Notes on 2 Corinthians – Light To My Path Book Distribution

Introduction

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was written after he had received a report from Titus who had just returned from Corinth (7:6). The apostle was grateful that his first letter had been well received, and steps had been taken to address some sins and divisions in the church as a result (7:8-11). He was aware, however, that his ministry in Corinth was opposed by false brothers intent on diminishing his authority among the believers in that city (10:10; 11:5-6). As Paul attempts to defend his ministry, we can’t help but see it contrasted with the more worldly form of leadership that was emerging in the church at that time.

Another important aspect of the letter has to do with an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem. The apostle challenges the church to give generously to the need that had arisen among Christians in that important city (8:1-15; 9:1-15). He encourages them to give generously to meet the practical needs of these believers.

Throughout the letter, the apostle demonstrates his humility in service (4:7-11; 10:1; 11:22-28). Unlike many who craved the attention and affirmation of those they served, Paul was willing to sacrifice everything to see these believers grow in their gospel faith (12:10). We discover in Paul a man weak in bodily presence (12:7-9), and poor in speech (10:10; 11:6) but powerful in humility (11:30), boldness (11:4, 5), love (11:11), and the enabling Spirit( 10:4-6). His letter is written to bring restoration comfort, harmony and peace to the body of Christ in Corinth (13:11).

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Chapter 1

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Verse 1

This is the second letter of Paul to the church in Corinth. In his first letter, he addressed their questions about practical and theological matters. He also challenged them on some problematic issues he saw in the church then.

Notice that he introduces himself as Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God. As an apostle, this letter carried some weight. He wrote in an official capacity as a leader in the churches of that day.

Paul would not have chosen this position as apostle himself. He felt unworthy of the title. He bears the title of apostle, however, not by his will but by the will of God. As unworthy as he felt of his title, Paul chose to carry it with pride. He was an apostle because it was the purpose of God for his life. He would take that responsibility seriously and not let false humility keep him from being everything God had called him to be.

Notice also that Paul also mentions the name of Timothy. It is not that Timothy wrote the letter but that he was with Paul then and sent his greetings along with the apostle to the Corinthians.

The letter is addressed to the church of God. There were no denominations at the time. The church of Corinth represented all believers in that city. It was where they all gathered to worship and fellowship with each other. They may have had their differences, but they were all united in the person of Christ and His death on their behalf.

Paul intended that the letter be delivered to the church of God in Corinth, but it was to be read also to all the saints in the “whole of Achaia.” Achaia was the Roman province of which Corinth was the capital. The letter of 2 Corinthians would likely have been circulated among believers in the whole area.

Verse 2

The apostle prays for grace and peace for the Corinthians. Grace is God’s unmerited favour, showered down upon His people. Peace was not only in their circumstances but also in their relationships with each other and God.

This grace and peace were from God “our” Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Using the word “our,” Paul shows us that he is writing to believers who knew God as their heavenly Father. This was possible, of course, through the work of His Son Jesus Christ, who offered the grace and peace of the Father through His death on the cross.

Verse 3

The apostle opens the letter with a note of praise. He blesses the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. He does so for two reasons.

First, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ was a Father of mercies. The word “mercies” is translated from the Greek word οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmós). It refers to compassion. It demonstrates itself in pity and tenderness toward those who are suffering. Paul tells the Corinthians that God is not indifferent to their suffering but feels compassion toward them in their need.

Second, God is also a God of comfort. Comfort comes from the word παράκλησις (paráklēsis). This word speaks of encouragement or strengthening. Not only does God feel for us in our pain, but He also reaches out to strengthen and comfort us in that pain.

The very concept of an eternal and holy God reaching out to us in our need brought praise to the lips of Paul. The Father of the Lord Jesus sent His Son to die for us in our sin, rescuing us from its condemnation and freeing us to become His children. The mercy and comfort of God is seen most clearly through the person of Jesus Christ.

Verse 4

The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ comforts us in our affliction. He does so in a way even our earthly fathers could never do. He takes a special interest in our needs and reaches out tenderly to us. This is a wonderful yet perplexing truth.

Notice the words “all our affliction.” There is no affliction which God the Father cannot comfort. The term “all” covers everything this world can throw at us.

Notice the reason why God comforts us here:

So that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2Co 1:4

We are comforted so we can comfort others. We who know this provision of God have no right to withhold it from others, especially when we understand that we do not deserve it ourselves. We are to treat others as God treats us. We must take our example from Him. We are often how God brings His comfort to others.

Verse 5

The Christian life is not always easy. There will be rejection for our faith. Trials and suffering will come, just as they did for Jesus Christ. We may be called, like Paul, to suffer for the Lord Jesus. We share in Christ’s sufferings in that we are often the subject of ridicule and persecution.

Paul reminds the believers in Corinth, however, that while we may have to suffer for our faith, we will also share “abundantly” in His comfort. The strength, peace and grace of God will be equal to the trials we must bear. We never need to be overcome, for in Christ is comfort sufficient for every circumstance.

Verse 6

The question of why we have to suffer has long been debated. Paul tells us here that if we are afflicted, it is for our comfort and salvation.

No trial is without purpose. God will use whatever we face to strengthen and bless. The word comfort is παράκλησις (paráklēsis), which refers to encouragement or a warning given to support an individual in a time of trial. God allows affliction to make us stronger.

God will also allow affliction for our salvation. The word σωτηρία (sōtēría) speaks of deliverance from danger. We often see it as a reference to being set free from the judgement of sin, but it can also refer to deliverance from any danger. God will sometimes allow affliction to keep us from danger or from following a path that will lead us away from His purpose in our lives.

Notice next the phrase “if we are comforted.” It appears that Paul is speaking about himself and the other apostles here. He is saying that while they experienced many afflictions in their ministries, they also knew the mighty comfort of God. Even in this, God had a purpose. These suffering apostles, who had a very public ministry, were comforted by God so that believers, like those in Corinth, could see that God cared for those who patiently endured the same sufferings these apostles bore.

Affliction, pain and suffering are the result of sin in this world. God allows us to suffer and be comforted to serve as an example to others. They see the peace and compassion of God in our lives, and they are encouraged to persevere. They see the tenderness of God in our pain and are inspired to hold firm to the end.

Verse 7

The question of why we have to suffer has long been debated. Paul tells us here that if we are afflicted, it is for our comfort and salvation.

Verse 8

Paul shares just how intense his suffering was for the Gospel. In particular, the apostle tells the Corinthians that when they were in Asia, they were “utterly burdened beyond their strength,” and “despaired of life itself.”

Notice that Paul’s suffering was more than he could endure. It was beyond what his physical and emotional strength could handle. He was brought to the point of wondering if he would even live through the trials he endured and if life was worth living.

Paul understood what it was like to suffer for Christ. He knew despair and affliction beyond what any human being could bear.

Verse 9

Paul tells the Corinthians that when he and his fellow workers were in Asia, they felt like they had received a death sentence. They were not sure if they would be able to leave that region alive. The intensity of their trials was so great that life did not seem worth living.

Notice, however, what this did for them in those days. These afflictions forced them to rely more on God and less on themselves. They did not have the strength to bear their persecution on their own. God, however, could raise the dead, and He comforted and strengthened them. They experienced a supernatural empowerment in those days of intense struggle. In the strength of that enabling, they persevered and overcame.

Verse 10

The apostle gives glory to God for the empowerment necessary to overcome his trials in Asia. He tells the Corinthians that God delivered them from “deadly peril.” Paul does not pretend to have the strength necessary to overcome such affliction. He freely admits that his dependence was on the Lord God for deliverance. He believed the God who delivered them in Asia could do so again. His experience in that region strengthened his faith in God’s enabling mercy.

The apostle shares these personal thoughts to encourage the Corinthians in their trials. The God who delivered Paul would also deliver them.

Verse 11

While the apostle depended on the strength of the Lord in his trials, he also told the Corinthians that they could also help him through their prayers.

The prayers of the Corinthians would open up the storehouse of God’s blessing for the apostles. Those prayers would push back the power of evil afflicting them. Imagine a lone soldier standing up against a squadron of enemy troops. He is strengthened beyond his ability, but his body is growing tired and weary. Then along comes another soldier to stand with him, encouraging him and helping him to drive back the foe. Eventually, more and more soldiers join the battle and the enemy is pushed back and defeated. The prayers of the Corinthians were like the support that came to that lone soldier. They stood with him in his weakness, joined forces and drove back the enemy.

Notice the result of the Corinthians standing with Paul in prayer:

Many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. – 2Co 1:11

Glory would go to God for the tremendous victory granted by God through the prayers of the saints. I wonder how many weary soldiers stand against the foe without support. Will we take up the challenge to stand with them in prayer?

Verse 12

As the apostle considers his ministry, he tells the Corinthians that he could boast about the “testimony of our conscience.” The idea is that he took special pride or rejoiced in the fact that he had a clear conscience. He gives three reasons for this here.

First, Paul and Timothy “behaved in the world with simplicity.” The word Paul uses here is ἁπλότης (haplótēs). Haplótēs refers to a singleness of motivation or not having a double standard. His intentions were honourable. He had no ulterior motive. He did not seek to benefit himself at their expense.

Second, Paul’s conscience was clear because he had acted with godly sincerity. The word sincerity comes from εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia), meaning pure or transparent. This purity and transparency were in godliness. Paul knew that his heart was the heart of God. He had the assurance that he acted in the purpose of God not only toward those to whom he ministered but also towards God in how he lived his life before them.

Finally, Paul’s conscience was clear because he had not acted in human wisdom but by the grace of God. He did not minister according to his understanding. He chose to wait on the Lord and walk in His purpose alone. His preaching was not in human wisdom but in the power of the Spirit. He went where God told Him to go. He spoke what God told him to say. He did not trust his wisdom but walked in the leading and prompting of the Spirit. He walked according to the grace of God given him in wisdom, strength, and understanding. We would do well to take a moment to consider whether our conscience is clear in these matters as well.

Verse 13

Paul’s sincerity and transparency extended to the letters he wrote. Notice how he tells the Corinthians here that he did not write anything new. What he wrote to them in this letter was in total agreement with all his letters. He was consistent in the truth he preached wherever he went.

Verse 14

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle expressed his concern over the division existing in the church of Corinth.

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment… 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” – 1Co 1:10,12

Not everyone in Corinth accepted Paul and his apostleship. Paul recognized that the Corinthians “partially understood” them. That is to say that not everyone received Paul and his teaching. He was convinced, however, that when the Lord returned, they would have cause to boast in him and his co-workers. He would prove to be a faithful and sincere worker for the gospel. He would hold firm to Christ and His truth to the end. The apostle also believed that he would have cause to be proud of the Corinthians and their commitment on the day of the Lord.

Verse 15

Paul’s confidence in the sincere faith of the Corinthians caused him to desire a second visit with them. The apostle wanted them to experience a “second experience of grace.” From his first letter to the Corinthians, we understand that there were divisions, confusion in the use of spiritual gifts and moral issues that needed to be addressed in the church. While Paul did not question the sincerity of the Corinthian faith, he also knew they needed to experience a deeper work of God in their lives. They were still children in their faith and needed to understand how to live in victory over sin. They needed to mature in their walk with Christ. Paul desired to see this great work of God (a second experience of grace for renewal and victory).

For many, the Christian life is about being saved and doing all you can in the flesh to please God. This, of course, will lead to defeat in the end. Paul wanted to see the Corinthians learn to walk in the Spirit and His enabling. He was convinced that his ministry was not in earthly wisdom (see verse 12) and wanted the Corinthians to know and experience godliness that came from God and not the fruit of human effort alone.

Verse 16

Paul declares his intention to visit the church on the way to Macedonia and on his way back. Macedonia was a Roman province to the north of present-day Greece and included such cities as Thessalonica and Berea. Corinth was located in present-day Greece to the south of Macedonia.

Notice also that Paul intended to have the church of Corinth send him to Judea. The apostle was dependent on the churches for his supply of finances and provision for his missionary journies. Notice how Paul is offering the church a mission opportunity here. He was willing to represent them if they would send him on his way to Judea with what he needed to minister. We have a hint in the first epistle that Paul was willing to take an offering from Corinth to poor and suffering believers in Jerusalem:

2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. – 1Co 16:2-4

Verse 17

There appears to be some confusion here in Paul’s plans to visit Corinth. This may be, in part, the reason for his second letter. His first letter declared his intention to visit, but this second letter explains his change of plans.

Some may have felt Paul was vacillating in his plans and not being true to his promise to visit. Paul is forced here to defend his decision. He does so by asking two questions:

The first question he asks is: “Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this?” The word ἐλαφρία (elaphría) used here speaks of lightness. If a person takes a decision lightly, that individual is not serious. A decision made lightly is not well thought out or one that may or may not be followed through to the end. It appears that Paul is asking this: “Did I speak or make this decision without giving it careful and prayerful thought?”

The second question Paul addresses here is: “Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time?” A plan made according to the flesh does not take God’s purpose to heart. According to Paul, it says “yes” and “no” at the same time. In other words, it is a decision that will say one thing and do another, depending on what is convenient.

Addressing these questions was important for Paul. He did not want believers to think he did not take his commitments seriously. The Corinthians needed to know he was a man of his word.

Verse 18

Paul wanted to be like God in his words and commitments. He declares God to be faithful to His Word. When God says He will do something, you can depend on this. Paul wanted to have this same faithfulness in his life. He wanted people to know that he would do what he said he would do. He wanted to be truthful and trustworthy in all he did, just like God.

Verse 19

According to Paul, Jesus Christ, whom they proclaimed among the Corinthians, was not Yes and No but always Yes. This statement comes from the questions about Paul’s commitment to his promise to visit. Paul wanted his word to reflect that of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not vacillate in his decisions. He willingly laid down His life for our forgiveness. He took on flesh and lived among us. He suffered abuse and mocking at the hands of those He created. He remained true to the end. We can rely completely on His work and His word. Paul seems to be implying in the context that when Christians are not faithful, even when it costs them dearly, they misrepresent the Lord Jesus and His character.

Verse 20

In Jesus, all God’s promises are fulfilled. God’s purpose for salvation is through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. We become children of God because of Jesus’ work on our behalf. Our eternal life is dependent on his forgiveness. Our understanding of God comes from the teaching of Christ. We can grow in our walk with God because the Lord Jesus has sent His Spirit to indwell those who have been forgiven. Nothing would be possible without the person and work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

Paul tells the Corinthians that it is through the work of Jesus Christ, the faithful Saviour, that they cried out Amen to God. That is to say, it was through the ministry of Jesus that we could submit to and join in the purpose of God. Their lives would bring honour to the Father because of Christ and His work on their behalf.

Verse 21

There had been some questions regarding Paul’s integrity. He had told the Corinthians he planned to visit but, to this point, had been unable to do so. Notice, however, what Paul tells them about his ministry among them.

First, the apostle reminds the Corinthians that God had established him with them in Christ. The word used here is βεβαιόω (bebaióō), which means to fix, make firm or reliable. It implies a sense of security and confidence. This security in their relationship was “in Christ.” They were brothers and sisters in Christ, and nothing could take that relationship away.

Second, the apostle tells the Corinthians that God had also anointed them. Anointing was done to set something apart as holy unto the Lord. For example, the priests of the Old Testament were anointed to show that they had been set apart for the work of God. Sacred objects were consecrated and dedicated to the Lord by means of an anointing. By telling the Corinthians that they had been anointed, Paul is telling them that both he and the Corinthians had been chosen by God and set apart for His purpose.

Verse 22

In the last verse, Paul told the Corinthians they had been established in Christ and anointed. He adds two more blessings they had in Christ here.

First, God had put His seal on them. In verse 21, Paul told the Corinthians they had been anointed or set apart. God did more than set them apart, however. He also sealed them. This sealing was a declaration of authenticity. A king would seal a document with his royal seal so there would be no cause to question its authority. Sealed by God, we go in His authority.

Sealing was also done to protect. A king would seal a document to preserve its contents. That seal could only be opened by the intended receiver. Any unauthorized person attempting to open a royal seal would be severely punished.

By sealing believers, the Lord declares that we are His. As His representatives, we carry His authority. His royal seal on our lives protects us.

Second, God has “given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” More than sealing us, God also comes to dwell in the believer through the person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers believers, transforms their lives, and enables them to live as true children and representatives of God.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that the Holy Spirit is also a guarantee. How do we know we are children of God? We know this by means of the Spirit He has put in us. Our assurance is in the person of God in us. We know we belong to God because He lives in us. We know He lives in us because of what He is doing. He is transforming us, giving us a passion for His name and victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.

Verse 23

Paul returns to the matter of why he had not visited Corinth. He tells them that it was to spare them that he did not return. He explains this more fully in chapter 2 when he says:

1 For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? 3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. – 2Co 2:1-3

There were many issues in the Corinthian church that needed to be addressed. While this might have been a reason for Paul to go to Corinth, he determined to write them instead. The letters of First and Second Corinthians are quite detailed and deal with some very sensitive matters. Paul seems to feel that his presence would only make issues more difficult for the believers. He did not want to grieve or burden them beyond their ability to endure. As it was, some believers questioned Paul’s authority. His physical presence among them may have created more confusion and division.

Verse 24

While Paul did not visit the church of Corinth, he assured them he was very interested in their spiritual walk. He did not want to “lord it over” their faith. In other words, he did not want to control or manipulate them. Their faith was a very personal matter. Paul does not want to impose his ways on them.

It is easy for people to follow their leaders. It is also easy for leaders to demand that their followers be just like them—my faith, however, is very personal. My walk with God and my gifts will differ from my brother or sister. We must allow people to grow as the Lord leads them. We all reflect the character of Christ in different ways. Like Paul, we must not “lord it over” others. We must give full room for the Spirit of God to minister to each individual and shape them into the person He wants them to be.

While Paul wanted to allow the Corinthians a certain freedom to grow, he was determined to work with them and encourage their maturity in Christ. It was his passion that they matured and became all that God had called them to be. While he did not visit them then, he did minister to their need through his letters.

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Chapter 2

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Verse 1

It was Paul’s intention originally to visit the believers in Corinth:

5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. – 1Co 16:5-6

Notice that those plans changed. The apostle tells the Corinthians here that he decided not to make another painful visit to them. As Paul reflected on the possibility of a visit, he likely considered what that visit might look like with all the problems in the church. He had already written a letter that rebuked them. He wasn’t convinced that being with them in person would help matters. His physical presence would only have worsened matters and created more division in the church. Paul was certainly not known for his tact. He spoke his mind. This quality often caused problems. In the end, the apostle chose to write another letter instead of visiting Corinth, trusting the church in the hands of the Lord.

Verse 2

Paul recognized that he had been the cause of certain pain in the church of Corinth. The context of verse 3 leads us to believe that the source of that pain was his letter to them. In First Corinthians, Paul addressed specific issues and rebuked the church for allowing these things to occur in their midst. This may have been a source of grief for the Corinthians.

The pain caused by the apostle was the result of his disappointment in the lives of those who were in the church. Some members were not walking as God intended, and this angered the apostle. He openly rebuked those who lived in rebellion and disharmony with the purpose of God. If the church wanted Paul to be glad and happy with them again, the individuals he had painfully rebuked needed to make matters right with the Lord.

Verse 3

Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians so that when he came, he would not “suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice.” There were members in the church who were not walking with the Lord as they should. These individuals were causing division and hindering the church’s worship and fellowship. They were the source of grief for Paul. Notice what he asks these individuals in 1 Corinthians 4:

21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? – 1Co 4:21

Paul warned the rebellious that there was a serious possibility that he would come to them in anger to discipline them for their divisive ways. As he intended to visit the church, he wanted to be sure that these individuals repented before he came. The apostle did not want to be forced to discipline them harshly for their actions. Instead, he wanted to see them be restored and walk again in harmony with the purpose of Christ. Instead of coming with a rod to discipline them, he could experience great joy in their repentance and restoration. This was the purpose of his first letter. Paul does not apologize for the harshness of that letter, for it was intended to rebuke sin and divisiveness in the church.

Verse 4

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was written out of a heart of affliction and anguish. As the apostle reflected on the state of the Corinthian church, he was brought to tears. He wrote harshly to the Corinthians, not to cause them pain, but out of a heart of love. He could not bear to see them in such division and confusion.

Verse 5

Paul experienced anguish in his heart because of those not walking with the Lord in Corinth. He wrote to the church about these individuals. Notice, however, that Paul tells the Corinthians that these rebellious and divisive individuals had not so much hurt him as they had hurt the church in Corinth. The sinful and divisive ways of these believers had damaged the reputation of the church. They had hindered the fellowship and testimony of the believers in that region. Our actions do not affect us alone but reflect on the larger community of Christ, its witness and fellowship.

Verse 6

Regarding those who had hurt the church by their sinful ways, Paul tells the Corinthians that “this punishment by the majority” was sufficient.

It is somewhat unclear what Paul means by the punishment by the majority. It may be that the church had rebuked this individual for their actions. This brought the guilty party to repentance. With the goal of repentance being attained, there was no need for punishment to be prolonged. Paul felt that because the Lord had forgiven this individual, they did not need to pay further for their actions.

Verse 7

Paul has just told the Corinthians that the punishment of the majority was sufficient for the sinner who repented. In other words, their rebuke had likely caused him to recognize and turn from his sinful ways.

This being the case, it was important then that the church recognize his confession and repentance and not prolong his separation from them. Instead, they were to forgive and comfort this repentant sinner.

Forgiveness implies a release from guilt. It also means that those sins would never be held against this person, either by God or His people. The matter was closed, and from that point onward, it would no longer stand between the guilty party and fellowship with God’s people. Anyone who brought his sin up again only showed they were guilty of not forgiving their brother or sister.

Notice also that the church was not only to forgive but also to comfort. Understand that the guilt of sin was a heavy burden to bear. The individual returning to fellowship must be assured of the church’s support and love. He must understand that he would no longer be treated as an outsider but as a brother in good standing, loved by the church.

Notice how Paul tells the church that they were to forgive and comfort so that the brother was not overwhelmed by “excessive sorrow.” That sorrow would be because of a break in fellowship with God and His people. It would result from an uncertainty of the church’s forgiveness and love. It could come from a sense that the church continued to judge him and no longer trusted him. If a brother is to be restored to the church, these matters must be carefully addressed.

Verse 8

Paul “begged” the church to affirm their love for the brother who had repented. The word beg is παρακαλέω (parakaléō), which means to come to the side of. For example, an individual may plead with another to come to their aid. Imagine a drowning man asking for someone to come to his side to help him in his trouble. Paul seems to take this matter personally. He intensely desires to see this repentant sinner forgiven and restored to the church of Corinth.

Verse 9

The apostle seems to speak here of his first letter to the Corinthians, in which he rebuked them for allowing sin to continue in their midst. The Corinthians had listened to Paul’s rebuke and addressed the sin in their church. Paul was pleased they had heeded his counsel but pleaded with them now to restore the individual who had repented.

Verse 10

As an apostle, Paul had a great influence on believers and the functioning of the early church. Notice how he tells the Corinthians that anyone they forgave, he also forgave. In other words, he supported them. In this case, the apostle forgave the individual who had sinned in the church of Corinth and stood fully behind his restoration to fellowship.

Notice that the apostle told the Corinthians that he forgave the individual who had sinned for their sake in the presence of Christ. There are different ways we can understand what Paul is saying here.

First, he may be saying that he forgives the repentant brother who had offended them so that the Corinthian church could see his example and learn how to forgive and restore individuals to fellowship. Certainly, this would be “for their sake” and benefit them as they moved forward as a body.

Second, Paul may be saying that he forgave the sinner because he had confidence in their decision in his absence. In this sense, the words “for your sake” imply that Paul knew the Corinthians and trusted their judgement.

Paul’s decision to support the decision of the Corinthians to restore a believer was “in the presence of Christ.” That is to say, he accepted their decision as Christ’s representative.

Verse 11

Paul teaches something very important in these words. The context is one of forgiveness and comforting the repentant sinner. He tells the Corinthians that they were to do so so that Satan would not outwit them. Consider this for a moment.

The church in Corinth dealt with a believer who was guilty of sin. We are not told exactly how they addressed the matter, but he was rebuked by the majority (2 Corinthians 2:6). The church had acted appropriately by dealing with this sin, but suppose they never saw fit to restore that brother. They could comfort themselves because they had dealt with the evil in their midst, but in the process, they rejected a brother and alienated him from fellowship. This gave Satan a foothold in two ways.

First, he could influence the church to become proud of their decision to rebuke the sinner and make them feel more righteous than him. They could begin to see themselves as better than the sinner outside the church. Their pride would hinder their fellowship with God and cause them to live in a hypocrisy that destroyed their relationship with Him.

Second, the believer, rejected by the church, would be excessively grieved and isolated from the comfort and support of a genuine family of God. This, again, would be an opportunity for Satan to gain a foothold in that individual’s life.

The inability of a church to forgive and seek to restore the wanderer would have a negative impact, create hostility, division and pride and only hinder the work of God. You can be sure that Satan would not miss this opportunity to destroy the testimony of the church. While church discipline is necessary, restoration of the sinner is vital to growth.

Verse 12

The apostle Paul moves now to speak about a personal matter. He tells the Corinthians how he went to Troas to preach the gospel. This city is located in what is modern-day Turkey. Paul tells his readers that a door was opened there him to preach the gospel.

Verse 13

While there was an open door for Paul in Troas, his spirit was not at rest. The apostle does not have the peace of God in his spirit that he was to remain in that city despite the opportunity he had there to declare the gospel. Not every open door is from the Lord. We must carefully discern what is from God and what is not.

Paul tells the Corinthians that his spirit was not at rest because Titus was not in Troas. He does not go into any more detail here about this, but suffice it to say that the apostle experienced sufficient unrest to make him leave Troas and travel to Macedonia.

God will use various means to lead us. We must be careful to discern His purpose.

Verse 14

Paul thanks God here for three very specific details in this verse.

