November 29 - II Corinthians 10-13
It is amazing how different this section of the book of II Corinthians is from the first nine chapters, isn't it? The tone is much more direct and even sarcastic in spots. The theme shifts to answering Paul's' critics who had come to the church in Corinth and were saying he was not an apostle. Why is there such a difference? It could be that a period of time lapsed before he finished the letter, and something happened in that period to cause him to write these chapters in this way. Whatever the reason for the difference, it is important for us to hear what Paul is saying and to apply it to our lives today.
In chapter 10 Paul seems to be answering the accusation that he lived according to the flesh. (v.2) He strongly denies this accusation by pointing out that his spiritual power comes from Spiritual weapons, so he could not be walking in the flesh or he would not be able to do all of the things he had done. Evidently, his critics had even pointed to weaknesses in his speech and in his physical appearance. Paul's response is that he might not be very impressive in these areas, but he does have authority to lead the church at Corinth, because the Lord had given him the power and authority to start the church. This was God's commendation of him and his ministry. I really feel for Paul at this point. Personal attacks are never easy to address. Some people will always think the response is being defensive. Others will think you are trying to promote yourself, instead of the Lord. However, I believe Paul's answers are very insightful, in that no one could argue with the results of his ministry being caused by the power and blessing of the Lord, and not his own power or ability. Can you see God's hand working in your life to confirm your salvation and your ministry? I believe we all should be able to point to things that could only have been done by the Lord.
In chapter 12 Paul comes out and names his critics as false apostles. (v.13) They were saying that he was not an apostle because he did not allow the church at Corinth to pay him for his ministry, and a real apostle would have allowed that. Of course, that is a ridiculous charge. The pay did not confirm or deny his apostleship. He was being considerate of the new church, because he did not want to be a burden or have people think he was ministering for money. I can very much relate to this. Any real minister of the gospel does not want his pay to interfere with people believing in Jesus and growing in the Lord. Then, Paul tells the Corinthian believers that they were allowing these false apostles to take advantage of them by having to pay them for nothing. He gives them a list of the evidences of God's service in his life. (v.22-31) The implication is that his critics could not come close to those credentials.
This is especially true for chapters 12 and 13. Paul explains that he had received special revelations from God, which prove his apostleship, but he would not boast about those revelations, since God had taught him not to do so by giving him a thorn in the flesh. We don't know what his physical condition was that humbled him, but we know that God would not remove it, so that he would not be arrogant, and so that he would know God's power in weakness. Paul's desire is that these things will prove his authority as an apostle, so he will not have to come and confront the church at Corinth. He would rather come in love, but if he had to confront, he would. If he had to prove in person that he was a true apostle, he would. Paul is strong, but sensitive. He wants what is best for the church. I believe that is God's way for all of us. We should not think about ourselves, but we should consider what is best for the church.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Galatians 1-3.
In chapter 10 Paul seems to be answering the accusation that he lived according to the flesh. (v.2) He strongly denies this accusation by pointing out that his spiritual power comes from Spiritual weapons, so he could not be walking in the flesh or he would not be able to do all of the things he had done. Evidently, his critics had even pointed to weaknesses in his speech and in his physical appearance. Paul's response is that he might not be very impressive in these areas, but he does have authority to lead the church at Corinth, because the Lord had given him the power and authority to start the church. This was God's commendation of him and his ministry. I really feel for Paul at this point. Personal attacks are never easy to address. Some people will always think the response is being defensive. Others will think you are trying to promote yourself, instead of the Lord. However, I believe Paul's answers are very insightful, in that no one could argue with the results of his ministry being caused by the power and blessing of the Lord, and not his own power or ability. Can you see God's hand working in your life to confirm your salvation and your ministry? I believe we all should be able to point to things that could only have been done by the Lord.
In chapter 12 Paul comes out and names his critics as false apostles. (v.13) They were saying that he was not an apostle because he did not allow the church at Corinth to pay him for his ministry, and a real apostle would have allowed that. Of course, that is a ridiculous charge. The pay did not confirm or deny his apostleship. He was being considerate of the new church, because he did not want to be a burden or have people think he was ministering for money. I can very much relate to this. Any real minister of the gospel does not want his pay to interfere with people believing in Jesus and growing in the Lord. Then, Paul tells the Corinthian believers that they were allowing these false apostles to take advantage of them by having to pay them for nothing. He gives them a list of the evidences of God's service in his life. (v.22-31) The implication is that his critics could not come close to those credentials.
This is especially true for chapters 12 and 13. Paul explains that he had received special revelations from God, which prove his apostleship, but he would not boast about those revelations, since God had taught him not to do so by giving him a thorn in the flesh. We don't know what his physical condition was that humbled him, but we know that God would not remove it, so that he would not be arrogant, and so that he would know God's power in weakness. Paul's desire is that these things will prove his authority as an apostle, so he will not have to come and confront the church at Corinth. He would rather come in love, but if he had to confront, he would. If he had to prove in person that he was a true apostle, he would. Paul is strong, but sensitive. He wants what is best for the church. I believe that is God's way for all of us. We should not think about ourselves, but we should consider what is best for the church.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Galatians 1-3.