2 Corinthians (Written)

Friday, 13 November 2015

Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present. 2 Corinthians 10:11

This takes us right back to the first two verses of the chapter –

“Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. ² But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.”

After that, each subsequent verse has built upon the thought. He was perceived as being “bold” when he wrote his letters, but when he was present they perceived him as “lowly.” They made the assumption from this that his letters were only a facade with no substance behind them. Rather however, when he was present he attempted to be meek and gentle, emulating Christ.

He lets them now know that when it becomes necessary for him to show his boldness, he would not object to do so. In order to show them that this was the case, he begins this verse with, “Let such a person consider this.” It is a way of introducing his next words, asking for sober consideration of them. And the thought to be presented is “that we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.”

Translators insert a few words for clarity here. Instead of “such we will also be” it should read “such we are.” The reason is that if Paul intended it to be in the future tense, he would have expressed the verb. As he did not, it implies that it is in the present tense. The character of the person in the letters is the same as the character of the person at all times. It didn’t matter if he and the other apostles were present or absent, they were consistent in their deeds and actions.

Life application: The Bible is God’s word to us. It reflects who He is, and Jesus is the One who reveals Him. He is the subject of our being able to comprehend who God is. His word while He is absent reflects who He will be when He is again present. Therefore, though He is loving, as His word describes Him, He is also just, righteous, and holy. He will not spare those who reject Him. What is your impression of Jesus? The only way to know how He will treat you is to know His word and what it expects of you. Don’t believe the lie that He is not in Person who He is in His word.

Heavenly Father, You have given us Your word to know and understand Jesus. And yet, we seem to pick and choose the Jesus we want to know. We accept the words which tell us of His gentle, meek, and loving side, but we often fail to accept the words which tell of His righteousness, holiness, and that He is coming again to judge the world for rejecting Him. How can we have a right impression of our Lord unless we consider the whole counsel of the word which reveals Him? Help us to be faithful to Your superior word – all of it. Amen.

Thursday, 12 November 2015

 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 2 Corinthians 10:10

Paul now notes how both he and his letters are perceived by his audience. “For his letters” is speaking of the letters of instruction that he wrote to the churches, some of which are now the epistles found in the Bible. The words “they say” is speaking of the people who received them. They would read Paul’s words and come to the conclusion which he will next note in this verse about himself.

Before looking at their conclusion though, it should be noted that many manuscripts say, “…he said” rather than “they say.” It is in the singular. It could be then that this is Paul’s way of writing in an impersonal manner, referring to any individual who reads his words. Or it could be that there was actually one person who was the ring leader of the group who opposed Paul. If so, then it is he who made the charge which will be specified as the verse continues. Though it can’t be determined which is correct, both should be considered. Paul was not without enemies, even in the churches he established.

Concerning the letters, they are noted as “weighty and powerful.” This is surely the case. History has borne out that Paul’s letters have the greatest weight and the utmost power. They have been studied for 2000 years and yet they still produce hidden treasures for us to consider. Within them are special words which have been used in unusual and particular ways to bring forth the most precise doctrine. There are numerous patterns which permeate his writings and which show the highest of intelligence and the sure mark of inspiration. They are the greatest of treasures for the hungry human soul who needs to understand the grace of God which is found in Jesus Christ.

But, his detractors looked at his letters as somewhat of a contradiction to him as a man. Despite his letters being so weighty and powerful, they note that “his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible.” The weak presence of Paul is hinted at throughout the book of Acts as well as in his own writings. He carried afflictions with him and he seemed to need to be accompanied everywhere he went, as if he couldn’t take care of himself as he traveled.

The contemptible speech is literally “speech of no value.” Charles Ellicott thinks this means either a “weak or unmusical voice, or to the absence of the rhetorical artifices, the exordium, divisions, perorations, in which Greek audiences delighted.” With theses infirmities, those who opposed him made the supposition that there was a disconnect between what he wrote and what he could actually carry out.

In essence, they felt assured that his letters were mere braggadocio and that there was no true authority in the man himself to enforce the words he wrote. He will correct them on this. His challengers mistook his humility and physical weakness as weakness of character and as an inability to exercise his apostolic authority. Instead, however, these were actually strengths which they had misunderstood.

Interestingly, this verse shows us an amazing parallel between Moses and Paul. When Moses was given his commission at the burning bush, we read his words of response to the Lord –

“O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

We see that like Paul, Moses’ speech was “contemptible.” And yet, human history has never seen words more “weighty and powerful” than those of Moses. It is of great interest that the Lord chose these two men, with these similar impediments, to reveal His intentions for the people of the world. Moses revealed the law while Paul explains the grace.