First, Paul is thankful that God always led him. Remember that the apostle speaks this in the context of leaving Troas and the open door of opportunity there. Indeed, He did not remain in Troas, but he knew the leading of Christ to other opportunities. Paul is thankful for the leading of God’s Spirit, who often defies human logic and reason but always places His people in the right place at the right time.

Second, Paul praises the Lord that His leading, though it defied human logic, was always triumphant. Those who walk in that purpose will triumph. That victory may not look like we anticipate, but God knows exactly what He is doing, and those who follow His leading can be assured that they will be part of this triumphant plan of God.

Third, the apostle rejoices that God chooses to spread the fragrance of His person through us wherever He leads us. He uses those He calls and leads. He places them in circumstances where they can spread the fragrance of Christ. This may be amid great turmoil and struggle, or it may be on the mountaintop of joy and delight. Be assured, however, that wherever God has led you, He desires to spread the aroma of Christ in you to those among whom you dwell. Be faithful to that calling.

Verse 15

According to the apostle Paul, we are the aroma of Christ to two groups of people.

First, we are the aroma of Christ to those who are being saved. That is to say, we reflect the person and character of Jesus Christ to our brothers and sisters in the faith. Our Christlike example encourages them to deeper faith. Our Christlike actions and attitudes support and comfort them in their walk with Him.

Second, we are also an aroma of Christ to those who are perishing. That is to say, we demonstrate our hope in the person of Christ. We show them the difference that Jesus Christ can make in the life of those in whom He dwells. Our Christlike lives testify to the reality of a living Saviour to those who do not know Him.

Verse 16

To those outside of Christ, we spread the fragrance of death. The aroma of Christ is an aroma of death to those who reject Him. His presence condemns the sinner.

On the other hand, we are a fragrance of life to those who accept Christ. Those who smell that aroma of Christ and are moved to receive Him experience life and peace with God. That fragrant example of Christ stirs them to turn to Him to receive life from His hands.

Notice the words of Paul here: “Who is sufficient for these things?” Even as an apostle, he understood the immensity of that calling upon His life. Wherever he went, he spread the aroma of Christ and imparted life or death to those who responded. His example, his words, and his attitudes all reflected the person of Christ whom he represented. The very thought of the immensity of this call on his life was too much for him to bear. Who could ever live up to this challenge? Who could ever faithfully represent Christ in this way? Paul feels his unworthiness to be an aroma of Christ wherever he went. He understood full well his shortcomings and failures.

Verse 17

In Paul’s day, Christian and Jewish preachers travelled from one city to another. According to the apostle, however, some travelling preachers and teachers were “peddlers of God’s Word.” The word Paul uses here is καπηλεύω (kapēleúō). The term speaks of a retailer or profiteer. That is, someone who preaches or teaches the Word of God for personal gain. They use their influence as a teacher and preacher to advance themselves or to extract financial benefits from those who listen to them. Paul rebukes this kind of preacher.

He assures the Corinthians that they were not like these “peddlers.” Instead, they were men of sincerity. That is to say, they did not have ulterior motives in preaching truth. Their desire was genuinely for the truth and not for what they could gain personally.

They also assure the Corinthians that God had commissioned them. That is to say, God called them to preach the gospel, and they obeyed that call.

Next, they spoke the truth God gave them in the sight of God. In saying this, Paul tells the Corinthians they had a sincere conscience before God.

Finally, the apostles spoke “in Christ.” That is to say, they spoke as His true representatives, faithfully transmitting the message He gave them to preach.

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Chapter 3

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18

Verse 1

Paul ended the last chapter by telling the Corinthians that, unlike many others, he did not peddle the Word of God. Instead, he was sincere in his presentation. He spoke as one commissioned by God in the authority of Christ:

17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. – 2Co 2:17

The apostle begins verse 1 with the words: “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again?” The word “commend” comes from the Greek word καυχάομαι (kaucháomai). It means to boast or to glory. Paul’s words about being a sincere preacher, commissioned by God and endowed with the authority of Christ in the last chapter could seem to some to be boastful or self-glorifying.

While not everyone in Corinth accepted Paul and his authority, he did not feel he needed to prove himself to them. Often, travellers would carry a letter of recommendation to introduce themselves to the people in the communities they visited. This was to assure their hosts of the sincerity and genuineness of these travellers. In Paul’s case, he did not need such a recommendation in Corinth. He was already known by the people in that city and had proved his character while he was with them.

Verse 2

The apostle tells the Corinthians here that they were his letter of recommendation. If anyone wanted to know about the sincerity and genuineness of Paul’s ministry, all they had to do was look at the Corinthians. Many of them had come to Christ as a result of his ministry. People in the city of Corinth obviously saw the change in the lives of those who accepted the message Paul preached. That message was written on their hearts and had transformed their lives. Their fellow citizens saw the impact of Paul’s preaching in their midst in the lives of these new believers. If these doubters who questioned Paul’s authority wanted proof of his calling, all they had to do was look at the lives of those who accepted his message in their midst.

Verse 3

The apostle continues from verse 2 to speak about the fact that his letter of recommendation was the Corinthian church. He ministered in Corinth and established the church in that region. The message he preached was written by the Spirit of God in the hearts of these new believers. Paul compares the old covenant with the new covenant here.

The old covenant made with Moses was written on tablets of stone. The Spirit of God wrote the new covenant in the hearts and lives of His people. That is to say, they had been given a new heart through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit,

Anyone looking at the Corinthians would see they were not following an external law foreign to their nature. Their lives had been transformed, and they were motivated by the Spirit of God to seek God and walk in His purpose.

Verse 4

It was clear to Paul that God had done great work in Corinth. That work gave him confidence through Christ toward God.What is the nature of Paul’s confidence?

Notice first that it is through Christ. Paul saw the power of Christ at work in Corinth in the way the gospel transformed many lives. He was blessed to experience the ministry of Christ in that city. It reaffirmed his confidence in the power of the cross and reassured him of His calling as a representative of the Lord Jesus.

Second, Paul’s confidence was also toward God. In other words, He was reaffirmed in His understanding that the Lord Jesus was from God. He saw in what occurred in Corinth that God had a wonderful purpose through His son for the city. Paul’s confidence in God’s purpose for the Gentiles was confirmed. He saw a demonstration of the love, mercy, compassion and grace of the Triune God working in the lives of sinful Corinthians, transforming and making them His children.

Verse 5

Having stated that God did a great work in Corinth through them, Paul is quick to note that they were not sufficient in themselves for such a task. They were mere instruments in the hands of an almighty God. In Him alone was the strength and authority required. He deserved all the glory for the things that took place in Corinth through the apostles. Their human resources were insufficient for the task, but God did what they could not do and established a church in that region.

It is refreshing to see how human these apostles were. Like you and me, they were powerless before the forces of this world and hell. In the power of God, however, they overcame the adversary and advanced His kingdom. That same power is available to all who will follow His calling.

Verse 6

While insufficient for the task in themselves, God chose the apostles to be ministers of a new covenant. This covenant was not like the Old Testament covenant. It was not a covenant of letters written on tablets of stone and scrolls. it was a covenant “of the Spirit.” That is to say, a covenant through the Spirit.

The old covenant under Moses was written on tablets of stone, but the people of God could not measure up to its requirements. Sacrifices were required daily, reminding the people of their constant failure in their obligations to God.

The new covenant is very different. Paul tells us that it is a covenant of the Spirit. In other words, it is a covenant that is made possible by the work of the Spirit of God in the hearts of those who are part of it. The Holy Spirit works in the lives of His people, transforming their character and empowering them in obedience and service. He enables us to do what could not be done under the old covenant, to obey and walk in victory.

The old covenant killed. That is to say, it condemned those who were under it because they were unable to keep its requirements. It revealed our need for a Saviour and showed us that we needed more than human strength and wisdom to live righteous lives before God.

The new covenant under Jesus Christ, however, gives life. The death of Christ paid for all sin, past, present and future and gives us a right standing with God. The Holy Spirit comes to live in the believer, empowering and enabling them to live the life God requires. This does not mean that we can perfectly live the Christian life. We still struggle to overcome the flesh and are often tempted to trust it rather than the Spirit. There is, however, life and power in the believer that is greater than the world, the flesh and the devil, and by walking in obedience and His strength, we are more than overcomers.

Verse 7

When God established the old covenant under Moses, He did so with great glory. Fire descended from heaven on Mount Sinai. Moses, the lawgiver, went into that glory to receive the law. He returned with a face that shone brilliantly with the glory of God. The Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of the glory of God that shone from it.

Paul calls this covenant established with such glory “the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone.” He tells the Corinthians that this covenant would be “brought to an end” through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Despite the temporary nature of this covenant of death, God delivered it with great majesty and glory, revealing its significance and purpose in God’s plan for this world.

Verse 8

The point Paul wants to make from verse 7 is that if the covenant of death was delivered with glory, majesty and power, how much more glorious is the new covenant and ministry of the Spirit in the lives of believers, giving them life and victory? What is most tragic is that all too many believers fail to understand the reality of God’s presence in the person of His Holy Spirit in them and seek to live still in their wisdom and strength. They fail to see the wonderful glory of this new covenant “of the Spirit.”

Verse 9

The apostle compares the glory of the first covenant with that of the new covenant. He reminds the Corinthians of how God brought Israel the covenant of Moses through the fire and cloud on Mount Sinai. The earth trembled when the “ministry of condemnation” was revealed.

Paul calls the old covenant under Moses the ministry of condemnation. The idea here is that the old covenant revealed our sins and condemned us. It showed us that human wisdom and strength were insufficient to meet the requirements of God and that we needed a Saviour and enabler.

The apostle calls the new covenant under Christ “the ministry of righteousness.” It is a ministry of righteousness because it makes those part of it righteous through the pardoning work of Christ on the cross. To Paul, the glory of this second covenant “far exceeds” the glory of the first. The first covenant brought death, but the second brought life, righteousness and reconciliation.

Verse 10

The glory of the first covenant under Moses has been so far surpassed by the glory of this new Covenant under Christ that it can no longer be seen in the same light. Compared to this new covenant of the Spirit, the old covenant of the letter appears to have no glory.

What is surprising is that human flesh still wants to live under the law, trusting in the flesh to make it right before God. It still wants to believe that it can merit salvation by its efforts and live the life God requires in its own strength and wisdom.

Verse 11

According to Paul, the old covenant was “being brought to an end.” In other words, it was only a temporary covenant. Its purpose was to point us to the Saviour and reveal our need for Him. The Messiah and Saviour would bring us into a new and permanent covenant through His death on the cross. If the temporary covenant came with glory, how glorious is the permanent solution in the new covenant under Christ?

Verse 12

Under the new covenant, according to Paul, we have hope and boldness.

The hope Paul speaks of here is absolute assurance. It is a confidence that our sins have been forgiven and pardoned through the death of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and sacrificial lamb. It is the knowledge that those sins will never be held against us and that all barriers to fellowship with God have been removed.

Because we have such hope, we can be very bold. That boldness comes from our relationship with God. We approach Him now with confidence that nothing stands between us. We approach Him now with boldness to request His strength and enabling to do His will. We step out in service with the assurance that the Almighty God stands with us and will give us the grace to face whatever the world throws at us.

Verse 13

We have confidence and boldness under the new covenant that was impossible under the old. Paul reminds the Corinthians of how Moses’ face shone with the glory of God when he came down from the mountain. In those days, the people could not even gaze at the face of Moses, His servant. If they could not look at the face of God’s servant, how much less confidence would they have to approach God?

Moses was a mediator of a covenant “being brought to an end” that would give way to a much greater and more permanent covenant. If the mediator of a temporary covenant needed to put a veil over his face so that the people would not run from him in fear, how much confidence and boldness could those under the old covenant have in approaching God and being in a right relationship with Him?

The new covenant under Christ changes all of this. It grants assurance of pardon and boldness of access to God through the death of Christ. This truly is glorious.

Verse 14

When Moses came down from the mountain after receiving the law, his face shone with the glory of God. The people of Israel were afraid of that glory, and so Moses wore a veil to cover his face. Paul uses this illustration to communicate three important truths.

First, the apostle tells the Corinthians that the Jews of Moses’ day hardened their minds. Consider this for a moment. Moses hid his face because of the glory of God revealed on it. In other words, he covered over the glory of God so that it was not revealed to his people. What was the result? God’s people no longer feared that glory. They allowed their minds to become hardened to God and His law. They disobeyed without fear, for that glory was hidden from their eyes.

Second, Paul tells the Corinthians that when the old covenant with all its laws and regulations is read, the veil remains unlifted. In other words, the glory of Christ and His work is hidden by the old covenant. That old covenant, with all its obligations, demands obedience. The problem, however, is that we cannot obey and continually fall short. The law of the old covenant places us under an impossible standard and reveals our inability to be right with God through our efforts. Those who live under the law do not see or grasp the glory of Christ and His work on their behalf. That glory is hidden from them, just like Moses’ face.

Finally, Paul concludes with the statement: “Only through Christ is it taken away.” That is to say, only through the work of Jesus Christ is that veil removed. The veil of the temple was ripped from top to bottom when Christ died. It showed those who witnessed it that there was direct access to God through Christ. The glory of God is no longer a fearful thing for those who have been pardoned and cleansed by the blood of Christ. It shines through us, just as it did Moses, and We joyously reflect it in this world. Jesus removes the guilt and darkness and shines the marvellous light of His glory upon us. We are free from sin. We are no longer separated from God. We are His children and heirs of eternal life. We bask in the sunshine of His glory under this new covenant.

Verse 15

What was true of Moses’ day was true also in Paul’s. The veil, covering the glorious work of Jesus Christ, remained over the hearts of the Jews of his day as well. Many rejected Jesus and lived in darkness, separated from God and His glorious redemption.

Notice the phrase, “whenever Moses is read.” Moses was the lawgiver. Paul tells us that whenever the law or human effort is preached, it covers the work of Jesus Christ, who saved us apart from these efforts. Our salvation is not based on how well we obey the law but entirely on the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

Even in our day, Moses is still preached. There are people behind our pulpits who proclaim a gospel of human effort and works. There is no hope in these messages. They only hide the glorious work of our Saviour, who saved us on the basis of His work alone.

Verse 16

Paul tells the Corinthians that when an individual turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. When we come to the Lord Jesus, He opens our eyes. The Spirit of God reveals the impact of Christ’s work on our behalf. We are given the mind of Christ to understand what we could not know in the flesh. Those who come to Jesus experience the power of His resurrection and victory over sin and death. They see for the first time that His work is sufficient for their salvation. They are born anew and given new life, a new heart and an understanding of the glorious work of Jesus Christ and its implication for their lives.

Verse 17

The apostle speaks of three names.

First, He speaks of the Lord. This term is often used in Scripture to speak of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to take on our sins and die on our behalf.

Second, Paul speaks of the Spirit. Scripture most often uses this term to speak of the Holy Spirit who came in the name of Christ to indwell the believer and empower them for a life of holiness and service.

Paul tells us, however, that “the Lord is the Spirit” and combines the terms Lord and Spirit in the name “the Spirit of the Lord.” This phrase, “the Spirit of the Lord,” reveals that the Holy Spirit represents completely and fully the person of Christ. He is one with Christ in all things and reflects His heart and purpose in the lives of those He indwells and in His work on this earth.

The Spirit of the Lord gives life. He is the presence of Christ in us. It is His presence in us that seals our relationship with the Father and sets us free from the curse of the law, sin and death.

Verse 18

Notice what Paul tells us is the result of the veil being removed and our coming to Jesus Christ.

First, we behold the glory of the Lord:

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord.”

For the first time, we see the Lord Jesus as He truly is. We experience the power of His work and His love for us. He is no longer a distant historical figure but a personal Saviour and friend. We worship and adore Him as our God. We offer ourselves to Him as our Lord. Our hearts are overwhelmed by His glory and humbled by His grace in saving us.

Second. we are being transformed into His image:

“Being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”

Those from whom the veil has been lifted to see Christ are transformed by that vision. That transformation is instant and ongoing at the same time. This encounter changes their lives. But that change continues as they grow increasingly in their relationship with Him. They begin to resemble Christ in their attitudes, actions and words. His influence on their lives is such that they take on His characteristics and reflect His qualities in their world.

Finally, this transformation, according to Paul, “comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” In other words, their change is not the result of personal effort but a work of the Spirit of God in them. The Spirit of God lives in each of His children. Evidence of the presence of God’s Spirit is seen in how those in whom He dwells begin to take on the character of Christ.

Notice one final detail here. Paul tells us that the Spirit is Lord. That is to say, He comes to be Lord in your life and mine. It is our responsibility to surrender to His work in us. We must allow Him to change our attitudes. We must submit to His lordship and guidance. How do we see this transformation in our lives? We see it by making the Spirit of God Lord and allowing Him to do His work in us.

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Chapter 4

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18

Verse 1

Paul ended the last chapter with a word about the new covenant ministry. Under this new covenant, the veil is removed so that Christ and His glory are visible. Those who live under this new covenant are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who transforms them into the image of Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful and exciting ministry. The apostle expresses two facts about this ministry here in verse 1.

First, they had this new covenant ministry through the mercy of God. They did not obtain their position because they were qualified but because God had forgiven them and called them to do what they were unworthy of doing. He also equipped them with all that was necessary by His Spirit. All glory belonged to Him.

Second, because all they had came from God, they did not lose heart. The power of God was equal to every task. His grace was sufficient for every trial. They would know His provision and care for every need. As they kept their eyes on Him, there was no need to lose heart.

Verse 2

Under the new covenant, believers are indwelt by the Spirit of God, who empowers and equips them for life and service. This impacts how we minister in the name of Christ. Paul’s question is this: What should ministry under the new covenant look like? Paul has several responses to this here in verse 2:

First, Paul told the Corinthians that as a minister of the new covenant, he “renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways” and refused “to practice cunning.” Consider what the apostle is saying here. Disgraceful and underhanded ways are efforts to manipulate people through human effort. I have been in meetings where the leader attempted to make people feel guilty if they did not give money to a special project he announced. People gave, not because the Lord was prompting them to do so but because they didn’t want to look bad in front of their fellow believers. Paul is saying that as a minister of the new covenant, he would not use these human tactics to advance the kingdom of God. Instead, he would rely on the Holy Spirit to move and open the hearts of God’s people.

Second, as a minister of the new covenant, Paul refused to “tamper with God’s Word.” The word tamper is translated from the Greek word δολόω (dolóō), which means to adulterate. We can adulterate the word of God by twisting it or misinterpreting it to suit our needs and desires. We can lift our traditions or doctrines to the same level so that they are indistinguishable from the truth of God’s Word.

What Paul is telling the Corinthians is that the minister of the new covenant will not adulterate the Word but preach it in all its simplicity and truth. He will not add to it or take from it. He will not lift any tradition or creed to the level of Scripture. He will not feel the need to add to that Word or take from it to make it more appealing to the masses. Instead, he will preach it without compromise and declare what it says, whether those who hear it appreciate it or not.

Finally, as a minister of the new covenant, Paul chose to commend himself with an open statement of truth to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

The word “commend” is translated from the Greek word συνίστημι (sunístēmi). It comes from two Greek words. The first is sún, meaning together. The second is hístēmi, meaning to set, place or stand. The word συνίστημι (sunístēmi) means to stand with or to present oneself to another. In this case, Paul presents himself and his ministry to the Corinthians for them to examine. He tells them he did so as an “open statement of truth.” That is to say that his conscience was clear in this matter. Those who examined him would find he did not resort to deceit, manipulation or cunning in his ministry. He preached the unadulterated truth of God’s Word. He stood without shame before God.

Notice here that the apostle told the Corinthians that he presented himself to everyone’s conscience before God. The word conscience is συνείδησις (suneídēsis). The conscience is that part of us that distinguishes right from wrong. Paul stands before the conscience of every human being to whom he ministered and is willing to be judged by their conscience. He did so in the presence of God and with God as his witness. He was assured that he ministered in all integrity of heart and without hypocrisy.

As a minister of the new covenant, Paul lived a life of godly sincerity and genuine faith, free from ulterior motives and ambitions. His heart was right before God, and his actions aligned with His purpose. He was ready to be judged by anyone in this regard.

Verse 3

As a minister under the new covenant, Paul did not use underhanded means to convey the gospel. He did not add to it to make it more appealing or palatable but presented it as it was given to Him by Christ. This meant that not everyone accepted it. Paul tells the Corinthians here, however, that if the gospel was veiled or hidden from the eyes of those who heard it, those individuals were perishing. In other words, they were the ones to whom Christ had not yet revealed Himself.

The apostle understood that it was not in his capacity as a messenger to open the eyes of those blind and hardened to the gospel. This was a work of the Holy Spirit. It is all too easy to assume that if we word the gospel correctly or reason with the sinner in a way that makes him understand, then we can convince anyone to become a believer. Salvation, however, is not accomplished in human effort or by human persuasion. It is a work of the Holy Spirit in the individual’s life. Paul understood this and accepted that unless the Spirit of God worked through Him, no one would come to Christ. He accepted his dependence on the Holy Spirit in this matter.

Verse 4

Those whose eyes were veiled to the truth of the gospel had been blinded by the god of this world to keep them from seeing the truth and the glory of Jesus Christ. The apostle John declares:

19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. – 1Jn 5:19

The god of this world is described here as “the evil one.” This is none other than Satan. He holds the earth under his power, closing their eyes to the truth of Christ’s work. Only a miracle of God can open our eyes to the reality of the gospel and the glory of Jesus Christ.

Writing to the Ephesians, the apostle told them that the battle we wage is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces:

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ep 6:12

Human reason and persuasion are insufficient to open the eyes of those blinded by Satan and the flesh. Only the power of Christ and His Spirit can break the blindness and set people free. Under the new covenant, we represent that power.

Verse 5

The message Paul proclaimed was a message about Jesus Christ as Lord. His goal was not to lift himself above Christ but to present himself as His servant ministering for His sake.

It is quite easy for gospel servants to seek attention and approval. Paul reminded himself, however, that this was not why He had been called to the ministry. He determined his central goal and purpose would be to lift the name of Jesus Christ and His work. He refused to take glory for Himself that should have gone to His Saviour.

Verse 6

As a minister of the Gospel, Paul reminded the Corinthians that the God who created light and made it shine in the darkness had determined to make His light shine in their hearts. By unveiling their eyes, He revealed the glory of Christ to them. By giving them His Holy Spirit, he planted the light and life of truth in their hearts. They now lived in the knowledge of Christ and the glory of His person and work. Those whom the God of this world had once blinded now saw the light of His presence. They came to know the glory of God in and through the person of Jesus Christ.

Verse 7

In the last verse, Paul told the Corinthians that the light of Jesus Christ had shone in their hearts. He had opened their eyes to the truth and placed His Holy Spirit in them. The apostle continues with this thought here when he tells the church that they had this treasure of the Holy Spirit and the light of Christ in jars of clay.

A clay jar was quite common in those days and could be cheaply made. It was also a fairly fragile jar that was easily broken. Paul uses it to speak of humanity, and in particular, the believers of Corinth. Like these clay jars, they were common and ordinary people, easily broken. Like these jars of clay, they too had been made from the dust of the earth, and to dust, they would ultimately return.

It was, however, into these fragile jars of clay that the Lord God placed the light of His presence and power. The apostle tells the Corinthians here the reason why God chose to reveal His power in such common objects:

7 to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. – 2Co 4:7

God chose to reveal His power in ordinary jars of clay so that everyone would understand that the power was not in that object but in God.

There is a vital lesson for us to learn here. It is easy to believe that we are more than jars of clay. We elevate individuals who reveal the power of God as if they had anything to do with it. We feel that if God uses us, we must be very special jars. We must stop thinking this way. God uses ordinary and common people who are not special in themselves. They are just like every other person on this earth. God chooses to indwell people who are no better than anyone else. God chooses to use those who do not deserve to be used. If His power indwells you, it is an act of mercy and not of merit. You cannot credit yourself for such glorious light and power. All glory must go to Him.

Verse 8

Items of special value are treated with great respect and dignity. Jars of clay, however, are so common and cheap that they do not merit this same treatment. This also is proof that in the eyes of the world, we are nothing special. The world afflicts us. We are battered and beaten by those who reject our message and the light of Christ in us. We are often perplexed in this sin-cursed world. This world rejects the message we bring. They are repulsed by the light within us.

Notice, however, that while this world does not appreciate the treasure we contain, that very presence in us sustains us. The apostle tells the Corinthians that the power of Christ in them did not allow them to be crushed beyond repair when they were afflicted. The light in them drove out despair when they were perplexed and could not understand what was happening.

Though rejected by the world, the apostles were supported by the light and power of Christ in them. These simple jars of clay, no different from any other jars, were kept and empowered by the very light and presence of the Spirit of Christ.

Verse 9

The apostles were persecuted for their message, but they were never forsaken. These ordinary jars of clay were treasured by God, who set them apart for His glory. He would not abandon them in their pain.

As servants of God, these men of faith were struck down. Paul had been stoned, beaten, abused, and left for dead on the street, but the indwelling light of Christ kept him safe to live and preach another day.

Verse 10

Paul reminded the Corinthians that he always carried the death of Jesus in his body. That is to say, he continually lived in danger. The light of Jesus Christ in him exposed him to those who hated that light. Consider the words of John 3:19 in this regard:

19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. – Jn 3:19

As we walk on this earth, and the indwelling light of Christ’s presence shines in us, we, too, carry His death in our bodies. We will be exposed to those who hate the light. That light will anger them, and they may even lash out at us. Like a mouse walking through a nest of snakes, we tread a path of grave danger as we shine the light of Jesus into the darkness of sin.

The life of Jesus Christ is manifested in these jars of clay that are our earthly bodies. His presence is revealed in us, but that presence also exposes us to danger and death in a world that loves the darkness rather than the light.

