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.
Showing posts with label II Corinthians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label II Corinthians. Show all posts
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.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
II Corinthians 7, Sorrow and Relief
Paul has been explaining the motivations behind his ministry.
2 Corinthians 7: 1-3, Open your hearts to us!
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
Paul calls for renewed affection and commitment. He expresses his full commitment to the church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 7: 4-7, Confidence (and relief!)
I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within.
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
Paul's anxiety was greatly relieved by finally finding Titus in Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 7: 8-12, The tearful letter caused sorrow
Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
The "tearful letter", now lost to us, apparently had its desired effect, although Paul clearly worried about the effect of that letter.
2 Corinthians 7: 13-16, Open your hearts to us!
By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
The good report from Titus has greatly reassured Paul that he was doing the right thing in his ministry with the Corinthian church.
In the next chapter Paul changes direction and discusses the church gifts to Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 7: 1-3, Open your hearts to us!
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
Paul calls for renewed affection and commitment. He expresses his full commitment to the church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 7: 4-7, Confidence (and relief!)
I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within.
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
Paul's anxiety was greatly relieved by finally finding Titus in Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 7: 8-12, The tearful letter caused sorrow
Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
The "tearful letter", now lost to us, apparently had its desired effect, although Paul clearly worried about the effect of that letter.
By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
The good report from Titus has greatly reassured Paul that he was doing the right thing in his ministry with the Corinthian church.
In the next chapter Paul changes direction and discusses the church gifts to Jerusalem.
Friday, July 15, 2016
II Corinthians 6, Ministering in Purity
Paul continues to describe his motives for ministry.
2 Corinthians 6: 1-2, Please heed our call
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Be sensitive to God's grace, Paul pleads, and heed Christ's call for forgiveness. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 49:8, a passage about the restoration of Israel.
2 Corinthians 6: 3-10, We ministered to you in purity
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
In one long pulsing sentence Paul drums quickly through his many experiences, good and bad, in ministering to the people of Corinth.
2 Corinthians 6: 11-13, So open up to us!
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.
Paul speaks as a lover betrayed, passionately begging that his care and affection be reciprocated!
2 Corinthians 6: 14-18, Separation from evil
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Like the prophets of old, Paul calls out for the believers to set themselves apart as true citizens of God's kingdom.
This ringing call is often misinterpreted. In another passage (I Corinthians 5: 9-11), Paul says that one cannot, indeed should not, separate from those outside the church or else "you would have to leave this world". Paul is not arguing about mere personal associations, but something much deeper. Some note the word "yoked" in verse 14 as indicating a deep involvement with an unbeliever, but I see a general theme that follows Matthew 6: 24, we cannot serve two masters and so a decision must be made: to whom (or what) do we owe allegiance?
According to the NIV Footnotes, the Greek word in verse 15 is really Beliar, a variant of Belial, a term for Satan.
Paul has a string of three quotations in verses 16-18 echoing Old Testament passages. The first comes from similar passages such Leviticus 26:12, Jeremiah 32:38, and Ezekiel 37:27; the second from Isaiah 52:11 or Ezekiel 20:34,41, and finally, most likely, the third quote is from 2 Samuel 7:14. (The Greek text had no way to indicate quotations so the quotation marks in appearing in the NIV English translation represent an interpretation of the translators. The prelude, "As God as said," surely indicates that Paul is quoting from the Old Testament here.)
Paul continues his emphasis on purity in the next chapter.
2 Corinthians 6: 1-2, Please heed our call
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Be sensitive to God's grace, Paul pleads, and heed Christ's call for forgiveness. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 49:8, a passage about the restoration of Israel.
2 Corinthians 6: 3-10, We ministered to you in purity
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
In one long pulsing sentence Paul drums quickly through his many experiences, good and bad, in ministering to the people of Corinth.
2 Corinthians 6: 11-13, So open up to us!
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.
Paul speaks as a lover betrayed, passionately begging that his care and affection be reciprocated!
