2 Corinthians

Introduction

The letter of 2nd Corinthians was technically written as the 3rd letter to the Corinthians, with one in-between being lost in history (2:1, 12:14, 13:1). Paul writes this letter to console this church whom he previously had to correct. It is in this book that we recognize what correction and true repentance looks like, “for godly sorrow worketh repentance” (7:10). Just because a person or a church needs the course correction of the first letter to the Corinthians, doesn’t mean that they will stay that way forever, for the can “recover themselves out of the snare of the devil” (2 Tim 2:26) and be restored to Christian fellowship, as was the excommunicated Corinthian (1 Cor 5:1) who was later restored (2:5-8).

This letter is Paul’s most personal writing and shows us the great care he had for the Corinthian church, whom was his joy (2:3), epistle (3:2), children (6:13), and he had done all things for (12:19). Paul is a great example of a pastor who has a longstanding relationship with people who have struggled to get right and stay right. He wrote to the Corinthians more than any other church, and even though he was stern with them, he was willing to die for them (7:3), and wanted them to be exalted (11:7).

Though Paul loved the Corinthians very much, he felt the need to prove his status as an apostle by pointing to his sufferings (11:21-31) and to the Corinthian believers (3:2) as evidence for his ministry. There still remained a defiant group of devilish workers there, who had been “transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” (v13), so it was important for him to regain his status as their founding pastor and prepare them for his next coming visit (12:20,13:2).

2 CORINTHIANS 1 – Comfort and Rejoicing in the Corinthians

V1-7 Tribulation and Comfort

It is fitting that Paul introduces God to the Corinthian church as “the God of all comfort” (v3) because of the turmoil that this church had been through. As we will learn in this letter, that had been “made sorry after a godly manner” (7:9). They would need the comfort that the Lord would provide to them, “who comforteth us in all our tribulation” (v4). What the Corinthians would struggle with was insignificant in comparison to that of the apostles, which was by design as the great apostle would save them from trouble, yet all who are comforted by God are able to use their learned experiences to “comfort them which are in any trouble” (v4). Even if we have not been through what someone else is, we can provide comfort by extension of the comfort we’ve received from the Lord.

The apostles saw their “sufferings” (v5) and “affliction” (v6) for Christ as benefiting the Corinthians, “it is for your consolation and salvation” (v6). There is no telling how the Lord will use what is happening to you in the life of others. It could be to their salvation, which the mature believer, with the heart of the apostle Paul would rejoice in. Our suffering is never wasted, “as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation” (v7). God will always use it for some good (Rom 8:28).

Paul here begins to reveal how much he has suffered in the ministry, and for the Corinthian’s sake, “we were pressed out of measure” and “despaired even of life” (v8). These phrases reveal to us how hopeless some of his situations had become. Even still though, in these times of desperation, said that him and his team, “had the sentence of death in ourselves… not to trust in ourselves” (v9). In times of trouble there can be great temptation to fall back on our own thinking instead of pressing ahead in faith to believe, “in God which ariseth the dead” (v9). Paul was “delivered” from “so great a death” (v10) enough times that he trusted the Lord would do it again for him, “in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us” (v10).

Though Paul had his critics in Ephesus, many of them had been praying for him, “ye also helping together by prayer for us” (v11), which could have been the reason he was able to escape some of his harrowing situations. We never know how God is truly using our prayers – especially in the lives of people we don’t see every day. We can still pray and ‘help’, even if we aren’t there!

V12-14 Character at Corinth

Paul reminds the Corinthians of his manner with them, it was “in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom” (v12), which is consistent with his account of his first visit with them, when he “came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom” (1 Cor 2:1). He kept a “conversation” according to his “conscience” (v12) that would benefit the Corinthians and keep them trusting in the “grace of God” rather than the fleshy show that Corinth had turned into (1 Cor 14:26).

Paul’s heart for Corinth comes out here, as he says they would be his rejoicing “in the day of the Lord Jesus” (v14). For all that the Corinthians had messed up, they were still the “offering up of the Gentiles” (Rom 15:16) that Paul would rejoice in. These Corinthian believers were saved because of his investment, and he was able to look forward to the day when both he and the Corinthians would be in the presence of the Lord together. This should make us think: who do we look forward to seeing in heaven that we were used by God to lead to Christ?

V15-20 Plans and Changes

It would seem Paul had a plan to visit the Corinth church that didn’t happen, “I was minded to come unto you” (v15), in which he planned to “pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you” before finally heading to “Judaea” (v16). These plans were foiled, and it seemed to affect the Corinthians who saw Paul as inconsistent, though Paul says he did not “use lightness” (v17) in arranging these travels and that he did not “purpose according to the flesh” (v17), so he was asking the Corinthians to take him for his word. He says there should be “yea yea” and “nay nay” (v17), in the life of a Christian, so also says Jesus, “let your communication be, yea, yea” (Matt 5:37) and James, “let your yea be yea” (James 5:12). He did not intend to confuse the Corinthians when his travel plans changed, yet at times we must remain flexible, especially in ministry.

Paul pointed to his character to prove that his inconsistency was not normal, “our word toward you was not yea and nay” (v18). We ought to trust those who have regular and consistent character, so that when they don’t come through, we know it isn’t normal for them and could give them the benefit of the doubt.

Paul pointed to his message to prove his character as well. He says that Jesus Christ whom they preached “was not yea and nay, but in him was yea” (v19). Paul, along with “Timotheus” (v19) were consistently preaching the same message and pointing the Corinthians to an unchanging God whose “promises” are all “yea” (v20). Even when men like the apostles fail to follow through with what they say, God has given us His word that He will never fail and that He will “stablisheth us with you in Christ” (v21), who has given us “the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (v22). Though life’s circumstances rage, and our leadership seems unclear, we have the surety of God’s indwelling presence in the believer (Eph 1:13, 4:30, Col 1:27).

It was apparently better for the Corinthians that Paul didn’t visit in the first place, “to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth” (v23). It would seem Paul would have come with an intensity of spirit that would have been harmful to them and he did not want to domineer them, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith” (v24). It may be wise for leaders to refrain themselves from a situation while they are zealous for it so that they do not come off too harshly. Leaders ought to always remember that they are “helpers of your joy” (v24). We cannot always be happy and cheerful, and we should not avoid difficult issues, but if our goal is to help others grow in their walk with God then we need to be wise about our timing and manner when addressing issues.

2 CORINTHIANS 2 – The Purpose of Writing

This chapter gives us great insight into Paul’s reason for writing (v3, 9) and reveals his heart to restore the Corinthians. While they needed to experience great sorrow for their correction, they remained his “joy” (v3) and he encouraged them to forgive each other (v10).

V1-4 Writing for Correction

Paul continued to explain that he did not want to “come again to you in heaviness” (v1), for he knew that there were issues to be addressed at Corinth. His presence would “make you sorry” so instead he “wrote this same unto you” (v3, 9). He wanted rather “to rejoice” (v3) at his coming and have “confidence in you all” because the Corinthians were, “my joy” (v3). This incredible attitude is retained by Paul throughout this whole letter. We must be careful to retain joy in our hearts for the people we minister to so that we can be sensitive as we address issues in their lives. 

He says the letter that he wrote was “out of much affliction and anguish of heart” and “with many tears” (v4) because of the corrective way in which he had to address the carnal and divisive issues in the Corinthian church. His intent was not to make the Corinthians feel bad, but instead reprove them, which was an act of love, “that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you” (v4). True love is willing to wound for the sake of healing (Prov 27:6). Like Paul, true love will empathize with those we minister to, “with many tears” (v4), yet still valuing the latter end of correction, will move forward in faith.

V5-11 Restoration and Forgiveness

Here Paul refers to the person(s) mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5, which were disciplined out of the church for their fornication. Though they had “caused grief” (v5), it was only “in part” (v5) and Paul and the Corinthians were able to move forward because the offenders had repented of their actions. When a fellow brother is disciplined out of Christian fellowship, but then repents, we ought to be ready and willing to “forgive him, and comfort him” (v7) for their sake, lest they be “swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (v7). The work of church discipline was intended to expel the carnal Christian to the consequences of their sin (1 Cor 5:5). Thankfully, we have this section of the bible to help us see that it can work to restore “restore such an one” (Gal 6:1).