Verse 11

The apostles’ testimony was one of “being given over to death for Jesus’ sake.” If you want to follow the Lord Jesus, this will also be your path. The ministry of the gospel is a message of death that gives life. Those who preach that message must also be ready to demonstrate it in their lives. Jesus offered His life for the salvation of humankind, so all who follow him must take up their cross die to themselves and follow after Him. It is sad to find among those who claim to follow Christ those who use the gospel for personal gain. True gospel servants, however, give all glory to Christ. They willingly die to their pride and self-centred ways and lay down their lives to be servants.

Paul tells the Corinthians here that the life of Jesus is revealed through this dying. His life is manifested in our mortal flesh. If you want to proclaim Jesus, you can’t elevate yourself. You must die to yourself so that people will see Him alone. This has radical implications for how we minister and live our lives.

This “being given over to death” is not just about how people respond to our message, but it must also be a voluntary and conscious decision on our part. We must die so that He can live in and through us.

Verse 12

The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians that they died to themselves for the cause of Jesus Christ. They willingly suffered persecution and affliction for His name’s sake. What was the result of this commitment on their part? He reminds the believers in Corinth that it brought life to them. Through the persecution and suffering of Paul, the gospel message reached the city of Corinth. The power of God was revealed, and many came to faith in Jesus Christ. By his death to self and willingness to suffer for Christ, life was planted in the hearts and lives of the believers in Corinth. Death gave birth to new life.

Verse 13

What drives a person to preach a gospel that requires death to self and persecution from others? Paul quotes from Psalm 116 to answer this question:

10 I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted” – Ps 116:10

Notice the words of the Psalmist here. Like the apostles, he was in deep distress, being “greatly afflicted.” He tells his readers, however, that he believed even though he was afflicted. In other words, he had faith in God, even when things were difficult and made no sense to his human mind.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they had a similar faith to the Psalmist’s. They continued to preach because they had faith in God and His truth. Faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, carried them through persecution and death. They overcame by their faith. That faith motivated and strengthened them to carry on.

Verse 14

The apostles believed that the God who raised the Lord Jesus would also raise and bring them into His presence forever. What could their enemy do to them? Any suffering they endured was temporary. If their foe took their lives, they would enter the presence of their beloved Saviour. Physical pain would give birth to new life. Death would be the doorway to great and eternal joy. They did not need to fear. Their faith in Jesus Christ brought them great hope and inspired them to persevere in the midst of suffering and pain.

Verse 15

In the last verse, Paul told the Corinthians about his hope in the Lord Jesus. He knew that even if he died, the Lord God would raise him to life and bring him into the presence of Christ. Beyond this, however, Paul believed that his pain had a purpose. He understood that God was using what he faced to extend His grace to the Corinthians and beyond.

It was true that Paul was beaten, stoned and rejected for the message he preached. This was not in vain, however, for some individuals heard that message and opened their hearts to it. Their lives were transformed, and they became children of God. As the apostle persevered under persecution and continued to preach, the gospel of God’s gracious work in Jesus was being planted in the hearts and lives of one person after another. Hearts were being moved to give thanks to God, and the glory of God in the person of Jesus, His Son, was being revealed.

What was the pain compared to the fruit it was producing in the lives of those who were coming to know Jesus Christ? Paul found great hope and encouragement because through his affliction, the gospel was preached, and lives were being changed.

Verse 16

Paul did not lose heart. He continued to be motivated and encouraged in the work to which He had been called. He knew that his death would bring him into the presence of his Saviour. He understood that his suffering was expanding the kingdom of God as one person after another received new life in Jesus Christ.

Even though his physical body was “wasting away,” he was renewed in his inner self each day. The joy, peace and love of God sustained him. His faith gave him hope and comfort. The Spirit of the indwelling Christ was his strength and guide. He had no cause for despair. He had every reason to hope. Every day, the manna of God’s encouragement and grace was available to sustain and keep him.

Verse 17

Notice how Paul describes what he suffered. He calls it a “light momentary affliction.” This is not to say that it was not painful. The stones that struck his body or the whip that lashed his back were indeed grievous. These afflictions, however, were nothing compared to the joy and delight of eternity with Christ. What would these afflictions look like when he entered the presence of Jesus? What are the pains of childbirth to a woman who receives her newborn child in her arms for the first time? Compared to the joy of eternity, these afflictions, however painful, are but light and momentary.

Observe also that these “light momentary afflictions” also have a purpose. According to Paul, they prepare the believer for an “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

How do these momentary afflictions prepare us for eternal glory? They cleanse us and refine us. Consider how metal is purified. It is heated up so that the defilements are removed. God has a way of using affliction to purify His servants. He reveals what is truly important through these trials and sets our hearts more firmly on eternal matters.

Afflictions also tend to drive us more to God and dependence on Him. When we have no more strength, we finally set our sights on God and draw from what He has to offer.

In our struggle, God removes distractions and draws closer to us. We are more willing to listen to Him and experience more unhindered fellowship.

The pain we face on this earth prepares our hearts for the joy of what is promised. I watch my dad grow old and see in him a deeper longing to be with His Saviour. The frailty of his body, forgetfulness of his mind, and inability to be as useful as he once was, give him a greater passion to be with his Saviour. Struggles and afflictions here below prepare us for the joy that is ahead.

Verse 18

The apostle made it his commitment not to focus on the things that are seen. Much of our Christian life is based on what we can see. Our traditions, our human logic, and our abilities are what seem to capture our attention. This was not the faith of the apostle Paul.

Paul focused on what he could not see with his eyes but what he knew to be true by faith in Christ. He walked not in human wisdom and insight. He did not depend on his strength. He stepped out in the truth of Christ and walked in the leading of His Spirit.

The believer’s life is not the same as that of the unbeliever. We do not walk according to human wisdom but to the leading of God’s Word and His Spirit. If you live and think just like your unbelieving neighbour, you have to ask yourself what difference God has made in your life. Paul’s life made no sense to the unbeliever. The presence of the Spirit of Christ in him made a difference not only in how he lived but also in how he thought. The unseen things of the Spirit were as real to him as what his eyes could see. He trusted more in the leading of the Spirit than in his rational thinking. This was a foreign concept at one point in my Christian life. God, however, is showing me more and more that I can be confident in Him, His Word and the leading of His Spirit. He is showing me that these realities are more secure than what I can see before me in this world.

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Chapter 5

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21

Verse 1

The apostle ended chapter 4 by reminding the Corinthians that the momentary afflictions were not worthy to compare to the eternal weight of glory that had been reserved in heaven for them. He continues here with this thought in mind.

Paul begins chapter 5 by describing the fleshly body as “our earthly home.” Notice how he separates who we are from our physical bodies. In the apostle’s mind, his body was merely a dwelling place for his soul and spirit. It would perish and decay in the ground, but his soul and spirit would live on.

Notice also that the apostle calls his earthly body a tent. A tent is not a permanent dwelling. It is a temporary and moveable place to stay. These fleshly bodies in which we dwell are not designed to live forever. We will dwell in them for seventy or eighty years, but the day will come when they will be taken from us. They will wear out and perish or be taken by other means. They are not permanent dwelling places.

The apostle assures the Corinthians, however, that if their earthly tent was destroyed, they would be given a proper house where their soul and spirit could live. Notice what Paul tells them about this house.

First, it was from God. Our earthly bodies were also from God, but they were merely tents. The next place we will live will be in a home. This home is permanent and secure. It is not affected by the wind and curse of sin and death.

This house in which we will live is not made with hands. That is to say, it is not made by human beings and subject to decay and rot. Not being made by human hands, there is no defect. It will endure eternally in the presence of God. The curse of sin will not affect it. It will not be subject to sickness or death.

Paul ends the verse by telling the Corinthians that this house would be eternal. Time will have no impact on this new body. It will never die or be subject to weakness as our current tent.

Finally, the house will be in the heavens. That is to say, it will dwell in the presence of God forever. It will be under His blessing and free from all suffering, anguish and pain. It will bask in the light of His glory and be eternally satisfied under the sunshine of His person.

Verse 2

The tent we live in is subject to the winds and weather. It groans as the cold and damp penetrate. We wonder if it will remain standing as the winds blow against it. According to Paul, we groan in these earthly bodies. We feel the effects of sin and sickness—our bodies age and decay with time. Disease afflicts them, and they feel the impact of pain and suffering.

According to Paul, this groaning under sin and sickness makes us long even more to move into our heavenly home. This is the perspective of those who know the Lord and believe in His promise. They know He has promised complete and total victory over sin and its curse. We have experienced forgiveness through Jesus, but we still live in these earthly tents that are battered by the curse. Death, however, is not an end for those who love the Lord. It is a means of putting aside our earthly tent to embrace fully the final victory of Christ — a new body free from the curse of sin in the presence of our eternal Saviour.

Verse 3

When we die, we take off our earthly body like clothing. Our soul and spirit are undressed as if they were naked. God will not leave us like this but clothe us with a new, perfect and permanent body.

As human beings, we were designed to function in a physical body. That is our nature as humans. This will not change in heaven. We will continue to live in a physical body. While that body will vastly differ from what we live in now, it will nonetheless be physical. The whole doctrine of the resurrection of the body is based on this premise.

Verse 4

Those who know the Lord Jesus live like the unbeliever in an earthly body described here by Paul as a tent. What is the attitude of the believer toward this earthly tent? While we certainly appreciate God’s blessings upon this temporary dwelling, we still groan under the effects of the curse of sin and evil. We feel the impact of corruption and sickness. We grow weary and tired. We watch this earthly dwelling weaken with age. As we watch these things unfold, a growing burden exists in our hearts. That concern is not that we would shed this body but that we would be clothed with the new one that Jesus has promised to all who love Him.

The Christian does not fear taking off this earthly body. Believers know that when they do, the Lord will greet them with a new and glorious one. As Paul tells the Corinthians, the mortal tent will be swallowed up by life in the immortal dwelling provided by Jesus to all who love Him.

Verse 5

The promise of a new and glorious body is not an empty promise. God guarantees His commitment to us in this regard in two ways.

First, Paul tells the Corinthians that God had prepared them for “this very thing.” Consider this for a moment. God has prepared us for eternal life clothed in a new body. The God we speak about here cannot lie. Nor can anything change or thwart His commitment to us. Beyond this, however, we must ask the question: How did God prepare us for this eternal life? He did so by sending His only Son to die in our place for the forgiveness of sin. If God sent His Son to die for us, shouldn’t this give us confidence in His promise? God guarantees the promise based on His Son’s life and work. There is no greater guarantee than this.

God gives us a second guarantee of his promise of eternal life by giving us His Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is the very life of God in us. He is a piece of heaven sent to live in the lives of those who know the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. When we see the work of God’s Spirit in us, we can be assured that we belong to Him and that He has placed His claim on our lives. The Holy Spirit guarantees that we belong to God and are His children and inheritors of eternal life in His presence.

This two-fold guarantee gives us confidence that God will be true to His word. We will cast off this earthly tent one day and enter the presence of the Father to receive our new and glorious body.

Verse 6

Because we have a firm promise from God that if we shed this earthly tent, we have an eternal home in heaven, we should not be discouraged. As long as we are in this earthly body, we are, as Paul says, “away from the Lord.”

We should not see this to mean that the Lord is not with us in this earthly tent. What Paul seems to be saying here is that we cannot take this body with us to heaven. When we see the Lord face to face, one thing is certain: we will have shed this earthly dwelling to do so.

The death of our physical body is not a fearful thing for the believer. It is a shedding of a temporary dwelling, cursed by the effects of sin, to receive a new body, perfect and free from suffering and pain, in the presence of our Saviour and King. For the Christian, this is a delightful reality.

Verse 7

To those who do not understand the hope of the believer, the death of the earthly body is a great tragedy. The Christian, however, does not see things in this way. We trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We believe in His promise of eternal life and the forgiveness of sin. We cannot presently see these realities, but they are as real to us as if we were living in them now. We are willing to live and die for these truths. We find great hope and assurance in these unseen realities.

Verse 8

While death of the physical body is a tragedy to the unbeliever, the Christian is of good courage in its reality. Believers live by faith in the promise of eternal life for those who belong to Jesus. They face these “tragedies’ with great courage. More than this, however, the true child of God would rather surrender this body and be with the Lord than remain in this sinful world.

This world has nothing to offer believers that heaven will not provide many times over. How easy it is for us to become fixated on the things of this earth. We live but seventy or eighty years below, but heaven offers us an eternity of delight in the presence of our Lord. Surely, those who understand this can face death with courage and confidence.

Verse 9

Death has no terror for the believer. Those who know the salvation of Jesus face it with courage. It is their delight to pass from this world into the presence of their Saviour.

Believers, however, do not set their focus exclusively on death. Many of us are still living on this earth. What is the commitment of those who remain here below? We determine to “make it our aim to please Him.” In other words, as long as we live in this earthly tent, we will commit ourselves to honour Christ by our actions, words, and attitudes. We will do so in the pain and suffering. We will walk in obedience despite the temptations and trials that bombard us daily. We will do so in the strength He provides. We will battle our fleshly passions and desires to bring Him honour.

Verse 10

Believers make it their ambition, as long as they have life and breath in their earthly body, to honour, serve and obey their Lord and Saviour. They do this out of gratitude for the salvation offered them but also because, since the Spirit of Christ has indwelled them, it is their heart’s passion and desire to do so.

This is not to say that the believer cannot fall into sin. Christians can be attracted to the world and its temptations. They can fall short of God’s purpose and grieve the Holy Spirit. Those who do so need to understand that they will one day appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Before the Lord God, they will receive “what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Paul seems to be telling the Corinthians that even believers must stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. Notice what Paul tells the Corinthians about this particular judgement.

First, this judgement is not to determine their eternal destiny. That matter has already been addressed in and through the work of Jesus Christ. Our salvation has nothing to do with our efforts but is based solely on the forgiveness and pardon received from Jesus Christ.

Second, this judgement relates to what the individual has “done in the body.” In other words, the judgement Paul speaks about here is a judgement of works and efforts. It is an examination of what we have done for Christ as we lived in this earthly body.

Third, under this judgement, “each one will receive what is due for what they have done in the body whether good or evil.” The idea appears to be that God will either reward or punish each individual according to how they lived or used their lives. The phrase “whether good or evil” is significant here. It shows us that the result of this judgement will either be a reward or a punishment.

Our earthly efforts for Christ will not go unrewarded. Our rebellion and laziness will not go unpunished. Understand here that there will be those whose salvation is secure but will not receive a crown of faithful service. There will be those who know the grace and mercy of Christ in salvation but whose lives were wasted on this earth and in this physical body. While salvation is not based on our works or efforts, we will stand before our Saviour to give an account of our lives.

Verse 11

Paul begins the verse with the word “therefore,” implying that what he is about to say is connected to the last verse. He has just told the Corinthians that we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Notice what this knowledge did for Paul.

First, he feared the Lord. The knowledge that he would one day appear before the Lord stirred up the “fear of the Lord” in the apostle. This fear is not a terror but a reverence and respect. The idea is that Paul took His responsibility seriously, knowing that he would one day give an account of his life to the Lord His God.

Second, because we must all stand before the judgment seat of God, Paul felt compelled to “persuade others.” His concern was not just for himself but for other people as well. Some of these individuals did not know the Lord. They needed to know His forgiveness and cleansing. Others knew the Lord but were trapped in sin and temptation. These individuals also needed to be restored to fellowship with Christ. The apostle made it his business to speak to these individuals and prepare them to stand unashamed before God.

Third, the apostle did his utmost to live personally as God intended. Notice what he tells the Corinthians here:

“But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.”

The apostle knew that God saw him and his co-workers. He knew their service and integrity. He stands with a clear conscience before God. He trusted that this godly lifestyle was evident to the Corinthians as well.

Verse 12

Third, the apostle did his utmost to live personally as God intended. Notice what he tells the Corinthians here:

“But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.”

Verse 13

The people of Corinth were divided over what they thought about the apostle Paul and his co-workers. Some thought they were “beside themselves.” The Greek word used here is ἐξίστημι (exístēmi). The term comes from the word ek, meaning out, and hístēmi, meaning to stand. When used together, they speak of someone who is standing out of place. Such a person is different from others. It came to imply that the individual was out of their mind or foolish and did not function like the rest of society.

Notice what Paul says to those who thought he was beside himself. He told them that if he was different, it was for God that he was different. He did not conform to the world’s standards or what others felt he needed to be because he had a higher calling and listened to God and not to human ideas and culture.

Other believers in Corinth accepted Paul and saw him in his “right mind.” These individuals received his authority and benefitted from his instruction and teaching.

Verse 14

While some may have accused Paul of being out of his mind, he tells the Corinthians that it was the love of Christ that controlled him. The apostle understood that if Christ died for believers, then it was as if those believers had died themselves. He continues to explain the implication of this in verse 15.

Verse 15

In verse 14, the apostle told the Corinthians that if Christ died for them, it was as if they had died. If they died legally with Christ, they were no longer to live for themselves and their former ways.

Imagine you paid the fine for a friend who had been found guilty of breaking the law. What would you think of that friend if he left the courtroom immediately after you paid his fine and repeated his offence? The fact that you paid his fine places him in your debt. He is now accountable to you and must not repeat his actions or take advantage of your generosity.

Similarly, we who have been forgiven through the death of Jesus Christ are now responsible to honour His work by not returning to the sins from which he has pardoned us. The death of Jesus Christ, on our behalf, demands a change. We owe our lives to Him and live as those who die to ourselves to live for Him.

Verse 16

It was Paul’s commitment not to see people as the world saw them. The world sees the external body, its beauty or ugliness. It sees how that body is dressed and makes a judgement about the value of that person based on how expensive their clothes are. This was not how Paul saw people.

The apostle saw beyond the externals to the very soul and spirit. He saw the lostness of the soul. He saw the beauty of the person beyond their outer homeliness and poverty. He saw the value of the individual over their physical deformities and handicaps. He did not judge by external appearance.

Having said this, the apostle confesses that he once evaluated Christ according to the flesh. That is to say, He carefully examined the Lord, His actions and His words. He did so to make a judgement on His character and person. The apostles walked with Jesus and knew Him in His physical body. They declared from what they saw that He had to be the Son of God.

The Lord Jesus, however, died, rose from the dead and ascended to be with the Father. We no longer see Him in the flesh. Though we no longer see Him in the flesh, we know Him to be the Son of God, Saviour and Lord.

Verse 17

The apostle tells the Corinthians that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. To be “in Christ” implies several things.

First, to be in Christ has to do with being in a relationship with Him. That is to say, all barriers to fellowship have been removed, and we are now in a right standing with Him.

Second, being in Christ implies a new legal standing. That is to say, Christ has adopted us, and we carry His name. We are no longer of this world but belong to Jesus Christ.

Finally, being in Christ implies new life. We are no longer the same people we once were. Christ is in us, and we have been born anew. The person of Jesus Christ has transformed our lives, and we have a new passion and desire. The Spirit of Christ motivates, indwells and moves us. The life of Christ is now in us.

This being the case, we are no longer the people we once were. The old ways and thoughts are no longer what motivates us. The Spirit of Christ has transformed our person and character. Admittedly, this process is not yet complete, but we know that the person we used to be is dying and no longer in control. We are experiencing new life through the person of Jesus Christ.

Verse 18

The changes we experience as believers are not the result of human effort and discipline. Paul tells us that those who are in Christ are new creatures. That is to say, they have been changed by Christ and His Spirit. Their transformation is the result of His work. Jesus reconciled us to Himself, not because we deserved it or merited it by our efforts, but because of his work on the cross. Just as our salvation was a work of God, so is our spiritual growth. When we see juicy grapes on a vine, we do not think it was because of anything these grapes have done. They are the natural result of being part of a healthy vine. The believer’s health is, first and foremost, the result of their connection to Christ and His indwelling Spirit.

Paul goes on here to tell the Corinthians that God had given to them as apostles the ministry of reconciliation. Reconciliation has to do with restoring what has been broken or divided. Our relationship with God has been damaged by sin. We have been estranged from God because of that sin. The ministry of reconciliation is one of restoring people to God. This was the call of God on the life of Paul. It is also a ministry that God has given to all believers. We are God’s ambassadors, sent with the message of salvation, forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ.

Verse 19

What is the message of reconciliation? It is the message that through the ministry of Jesus Christ, our trespasses can be forgiven. Because of what His Son did, God is willing to wipe our record clean. He will not hold any sin against us if we will but turn to His Son for forgiveness and cleansing. This is the message we bring to a world enchained by sin and death.

Verse 20

Paul saw it as his mandate to be an ambassador for Christ. His message was the message of reconciliation. He declared this message to any who would listen and pleaded with them to be reconciled through the work of Jesus to God.

This ministry and calling as ambassador, however, did not belong to Paul alone. We are all called to declare our hope in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Verse 21

The apostle ends the chapter with a declaration of God’s intent. Notice several details here.

First, God made Jesus Christ to be sin for our sake. That is to say, it was the intention of God that our sin should fall on Christ. He would take our sin upon Himself and die on our behalf.

Second, Jesus knew no sin. While Jesus took our sins on Himself, they did not make Him guilty. Though he bore the full weight of our sins, he did not fall prey to them. Though he carried our sin to the cross, He never sinned. He was a perfect sacrifice.

Third, it is through the sacrifice of the perfect Son of God that we can be cleansed and forgiven. We can, through His work, become the “righteousness of God.” Righteousness refers to a right standing with God. That right standing comes by the payment of our debt and penalty. Because of what Jesus did, we can now stand without condemnation before God. We can once again have a right standing with the Father.

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Chapter 6

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18

Verse 1

The apostle Paul ended the last chapter with a word about how the work of Christ Jesus sets us free from the penalty of sin. We who belong to Him now are His ambassadors, sent in His name to declare the message of reconciliation. It is on this basis that Paul makes two statements here in verse 1.

First, he reminds us that as ambassadors, we are “working together with Him.” That is to say, we are sent in His name and have been called to declare the message of reconciliation. We preach the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. We carry His authority and minister in the strength He provides. Our mandate is to expand His kingdom on this earth.

Second, Paul appeals to the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain. The phrase “in vain” is translated from the Greek word κενός (kenós), which refers to something hollow or empty. The idea here is that they were to allow the grace of Christ to transform, empower and embolden them. They were to become fruitful believers, declaring the name of Jesus Christ in word and deed. They were to allow the grace of God to take deep root in their lives and produce in them the fruit of godliness.

It never ceases to amaze me how many believers have not allowed the Spirit of Christ to transform them in character, attitude and deed. All too many of us have never tapped into the vast resource of heaven available to us. The apostle Paul challenges us to dig deeply into that treasure to become everything God has called us to be.

Verse 2

Quoting from Isaiah 49:8, the apostle Paul declares:

“In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Notice what God is telling Isaiah here.

First, God told Isaiah He listened to Him at a favourable time. The Hebrew word Isaiah uses here is רָצוֹן (rāṣôn). The word speaks of pleasure, delight and acceptance. The idea, in this context, seems to be that God listened at a time that was pleasing and acceptable to Him. In God’s time, He opened His heart and heard His people’s plea.

Second, Paul tells the Corinthians that the “favourable” time for God to hear and respond was right now. This is the day of salvation. The door is opened through Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin. The ear of God is attentive to the cries of those who sincerely seek His favour and pardon. This is the day for us to go as ambassadors, pleading with men and women to be reconciled to God. The time will not always be favourable. The day is coming when the day of favour will give way to the day of judgment.

Verse 3

As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, Paul told the Corinthians that they “put no obstacle in anyone’s way.” What could keep an ambassador from properly representing His Lord? Ambassadors must be careful to walk with sincerity. They must carefully relay the message given to them without compromise. Their behaviour must be in line with the one who sent them. As ambassadors for Christ, we must be careful to represent Him well. Our lives, words and attitudes must reflect His character and purpose. Understanding that he represented Christ in this world, Paul committed to represent Him well in character, behaviour and thought. He did not want any fault to be found in his ministry. He wanted his life and calling to be a true reflection of the person He represented.

Verse 4

As a servant of Jesus Christ, the apostle “commended” himself in every way and circumstance. The word commend is συνίστημι (sunístēmi). It is derived from sún, meaning “together,” and hístēmi, meaning to set, place or stand. The idea here is to present oneself to another either to be noticed or to prove one’s worth.

How did the apostles commend themselves or prove their genuineness? They did so by great endurance in afflictions, hardship and calamity. The apostle demonstrated their godliness despite the hardships they endured. It is often in times of suffering that the truth of who we are comes to the surface. The apostles proved the sincerity of theire faith by how they endured deep affliction and torment. The genuineness of their faith was tested in the fire and found pure.

Verse 5

The apostle lists here the many trials they faced as ambassadors for Christ. As servants of the Most High, they were beaten, imprisoned and the cause of riots in the cities where they preached the gospel. They worked extremely hard and lost sleep at night, likely from pain in their bodies and concern in their souls for the lost and needy. They also had to go hungry. Their ministry as ambassadors for Christ was not worldly profitable. Would you take on this position if you knew these struggles would also be yours? It would certainly prove the genuineness of your faith if you did so with a willing heart like these apostles.

Verse 6

While suffering much as ambassadors for Christ, the apostles demonstrated many positive qualities as genuine servants of God.

First, they demonstrated purity. They showed the character of Christ even in their pain. They did not resort to ungodly ways when pushed beyond their ability to endure. They continued steadfastly in the purpose of Christ and revealed that their faith was more than skin deep. It was the very core of who they were as men of God.

Second, in their affliction, the apostles demonstrated knowledge. That is to say, they revealed that they knew the purpose of God and His calling on their lives. They understood His purpose in suffering and affliction. They did not turn from the truth of Scripture but remained firm, trusting in His Word and promises.

Third, Paul and the apostles were patient. They did not give up. They waited for the Lord to break through and give them victory. They trusted His purpose and strength in their trials and were committed to endure, even if it meant their death.

When they were afflicted and distressed, they proved to be kind to those who afflicted them. They continued to serve and minister in their pain. They were not so focused on themselves that they could not continue to bless others in their need. Even those who abused them were treated with respect and dignity.