2 Corinthians 6: 14-18, Separation from evil
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Like the prophets of old, Paul calls out for the believers to set themselves apart as true citizens of God's kingdom.
This ringing call is often misinterpreted. In another passage (I Corinthians 5: 9-11), Paul says that one cannot, indeed should not, separate from those outside the church or else "you would have to leave this world". Paul is not arguing about mere personal associations, but something much deeper. Some note the word "yoked" in verse 14 as indicating a deep involvement with an unbeliever, but I see a general theme that follows Matthew 6: 24, we cannot serve two masters and so a decision must be made: to whom (or what) do we owe allegiance?
According to the NIV Footnotes, the Greek word in verse 15 is really Beliar, a variant of Belial, a term for Satan.
Paul continues his emphasis on purity in the next chapter.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
II Corinthians 5, The Ministry of Reconciliation
Paul has been describing his brushes with death and his eternal perspective in ministry.
2 Corinthinans 5: 1-4, More on eternal things
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
We look forward to eternal life, which Paul merely calls, "life", in which we replace this "tent" of a body with a "heavenly dwelling".
2 Corinthinans 5: 5-9, A Deposit on that life
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight.
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Paul is confident of this eternal life and our part in it. The Holy Spirit is the first down payment on this eternal life, our "guarantee". And Paul is now eager to move on to that new life! (But I am not; I still enjoy this interesting life, even if my "tent" has begun to groan a little.)
2 Corinthinans 5: 10-11a, The judgment seat of Christ
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.
There is indeed some type of final judgment, some future final decision by Jesus, apparently based on how we have lived this life. And so Paul feels a certain urgency in his mission. Note that although Paul will routinely insist we are "saved by grace", we are still expected to live out a life that reflects that viewpoint, with good actions and caring deeds. Paul sees this a natural result of the Holy Spirit taking control of our hearts and minds.
2 Corinthinans 5: 11b-14, Under compulsion
What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
Paul is compelled by love for the Corinthians and wants them to know his transparency in that love. He wavers between trying to defend himself again and claiming that no defense is necessary.
2 Corinthinans 5: 15-17, An eternal perspective
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
This is a famous passage, central to Paul's daily motivation in ministry. Paul's motivation is Christ's death for all mankind and the new creation, the new "citizenship" that comes with that.
2 Corinthinans 5: 18-21, The ministry of reconciliation
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Christians are "ambassadors of reconciliation", representing the Kingdom of God to a confused world. The "ambassador" metaphor is a strong one; the author of Hebrews says that we are citizens of a better (future) country and currently live in a country "not our own" (Hebrews 11:13-16), a good reminder for any Christian in any country in any time.
The phrase in verse 21, in which Jesus became "sin" for us could also be translated "a sin offering" for us (NIV Footnotes.)
In the next chapter. Paul continues to describe his motives for ministry.
2 Corinthinans 5: 1-4, More on eternal things
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
We look forward to eternal life, which Paul merely calls, "life", in which we replace this "tent" of a body with a "heavenly dwelling".
2 Corinthinans 5: 5-9, A Deposit on that life
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight.
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Paul is confident of this eternal life and our part in it. The Holy Spirit is the first down payment on this eternal life, our "guarantee". And Paul is now eager to move on to that new life! (But I am not; I still enjoy this interesting life, even if my "tent" has begun to groan a little.)
2 Corinthinans 5: 10-11a, The judgment seat of Christ
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.
There is indeed some type of final judgment, some future final decision by Jesus, apparently based on how we have lived this life. And so Paul feels a certain urgency in his mission. Note that although Paul will routinely insist we are "saved by grace", we are still expected to live out a life that reflects that viewpoint, with good actions and caring deeds. Paul sees this a natural result of the Holy Spirit taking control of our hearts and minds.
2 Corinthinans 5: 11b-14, Under compulsion
What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
Paul is compelled by love for the Corinthians and wants them to know his transparency in that love. He wavers between trying to defend himself again and claiming that no defense is necessary.
