Paul finishes his letter with a few final words, a final appeal, and an affectionate blessing.
2 Corinthians 13: 1-4, Third Visit
This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me.
He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
The Old Testament quote is from Deuteronomy 19:15, a central piece of Jewish law, designed to prevent second- or third-person slanderous attacks. Paul indicates that he will be more rigid and demanding in his third visit, in the same way that a precise legal charge would require two or three witnesses. It is possible that Paul views his third visit as a third testimony of Jesus towards his work.
2 Corinthians 13: 5-6, Examine yourselves
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?
And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
Everyone should self-examine. Double-check, Paul says, to make sure you are indeed serious about Christ!
2 Corinthians 13: 7-10, Truth ... and some authority
Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.
This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Paul's next visit will be with love and authority! It is neither apparent weakness nor apparent strength that matters, but simply the truth.
2 Corinthians 13: 11-14, Goodbye and blessing
Finally, brothers, good-by.
Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
The word in verse 11 translated "good-by" by the NIV is really chairete, literally "rejoice" but often used as a Greek farewell, much like "good-by" is a condensed English blessing.
The ending of the letter is a bit hurried, an offer of love and affection, and a brief blessing.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Friday, July 22, 2016
II Corinthians 12, Visions, Revelations, Thorns
Paul continues describing his experiences as an apostle and a servant of God. Others been boasting of their dramatic visions. Even there, Paul has seen more....
2 Corinthians 12: 1-4, Visions and revelations
I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know--God knows. And I know that this man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows-- was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.
The "man in Christ" in verse 2 is surely Paul, given here in the third person. It is not clear what Paul means by "third heaven"; there are a variety of explanations provided by various commentators, none of which are particularly convincing to me.
The word paradise in this verse appears only two other times in the New Testament, in Luke 23:43 and Revelation 2:7. But the Greek word, paradeisos, is used throughout the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament for "garden".
2 Corinthians 12: 5-6, Boastful fool
I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.
Paul alternates between boasting and the awareness that buffoons and deceivers boast... and so he fears he sounds like a buffoon.
2 Corinthians 12: 7-9a, Thorn
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
With Paul's mystical experiences came a "thorn", a physical ailment, apparently intended to keep him grounded. This ailment is not described, although other passages make it clear that Paul had eye problems. It is likely he had a number of physical ailments. He expected God to heal him (for Paul's actions healed others!) but God did not.
2 Corinthians 12: 9b-10, Boasting in weaknesses!
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul has learned the importance of weakness and humility. He does not want the Corinthians to misunderstand this. These characteristics do not mean that Paul is truly defeated.
Throughout this passage, as throughout the gospels, there is a recognition that God uses the weak and humble. There is nothing wrong with admitting one's weakness, especially if it leads one to hang on to God.
2 Corinthians 12: 11-13, Fool for Christ, fool for Corinth
I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance. How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
"Super-apostles" is clearly sarcastic. Do not misunderstand my meekness and timidity, Paul says.
2 Corinthians 12: 14-15, Third visit
Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?
Acting like a parent... Paul has deep love and concern for this young church.
2 Corinthians 12: 16-19, Paul's trickery and craftiness
Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and follow the same course?
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.
Paul's sarcasm returns. Neither Paul nor Titus have ever exploited the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 12: 20-21, Seeking purity
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.
Seriousness returns. Paul wishes for peace and common love when he visits next. He makes one final appeal for love, purity and unity.
In the next chapter Paul finishes his letter with some final words and a brief discussion of his next visit.
2 Corinthians 12: 1-4, Visions and revelations
I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know--God knows. And I know that this man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows-- was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.
The "man in Christ" in verse 2 is surely Paul, given here in the third person. It is not clear what Paul means by "third heaven"; there are a variety of explanations provided by various commentators, none of which are particularly convincing to me.
The word paradise in this verse appears only two other times in the New Testament, in Luke 23:43 and Revelation 2:7. But the Greek word, paradeisos, is used throughout the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament for "garden".
2 Corinthians 12: 5-6, Boastful fool
I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.
Paul alternates between boasting and the awareness that buffoons and deceivers boast... and so he fears he sounds like a buffoon.
2 Corinthians 12: 7-9a, Thorn
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
With Paul's mystical experiences came a "thorn", a physical ailment, apparently intended to keep him grounded. This ailment is not described, although other passages make it clear that Paul had eye problems. It is likely he had a number of physical ailments. He expected God to heal him (for Paul's actions healed others!) but God did not.