Next, the apostles faced their affliction in the Holy Spirit. He was their strength and confidence. It was his work in them that gave them the grace to endure. They knew his leading, enabling and comfort in these times of struggle.

Finally, they endured with genuine love. It was their love for God that kept them true and motivated them to endure. It was the love He placed in their hearts for the lost that made them push forward when everything else seemed to tell them to give up. The love of Christ constrained them to face the stones, whips, and abuse. They demonstrated in their suffering that the love of Christ was in them, and it was genuine.

Verse 7

Paul has been describing his ministry to the Corinthians. He shared how he had endured great hardship and affliction but had maintained purity of character and motivation. He continues here to share the power of his ministry.

Notice first that he ministered “by truthful speech.” Paul did not compromise the truth. That truth was often the source of great persecution. People did not like what he preached, and in some cases, they drove him out of their cities and towns. In other cases, the preaching of the truth drew the fury of his listeners so that they beat him or stoned him, leaving him for dead. Despite this response to the message he preached, Paul would not compromise the truth passed on to him.

Second, the power of God was evident in Paul’s ministry. He explains this by telling the Corinthians that his weapons were “weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left.” For a good part of my ministry, I tried to do my best to serve the Lord. The problem, however, was that I was trusting my human abilities to serve and bring transformation. I preached the truth as I knew it but knew very little of the ministry of the Spirit of God, for I gave Him no place in my service. I remember coming to a position of absolute frustration. Human strength and wisdom cannot push back the strong forces of evil. Paul understood that the weapons of his warfare were not human but divine. He drew upon the power of God and not human strength.

By telling the Corinthians that the weapons of his warfare were for the right and the left hand, the apostle shows us that there was no room for human weapons. Both hands held a divine weapon. His full confidence was in the Lord God alone.

Verse 8

Ministering in the strength of the Lord may bring greater persecution and suffering for the servant of God. Satan is not threatened by human wisdom and strength. He is pushed back, however, by the power of God in us. Notice that Paul speaks here of being in a place of honour and dishonour, slander and praise.

He was often mocked and ridiculed for the truth he preached but had the assurance that He lived honourably before the Father. He was slandered by many, but his heart rejoiced that he was the instrument God had chosen to use to confront the forces of hell on this earth. Yes, he struggled on this earth, but his heart was filled with praise and thanksgiving for the privilege of representing His Lord. People treated the apostles as imposters, but they knew that the message they preached was the uncompromised truth of God. They had the confidence to know that they had preached it faithfully.

Verse 9

The apostles lived in a world of contrasts. Anyone involved in ministry must be prepared to live in this world.

Notice first that the apostles were unknown and yet well known. There will always be those who are very popular with people. These individuals can attract and hold the attention of large crowds. They know how to appeal to the interests of their followers and give them what they want. This was not how the apostles worked. They were not popular in this sense. They did not preach what people wanted to hear. They made enemies because of the truth they proclaimed. The message they preached, however, had a powerful impact on those willing to listen.

Paul describes himself and his fellow workers as “dying.” These men did not live for themselves. They sacrificed their lives to serve their Lord. They devoted their time and resources to the benefit of the church. Unlike the popular preachers of our day who use the gospel for personal gain, these men had no concern for what they could get and every concern for what they could give. In their sacrifice, they experienced the abundance of Christ’s life. In dying to themselves, they found new life and joy in Christ.

Finally, the apostle reminds the Corinthians that as they faithfully exercised their ministry, they were punished but not killed. The word translated punished here comes from the Greek word παιδεύω (paideúō). It describes a child’s upbringing and how that child is educated and corrected for their good. As important as he was in the early church’s life, Paul did not see himself as having arrived at perfection. He was still learning. God was still teaching him as His child. Sometimes, the lessons learned were very difficult. Paul understood that the Lord did not want to kill him but to bless and correct him. Imagine soldiers in training. They are often brought to a point where they feel like they will be broken. This was the experience of Paul; the training of God in his life and ministry was very intense. God pushed him in ways he did not feel he could endure but gave him strength to overcome. If we want to be effective servants of God, we must be willing to face these trials and learn the lessons God intends for us to understand. If you are unwilling to face opposition, correction and refining trials in ministry, then you will never truly be the servant God wants you to be. God’s desire is for someone He can train and strengthen for a growing impact for the sake of His kingdom.

Verse 10

Some time ago, I approached a sister in the Lord dealing with a matter that deeply disturbed her. As she described the situation, my response was not what she anticipated. I found myself responding with what she interpreted as laughter. I was not expressing joy because of her pain, but from the privilege I was going to experience in praying for her in her need and the knowledge that we had a God who was bigger than any problem we faced. I couldn’t help myself from demonstrating that joy in her pain. The immense privilege I had to pray for her and the awareness of our hope in Christ brought pleasure to my heart. There are times of deep discouragement in our lives, but these feelings are accompanied by a deep sense of God and His presence. His presence reassures us and gives us hope and confidence.

We do not go into the service of the Lord for earthly blessings. We may not have large bank accounts, but we wake up to see the daily manna on the desert floor before us. God provides our daily bread. We may not have much on this earth, but as children of God, we know the presence of our Father to comfort, encourage and provide. We understand that reserved in heaven for us is an inheritance of eternal life and blessing in the presence of our Father. This Father provides us with everything we need so that we have no lack.

Verse 11

As Paul reflects on what he has been writing to the Corinthians, he realizes he spoke very freely to them. In other words, he was expressing his deep inner feelings and passions. Paul described the pain and joy he felt in the service of the King of kings. He spoke of how he found strength and comfort in the Lord. He told them that he was still being corrected by God and growing in his ministry. He recounted how God cared for Him and ministered to Him in his needs. He was very open and transparent before the Corinthians. He expressed this in the words, “Our heart is wide open.”

The willingness of the apostle to be vulnerable to the Corinthians was an expression of his relationship with them. We open ourselves up to those we love and trust. In telling the Corinthians his heart was open wide to them, the apostle is expressing his love and confidence in them.

Verse 12

Paul tells the Corinthians that they were not restricted by them but by their affections. The word translated “restricted” here is the Greek word στενοχωρέω (stenochōréō). The term is derived from “stenós,” meaning narrow and “chṓra,” referring to space. The idea is that of a narrow or crowded space. It can also refer to a person who is very reserved or does not willingly come out of their comfort zone to express themselves.

Paul has spent time here, opening his heart to the Corinthians. He openly demonstrates to them his love, confidence, trust and devotion for them. If there was any hesitation on the part of the Corinthians to express this love and tenderness to Paul, it was not because he had given them a reason to hold it back. It was because they were restrained and restricted by their affections.

There is an important lesson for us here. Paul teaches that we can become very narrow in expressing faith and love for God and each other. We can hold back because we do not want to be vulnerable. We keep to ourselves. We don’t reach out to others. We can become so private that no one knows we love them or have faith in God.

Paul speaks to the Corinthians about their restricted affections. He challenges them to show by their lives and attitudes what they feel about God and each other. Their faith was not given them to be kept on a shelf and never demonstrated to the world. They were to allow their light to shine and take advantage of every opportunity to share and show their love for God and His people. If you believe your faith is personal to you alone, ask the Lord if this verse applies to you.

Verse 13

Paul has expressed his heart to the Corinthians. In verse 12, he challenged them to consider whether they had restricted their affections. Notice here that the apostle encouraged them to widen their hearts also. Just as Paul has willingly shared his heart with them, he pleads with the Corinthians to do the same for Him. He wants to know their pain and struggles. He wants to understand what motivates them and the joys they are experiencing in their lives.

Paul expresses his desire for a very personal relationship with the Corinthians. He demonstrates a pastoral heart in what he is saying here. He is not just concerned that the Corinthians know the truth and walk in it but also that they would be free to express their affections in a godly way with each other. Paul’s heart was not just for a church that could agree on a doctrinal statement but also one who truly loved and demonstrated their love for each other with a wide and open heart. We would do well to cultivate this in our local churches today. All too many churches fail, not because they are not doctrinally correct but because they are affection-restricted and cannot demonstrate their concern and passion for the Lord and each other.

Verse 14

The apostle Paul began the chapter by challenging believers not to receive the grace of God in vain. He shared with them his walk with the Lord and how, despite the afflictions, he continued steadfast and faithful to the cause he represented. Paul ends now with a word to believers about the world of sin around them.

He begins this section by telling the Corinthians they were not to be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers. This verse is often used to discourage a believer from marrying an unbeliever, but this was not the only intention of the apostle when he wrote.

Consider the Law of God in Deuteronomy 22:10:

10 You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. – Dt 22:10

What would happen if you hitched a stubborn donkey with a hard-working and powerful ox to a plough? The donkey was no match for an ox behind a plough. These two animals worked in different ways and had different strengths. Hitching them together would only hinder the work needing to be done and cruelly vexed the animals in the process.

What happens when you yoke a believer with an unbeliever? They have very different world views. The believer is dedicated to God and His law, while a different standard governs the unbeliever. This places both partners in a difficult position.

Notice how Paul tells the Corinthians that righteousness and lawlessness do not have any real partnership. The Greek word used here is μετοχή (metochḗ), which comes from the phrase metá, meaning association, and échō, meaning to have. The term speaks of having an association with someone else. We ask: What does lawlessness have to do with righteousness? Is there ever a time when they could partner for their common good? Righteousness is the opposite of lawlessness. They are natural enemies. Lawlessness has nothing to offer righteousness that would not compromise its integrity.

Paul asks another question: “What fellowship has light with darkness?” Pure darkness and pure light cannot exist together. When they do, the integrity of each is compromised. The more darkness prevails, the less light is evident. As the sun’s light fills the sky, darkness is chased away.

The believer and the unbeliever are not the same. They stand for two different lifestyles. They do not think the same. Their goals in life are not the same.

Verse 15

Paul explains why a believer should not partner with an unbeliever. He does so by giving two further examples.

First, “What accord has Christ with Belial?” The word Belial is a Hebrew word. The Hebrew term בְּלִיַּעַל (beliyya`al) means worthless. It often expresses a sense of deep wickedness. Listen to the words of Job in Job 34:18:

18 who says to a king, ‘Worthless one,’ and to nobles, ‘Wicked man,’ – Job 34:18

The phrase “worthless one” is בְּלִיַּעַל (beliyya`al).

We have another example of the word in Nahum 1:11, where we read:

11 From you came one who plotted evil against the LORD, a worthless counselor. – Na 1:11

The phrase “worthless counselor” is once again בְּלִיַּעַל (beliyya`al).

What we need to note here is that Paul uses the word to refer to a particular individual. This individual appears to be Satan, the worthless one. Paul asks: Can Satan and Christ strike up a mutually agreeable contract? The fact of the matter is that Satan detests anything that would advance the kingdom of heaven. Christ will not compromise the purpose of the Father in any way. This means that there can never be an association between the two.

The second example Paul uses here is found in the phrase: “What portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” It is easy to see that there would be no connection between Satan and Christ, but the impact of the illustration seems to fade in our minds when Paul speaks about the believer and the unbeliever. Understand something important here, however. Believers have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them. They are being transformed into His image day by day. The unbeliever does not know this indwelling Spirit but walks according to the impulses, wisdom and strength of the flesh. The leading of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit are two different matters. The wisdom of God and the world are often at opposite ends of the spectrum. The destiny of the saved and the unsaved cannot be compared. The more we grow in our spiritual walk, the more we see the immense contrast between the believer and the unbeliever, the Spirit and the flesh. They cannot be compared, nor do they have anything in common.

Verse 16

The next illustration is between the temple of God and the temple of idols. Paul asks the question: “What agreement has the temple of God with idols?” There have been many over the years who have tried to find an agreement between these two temples. The church of Jesus Christ has often been guilty of compromising with the world. Some Christian churches have adopted the ways of the world and compromised the truth in the process. Paul tells us here that the temple of God has nothing to do with the temple of idols. In other words, we should not be taking our counsel and advice from the world or using its tactics in an attempt to advance the kingdom of God.

Paul expands this illustration of the temple of God by reminding the Corinthians that they were that temple, for the living God dwelt in them. To prove his point, the apostle quotes from the Scriptures that said:

“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

This Old Testament quote may come from Leviticus 26:12, which says:

12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. – Lev 26:12

The passage tells us that God walks among His people and declares Himself our God. He is a personal God, watching for our interests and advancing His purposes through us. If the Creator walks among us, why would we seek counsel from a world that has rejected Him? Should we not seek His counsel directly? If He has placed His Holy Spirit in us, should we not seek to walk in tune with Him and His leading? What could the world offer us that we do not have in greater measure in the person of God who walks with us?

Veres 17

The challenge of Paul to the Corinthians was to separate themselves from the world and its influences. They were to turn their back on the uncleanness that was around them. Just as light had no fellowship with darkness, and Christ had no partnership with Satan, neither should they, as believers, have any meaningful association with the ungodliness of this world.

Understand that Paul is not speaking about isolating ourselves in Christian communities. We are to be lights and salt in this world. Jesus was a friend to sinners, but their ways did not govern Him. He walked among unbelievers and conversed with them, but His ways were not their ways, nor were His thoughts their thoughts. Their sinfulness did not entertain Him, nor did they influence Him to compromise His faith.

When we come to Christ, we devote ourselves to Him and His purpose. That, by necessity, demands that we turn from the world, its sinful passions and its philosophies. We now have a new focus and delight in the person of Jesus Christ.

Verse 18

It is not always easy for the believer to separate from the world and its influences. Following the Lord God will bring us into conflict with the world. Sometimes, we will suffer persecution, mocking and abuse.

Paul assures the Corinthians, however, that the Lord God would be a father to them. As a father, He would watch over them and provide for their every need. Those who separate themselves from the world and its darkness are true sons and daughters of the heavenly Father.

Notice how Paul, quoting Scripture, declares God as the Lord Almighty. This Lord Almighty is our Father. Nothing is impossible for Him. There is no enemy He cannot subdue. There is no foe too big or obstacle too high. With Him as our Father, we will have no need. His wisdom is at our disposal. His support is our strength. His person is our delight and satisfaction.

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Chapter 7

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Verse 1

Paul ended the last chapter by reminding the Corinthians of the promise to be a father for them as they separated themselves from the world and its influences. He applies that promise here.

The apostle reminds the Corinthians that those who have the support and comfort of a loving heavenly Father who sent His Son to die for them are under an obligation. That obligation is first to cleanse themselves from every defilement. A defilement is anything that God considers unholy in our lives, whether that be thoughts, actions, attitudes or words. Notice that these defilements can be either in the body or spirit, seen or unseen by the human eye.

The reason we address these defilements is so that we can grow in holiness. Holiness refers to the character of God and His qualities. He is the definition of holiness. What reflects His personality is holy.

The believer is in the process of becoming more like Jesus, the Son of God. The Spirit of God indwells the believer to make this a growing reality. Paul encouraged believers to separate from all unholiness and to embrace the transforming work of God in shaping them more into His character. In doing so, they were on the road to bringing holiness to completion out of reverence and fear of God.

Verse 2

There is evidence in the letter of 2 Corinthians that not everyone in Corinth accepted Paul. This grieved him deeply. It is not that he wanted to be a “people-pleaser,” but rather, he did not want division between himself and another believer. Notice how he expresses his grief here: “Make room in your hearts for us.”

We are not told why some believers rejected Paul and his ministry as apostle. Paul pleads with these individuals, however, to open their hearts to him and his co-workers.

To the best of Paul’s knowledge, he had not wronged any of these individuals who had turned their backs on him. Nor had the apostle taken advantage of them in any way. His conscience was clean. As far as he understood, the problem in their relationship was not the result of anything he did or failed to do.

Some personalities collide. Sometimes, we don’t know someone well enough to see their genuineness and sincerity. What Paul is telling these individuals here is that they were to make every effort to remove barriers to fellowship with him and his colleagues. They were not to allow their hearts to be hardened toward Paul or any other believer. Where there is prejudice or misunderstanding, they were to address this so that there would be no hindrance to fellowship in their church.

I have been in churches where some people are naturally quiet and reserved. They are not attention seekers and often feel uncomfortable sharing anything in public or even find it difficult in crowds. I have also had the opportunity to sit down with these individuals to get to know them. I can say that often behind their reserve is a genuine and godly character.

Paul was one of those individuals who may have been a bit rough on the outside. There was no question, however, about his genuine concern for the Corinthians and his integrity of relationship with Christ.

Verse 3

Having challenged the Corinthians in verse 2 to open their hearts to him, the apostle qualifies what he is saying. He told the believers that he did not intend to condemn or drive a further barrier between them. He tells them that they were in his heart. That is to say, he had opened his heart to them and was genuinely concerned about them.

Notice how he expresses his deep affection toward even those who rejected him in the words: “to die together and to live together.” The idea is that he would live and share the joy and pains of life with them, or lay down his life and die with them.

Verse 4

Notice how Paul feels toward the Corinthians.

First, he tells them that he was acting with great boldness toward them. That is to say, he willingly expressed his thoughts and feelings. He did not hold back what he felt was important. He shared his concerns without reservation.

Second, he had great pride in the Corinthians. The believers in Corinth had many divisions. They were uncertain about how they were to worship or how to express their faith in daily life. They were far from perfect. Paul wrote two letters to them to help them with the struggles they endured. Despite this, Paul felt pride in his heart toward this church. The word translated pride is καύχησις (kaúchēsis) and can be translated as boasting. Paul boasted about the Corinthians. They were the object of his delight. He was proud of them despite their struggles and imperfections.

Third, Paul tells the Corinthians that he was filled with comfort. That comfort was in these believers. This is not to say that they did not give him cause for concern at times. Paul knew, however, that they had come to know the Lord God and demonstrated genuine faith in Him. He trusted the Lord to continue the work He had begun in them and carry it through to completion.

Fourth, Paul was overflowing with joy in the Corinthians and God’s work in their midst. There was evidence of an intense spiritual battle raging in the city, but God was working. Paul found great delight in the believers in Corinth. It was exciting to see what God was doing in their midst.

Verse 5

Paul explains the reason for his feelings toward the Corinthians in these next verses. He begins by telling them of a time he was in Macedonia being greatly afflicted in ministry. He explains how he and his co-workers were fighting and fearful “at every turn.” The affliction in Macedonia was such that their bodies were worn out and unable to rest.

Verse 6

In their time of affliction in Macedonia (see verse 5), the apostle was greatly comforted by God through Titus. The apostle tells the Corinthians how Titus brought this comfort to him in verse 7.

What is important to note here is that God brings comfort to the downcast through His people. Titus was the instrument of God to get hope and support to Paul and his colleagues in their trials in Macedonia.

Verse 7

In their time of affliction in Macedonia (see verse 5), the apostle was greatly comforted by God through Titus. The apostle tells the Corinthians how Titus brought this comfort to him in verse 7.

Verse 8

Paul goes on to explain why the support of the Corinthian church meant so much to him at that time. He speaks about a letter he wrote that had grieved them. Many commentators believe that the letter referred to here is 1 Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians, the apostle rebuked the church for several issues they had been dealing with in their worship service. He reprimanded them for taking brothers and sisters to court and for allowing a man to sleep with his father’s wife without disciplining him. The letter of 1 Corinthians would not have been an easy one for the church to read. It shocked them and made them aware of their slackness as a church.

While that letter went to Corinth, Paul wondered how the church would receive it. The things he wrote in the letter were difficult but needed to be said.

When he heard from Titus that the believers in Corinth had been grieved but had addressed the matters in the letter, Paul was encouraged. It brought him further joy to know that these believers did not turn against him for his harsh words. He regretted having to write so harshly to the church but knew he had done the right thing.

The grief experienced by the Corinthians was only temporary. It was a shock to them to understand how far they had wandered. On the other hand, however, they could address the matters concerned and were now in a much better place in their relationship with God and each other. For this, they were grateful to Paul.

There will be times in our lives as servants of God when we have to say and do difficult things. Paul was willing to do this when he understood it to be necessary.

Verse 9

Paul explains why he rejoiced over the letter that had grieved the Corinthians. He tells them it was not because they suffered but because of what the grief did for them. It brought them to a place of repentance. The apostle calls this a “godly grief.” There is a grief that drives us away from God and his purpose for our lives. There is also a grief that draws us to Him for relief. In the case of the Corinthians, their grief in having their sins exposed drove them to seek forgiveness from God. It also was the cause of them making these matters right with God again.

According to Paul, the grief these Corinthians experienced was not one in which they “suffered loss.” They had gained much because of that harsh word sent to them. Their repentance restored them to fellowship with their Creator and cleansed the church of uncleanness and sin. Though the letter Paul sent was difficult, it had its effect for good in the lives of these Corinthian believers.

Verse 10

According to the apostle, godly grief produces “repentance that leads to salvation without regret.” In the case of the Corinthians, Paul’s letter shocked them into an awareness of their sin. It was a harsh letter that caused them pain. Their sin was exposed. They could not help but feel the grief of this exposure.

Upon receipt of Paul’s letter, the believers could take one of two paths. They could allow their grief to make them bitter toward the apostle and harden their hearts. On the other hand, they could recognize that what he said was true and throw themselves on their knees in repentance, seeking the forgiveness of God.

If they chose to seek forgiveness, they would experience the “salvation without regret” that Paul speaks about here. Many know the salvation of God but still have many regrets. They will stand before the Lord Jesus with many things undone, many sins remaining to be conquered and a life filled to the brim with wasted potential.

What would you do if someone close to you was brutally honest with you? Imagine that this friend told you what they truly thought. How would you respond to the criticism and exposure of your pride, insensitivity and selfishness? What if this friend challenged you in an area of sin and rebellion against God? Would you become angry, defend your actions and reject this counsel? Would this put up a barrier between you and your friend from that point forward, or would you thank them for exposing what needed to be addressed in your life and make it your priority to become a believer who knows the salvation of God without regret?

Verse 11

As Paul reflects on the church’s response to his letter, notice what he has to say about it.

The apostle saw the earnestness and godly regret produced in the Corinthians. The word translated as “earnestness” is σπουδή (spoudḗ), which refers to haste, speed and diligence. The idea is that the Corinthians quickly dealt with the issues in Paul’s letter. They chose not to waste another moment living in sin and rebellion. They would be right with God without another moment passing by. Notice that this endurance was an ongoing characteristic in the church. We catch that in the words, “What earnestness this godly grief has produced in you.” Paul is delighted to see the earnestness of the Corinthian church to “clear” themselves. That is to restore their good name and demonstrate the character of Jesus Christ.

The words of Paul here in this verse seem to indicate a certain sense of wonder and amazement at the response of the Corinthian church to his letter. He expresses this in five ways.

First, notice the phrase “what indignation.” The word ἀγανάκτησις (aganáktēsis) refers to being under a great burden. This burden provokes a response of anger. In this situation, believers were angered by the sin in the church and moved to address it without further delay.

Second, Paul speaks of the fear stirred up in the hearts of the Corinthian believers from his letter. The word φόβος (phóbos) speaks not only of terror but also of reverence and respect. Out of the fear of the Lord, the Corinthians sprang to action to remove the sin from their midst.

Third, the apostle saw great longing in the hearts of the Corinthians in response to his letter. The word ἐπιπόθησις (epipóthēsis) speaks of strong affection or desire. In this case, it was for the Lord God, His church and His servant Paul who had rebuked them.

Fourth, the Corinthian church demonstrated zeal in their response to his first letter. The word ζη̃λος (zḗlos) speaks of fervency for good. They had a jealous passion to make this right again.

Finally, Paul speaks about punishment in the words, “What punishment!” The term ἐκδίκησις (ekdíkēsis) refers to the execution of justice in the life of one who does wrong. Justice and punishment are an absolute necessity for our societies. Without justice and penalties for evildoing, our communities and churches will fall into chaos. Paul commends the church of Corinth for doing what was right and punishing the wrongdoer.

The apostle commends the Corinthians for their impressive response to his letter. They proved the genuineness of their faith by this response.

Verse 12

The purpose of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, according to the apostle, was not primarily for the sake of the individual who sinned nor for the ones who suffered due to his wrongdoing, although that was one of the results. These were important matters needing to be addressed but not the primary purpose of God. If the sin in the church and the hurt it caused were not the primary intention of Paul’s letter, what was God’s desire here? Paul answers this in the words:

That your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

God uses various means to accomplish His purpose. The matter of sin in the church needed to be addressed, but there was another issue of greater importance at that time in Corinth. That matter pertained to the relationship of the church with the apostles.

God had called and equipped these men to be His servants for the good of the church. God sent a difficult letter through Paul to test them. If the Corinthians chose to walk away from the apostles and their teaching, where would this have led them? They would be a church without authority, disobedient to God and on a path that led them astray.

This matter of apostolic authority needed to be addressed in Corinth. Paul’s difficult letter was how God determined to settle this matter. The response of the Corinthians would determine their response to God and His apostles. Once this had been addressed, everything else would fall in place.

The church passed this test of God and proved the earnestness and genuineness of faith they had in God and His servants, the apostles.

Verse 13

The apostle Paul was comforted by the fact that the Corinthians had proven they were willing to accept him as a servant of God for their benefit. He was also reassured that they had taken his counsel and dealt with the issues needing to be resolved in the church.

Paul rejoiced to see how the Corinthians had richly blessed Titus, who had come to visit him. According to the apostle, the spirit of Titus had been refreshed by being with them. The church of Corinth was ministering to the servants of God and advancing the cause of Christ’s kingdom. This was cause for great joy and comfort for the apostle.

Verse 14

The apostle held the church of Corinth in high regard. At one point, he had boasted about them to Titus. When Titus visited the church of Corinth, he found that Paul’s boasting was legitimate. This church, despite its many problems, was a church that proved its worthiness of the name of Christ.

What is most notable in this verse is that the apostle has to write a very difficult letter to the Corinthians about the state of the church in 1 Corinthians. This church about which he boasted was far from perfect. They wrestled with division, doctrinal issues and practices, but Paul loved them and knew that the Spirit of God was working in their midst, drawing them closer to the Saviour and into deeper submission to His purpose. This is the heart of a true pastor. He does not demand perfection but loves them with all their blemishes. Nothing brought greater joy to his soul than to see what God was doing in their midst and how he was maturing them in their faith.

