Sunday, 31 May 2015
…to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea. 2 Corinthians 1:16
Paul’s words continue the previous verse. They convey his original intentions, though these things never actually came to pass. It was at first his desire to “pass by way of you to Macedonia.” In other words, it was his longing to go first to Corinth for a visit and then on to Macedonia after that.
After his visit to Macedonia, he intended to then turn around and go once again through Corinth to have that “second benefit” mentioned in the previous verse. He truly desired their company and their fellowship for that second time. And finally, after this second visit was coming to a close, he said he desired to “be helped by you on my way to Judea.” This “help” meant conducting him to the ship from the city. It is a similar thought to that found in 1 Corinthians 16:6 –
“And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.”
In this, and in many other instances, we get clues to the fact that Paul had a disability, probably extremely poor eyesight, which necessitated that he be assisted in his travels. When leaving Corinth, he was hoping for an escort of any Corinthians that would like to see him off at the port. It is a touching note from his hand showing his sincerity in these original plans which were later amended.
Life application: Seeing off missionaries is a good way of honoring them. By giving them a grand send off, it is acknowledging to them that they are important people doing work which is necessary and appreciated. Should you have missionaries visiting your area, be sure to recognize them for their noble efforts.
Lord God, I really thank You for those people who have stepped out and accepted the role of being missionaries in other nations in hopes of making converts to the glorious gospel of Your Son. How easy it is to stay at home where there is comfort and ease. But how noble it is for someone to set that aside and be willing to go to remote places where comfort is forgotten and ease is the last thing available! Lord, lavish a reward upon those who are truly devoted to You in those remote places. Let them feel Your presence in a grand way. Amen.