2 Corinthians (Written)

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 2 Corinthians 12:20

Paul has already alluded to a visit with the Corinthians in several ways. In 2 Corinthians 1:23, he said that he specifically refrained from visiting in order to spare them. His words now bring in that same thought. If he comes, things might be in chaos and he would have to take apostolic action.

In 1 Corinthians 4:21, he asked if he should come to them “with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” It seems that any coming visit would be one of anxiety for him, not really knowing what he was to expect. And once he got there, he was anticipating the worst. He says, “I shall not find you such as I wish.” He would hope for a pleasant visit with a group of people dedicated to Christ and hungry for sound doctrine.

And in like manner, he was afraid that the Corinthians would find Paul in a manner that they wouldn’t wish for as well. He would come with a rod of correction as necessary, and he would come to redirect them from their many failings too. If this is what he found, then this is what he would come to do.

From there, he mentions the failings that he was fearful he would find, beginning with “contentions.” This word gives the sense of quarreling or strife. It is those who are looking for a fight simply because it is their nature to engage in such a thing. They are the type to divide people into factions for the sake of disharmony rather than harmony.

Next he notes “jealousies.” The Greek is zḗlos and the root it comes from means “hot enough to boil over.” Thus zḗlos is an onomatopoeia “that mimics the sound of water bubbling over from heat.” It would indicate those who were disposed towards defending their own views regardless of the cost.

Next he mentions “outbursts of wrath.” Literally, it says “wraths.” Paul was expecting people to be lashing out at one another as they defended their position. Instead of harmony, there would be chaos because of this negative attitude which would spill over into much anger.

He also notes “selfish ambitions.” According to Helps Word Studies, this word properly means, “work done merely for hire (as a mercenary).” It would thus be “referring therefore to carnal ambition (selfish rivalry).” People would be willing to defend another side simply because of whatever gain they thought they could get out of it.

After this, “backbitings” are noted. The word is katalalia and one can almost hear the intent in the word. It is only used here and in 1 Peter 2:1. It gives the idea of “evil-speaking, backbiting, detraction, slander.”

“Whisperings” are Paul’s next area of concern. The word is psithurismos and this is its only use in the New Testament. The sound is adapted to the sense. It indicates secret slanders. It speaks “of the murmuring of a snake-charmer.” These come from people with the devil’s forked tongue.

Next “conceits” are named. Again, a word unique to the New Testament is give here. It is phusiósis, and it means “inflated, like an air-bellow.” It thus gives the idea of being puffed up and it conveys the sense of arrogance and negative pride which then fosters an inflated ego.

Finally, Paul finishes with “tumults.” This is the type of thing one would expect in a riot. It gives the idea of generating confusion, being out of control, and having everything up for grabs. In this, “uncertainty and tumult inevitably generates more instability.”

Paul certainly had a lot of worries concerning his visit as he pondered what he might find there at the dysfunctional church at Corinth. Charles Ellicott notes that the list “…forms a suggestive parallelism of contrast to that in 2 Corinthians 7:11.” He also says that, “[T]he ethical imagination of the Apostle, with its keen perception of the shades of human character, dwelling now on the manifold forms of opposition, as before it had dwelt on the manifold fruits of repentance.”

Life application: How alike the church at Corinth are many churches today. People seem to revel in one sort of perverse conduct or another. Let us keep ourselves in check and not add to the grief that pastors already face as they are pulled in a thousand directions at once. Instead, let us listen to the words of Paul and take them to heart. Instead of strife, let us purpose to be filled with peace.

Lord God, help us to be the type of faithful believers who look for peace and contentment in our church. Too often someone comes in who wants to cause division and strife. Help us to never be a part of that, but instead give us wisdom to be peacemakers. It is certain that You would want us to be faithful congregants who look for proper doctrine and harmonious interaction. So Lord, please help us in this. Amen.

Monday, 11 January 2016

Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. 2 Corinthians 12:19

Paul begins this verse with “Again…” He is probably referring back to 2 Corinthians 5:12 which said –

“For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.”