Verse 15

One of the results of Titus’ visit to Corinth was that his affection for the believers had grown. He was touched by how they humbled themselves and listened to the apostle’s reprimand. He was blessed to see how they had received him with “fear and trembling.”

The fear and trembling referred to here seem to reference the reverence and respect they showed for Titus as a representative of Paul and, more specifically, of the Lord. They took him seriously, listened to his counsel and made things right in the church.

As Titus watched this unfold in Corinth, he was overwhelmed with the work of God in the church and the willingness of these believers to be humbled and corrected. It also touched him to see how these people opened their hearts to him. This touched him powerfully. Paul understood this when he heard his report and wrote to the Corinthians in gratitude.

Verse 16

Paul tells the Corinthians that he rejoiced in them and what the Lord did in their midst. He expresses that he had complete confidence in them.

Remember here that the first letter Paul wrote rebuked the church for its division and for allowing immorality to go unpunished in its midst. He challenged them for their chaotic worship services that showed they were more desirous for personal attention than they were for the glory of the Lord. He rebuked them for taking believers in the church to court and their bad testimony in the community. What brought about this confidence in Paul’s heart?

The answer seems to be found in the report Titus brings back to Paul of the work of God in the city. The Holy Spirit had used Paul’s letter to convict the church. They submitted to the conviction of God’s Spirit and were transformed. Paul’s confidence is that the Spirit of God was Lord in the church. The church was submissive to the Word of God and was now in a right relationship with the Father through the Lord Jesus. When Jesus is our Lord, the Word our authority, and the Spirit our empowering wisdom and strength, there is cause for great confidence.

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Chapter 8

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24

Verse 1

The apostle begins the chapter with a word about the churches in Macedonia. The city of Corinth was in the province of Achaia in what is currently Greece. The region of Macedonia was to the north and included such cities as Philippi and Thessalonica. Paul speaks here about the grace of God that was given to the churches in that region. Grace is an unmerited favour extended to these churches. It is an evidence of the Lord’s presence in their midst.

Verse 2

Paul told the Corinthians that the grace of God was given to the churches of Macedonia (see verse 1). Notice the nature of this grace here.

The grace extended to the Macedonian churches came through a “severe test of affliction.” In other words, these churches suffered greatly. Paul does not tell the Corinthians what caused that affliction, but he does reveal its symptoms -the believers in Macedonia were reduced to “extreme poverty.”

The grace Paul speaks about was not this severe affliction and extreme poverty. Notice, however, the response of the Macedonian churches to their trials. Paul tells us that these oppressed believers had an “abundance of joy.” The joy they experienced was not the result of their worldly prosperity and ease but the fruit of God’s Spirit, flowing through them despite their agony. These poverty-stricken and afflicted believers experienced deep joy in their suffering. This was evidence of the grace of God that gave them purpose, happiness and contentment even when they had nothing in this life. God seemed to remove their focus from this world to the eternal glories of heaven and their relationship with Him, and in this, they were deeply joyous.

Notice second that not only did the suffering Macedonian church experience the grace of God in the form of joy in their suffering but they were also given a generous heart. Paul tells the Corinthians that those who lived in “extreme poverty” overflowed in a “wealth of generosity.” They did not sit in self-pity thinking, I don’t have anything to give. They gave what they could, and they did so sacrificially. The grace of God was evident in how their hearts were moved to give the little they had to minister to brothers and sisters in need.

Verse 3

Paul says two things about the generosity of the Macedonian church here.

First, the Macedonian church gave according to their ability and beyond. The believers in Macedonia did not cling to their worldly goods and resources. They surrendered whatever they had to the Lord and the cause of His kingdom. The fact that they gave beyond their means shows us that they gave what they needed for themselves and did without so that others could be blessed.

Second, the Macedonian church gave “of their own accord.” There were no fundraising campaigns, guilt trips or pleas. These believers did not need these things. They gave because God put it in their heart to give. Their souls were moved to do whatever they could, even at their own expense. They did so with a willing and sincere heart.

Verse 4

According to Paul, the poverty-stricken churches of Macedonia begged the apostles for the privilege of taking part “in the relief of the saints.” The Macedonians understood poverty and affliction better than many. They identified with others who were going through what they faced each day. They did not remain in self-pity but chose rather to stand up and make someone else’s life better. They refused to believe they could do nothing. Their hearts longed to do something, and they did what they could with the little they had. They demanded that their contribution not be ignored.

Verse 5

Paul did not expect what he saw when he accepted that the Macedonian churches take part in the contribution for the needy saints. We are not told what Paul expected, but perhaps the churches would donate some small amount to add to the gifts being taken to Jerusalem for the needs of the Christian church there. What he saw, however, was much more than that. He saw the believers of Macedonia first give themselves to the Lord and then to His will through the apostles.

First, the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord. That is to say, they took a look at their lives and surrendered everything to God. They held nothing back. He would be Lord over every coin, every corner and every concern.

Second, having settled this matter in their minds, they then surrendered what now belonged to the Lord for the work of His kingdom.

We can only imagine what God was doing in those days in Macedonia. The grace of God was manifested through the renewal taking place as believers surrendered themselves and everything they possessed to the Lord God. We are left to wonder what would happen if the Spirit of God were to move in this way in our churches today.

Verse 6

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul shares with them the plan they had to take up an offering for the believers in Jerusalem who were struggling very deeply. Writing in 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 he said:

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. – 1Co 16:1-3

It may be that Titus brought this challenge to the church in Corinth and was overseeing any contribution made by the church.

Verse 7

The apostle commends the Corinthians in four matters here.

First, he tells them that they excelled in faith. The word translated faith is πίστις (pístis). It is derived from the word peíthō, meaning to persuade. Pístis speaks of a firm conviction. In particular, the faith referred to here is in God and His purpose through Jesus Christ. This faith should not be confused with head knowledge about God and His purpose. The faith Paul speaks about here is worked out in real life. It is demonstrated in action and commitment. Paul commends the Corinthians because they revealed what they believed by how they lived.

Second, Paul is assured of the excellence of the Corinthians’ speech. The word used here is λόγος (lógos). Lógos refers to the audible expression of wisdom and intelligence. In commending the Corinthians for their speech, Paul may be declaring his confidence in the message they preached and the truth of the gospel they proclaimed.

Third, the apostle speaks of their knowledge. The word γνω̃σις (gnṓsis) refers to intelligence and comprehension. In particular, the Corinthians knew God’s purpose in Christ Jesus. The apostle had confidence that these believers were well grounded in truth.

Finally, Paul commends the Corinthians for their earnestness. The word σπουδή (spoudḗ) used here speaks of haste and eagerness. The idea is that the Corinthians were quite eager to demonstrate their faith. They were desirous of putting what they knew into practice in their lives.

Paul ends the verse with a challenge for the believers in Corinth: “See that you excel in this act of grace also.” The context of this statement is the offering being taken up for the poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to excel in the grace of generous giving. They were to demonstrate the genuineness of their faith and knowledge of Christ through a sacrificial heart.

Verse 8

While the apostle challenged the Corinthians to excel in generous giving in verse 7, notice how he qualifies this here. Paul tells the believers that he was not commanding them to give but rather offering them an opportunity to demonstrate the genuineness of their love. Let me make two points here.

First, notice Paul’s concept of leadership. Paul told the Corinthians that he was not commanding them. As a representative of God, called and commissioned to lead the church of that day, Paul could have taken a more aggressive stand. I have seen very authoritative leaders in my day. They demand obedience. They believe they serve the Lord and are leading people to do what He would ask of them. I have been in situations where I was made to feel guilty if I did not give or do what they demanded. This is not from God. Paul rejected such tactics. He offered the believers in Corinth an opportunity to share but left the matter in the hands of God. God would show His people what He wanted them to do. It is all too easy to take on the role of the Holy Spirit as leaders, something we should be careful never to do.

Second, notice the motivation Paul expected from the Corinthians in the words, “Prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.” According to Paul, the only true motive for giving is genuine love. There are many reasons why we feel compelled to give. What is not given out of love for Christ and His kingdom, however, falls short of His standard.

Verse 9

In verse 8, Paul told the Corinthians that they could demonstrate the genuineness of their love by contributing generously to the needs of the saints in Jerusalem. He reminds them of what the Lord Jesus did for them.

The apostle tells the church that the Lord Jesus Christ was rich. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. The whole world belongs to Him.

While the whole world belonged to Him, the Lord Jesus left the glories of heaven, took on flesh and became a man. He experienced suffering, pain, and abuse. He laid down His life in service of broken humanity.

Because of His work of service, we who were lost and bound for eternal condemnation were adopted into His family and became inheriters of eternal life and blessing. Of all people, we became the most blessed. He became poor so we could become rich.

The apostle sets the Lord Jesus before the Corinthians as an example of generosity and compassion.

Verse 10

Having set out Jesus as an example of generosity and compassion, Paul now “gives his judgment.” This judgement is about the matter of giving. In other words, the Corinthians were under obligation because Jesus “became poor” so they could be rich. More than this, however, they were also under obligation because they had “started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.”

Notice how Paul knew the Corinthians wanted to take up an offering for a year. They had even, according to the apostle, begun to take up that offering but had not completed what they started.

The apostle challenged the Corinthians not only based on what the Lord had done for them but also on how the Lord was leading them to follow through on their commitment to support the believers in Jerusalem with an offering.

How often have we intended to do something but never followed through? The Lord may, like he did for the Corinthians, give us the “desire,” but it is up to us to act on that desire.

Verse 11

Seeing that the Lord had put a desire in the hearts of the Corinthians to give to the needy believers in Jerusalem, Paul now challenges them to “finish doing it as well.”

Many people are ready to do something but never get around to it. Their heart is in the work, but they do not get anything done. Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their desires and finish the job. Their readiness and passion were to be matched by their completion of the work. Readiness and willingness are useless if they are not matched by action.

Verse 12

In the ministry the Lord has given me, I have often been asked to do what I do not have the resources to achieve. I can only accomplish what God has given me the ability and resources to do. Notice what Paul tells the Corinthians here. The readiness is acceptable according to what a person has, not what that person does not have.

In other words, you can be ready to change the world but not have the ability to do so. Your readiness means nothing if you cannot do anything about it. Paul is saying that we can only do what God has given us the ability to do. We are only accountable for what He has put under our responsibility. We can do nothing unless He provides. I have met individuals who have allowed themselves to feel guilty about not doing what God never asked them to do.

Verse 13

There are those who give sacrificially to minister to others. They ease the burden of brothers and sisters around them by sacrificing their time, energy and resources to care for burdens that are not their own to bear. They are weighed down and sometimes overwhelmed by the cares and concerns of others. Paul understood that the church in Corinth was not rich. By taking on the burden of the saints in Jerusalem, the Corinthians would be moving that burden onto themselves. They would be burdened so that the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem could have temporary relief from their struggle.

Verse 14

While it may seem unfair that I must sacrifice my hard-earned resources for someone else, Paul reminds us in this passage of what the Lord has done for us. He who was rich became poor so that we could become rich. He gave His life so we could be forgiven and restored to a relationship with the Father. His abundance supplied our needs.

In the case of the Corinthian church, they may not have been rich, but they had what they needed. They gave of their “abundance at the present time.” That abundance, when shared, met the needs of brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.

In time, the Corinthians would be supplied by others who had an abundance. Paul challenged believers not to live for themselves alone. When they had more than they needed, they were to be willing to give so that their brother or sister’s burden would be relieved. In turn, they would also receive benefits in their time of need.

Verse 15

Quoting from Exodus 16:18, Paul reminds the Corinthians that when the Israelites gathered great quantities of manna in the wilderness, nothing was left over in the morning. Anything that was left over became unfit for eating. Those who gathered little had enough for their needs. God provided what each person required.

Throughout those days in the wilderness, the people of God could not hoard great supplies of manna. God required that they live each day in dependence on His provision. While there is wisdom in providing for the future, we must never lose sight of the fact that God is our only true provider. We can become so focused on accumulating wealth that we fail to see the needs around us or understand that our God can and will supply all our needs as we faithfully use what He has given.

Verse 16

Paul moves now to speak about his co-worker Titus. Notice how Paul gives thanks to the Lord for him. Of particular note is what God had done in his heart. God put in Titus’ heart an “earnest care” for the Corinthians. The word care comes from the Greek word σπουδή (spoudḗs), which refers to speed, haste, earnestness or zeal. Paul is thankful for the zealous burden God had given Titus for the Corinthians.

Notice that this “earnest care” did not naturally occur for Titus. It was a God-given passion for this church in particular. Paul had experienced this work of God in his heart as well. God was raising up ministers who would extend passionate care toward the church in Corinth. These individuals would be His instruments for the maturing of the church and the expansion of its ministry for the kingdom.

Verse 17

Paul thanked the Lord for the heart He had given Titus for the Corinthians. Notice how this heart is demonstrated here. Paul told the Corinthians how Titus had accepted his appeal to go to Corinth. This he had already done. Titus, however, was now planning another trip to Corinth. This trip was “of his own accord.” That is to say, it was a trip he was making personally to be with them. For Paul, this demonstrated the genuineness of Titus’ concern for the believers in Corinth.

Verse 18

While Titus had determined to return to Corinth of his own accord (see verse 17), he did not go alone. Paul tells us that he sent a brother “who was famous among all the church for his preaching of the gospel.” This brother would accompany Titus on this journey to Corinth.

The fact that Paul tells the Corinthians that they had sent this brother shows that he was concerned for their wellbeing. This famous preacher would have been a blessing to Corinth. Sending this brother shows us that Paul could not go himself, but he wanted to bless the believers by sending this very important individual to them.

There is no indication as to who this person was who accompanied Titus. The fact that his name is not mentioned here may indicate that Paul wanted this to be a surprise.

Verse 19

Paul told the Corinthians that Titus planned to visit them again. He also informed them that a famous gospel preacher accompanied him on this trip. This famous, unnamed preacher, according to Paul, was appointed by the churches to travel with the leadership to carry out the “act of grace” they were administering at the time. There are several details we need to see here.

First, note that the leadership administered an “act of grace.” That act of grace was very likely the collection being taken up for needy believers in Jerusalem. Paul devotes the next chapter to this matter of giving to these saints.

Notice next how this gift was administered. According to Paul, the churches appointed a well-respected individual to travel with those collecting and delivering these funds. We see this in Paul’s words about “the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel” (2Co 8:18). Paul tells the Corinthians here that he had been “appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace.” This well-respected brother would be the guarantee that the funds were being faithfully transmitted in their entirety to the purpose intended.

The church leadership took this matter of accountability very seriously. They did so for “the glory of the Lord” and to show “good will.”

The glory of the Lord was at stake if those who belonged to Him were unfaithful with the church’s resources. This would also be the case if there were any questions about the use of these finances. This well-respected preacher was brought in to remove any questions or doubts about the use and delivery of these funds.

Finally, Paul writes that these measures were taken to show their goodwill (ESV). The word προθυμία (prothumía) means ready. The idea is that these churches wanted to demonstrate their readiness and eagerness to come to the aid of those in need and to do so in a way that was above reproach.

Verse 20

Paul makes it clear that the church leadership, involved in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, took extraordinary measures (as in verse 19) so that no one would have any cause to accuse them of mishandling the generous gifts of the saints or how those funds were administered.

As important as it was for believers to trust each other, extra measures were taken to remove the temptation and any cause for questioning the integrity of those involved in the use of the church’s funds. This was for the glory of God and to remove any possible doubt. Taking these extra precautions shows the world how serious we are about absolute integrity and transparency in these matters.

Verse 21

Paul aimed to be honourable not only before the Lord but also in “the sight of man.” Indeed, we cannot be governed by what others think of us. Our ultimate accountability is to God, but this does not remove our responsibility to be a good example and witness in this world.

Paul understood that it would be easy for the church to give cause for misunderstanding and questions. He did not want people to question whether the church mishandled the funds sent to Jerusalem. That would only give fuel for the enemy to blaspheme the work of the kingdom. Instead, he chose to take extra precautions to ensure that the world had no cause to question their integrity. These extra precautions were for the glory of God and the testimony of the church in that day.

Verse 22

Paul mentions another brother in the phrase, “And with them, we are sending our brother.” The apostle does not mention the name of this “brother.” We do have a couple of details about him here, however.

First, he was being sent “with them.” The individuals referred to here as “them,” according to the context, are Titus and “the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.”

Second, we understand from the verse that this brother being sent with Titus and the famous gospel preacher had been “often tested and found earnest in many matters.” He was a brother who had proven himself before the church on many different occasions and whose integrity was unchallenged.

Finally, the brother accompanying Titus and the famous preacher was “more earnest than ever.” This increased earnestness resulted from a growing confidence in the Corinthian church. This was a church that had proven itself worthy of his zeal. Paul rebuked them in his first letter, and they addressed the issues of concern. This gave this brother great confidence in them, their genuineness and the work of God’s Spirit in their midst. He was eager to see them fulfill their commitment to take up an offering for the saints in Jerusalem. He had a deeper sense now that God would do something good in and through them.

Verse 23

Paul takes a moment here to speak about this team that was heading for Corinth. He speaks first of Titus.

Titus was, according to Paul, a partner. The word partner is κοινωνός (koinōnós) and speaks of individuals who share something in common. In this case, Paul and Titus shared a common heart and ministry. They stood with each other in the exercise of that ministry.

Paul tells the Corinthians that Titus was also a fellow worker for their benefit. He worked alongside Paul, strengthening the church in Corinth. The apostle stood firmly behind Titus and endorsed him and his efforts on behalf of the Corinthians.

Paul speaks next about the other brothers heading to Corinth. He tells them that they were “messengers of the churches.” That is to say, they represented the churches of Jesus Christ and walked in good standing with them.

Finally, these brothers were “the glory of Christ.” They reflected the glory of Jesus Christ in their lives and actions. They represented the glory of Christ in the task to which they had been called –to minister to the needy brothers and sisters of Christ in Jerusalem and beyond.

Verse 24

The apostle concludes the chapter with a challenge to the church of Corinth. He encourages them to “give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.”

Paul calls the church of Corinth to receive these men who would visit them. He challenged them to prove that the love of Christ was in them by how they welcomed this team.

Paul had been “boasting” about the Corinthians and the word God was going in their midst. He encourages the church to demonstrate evidence of the validity of that boasting.

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Chapter 9

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15

Verse 1

Paul begins chapter 9 by stating that it was superfluous for him to write to the Corinthians about the ministry for the saints. Consider this briefly.

The apostle speaks here about “the ministry for the saints.” The context gives us a good understanding of what that ministry was. In chapter 8, Paul talks about an offering being taken up for needy saints. He tells the Corinthians that a team of godly believers has been assigned to receive this offering and bring it to its intended recipients. Paul ends chapter 9 with a word on how to give. The assumption is that this ministry to the saints relates to the offering for needy Christians (likely in Jerusalem).

Notice, secondly, in this verse, that Paul tells the Corinthians that it was “superfluous” for him to speak about this ministry. The word translated superfluous is περισσός (perissós), which speaks about more than is needed or over and above what is required. In this context, the apostle seems to say that any further challenge to the Corinthians about this ministry would be beyond what was needed. There may be a couple of reasons for this.

First, any further mention of this offering was superfluous because Paul had already spoken amply to them, and they were fully aware of this opportunity.

Second, Paul understood that any further communication about this offering was superfluous because it was already in the hearts of the believers in Corinth, who had already begun to put aside funds for it.

Verse 2

Paul explains why any further mention of the ministry for the saints was superfluous. He knew that the believers in Corinth were already prepared to contribute. Paul had been boasting to the Macedonians of the readiness of the Corinthians for over a year to contribute to this need. This eagerness of the Corinthian church to minister to the needs of the saints inspired others to do likewise.

Verse 3

Intentions and a willing heart mean nothing if we do not act on our passion. It was one thing for the Corinthian church to be ready to give an offering for the needy saints but quite another for them to do so. Paul knew of the desire in Corinth to contribute to the needs of the saints. He determined, therefore, to send brothers to them to receive this offering. He did not want his boasting about the Corinthians to be in vain. He wanted to show the other churches that the Corinthians followed through on the passions the Lord put on their heart.

It is quite surprising to see how the Lord often gives us a desire and passion for something, but we never seem to follow through. A willing heart has no impact unless it is followed by action.

Verse 4

Paul is quite bold with the Corinthians here. He told them how he had boasted to the Macedonians of their eagerness to contribute toward the needs of the saints. The apostle was now sending a team to collect their offering. He challenged them to be ready for this coming team. Paul demanded that their willingness be demonstrated by action. He did not want to be humiliated by a church that made big boasts but did not follow through.

Verse 5

So that the church would be ready for the team that came to collect their offering, Paul felt it necessary to arrange for some brothers to arrive beforehand to prepare the church and ensure everything was ready.

Paul’s intention is not to manipulate the church of Corinth but to prepare everything in advance so that the gifts may be “ready” as “a willing gift” and not “an exaction.”

First, Paul intended that the gift be ready for the collection team. He intended that the people of Corinth had ample time to lay aside what they could for the team coming to collect it. This would ease the burden on the Corinthians as they had more time to put aside the funds necessary.

Giving the Corinthians time to put funds aside was also a courtesy to the collection team. Their arrival would not take the church by surprise, nor would it cause undue stress on the team or the church because the funds were not ready for collection.

Second, Paul sent a team ahead so that the gift they gave would be a “willing gift.” I have been in churches where the pastor demanded people give right away. They had no time to think about what God wants them to give. They were being manipulated to give immediately without time to reflect and pray. Paul did not want this to happen. He wanted the Corinthians to have the time necessary to seek the Lord and His purpose for this offering. They were to give with a willing heart and not one manipulated by guilt.

Finally, Paul clarifies that he did not want the Corinthians to see their financial gift “as an exaction.” The word translated as “exaction” is πλεονεξία (pleonexía). It comes from the words pleíōn, meaning more, and échō, to have. It refers to greediness or covetousness. Paul’s use of the word here seems to imply that he did not want the Corinthians to feel that they were giving to people whose only desire was to get everything they could out of them to achieve their goals.

There were two ways to give, according to the apostle. The first was from a heart that knew the leading and prompting of God to give. The second was to give in response to those whose desire was to accomplish their personal objectives for God. I have often received pleas from brothers and sisters calling for me to give to their legitimate ministry needs. The problem is that I do not have the resources to give to everyone who demands it. I understand that everyone has needs in ministry. I realize that I may even have ways of sacrificing to meet those needs. The issue, however, is that there is only one Lord over my resources. It is to Him alone that I must surrender. Not all legitimate needs are for my consideration.

Paul sent brothers ahead of the collection team so that the Corinthians could have the time necessary to determine the will of God and not be pressured to give outside of His purpose.

Verse 6

While Paul wanted the Corinthians to give with a willing heart and not as an exaction (verse 5), he did want to assure them that God was no person’s debtor. The one who sowed sparingly would reap sparingly, while the bountiful sower would reap accordingly.

Any gardener knows that if you only sow a few seeds, that is all you can expect to harvest. On the other hand, if an abundance of seeds is planted, there is a greater likelihood of a more abundant harvest. What is true in the world of gardening is also true spiritually.

If you do not plant spiritual seeds, you cannot expect to harvest spiritual fruit. I have met believers who feel that if God wants to use them, He will do so without them ever exerting an effort on their part. What Paul is telling the Corinthians, however, is that they will reap what they sow. If you don’t sow any seeds, don’t expect a harvest. If you want a harvest of good fruit, you must be willing to plant seeds in your garden. If you want to stand before God with a life that has had an impact, then you need to make an effort to make that happen. The race is for the runner. You cannot win the race if you don’t compete in the event.

The usefulness and effectiveness of the church in Corinth were dependent on what they were willing to sow spiritually into the kingdom. In this case, they were being given an opportunity to bless believers in Jerusalem by taking up an offering. They could be sure that God would bless what they were willing to contribute.

Verse 7

The apostle challenges the believers of Corinth to give as they decided in their hearts without reluctance or compulsion but cheerfully. Let’s break this statement down to examine its parts.

First, note that each believer must give. This giving may come in many forms. It may be through the use of time or the contribution of resources. What is essential here is that each believer has a heart to give. This is what Jesus did for us. All who have the heart of Jesus will have a passion to give as He gave. Our spiritual health depends on our willingness to give of our time, effort and resources for the glory of God.

Second, believers must give as they have decided. Notice that giving is a decision we must make. Every believer must come to a place where they choose to be a giver. All too many have never come to this place. Many want to be receivers. They come to church to receive. They expect the church to minister to them. They expect a funeral, a wedding, baptism and regular pastoral care, and in this, they are content. Paul tells us, however, that we must come to a place where we are determined to move from being a receiver to being a giver. Until we do so, we will never be effective or healthy spiritually.

Third, our decision to become a giver must be from the heart. Some people give to be seen by others. This is their motivation in giving. Others give because of guilt. They are ashamed not to give, though it is not really in their heart to do so. Their giving is out of compulsion or a fear of what others might think if they didn’t give. Paul tells the Corinthians, however, that this is not the giving God requires. God is looking for believers who have consciously surrendered all they have to Him. Out of love and devotion to God, these believers have determined to use what God has given them for His glory. They give from a surrendered heart that has decided that they will give whatever He asks of them.

Notice next that the believer does not give reluctantly. The heart is surrendered to the Lord Jesus and holds nothing back. They have come to a place of willing surrender. I will yield everything He asks. I will see it as my privilege to be a useful instrument in the great cause of the kingdom of God. Just show me how I can contribute.

Next, the believer does not give out of compulsion. The word translated compulsion here is ἀνάγκη (anágkē). It speaks of something forced upon an unwilling subject. This may be a result of guilt or shame. These are unworthy motivators for giving. If we are feeling forced or compelled by external forces to give, we need to examine whether this is from God or not.