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
This is a famous passage, central to Paul's daily motivation in ministry. Paul's motivation is Christ's death for all mankind and the new creation, the new "citizenship" that comes with that.
2 Corinthinans 5: 18-21, The ministry of reconciliation
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Christians are "ambassadors of reconciliation", representing the Kingdom of God to a confused world. The "ambassador" metaphor is a strong one; the author of Hebrews says that we are citizens of a better (future) country and currently live in a country "not our own" (Hebrews 11:13-16), a good reminder for any Christian in any country in any time.
The phrase in verse 21, in which Jesus became "sin" for us could also be translated "a sin offering" for us (NIV Footnotes.)
In the next chapter. Paul continues to describe his motives for ministry.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
II Corinthians 4, Jars of Clay
Paul has been defending his ministry. Along the way, he explains why some of his people, some of the Jews, are still resistant to their Messiah.
2 Corinthinans 4: 1-2, Commitment to truth and honesty
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Paul emphasizes honest, sincere proclamation, without deceit! (Hallelujah!) If only the gospel were always communicated in this way!
2 Corinthinans 4: 3-6, A veil over mankind
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Again Paul references "the veil", a blinding of our world that has occurred since the Fall of humankind in Genesis. His solution is to preach Christ (and to allow the Holy Spirit to break through.) Paul then uses God's creative statement ("Let there be light" from Genesis 1: 3-4) to describe a breakthrough in human hearts.
The "god of this age" is surely the same being as the Serpent in the Genesis account.
2 Corinthinans 4: 7-12, Jars of clay
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
In a series of four phrases, each containing "but not", Paul details struggles and conflicts, each of them successfully endured. Like jars in a storeroom, they are under pressure but haven't broken. Paul and his party are mere "jars of clay", frail and easily shattered (but potent when filled with new wine!) experiencing the possibility of death at every turn ... but still reflecting Jesus.
2 Corinthinans 4: 13-15, Hope amidst affliction
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Facing death regularly, Paul relies ultimately on the Resurrection, a place where all believers will meet together with Jesus. That eternal meeting in the New Country is Paul's ultimate goal.
The quote in verse 13 is from Psalm 116:10 (but closer to the Septuagint version of this verse.) Psalm 116 is about hope in the midst of death and affliction.
2 Corinthinans 4: 16-18, Unseen eternity
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Focusing on an unseen eternity, Paul obviously has a "long-term" approach to his ministry!
Paul continues to describe that future life in the next chapter.
2 Corinthinans 4: 1-2, Commitment to truth and honesty
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Paul emphasizes honest, sincere proclamation, without deceit! (Hallelujah!) If only the gospel were always communicated in this way!
2 Corinthinans 4: 3-6, A veil over mankind
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Again Paul references "the veil", a blinding of our world that has occurred since the Fall of humankind in Genesis. His solution is to preach Christ (and to allow the Holy Spirit to break through.) Paul then uses God's creative statement ("Let there be light" from Genesis 1: 3-4) to describe a breakthrough in human hearts.
The "god of this age" is surely the same being as the Serpent in the Genesis account.
2 Corinthinans 4: 7-12, Jars of clay
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
In a series of four phrases, each containing "but not", Paul details struggles and conflicts, each of them successfully endured. Like jars in a storeroom, they are under pressure but haven't broken. Paul and his party are mere "jars of clay", frail and easily shattered (but potent when filled with new wine!) experiencing the possibility of death at every turn ... but still reflecting Jesus.
2 Corinthinans 4: 13-15, Hope amidst affliction
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Facing death regularly, Paul relies ultimately on the Resurrection, a place where all believers will meet together with Jesus. That eternal meeting in the New Country is Paul's ultimate goal.
The quote in verse 13 is from Psalm 116:10 (but closer to the Septuagint version of this verse.) Psalm 116 is about hope in the midst of death and affliction.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Focusing on an unseen eternity, Paul obviously has a "long-term" approach to his ministry!