This punishment was “sufficient” (v6) and upon repentance, the Corinthians were commanded toward the offender, “confirm your love toward him” (v8). Once God’s judgment has done its work to humble another believer, we have no right to further hold a grudge against them, “lest Satan should get an advantage of us” (v11).

Satan can work on both sides of church discipline, to destroy the sinful Christian, and also to destroy the fellowship of the church upon restoration - if there remains unforgiveness. Forgiveness is then a weapon in spiritual warfare. We cannot afford to have a lack of forgiveness in our lives - not only because it will affect our relationships, but because it gives our adversary an upper hand in our spiritual life. The only way Christians can truly forgive, even the most horrific of offenses, is “in the person of Christ” (v10). If it were not for Christ, and if we instead were keeping our own righteousness we could judge, but because Christ paid for our sins just as well as theirs, the cross reminds us that forgiveness is an obligatory Christian duty (Eph 4:32).

V12-17 Transitional Ministry in Troas

Here Paul pulls back the curtain on his ministry, as he will do many times in this letter. He lets the Corinthians know that he was previously in Troas “to preach Christ’s gospel” where a “door opened” (v12) unto him. Yet even though Troas was open, Paul did not have peace about his ministry there and had “no rest” in his spirit (v13). It would seem that he was expecting to find Titus there, “because I found not Titus my brother” (v13) and so he left Troas, “taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia” (v13). This is an interesting scenario because we find in Troas an open door, but a lack of peace. It may be that the Lord opens up a ministry that we are unable to fulfill because of our circumstances. We know that a church was eventually formed in Troas, as Paul met with disciples there on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:5-12).

Even though Paul went into Macedonia discouraged, he did not let his feelings shake his faith, “thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ” (v14). Christians should always have a perspective of victory because even in tough times, we are in Jesus Christ and God will use us as a “savour…in every place” (v14). Whether our circumstances are good or bad, the Lord goes with us and uses us as a “savour of death” (v16) to some and a “savour of life” (v16) to others. God sees all Christians that walk with Him as “a sweet savour of Christ” (v15), especially to the saved, but our Christian witness to the lost is also a savoury display “in them that perish” (v15). Christian don’t lose your savour, for it is what makes you desirable in every situation (Luke 14:34).

Paul wanted the Corinthians to remember that the apostles were not ‘corrupting the word of God’, as some others in their church were (11:3-4, 13), but rather they spoke with “sincerity… as of God” (v17). He brings God’s witness into account, “in the sight of God speak we in Christ” (v17). This ought to be the thought of every Christian. Whenever we open our mouths we ought to consider that we represent the Lord. The only way to hold the balance of grace and truth is to invoke the presence of God in the Holy Spirit to help us determine what to say and when to say it. Paul’s comparison was with false teachers, who would “corrupt” God’s word (v17), for which every Christian should be on the lookout.

2 CORINTHIANS 3 – The Spirit vs the Law

Chapter 3 helps us remember that our confidence doesn’t rest in who we are or the way others view us, but we are sufficient only in the Lord. By His grace we have been given His Holy Spirit which is greater than anything experienced by saints before the resurrection. Christ is a stumbling block to Israel, which can only be taken away by salvation, which will transform them, and anyone else who believes, “from glory to glory” (v18).

V1-6 Trusting God for Commendation

Paul did not need “letters of commendation” (v1) to prove his apostleship to the Corinthians, for he said they were the very proof of his ministry, “ye are our epistle written in our hearts” (v2). This shows the very close way that Paul held this church in his heart, and that was demonstrated to others as they were “known and read of all men” (v2). At some point, our investment in other people is a witness of itself, and is proof of God using us. Instead of requiring that people give us titles, we ought to simply point to the people that we know and love in ministry, who have grown under our hand.

Paul’s ministry to the Corinthians wasn’t just in caring for them, for they were “written not with in, but with the Spirit of the living God” (v3). He “planted” (1 Cor 3:6) Corinth and led them to Christ, so he made the greatest investment of all in them: the gospel and new life. There was an inward proof that the Corinthians now had in the “tables of the heart” (v3), for they now had the word of God and the Spirit of God to bear witness of the truth (John 16:13) and Paul’s authentic apostleship. 

He did not need to “trust” (v4) in himself to accomplish his ministry, but instead allowed his “sufficiency” to be of God (v4). Paul is a great example to us that God has made us “able ministers of the new testament” (v6). We need not look to credentials or even an academic knowledge of “the letter” (v6), but rather always be in a place of faith to trust God in His Spirit and by His word. Simply leaning on the fundamentals of ministry, like the law, “the letter” will not produce spiritual life! Only dependence on God, “but our sufficiency is of God” (v6) and “the spirit” will give life (v6)!

V7-13 Comparing Ministrations

There are two ‘ministrations’ compared here, which word means ‘ministry’: the “ministration of death” (v7) and the “ministration of the spirit” (v8). They are a comparison of the Mosaic law and the Old Testament sacrificial system and the ministry of the New Testament which was founded upon the “death of the testator” (Heb 9:16). The law, called above, “the letter” (v6), had no ability to save (Heb 10:11), for it only revealed sin, not atoned for it (Rom 3:20).

The first ministration under Moses was still “glorious” (v7), as the illustration of Moses is given, that his face shined (v7), but that glory was temporary and “was to be done away” (v7), for which Moses “put a vail over his face” (v13) to hide that his glory had faded. There was still glory there, but in comparison to that of the “ministration of the righteousness”, it failed to compare, because it would “exceed in glory” (v9). Christians then are able to glory in something greater than any saint in the Old Testament could – we have something greater than they!

V14-18 Removing the Vail

Moses’ vail continues to be an illustration as Paul uses it to describe the condition of the unsaved Jews. The lost man, especially the Jew, has a ‘blinded mind’ when they read the scriptures. Although the Jews use many of the same scriptures as Christians, they cannot actually see Christ in their bible because “the vail is upon their heart” (v15). If you have ever tried to share the gospel with a Jew, you have likely experienced this. Even “in the reading of the old testament” (v14), the vail remains, and it can only be “done away in Christ” (v14). When a person is born again they are given the “Spirit of the Lord” (v17, Eph 1:13) and are able to discern spiritual things. When a Jew is saved “the vail shall be taken away” (v16), but only in the Lord’s power, “when it shall turn to the Lord” (v16).

This gives Christians exclusive access to a greater glory than Moses experiences. We have the liberty of the Spirit (v17) and are able to behold “the glory of the Lord” (v18). In Moses day, that was limited – the whole congregation did not get to experience what he did, and even then it faded. We now get the privilege of being “changed… from glory to glory” (v18). But how? 

The ”glass” (v18) is a picture of the word of God. That is how we see and experience the glory of God! James calls reading the word of God looking into “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:22-25). As we look into the mirror of God’s word, it reflects back to us the image of the “natural face” and reveals that we are sinful people in comparison to “the glory of the Lord” (v18). When we read the bible submitted to “the Spirit of the Lord”, and allow Him to teach us, the word of God accomplishes its work to sanctify (John 17:17), transform (Rom 12:2), and change us “from glory to glory” (v18).

Chapter 4 – The Apostle’s Ministry

Chapter 4 gives us great insight into the spiritual realities of the world we live in. It is clouded by darkness for most, as the unbeliever is unable to see spiritual realities, yet in contrast, those that have been saved are bold to speak the gospel, even under great persecution. Because of the new realities of the Christian life, we count our troubles as “light affliction” (v17) as we look forward to the day when our faith becomes sight in eternity.