Paul concludes by telling the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver. If I am to give an offering that pleases the Lord, it must be from a heart that rejoices in the giving. It must be from a heart that takes great delight in playing a role in expanding God’s kingdom.

If you want to give a gift that pleases the Lord, it must come from a heart that has committed itself to full surrender and finds great joy in the giving. Any other motivation falls short of God’s glory.

Verse 8

In verse 7, Paul explained that believers were to give what was on their hearts with a cheerful heart. We must understand that sacrifice is involved in offering what we have to the Lord. We give what we may need in the future. This, of course, was cause for legitimate concern.

Paul addressed this concern here by reminding the Corinthians that God was able to make all grace abound to those who sacrificially devoted themselves to Him. In other words, God’s unmerited favour would be showered upon them, giving them “sufficiency in all things at all times.” In other words, God would provide all their needs. Their role was to give what God put on their hearts to give. God would make sure they had sufficient.

It is all too easy to become comfortable with our bank accounts. Paul is reminding the Corinthians, however, that God would supply their every need if they were faithful with what he gave them.

Verse 9

Paul quotes from Psalm 112:9 in this context. The Psalmist speaks in Psalm 112 of a man who fears the Lord. Notice what the Psalmist says about such a man here.

First, the man who fears the Lord “distributed freely.” In other words, he was very generous with his belongings. He gave what he had freely to those in need.

Second, the man who feared the Lord was concerned for the poor. He did what he could to ease the burden of those who did not have even the necessities of life.

Finally, the righteousness of the man who feared the Lord endured forever. That is to say; he was firmly established in a lifestyle of godly concern for people in need among him. He did this as a service to the Lord and out of devotion to His God.

Paul reminds the Corinthians here that what he called them to do was nothing new. The psalmist taught that those who fear the Lord are concerned for the needy among them.

Verse 10

Paul assures the Corinthians that the God who supplies seed to the sower would multiply that seed for sowing and increase their harvest. Consider a couple of details here.

First, it is God who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. It is all too easy for us to assume that we are able to provide for our own needs. Remember, however, that your health is not guaranteed. Consider the wisdom you have to do the tasks at hand. Where does all of this come from? Are we not completely dependant on God for everything. Is it not His grace the supplies us with wisdom and strength to work to obtain the seed to sow and the bread to eat.

Second, observe that the God who supplies seed and bread will multiply seed for sowing and increase the harvest of righteousness. Are you willing to plant what the Lord gives? Are you ready to lay it down on the ground? Than be assured that when you do, God will respond with a bountiful harvest. You cannot harvest what you do not plant.

Notice that the apostle speaks here about a harvest of righteousness. What he seems to be telling the Corinthians is that as they gave their offering to the Lord, He would use it to produce spiritual fruit in the lives of those who received it as well as those who gave. Their sacrifice would bear fruit and produce a great harvest of righteousnesss.

Consider this for a moment. You have a package of seed on the shelf. That package is your provision for the future and so you keep it there safely. What good, however, are those seeds sitting on the shelf? If they are not planted they have no benefit. If you plant them, however, you will produce a crop with even more seeds to plant in the coming years. If the seeds remain on the shelf, they will remain a small package by themselves. If they are planted, however, they will multiply and provide even more security for your future. The gifts of God are like this. They must be invested in the kingdom if they are to multiply and produce an abundant harvest. We need not fear that using God’s gifts will leave us empty. The more these gifts are used, the more they multiply and bless.

Verse 11

Paul tells the Corinthians that as they give what God put on their heart to give, three things will happen.

First, God would enrich them in every way. In Matthew 14, we have the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 men. All He had was five loaves and two fish. He broke up the loaves and had His disciples distribute them. When everyone had sufficient to eat, the disciples gathered up twelve baskets full of leftovers. This was more than they had to begin with! This is the nature of God’s gifts. The more we invest them into the kingdom, the more we are enriched. While that enrichment may not always be as we anticipate, we can be assured that what we invest will multiply in and through us.

Second, observe that this enriching is not to keep for ourselves, but we are “enriched in every way to be generous.” When we use what God has given and prove faithful with what we have, He will entrust us with even more for the blessing of His people and the expansion of His kingdom.

Third, this richness of blessing flowing through us will produce an abundant harvest of thanksgiving to God. This is the great delight of the believer. Those who love the Lord find no greater joy than seeing their Lord glorified and honoured through their efforts. This is the goal of our giving – the glory of God and hearts that praise Him for His favour and mercy.

Verse 12

The ministry of giving accomplishes two things, according to Paul.

First, it supplies the needs of the saints. When we are willing to surrender our blessing to someone else, this act of generosity meets a very particular need at a given time. God uses our generosity to minister to His people.

Second, not only does our generosity supply the needs of the saints, but it overflows in much thanksgiving to God. Do you want to bring glory to God? Watch what happens when your gift arrives at the doorstep of a believer who doesn’t know how to pay his bill that month. See the response of the mother to receive that gift at a time when she doesn’t know how she is going to provide food that day for her child. Note the exclamations of thanksgiving to God. See the tears of joy and thanksgiving in the eyes of those who have just seen a miracle through the gift received at an appropriate time.

What greater return could there be for the giver than to see the outstretched arms of praise raised to God in praise and thanksgiving for His provision?

Verse 13

Paul shows the Corinthians how generous giving glorifies the Lord. When the Corinthians gave to the Lord, that gift went to the needy receiver and met a particular need.

Notice the phrase in the English Standard Version: “By their approval of this service.” The word approval is δοκιμή (dokimḗ). It implies proof of genuineness. In this case, the individual receiving the gift is the one who proves the genuineness and divine nature of that gift. They testify that it was from God at the right time.

Notice the response of those who testify to the genuineness of this gift of God from the believer: “They will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ.” In other words, those who receive the gift and recognize it as from God bring Him praise not just for the gift received but also for the faith of the one who gave it.

Notice the nature of this faith. It is a faith that submits to the purpose of God. That submission is made possible by means of the gospel of Christ. In other words, those who give do so because the gospel of Jesus Christ has transformed their lives. Their proud hearts have been transformed into generous and compassionate ones, concerned for the needy and poor.

The gift’s receiver recognizes it as being from the Lord through a people who have been transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ and His work. The gift itself is a presentation of the gospel.

Verse 14

Notice something else that takes place when we exercise the gift of generosity. Paul tells the Corinthians that those who benefit from our gift long for us. That is to say, their hearts are filled with love for us as believers because of our compassion and concern for them in their need.

Notice secondly, however, that their hearts are also stirred up to pray for us. They petition God on our behalf, crying out for His blessing on our lives.

They do this because they see the grace of God upon us. They see this grace and presence of God in our compassion and love for them in their need. They see it in the timely fashion of our gift, showing them that we are in tune with the Creator. This shows the receiver that God is very real and concerned for their needs.

Verse 15

Paul concludes the chapter with a reminder of the “inexpressible gift” of God. The apostle’s heart is moved as he reflects on the way the gospel changed the hearts of the Corinthians and how he could speak to them about ministering to needy saints for the glory of God. He thinks about the way in which the forgiveness and salvation of God was transforming lives and moving believers to respond to one another in a whole new way. The power of the gospel and a living Saviour was being manifested through the gifts of the saints and their care for one another. The work of Jesus on the cross changed everything.

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Chapter 10

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18

Verse 1

Having communicated with the Corinthians about the gift they were preparing for the saints, Paul moved on to another matter. This matter concerns some opposition to his ministry in Corinth.

Notice here the nature of the opposition. Some claimed Paul was bold when writing but humble when face to face. The idea is that he did not live up to his reputation as an apostle in Corinth. People said he spoke big words in his letters, but when he showed up in person, he was weak and insignificant.

As he begins this section of his letter, Paul “entreats the Corinthians by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. The word “entreat” is παρακαλέω (parakaléō). It comes from the word pará, meaning to the side of, and kaléō, meaning to call. The idea here is to call someone to one’s side for aid, support and comfort. Paul takes this opposition seriously and calls upon his supporters in Corinth to come to his aid and comfort in these times. Notice that he bases this plea on the meekness and gentleness of Christ. He is saying something like this: I plead with you, on the basis of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, to come to my side in this matter of the opposition I am facing from opponents to my ministry in Corinth.

Paul needed the support of other believers. He was not too proud to ask for their comfort and prayers.

Verse 2

While people said Paul was meek in person, he wrote to the Corinthians with a plea. He tells them he did not want to show “boldness” when he came to see them. By boldness, Paul is speaking about a harsh correction and reprimand. These individuals, who spoke against him, created division in the church. They needed to be corrected, and if they didn’t change their ways, he would need to come down hard on them. He preferred not to do this, so he warned them ahead of time so that they could address the matter before he came in person.

Notice also that some people accused Paul of walking “according to the flesh.” The opposite of walking according to the flesh is to walk in the Spirit. In other words, these individuals accused Paul of not walking in the Spirit. Paul took this matter very seriously. This, too, was divisive for the church and needed to be swiftly addressed. Paul did not hesitate to deal with this but preferred that the church resolve the matter before he had to get involved.

Verse 3

Paul was accused of walking in the flesh. While the term has come to speak of those who are not walking in the leading and empowering of the Spirit, there is a sense in which we all must walk in the flesh. Paul admits this in the phrase, “for though we all walk in the flesh.” What Paul is communicating here is that we live in fleshly and mortal bodies. We become tired physically and emotionally. It is in these earthly bodies that we must battle for the sake of the kingdom.

The apostle goes on, however, to tell the Corinthians that while we must do battle in these earthly bodies, we do not “wage war according to the flesh.” That is to say, the power to do battle is not found in our flesh or worldly wisdom. We do not take up physical arms to advance the kingdom’s cause. Paul explains this more fully in verse 4.

Verse 4

While we must battle in fleshly bodies, the weapons we use “are not of the flesh.” The enemy is not earthly. Bullets and bombs do not threaten this foe. Our worldly wisdom is no match for this unearthly opponent. If we want to overcome this enemy, we need more than fleshly weapons.

Paul tells the Corinthians that we have weapons that have divine power to destroy strongholds. Only the power of God can bring down these satanic strongholds. The power of His Spirit alone can open eyes and free those entrapped in the sin and lies of the enemy. Only God can give new life. There is forgiveness in His Son alone. The cross of Christ is sufficient in itself to break the chains and free the captives. The gospel’s message demonstrated and proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit will break down the strongholds raised by the enemy.

Don’t think that this power is solely required for evangelistic purposes. I have seen even in my life the need for this divine power to free me from the inner work of the flesh. We need this “divine power” not just to transform the world but also to overcome our own evil flesh.

Verse 5

Paul gives us an idea of the type of enemy we must overcome here.

First, he tells the Corinthians that we must battle arguments. The word translated “arguments” is λογισμός (logismós). It refers to a careful consideration and reflection given to a subject before acting on it. Understand here that some of the philosophies of this world have come through years of careful consideration and debate. In fact, from a human perspective, some of these philosophies are very logical. People are entrapped in theologies and world views that seem to make sense to them and have been carefully reasoned and debated for years. Paul would have addressed different philosophers in Athens. Some of these scholars could not understand the Christian faith he presented to them. As believers, we stand against intellectual forces in dark places. Some of us are simple people whose intellectual capacity does not match that of these foes. Yet we are called in the power of God to stand up to them and present the gospel message which can transform the lives of those caught up in these persuasive arguments.

Second, we must stand against “every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” The word translated as “lofty opinion” is ὑˊψωμα (húpsōma). The phrase speaks of something high or elevated. The word “opinion” seems to be insinuated. It appears that what Paul is talking about is all loftiness that raises itself above God. This may certainly be opinions, but I would not exclude anything else that would lift itself above God and His purpose. Some people seek attention and influence and will do anything to get it. Others have a passion for wealth and comfort. There are many things that people elevate above the knowledge of God in this world. As believers, we stand against those whose passion is not for God but for the things this world offers. They care nothing for the knowledge of God. Their eyes are set on other things. These things take the place of God in their lives, and they have no intention of letting them go. We battle the lust of the flesh and eyes. We stand before a people whose whole life revolves around what they can get out of this world and tell them that everything they pursue cannot compare to knowing God. For many, this is a message that makes no sense.

Third, we stand against every thought that does not submit to Christ. It is our calling to take every blasphemous word spoken and every rebellious thought captive. Our task will not be completed until every heart and mind submits to Christ.

Let me ask you this one question. Is this something you can do in the flesh? We must take on this challenge while living in the flesh, but who among us could believe that the flesh and its wisdom are sufficient for such a task? The weapons we need are divine. We need a miracle of God for such a responsibility.

Verse 6

Our battle, according to Paul, is against every ungodly argument, any loftiness raising itself above Christ, and every thought not held in submission to His will. We battle these spiritual enemies in the world, particularly in the church.

As members of the body of Christ, we must punish every disobedience. The word, punish, is ἐκδικέω (ekdikéō). It comes from the word ékdikos, meaning to avenge. The idea is to execute justice and defend a cause.

Paul feels very strongly about the glory of God. It grieved Him to see his purpose ignored. He felt compelled, as a soldier in the kingdom army, to stand against anything that would clash with the principles of that kingdom. He took up arms to battle the opposition and committed himself to fight that battle until every member of that kingdom lived in absolute obedience to the rule of Christ.

Verse 7

Understand here that there were people in Corinth who were not convinced Paul was a true servant of Christ. It disturbed Paul that some individuals thought this way, but it did not change what he knew to be true. He had as much confidence as anyone that he belonged to Christ and had been called to be His servant.

Notice how he challenged the Corinthians to look at what was before their eyes. He may be challenging them to examine his ministry and lifestyle. If outward appearance meant anything, they could see a man who devoted his life to the cause of Christ and was willing even to lay down his life for Him.

Beyond any outward appearance, however, Paul is convinced in his heart that he was Christ’s. This is an assurance that we must all have. It is not something we can explain to anyone else. It is an assurance that comes not from what we do so much as faith in Christ and the inner voice of His Spirit, convincing our spirit that we are His. As Paul said to the Romans:

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, – Ro 8:16

Paul knew where he stood before the Saviour, and despite what others said about him, they could not take away that assurance of his standing with God.

Verse 8

Paul was not perfect. He would have been the first to admit this. Notice here that he confessed that there were times when he “boasted a little too much” about the authority the Lord had given him.

Paul was proud to be an apostle. He marvelled at the fact that he should be called to this position, as he had persecuted the church.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. – 1Co 15:9

While He bore the title of apostle with pride, Paul understood the sacred obligations that came with that title. He was called to build up the church and not destroy it. He grieved that the church of Corinth should be divided over his calling as an apostle. One thing is certain, however, he would exercise his role and not be ashamed before God. He would take his calling seriously and do all he could to build up the church of Jesus Christ.

Verse 9

Notice how Paul directly addresses the controversy in Corinth here. Individuals were saying that Paul’s letters were bold and frightening, but in person, he was meek and small. The apostle alludes to this in the first verse when he said:

1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— – 2Co 10:1

He recognized that his first letter to the Corinthians was harsh and bold. Notice, however, that he tells the Corinthians here that it was not his intention to frighten them with his letters. Paul goes further in this verse to say that he does not even want to appear frightening.

Some use fear as a tactic to exact a response from their listeners. Fear can indeed be a powerful motivator. Understand the context of this verse, however. Paul has just told the Corinthians that although he battled in the flesh, the weapons of his warfare were not fleshly. Fear and manipulations were not weapons in Paul’s arsenal. He would not attempt to scare people into obedience. He chose to communicate the truth but trusted completely in the power of God’s Spirit to convict and convince.

Verse 10

Paul returns to the accusations against him in Corinth:

“His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”

There were individuals in the church of Corinth who did not like Paul. These words were intended to diminish his ministry in the eyes of those who loved him. Notice what the verse tells us about the view of this group in the church.

First, they recognized that Paul’s letters were “weighty and strong.” The word, weighty, is βαρύς (barús), meaning burdensome or oppressive. The context might indicate that the weightiness of the letter could also be an indication of its significance. To these individuals, the letters of Paul were hard to bear and full of requirements.

Not only were the letters of Paul weighty, according to this group in Corinth, but they were also strong. The word strong is ἰσχυρός (ischurós) means strong or powerful. In this case, the letters of Paul were like thunder, blasting in the ears of the listener. The word could indicate that Paul’s words were almost overwhelming or overpowering.

Notice next what Paul’s opponents had to say about his physical presence. According to them, his bodily presence was weak. The word weak is ἀσθενής (asthenḗs). It is derived from the word a, meaning without and the word sthénos, meaning strength. In other words, Paul’s “bodily presence” was without strength. Remember that Paul had a thorn in his flesh that hindered him physically. It may be that his opponents saw this handicap as a hindrance to his ministry.

Notice how those who opposed Paul evaluated his public speaking. They spoke of it as being of “no account (ESV) or “contemptible” (KJV). The Greek word here is ἐξουθενέω (exouthenéō), which means despise, to be worthy of scorn and needing to be rejected. Paul’s public speaking did not make much of an impression on his opponents.

The words used here by Paul’s enemies in Corinth are quite strong and reflect their hatred for him. The intensity of bitterness toward Paul, revealed in these words, threatened the church with serious division.

Verse 11

Paul objects to the accusations of his enemies here. In a sense, they had accused him of being two-faced. They believed that when he wrote, he was powerful and bold, but in person, he was a weak and insignificant man whose words were not worth listening to.

Paul assured them that what he preached in person was what he wrote in his letters. He had only one heart, and that heart was devoted entirely to the Lord His God and to the truth He had revealed to him. He made it his ambition in life to live what he preached to others. He expressed this passion quite clearly in his first letter to the Corinthians when he said:

26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – 1Co 9:26-27

Paul took this accusation of hypocrisy seriously. He wanted to live and preach one message. He made it his ambition and goal in life to live what he preached.

Verse 12

Notice here that there were individuals in Corinth who were commending themselves. That is to say, they were seeking attention and presenting themselves as models of religious leadership. Paul says three things here about these individuals.

First, Paul did not dare to classify himself with these people. That is to say, they were in a completely different class. Paul did not circulate among this kind of leader. This was neither his style nor his belief. He was not among those looking for attention from those who served. Nor did he depreciate leadership to the point where it was all about externals and show.

Second, Paul did not dare to compare himself to this kind of leader. His calling was to serve the Lord and walk in His purpose. His goal was to minister to those God had put under his charge. He didn’t spend his time comparing himself with others. The church in Corinth was divided by its leadership. Some followed Paul, others followed Apollos, and still, others followed Peter. Paul was not interested in these kinds of divisions.

Notice what Paul tells those who measure themselves by one another: “They are without understanding.” The kingdom of God is bigger than the personality of its leaders. God works through people of different ministry styles. I have been in pastor’s conferences and watched pastors sit around comparing their ministry successes. I wonder how much the Father grieves to see his servants fall into this trap. Jeremiah, the prophet, was a faithful servant of God but had very little to show for his years of ministry. Shall we reduce ministry to numbers, statistics and style? Paul would not fall into this error.

Verse 13

There is a boasting that reflects our pride and joy in what God has called us to do. Paul rejoiced to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. He was proud to be His follower. The opposite of being proud is being ashamed. We can boast about what the Lord has done. We can rejoice and be proud of what He has called us to do. What soldier is not proud of the cause they represent? We dare not be ashamed of God’s purpose for our lives. We must walk in it with pride.

Notice, however, that it is possible to boast beyond our limits. We can spend time trying to be what God has never called us to be. Some preachers have never been called to be preachers. They spend their time seeking the approval of men and women to whom they preach. They seek to build up a following, but they have never been called to be leaders. Shall we boast about our human achievements in ministry when God has never called us to these ministries? Will we not stand before God and hear him say: “I never asked you to do that.” Will we not hear Him say: “It wasn’t for me you did that. You did things in your way. You chose your path. You walked in your strength. You sought your glory.”

Paul chose to boast only about what God had given him and what God did through Him. Nothing else was worthy of His attention.

Verse 14

In Luke 12:16-21 Jesus told a parable of a man whose land produced an abundant crop. He determined, therefore, to tear down his barns, build bigger ones and “relax, eat, drink, be merry” for the years to come (Luke 12:19). Jesus calls this man a fool for he boasted of doing things he knew nothing about. This man did not even know if he would live another day to enjoy the abundance of his harvest. How easy it is to boast of things we have no control over. The greatest plans can come to nothing.

In verse 13, Paul spoke of those who boasted beyond their limit. Notice, here, however, that he tells them that he did not overextend himself or speak of things over which he had no control. Paul speaks and boasts of what God had done in the city of Corinth. He had visited and preached in the town. He had seen the fruit of his labours there. He had been the first to arrive in Corinth with the gospel. Its citizens heard the Word of God through him first. Many in the city had come to faith in Christ through the ministry of Paul.

As Paul writes to the Corinthians, he does not go beyond his calling. God had called him to minister to them. He went in obedience as a faithful servant. He did not come with great intentions of transforming the church in his human strength and wisdom. He did what God had called him to do and preached what God gave him to preach.

When threatened, some animals puff themselves up to make themselves look bigger than they are. This is not what Paul was doing here. He spoke only of what God had done. He did not boast of great plans for his ministry in Corinth. He simply declared with pride the wonderful deeds of God and showed how delighted he was to be part of that great purpose.

Verse 15

One of the great challenges I have in the church where I minister is understanding the limits of my calling. God has called me to preach the word and care for the flock. However, there is often a temptation to go beyond this. It would be easy to get involved in areas of the church’s ministry to which God has not called me.

In any good church, its members are involved in various aspects of ministry. How easy it is as pastors to boast of the great things being achieved in our churches as if they were the fruit of our labours when, in reality, we have had nothing to do with it.

Paul brought the gospel to Corinth, but others had also been there. These brothers also played an important part in the church’s maturity. Paul had enough humility to understand that he was only part of the work in Corinth.

Notice that Paul desired that as the church of Corinth grew, he would have an even greater influence. As they matured he would be released to minister to others. He goes on to explain this more fully in verse 16.

Verse 16

Paul desired to preach the gospel in lands beyond Corinth. As the church matured and required less of his attention, Paul would be released to minister in places where no one else had been.

Notice that the apostle did not want to boast about work already done in another person’s area of influence. How easy it is to focus on the great things being done in one mission field when there are places where the gospel has never been heard. Paul shows his missionary heart here. He wanted to reach areas that had never heard the gospel. He wanted to go where no one else was ministering. His passion was to reach those who had never been reached.

Verse 17

We can boast of our great achievements and ambitions in life. Paul tells us, however, that there is only one object in which we can truly boast — the Lord. If we are going to boast, let that boasting be in the greatness of the Lord and His work. It is to Him that we owe everything. We are nothing without Him. Let us, therefore, lift His name and proudly proclaim the greatness of His person and work.

Verse 18

The apostle shows the Corinthians that it is not the one who commends himself who is approved but rather the one the Lord commends.

You may think you are doing a great job, but your opinion does not count. Only what God approves counts. We do not live for ourselves but for Him.

I have met Christian leaders whose passion is to prove their worth by what they do. They build their kingdom to show God what they can do for Him. They want to demonstrate to the world how much they can achieve for the kingdom of God. They push forward in great strides, achieving great things. The problem is that it is all for themselves. They are overextending themselves and boasting about what they have never been called to do. It is not how much you achieve that counts, but rather whether you have been faithful to the task God has given you to do. It is not what people think of your abilities that matters but obedience to God and His purpose.

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Chapter 11

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31	32	33

Verse 1

In chapter 10, Paul began to address those who opposed his ministry. These individuals accused Paul of big words but little presence (10:1, 10). They commended themselves before others and boasted beyond their limits (10:15). Paul wanted to assure the Corinthians that while he and his co-workers had their opponents in Corinth, they were, nonetheless, true servants of God. He feels compelled here to defend his calling and the legitimacy of his ministry in light of this Corinthian opposition.

Paul prepares the Corinthians in verse 1 for his defence in the words: “Bear with me in a little foolishness.” The word foolishness is ἀφροσύνη (aphrosúnē). It carries the idea of a lack of wisdom and sense. Paul is not encouraging this foolishness, nor is he truly engaging in it. His purpose is to show the Corinthians the non-sensical nature of what his opponents were saying. For a moment, the apostle stoops to the level of his opponents and reasons as they did. He does so, however, by prefacing his comments with the words: “Bear with a little foolishness” to show that he felt that this type of reasoning was neither Biblical nor truly Christian.

Verse 2

Paul tells the Corinthians that he felt “divine jealousy” for them. The word jealous in the Greek language is ζη̃λος (zḗlos). The word comes from zéō, meaning hot or fervent. When used in a negative sense, ζη̃λος (zḗlos) refers to anger or envy. When used positively, it conveys a sense of affection and desire for the well-being of another. Paul makes it quite clear that he speaks in this case of a “divine” jealousy. The jealousy Paul had was from God and expressed itself in a devotion, affection and deep passion for the wellbeing of the Corinthian church.

Notice the reason for this divine jealousy in the words: “Since I betrothed you to one husband.” Paul introduced the church of Corinth to the person of Jesus Christ. It was through his ministry among them that these believers became the bride of Christ.

Notice that he desired to present the Corinthians to Christ as a “pure virgin.” This is not to say that the Corinthians were perfect. Paul pointed them, however, to the cross of Jesus Christ, where their sins could be forgiven and cleansed. As a result of this work of Jesus on their behalf, they could stand before Him, cleansed and purified from their sin, with nothing to keep them from fellowship with Him as their true husband.

Verse 3

The passion of Paul for the well-being of the Corinthians is demonstrated in the fact that he was concerned that the serpent mislead them. The apostle reminds the Corinthians of Eve in the Garden of Eden to illustrate his point.