Paul continues to describe that future life in the next chapter.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
II Corinthians 3, The New Covenant
As Paul defends his ministry, he moves on to describe in more detail the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
2 Corinthians 3: 1-5, You are our recommendation letter!
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
Paul is aware that he has been defensive. Here he says, "So you -- your lives -- are my defense!" It has been Christ, working through Paul, that has created this good work in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 3: 6-11, The New Covenant
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
The New Covenant writes on our hearts (Jeremiah 31: 31-34) and is more powerful than even the bright Old Testament law given by Moses.
2 Corinthians 3: 12-15, The Veil
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
Here Paul pulls up imagery from Moses's encounter with God in Exodus 34 (Exodus 34: 33-35.) The veil prevents direct communication with God and prevents understanding of spiritual things. Some Jewish resistance to the Messiah is the result, says Paul, of a "veil" between them and God.
2 Corinthians 3: 16-18, The Spirit removes the veil
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The "veil" separating us from God is removed by the Holy Spirit, which Paul identifies as coming from God and identifies as being God.
2 Corinthians 3: 1-5, You are our recommendation letter!
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
2 Corinthians 3: 6-11, The New Covenant
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
The New Covenant writes on our hearts (Jeremiah 31: 31-34) and is more powerful than even the bright Old Testament law given by Moses.
2 Corinthians 3: 12-15, The Veil
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
Here Paul pulls up imagery from Moses's encounter with God in Exodus 34 (Exodus 34: 33-35.) The veil prevents direct communication with God and prevents understanding of spiritual things. Some Jewish resistance to the Messiah is the result, says Paul, of a "veil" between them and God.
2 Corinthians 3: 16-18, The Spirit removes the veil
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The "veil" separating us from God is removed by the Holy Spirit, which Paul identifies as coming from God and identifies as being God.
Monday, July 11, 2016
II Corinthians 2, The Sweet Aroma of Forgiveness
Paul continues to describe his concerns for the Corinthians, along with defending his recent travels. Instead of a visit, Paul apparently wrote a strong letter instead, concerned about their progress.
2 Corinthians 2: 1-4, I don't want to grieve you!
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice.
I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Paul was concerned that a visit might be harmful but wants them to know that he has confidence and pride in them.
2 Corinthians 2: 5-8, After confrontation comes forgiveness
If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent--not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
They have now punished the individual who was causing the most grief. Paul encourages them to complete the reconciliation by opening their arms in love to the culprit.
2 Corinthians 2: 9-11, Forgiveness wins!
The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
They have stood up to Satan. Bitterness, continued anger, refusal to forgive -- those are all tools of Satan and Paul seeks a much better way.
2 Corinthians 2: 12-13, To Troas and Macedonia
Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.
Paul's travels from Troas back to Macedonia (northern Greece) bypassed Corinth, most likely taking a northern sea route. This was due to concerns about Titus, who was supposed to meet Paul in Troas.
2 Corinthians 2: 14-17, The aroma of Christ
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
The Christian is an ambassador for God, bringing a "sweet aroma" of forgiveness and reconciliation.
One commentator describes a Roman emperor's victorious procession into Rome with incense burners being carried by captured prisoners. Here the incense leads to life for those who follow the True Emperor.
In the next chapter Paul describes in more detail the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
2 Corinthians 2: 1-4, I don't want to grieve you!
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice.
I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Paul was concerned that a visit might be harmful but wants them to know that he has confidence and pride in them.
2 Corinthians 2: 5-8, After confrontation comes forgiveness
If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent--not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
They have now punished the individual who was causing the most grief. Paul encourages them to complete the reconciliation by opening their arms in love to the culprit.
2 Corinthians 2: 9-11, Forgiveness wins!
The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
They have stood up to Satan. Bitterness, continued anger, refusal to forgive -- those are all tools of Satan and Paul seeks a much better way.
2 Corinthians 2: 12-13, To Troas and Macedonia
Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.