2 Corinthians 12: 9b-10, Boasting in weaknesses!
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul has learned the importance of weakness and humility. He does not want the Corinthians to misunderstand this. These characteristics do not mean that Paul is truly defeated.
Throughout this passage, as throughout the gospels, there is a recognition that God uses the weak and humble. There is nothing wrong with admitting one's weakness, especially if it leads one to hang on to God.
2 Corinthians 12: 11-13, Fool for Christ, fool for Corinth
I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance. How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
"Super-apostles" is clearly sarcastic. Do not misunderstand my meekness and timidity, Paul says.
2 Corinthians 12: 14-15, Third visit
Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?
Acting like a parent... Paul has deep love and concern for this young church.
2 Corinthians 12: 16-19, Paul's trickery and craftiness
Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and follow the same course?
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.
Paul's sarcasm returns. Neither Paul nor Titus have ever exploited the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 12: 20-21, Seeking purity
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.
Seriousness returns. Paul wishes for peace and common love when he visits next. He makes one final appeal for love, purity and unity.
In the next chapter Paul finishes his letter with some final words and a brief discussion of his next visit.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
II Corinthians 11, Foolishness, Boasting, Anxiety
Paul continues to defend his ministry.
2 Corinthians 11: 1-6, Paul's foolishness
I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
Paul uses the metaphor of a father giving away a bride to describe his desire for the church in Corinth. The bride metaphor also appears in Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus (see Ephesians 5: 25-33.)
The "super-apostles" are a sarcastic description of other Christians who have been aggressively promoting themselves, causing the divisions and running down Paul's ministry.
2 Corinthians 11: 7-9,
Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
Strangely, one of the accusations against Paul seems to have been that he did not get paid for his work, that he received support from other churches but not the church in Corinth!
2 Corinthians 11: 10-15,
As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Paul's "boasting" is out of continued concern for the Corinthians. As earlier, Paul sounds a bit like a betrayed lover, for he has put in much energy and care for this church and it hurts for others to portray his actions as selfish.
The "angels of light" passage makes it clear that many seem to be doing only good, but may have nefarious motives. Evil often (usually?) masquerades as good, else it would not be attractive.
2 Corinthians 11: 16-
I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
Paul had never thought to honestly brag about his past -- he had indeed been meek and humble -- but maybe it is now time for him to put himself forward and be assertive about what he has done for the Corinthians. Here it comes....
2 Corinthians 11: 21b-27, CV of an apostle
What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about.
Are they Hebrews? So am I.
Are they Israelites? So am I.
Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more.
I have worked much harder,
been in prison more frequently,
been flogged more severely,
and been exposed to death again and again.
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
Three times I was beaten with rods,
once I was stoned,
three times I was shipwrecked,
I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
There -- there, in a long list of characteristics and actions, Paul finally tells the Corinthians how much he has done! Can anyone else make these claims? Is anyone else as qualified as Paul for his position as apostle to Corinth? This list is his apostolic resume', as it were.
First century Christianity is still very much Jewish. It is still all about the Jewish Messiah, and so a number of Paul's first claims are that he too, like those other "apostles", is a good Jew, a descendant of Abraham.
2 Corinthians 11: 28-31, Anxiety and concern
Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.
In addition to the physical punishment, Paul, like any parent, has suffered anxiety and frustration. He has worried and cried over the church of Corinth. God has been a witness to his pain.
2 Corinthians 11: 32-33
In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
Even in Paul's first days as a new believer, he was chased by those who wanted to hurt him.
Paul continues his list of achievements and experiences in the next chapter.
2 Corinthians 11: 1-6, Paul's foolishness
I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
The "super-apostles" are a sarcastic description of other Christians who have been aggressively promoting themselves, causing the divisions and running down Paul's ministry.
2 Corinthians 11: 7-9,
Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
Strangely, one of the accusations against Paul seems to have been that he did not get paid for his work, that he received support from other churches but not the church in Corinth!
2 Corinthians 11: 10-15,
As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Paul's "boasting" is out of continued concern for the Corinthians. As earlier, Paul sounds a bit like a betrayed lover, for he has put in much energy and care for this church and it hurts for others to portray his actions as selfish.
The "angels of light" passage makes it clear that many seem to be doing only good, but may have nefarious motives. Evil often (usually?) masquerades as good, else it would not be attractive.
2 Corinthians 11: 16-
I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
Paul had never thought to honestly brag about his past -- he had indeed been meek and humble -- but maybe it is now time for him to put himself forward and be assertive about what he has done for the Corinthians. Here it comes....