There, in the Garden of Eden, Satan, in the form of a serpent, deceived Eve and successfully tempted her to eat the forbidden fruit. Similarly, Paul was concerned that false teachers, whose passion was more for commending themselves than the gospel, would mislead the Corinthians with their flowery words from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Notice the words “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” Many maintain a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus, whose devotion is not sincere or pure. The word translated as sincere in the English Standard Version of the Bible is φθείρω phtheírō, which refers to something that has been corrupted or spoiled. Fruit that remains out too long will eventually begin to decay or rot. Paul’s concern here is that the devotion of the Corinthians to Jesus Christ would spoil or deteriorate due to the temptations around them or the words of preachers who were less than sincere.

The purity Paul speaks about in their relationship with Christ comes from the Greek word ἁπλότης (haplótēs). It originates from the word haploús, meaning single or single-minded. That is to say, without any hypocrisy. Paul’s heart was that the believers in Corinth have minds focused on Jesus Christ. He did not want their hearts tempted by other things but wholly devoted to Him.

Paul’s fear in this verse is not so much that the believers would abandon Jesus altogether but that they would lose some of their passion and delight in him. Many people still commit to Jesus Christ, who have lost their love and delight in Him. Many worldly things have compromised their devotion, and He no longer occupies the central place in their heart.

Verse 4

Paul warns the Corinthians about teachers circulating among them, watering down and twisting the truth the apostles had passed on to them. Notice the three-fold warning of Paul here.

First, some proclaimed “another Jesus.” While there is only one Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, there were preachers who spoke untruths about Him and His work. The truth of Jesus Christ has been written down for us by the apostles and gospel writers. Apart from Paul, these individuals knew Him when He walked on this earth. They sat under His teaching and faithfully transmitted that truth to us today. Paul warned the Corinthians about any ideas of Jesus contrary to the teaching of the gospels and apostles.

Second, the Corinthians were not only to be aware of the preaching of “another Jesus” but also of “receiving a different spirit” from the one they had already received. The Holy Spirit was given to every believer. He came to convict them of sin and lead them to the truth. He also came to empower the believer in the purpose of God.

Understand, however, that there are other spirits in this world. Satan and his evil spirits infiltrate into every aspect of our society to thwart the purpose of God and mislead people. I have been in churches where believers do not seem to demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Instead, they seem to be guided by a divisive spirit that seems to cause great division and chaos. Paul challenges believers to submit fully to the Spirit they had received when they came to know Christ. They were to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and keep them in the purpose of God for their lives.

Finally, some individuals preached another gospel. This other gospel often diminishes the work of Jesus Christ by supplementing it with human efforts, traditions or practices. This is not the gospel taught by the apostles but a “different gospel” that must be rejected.

Notice here that Paul has some strong words for the Corinthians when he says, “You put up with it readily enough.” Some individuals in Corinth accepted another Jesus, received a different spirit and taught another gospel. Paul was concerned that the influence of these false teachers not spread in the church.

Verse 5

In verse 4, the apostle tells the Corinthians that some taught another Jesus, received a different spirit and promoted another gospel. These same individuals lifted themselves as great preachers and apostles. We have evidence in the context of them even declaring that Paul’s words were big but his presence insignificant. In other words, they sought to diminish Paul and his calling before the people.

Paul is not threatened by these boastful false preachers influencing the church. He calls them “super-apostles” here, not because he believed they were, but because this is ultimately what they falsely claimed to be.

He stands up to these “super-apostles” and tells the Corinthians that he was not threatened or inferior to them. He had the call of God on his life and was willing to stand boldly against them, defending the truth passed on to Him by Christ.

Verse 6

Paul was not blind to his weaknesses. He understood that his opponents were not impressed by his physical appearance in Corinth. Nor were they impressed by his speaking abilities as an apostle. Paul admits he was not a gifted preacher in the words: “Even if I am unskilled in speaking.” We often see Paul as a fiery and dynamic preacher, but this may not have been the case. He may not have been a gifted speaker at all. I have sat down under the preaching of some who would have been very difficult to listen to were it not for the fact that they had a powerful truth to proclaim. The power of Paul’s preaching was not in his skillful oratory but in the Spirit of God.

While Paul admits to not being a very good public speaker, he rejects any idea that he did not know the truth. He was convinced that while He may not have been a good communicator, the message he preached was true.

Notice that Paul was also convinced that he had declared that truth in a way that was “plain.” The apostle had every assurance that he had spoken the truth and made it understandable to the Corinthians.

Paul did not get wrapped up in the presentation of the gospel. He did not try to make it more appealing. He presented the message in a “plain” and simple way. It was not eloquently spoken, nor did his presentation impress the crowds, but it was true, and it was empowered by the Spirit to take root in the lives of those who heard his faltering lips.

Verse 7

Paul speaks here as one of the false prophets opposing him in Corinth. He does so with a “little foolishness” (verse 1). He told the Corinthians that while he did not talk with eloquent and skillful words, he did speak the truth plainly, and that had resulted in the salvation of souls in Corinth.

Paul did not commend himself or go to Corinth to boast beyond his limit. He went humbly, as a servant of Christ, preaching the simple truth of the gospel. He did not charge his listeners to hear that truth but shared it freely. His intention was for people to see and know Christ. He was a mere instrument for that to take place.

This was not always the way of false prophets. They wanted to be noticed and boasted of great things. They enjoyed receiving benefits from their flowery preaching and often made their living off those to whom they preached. Foolish or not, this was not Paul’s way.

Verse 8

The apostle preached the gospel in Corinth free of charge. He could do this because other churches supported him in his efforts. Notice how Paul expresses this here: “I robbed other churches in accepting support.”

By using the phrase, “I robbed other churches,” the apostle may be expressing his reluctance to accept their support. It felt like he was taking from them the funds they needed for their ministries. He seems to do this only because of the benefit it would bring to those who had never heard the gospel. Unlike the false prophet, who seemed to delight in demanding their wages, Paul hesitated to take from the churches for his ministry.

Verse 9

While in Corinth, Paul experienced a period of financial need. He did not want to burden the Corinthians “in any way,” so he was delighted when a monetary gift from Macedonia supplied that need.

Unlike the false preachers of the day, who required payment for their services, Paul did everything he could, not to be a financial burden “in any way.” For that to occur, the apostle needed to trust God alone for his supply. He did so by not requesting payment or personal benefit from the churches where he ministered. He offered his services freely and trusted the Lord to supply.

Verse 10

There was a cause for boasting in Paul. It was not the boasting found in the false teachers, however. Paul’s boast was different. In the context of this chapter, we discover that he boasted of speaking the plain truth with an unskilled tongue (verse 6). He proudly boasted about the message of the gospel entrusted to him (verse 6). He was also proud that he preached and ministered without putting anyone under a financial burden to support him (verse 9). It was the apostle’s commitment to continue in this way.

He told the Corinthians that he was proud to offer the gospel freely to the regions of Achaia. He took it as a matter of personal pride that he did not minister with great show and pomp like the false prophets and that the power of his ministry was not in himself but in the work of God’s Spirit through plainly spoken words.

Verse 11

Paul’s attitude in Corinth could have been misinterpreted. He did not put on a great show for them. He spoke in plain words and not in skillful oratory. He chose not to take or even require gifts from them. He preached the gospel freely and with no burden placed on the Corinthians. He expected nothing from them for his months of faithful service.

It could be said that Paul’s ministry was one-sided. He gave but expected nothing in return. He preached the gospel and left. For some, this may have been very impersonal. Paul may not have been the friendly, attention-seeking pastor relishing the abundant gifts of his congregation. This was not what was important to him. He cared for their souls, not for what he could get out of them. While he may not have been like the attention-seeking false prophets, there was no questioning Paul’s devotion and love for the Corinthians.

Verse 12

False prophets in Corinth made a bold claim. According to Paul, they believed they worked “on the same terms” as all apostles. This was not Paul’s understanding. He saw them as preaching another Jesus, another gospel and having a different spirit (11:4). Paul tells the Corinthians here that he chose to boast of his plain, unskilled preaching and commitment not to burden the churches in which he preached. He decided to do so for a specific reason — “to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.”

Paul wanted believers to see beyond the bold claims of false teachers. Anyone observing Paul’s ministry would have been able to see he chose a very different ministry path. His methods were not worldly. His confidence was not in his ability. He didn’t want to profit from those he ministered to. His confidence was not in himself but in the truth of the Spirit-empowered message he preached.

Verse 13

The false teachers of Paul’s day, according to him, were deceitful workmen who disguised themselves as apostles. They were deceitful in that they had taken up this title of their own accord. They claimed to be apostles, but they had never been called to this role. They busied themselves with the kingdom’s work, but that did not make them true servants of Christ.

Paul shows us here that there were people in the church who made false claims to be apostles. He also teaches that not everyone busy in the church’s work is called or even a genuine servant of God. There are false apostles and deceitful workers in the church. We would do well to watch out for these individuals lest they hinder the work of God.

Verse 14

It should not surprise us that there will be “deceitful workers” in the church of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. He will do all he can to infiltrate the church. False teachers and deceitful workers are his instruments to hinder the work God wants to do on this earth. This calls for great discernment on the part of the church.

Verse 15

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, it should not be surprising that his servants will do the same. These servants of Satan come into the church disguising themselves as servants of righteousness. Paul tells us, however, that “their end will correspond to their deeds.” God will judge them. The fruit they bear will not be the fruit of righteousness but of the flesh. These individuals will cause division in the church. They will do so in the name of Jesus Christ, but they are not acting in His interest or purpose.

Paul challenges the church of Corinth to be watchful. He reminds them that they are in the midst of a spiritual battle. The enemy will do all he can to disguise himself and his true intentions. He will seek to divide and conquer the church so that it cannot advance the kingdom of God. Sometimes, the greatest enemy sits in the pew beside us and worships with us.

Verse 16

The apostle continues to compare himself to the false apostles in Corinth. He spoke in the previous verses about his qualifications and ministry style. He moves now to talk about what it cost him to minister in the name of Jesus Christ. While the false apostles of Corinth profited from their falsely held position, the true apostles suffered greatly and endured tremendous hardship. In the world’s eyes, this would be foolish. Paul asks the Corinthians to accept him as a fool in that case.

Notice also here that the apostle was not ashamed to suffer for the name he represented. He was proud to do so.

Verse 17

In these verses, the apostle adopts a tone of “boastful confidence.” In other words, he draws attention to himself and his fleshly efforts. He explains that this was not a godly tone. He does not speak here as the Lord would but as a proud and arrogant individual boasting in himself.

Paul wants to clarify that he was not acting in the Spirit by how he wrote. He had a purpose in this. He desired to communicate how the world thought. He takes on this way of thinking momentarily to show how the false apostles of his day were reasoning. He writes this way to teach the Corinthians the difference between the world’s philosophy and the way of Christ. The apostle makes it clear that this way of thinking is foolish and has no place in the believer’s mind.

Verse 18

Paul understood that the way of humility was not common even in his day. We naturally tend to elevate ourselves, our ministries, sacrifices and abilities. We want to boast in our flesh. It seems to go against human nature to seek His glory alone.

Paul understood this tendency and took a moment to demonstrate his fleshly qualifications in ministry. Understand here that he does this to show that he had all the qualifications necessary for the work of an apostle. He takes his diplomas, degrees and certificates out of the drawer and places them before the Corinthians, even though he understood that they were not what truly qualified him to be an apostle.

Verse 19

The apostle understood the mindset of many in Corinth. It was not a spiritual mindset but a fleshly one. They focused on the flesh and its qualifications. They were caught up in experience, presentation, numbers and statistics and not in the leading and purpose of God. Notice the phrase “being wise yourselves.” The idea here is that they were wise in their own eyes. Those who are wise in their own eyes do not see the need for God in every aspect of life and ministry. They trust their own ideas and abilities. Paul calls this foolishness and laments that the Corinthians gladly tolerated people who ministered and lived this way.

Verse 20

Paul has very strong words about the false prophets and teachers who ministered in Corinth.

First, they made slaves of those they ministered to. That is to say, they demanded obedience from those under them. They became lords in the church, demanding their rights and privileges from those they saw as inferior to them.

Second, they devoured or took advantage of the flock. These false prophets and apostles lifted themselves above the people, took their money and resources and demanded their service. Instead of caring for and feeding the flock, they demanded to be served at their expense. This created undue hardship for the sheep.

Thirdly, these individuals “put on airs.” In other words, they puffed themselves up and proudly lifted themselves above the flock. They believed they were more important than the sheep they served.

This arrogance in these false teachers was such that they would “strike you in the face” if they felt you were offending them or did not take them seriously.

What was most shocking to Paul was that the church of Corinth put up with such arrogant leaders and false prophets. This was not the way of Christ. He humbled Himself and died for the sheep. He endured hardship to provide for their need.

Verse 21

Comparing himself to the church leaders described in verse 20, the apostle declares sarcastically: “To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!” Paul did not dare to lift himself above the sheep. He was not bold enough to demand they serve him and his needs. He did not have the courage to slap them in the face and demand their respect. This was not Paul’s way. He served rather in humility, self-denial and sacrifice.

Having said that, he was not bold enough to serve like these false apostles, the apostle declares he was indeed qualified to serve and had fleshly reasons to boast. Notice, however, that such boasting in the flesh was foolish to him. Paul’s confidence was not in his ability but in the power of the Spirit and the work of Christ. Nothing else was truly worthy of his attention.

Verse 22

Speaking about the boastful false apostles of Corinth, Paul asks three questions: Are they Hebrews? Are they Israelites? Are they offspring of Abraham?

First, the reference to Hebrew seems to be to the language. Not all Jewish people spoke Hebrew. Some Jews were born outside of Israel and spoke another language. Paul tells the Corinthians, however, that he was Hebrew and spoke the original language of his people.

Second, the word Israelite may refer to the direct descendants of Jacob (also called Israel). As mentioned, some Jews were converts to the faith but not descendants of Jacob. Paul was a true descendant.

Finally, Paul speaks of the offspring of Abraham. God established His covenant with Abraham, promising to be his God and the God of his offspring. The sign of that covenant was circumcision. Paul was circumcised as a child of Abraham and had walked faithfully in the requirements of that covenant.

Paul tells the Corinthians that if being a Jew and having the right ancestry meant anything, he met all the requirements.

Verse 23

Paul’s opponents boasted of their fleshly qualifications. While these meant nothing to Paul, he joined them in their game. Notice how he feels like an absolute “madman” here. The idea of comparing fleshly qualifications in the service of the Lord was pure folly to Paul. It was beneath his dignity as a servant of God and diminished the work of the kingdom. If they wanted to compare qualifications, however, Paul would engage them in this comparison and told them that he was a match to any one of them in fleshly qualifications for ministry.

He tells his opponents that he had worked harder than them for the sake of the gospel. He had often been imprisoned for his faith. He had been beaten and had often come to the point of death. He had invested more than any of them in the kingdom of God.

Verse 24

Paul describes the cost he paid for the gospel. He tells his opponents that he had been given forty lashes five times. Paul’s back would have been scarred with the cuts from these whips. He did not stop preaching however, but willingly endured the pain of those lashes for the Lord His God.

Verse 25

Paul continues to share what it cost him to share the gospel. Beyond the five times he was beaten with 39 lashes, the apostle also had to endure three beatings with rods. We read of one of these occasions in Acts 16:22:

22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. – Ac 16:22

Acts 14:19 recounts the time when Paul was stoned, dragged outside the city of Lystra and left for dead:

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. – Ac 14:19

Travelling from one place to another was also not without its difficulties. The apostle recounts here that he had been in three shipwrecks and was left adrift at sea for a night and a day.

Verse 26

Paul travelled frequently for his ministry. Those trips not only exposed him to shipwrecks and being left adrift at sea but also to many other perils. Paul describes a number of these perils here.

First, he experienced dangers from rivers. He does not go into detail about this danger, but we can assume that on some of his journeys, he was forced to cross dangerous rivers that threatened to sweep him away and drown him.

Secondly, while Paul did not have a lot, there were people on his journeys who were willing to steal the little he did have and required to meet his basic needs.

Third, Paul was a Jew who converted to Christianity. This conversion did not go over well with the Jews. They sought to kill him and persecuted him for abandoning his Jewish faith.

Fourth, the apostle also experienced the wrath of the Gentiles. They did not like the message he preached, nor did they want to hear that they needed Paul’s Saviour. The gospel message exposed him to the wrath of the Gentile world as well.

Fifth, Paul experienced dangers in various cities he visited. His preaching stirred up the crowds, and in some cases, they threw him in prison or drove him out.

Six, the cities were not the only places where his life was threatened, or the apostle was exposed to danger. His missionary journeys brought him through the vast open wilderness or the wide seas, which exposed him to a whole other type of danger.

Seventh, Paul describes danger from false brothers. These individuals claimed to be believers but undermined Paul’s ministry, spoke evil of him and exposed his life to danger.

Verse 27

There was a high price to pay for Paul to preach the gospel. Paul further describes the cost of declaring the truth here in this verse.

He begins with the word toil. The Greek word κόπος (kópos) refers to someone being struck, beaten or overcome with grief. It depicts an intense effort only completed with great difficulty and trouble.

The next word Paul uses here to describe his ministry is hardship. The word μόχθος (móchthos) refers to a wearisome toil. There is an element of heaviness and burden in the work. It was not all easy and glorious.

The apostle tells the Corinthians he had sleepless nights in his gospel work. These sleepless nights may have been the result of long hours of work, or because of the deep burden he carried in his heart for the lost. As a servant of the Lord, I have lost sleep out of concern for God’s people.

The work to which Paul had been called was a labour of love. He did not withhold his ministry from those who could not pay for his time. He gave sacrificially, and sometimes, he did not have food or water to meet his basic needs. While the false prophets lived well from the profits made off the people, Paul ministered freely, often at his own expense.

With no money at times, even to buy food and drink, the apostle was also left without shelter. He didn’t have the money to stay in fancy hotels but was left homeless at times, exposed to the elements, cold, wet, or sun and heat exposed.

Paul believed so much in the message he preached that he would endure these hardships to communicate its truth to all who would listen.

Verse 28

Paul concludes his list of trials and tribulations for the gospel with a word about his anxiety for the churches. As he travelled from place to place, sharing the gospel, churches were planted and established. Those churches all experienced growing pains. The church of Corinth was an example of such a church. They had to deal with false teaching and sin and learn how to work together in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Paul was concerned for the well-being of those who came to know the Lord Jesus. He tells the Corinthians that he had daily pressure and anxiety for all these churches. This translation comes from two Greek words used in the verse.

The first is ἐπισύστασις (episústasis), which means to rise against or to come together upon someone or something.

The second word is μέριμνα (mérimna), referring to disruptive anxiety or care.

The Greek phrase ἡ ἐπίστασίς μοι ἡ καθʼ ἡμέραν, ἡ μέριμνα is translated “the gathering of me the according day the care.” The sense here is that each day was piling cares and anxieties on Paul over the church’s wellbeing.

What is clear is that the apostle took the church’s health seriously. He felt he had a sacred obligation before God, not only to bring believers into the kingdom of God but to see them mature in community for His glory. This was a heavy burden for him.

Verse 29

Notice how Paul identifies with the church for whom he had a deep anxiety and care. How did he respond to the weak? He identified with them. He became weak, humbled himself, stooped down and cared for them. Consider what the apostle told the Corinthians in his first letter:

22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. – 1Co 9:22

Writing to the Philippians, the apostle gave this advice:

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Phl 2:5-8

Paul saw it as his obligation to humble himself before the church. This was contrary to the way the false prophets and teachers acted. Paul took his example from Christ, and to the weak, he became weak. He humbled himself and ministered sacrificially to the needs of those who struggled in their faith.

Notice also the words: “Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?” The word indignant here is πυρόω (puróō). It means to ignite or set on fire. Paul tells the Corinthians that when even the weakest believer was made to fall, this set him on fire. He was furious when someone made another believer stumble and fall in their faith. This angered him deeply and set his soul aflame with righteous rage. Such was the concern of Paul for the well-being of the believers in the church. Such was his anger toward anyone who would make them fall away from the truth of the gospel into error.

Verse 30

Remember that Paul has been comparing himself to false apostles and prophets in Corinth (see 1 Corinthians 10:12, 18; 11:5, 12). These individuals boasted that they were equal to Paul and even greater than him in service. They lifted themselves up before the Corinthians as great leaders of the church. Paul, on the other hand, tells the Corinthians that if he were going to boast at all, it would be in his weakness. He took great delight in the fact that, despite how he persecuted the church, God had transformed his life and chose him to be her servant. He rejoiced to see the power of God manifesting itself through his weakness for the expansion of Christ’s kingdom. He was proud to be a humble servant of Jesus Christ.

Verse 31

Paul assured the Corinthians that what he said about his efforts for the kingdom of God and his attitude of humility was true. He declared these things in the presence of God the Father and the Lord Jesus. They knew he spoke the truth, and he was unashamed before them.

Notice what Paul told the Corinthians about the Lord Jesus in this verse. He tells them that the Lord Jesus was “blessed forever.” The word blessed here is εὐλογητός (eulogētós), meaning well spoken of or worthy of praise. Notice that this praise was due to Christ forever. That is to say, there would never be a time when the name of Jesus Christ was not worthy of being lifted up in adoration and praise. His work alone was worth boasting about. All our boasting was empty and vain. If we are going to boast, let it be in the person and work of Jesus Christ, for apart from what He has done, we would be eternally separated from God and forever lost. Nothing else will matter in the end.

Verse 32

As Paul concludes the chapter, he shares one more incident that took place in his ministry. This incident happened just after he had been converted to Christ.

Paul (then known as Saul) was on his way to Damascus to stop the preaching of the gospel and curtail the spread of what he considered to be a blasphemous heresy spreading throughout the region. On his way to Damascus, however, the Lord Jesus revealed Himself to Paul in such a powerful way that his life was forever changed. He arrived in Damascus not as a persecutor of the church but as a broken man, converted to Christ and called to share the glorious message he once rejected as blasphemous.

In Damascus, Paul began to preach about the Lord Jesus and salvation in His name. The result was that the Jews plotted to kill him. The city governor got involved and ordered that Paul be seized.

Verse 33

Paul’s life was threatened when he was in Damascus. The man who had come to persecute the church now preached in the name of Jesus Christ. The Jews determined to kill him to stop this preaching in Jesus’ name. An arrest warrant was issued for Paul, and the city gates were watched, so there was no chance of escape by that means. Acts 9:25 describes how “his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.” It was by this means that Paul escaped the hands of those who sought to kill him.

From the very beginning of his ministry in Damascus, the apostle experienced trials, tribulations, attempts on his life and obstacles of one form or another. God, however, had preserved Him and in Him alone would Paul put His confidence.

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Chapter 12

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Verse 1

Paul begins the chapter with the Greek words: Καυχᾶσθαι δεῖ οὐ συμφέρον μέν. Translated, the words mean, “Boasting inevitable no benefit truly.” The idea here is that we can’t avoid speaking about what we have done or what the Lord has done through us. Paul took pride in his calling as an apostle. He rejoiced to be able to minister in His name. He spoke of his travels and the wonderful things God did in those days. For many, this could be defined as boasting. Notice, however, the attitude of Paul in the words, “There is nothing to be gained by it.” This puts Paul’s boasting in perspective.

Paul did not boast for personal gain. That is to say, he was not particularly interested in gaining the approval of those who heard his boasts. Their approval meant very little to him. He shared the goodness of God in his ministry not for personal gain but to elevate the person of Christ and His work.

He will now speak to the Corinthians about visions and revelations or the wonderful things God showed him.

Verse 2

The apostle begins his “boasting” by sharing an incident that took place fourteen years before writing this letter. He describes a “man in Christ caught up to the third heaven.”

The people of that day understood there to be three heavens. The first was the sky with its birds and clouds. The second was what we would call space. This was the dwelling place for the stars and planets. The third heaven was where God lived. When Paul speaks of this man in Christ being caught up in the third heaven, he speaks of him being in the presence of God.

There is some question about the identity of this “man in Christ,” but the context would indicate that Paul is speaking about himself.

Notice that the apostle tells us that he did not know whether this man was in the presence of God “in the body or out of the body.” We do not need to read too much into this. Paul is simply saying that what took place that day was so powerfully real that it felt like he was there in person.

Verse 3

Paul repeats what he said in verse 2. The man he speaks about (likely himself) was caught up in paradise or the third heaven. Paul’s experience in paradise was so real he could not tell if he had been there in his body or merely in a vivid vision.

Verse 4

The apostle does not detail what occurred when he was caught up in the third heaven. He does tell us, however, that he heard things that “cannot be told” or which “man may not utter.”

Paul does not discuss why what he heard could not be told or uttered. We can surmise, however, that there may be two possible reasons for this.

First, what he saw and heard was so powerful and divine that human words could not describe it.

Second, what he saw and heard were for his ears only, and God did not permit him to share them with others. Such was the case for Daniel and John in the following passages:

26 The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true, but seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now.” – Da 8:26

4 And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” – Rev 10:4

Daniel and John were given revelations from God but told not to share them with the general population. They were for their eyes and ears only.

Verse 5

Paul tells the Corinthians that he would boast on behalf of the man caught up in the third heaven.

What occurred that day was glorious. It was not something the apostle would ever forget. That experience was something of which he would boast and glory forever.

I am sure, however, that what Paul experienced that day revealed his weakness. He saw the glory of heaven and felt very small. He understood that he had nothing to boast about in the flesh. Any boasting he did would be in the person of Christ and His work. He knew that nothing of any value could ever be accomplished apart from Him. It was a matter of great pride for Paul that, despite his weakness, he should be called to be a servant of Christ.

Verse 6

The apostle informs the Corinthians that he had reason to boast about what Christ had revealed and His Spirit had done through him. These were glorious realities demonstrating the power and wonder of God. Paul could declare many wonderful works of God. Any such declarations would be a truthful and accurate account of Christ’s work in him.

While Paul could truly proclaim these wonderful works of God through him, such declarations were not always helpful. One of the great temptations is for people to elevate those God uses. We see these individuals as being very special and give them a place of greater honour. The reality is that they are no different than you and me, and all glory ought to go to God.