V1-6 The Gospel’s Hiddenness

Those that have been born again ought to live their lives differently. Like the apostles, we have “received mercy” and a “ministry” (v1) which ought to be conducted in accordance with Christian character, having “renounced the hidden things of dishonesty” (v2), along with “craftiness” and deceit. Christian ministers have a duty to handle “the word of God” (v2) and we must do so to the highest level of transparency, “by the manifestation of the truth” (v2). To manifest is to reveal. It is our job to reveal the truth of the gospel to the people around us in such a way that it is honest and clear before two audiences: “every man’s conscience” and “in the sight of God” (v2). While we seek not to please men, we do not want to offend in our lifestyle or our delivery, lest we be a “castaway” (1 Cor 9:27). Though at times we can fool men into thinking that we have it all together, we must also be honest with God as we “study to shew ourselves approved unto God” (2 Tim 2:15) in the handling of His word.

If people will hear and believe the gospel and the word of God they will be saved (Rom 10:17, Eph 1:13), but if it is rejected, it will remain hidden, “but if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (v3). A lost man is unable to ascertain the true meaning of the word of God because they do not have the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:14). In this state, they are considered “blinded” in their minds by Satan himself, who is called the “god of this world” (v4). Spiritual blindness is the state of any unbeliever, and is even further enforced upon rejection of the gospel (John 12:40), yet God is still able to penetrate our darkness, who, “shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” (v6) so that we could believe. Although all men are born spiritually blind, all are given enough light to respond to God, for even the ‘unrighteous’ are able to “clearly” see that God exists (Rom 1:19-21). God is the one that works in the heart as He draws us to His Son (John 12:32).

V7-12 Apostolic Troubles

Here the great apostle again pulls back the curtain on his difficulties in the ministry. He reveals his frailty, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels” (v7), meaning that our weak human bodies have been chosen by God as the place in which He has decided to take up residency. The power that we possess in the new creature is, “of God, and not of us” (v7). This enabled the apostles to endure trouble (v8), perplexity (v8), persecution (v9) and abandonment (v9). In all of Paul’s troubles, he was not discouraged and sought to live like Jesus, “always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus” (v10). When we compare our sufferings to what Christ went through, we have no reason to complain, and yet in our sufferings we can display Him prominently, “that the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (v11). What a wonder it is that God would reveal Himself to the world through those “earthen vessels” (v7)! Is He doing that through you? Do people see Christ living in you through your troubles?

Quoting from Psalm 116, Paul essentially says “we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20), stating that his boldness to speak the word of God was because of his faith, “we also believe, and therefore speak” (v13). This is a normal and fundamental principle in Christianity – those that believe the gospel share it with others. Psalm 116 is fitting because it also has great themes of suffering and trusting in God. Paul gives us a glimpse here of eternity, “the Lord Jesus shall raise up us… and present us with you” (v14), which he will reveal more clearly in the succeeding verses (v17-18).

All of Paul’s troubles were worth it to him, not just for the Lord, but for the Corinthians, “death worketh in us, but life in you” (v12), and “all things are for your sakes” (v15). It takes a lot of Christian maturity for one Christian to suffer for the betterment of another! He says, “we faint not” (v16) in trouble because there are greater realities than suffering. Here we learn 2 things that will help us in times of trouble:

The Reality of the Inward Man

Although our natural bodies will grow weary and eventually perish, “we faint not” (v16), because “the inward man is renewed day by day” (v16). This is the “new creature” (2 Cor 5:17), which is also called the “new man” (Col 3:10) and the “inner man” (Eph 3:16). It is the “circumcision made without hands” (Col 2:11), in which our inward man has been born again and united with Christ, yet still living inside of our natural body. Because of this reality, Christians have a supernatural internal strength, because the presence of God renews us “day by day” (v16).

The Reality of Eternal Things

Christians also live with the reality of eternity in mind. Although the apostles suffered greatly, they considered it “light affliction, which is but for a moment” (v17) - this isn’t even including the full list of their trials (2 Cor 11:24-28). They were able to “look not at the things which are seen” (v18) and instead focus on what was even more real to them: eternity. They foresaw the day in which they would receive a “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (v17). They looked forward to the day in which we are all “raised up” (v14) together. This perspective is only possible when our focus changes from the “temporal” to the “eternal” (v18). If the apostles could do it under great duress, how can we not focus on “things above” (Col 3:2)? This is only possible as we feed the new creature the word of God to renew our minds and get a clearer image of that day (Col 3:10).

2 CORINTHIANS 5  - New Bodies and Judgment Seat

V1-8 Future State

This chapter continues Paul’s thought from the previous one on the comparison of the physical world and the spiritual world. He was able to endure affliction because he had the hope of a future body, which he already told the Corinthians about (1 Cor 15). He uses a few familiar words to describe the physical body, “our earthly house” and “this tabernacle” (v1), both of which are dwelling places, but they pale in comparison to our future state in the “building of God” (v1). God has prepared for all believers “an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (v1).

Once we understand the difference in our physical body and what is to come, it causes us to “groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (v2). The limitations of our physical body, “being burdened” (v4), make us long for our glorification when, “mortality might be swallowed up in life” (v4). We need these reminders for they encourage us, especially in our affliction.

God has given us the “earnest of the Spirit” (v5), which is His presence dwelling inside of us, but it is not fully realized, as we are not completely in the presence of God, “wear are absent from the Lord” (v6). Our current life is one of faith, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (v7), but one day our faith WILL become sight. On that day, the day of our death, we will be “clothed” (v4) by a new body and be “present with the Lord” (v8).

V9-13 Judgment Seat

If such a glorious state awaits us, should we just sit around and wait for death? No way! “Wherefore we labour”, that whether present of absent, we may be accepted of him” (v9). Although all Christians are guaranteed a new body and a home in heaven based upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ, we all have a job to do in evangelizing the world and we will also give an account of “the things done in his body”(v10). The Christian has a reckoning with God upon their death, though it be not for judgment of sin. It is called “the judgment seat of Christ” (v10), where “we must all appear” (v10). This is called “the terror of the Lord” (v11), the fact that every Christian will stand before God in judgment “according to that he hath done” (v10). This judgment is not about getting into heaven or judging sin, it is a stewardship of deeds done in the current body after salvation (1 Cor 3:11-15).

Paul said that he lived to the same standard of accountability “unto God” (v11) and unto man, “made manifest in your consciences” (v11). Yes, the Lord knows our actions, and we will be rewarded one day in glory if our work “abide” (1 Cor 3:14) God’s inspection, but we also have people around us every day that are watching and examining our character and our ministry. We do not “glory in appearance” (v12), and should not boast of our works before others – Paul said, “we commended not ourselves… unto you” (v12) but rather let the Corinthains do their own bragging on Paul, “but give you occasion to glory on our behalf” (v12). It’s a good reminder of the old proverb, “let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth” (Prov 27:2). All that Paul did was for the betterment of the Corinthians, “it is for your cause” (v13), no matter how it may look to his critics.

2 CORINTHIANS 5  - New Bodies and Judgment Seat

Chapter 5 is a good comparison of the physical and the spiritual. In it we find a desire to be “clothed upon”(v2) with the realities of life after death, to be in the presence of God, but instead the focus of this chapter shifts to a day of reckoning when Christians will give an account to the Lord for their stewardship after salvation. We are reminded of the change that happened at salvation and that God has given us a “ministry”(v18) to accomplish. So long as we are “in this tabernacle” (v4) of our physical body, there is work to be done in seeking the lost as Christ did.

V1-8 Our Future State

This chapter continues Paul’s thought from the previous one on the comparison of the physical world and the spiritual world. He was able to endure affliction because he had the hope of a future body, which he already told the Corinthians about (1 Cor 15). He uses a few familiar words to describe the physical body, “our earthly house” and “this tabernacle” (v1), both of which are dwelling places, but they pale in comparison to our future state in the “building of God” (v1). God has prepared for all believers “an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (v1).

Once we understand the difference in our physical body and what is to come, it causes us to “groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (v2). The limitations of our physical body, “being burdened” (v4), make us long for our glorification when, “mortality might be swallowed up in life” (v4). We need these reminders for they encourage us, especially in our affliction.

