Verse 4
4. Know nothing by myself I am conscious of nothing against myself Such is the sense of the Greek; and such was the sense of the English at the time our version was made. Paul was unconscious of any wrong.
Not hereby justified For our judgment of ourselves is often very partial, and so erroneous. The maxim of human law is, that no man is a true judge in his own case. Yet though conscience is no infallible judge of right in our own case, it is the best natural guide that man possesses, and when followed with profound and devout honesty the man will, by divine goodness, be guided to salvation.
Judgeth… Lord Our final Judge is the only infallible Judge. And our only sure way is to repent most deeply of every even unknown sin, and submit ourselves supremely to him.
Judgeth me Having placed himself entirely under the service of that Judge, Paul claimed to be solely judged by him.
Judge nothing We cannot, indeed, avoid forming an opinion before the judgment day; but what Paul claimed was, that he was by apostolic office, as by them admitted, superior to their present judgment.
Bring to light Shed light upon.
Hidden things of darkness Things hidden or covered by darkness. All the partisan conclaves and plots at Corinth.
Counsels The mental plans and purposes of parties and leaders.
Praise From delicacy speaking of praise only, though plenty of blame may be supposed in many cases.
Of God Hence, 1 Corinthians 3:21, glory in men is unnecessary.
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