7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the {a} flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
(a) Both of body and soul, that by this means the sanctification may be perfect, consisting in both the parts of the flesh.
7:1 The Effect of Paul's First Letter at Corinth
SUMMARY OF II CORINTHIANS 7:
Paul's Freedom of Speech to the Corinthians. His Anxiety Until Titus Came. The Consolation of the News from Corinth. His Letter Produced Sorrow, Then Repentance. His Severe Words Not Due to Ill-Will for the Offender, Nor for. Them, but to Lead Them to Clearing Themselves.
Having therefore these promises. Those named in 2Co 6:17,18. This verse is properly in that connection, and should not have been separated by the chapter division.
Let us cleanse ourselves. See 2Co 6:17 above.
From all filthiness of the flesh. All sensual sins, such as those to which the Corinthians were addicted.
And spirit. The spirit of a man is defiled by such sins as those named in Ga 5:19-21.
Perfecting holiness. Every Christian in purifying himself should strive for greater holiness and constantly seek to attain to the ideal of which Christ is the example.
7:1 Let us cleanse ourselves - This is the latter part of the exhortation, which was proposed, 2Cor 6:1, and resumed, 2Cor 6:14. From all pollution of the flesh - All outward sin. And of the spirit - All inward. Yet let us not rest in negative religion, but perfect holiness - Carrying it to the height in all its branches, and enduring to the end in the loving fear of God, the sure foundation of all holiness.
7:1-4 The promises of God are strong reasons for us to follow after holiness; we must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. If we hope in God as our Father, we must seek to be holy as he is holy, and perfect as our Father in heaven. His grace, by the influences of his Spirit, alone can purify, but holiness should be the object of our constant prayers. If the ministers of the gospel are thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be despised also; and though ministers must flatter none, yet they must be gentle towards all. Ministers may look for esteem and favour, when they can safely appeal to the people, that they have corrupted no man by false doctrines or flattering speeches; that they have defrauded no man; nor sought to promote their own interests so as to hurt any. It was affection to them made the apostle speak so freely to them, and caused him to glory of them, in all places, and upon all occasions.