Paul's travels from Troas back to Macedonia (northern Greece) bypassed Corinth, most likely taking a northern sea route. This was due to concerns about Titus, who was supposed to meet Paul in Troas.
2 Corinthians 2: 14-17, The aroma of Christ
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
The Christian is an ambassador for God, bringing a "sweet aroma" of forgiveness and reconciliation.
One commentator describes a Roman emperor's victorious procession into Rome with incense burners being carried by captured prisoners. Here the incense leads to life for those who follow the True Emperor.
In the next chapter Paul describes in more detail the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Paul's "Second" Letter to Corinth
Paul's first letter to Corinth (I Corinthians) addresses divisiveness in that church and a variety of moral failures one might expect from a new church built out of Gentiles who had no strong understanding of the law of Moses. That letter was written while Paul was in Ephesus for three years.
Apparently a later letter was sent to Corinth, an angry "letter of tears" dealing with the continued fractions and issues within the church. As far as we know, that letter has not survived.
Then, at a later date, Paul wrote an additional letter describing his deep love for the people of that church and his continued concerns. This letter, now called II Corinthians, is much more positive than the prior unknown letter. Still Paul sfeels a need to defend his ministry, including his change of plans regarding a visit to Corinth.
In addition to expressing his concern for the people of Corinth, Paul is also active in raising donations for the church in Jerusalem where there has been a devastating famine.
This letter, II Corinthians, is an emotional personal letter. Reading it, we have insight into Paul's character, including his concerns and frustrations. Although the letter has significant theological statements, it is primarily a compassionate pastoral letter written to a struggling congregation.
The tone of the letter changes at chapter 10, when Paul becomes more defensive and a little angry. Some have suggested that these last four chapters (10-13) contain the earlier "letter of tears" and have been tacked on to the rest of the letter later. If that is true, then the chronology would put II Corinthians 10-13 as a separate letter, before the rest of II Corinthians. The most obvious problem with this viewpoint (in my opinion) is that any standard greetings or conclusions separating that letter has been stripped away; if the last four chapters were a separate letter, we would expect a greeting similar to that at the top of chapter 1. I find it easier to believe that Paul, writing a personal emotional letter, returns to his previous frustrations and "clears the air" by making it plain that the previous accusations against him were slanderous and unfair.
Resources on this letter may be found in Wikipedia and also in the additional resources at the end of that article. There is also a nice summary at OverBible.
Apparently a later letter was sent to Corinth, an angry "letter of tears" dealing with the continued fractions and issues within the church. As far as we know, that letter has not survived.
Then, at a later date, Paul wrote an additional letter describing his deep love for the people of that church and his continued concerns. This letter, now called II Corinthians, is much more positive than the prior unknown letter. Still Paul sfeels a need to defend his ministry, including his change of plans regarding a visit to Corinth.
In addition to expressing his concern for the people of Corinth, Paul is also active in raising donations for the church in Jerusalem where there has been a devastating famine.
This letter, II Corinthians, is an emotional personal letter. Reading it, we have insight into Paul's character, including his concerns and frustrations. Although the letter has significant theological statements, it is primarily a compassionate pastoral letter written to a struggling congregation.
The tone of the letter changes at chapter 10, when Paul becomes more defensive and a little angry. Some have suggested that these last four chapters (10-13) contain the earlier "letter of tears" and have been tacked on to the rest of the letter later. If that is true, then the chronology would put II Corinthians 10-13 as a separate letter, before the rest of II Corinthians. The most obvious problem with this viewpoint (in my opinion) is that any standard greetings or conclusions separating that letter has been stripped away; if the last four chapters were a separate letter, we would expect a greeting similar to that at the top of chapter 1. I find it easier to believe that Paul, writing a personal emotional letter, returns to his previous frustrations and "clears the air" by making it plain that the previous accusations against him were slanderous and unfair.