But the parallel between the two doesn’t stop there. In verse 10:1, Paul spoke of the “meekness and gentleness of Christ” which he possessed and how he was lowly among them, meaning humble. Moses likewise was characterized in this way, being called “very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).

The Lord appears to have chosen these men for their weaknesses so that His power could be revealed through them. He also chose them for their humility, so that His own compassion would be more fully understood through them as well. Those who challenged both Moses and Paul underestimated the true power that they held and they ultimately strove against the One who commissioned them in the first place.

Life application: Let us never assume that someone of humility is weak and ineffective. Let us also never assume that one who is physically infirm is incapable of accomplishing great feats of strength. Instead, let us look at these aspects of the person and see how the Lord can work through them to reveal His own greatness.

Heavenly Father, how often do we look at people with a physical infirmity and think that they are incapable of doing great things? And yet, quite often the opposite turns out to be true. And how often do we look at someone who exhibits humility and make the assumption that they are of weak character. And yet, Your word shows time and time again that You can and do work through these things to reveal Your own greatness. Help us to look at the inner man and not merely judge by externals. Help us to see You and Your power revealed through what man often perceives as weakness. Open our eyes and hearts to Your great hand in the lives of others. Amen.

Wednesday, 11 November 2015

…lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 2 Corinthians 10:9

These words are dependent on the previous verse. Paul mentioned that he might somewhat boast about the authority that he and the others possessed, an authority which was given to them by the Lord for the edification of their audience. In that boasting, he says that he won’t be ashamed, “lest I seem to terrify you by letters.”

In other words, even if his letters bring about a sense of being frightened, he would not be ashamed of causing this type of result. The reason for this will be explained in the coming verses, but he is saying in advance that his boasting in the weight of his letters is not an empty boasting, but rather one which bears his authority to act upon what he has written.

Because of this, if the Corinthians were terrified of his letters, they should also be terrified of whatever action the letters threaten. If that action proves to be necessary, Paul will carry out what he has written.

As a side point, the wording of the Greek says, dia ton epistalon, or “by means of the letters.” It is plural. For this reason, many scholars believe that there is another letter that Paul wrote to them which is not included in the Bible and which is referred to in 1 Corinthians 5:9. This verse may support that theory, but it does not prove it. It could be that he is referring to 1 Corinthians and the letter he is now writing, 2 Corinthians.

Life application: Paul is often very direct in his words as are other authors of the Bible. There are statements which are taken in today’s politically correct world to be too forceful, or the remnants of a less-cultured or loving time. Even many words of Jesus are disregarded because they speak of judgment, hell, and condemnation. But let us stand on these truths and never withhold speaking them when it is appropriate to do so. Just because the “world” finds offense at the word of God, we have no excuse to not declare its whole counsel.

Lord God, Your word stands. Many things included in it, even from the mouth of Jesus, are considered as too offensive to be declared in today’s politically correct world. Words of righteous indignation, justice, judgment, and everlasting punishment are disregarded, even when spoken by Him. But they are a part of the truth of Your word. Give us the fortitude to be willing to speak of these things without compromise so that the entirety of Your word is presented to the world. Amen.

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed— 2 Corinthians 10:8

Paul uses the word for “boast” 36 times in his letters, but 20 of them are in 2 Corinthians. It appears that he almost has an insecurity complex which has built up in him concerning his dealings with the Corinthians and he is working through that by the use of this word.

It is as if they questioned his authority when he was the one who established the church among them. Time and time again, he returns to this word to show that that he and the other apostles do have the authority necessary to conduct themselves as the Lord’s representatives.

Again, he turns to the idea of boasting – “For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority.” In the previous verse he wanted them to consider his and his associates’ position “in Christ.” Now, he brings in not just that they are “in Christ” but that they have “authority” within the body to exercise discipline, establish doctrine, etc. In 1 Corinthians 5, he directed the church to take certain actions concerning a person who was engaged in sexual immorality. It wasn’t a request, but rather a directive.

Elsewhere he writes of both commands and exhortations. And the reason for this is that the authority is that “which the Lord gave us.” It was granted by the Head of the church and therefore the church was to understand this. But in a gentle note, he relays that the authority is “for edification and not for your destruction.”