He is not making a defense for himself and those with him to the Corinthians as if he were trying to curry favor with them. Rather than such a thing, which would certainly be looked at as if done with improper motives, he affirms that “We speak before God in Christ.” This phase is an interesting clue as to the nature of the Trinity.

“Before God in Christ” means that he is acceptable to God and thus able to make his appeal before Him because he is “in Christ.” He lives within Christ, having received His finished work. There is a nearness to God because of this position. So much so that when he speaks, God is a witness to his words, judging them as to their sincerity. As this is so, then the Corinthians should view the words in the same light.

And those words are not words of currying favor. Instead, they are sincere and without hidden motive. They are simply the way things are. Instead of trying to ingratiate themselves to the Corinthians through inappropriate means, he says that “we do all things, beloved, for your edification.” The charges of the false apostles had attempted to show Paul as an opportunist and one who couldn’t be trusted. But instead of that, everything he did for those at Corinth was to build them up and to bring them to a state of sound doctrine and holy living.

There was no hint of impropriety in his actions, or in the actions of those whom he sent to minister to them. In all ways, their conduct was to be considered pure and with only the good of those at Corinth in mind.

Life application: Paul’s affirmation that his words were “before God in Christ” should be a sobering reminder to us that if we are “in Christ” then we are being looked at from that standard. Our words are to be pure, our actions are to be noble, and our hearts are to be undefiled by impure intent. We are representatives of God and should always consider that in our interactions with others.

Lord God, the Bible uses the term “in Christ” to designate the state of believers who have received the finished work of Jesus. We have moved from fallen Adam to our sinless Savior. Help us to remember this position and to live it out, repenting of our inappropriate actions, and bringing glory to You because of this most favored state. He died for us; help us to live rightly for Him. It is a difficult walk, but keep us on that straight and narrow path! Amen.

Sunday, 10 January 2016

 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps? 2 Corinthians 12:18

This is probably not referring to the upcoming visit recorded in 2 Corinthians 8 (although some scholars claim that it is, saying that he is writing in an “already-done” manner). Instead, this is probably referring to Titus’ earlier visit to them.

Concerning that visit, Paul asks them to reflect on his behavior while there. He had come with “our brother,” meaning someone well known to them who could then substantiate to the character and demeanor of Titus. The KJV incorrectly says “a brother,” not acknowledging the article which precedes “brother.” Even the “our” of the NKJV is vague. The article (lit. “the brother”) conveys the meaning “our mutual brother.” The definite nature of the person is highlighted to show that he could be checked with for a confirmation of the conduct of Titus at any time.

To draw out a defense of how Titus actually conducted himself, he asks, “Did Titus take advantage of you?” The question is rhetorical. Paul knows very well he didn’t and they will have no other response to it than, “No.” Titus certainly never did a thing while among them that could be considered in this light.

Continuing on and still in defense of Titus, he asks two more rhetorical questions, “Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?” The answer to both will be in the affirmative. Just as Paul had conducted himself before those at Corinth, so did Titus when he was there with them. Both Paul and Titus had maintained the highest level of integrity before them. Therefore, Paul is asking them to consider the false apostles’ accusations from that light.

Where had they done wrong? Where had they offended? Where was their manipulation of the Corinthians? None could be found!

Life application: Paul wisely chose a brother who was known to both parties when he sent Titus to Corinth. In so doing, he could act as an impartial witness to what occurred if there was ever a need to do so. Such forethought can, at any later time, prove that all was done in an above-board manner. Let us remember this type of action in case we ever find ourselves dealing with a similar sensitive matter.

Precious Lord! It is a new day filled with hope and possibility. I wonder what will come my way. If good things and abundant blessings are to be realized, then give me the wisdom to thank You for them as they come. And if difficulties, loss, or heartache come my way, give me the ability to continue to praise You through the storm. Is my gratitude to You conditional upon only good times and blessings? May it never be so! Help me to be a faithful follower of You no matter what comes my way. Amen.

Saturday, 9 January 2016

Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 2 Corinthians 12:17

Concerning this verse, Charles Ellicott notes, “The English expresses the meaning of the Greek, but does not show, as that does, the vehement agitation which led the writer, as he dictated the letter, to begin the sentence with one construction and finish it with another – ‘Did any of those I sent . . . did I by this means get more out of you than I ought?'”