Resources on this letter may be found in Wikipedia and also in the additional resources at the end of that article. There is also a nice summary at OverBible.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
II Corinthians 1, My Hardships for You
Most of this letter is a defense of Paul's ministry which has apparently been under attack. Paul is very concerned about the continued growth of the Corinthians; they have disciplined a member and have done what Paul has asked, but apparently doubts remain.
In this letter Paul details the suffering he has experienced and his deep love for the Corinthians. As the NIV Student Bible says, "it reads ... like a personal letter and [not] a public document." Paul's emotional intensity comes through clearly.
In this first chapter Paul discusses suffering and explains why he did not visit the Corinthians recently
II Corinthians 1:1-2, Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is a standard greeting for a letter, identifying the writer and his audience. The audience is the "saints" (ie., believers, followers of the Savior Messiah) who live in the Achean region around Corinth.
II Corinthians 1: 3-7, Suffering leads to comfort of others
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
Out of suffering often comes ministry of comfort since empathy is an important part of ministry. But we still deeply need Gods comforting during that time.
II Corinthians 1: 8-11, We suffered greatly
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Paul and his party suffered greatly in their missionary journeys, enduring stonings and physical beatings. Now that that is in the past, Paul is proud of their suffering for Christ and for the Corinthians.
II Corinthians 1: 12-14, We have acted correctly, with clear conscience
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Paul is proud of his conduct regarding the Corinthians and wishes to continue in good relations with them (despite some conflict over his recent letter.)
II Corinthians 1: 15-17, I did plan to visit you
Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes."
Paul apparently had said he would visit the Corinthians but did not. This was not because his words were casual, without thought, but because events forced otherwise. Implicit in this paragraph is a statement about the importance of honest commitment.
The Greek word translated here as "Silas" is apparently Silvanus, a variant of Silas.
II Corinthians 1: 20-22, God's promises are "Yes"
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Paul is convinced that God had a plan in preventing his trip to Corinth and that the Holy Spirit is continuing to work in both him and the people of the Corinthian churches.
II Corinthians 1:23-24, Why we did not return to Corinth as planned
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
Paul's concern is ever with the growth of the church.
In the next chapter Paul continues to describe his concerns for the Corinthians, along with defending his travels.
In this letter Paul details the suffering he has experienced and his deep love for the Corinthians. As the NIV Student Bible says, "it reads ... like a personal letter and [not] a public document." Paul's emotional intensity comes through clearly.
In this first chapter Paul discusses suffering and explains why he did not visit the Corinthians recently
II Corinthians 1:1-2, Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is a standard greeting for a letter, identifying the writer and his audience. The audience is the "saints" (ie., believers, followers of the Savior Messiah) who live in the Achean region around Corinth.
II Corinthians 1: 3-7, Suffering leads to comfort of others
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
Out of suffering often comes ministry of comfort since empathy is an important part of ministry. But we still deeply need Gods comforting during that time.
II Corinthians 1: 8-11, We suffered greatly
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Paul and his party suffered greatly in their missionary journeys, enduring stonings and physical beatings. Now that that is in the past, Paul is proud of their suffering for Christ and for the Corinthians.
II Corinthians 1: 12-14, We have acted correctly, with clear conscience
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Paul is proud of his conduct regarding the Corinthians and wishes to continue in good relations with them (despite some conflict over his recent letter.)
II Corinthians 1: 15-17, I did plan to visit you
Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes."
Paul apparently had said he would visit the Corinthians but did not. This was not because his words were casual, without thought, but because events forced otherwise. Implicit in this paragraph is a statement about the importance of honest commitment.
The Greek word translated here as "Silas" is apparently Silvanus, a variant of Silas.
II Corinthians 1: 20-22, God's promises are "Yes"
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Paul is convinced that God had a plan in preventing his trip to Corinth and that the Holy Spirit is continuing to work in both him and the people of the Corinthian churches.
II Corinthians 1:23-24, Why we did not return to Corinth as planned
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
Paul's concern is ever with the growth of the church.
In the next chapter Paul continues to describe his concerns for the Corinthians, along with defending his travels.
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