God has given us the “earnest of the Spirit” (v5), which is His presence dwelling inside of us, but it is not fully realized, as we are not completely in the presence of God, “wear are absent from the Lord” (v6). Our current life is one of faith, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (v7), but one day our faith WILL become sight. On that day, the day of our death, we will be “clothed” (v4) by a new body and be “present with the Lord” (v8).

V9-13 The Judgment Seat

If such a glorious state awaits us, should we just sit around and wait for death? No way! “Wherefore we labour”, that whether present of absent, we may be accepted of him” (v9). Although all Christians are guaranteed a new body and a home in heaven based upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ, we all have a job to do in evangelizing the world and we will also give an account of “the things done in his body”(v10). The Christian has a reckoning with God upon their death, though it is not for judgment of sin. It is called “the judgment seat of Christ” (v10), where “we must all appear” (v10). This is called
“the terror of the Lord” (v11), the fact that every Christian will stand before God in judgment “according to that he hath done” (v10). This judgment is not about getting into heaven or judging sin, it is a stewardship of deeds done in the current body after salvation (1 Cor 3:11-15).

Paul said that he lived to the same standard of accountability “unto God” (v11) and unto man, “made manifest in your consciences” (v11). Yes, the Lord knows our actions, and we will be rewarded one day in glory if our work “abide” (1 Cor 3:14) God’s inspection, but we also have people around us every day that are watching and examining our character and our ministry. We do not “glory in appearance” (v12), and should not boast of our works before others – Paul said, “we commended not ourselves… unto you” (v12) but rather let the Corinthians do their own bragging on Paul, “but give you occasion to glory on our behalf” (v12). It’s a good reminder of the old proverb, “let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth” (Prov 27:2). All that Paul did was for the betterment of the Corinthians, “it is for your cause” (v13), no matter how it may have looked to his critics.

V14-21 Ministry of the New Creature

The love of Jesus Christ is such a compelling force to those that believe in Him, that it “contraineth us” (v14), meaning that it urges us to share it with others. If we would just consider, “that he died for all” (v15), meaning that Jesus Christ died for the sins of every person on the planet, then this love would move us to action. Believers have an obligation not to “live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (v15). A basic understanding of the gospel is enough to compel any believer to share it with the lost.

When a person believes the gospel, they become “a new creature” and their old life and identify have “passed away” (v17), having now been immersed “in Christ” (v17). The life of the new creature has “become new” and is “of God” (v18). For this reason it doesn’t matter how we feel about sharing the gospel – our old life is dead, having been ”crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:20). Every believer has now been given the “ministry of reconciliation” to help the world become “reconciled to God” (v20).

We accomplish this through our ambassadorship, “we are ambassadors for Christ” (v20), as we serve “in Christ’s stead” (v20). It is the job of Christians to bring “good new from a far country” (Prov 25:25). We represent God and His kingdom, which is not a part of the physical world (John 18:36). We share the “word of reconciliation” (v19), that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (V19). That is the good news! And it is news that you only find in the Christian bible. Therefore our “word” is not our own, but it is the seed of the word of God that we “cast abroad” (Isa 28:25), enabling people to believe and have faith (Rom 10:17).

The Corinthians would have understood what Paul was saying, “as though God did beseech you buy us”(v20), meaning that God used Paul and others to reach them with the saving message of the gospel. The means of salvation, though supernatural, are not mystical or dramatic. They are through men and women who will share the saving message with others. In this way, God is literally ‘beseeching’ the lost through Christians. He seeks out sinners through saints. Friends, if Christians will not share the gospel, it will be impossible for God to save the world because sharing His word is necessary in the process of being “born again” (1 Pet 1:23). Who is God reaching through you?

2 Corinthians 6 – How to Be Good Ministers

Here we find the realities of the new creature. Since Christians are born again representatives of God, they are to live as approved ministers of the grace of God, “giving no offence in any thing” (v3). This reality becomes more difficult whenever our circumstances change, and we are afflicted or suffer because of our faith. Even beyond suffering, Christians make decisions about connections and relationships that the lost world may view as confusing, so believers are employed to “be ye separate” (v17) from this world and its wickedness so as to make a distinction between the God of the bible and “darkness” (v14).

V1-13 Character of a Minister

To be a Christian is to be a minister, “we then as workers together with him” (v1). As we labour in serving others and sharing the gospel, God is working with us. We are not left alone to the mission! The Corinthians were told not to receive “the grace of God in vain” (v1). That they were told this proves that it can happen. And for how many Christians does it happen? Sadly, too man! The “day of salvation” (v2) was the best day of our life, and as we saw at the end of chapter 5, it wrought an incredible change in our life becoming a “new creature” (5:17). We cannot waste this kind of grace but must instead “give no offence in any thing” (v3) lest we bring shame upon the ministry of reconciliation. Instead we ought to be “approving ourselves as them ministers of God” (v4). That is, to live in such a way as to validate our message - just as the apostle Paul had done for the Corinthians.

Representing God and the ministry is not a convenient responsibility that only happens whenever we ‘feel good’ or are ready for it. We cannot simply clock in as a minister and clock out. We are always representing God, our church, and our Christian values from the bible, in “afflictions, in necessities, in distresses” (v4), etc. A long list follows from verses 4-10, which shows all kinds of scenarios in which Christians throughout history have suffered for their faith. Some have been in “imprisonments” (v5), others in “dishounour” (v8), etc.

Not all is negative though, as in these difficult times Christians are able to display great character because of the resources afforded to them. We have the “Holy Ghost” (v6), the “word of truth” (v7), the “power of God” (v7), and “the armour of righteousness” (v7). These resources give us supernatural strength that will enable us to endure all things with good character.

As Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to not receive the grace of God in vain (v1), he does so from his heart, “our heart is enlarged” (v11) and he challenges them to hear from his as a father, “I speak as unto my children” (v13), and that they would also hear him from their own hearts, “be ye also enlarged” (v13).

V14-18 Separation from the World

The Corinthians are going to need to remember Paul’s love because he has some hard things for them the hear, “be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (v14). We now begin to see the separation between “light” and “darkness” (v14), “Christ” and “Belial” (v15), a believer with an “infidel” (v15), and “the temple of God with idols” (v16). As approved ministers, we cannot have “fellowship” and “communion” (v14) with what is opposed to God. This is the issue here. To be “yoked together” (v14) is to be aligned to the same path, plowing the same field (as two animals tied together). Christians are not to align themselves with “unbelievers”. This could be in marriage, business, or the affairs of this life – if it be possible, we ought not to be aligned with what is contrary to the nature of our God.

Christians get the unique privilege of the presence of God dwelling inside of us, “I will dwell in them… and they shall be my people” (v16). Wherever we go, and whatever we do, we take the Lord with us, so He says to “come out from among them, and be ye separate” (v17). For our testimony’s sake we cannot afford to be likened unto the things of this world. No one in our lives should be confused about our God – He is holy and we are His “sons and daughters” (v18).

2 Corinthians 7 – Paul’s Care for the Corinthians

This chapter gives us great insight into what healthy correction should look like in a church. It starts with the right heart, to be willing to “die” for those that we have to correct. We do it because of our great care for them (v12). Whenever godly correction is received with a good heart, it produces an incredible result and can even turn around the entire ministry of a church. Paul was able to get a good report out of Corinth who had now become healthy enough to leave its ministers affectionate of them instead of in grief.

V1-4 The Heart for Correction

After addressing the issues in the preceding chapter they are summarized quite well in verse 1, “let us cleanse ourselves” and “perfecting holiness in the fear of God”. Simply put, because God’s word is true, we have “these promises”, we ought to put away everything that disagrees with it.

