Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 14. Now the third time I am ready to come. So he says again in the next chap. That is, he was once with them, he had purposed to come a second time, and now a third time.—I seek not the things that are yours, but you. That is, says Saint John Chrysostom your souls, not your goods; your salvation, not your gold.—For the children. A modest pretty turn in their favour, by saying that fathers and parents are commonly supposed to leave their goods and riches to their children, not children for their parents. Witham.—Saint Paul came to Corinth for the first time in the year 52, remaining with them 18 months. Acts chapter 18. He came the second time in 55, but did not remain long with them; on which account it is omitted by Saint Luke in the Acts. The date of this letter is in 57, when Saint Paul again came to them towards the end of the year. Calmet.—Other interpreters, with no less authority question this sentiment, see verse 1 of the following chapter, and say he only went twice; the first time as mentioned in Acts 18:1.; the second time, as we may draw from Acts 20:2. 3 after this epistle, as it is evident from comparing 2 Corinthians 1:15.