advances further by saying that "we all (by contrast with the solitary figure of Moses), with unveiled face reflecting as a mirror the glory of ‘the Lord’₁ are transformed into the same image from glory to glory₂ even as from ‘the Lord’₁ the Spirit."

"transformed" (changed AV)

Grk. melamorphoomai = to change one's form (Y) by feeding on food which causes metamorphosis. This food for us is the word of Christ not a mythical ‘spirit’.

"Spirit of the Lord" (AV) should be translated as "(the) Lord (the) Spirit" (NEST, Wey, DIAG, RV)

"The Word ‘Spirit’ is in the Genitive of Apposition (Companion Bible). It would then read "the Lord", that is to say "the Spirit".

Weymouth’s translates the phrase as "even as derived from the Lord the Spirit". This rendering best brings out the identification of "Lord" and "Spirit" in v.17, and is supported by most translations.

To say that ‘we are changed directly by the Spirit of the Lord’ is to miss the message of the chapter, which describes how the new covenant is dispensed by qualified ministers (3:6) i.e. the Apostles.

2 Cor. 4:6

"For God ... hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Except for the few apostles who were inspired to write the New Testament and those who possessed the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, prophecy and teaching; enlightenment comes (and came) through the written and spoken word.

Paul in this verse is drawing an extended metaphor from Gen. 1:3-5. The light of God’s creating initiated regeneration on an earth that was "without form and void". Likewise the enlightenment which came from the spoken gospel regenerated perishing man. Just two verses before Paul states that the "light" he is concerned about is "the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ" (v.4). It was "by the open statement of the truth" (i.e. preaching, RSV) that this gospel was made known. The same process operates today. We obtain knowledge of Christ by hearing or reading the gospel not by receiving "enlightenment by the Spirit".

"We have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts"(2 Pet. 1:19).

Paul quite often in this epistle employs the royal "we" meaning "I"

"we despaired even of life" (1:8),
"we had the sentence of death within ourselves" (1:9),
"do we need, as some, letters" (3:1).

Moffatt captures this clearly in his translation:

"For God who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness’, has shone within my heart to illuminate men with the knowledge of God’s glory..."

If this is the real meaning of the verse then the process on that occasion was limited to him. This seems highly probable, as Paul occupied a very special place in the purpose of God. (cf. also 2:15, 16).

2 Cor. 4:13

"We having the same spirit of faith"₁

Paul quotes from the experience of Hezekiah in Psa. 116:10 (LXX) as having the same disposition (spirit) of faith. Hezekiah was delivered from imminent death as was Paul (2 Cor. 1:9,10) hence he had the same faithful attitude or disposition. Note the allusions to death in Psa. 116: 3, 4, 8, 9, 15.

"... God, who also hath given us the earnest of the Spirit."

"Who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee" (RSV) (cf. 1:22). The Holy Spirit gifts the subject of promise (John 14:26; Joel 2:28-32) had been given as a pledge or guarantee of a later fuller manifestation at the Second Advent. The token fulfillment with the coming of the Advocate and Spirit-gifts (John 14:16; 1 Cor. 12:8-10) was a "tasting" of the powers of the age to come. (Heb. 6:5, 4; cf. 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14). It was also a pledge of God’s promise to "swallow up" mortality with life.

2 Cor. 6:6

"by kindness, by the Holy Spirit,..."

The definite article does not occur, and this makes possible the translation of Marshall.

"in a holy spirit"

and GSPD (Goodspeed)

"in holiness of spirit".

This translation gives the possibility of a totally different meaning to the phrase. The phrase is no longer seen to refer to the Holy Spirit or the Gifts but to an attitude produced by the action of the word in a good and honest heart. It is a developed characteristic, not a gift or an inworking of God’s power. The ultimate source of this attitude is the Holy Spirit but indirectly through the Word.

The Greek allows the meaning that Paul properly exercised the Spirit gifts at his command. However, since the Holy Spirit is given such an inconspicuous place the meaning probably is a "spirit that is holy".