Paul had to address a multitude of issues in the Corinthian church, but he seeks to move on here and begins to address the restoration that has happened. He did not correct them with malice in his heart, “I speak not this to condemn you” (v3). Paul’s love for them was clear, “ye are in our hearts to die and live with you” (v3). These Christians had responded well to his correction, and it made the apostle very proud, “great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you” (v4). He was thrilled and “exceeding joyful” (v4) even though his personal life was quite turbulent. This shows us that it is possible to be excited for what God is doing in someone else’s life, even if our own circumstances are not going well.

V5-7 The Comfort of a Brother

In Paul’s travels he reached a season in Macedonia where “our flesh had no rest” (v5), and it wasn’t just being tired for he had enemies, “without were fightings, within were fears” (v5). It would appear there were false brethren there who could not be trusted like his usual acquaintances. Paul was waiting for Titus. Eventually the two met up again and the great apostle was encouraged. It is interesting here that we see such a tough, powerful man in a weak and ragged state, and something as simple as “the coming of Titus” (v6) was able to comfort him so greatly that he considered it divine, “God… comforted us” (v6). There is something special about Christian fellowship, especially with trusted brethren. They give us a boost, especially when our circumstances aren’t good. Christian, we need each other. Imagine if Titus hadn't come! Paul would have been in many ways without encouragement.

One way that a good brother or sister in Christ can encourage us is through a good word (Prov 12:15), for it will rejoice the heart. Titus brought word to Paul from the Corinthians. It was good news! Though Paul had made them “sorry with a letter” (v8), they had received it well. Titus reported to Paul of their “earnest desire”, “mourning” and “fervent mind” (v7). The issues that were addressed to the church had been dealt with and it “rejoiced” Paul’s heart. We see here a glimpse at victory – instead of wanting judgment for them, Paul wanted them to get right!

V8-11 The Clearing of Restoration

Verses 8-11 are an absolutely wonderful joy. They reveal a heart that is willing to be reproved and respond correctly. The Corinthians had been made “sorry… for a season” (v8), but their sorrow did not destroy them, it brought them to “repentance” (v10). We learn here about two different kinds of sorrow – one “worketh death” (v10) and the other “salvation” (v10). There is a false kind of humility in the world, which makes us feel bad when we are corrected. If it is not led by the Spirit of God it will only make things worse. In contrast, when a believer is confronted by a godly man with the right heart, and they respond in kind under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, it will produce a powerful result! It can bring out a multitude of feelings: first, “clearing” (v11) of the conscience, then “indignation” at sin, followed by a “vehement desire” and “zeal” to “revenge all disobedience” (v11, 10:6). Correction actually makes us better and the Corinthians had proven themselves “clear in this matter” (v11). Praise God! It is possible to recover from sins so heinous they would make the Gentiles blush (1 Cor 5:1), for that was likely the case here.

When we see others restored it greatly encourages us. Paul was “comforted” (v13) because of the news of Corinth’s response, but also because of how healthy they had become. When Titus brought his report back to Paul he also included how “his spirit was refreshed by you all” (v13). This made Paul even more glad because they took care of Titus as he knew they would. They were “found in truth” (v14) as Paul suspected. Although this church was quite carnal and had its issues, they apparently ‘loved well’, as Paul had previously “boasted” on them (v14).

Lastly, Paul was encouraged that the Corinthians respected the authority that he sent Titus there with, “how with fear and trembling ye received him” (v15). It gives a great deal of joy to a pastor to see the church submit to each of its leaders. This is a healthy cycle!

2 Corinthians 8 – Stewardship and Diligence in Finance

Paul informs Corinth to be prepared with an offering as they had previously planned to do. Upon receipt of the Corinthian’s gift, Paul would make sure that the delivery would arrive at its intended location, being sent by approved messengers. There is a lot to learn here about “providing for honest things” (v21) concerning finances and church ministry funds, even if it is being distributed to others. Chapters 8 and 9 really fit nicely together and give a complete picture of preparing the church for an upcoming offering.

V1-6 The Macedonian Example

Since there was no television or radio to communicate messages in the first century, news had to spread the old fashioned way. Macedonia, which was near Corinth to the north, had recently given a generous offering in spite of their circumstances being in “affliction” and “deep poverty” (v2). The Macedonian churches did not have it easy, just read about Thessalonica and Phillipi in the book of Acts, yet in their struggles they still abounded in “liberality” (v2). These poor saints were being used as an example to provoke the Corinthians to be ready for an upcoming offering. The Corinthians would certainly have been better off than the Macedonians, because Corinth was a port city with a lot of trade.

The gift given from the Macedonians was for the “ministering to the saints” (v4). It wasn’t so Paul or another church could simply have more money. They were such great examples in their giving because not only did they give out of poverty, which shows that anyone can give regardless of income status, but they “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (v5). While giving is never easy, for some it is easier than submitting their life to God and to their spiritual authority, “and unto us by the will of God” (v5). Before giving an offering we ought to clear our hearts with the Lord to ensure we aren’t giving out of guilt in not first submitting to what He wants us to do. We can’t simply ‘tip’ God to make Him happy. Our giving must be from the heart.

V7-12 Preparation and Equality

Since Titus’ previous trip to Corinth went well, Paul “desired Titus” (v6) that he would go back and prepare the church for the upcoming offering. He wanted them to think about it and be prepared to “about in this grace also” (v7), that is the grace of giving. When we are going to ask people to give with substance, above-and-beyond what they normally would, we ought to get them ready.

Paul did not want the Corinthians to feel obligated to give, “not by commandment” (v8), but by reminding them of what Jesus did for them in sacrificing His riches to become poor (v9), they were to “prove the sincerity of their love” (v8) for the Lord through giving. We can say that we love the Lord, but at some point our bank statement may say otherwise. Whenever we consider that Jesus made a sacrifice for us that is far greater than anything money could buy (1 Pet 1:18-19), how could we not give back to the Lord and others?

The Corinthians were previously told about this offering (1 Cor 16:1) “a year ago” (v10), but now the time had come to “perform the doing of it” (v11). Upon Titus’ arrival they were to fulfill the commitments they had previously made. Now it was time to give “out of that which ye have” (v11). Perhaps for some that amount had changed in a year’s time? Which is a good reminder of the grace in giving, not the obligation, “it is accepting according to that a man hath” (v12). We can only give things that are in our possession. Not everyone has the same income level or flexibility to give. When giving comes up, be at easy to consider your circumstances, and not compare them with others.

God is not unreasonable to have us give outside of our means, “that there may be equality” (v4). One may give more, another less, but the Lord will still provide for the things He needs (v15). When the saints give, all levels of contribution go into the same means and get distrusted for God’s kingdom purposes. When this offering finally reaches its destination, nobody will know who gave what – it will simply be used for its intended purposes.

V16-24 Financial Transparency

By the time of this writing, Titus had already left for Corinth, he “being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you” (v17). Since God would not have one “eased” and another “burdened” (v13), even the ministers of the gospel such as pastors and teachers are compelled to give. They may not have as much to give, but Titus was willing to go and to sacrifice just at the Corinthians were being asked to.

Along with Titus, Paul sent a delegation to, “we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel” (v18), which was “chosen of the churches to travel with us” (v19). Because things can get sideways quickly when money is involved, it is best to have transparency in finances, especially when people are giving sacrificially. We want it to go to the right place! These delegations would ensure that “no man should blame us in this abundance” (v20) so that they would “provide for things honest” (v21). Even if we know in our hearts that it is done right, we also need to prove it “in the sight of men” (v21). There was one more member of the delegation committee, named only as, “our brother” (v22), who had “proved diligent in many things” (v22). This third man, whether he was financially savvy or not, would help ensure that the task was completed and with excellence. If people do not have experience in finances, but they have a high level of credibility, they should be trusted just the same to ensure things are overseen objectively and diligently.

Though Titus had been to Corinth before, Paul felt the need to validate his credentials. “he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you” (v23). The Corinthians may not have known the other men on the delegation committee, so it was important to ensure that they had qualified leadership and that Titus and his team were “messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ” (v23). This kind of language would greatly encourage those giving sacrificially, that their offering was in good hands and by qualified men.

