With Whom Will You Bear?
April 18, 2022 at 3:02 pm | Posted in II Corinthians | 1 CommentTags: 2 Corinthians 11, Apostle Paul, commentary on 2 Corinthians, discernment, false apostles, false teachers, right motives, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
II Corinthians 11:1 (emphasis added)
We get the impression at the beginning of II Corinthians Chapter 11 that Paul was very uncomfortable. There is a sense in the later chapters of II Corinthians of starting and stopping, and frequently interjecting apologies or explanations for why he is stating all his own credentials, and offering evidence of his love for the Corinthians. He tells them that what follows is going to sound foolish at times. The request to “bear with me” will have a payoff later in the chapter.
The analogy that he uses for his relationship to the Corinthian believers is that of a father of the bride.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
II Corinthians 11:2
There is a sinful jealousy – perhaps more properly called envy – in which we become jealous of what someone else has, or in which we become resentful over perceived blessings that are coming to others but not to us. Paul wanted to make it clear that he was talking about another kind of jealousy – a Godly jealousy – the kind of jealousy that arises out of pure love and guards the affections of others and doesn’t want those affections given to someone who will hurt them. If we know that we have another person’s best interest at heart, then it is right to want that person’s affections returned to us.
Spouses should have this type of jealousy: jealousy OVER, not jealousy OF. Paul wanted the believers he had led to Christ and had loved, to be pure and chaste, devoted singularly to their Bridegroom, so that they could be suitably presented to Him at the last day: the MARRIAGE Supper of the Lamb.
The enemy of singular devotion – of simple supreme and exclusive faithfulness to Christ – is subtilty.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
II Corinthians 11:3
This was the type of subtilty that the the false teachers had learned from Satan, who persuaded Eve to question God’s goodness, and who tempted her into divided loyalty (which is really another name for disloyalty).
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
II Corinthians 11:4 (emphasis added)
This matches the idea we saw earlier in Verse 1. The Corinthians had no qualms at all about bearing with the false apostles and Judaizers; they might at least bear with the true Apostle, Paul, who, though it went against his instincts to admit it, was not at all behind the other Apostles when it came to spiritual power, wisdom, authority, and Biblical knowledge imparted directly to him by Christ Himself.
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
II Corinthians 11:5
Peter was not, contrary to Roman Catholic dogma, the first pope.
But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
II Corinthians 11:6
Paul was not a great orator or rhetorician – at least not apart from Holy Spirit inspiration. Those subtle skills were the deceitful domain of the false prophets. When you find yourself trying to discern which Christian leader to follow, look to faithfulness way before you look to giftedness.
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
II Corinthians 11:7
Verse 7 was a response to the accusation of the false teachers that Paul didn’t demand financial support for himself because he knew he wasn’t worthy of it. (Ironically, if he had demanded such support, they would have accused him of greed and ill motives.) Paul preached the Gospel freely precisely because he did not want it to seem like he was a charlatan or a huckster.
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
II Corinthians 11-8-11
He actually had a dual motive: He not only wanted to avoid false accusations, but, this way, he could call God as his witness concerning his genuine love for the Corinthians. This must be the underlying motive for us, too, in any virtue for which we become known. Honesty, hard work, generosity, wisdom – all those are great, but their purpose is not self-glorification. They are the means and the product of loving and serving God and others.
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
II Corinthians 11:12-13
Here was the proof that the false apostles were Satanically influenced. They were hypocritical in addition to being deceitful. They led others astray, even as they themselves profited from the gullibility of their victims. Deceit, disguise, and doublecross are the marks of the devil.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
II Corinthians 11:14-15
Paul was so reluctant to go on about his own trustworthiness and admirable qualities, that he again qualified his self-defense:
I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
II Corinthians 11:16-19
Spiritual Self-Defense
March 24, 2022 at 1:42 pm | Posted in II Corinthians | 2 CommentsTags: 2 Corinthians 12, 2 Corinthians 13, Apostle Paul, commentary on 2 Corinthians, defending our ministry, eternal security, honoring others, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
II Corinthians 12:11
This was not sarcasm. The Apostle Paul really did feel foolish speaking this way, and we see a very human sentiment in this idea that “you have forced me into a type of boasting because you wouldn’t defend me yourselves. You wouldn’t stick up for me against the false teachers although even the other Apostles acknowledge my rank and authority.”
