2 Corinthians

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.
2 Corinthians 2:9

Greek scholars debate whether Paul is writing here about his first letter or this letter. The verb is in the aorist tense and so either is possible. If he is writing about his first letter, he indicates that the instructions for disciplining the man were included in that letter rather than him coming to the church personally to test the obedience of the Corinthians “in all things.”

He had given them a directive to “put away from yourselves the evil person.” By writing, he would then have been testing their obedience to his authority as an apostle, even when he was separate from them. In essence, it was a test of compliance to his directive. It is easy to be obedient when one in authority is present, but it is less so when that same authority is absent.

The second opinion is that he is using the tool known as an “epistolary aorist” in this verse which concerns this same letter. In essence, “For to this end I also write (this letter), that I might put you to the test (concerning forgiving the man who has been disciplined), whether you are obedient in all things (both in punishment and in restoration).”

In the end, the challenge is the same for the Corinthians: Will they be obedient to Paul’s directive concerning a very sensitive issue even though Paul is not personally present. Whichever is the case, Paul was trusting in their faithfulness to his directives as an apostle of Christ. As this letter has become a part of the Bible, the exact same premise carries over to each one of us.

His words are written under apostolic authority and thus carry the weight of having come directly from the Lord. Are we willing to accept his (and thus the Lord’s) authority and be obedient to his prescriptive writings, or will we be disobedient to them? How easy it is to go to verses outside of Paul’s writings in order to justify disobedience! But it is Paul who is the apostle to the Gentiles during this dispensation. Thus it is his letters which set the standard for the church age. Let us be willing to accept them and be obedient to them.

Life application: The book of Acts is a descriptive account of the establishment of the church. It is not intended as a tool of instruction for the establishment of doctrine. Rather, Paul’s words are given for that purpose. If something occurs in Acts which seems contrary to one of Paul’s directives, there is a reason for it. The variation then is not for doctrinal use, but to show how the church was established. Once it was, we are to prefer Paul’s commands over the narrative found in Acts. Taking everything in its intended context will keep the congregation from confusion and faulty doctrine.

Heavenly Father, I have come to realize that the world speaks about “God” in such general terms as relationships, expectations, and hopes. And yet they are just individual preferences without anything to back them up. They have created a “god” in their image rather than searching You out as You have revealed Yourself to us in Your word. Help me to be wise and discerning and never to make up my own “god” in Your place. Reveal Yourself to me through Your word and only when ideas about You match it will I accept them as valid. Let me be obedient only to the truth of who You are. Amen.

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 2 Corinthians 2:8

Having suffered punishment sufficient to bring repentance, Paul was concerned that the offender may arrive at a state of extreme sorrow where great harm may come to him. In hope of that not taking place, he urges those at Corinth “to reaffirm your love to him.” By doing so, he would feel that he was fully brought back into the fold in good-standing.

The word for “reaffirm” here is kuroo. It is found only here and in Galatians 3:15. In Galatians, it is used when speaking of the establishment of a covenant –

“Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.”

A covenant stands as it was agreed on. This seems to be the idea with the man who had been the offender in this situation. He was disciplined, but he was also a saved believer in the Lord. That would not change. All believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit when they believe (Ephesians 1:13, 14) and this is a guarantee which will not be broken. One result of this is that they are brought into the body of Christ. Though they may be disciplined, they are no less a part of that body. Paul is therefore asking them to receive him back as such after his discipline, just as Christ will receive him at His coming.

In order to do this, Paul uses this word kuroo to ask them to reaffirm his position in Christ. According to Thayer’s, the intent here is that they were “to make a public decision that love be shown to a transgressor by granting him pardon.” The man had been openly rebuked and disciplined. Paul’s words imply that he should be openly shown that he has been received again into the fold.

Life application: If the intent of discipline is realized, it is only proper to make a public display of reconciliation when a public display of discipline was meted out. Otherwise, there will seemingly be a greater importance placed upon the discipline than there is on the restoration.

Gracious God, I am so thankful for each and every blessing which You pour out on me day by day. Too often, I fail to recognize them as they come. Or I fail to thank You for them for whatever reason. But as I collectively think of all You have done for me, I know that every breath I take and every flower along the path was a gift that I participated in. The stream of goodness from You has never been anything but full and fulfilling. Thank You for each and every blessing which You pour out on me day by day! Amen.

Monday, 15 June 2015

…so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 2 Corinthians 2:7

Paul has been exceedingly comforting and delicate in his words towards the offender. He has not called him by his name and he has referred to him in a roundabout manner. For example, the word “him” in this verse isn’t in the original, but is inserted by the translators for clarity. In the previous verse, he noted that the punishment which had been meted out by the majority was sufficient. It served its purpose and the man was reformed. However, what can be inferred is that he is not only reformed, but immensely sorrowful for having brought disgrace upon Christ, the fellowship, and himself.