Paul says, “shew ye to them and before the churches, the proof of your love” (v24). They were to prove their faithfulness in giving but we also learn here that the church at Corinth knew how much had been given and the messengers delivering the offering knew as well. We don’t have to make things weird with church and money. It should be counted and made known. This kind of transparency gives confidence to everyone involved.

2 Corinthians 9 – God Loves a Cheerful Giver

There are some great general principles for Christian generosity in this chapter. The offering collected at Corinth was not mandatory, but if the Corinthians would give, it would not only benefit the recipient, but it would also bless them as well.

V1-7 Giving Amounts

The Corinthians were known for the willingness to give, as Paul says it was “superfluous for me to write to you” (v1), meaning that it was an overabundance of communication. He knew their “forwardness” to give and boasted about them to the Macedonian churches, but because someone from Macedonia was on the delegation committed, Paul didn’t want them to arrive at Corinth and be found wanting, “lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we… should be ashamed” (v4). So they wrote, and sent the committee to help the Corinthians “make up beforehand” their bounty (v5). 

Even the best givers need encouragement that God is using their gifts, as Paul reminds them, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly” (v6). It is quite simply just a law of nature. If we stop sowing, we stop reaping. We will surely receive something back if we sow, though we know not how, but trust that “God is able to make all grace abound toward you” (v8). Grace sounds even better than money, so in this way, reaping the spiritual graces of giving is more valuable than receiving an offering.

But how much should we give? Since this offering is not referring to a tithe and no certain amount is given, the Holy Spirit and the conscience is the degerming factor, “as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give” (v7). When it comes to giving we have already seen in the previous chapter that we can only give from what we have, and here we find the ‘pain line’: you can’t “grudgingly”. So how much do we give? However much within our means we are able to sacrifice and still be a “cheerful giver” (v7). It must come with a clear conscience and not regret.

V8-15 The Results of Giving

When we give, God promises to take care of our needs. We may not always be able to calculate how we can be generous and yet still meet all of our needs, but we have supernatural help that we cannot possibly calculate in our accounting. Quoting from Psalm 112 we learn that a “good man sheweth favour, and lendeth” and he will ‘disperse’ and give to the poor. When we give like that, it proves our trust in God in all things, even in “bread for your food” (v10). Most Christians in America (where I live) will never experience a want of food, but if we were so bold as to give everything away, the Lord would still provide for our basic and common needs (1 Tim 6:8).

Another benefit of our giving is an increased harvest, “multiply your seed sown” (v10) and an increase in “your righteousness” (v10). Sacrificial giving, for the saints and appointed by our leadership, could bless our efforts in other places, such as our job and career or even in our own personal walk with the Lord and victory over sin. We know that our treasure directs our heart (Luke 12:34), so this could very well make us more diligent and more intentional in other ways as well.

What does God do with our giving once it is collected? It “supplieth the want of the saints” and it abounds unto “many thanksgivings” (v12). The first is the practical need. The saints in Jerusalem were struggling and in great need. An offering like this isn’t just to ‘test’ the church’s generosity or prove a point – it is very much to provide for a real and valid need. Secondly, whenever we give, it causes the recipients of our giving to “glorify God”, pray for those that sacrificed, and “long after” (v14) them. If you have ever received a valuable gift before, you know that there is a grace also in receiving and not just in giving. It causes the recipient to glorify God, likely answering their prayer, and it causes the recipient to be affectionate towards the gift giver. Giving works in both ways to glory God and give grace to both parties.

2 Corinthians 10 – Not Judging By Appearance

This chapter helps us keep things in perspective. We must not be so quick to judge because our own thoughts can deceive us on what we see with our eyes, and if we are not intentional, we can be given to comparison, which will end up stalling the work of evangelism. Every Christian has been given a role in the church, and instead of being skeptical of our spiritual authority or jealous of others, we ought to consider the greater spiritual realities: the world needs the gospel and things aren’t always as they appear.

V1-10 The Outward Appearance

Much of what we see on the outside determines our perspective of a situation. Paul’s manner of “meekness and gentleness” (v1) was mistaken as “base” among the Corinthians. Some of them were expecting a much ‘greater’ display in the flesh, which he purposed in his heart not to do from the beginning (1 Cor 2:1). Addressing this issue gave him the opportunity to realign the focus of the Corinthian church, “we do not war after the flesh” (v3). These next few verses give us incredible handles on spiritual warfare.

Christians must be on guard, as Paul said he had to be in his ministry. He had “many adversaries” (1 Cor 16:9), but here he doesn’t refer to people. He says there is a greater war in our “imaginations”, and in “every thought” (v5). The mind then becomes a battlefield which we must protect, especially when our eyes do not give us the whole picture about a situation. We must have a “readiness” (v6) always to “bring into captivity” (v5) every “thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God” (v5). This is then a war of information. Our eyes and our brains are always absorbing information, but not all of it is correct. Much of what the world around propagates is false and thereby competing with the truth of God’s word. If we do not regularly keep our thought life in check we will end up intellectually crippled and having “strong holds” of the mind. In this way, the enemy can place a garrison or embattlement in God’s territory, inside your mind.

Strong holds affect the way that we see the rest of the world, as the Corinthians were challenged, “do ye look on… the outward appearance?” (v7). There is more going on under the surface than they realized. One of the ways that the enemy works is to cause division and sow discord among the brethren by casting doubt upon leadership. If we trust our pastors and leaders, they deserve the benefit of the doubt (1 Tim 5:19). They had grown skeptical against their founding pastor.

Paul begins to take his leadership back, “so are we Christ’s” (v7), essentially saying, don’t forget that God used us to reach you. It may have seemed like Paul was weak to the Corinthians, “his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible” (v10), but that was all on purpose so as not to make a “shew in the flesh” (Gal 6:12), but when he would write to them, they considered it much different, “his letters… are weighty and powerful” (v10). Paul actually did this on purpose as well. He waited to address some of the tougher issues at Corinth from afar, “lest being present I should use sharpness” (13:10).

Noting his recent letters, Paul says, if you won’t trust my writings, I’ll have to address you more formally when I arrive, “such will we be also in deed when we are present” (v11). This is a good example for us. We must think about the manner and timing of how we address issues in people’s lives. If we do it from a place of humility and weakness it will be better received, but Corinth had its critics and “false apostles” (11:13) that gloried in the flesh and would require a much sharper correction.

V12-18 The Measure of Ministry

Comparison is a fool's game, “for we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves” (v12). It is especially foolish when who we are comparing ourselves with has a subjective standard whereby to judge, “themselves” Paul did not feel the need to ‘measure up’ to who the Corinthians wanted him to be. He said that it was God who “hath distributed to us; a measure to reach even unto you” (v7). At some point, God has made us all different in our personalities and strengths and weaknesses. We don't need to try to be someone else or to “boast of things without our measure” (v13).

If God has used us in any way to reach others we can boast in that, but let us, “not boast in another man’s line of things” (v16). Other people, other churches, other ministries, other ministers, all may be doing different things in different ways, but our focus should remain solely on what God has done through us “in preaching the gospel of Christ” (v14). A lack of comparison will result in more ministry, “to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you” (v16). Perhaps if Christians and churches would quit reading the books of others and attempting to use their techniques, and instead focus on what God has called THEM to do, maybe they would reach further and “be enlarged” (v15).

Even still, when any increase happens in ministry, it is all from the Lord. There is no good that can come from the natural man, “the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63), so whatever increase the Lord gives, with whatever persons He gives it by, should cause us to “glory in the Lord” (v17). Let Him be exalted in all that we do or all that another does.

2 Corinthians 11 – Paul’s Jealousy for the Corinthians

This chapter reveals a lot about the motives behind ministers. The Corinthians were susceptible to false teachers because they gloried in the flesh and were proudly accepting of others, even to a fault. Paul called out these “false apostles” (v13) within the church and revealed his credentials as a more legitimate apostle based on his service to Jesus and the purity in his teacher. Christians must be on guard, for if Satan cannot corrupt the church through immorality he will do it through doctrine.

