For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
For your fellowship. This word is divers times used by St. Paul for a contribution of charitable alms, which it may also signify in this place; though others expound it of their being made partakers of the graces of Christ, by the gospel. (Witham)
Great is that he here witnesses of them, and very great, and what one might have witnessed of Apostles and Evangelists. You did not, because you were entrusted with one city, he says, care for that only, but you leave nothing undone to be sharers of my labors, being everywhere at hand and working with me, and taking part in my preaching. It is not once, or the second, or third time, but always, from the time ye believed until now, you have assumed the readiness of Apostles. Behold how those indeed that were in Rome turned away from him; for hear him saying, This you know, that all that are in Asia turned away from me. 2 Timothy 1:15 And again, Demas forsook me: and at my first defence no one took my part. 2 Timothy 4:10-16 But these, although absent, shared in his tribulations, both sending men to him, and ministering to him according to their ability, and leaving out nothing at all. And this ye do not now only, says he, but always, in every way assisting me. So then it is a fellowship...
Here he gives them a great testimonial, a truly great one and such as one might give to apostles and evangelists. “The fact that you have been put in charge of one city,” he says, “does not mean that you care for that one alone, but you do everything so as to become partakers of my labors wherever I am. It is as though you are with me everywhere as my coworkers and companions in preaching. Not once, twice or three times but on all occasions, from the time when you believed until now, you have shown the zeal of apostles.” … For the care of the saints is no small thing. It is indeed a great one, for it makes you partakers of the blessings laid up for them. .