2 Corinthians 11: 21b-27, CV of an apostle
What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about.
Are they Hebrews? So am I.
Are they Israelites? So am I.
Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more.
I have worked much harder,
been in prison more frequently,
been flogged more severely,
and been exposed to death again and again.
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
Three times I was beaten with rods,
once I was stoned,
three times I was shipwrecked,
I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
There -- there, in a long list of characteristics and actions, Paul finally tells the Corinthians how much he has done! Can anyone else make these claims? Is anyone else as qualified as Paul for his position as apostle to Corinth? This list is his apostolic resume', as it were.
First century Christianity is still very much Jewish. It is still all about the Jewish Messiah, and so a number of Paul's first claims are that he too, like those other "apostles", is a good Jew, a descendant of Abraham.
2 Corinthians 11: 28-31, Anxiety and concern
Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.
In addition to the physical punishment, Paul, like any parent, has suffered anxiety and frustration. He has worried and cried over the church of Corinth. God has been a witness to his pain.
2 Corinthians 11: 32-33
In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
Even in Paul's first days as a new believer, he was chased by those who wanted to hurt him.
Paul continues his list of achievements and experiences in the next chapter.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
II Corinthians 10, Both Boldness and Timidness
Now begins a four chapter emotional defense of Paul's ministry, a continuation of chapters 3-5.
2 Corinthians 10: 1-2, Please, live holy lives!
By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.
We live by different standards, argues Paul, aware that he has been accused of inconsistency.
2 Corinthians 10: 3-6, Our battle is different, it is spiritual!
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
The Christian -- a resident of a different country! -- does not wage a material, earthly war, but a spiritual one. Part of the spiritual warfare is learning to transform one's thinking and mindset.
2 Corinthians 10: 7-8, Don't look just on the surface
You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
Paul argues that there are deeper things at play and that those who belong to Christ should recognize Paul's common work. More generally, those who follow Christ should be aware of -- and supportive of -- the work of other followers. This is good advice for many of us amidst the denominational divisiveness here in the USA.
2 Corinthians 10: 9-11, We are both timid and forceful
I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
If people think that Paul is timid, they may be surprised when he arrives in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 10: 12-15a, Proper boasting
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others.
There is a place for legitimate boasting. Paul is proud of his work in Corinth, and rightly so. Paul boasts that they reached even faraway Corinth with the gospel and he recognizes that others have similar rights to be proud of their own work.
This passage is a little unclear; the Greek words translated here as "limits" imply some type of measurement. Is Paul speaking of physical limits like distance? The NIV offers an alternative translation to verses 13 and 15: "We, however, will not boast about things that cannot be measured, but we will boast according to the standard of measurement that the God of measure has assigned us--a measurement that relates even to you .... Neither do we boast about things that cannot be measured in regard to the work done by others."
2 Corinthians 10: 15b-18, Going further in Christ
Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Paul wants to go even further than Corinth, on west to places the gospel has not yet reached. In Romans 5:24, Paul expresses his desire to travel on to Spain. At the time of this letter, Paul had not yet traveled as far west as the Italian peninsula.
The quote in verse 17 is from Jeremiah 9:24. Again Paul emphasizes proper boasting; one can brag about one's work if they recognize God's action in it.
2 Corinthians 10: 1-2, Please, live holy lives!
By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.
We live by different standards, argues Paul, aware that he has been accused of inconsistency.
2 Corinthians 10: 3-6, Our battle is different, it is spiritual!
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
The Christian -- a resident of a different country! -- does not wage a material, earthly war, but a spiritual one. Part of the spiritual warfare is learning to transform one's thinking and mindset.
2 Corinthians 10: 7-8, Don't look just on the surface
You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
Paul argues that there are deeper things at play and that those who belong to Christ should recognize Paul's common work. More generally, those who follow Christ should be aware of -- and supportive of -- the work of other followers. This is good advice for many of us amidst the denominational divisiveness here in the USA.
2 Corinthians 10: 9-11, We are both timid and forceful
I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
If people think that Paul is timid, they may be surprised when he arrives in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 10: 12-15a, Proper boasting
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others.
There is a place for legitimate boasting. Paul is proud of his work in Corinth, and rightly so. Paul boasts that they reached even faraway Corinth with the gospel and he recognizes that others have similar rights to be proud of their own work.