V1-4 The Care of an Apostle

Paul’s affection for the Corinthians is continually on display in this letter. He says, “bear with me” (v1) because I am “jealous over you with godly jealousy” (v2). He could not contain his zeal for them, just as a father would who had given away his daughter to the bride, “I have espoused you to one husband… to Christ” (v2). In this way Paul saw the churches as Christ’s but not as yet consummating the marriage until glorification. He always lived with “that day” in mind, in which he would “present you… to Christ” (v2). He desired the Corinthians to be pure for the day in which they would meet the Lord. This is the heart of any good pastor! They will “give account” (Heb 13:17) for the souls that they have the oversight of.

In Paul’s zeal for this church he wanted to protect them from evil, as he references Eve’s deception and Satan’s subtilty (v2). Our spiritual leaders should be on guard for Satan’s attacks on the church. Paul’s fear was that the Corinthians were “beguiled” away from the “simplicity that is in Christ” (v3) to believe “another Jesus” or “another gospel” (v4). While the founding pastor was out, others had come into the church, “he that cometh” (v4) and began to corrupt the Corinthian’s doctrine. Since they were an ‘accepting’ church, they did not stop them, “ye might well bear with him” (v4). False doctrine is clearly an area where Satan works to circumvent the basic truths of God and complicate them with counterfeits. He will always go straight for the most fundamental doctrines, such as the deity of Christ, the gospel, and the Holy Spirit. Keeping those issues straight will expose what has been “corrupted” (v3), such as Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and many more ‘Christian cults’.

V5-21 The Proof of an Apostle

In these verses we see a comparison of apostles. The Corinthians needed to be straightened out on who their trusted leaders were. Paul was “not a wit behind the very chiefest apostles” (v5). Though he may not have been as classy as some, “rude in speech, yet not in knowledge” (v5) he had been “throughly made manifest… in all things” (v5). He was always upfront about his teaching and was exemplary in his character, even refraining from taking the Corinthian’s money, “abstaining myself that ye might be exalted” (v7). This he did so that he could “cut off occasion” (v12), making sure nobody could take issue with his time there. Certainly Paul did not ‘rob churches’ (v8), but he did receive gifts from poor churches so that he could be “chargeable to no man” (v9) while at Corinth. This is one way to spot a godly leader – it isn’t about the money! Paul was willing to be humbled in his income to preach “the gospel of God freely” (v7).

Another group of ‘apostles’ had arrived in Corinth during Paul’s absence, whom Paul calls “false apostles” (v13). These “deceitful workers” (v13) were the culprits responsible for the false teaching in verses 2-4. They were not saved and not Christians, though they were “transforming themselves” (v13) into such. They were hard at work distorting the truth of the gospel and forging their credentials as legitimate bible teachers and ‘sent ones’ from Jesus. We should not be surprised when these “bastards” show up (Heb 12:8), “and no marvel” (v14). Paul expected this much.

Paul called these false apostles, “his ministers”, meaning that they were from “Satan” (v14) who was also able to be “transformed into an angel of light” (v14). What a harsh and cruel thing to say about another ‘apostle’, right? “Ye are of your father the devil” (John 8:44), said Jesus. But a good pastor must not be afraid to call things as they are. Why would we want our people to be ignorant of Satanic ministers dressed up in “righteousness” (v15) in our churches? We must “judge not according to appearance” (John 7:24), but according to God’s word and their doctrine.

Satan has been on the prowl, emulating God through deceitful means such as angelic visions and complicated theology since the inception of the church. Why would we think it any different today? For this reason, we should be skeptical of anyone with angelic revelation (Gal 1:8) or a ‘new angle’ or foundational Christian truth.

Because the Corinthians were only judging by appearance, they could not discern the falsehood in the false apostles among them. Paul said that if the Corinthians were willing to receive fools, then they should receive him as one and hear him out, “seeing ye receive fools gladly” (v19). They had become too accepting, even letting these false teachers take advantage of them (v20). When we aren’t able to discern the difference between good and bad doctrine and true and false teachers, then we end up affirming everything and being taken advantage of. We need pastors and teachers in our lives to help protect us from wolves (Acts 20:29).

V22-33 The Affliction of an Apostle

Paul now, in comparison to these false teachers, reveals the struggles that he has been through as a true apostle, “are they the ministers of Christ”… I am more” (v23). This defense of character gives us the most comprehensive list of the great apostle’s ministry trials. He was beaten, stoned, frequently in “perils”, hungry, naked, etc. Many of these events are only revealed here. For example, he was shipwrecked “thrice” (v25), but we only have record of one in the scriptures  (Acts 27). Some of which he goes into more detail for, like this escape from Damascus where he was lowered through a window in a basket (v32-33). If there was glory to be had, Paul would glory, “of the things which concern mine infirmities” (v30). He would not boast as a fool in comparison or give the fleshy show, but point to his trials as proof of apostleship.

Last on the list is “the care of all the churches” (v28), which he says comes upon him “daily” (v28). Some afflictions are physical and others emotional. Caring for multitudes of people, spread throughout the world, and in the care of other newly ordained pastors, caused the great apostle significant duress. He was daily in prayer for saints and seemed to have the care of the world upon his shoulders. I can’t imagine a more vulnerable feeling for a minister than to plant a church that is being attended by false apostles while you are away! How fervently he must have prayed! And this is no doubt why he writes so intensely from afar. He cares deeply, counting it a weight in his afflictions.

2 Corinthians 12 – Revelation, Humility, and Next Visit

This chapter sums up nicely the things mentioned in the previous one where Paul laid out his apostolic experiences. Now he says that when God will use someone greatly, they will also be humbled greatly, which he experienced. He was given the famous “thorn in the flesh” (v7) to keep him humble. Here he begins to prepare for his next visit and shows the character required of a co-labourer like Titus.

V1-10 Humbled Messenger

Just after having laid out his ministerial experiences in the previous chapter, Paul says that it is not “expedient for me doubtless to glory” (v1), meaning that it is not always wise to promote ourselves in such a way. He had many spiritual experiences but did not always need to share them with others. One of his experiences was when he was “caught up to the third heaven” (v2) and received “visions and revelations of the Lord” (v1). This type of language might make some of us uncomfortable and suspect, but we must believe that the Lord revealed supernatural things to us through the prophets or we have no foundation of our faith (2 Pet 1:21, Eph 2:20). As those things are consistent with the rest of the scriptures, and in their day followed by “the signs of an apostle” (v12), God validated their accuracy with His Holy Spirit, “the Spirit of truth” (John 15:26).

God used Paul greatly in this way and he was “caught up to paradise” (v4), similarly to John receiving his “Revelation” or one of the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah or Ezekiel (Isa 6:1, Ezk 1:1). Paul says that in those revelations he could glory, but chose rather instead to glory in “mine infirmities” (v5). He thought that he would “be a fool” (v6) if he was always talking about his spiritual experiences, so he restrained himself, “lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be” (v6). Meaning that Paul was just a man and did not want others to think of him more highly than they ought to think.

One way that God ensured Paul remained humble was to allow him to be inconvenienced in his physical body in some way via “a thorn in the flesh” (v7). Many speculate what it was, but that part isn’t necessarily important. What is more shocking is that he called it “the messenger of Satan” (v7). God in some way allowed Satan to tweak Paul’s physical condition so that he would be ‘buffeted’, or struck in his body. He recognized in himself that without it, he would “be exalted above measure” (v7). If God will use us greatly, it is likely that we will be humbled in some way or another so that our dependence is upon Him and the glory of our achievements goes to Him instead of us.

If we experience affliction, whatever the case may be, it isn’t wrong to plead the Lord for deliverance, “this thing I besought the Lord thrice” (v8), but Paul’s limited number of requests and the answer which he got back, “my grace is sufficient for thee” (v9) both indicate that at some point we can stop praying and accept God’s will in our situation. Dear Christian, you can labour fervently in prayer to pray and “faint not” (Luke 18:1), but once we have an answer we must simply submit to God’s will, like Jesus did in Gethsemane (Matt 26:42).

