Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Our letter - of recommendation.
Written in our hearts - not borne merely in the hands. Though this living letter be written by affection in my heart, I wish it to be read by all as my recommendation. Your conversion through my instrumentality, and your faith, "known of all men" by report (1 Corinthians 1:4-7), is my letter of recommendation (1 Corinthians 9:2).
Known and read - words akin in root, sound, and sense (so 2 Corinthians 1:13). 'Ye are known to be my converts by general knowledge: then known more particularly so that my doctrine is read in your life.' The handwriting is first "known," then the letter is "read" (2 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 14:25). There is not so powerful a sermon as a consistent life. The eye of the world takes in more than the ear. Christians' lives are the only religious books the world reads. Ignatius ('ad Ephesum,' ch. 10:) writes, 'Give unbelievers the chance of believing through you. Consider yourselves employed by God; your lives the language in which He addresses them. Be mild when they are angry: humble when they are haughty; to their blasphemy oppose prayer; to their inconsistency, stedfast adherence to your faith.'