This passage is a little unclear; the Greek words translated here as "limits" imply some type of measurement. Is Paul speaking of physical limits like distance? The NIV offers an alternative translation to verses 13 and 15: "We, however, will not boast about things that cannot be measured, but we will boast according to the standard of measurement that the God of measure has assigned us--a measurement that relates even to you .... Neither do we boast about things that cannot be measured in regard to the work done by others."
Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Paul wants to go even further than Corinth, on west to places the gospel has not yet reached. In Romans 5:24, Paul expresses his desire to travel on to Spain. At the time of this letter, Paul had not yet traveled as far west as the Italian peninsula.
The quote in verse 17 is from Jeremiah 9:24. Again Paul emphasizes proper boasting; one can brag about one's work if they recognize God's action in it.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
II Corinthians 9, Cheerful Giving
Paul continues to discuss church contributions in support of others.
2 Corinthians 9: 1-5, Boasting to Macedonia about the Corinthian church
There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we--not to say anything about you--would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
Paul is concerned that recent division in the Corinthian church will leave them unprepared for the delegation from Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-11, Cheerful giving
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Paul urges the church to respond generously, abundantly, promising that this giving spirit rebounds to support the giver.
The quote in verse 9 is from Psalm 112:9. The Old Testament standard for giving was a "tithe", that is, a tenth of one's earnings. This percentage is a ratio, which means that one can meet that expectation regardless of their income; when I earned $4000 a year, a tithe was just $400; when I (once) earned $100,000 in a year, a tithe was $10,000. Early in our marriage, Jan and I committed to giving above 10% of our income -- at times 25% or more -- and I am grateful that we did, for this has been a joyous and valuable thing for me in our marriage. I recommend a similar commitment to other believers.
2 Corinthians 9: 12-15, Giving as worship
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
A cheerful giver is aware that he/she has received wonderful gifts from God.
In the next chapter, Paul returns to describing his ministry to the church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 9: 1-5, Boasting to Macedonia about the Corinthian church
There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we--not to say anything about you--would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
Paul is concerned that recent division in the Corinthian church will leave them unprepared for the delegation from Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-11, Cheerful giving
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Paul urges the church to respond generously, abundantly, promising that this giving spirit rebounds to support the giver.
The quote in verse 9 is from Psalm 112:9. The Old Testament standard for giving was a "tithe", that is, a tenth of one's earnings. This percentage is a ratio, which means that one can meet that expectation regardless of their income; when I earned $4000 a year, a tithe was just $400; when I (once) earned $100,000 in a year, a tithe was $10,000. Early in our marriage, Jan and I committed to giving above 10% of our income -- at times 25% or more -- and I am grateful that we did, for this has been a joyous and valuable thing for me in our marriage. I recommend a similar commitment to other believers.
2 Corinthians 9: 12-15, Giving as worship
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
A cheerful giver is aware that he/she has received wonderful gifts from God.
In the next chapter, Paul returns to describing his ministry to the church in Corinth.
Monday, July 18, 2016
II Corinthians 8, Giving to Christ and the Church
After defending his ministry and emphasizing the important aspects of Christian pastoring, Paul now turns to the issue of giving, of supporting the church in Jerusalem which has been suffering from famine. The next two chapters set up some standard principles about charitable giving while also providing further insight into Paul's motives and experiences.
2 Corinthians 8: 1-7, Praise to the Macedonian churches
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
The churches in Macedonia (northern Greece) were eager to step up and give to the Jerusalem churches, even though the Macedonian churches were not rich and did have their own problems. Paul wants the Corinthian church in Achaia (southern Greece) to step up to the challenge and also give to the Jerusalem church.
2 Corinthians 8: 8-12, Excel in giving!
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Paul uses Jesus's model of humility to encourage the Corinthians to finish what they have started. He urges them to complete the giving plans to which they had previously committed. Jesus's eternal gift is their motive; at the same time there is an implied challenge to prove themselves in their commitment.
2 Corinthians 8: 13-15, Emphasis on equality
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." [13]
Those who have should give to even out the disparities between churches who are doing well and those who are struggling in poverty and famine.
The quote in verse 15 is from Exodus 16:18, an episode in which God took care of the people of Israel in the wilderness.
2 Corinthians 8: 16-23,
I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.
And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
Paul emphasizes care in the collection of the money, alerting the people of Corinth that it will be collected by someone they know and trust, Titus, along with "a brother" who is also trustworthy and widely respected. It will not be Paul; Paul takes care to make it clear that all of this is done well and above reproof.
The "brother" is not named and is unknown, although others have suggested Apollos, Barnabas, Silas, maybe Timothy.