If God allows our weaknesses, then He can sustain us in them so that His “strength is made perfect in weakness” (v9). Amen and praise the Lord! What we really need to accomplish anything of eternal significance is the Spirit of God to do the heavy lifting. So if affliction is what brings about the work of God, then “most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities” (V9) because that is when “the power of Christ” (v9) is at work in our lives!

It is a strange message indeed for someone to say, “I take pleasure in infirmities” (v10). Only through the power of the Spirit can a person value physical infirmity or distress because they know that the weakness it produces, will further enable God to work through them so that, “when I am weak, then am I strong” (v10).

V11-16 Clearing His Name

Paul should not have needed to reveal his apostolic credentials as he has in this book, which made him feel like a fool, “I am become a fool in glorying” (v11), because the Corinthians should have “commended” him as their founding pastor. He again reminds them, “in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles” (v11), and that while in Corinth they saw the evidence of that office, “truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you” (V12). The apostles were given special spiritual gifts, such as “signs, and wonders” (v12) that would validate the revelation they would spread in the first century. In this way, they were like the 12 or the 70 that Jesus sent who could “heal the sick” (Luke 10:9), etc. A few examples of Paul’s exercise of these gifts is in the blinding of Elymas (Acts 13:11) and the raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:9-10). In this way, the Corinthians experienced the fullness of the apostles ministry and were not “inferior to other churches” (V13). On the contrary, and based upon Paul’s writings and visits to Corinth, they very much had time and exposure to his ministry.

In his preparation for this third visit Paul would “not be burdensome to you” (v14) and in his manner with the Corinthians, would not receive wages of them (1 Cor 9:15). He saw them as his children and, “the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children” (v14). In this way, Christian ministers do not see their people for what they can get out of them, “for I seek not yours, but you” (v14). We would rather “very gladly spend and be spent” (v15) for those that we minister to. That is the heart of a real servant and reveals their love for those that they minister to, “the more abundantly I love you” (v15). Do you love the people that you serve, or do you show up to get something from them?

Paul had every right to receive wages of the Corinthians for his labour (1 Cor 9), but he did not “burden” them so that they could not be caught in “guile” (v16) and slander his purposes in visiting them, correcting them, receiving an offering from them, etc.

V17-21 Faithful Co-labourer

Titus gets the most airtime in 2 Corinthians than in any other place in the bible. He was a faithful man that Paul led to the Lord (Titus 1:4), trained up, and could send him to walk “in the same spirit” and “in the same steps” (v18). This is a great example of personal discipleship; that we can replace ourselves with another person who would do and teach the same things that we would if we were present ourselves (2 Tim 2:2). What a gift Titus was to Paul’s ministry! He would come to Corinth and “do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying” (v19), just as Paul would. If we want to have men like Titus in our ministry, we have to invest in them and spend time with them so that they know our “manner” (2 Tim 3:10) and reproduce it in our absence. In this way, the ministry multiplies even beyond our tenure or lifetime.

This letter served as a warning for Paul’s arrival. Even though the Corinthians had cleared themselves of some matters (2 Cor 7), Paul still feared that he would find them, “as ye would not” (v20), meaning they don’t want to get caught having not corrected what was addressed in this writing. If the Corinthians continued in their sinful and carnal ways, “and have not repented” (v21), then he would have to be humbled among them to correct these issues and “bewail many” (v21). It is always best for us to correct issues BEFORE we are met with accountability. If we delay correcting what we already know in our hearts need to be addressed in our lives, and we are confronted about it by someone else, it could be more humiliating than if we had repented in private.

2 Corinthians 13 – Examine Yourselves for Paul’s Visit

Concluding this book, Paul continues to deal with issues all the way up to the end. He makes a final plea to his apostolic credentials and urges the Corinthians to truly consider who was saved in their church and who was not. He ended with the reminder that this letter was a restrain on his part, not to visit, but to address the issues in their church from afar. His heart remained true for them, that they would grow and continue to thrive in the love of God, even though he wasn’t necessarily treated with respect as their founding pastor.

V1-4 Compelling Proofs

Since this is not the first time that Paul addressed these problems in Corinth, he has ramped up his approach towards them, “if I come again, I will not spare” (v2). He draws upon the Old Testament principle (Deut 19:15), that when executing judgment, we need more than one ‘witnesses’, which he determines in his three letters to be, “this is the third time I am coming to you” (v1). This is a great principle for parenting or Christian leadership. We cannot spare people's judgment, and when we will come down on those that “heretofore have sinned” (v2), we must do it with consistency and with several warnings if possible.

Paul addresses his opponents in Corinth in verse 3, which sought a “proof of Christ” working in him. His proof was already in the Corinthians, it was Christ working through Paul, and was “mighty in you” (v3). What appeared to be “weak” on the outside because of Paul’s countenance and the humbling in his flesh, was actually the very thing that made his ministry powerful. He pointed to Jesus as an example. On the outward appearance, the cross was certainly not a show of power, for Christ was “crucified through weakness” (v4), having surrendered to the will of God, but the reality of what happened on the cross was “the power of God” (v4). In this way “man looketh on the outward appearance” (1 Sam 16:7), but God is often doing something far greater on the outside. The proof of our ministry may not be grand and exciting, but if God is working IN people because of our ministry to them then it can have a magnificent effect, just as the cross did! Christian, do not discount your labor. If it is in weakness and in the Spirit, it can be “the power of God toward” (v4) others in your ministry, just as it was for Paul in Corinth.

V5-7 Personal Examination

We can never be too certain about the salvation of the people in our ministry. Paul had spent significant time away from Corinth, and with the entrance of “false apostles” (11:13) preaching “another gospel” (11:4), it was worthy to conclude his letter with their salvation in mind. He says, “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (v5), for only the individual can truly know if they are born again. If so, the Spirit will ‘bear witness’ that they are the children of God (Rom 8:16).

He provides a dichotomy for the Corinthians. If Christ was not in them, they were “reprobates” (v5), which is to be rejected or disapproved by God (Jer 6:30). Reprobation is a frequently tossed around word in theological circles, but it simply means to be rejected by God. Every unbeliever stands in the same state before God. Reprobation is simply the state of lostness. The bible does not say that it is a predestined state of eternal damnation as the Calvinist would surmise.

V8-14 Concluding Desires

Paul’s heart is heard in his parting desire, “that ye do not evil” and that “ye should do that which is honest” (v7). He wanted the Corinthians to thrive and was “glad” in his own weakness, though they were “strong” (v9). Everything that he had done for them was “for the truth” (v8) and for their “perfection” (v9). This is the heart of every good pastor. It is not to enforce their version of Christianity, but to bring their congregation into subjection of the truth of God’s word so that they can grow thereby. The word perfection means to bring to maturity, and it is the job of pastors to bring it about, “for the perfecting of the saints” (Eph 4:13).

Pastors get to see ministry from a greater perspective than their flock, being an “overseer” (Acts 20:28), therefore they will see the flaws of their people more clearly and easily than they will see it for themselves. Restraint must be made to know how and when to address issues in people’s lives, but they must be addressed. Paul made the decision to address the Corinthians from afar, “lest being present I should use sharpness” (v10). The power that pastors possess can be used in the flesh or without wisdom for “destruction” (v10) if we aren’t careful. It may be necessary to write some things down before a meeting or to send a message addressing an issue instead of a direct confrontation.

The end result, no matter how difficult a pastor’s flock, is their growth and good standing in the Lord, “be of good comfort, be of one mind” (v11), etc. Paul admonishes them and encourages them to stay faithful to Go and to walk in “the love of God” (v14) at all times, something that will fix the majority of the problems in any church. This benediction reminds us of “the communion of the Holy Ghost” (v14), which bears witness to our salvation and will bring about the work of repentance in our heart, along with submission to our spiritual authority (like Paul and our pastor) and into unified fellowship together with other believers.