What is obvious is that if the Lord is building a church, He will assign people to positions of authority to build it up, not destroy it. If a person starts a company, his goal is to make it successful. He wouldn’t hire someone to tear apart the company, but to direct it so that it will grow and flourish. Anything less would be contrary to the end-goal of the company. The same is true with the church.

Because of this, in his boasting, Paul says, “I shall not be ashamed.” If he has been granted authority, and if he uses that authority to edify – just as would be expected – then he would have a right to boast in the authority he possessed. And this wouldn’t be a haughty, self-directed boasting, but one which was in satisfaction for having proved faithful to the One who established him in the position in the first place.

Life application: In our walk with Christ, we all have opportunities to lead. Every Christian has the chance, for example, to lead someone else to Christ. That is an authority which has been granted to any saved believer. If we use that authority, then is it wrong to boast in it? The answer is, “No.” If it is proper boasting, then it is acceptable. Later in this chapter, Paul will show us that when we glory, it should be in the Lord. If our boasting is directed to Him, then it cannot be wrong.

Heavenly Father, it is amazing that any believer who has the simple knowledge of who Jesus is can lead another person to that same saving knowledge. And yet, how often do we fail to simply open our mouths and speak? The one path to heaven’s riches isn’t spoken of by us for fear of failure, or maybe giving offense. Why should we care about these things? Help us to put our duty to You into practice and to be willing to tell others of the great message of salvation which came through Calvary’s cross. Amen.

Monday, 9 November 2015

Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.
2 Corinthians 10:7

It should be noted that this sentence, like other clauses in this section of Paul’s writing, could be taken in one of three ways.

1) As an interrogative – “Do you look at things?”
2) As an imperative – “Look on things…”, or
3) As an indicative – “You look on things…

Scholars disagree on what his intent is, and so translations vary. No matter which structure Paul intended, the idea of the “outward appearance” would be fully understood by his audience. It was an idiom then as it is now. Jesus uses it in John 7:24 –

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

Paul wants them to know that the outward appearance is not always reflective of the inward man. There were those who claimed to be “of Christ” noted in 1 Corinthians 1:12. They claimed to be His followers and that their allegiance was to Him alone. However, the word of God and the instruction for the people who had not seen Christ came through the teachings of the apostles. Therefore, if they rejected what the apostles said, then how could they be “of Christ?”

Likewise, there were those who may have seen Christ and heard his ministry and yet were not commissioned by Him. They may have been of the same area that He came from, of the same tribe as Him, etc. Thus they could claim a special affiliation with Him. It would be enticing to follow such a person. This happens today when people follow the teachings of a Jewish person because they are Jewish, regardless as to whether they actually teach the Bible correctly or not. “Oh they can speak Hebrew. They must be super religious and all-knowing.” It is an incorrect and dangerous way of pursuing one’s religion.

The list could go on an on – fine orators, seemingly Spirit-given gifts of healings, tongues, or miracles, etc. could lead people to say, “I am of Christ.” The Christian world is besieged by such people today and many of them are charlatans. To counter this, Paul says, “If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.”

How is one to tell? It all must go back to the commission of the individual by Christ. If they were commissioned by Him, then the others who were also commissioned could testify to their apostleship. Paul received such a testimony on several occasions. Now, with the apostolic era ended, there is one and only one way to determine the truth of the matter – the Bible. It is our sole inspired witness to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. It is also the source which reveals the apostolic teachings on Him.

Our consideration as to whether we are Christ’s or not must come from this word. Have we trusted the God of the Bible who is revealed in the Person of Jesus in the Bible? There is a logical way to know. God has not left our faith up to emotion and He has not left it up to any teaching of man. Instead, He has given us the Bible for us to know that our faith is properly directed.

Life application: Paul, who is the apostle to the Gentiles, has his apostleship substantiated in writing in the Bible’s pages. We don’t need to guess whether his words are inspired or not. Instead, we can know with absolute assurance that they are. When he says that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus who is revealed in the Bible, we should take that at face value. Don’t be led astray by those who would add in works to what Christ has already done. Have faith that His work is sufficient to save.

Heavenly Father, we have to return time and again to the truth that Your word is the only inspired source of who Jesus is and what He did. And therefore, all of our doctrine concerning Him must be found in that same source. If it could come from any other place, then there would be utter chaos and no hope of knowing You correctly. Help me to get my nose into the Bible and to not trust the deceitful teachings of man. You have truly given us a sure word to exercise our faith rightly. Thank You for Your superior word! Amen.