2 Cor. 6:16

"For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM’"₁.

"I will dwell among them" (MARS).
"I will dwell and move among them" (MOFF).

Christ’s body is called a temple, because in him dwelled the fulness of God. (John 2: 19). The verse is partially a paraphrase of Lev. 26:11, 12.

In times past He had dwelt in their midst by the Shekinah glory which overshadowed the Mercy Seat in the Most holy place in the tabernacle. God dwelled in the Corinthians by the Holy Spirit gifts which they had (cf. 1 Cor.6:19).

In the wilderness wanderings the Angel of the Presence (exhibited to Israel by cloud and pillar of fire) was visible evidence that God walked among them.

In the first century there was no visible evidence of God walking among His people (such as there was in Sinai). However, such promises as John 14:23 and facts such as Rev. 2:1 (cf. 1:20) indicate, together with this verse, that God (and Christ) abode with or walked among the ecclesia.

Present application

We do not have the gifts, so it is obvious that God does not dwell in us in the same way as He did in the first century. God dwells in us only through Christ’s words abiding in us and us bearing fruit because of that fellowship (John 15:7,5). We are the temple of God if we manifest Him in our lives. This does not mean that God dwells in us by some mystical means through the Spirit₂. The words of Heb. 1:14 still apply today.

2 Cor. 7:1

"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit₁"

There may be some disciples who feel that this apostolic admonition is not intended for us. Filthiness of the flesh they may think of as something quite remote, while filthiness of spirit fails to express an intelligible idea to which thought can give attention. However, filthiness of spirit as the Apostle uses the expression can be seen on every side and far too often in the ecclesias. "Of spirit" means "of mind or heart" as is evident in the following table.

filthiness:-
of flesh (obvious physical evil)	of spirit (subtle faults of the mind)
tax gatherers and harlots (stealers and fornicators) adultery those who practice evil (Romans 1:26-32) fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, homosexuals, thieves covetous, drunkards, revilers, swindlers, (1 Cor. 6:9-10). lust of flesh (1 John 2:16).	Pharisees (Matt. 21:31) (self-righteousness) everyone who looks on a woman to lust (Matt. 5:27-28) those who give approval to those who practice evil puffed up or arrogant (1 Cor. 5:2) rejoice in iniquity (1 Cor. 13:4,6). pride of life, lust of eyes.

There are therefore, two kinds of sin: those that affect the body and those that affect the mind. Christ’s words demonstrate that filthiness of the spirit is much worse than of the flesh. (See Matt. 21:31).

2 Cor. 8:7

"Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."

Paul is almost certainly referring to the Spirit gifts (cf. "so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift", 1 Cor. 1:7; 12:13).

"in faith"

Likely the gift of faith (1 Cor. 12:9) a prerequisite for performing some miracles (cf. Matt. 17:20).

"and utterance" Grk logos.

This probably relates to the Spirit gifts of wisdom and knowledge. Note the context of the following:

1. 1 Cor. 1:5 "utterance" = Grk. logos cf. v. 7 "so that ye come behind in no gift"
2. 1 Cor. 12:8 - "word (logos) of wisdom" and "word (logos) of knowledge".

The RSV translates logos in this verse by "utterance".

"and knowledge" (gnosis) a Spirit, gift (1 Cor. 12:8).

The Spirit gifts were given not only to confirm the spoken, (and later the written) word (Mark 16:20), but also for the "perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12). As such, the gifts were able to assist the brethren at Corinth in all diligence. No doubt they had also responded to his exhortation on agape in 1 Cor. 13.

"For if ... you receive a different spirit which you have not received ..."

The whole construction of this verse is difficult, but the basic idea is that since you put up with a man who preaches another gospel you should therefore put up with me (Paul) because, after all, I was the one who betrothed you to Christ.

This false apostle is a deceitful worker (11:13) when he says to you that you can receive different spirit (gifts) than those which you have received.