This is a good reminder – actually two good reminders:
1. We need to commend those who have nurtured us in our faith, and honor them.
Remember them, and give them credit. This could be parents or grandparents; it could be the person who led you to the Lord; it could be a pastor or a Sunday School teacher from your youth; it could be someone who was a strong spiritual example and who encouraged you. Don’t make them commend themselves to others when there is an opportunity for you to do it for them.
2. There is a time for self-defense.
Sometimes we need to defend ourselves – not because we like to boast, but because we’ve been attacked or slandered and we need to set the record straight. Perhaps there are rare instances when a proper appreciation for how we’ve served someone would win us an audience to help them again, but we’re being denied that audience because the person has forgotten our sacrifice.
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
II Corinthians 12:14
The Book of Acts records one visit to Corinth which took place before the writing of II Corinthians, but from this verse we know there had been another one. Paul intended to visit without any love offering for himself, but rather to bring a love offering to them. This is the privilege of parents, not an insult. He would not be burdensome to them, and money would not be an issue. He genuinely loved them, and not just what they had. Love people and use things. Do not love things and use people.
I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
II Corinthians 12:18
Even Paul’s messenger and partner Titus came to them without seeking any compensation. They walked the same way. It’s not as easy as we might think for a group of men – even ministers of the Gospel – to walk the same way. The secret is not to walk like each other – but to all walk like Jesus.
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
II Corinthians 12:21
Paul admitted to some concern that he might find them involved in the same behaviors and sins which had been addressed in I Corinthians. He could do what was necessary – and even accept it as God’s way of humbling him – but it would grieve him and he wished not to have to do it. And that is his introduction to his intentions stated in Chapter 13: that he would follow Jesus’s rules concerning addressing offenses in the Church.
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
II Corinthians 13:1
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
II Corinthians 13:5-6
Those who were not truly in the faith would show themselves to be unproven.
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
II Corinthians 13:7
We are personally responsible for demonstrating our own authenticity as Christians.
II Corinthians ends on a very Trinitarian note:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
II Corinthians 13:14
The Apostle Who Came Back from Heaven
March 9, 2022 at 4:47 pm | Posted in II Corinthians | 1 CommentTags: 2 Corinthians 12, Apostle Paul, Biblical suffering, commentary on 2 Corinthians, dependence on God, Heaven, suffering and power, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians, thorn in the flesh
Having finally justified the necessity of listing and defending his own credentials, letting the Corinthian Christians know that this “glorying” was not for the sake of vanity, but for the love he had for them, the Apostle Paul pointed out that what the false teachers falsely claimed about themselves was actually true about Paul, and even exceeded by Paul.
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
II Corinthians 12:1
There are accounts in the New Testament, and especially in the Book of Acts, where Paul was given immediate revelation from Jesus Himself. I am a Bible literalist, so I don’t like to assume something in Scripture is not the way it sounds – even when virtually all well-known Bible commentators agree – but I am convinced that “the man” Paul described in II Corinthians 12:2 was really Paul himself. If we speak of ourselves in the third person it can easily sound arrogant and condescending, but for Jewish rabbis it was not uncommon to do so when their humility made it difficult to talk about themselves directly in a way that could sound like bragging.
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
II Corinthians 12:2
Paul was taken up past the clouds, past the planets and stars of outer space, to God’s Heavenly Paradise: what the Greek philosophers called the Empyrean (wrongly associating it with the element of fire). This is something that would have happened to Paul around 43 A.D., during some of the travels described in Acts. It was either a true “out of body experience” or a literal bodily translation up to the “third” heaven.
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
II Corinthians 12:3-4
We can only speculate as to whether these “unspeakable” words were unspeakable because they were physically impossible for Paul to verbalize, or whether they consisted of revelations which Paul was forbidden by the Lord to repeat.
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
II Corinthians 12:5
This was a figure of speech. Paul couldn’t bring himself to brag directly, but he just honestly admitted that this experience was something with which it was understandable for people to be impressed. However, he would rather talk about his infirmities.
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
II Corinthians 12:6-7
For 14 years Paul had been afflicted with this unknown “thorn in the flesh,” something not imposed upon him directly by God, but something ALLOWED by God, in that He gave Satan permission to “buffet” him. The “thorn” was not a symbol for a little sliver or splinter of wood that gets under the skin and irritates and annoys. No, this was meant to call to mind a large and vicious wooden spike, like the thorns in the mocking crown that Jesus wore to Calvary. The buffeting that Paul experienced was fierce and persistent blows and pain, yet for 14 years he had not associated this affliction publicly with his visit to Heaven.