Paul is truly upset at the implied accusation which appears to have been leveled at him from the previous verse. That said, “Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!” Concerning those people he sent, it could be referring to Timothy who was sent before the writing of the first letter (see 1 Corinthians 4:17), or it could be referring to Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus who carried his first epistle to them (see 1 Corinthians 16:17), or it could even be speaking of Titus who was sent to determine the state of those at Corinth (see 2 Corinthians 7:6).

He is, in essence, asking them to tell him how they were swindled. Which of them did something improper on Paul’s behalf and under his instruction? The word he uses for “take advantage of” is pleonekteó. It gives the idea of fraud. Paul is asking them to lay out on the table all their cards and to show how he was involved in such a thing. He knew that he was not, and he is trying to get them to consider the matter.

Life application: Far too often, those who teach spiritual matters faithfully are attacked by those who disagree with their doctrine, even (and maybe especially) because their doctrine is sound. People attempt to find wiggle room in what they believe because the Bible forces us to live in a manner which we may not like. The devil wants nothing more than to distract and disarm those who carry the word of God faithfully to others. Unless there is a true mark of exceptionally bad doctrine, it is better to not accept any charges of false conduct by others who may have a set agenda, like the false apostles who came to Corinth to malign Paul.

Lord God, help us to consider proper doctrine and to not be swayed by any person who has a good sounding message, but which does not align with Your word. Too often we get duped by fine oration and flashy messages and fail to see that what is said is tainted with that which is incorrect. Help us to learn to rightly divide Your word and to stand on the truth of Your word, in context and without the biases that we are so prone to. Amen.

Friday, 8 January 2016

But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 2 Corinthians 12:16

Paul’s words, “But be that as it may” are based on his previous words which said, “…though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.” Despite the attitude towards his loving demonstrations, it was his continued stance to not be a burden on them. This is contrary to nature as most people would simply give up after a while, but Paul knew that changing his tact and accepting assistance from them could only make things worse. And so he determined to continue to be no burden on them at all. The “I” in this clause is emphatic – “I did not burden you.” This leads us to understand the words of the next clause.

As he emphatically asserts that he didn’t burden the Corinthians, then there is another option which he must refute. He does so with the words, “Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!” These words would be as if he were quoting them. “Yes, you were no burden on us, but you deceived us in another way. You have announced that you want to take a collection to the saints in Jerusalem and you have sent others to collect it. However, we are sure that you will profit, at least in part, from the collection.”

This is a possible charge of the false apostles which then infected the minds of the Corinthians. Paul, showing them the silliness of such a charge will defend against it in the verses to come. He has been careful to handle everything in the most professional and open manner possible in order to avoid the very conflict that he is now addressing.

As a way of shining light on the words of this verse, the ISV and God’s Word translations both change it into a question rather than stating it as a fact. Instead of “I caught you by cunning,” they translate it this way –

“Granting that I have not been a burden to you, was I a clever schemer who trapped you by some trick?” ISV

This clears up any misunderstandings by the reader who may assume that Paul actually acted in a deceitful manner. The reason why this is important is that if Paul acted in deceit, then it would imply that this was an acceptable means of acting to achieve one’s goals. In essence, “The ends justify the means.” Such is not the case with Paul’s words.

Life application: One needs to understand when irony is stated or when someone is writing words as if they are spoken by another. This isn’t always easy to do and even learned scholars who understand the original languages will often disagree on what the actual intent of a verse is. This is a good reason for us to refer to many translations and to diligently study the writings of many scholars. In so doing, we can get a better sense of what is probably the correct interpretation of some very difficult verses.

Marvelous Lord God! You have brought each of us to the point where we are at in our lives. Some of us today are filled with abundance. Some of us are facing lack. We may be healthy and filled with pep, or we may be on our death bed. But no matter what our station is at this time, for those of us who have called on Jesus, the best times lie ahead. Thank You for the surety that whatever we are facing is something that can only get better when He comes for us. How great that day will be! Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen.