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I. THE NATURE OF THE APOSTLE'S WISH.

1. It was very serious and solemn, and of the nature of a fervent and affectionate prayer (Romans 10:1).

2. It was benevolent. The apostle had reason to be offended with the Corinthians, yet he manifested towards them the greatest kindness, and was at all times their advocate at the throne of grace.

3. It was seasonable and suitable. It implies that some things had taken place amongst the Corinthians which he lamented, and desired to see removed.

4. It was full and comprehensive, including both their present and eternal welfare. The greatest thing that is said of glorified saints above is, that they are made perfect. The greatest thing that can be said of God Himself is, that He is perfect.

5. It was highly apostolic, being in unison with his character and office.

II. ITS OBJECT "PERFECTION." This is what he laboured himself to attain (Philippians 3:12). For the Corinthians he entertained the same holy desire (ver. 7). Corrupt principles and evil habits had crept in among them, and he wished to see these corrected and laid aside. Not content with negative purity he adds: "This also we wish, even your perfection."

1. Christian perfection is —

(1) Legal. In the eye of the lawgiver, all the saints are complete in Christ, who is their head and representative (Colossians 2:10, 11).

(2) Moral, which is either full, or partial. Man was originally free from moral defect, being created in righteousness and true holiness. Christ was also holy and sinless. Both were perfect, being in every respect what righteousness could require. The only perfection to be found amongst fallen creatures is partial; a perfection begun but not consummated; entire in all the integral parts, but not in degrees, as a child is perfect in possessing all that is requisite to constitute a complete and entire human being, though not grown up to the fulness of the stature of a man. So where patience has its perfect work, in connection with all the other graces, the believer is said to be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:4).

(3) Comparative (1 Corinthians 2:6).

(4) Synonymous with sincerity and uprightness (Genesis 6:9; Genesis 17:1; Job 1:8; Psalm 37:37; Psalm 101:2; John 1:47).

2. The perfection which Paul desired on behalf of the Corinthians would include(1) A maturity of understanding in the great mysteries of the gospel. The entrance of God's Word giveth light (Colossians 1:13); but all true religion is progressive.

(2) A pure heart and an unspotted conversation.

(3) A high degree of spirituality.

(4) Tenderness of conscience.

(5) An aptitude for spiritual and edifying conversation.

(6) Joining in Christian fellowship, and attending on gospel ordinances. Conclusion:

1. The sincere Christian, though he has not attained perfection, earnestly breathes after it, and cannot be satisfied without it.

2. What the apostle wished for others, let us anxiously seek for ourselves.

3. As the most eminent and perfect part of the Christian character consists in making Christ all and in all, so let this be the life and substance of our religion.

(B. Beddome, M. A.)

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KJV: For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

WEB: For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.