Paul understood that by telling people about all the great things God was doing through him, they could potentially think more of him than was right. Some Christian workers want people to see them as special. Paul was not that kind of person. He knew he was nothing in himself, and all glory needed to go to God. In his mind, he would be a fool to let people think he had any more worth or value than them. He was a sinner in need of a Saviour. He was a branch in need of a vine. Apart from Christ and His Spirit, he was incapable of any good. He would not deceive people into thinking anything more than this about him.

Verse 7

Having shared that he had reason to boast of great revelations and visions from God, Paul told the Corinthians that while these things had their place, they were also very burdensome. Those to whom God has revealed much have a greater responsibility. Part of that responsibility is to deal with the temptation of conceit.

The more God uses us, the more temptation there is to become proud of what God has done through us. Human nature, being what it is, will be tempted to feel that we must be special or be doing something right if God uses us as He does. This pride in ourselves takes our attention away from God and ultimately draws us away from absolute dependence on Him.

The apostle Paul was not immune to this temptation. The “surpassing greatness of the revelations” he had experienced was such that he needed something to keep him from becoming proud and thinking more of himself than he ought.

Paul tells the Corinthians here that he was given a “thorn” to prevent this pride. Notice that the thorn given to Paul was “in the flesh.” He does not go into detail about the nature of this thorn except to say that it was a messenger of Satan to harass him.

Being a thorn in the flesh, we can assume that it was some form of physical ailment that would hinder Paul and keep him from being at the top of his game physically. He may have needed the support of others to help him in certain tasks. Some believe that Paul is referring to poor eyesight. As a thorn in Paul’s flesh, the apostle was aware of this affliction regularly, and it may very well have affected the quality of his life.

This thorn, according to Paul, was a “messenger from Satan to harass.” The word “harass” here is κολαφίζω (kolaphízō), meaning to strike with the fist, to buffet, or to mistreat. The word is quite strong. The apostle felt that Satan had unjustly punched him in the face, leaving his body with permanent damage.

While Paul attributed the thorn to Satan, he understood also that God was using it in his life for a particular purpose. God was using that punch from Satan and the damage it caused to bless his ministry and make it more effective. God had turned Satan’s sword against him. What was intended as harm to Paul would ultimately be used by God for blessing and greater fruitfulness.

Verse 8

Notice Paul’s initial response to the thorn in the flesh given him. He told the Corinthians that he prayed three times that it would leave him. Initially, this affliction was more than what Paul wanted to deal with. He wanted God to take it away because he felt it was an unnecessary weight that would only hinder his effectiveness in the gospel. He desired to be free from this kind of burden in his life.

Notice that Paul prayed three times for this affliction to leave him. Understand that Paul often saw the Lord heal physical afflictions in his ministry. While he knew God could heal this thorn in his flesh, he stopped praying for that healing after three times. Ultimately, he would submit to the purpose of God in this matter. If God did not take the affliction away, He would give Paul the grace to endure it. This would prove to be an even greater miracle and demonstration of God’s power.

Verse 9

Paul stopped praying for the removal of his thorn in the flesh when he heard from God about it. He quotes what God told him here:“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

These words would not soon be forgotten. They were not the words Paul initially wanted to hear. God was telling him that instead of taking away his thorn in the flesh, He would give him grace to endure it. God’s power would be perfected in Paul’s weakness. His strength would be sufficient to cover Paul’s frailty. He would be given the grace to accomplish all God wanted him to achieve despite his obvious weakness. People who knew Paul personally would see his physical affliction but also the grace to move through that affliction for the glory of God and the expansion of His Kingdom. Paul would accomplish more for God’s kingdom with his affliction than many who were physically whole. All of this would be a demonstration of the grace of God. Paul himself would likely sit back and marvel at the strength God gave to push through.

Ultimately, Paul learned to boast of his weakness. He gloried in the obvious work of God in Him. His affliction was such that it magnified the power of God in his life. His awareness of that affliction kept him conscious of the strength of God that was constantly being poured out upon him. This super consciousness of God’s grace and power was something in which Paul took special delight.

Verse 10

Paul would ultimately come to a place of contentment with his weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. These words describe the ministry of Paul. His physical weakness was obvious to those who saw him. In Corinth, they said of him:

10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” – 2Co 10:10

Paul’s “bodily presence” is described here as weak. Paul had accepted this, but some allowed this weak bodily presence to affect their view of the apostle.

Beyond his physical weakness, Paul also suffered insults, hardships, persecution and various calamities in his life and travels. Paul’s ministry was not easy. God called him to endure great opposition and intense battles. All of this Paul had come to accept as part of God’s purpose for his life. He was content to persevere under these conditions.

Notice that in Paul’s weakness, he was strong. That strength was not in himself but in the One whose grace was being perfected in him. Paul’s physical afflictions kept him dependent on God day by day. This was the secret to his incredible ministry success.

Verse 11

Paul tells the Corinthians that he has been forced into a certain worldly foolishness. The false prophets of Corinth had opposed him and undermined his authority as an apostle. He was compelled to speak in his defence.

I have my certificates and degrees folded up in an envelope in a small fireproof safe I use for such things. If, by some chance, I am looking for an important paper, I might see those diplomas and degrees among them, but I rarely look at them. They are not something I would hang on the wall for everyone to see. This was, I believe, how Paul felt. He was qualified for service but did not see any benefit to hanging his diplomas on the wall. When his authority as an apostle was challenged, however, he was forced to unlock the safe and search for those diplomas to show the Corinthians. This way, he could validate his authority in their minds.

Paul knew he was not inferior to the so-called “super-apostles” of Corinth, but their influence in undermining Paul’s influence was such that Paul had to dig out his credentials to prove his qualification and calling.

Verse 12

The apostle reminded the Corinthians that “the signs of a true apostle” were made evident when he was with them. He does not tell us what those signs were, but suffice it to say that all who examined Paul’s ministry in Corinth would have seen that he demonstrated evidence of the Spirit of God upon him as he spoke the truth of God and established the church of Jesus Christ in Corinth.

Notice first that these signs of a true apostle were performed among the Corinthians. A performance is a public demonstration for the masses. There was in Paul a visible demonstration of the power and presence of God, confirming his calling.

Second, Paul tells the Corinthians that these signs were performed with utmost patience. In other words, they were demonstrated not just in times of ease but amid tremendous obstacles. Paul showed these qualities in pain, suffering and opposition. It is one thing to demonstrate the character of Christ when everything is going well, but Paul did so when facing difficulty and trials. This was a sign of genuineness.

Finally, these signs of a true apostle were accompanied by signs, wonders and mighty works. Some interpret the verse to mean that the sign of an apostle is wonders and mighty works. The wording of Paul here in this verse seems to indicate that these mighty miracles accompanied the sign of a true apostle as confirmation, but they were not the first and only evidence of apostleship. According to Jesus, it is possible to perform miracles in His name and not belong to Him:

(22) On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ (23) And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ – Matthew 7:22-23 ESV

Verse 13

The apostle opens this verse with a question: “For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches…?” It is somewhat unclear what motivated this question. He does say something similar in chapter 11 when he said:

7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. – 2Co 11:7-9

Paul did not require a salary from the church of Corinth. Some people may have interpreted this to mean he was not committed to them for the long haul and wanted to be free from any obligation to them. It is quite possible that the false apostles in Corinth were using this to distance the church from Paul and his ministry in the region.

Notice Paul’s response to this here: Forgive me this wrong! There appears to be a tone of sarcasm in these words. Paul did not feel he was doing wrong by not demanding a salary from the Corinthians. He was willing to offer the gospel and his ministry to these believers free of charge and felt compelled by God to do so. The words, “Forgive me this wrong!” follow Paul’s tone in chapter 11, where he tells the Corinthians that he speaks as a fool (see 2 Corinthians 11:1,16,21). In other words, if he were a worldly leader, he would be a fool not to accept money and gain from the Corinthians. The whole concept of profiting from the Corinthians, however, was foolish and worldly to the apostle. He demonstrates how he feels through this sarcastic tone.

Verse 14

Notice that while Paul sarcastically asks the forgiveness of the Corinthians for not demanding a salary from them, he makes it quite clear in this verse that he would continue to offer his ministry free of charge.

Paul had been in Corinth twice and was preparing to go a third time. His commitment was not to be a financial burden to this church on this third visit. He saw himself as a spiritual father to these young believers. As a father, he felt it was his obligation to provide for his children and their well-being at his own expense. He could not imagine a father demanding his children pay him for this care. He did this free of charge as a moral obligation and privilege.

While Paul is not saying we should not pay our spiritual leaders, he demonstrates that this would not be his primary motivation in service.

Verse 15

Unlike the false prophets and apostles in Corinth, Paul was happy to spend and be spent to benefit the Corinthians. His commitment was to give all he had to bless them at his own expense. There is a sad lack of this kind of ministry attitude. Understand that this is not an easy ministry philosophy to live out.

Many will take advantage of those who minister this way, failing to understand how much they sacrifice for their blessing. Those who spend and are spent for our souls are an immense blessing to us, but that blessing comes at a deep cost to themselves. Paul was willing to pay this price out of his love for the Corinthians.

Notice the words, “If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” We dare not overlook what Paul is saying here. There is frustration and pain in his tone. Paul did not lift himself in the presence of the Corinthians. He did not present himself as their saviour and God-anointed leader. He did not push his ways and demand a salary from the Corinthians. That did not mean he did not love them. His love was demonstrated in how He became weaker so they could be stronger and in how he became poor so they could be rich.

Notice how he asks: If I love you like this, will you love me less? If I diminish myself, will you step on me and respect me less? This is a natural tendency in the world. We love, admire and respect those who elevate themselves and make themselves big in our eyes. We overlook those, however, who, like Jesus, spend and are spent on our behalf.

Verse 16

Paul’s ministry philosophy of not being a burden to the Corinthians was not always understood. Some Corinthians accused him of being “crafty” and deceitful. They felt that this guise of not demanding a salary or any financial gain from them was a clever trick to gain their sympathy.

In the mind of these Corinthians, Paul was playing the role of a victim who sacrificed himself for them but whose ultimate intention was to gain their support. They saw him as an attention-seeker trying to obtain their favour through pity.

This condemnation of Paul certainly reminds us that it is quite possible to be deceitful in this way and seek attention as self-sacrificing servants of God. While it is quite possible for us to be self-serving in this kind of way, this was not the attitude or motivation of Paul.

Verse 17

In his defence, the apostle Paul asked the Corinthians if he had taken advantage of them through any of the people he had sent them. Remember that Paul had only been in Corinth twice to that point. Any ongoing contact with the church was through those he sent to visit them. The apostle asked the Corinthians to examine the motives and intentions of those he sent to Corinth. Did they take advantage of them? Did they elevate themselves when they were with them, or did they demonstrate the humble attitude of Paul by giving without expectation? Paul was willing not only to submit himself to this examination but also any team member he sent to Corinth. He was convinced that everyone he sent to their church had the same attitude as he did. They wanted to give out of love and not be a burden to the church in any way.

Verse 18

Paul asked the Corinthians to examine the motivation of those he sent to them to see if they had taken advantage of them. In particular, he asked them to examine Titus, who had just recently returned from Corinth. His visit was fresh on their minds.

Notice the questions Paul asked the Corinthians about Titus here:

“Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?” – 2Co 12:18

Paul was convinced that Titus had the same philosophy of ministry as he did. He did not take advantage of the Corinthians in any way. His heart was to benefit the church and not burden them. Paul submits himself and his team to an evaluation to show that the accusation of his opponents of deceit and craftiness was baseless and his attitude sincere.

Verse 19

As the apostle brings this chapter to an end, he asks the question:

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you?

The word translated as defending ourselves in the Greek language is ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai). The word could be used legally when an individual pleads or defends their case before a judge. In this case, the question Paul asks is whether the Corinthians believed he was required to plead his case or defend his actions before them as his judges.

Notice how Paul answers this question.

It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ

The apostle tells the Corinthians here that it is not before them that he must give his accounting but in the sight of God. He assures them of two facts here.

First, he had been “speaking in Christ” in this defence. That is to say, he was confident that he had the mind of Christ in what he did and said in Corinth.

Second, he was assured that everything he had done was “all for your upbuilding.” His conscience was clear in the sight of God, his judge, that he had acted for the good of the Corinthians in all he did.

Yes, some opponents saw things differently, but Paul was confident in his stand before God that he had acted appropriately toward the Corinthians.

Verse 20

Paul intended to visit Corinth a third time. He knew that there were false prophets among them. He also knew that some people opposed him and his ministry as an apostle. This created division in the church, resulting in quarrels, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit and disorder.

As he considered visiting the Corinthian church, the apostle wondered what he would find when he arrived. Would he find them divided over him and his ministry? Would the influence of his opponents hinder his ministry among them?

Paul challenges the Corinthian believers to examine themselves and the division in the church over his ministry and the message he preached.

Verse 21

As he reflected on a third visit to Corinth, the apostle feared that he would be humbled before them. He had introduced many of these believers to the Lord Jesus and had instructed them in the truth. He was fearful, however, that many had wandered and turned to a lifestyle of sin and rebellion.

The apostle feared that when he arrived in Corinth, he would encounter many who had not repented from sexual immorality and other sensual practices of the flesh. He feared that he would find those who declared the name of Jesus who did not walk faithfully in His purpose.

The church in Corinth was not firmly established on the truth of the apostles. Some preached another gospel and a different christ. This led to the weakening of the moral and spiritual fibres of the church. This deeply concerned Paul.

In our day, it is easy to distance ourselves from churches that declare the name of Christ but preach another gospel. Paul did not do this. The church of Corinth was filled with false teachings and false professors of faith. They struggled with immorality and dissension. Paul fights for this church and does all he can to restore it to the truth of the gospel preached by Christ. He deeply loved the Corinthians despite the many who rejected him and the message he preached. His heart was broken for their wandering. Like the shepherd who pursued the lost sheep, he felt compelled to fight for the restoration of truth and righteousness in their midst.

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Chapter 13

Select Verse:

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14

Verse 1

Paul begins by telling the Corinthians that it was the third time he would visit them. This is easy enough to understand, but notice how he connects this visit with the words, “Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” What is the connection between Paul’s visit and the requirement of two or three witnesses? There are several possible explanations.

First, Paul is explaining his intention for his third visit. He tells them that he is going to come to judge sin and division in the church of Corinth and that he would bring his witnesses against them as required by the Law of Moses in Deuteronomy 19:15:

(15) “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. – Deuteronomy 19:15 ESV

Paul may be initiating charges against the church of Corinth and informing them that he was coming with his witnesses to deal with sin and division.

Second, the witnesses Paul is referring to here may be his visits. He had personally witnessed the situation in Corinth twice and was about to witness it a third time. When he came to see the church and witness its sin a third time, he would have fulfilled all legal requirements of Deuteronomy 19:15 and was ready to bring his charge against the church.

Finally, the charge Paul speaks about here may be the church’s charge against him. Remember that he has, in this letter, been required to defend himself against the accusations of false prophets and opponents of his apostleship. Paul may be telling the church that he was ready to go to Corinth to face these charges. He informs them, however, that if they were going to bring a charge against him and his ministry, they were not to do so without proper witnesses to support their accusations.

Verse 2

In verse 1, Paul reminded the Corinthians of the law’s requirement of three witnesses in any legal case brought against another. Notice here now that he tells them that he had also given them three warnings against sin.

The first warning was when he planted the church in Corinth. At that time, he taught them the gospel and directed them on the path they were to follow.

The second warning, according to Paul, was “when present on my second visit.”

The third warning was “now while absent.” In other words, this warning came in the form of a written letter.

After warning the church three times of the sin and division in their midst, if there was no change, Paul would not “spare them.” In other words, he would bring the full force of his authority against them for their rebellion.

The words “I will not spare them” show us that the enforcement was not against the whole church but against those creating division and continuing in sin.

Verse 3

The apostle shows here how a faction in the church of Corinth demanded proof of his apostleship. The words, “since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me,” reveal that they rejected him as a true servant of Christ.

Notice how Paul responds to this demand for proof that Christ was speaking through him. He points them to what God was doing in the church of Corinth. Yes, there was division and sin among them, but the presence of Christ was very powerful in Corinth. Many had come to Christ and had experienced His salvation and victory over sin and the devil. How had this come about? In part, it was the result of the ministry of Paul who planted that church. He had faced opposition and harassment in Corinth, but God used him to establish the church. As a result of Paul’s preaching, the church was established and became a powerful force in that region. This was a result of Christ speaking in Paul. The church of Corinth was Paul’s testimony of the power of Christ speaking through him.

Verse 4

Paul challenged the believers in Corinth to do two things here.

First, they were to examine themselves. The word, examine comes from πειράζω (peirázō), meaning experience or trial. The idea here is that they were to prove by experience the genuineness of their faith. For example, metal is placed in the fire to remove any impurities. This is how the Christian faith is to be proven. It is relatively easy to live a Christian life when everything is going well. The test of our faith, however, is found in how we live it out over time and through trials and afflictions.

The second challenge of Paul was for the Corinthians to test themselves. The word test is δοκιμάζω (dokimázō), which carries the sense of discerning, distinguishing, or approving. In other words, they were to submit themselves to God’s judgement and approval. God alone was the only true judge of their character and faith. They were to submit themselves to Him and His Word for this examination.

Notice that the true test of genuineness is the presence of Jesus Christ and His Spirit in them. As the fiery trial burnt off the chaff of worldliness, would they see evidence of the person of Christ and His character in what remained? If they didn’t, they had failed the test and did not have a genuine faith, nor did they belong to Christ.

Verse 5

Paul challenged the believers in Corinth to do two things here.

Verse 6

It was the sincere desire of Paul that the believers in Corinth would prove the genuineness of their faith by examining and testing themselves.

Notice, however, that the apostle uses the word “we” here. The implication is that he is speaking about himself and his ministry team. Paul expected that the Corinthians would not only submit themselves to the test, but they would also examine him and his co-workers. It was his earnest desire that as they did, they would see his faithfulness over time and that there would be ample evidence of the power of Jesus Christ in Him. Paul is confident that those who examined him, as he examined himself, would conclude that he was a genuine servant of Christ and a chosen apostle.

Verse 7

As Paul submitted himself and his ministry to the Corinthians for examination, he prayed they would do what was right.

As a servant of Jesus Christ, Paul planted the church in Corinth and taught the gospel to them. He had devoted himself to their spiritual well-being and the advancement of Christ in their city and church. He found his ministry now being questioned by false teachers and prophets in their midst who were seeking attention and a way to influence the church in another direction.

It is admirable to see how Paul willingly submits to the church for examination. His prayer is that the church have the heart of Christ in their reflection.

Notice that Paul’s primary purpose in praying here is not that he would be justified personally in the eyes of the Corinthians but that they would confirm the truth of the gospel he preached and walk in it, even if he did not meet their expectation as an apostle.

The phrase “that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed” is significant here. Paul’s focus was not on himself. He could handle the fact that he did not meet the expectations of those he ministered to. What was important to him, however, was that the gospel of Jesus Christ be confirmed in the lives of these Corinthians. They didn’t have to like him; he just wanted them to love Christ and walk in Him. We need more people with Paul’s heart in our pulpits today.

Verse 8

Paul has been defending his apostleship before the Corinthians. He had presented his case before them by means of worldly boasting. In 2 Corinthians 13:6, he concluded his argument by saying:

6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. – 2Co 13:6

Part of his closing remarks are found here in this verse. He tells the Corinthians that as genuine apostles, they could do nothing against the truth but only for it. That is not to say that these apostles were perfect. However, it reflects their mandate as apostles –they were commissioned to establish the church on a foundation of truth.

Writing to Titus, the apostle Paul would say:

(1) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, – Titus 1:1 ESV

According to Paul in this introductory statement of Titus, he had been chosen as an apostle for the sake of the “knowledge of truth, which accords with godliness.” Paul took this calling seriously. Consider what he told the Corinthians in his first letter:

(16) For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! – 1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV

Notice the phrase, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” In writing these words, the apostle invokes a strong curse upon himself if he does not preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in all its purity.

When Paul writes, “We cannot do anything against the truth but only for the truth,” it seems best to understand it as Paul’s absolute commitment to be faithful to the proclamation of the truth given to him by Jesus Christ.

Verse 9

Many Christian leaders want to appear strong before those they serve. They enjoy being lifted up and having a place of honour. Notice Paul’s priority here in the words, “We are glad when we are weak and you are strong.”

The weakness Paul refers to had a purpose. It lifted up the Corinthians. It was as if Paul was giving them his strength so they could be strong. He was willing to sacrifice his time, resources and effort so that they could grow in their faith. He was willing to take the lowest place to lift them.

His great prayer was that these believers be restored to fellowship with Christ, and he was willing to pay whatever it cost to make that a reality.

Verse 10

Paul has declared his prayer for the restoration of the Corinthian church (see verse 9). He tells them here that the reason for this letter was so that they could deal with some of the matters causing division in his absence. He intended to visit personally, and he would address these matters when he was with them. If, however, many of these issues could be addressed beforehand, he would not need to be as severe with them when he came.

Paul had authority from the Lord in the church. He did not want to use that authority to tear down the church but to build it up. What would have happened if the false apostles and prophets of Corinth were given their way? What would have been the result if the sins Paul addresses in this epistle were not removed?

Have we not seen churches that declare the name of Jesus but preach a false gospel? These churches do not build up the work of Christ but proclaim another message and lifestyle. In reality, they become enemies of the truth of the gospel of grace, leading many astray into false hope and salvation. What would Paul say to these churches of our day? Would it not be his great passion to tear them down so that the unadulterated truth would be proclaimed again?

Verse 11

Paul leaves four challenges with the Corinthians in this verse and concludes with a promise.

First, Paul calls the church to “aim for restoration.” The Corinthian church was not perfect. There were believers from various perspectives and places in their walk with Christ. Some were still struggling with the flesh and needing victory over it. Other believers were caught up in the perspective and ministry styles of their favourite leaders. All of this caused division and chaos in the church.

Paul encouraged the church to work toward restoration to Christ and the truth of the gospel. While no church has attained this level of perfection, it should be our focus. We strive toward Christ, His truth and His purpose for our lives. This will be an ongoing process that we must keep before our eyes.

Second, the apostle encourages the church to “comfort one another.” The word Paul uses here is παρακαλέω (parakaléō), which means to come alongside to support or aid. The idea is that the Christian life was not intended to be lived alone. We need each other to become all God asks us to be. We need to admonish, strengthen and warn each other. We need an extra hand or a comforting word if we are going to overcome and mature in our walk with the Lord.

Third, the church of Corinth was to “agree with one another.” The word translated, agree, is φρονέω (phronéō). The word means to have an opinion or to think. Now, we will not get every church member to have the same thoughts or opinions. Paul is not looking for this. The agreement Paul speaks about here is not in every matter of life but in the essential truth, particularly the truth he taught as an apostle. It is possible to have different opinions about various subjects but be of one mind regarding the essentials. There are some things we do not compromise. In these matters, we must “agree with one another.”

Finally, Paul calls the church to live in peace. The word εἰρήνη (eirḗnē) speaks of a state that is not at war but living in harmony and happiness with others. It also implies healthiness in mind, body and relationships. Of course, the peace Paul speaks about here also relates to the peace of God through the forgiveness of sin.

The peace Paul speaks about here is a lifestyle. The Corinthians were to live in this peace. They were to do whatever was required to walk in harmony and fellowship with each other and their heavenly Father.

Paul tells the Corinthians that their responsibility in the church was to aim to restore whatever had wandered from the truth, comfort each other in trials, learn to distinguish the essentials and agree on them, and do all they could to live in peace with each other and with God.

As they committed themselves to these key principles, Paul assured them that the God of love and peace would delight to be in their fellowship. Consider this for a moment. What happens when we do not take Paul’s fourfold counsel into account in the church of our day?

Imagine a church that refuses to make things right and be restored to a right relationship with God and His purpose. Will this not drive a wedge between them and their God?

Consider a church whose members demonstrate no concern for each other in trial and difficulty. They refuse comfort to those who need it because they are too busy or don’t care. Should we expect to know the comfort of God if we refuse to offer it to those in need?

Have you ever been in a church where believers fight over even the smallest detail? They don’t like the worship service. They find fault in even the smallest of doctrinal matters. These believers seem more intent on making everyone like them than agreeing with the essentials. The bitter attitude in those churches is such that the God of peace and love seems nowhere to be found.

Can we expect a revelation of the God of peace and love in our church if we are unwilling to demonstrate these qualities to one another? Apply this four-fold challenge of Paul to your life as a church and watch how the God of peace and love reveals His presence to you and through you for His glory.

Verse 12

It was the practice of the church to greet each other with a kiss. This kiss was a common greeting expressed toward a good friend or family member but not necessarily toward a stranger. It symbolized their common bond in Christ as members of the same family in good standing with each other. The fact that it is called a “holy” kiss reveals that it was pure and without hypocrisy. It symbolized a genuine and unhindered relationship with a brother or sister in Christ.

Verse 13

The apostle sends his greetings to the Corinthians from “all the saints.” The word ἀσπάζομαι (aspázomai) means to embrace or salute. It is used to offer a greeting or good-bye to those we respect or love. The assumption is that “all the saints” have this bond and would desire to express affection toward the Corinthians as brothers and sisters in the faith.

Verse 14

The apostle concludes his letter with a three-fold blessing.

First, he expresses his desire that the Corinthian church experience the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. This grace brought forgiveness and cleansing of all sin.

Second, he desires that the love of God be with them. This love would be demonstrated in His willingness to send His Son and His Spirit to live in them. It is evident in the purpose of the Father from before time to make this sacrifice for a special people to belong to Him. It is also evident in the Father’s daily provision of all their needs.

Finally, Paul prayed that the Corinthians experience the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. This work of the Spirit was empowering and life-giving. The Spirit of God would draw them into the grace and love of the Father and Son and apply it to their lives. He would help them to walk in a growing experience of that grace and love.

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