2 Cor. 12:18

"Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?"

The Corinthians had only to think first of Paul, and then of Titus, to be reassured that in motive ("the same spirit") and also in action ("the same steps") they were one and the same as men working for Christ.

2 Cor. 13:10

"I write this while I am away from you, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down."

Paul wrote this epistle so that the Corinthians would examine themselves and correct their errors before Paul came to them. If they did this, then Paul would not have to exercise the gift of miracles of judgement₁. Christ had given this power to Paul for edification. From the Corinthian’s point of view it may have looked like the gift caused destruction but their view was incorrect, because the gift could only be exercised for good. Christ would not sanction an unjust decision, or clothe the arm of man with supernatural power to inflict unmerited punishment.

2 Cor. 13:14

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (RSV).

Problem:

This verse is sometimes taken to mean that "those who have ‘the Spirit’ in some mysterious way are on the track and all others are not.

Solution:

1. The Bible nowhere speaks of a fellowship in which only those who have the Spirit are a part. The claimant is only assuming what he must prove.

2. There was only one fellowship in the first century -

   "They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship₂, and in breaking bread and in prayers." Acts 2:42.

   Here by the Spirit’s guidance was begun a fellowship based on the gospel₃.

3. Fellowship with the Spirit is not possible since the Holy Spirit is not a person.

4. The interpretation of the phrase "fellowship of the Holy Spirit" (RSV) depends on whether the genitive case is subjective or objective. Both are possible grammatically.

   The following examples illustrate how syntax can affect the meaning.

   1. "The preaching of Jesus Christ" (Rom. 16:25).
      Subjective: The preaching by Jesus Christ.
      Objective : The preaching about Jesus Christ.
   2. "Zeal of God" (Rom. 10:2).
      Subjective: Zeal shown by God.
      Objective : Zeal towards God.
   3. "The Love of Christ" (Eph. 3:19).
      Subjective: The love Christ has for us.
      Objective : The love we have towards Christ.

   The first two examples are objective genitives, and the third a subjective genitive.₄

   This conclusion is based on an evaluation of the contexts of the passages.

   In the passage under consideration, the first 2 phrases are clearly subjective genitives, namely

   The grace Christ had granted them: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ";
   and the love God had shown towards them: "the love of God".

   It is necessary to render the third phrase in the subjective also.

   "The fellowship established by the Spirit" because of Point 3.

   Paul was in effect praying that the Holy Spirit power might continue to promote their fellowship together₅

5. Even if it be conceded that the correct interpretation is "a fellowship formed by those who had the Holy Spirit" (and it is not) then it must also be admitted at once that the Holy Spirit that the Corinthians had was the power to work miracles as can be seen from 1 Cor. 12:7-11.

   This manifestation ceased as Paul said it would.

   We cannot, therefore, use this verse as justification to claim present possession of the Spirit in a non-miraculous sense.

The "we" who have "seen" and "heard" can be no other than the apostles, the chosen witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. The "we" and "our fellowship" was the apostles’ fellowship. Others were introduced into it by accepting their gospel. In this way, fellowship was established with the Father and Son.
"Grace, love and fellowship" are the blessings sought by Paul for the Corinthians. As Paul puts it they come from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but John speaks of fellowship through the Apostles. Paul thinks of the divine source - the Holy Spirit which guided the Apostles; John thinks of the human instruments - the apostles who were guided by the Spirit in founding the fellowship.
³ J. Carter, TCM, Vol. 92, P. 448. James Norris in NFCE interprets the above verse as "that fellowship established by the work of the Holy Spirit". (P.3). This "can be taken as an allusion to the fellowship which acceptance of the Spirit’s teaching undeniably and inevitably brings", TCM. Vol. 93, P.251.
⁴ H. Sheppard, TCM, Vol. 96, P. 273 and quoted in TEST, Vol. 43, P. 260.
⁵ "It is a fellowship men enjoy with each other as a result of the Spirit’s work" (TCM, Vol. 92, P. 448).