2 Corinthians 8: 24, Proof of your love
Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
As someone has said, "Our hearts follow our wallets." It is a good test of Christian faith to see if one's wallet is also committed to Christ. The people of Corinth will be given a chance to show their commitment when this group arrives.
In the next chapter, Paul continues to discuss the gifts arranged by the Macedonian churches.
2 Corinthians 8: 1-7, Praise to the Macedonian churches
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8: 8-12, Excel in giving!
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Paul uses Jesus's model of humility to encourage the Corinthians to finish what they have started. He urges them to complete the giving plans to which they had previously committed. Jesus's eternal gift is their motive; at the same time there is an implied challenge to prove themselves in their commitment.
2 Corinthians 8: 13-15, Emphasis on equality
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." [13]
Those who have should give to even out the disparities between churches who are doing well and those who are struggling in poverty and famine.
The quote in verse 15 is from Exodus 16:18, an episode in which God took care of the people of Israel in the wilderness.
2 Corinthians 8: 16-23,
I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.
And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
Paul emphasizes care in the collection of the money, alerting the people of Corinth that it will be collected by someone they know and trust, Titus, along with "a brother" who is also trustworthy and widely respected. It will not be Paul; Paul takes care to make it clear that all of this is done well and above reproof.
The "brother" is not named and is unknown, although others have suggested Apollos, Barnabas, Silas, maybe Timothy.
2 Corinthians 8: 24, Proof of your love
Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
As someone has said, "Our hearts follow our wallets." It is a good test of Christian faith to see if one's wallet is also committed to Christ. The people of Corinth will be given a chance to show their commitment when this group arrives.
In the next chapter, Paul continues to discuss the gifts arranged by the Macedonian churches.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Clement of Rome (& His Letter to Corinth)
As it is a Sunday, we take a break from our New Testament readings to look more closely at a related topic. Today I want to describe an individual known at Clement of Rome (or Pope Clement or Saint Clement.)
Towards the end of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi (Philippians 4:3), he mentions someone named Clement. Later, after Peter's death in Rome, the church in Rome was led by an elder (or "bishop") named Clement, possibly the same individual. Early church writings describe Clement as one appointed by Peter and possibly designated by Peter as his successor.
Clement wrote one letter that has survived to the modern era, a letter to Corinth, written around 96 C.E., about 30 years after Paul's letters to Corinth. In that letter, Clement confronts new divisions within the Corinthian church, doing so with humility and compassion. This early letter must have had the desired effect, for it was was regularly read aloud in the church in Corinth and is one of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament canon.
A description of that letter and its author is here at a Christianity Today website. In that letter to Corinth, Clement quotes from Paul's first letter, I Corinthians. In his letter, Clement has a lot to say about jealousy, giving numerous examples from the Old Testament. Clement identifies jealousy as the source of conflict in Corinth. Clement also admits that as he writes these things to the church in Corinth, he is also reminding himself and those around him of the same need to act in love and not with jealousy.
Wikipedia has an article on Clement and another on his letter to Corinth. In some traditions Clement is described as the first pope since he ministered in Rome shortly after Peter; in other traditions there are two intermediary leaders of the church in Rome. Clement has also been suggested as a possible author of the letter to the Hebrews.
A website on Clement's writings is available here.
Towards the end of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi (Philippians 4:3), he mentions someone named Clement. Later, after Peter's death in Rome, the church in Rome was led by an elder (or "bishop") named Clement, possibly the same individual. Early church writings describe Clement as one appointed by Peter and possibly designated by Peter as his successor.
Clement wrote one letter that has survived to the modern era, a letter to Corinth, written around 96 C.E., about 30 years after Paul's letters to Corinth. In that letter, Clement confronts new divisions within the Corinthian church, doing so with humility and compassion. This early letter must have had the desired effect, for it was was regularly read aloud in the church in Corinth and is one of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament canon.
A description of that letter and its author is here at a Christianity Today website. In that letter to Corinth, Clement quotes from Paul's first letter, I Corinthians. In his letter, Clement has a lot to say about jealousy, giving numerous examples from the Old Testament. Clement identifies jealousy as the source of conflict in Corinth. Clement also admits that as he writes these things to the church in Corinth, he is also reminding himself and those around him of the same need to act in love and not with jealousy.
Wikipedia has an article on Clement and another on his letter to Corinth. In some traditions Clement is described as the first pope since he ministered in Rome shortly after Peter; in other traditions there are two intermediary leaders of the church in Rome. Clement has also been suggested as a possible author of the letter to the Hebrews.
A website on Clement's writings is available here.
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