Because of this, Paul says “on the contrary…” This is something like “on the other hand.” In essence, “Instead of continuing his discipline, you should on the other hand now take a new direction.” And this new direction is “rather to forgive and comfort him.” Where there was discipline (possibly excommunication which was recommended by Paul) there should now be reconciliation. Where there was judgment, there should be forgiveness. And where there was upsetting the brother and the fellowship, there should now be comfort.

His reason for this action is clearly stated, “…lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.” The word translated as “swallowed” is used to indicate being totally consumed, as if gulping something down. It is used in Hebrews 11 to indicate the death of the Egyptians who pursued Israel –

“By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.” Hebrews 11:29

Therefore, it is unclear if Paul was worried about him being so consumed with grief that he may simply walk away from the faith or even commit suicide. Whatever word had come to him concerning this man, he wanted it known that he held him in great concern and in great love.

Life application: It is apparent from this passage that church discipline is to be used in order to bring a person to a point of sorrow and repentance and then it is to be ended. To continue to discipline someone who has amended their ways can only end in harm towards that person.

Lord God, help me to be a forgiving person when restoration is sought. Help me to not carry grudges against those who have come and asked for making amends. It is so easy to let past differences or offenses linger on, but I know that You would want them ended. We have all walked contrary to You and yet You sent Your Son to reconcile us. For those who have called out to Him, You have forgiven the past and established a new, harmonious walk between the two. Help me to act in a like manner, especially considering that the offense of others against me is miniscule in comparison to my offenses against You. Help me in this. Amen.

Sunday, 14 June 2015

This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 2 Corinthians 2:6

Explaining the source and now the intended correction of the matter which caused such grief, Paul brings up the actions that had been taken based on his epistle. If this is referring to the incident in 1 Corinthians 5 (as it most probably is) concerning a sexually immoral man, he had recommended the following –

“…deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:5

It appears the Corinthians took the action as recommended by Paul and it actually provided two intended purposes. The first is obvious. It was to serve punishment upon the offender in hopes of him turning from his immorality. In essence, it was intended to bring him back to a right fellowship with the Lord and the church. Secondly, it was to return purity to the church, both by expelling the impure man as well as to return purity to the hearts of the congregants who had allowed such immorality to occur without any repercussions.

Whether they took Paul’s recommended course of action, or whether they modified it, such as a meeting informing him that this action would take place if he didn’t comply (or whatever else may have occurred), the punishment worked. Because of this, Paul says, “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man.”

The word translated as “punishment” is only found here in the New Testament. It is not a word which carries a heavy punitive penalty, such an “eternal punishment.” Rather, it is the word epitimia. It means “the fitting (appropriate) response necessary to turn someone in the right direction.” And this is exactly what occurred. A hope of turning this man (and the congregation!) in the right direction was anticipated, and it is what came about. Because the remedy worked, Paul says that it was sufficient.

Life application: The intent of corrective punishment is to correct. The Bible says, “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? ⁸ But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:7, 8). Should you face such chastening, count it as an honor that you are a child of God and a member of His church. This is especially true in today’s world where sexual immorality is so prevalent in the “church” (which is no church at all). Such people prove that they are not children of God through their wicked actions.

Heavenly Father, there is the “church” and then there is the Church. In today’s world, there is an ever-growing gap between the two. The vile immoral actions which are being tolerated and even condoned in the visible church only prove that such people and congregations are not a part of your true Church. Help me to be wise and discerning in where I attend, what I will tolerate, and when to move on from what is a no-church. It is so easy to put friendships and long-standing attendance above Your word. Help me to never make such an error, but to instead place You and Your word as my priority, above all else. Amen.

Saturday, 13 June 2015

But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 2 Corinthians 2:5

The construction of this verse is such that it can actually have one of at least three varied meanings. Regardless of which it is that Paul intended to convey, the overarching thought is that there was an offense; there was grief involved in that offense – towards Paul and towards the church; and that therefore the entire church was affected.

The word “anyone” is singular and it is most probably referring to the unnamed individual in 1 Corinthians 5. He remains unnamed here. Paul had instructed the church to bring discipline against him due to his immoral actions which had caused this grief. That occurred and now there is no strong language against him here and there are no heavy handed demands being made. Rather he is carefully and tenderly handling this situation concerning the unnamed offender in order to get it behind them.

The next six verses will continue to explain this and what should be done about it. The church had suffered and now the church needed to be healed of the matter without prolonging it any further.

Life application: Church discipline is detailed in the Bible, but the Bible also shows that if the measures of discipline are met, then reconciliation should be anticipated. Just as Christ forgives us of our offenses when we repent, so the church should act in like manner towards offenders who repent as well.

Lord, help me to remember that even the person with the strongest faith can fall into temptation and sin. I certainly know I’m not immune from it and neither is anyone else. And so help me to be wise in how I deal with a brother or sister who has made mistakes while walking with You. Help me to not overlook sin, but also to not over-charge someone for doing the same things I am prone to do. Let my heart be wise and discerning about such difficult matters as this. Amen.