Paul was not like the boy who supposedly visited Heaven and got a book deal from Lifeway. No, Paul’s glorious visit was capped off by a severe reminder that he was not too special to need God’s grace every second.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
II Corinthians 12:8
After the third time praying for its removal, the Lord, rather than delivering Paul, gave him something greater to go with it: growth in grace and deep dependence upon God.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
II Corinthians 12:9-10
How strange this “gift,” and how bizarre God’s (and Paul’s) idea of pleasure, seems to most of us! For Paul, weakness was strength, pain was pleasure, and suffering was power.
Bondage, Biting, Bragging, and Beating
February 28, 2022 at 12:36 pm | Posted in II Corinthians | 4 CommentsTags: 2 Corinthians 11, abusive ministers, Biblical sarcasm, Biblical wisdom, commentary on 2 Corinthians, false teachers, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians
I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
II Corinthians 11:16-19
Since, in their so-called “wisdom,” they had decided to follow fools, the Apostle Paul reasoned that perhaps he would have to speak like a fool in order to get the attention of the Corinthian Christians.
For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
II Corinthians 11:20
When someone becomes influential in church and begins to lead people into confusion or rebellion against God’s ordained authority, these are the types of things they typically promote, or the types of poison fruit resulting from their influence:
1. Bondage: Works-righteousness or legalism that says you must conform to a man-made standard that goes beyond or against Scripture.
2. Devour: They take advantage of people financially, or they use them (“eat them up”) for personal gain.
3. Take of You: Today we might say “take you in” – the idea of setting a baited trap or catching fish with a lure. They use outwardly attractive ideas or words, and then get people hooked.
4. Self-Exaltation: Beware of those who seek much honor for themselves in contrast to honor for Christ.
5. Smiting: Physical and perhaps emotional bullying and intimidation.
I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
II Corinthians 11:21-22
Paul was an Israelite – a descendant of Abraham – by his nationality, but also spiritually and prophetically.
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
II Corinthians 11:23
The answer to the question, “Are they ministers of Christ?” was no, they are ministers of the devil.
Thinking through the Battle
February 9, 2022 at 3:57 pm | Posted in II Corinthians | 6 CommentsTags: 2 Corinthians 10, boldness, Christian thought life, commentary on 2 Corinthians, meekness, spiritual warfare, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians, think again
We might think that after three or so chapters dealing specifically with financial giving, and knowing the unpopularity and potential for offense inherent in that subject, Paul would want to take a break and move on to some other topic, and in II Corinthians 10 he does change the subject. However, his interaction with the other problems that needed to be addressed did not get any easier.
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
II Corinthians 10:1
Paul took up a position of humility, reminding them how “base” (lowly) and gently and meekly he had behaved when he was personally present in Corinth. The undercurrent to these thoughts has to do with the accusations of the Judaizers and false teachers. One of their insults about Paul was that he was very bold in his letters (when he himself was far away), but that he tended to be obsequious and much less confrontational when he was present. This was not true, of course, but he did feel the need, when forced into it, to defend himself and his ministry.
But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
II Corinthians 10:2
First, Paul did not need to be as aggressive when he was present in Corinth, because the church members didn’t cut up as much when he was there (a sign of immaturity, like the people who skip church when the pastor is out of town). Second, the false teachers themselves weren’t as bold when Paul was personally there. They just lurked in the background until he left town, then they came out of the shadows and tried to turn people against him and recruit followers for themselves. Third:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
II Corinthians 10:3
Paul wasn’t interested in fighting a spiritual battle with fleshly or worldly weapons. That doesn’t work. The devil is a better fighter than Christians when it comes to devilish techniques, and when we utilize sin (or when we think we’re strong in the power of our might and don’t need to rely on the power of God) we tend to cut ourselves off from God’s help. As a general rule, God won’t fight a battle for me that I’m trying win in my own strength. Christians have better weapons than personality, charisma, deceit, flattery, gossip, extortion, bullying, faction-forming, appeals to pride, appeals to greed, appeals to popularity, and appeals to influence and ego. Instead, we have the Bible, prayer, love, ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit, faith, and trust in the will of God.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
II Corinthians 10:4
This is the part of spiritual warfare that is not as appealing to most people as a prayer march, the pronouncement of the reception of a special “anointing,” a big event, or an outreach strategy. The battle is really in our minds and daily lives. We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us answer this question: “What unbiblical strongholds exist in my mind, and how did they get to this ‘high place?’ Have I imagined them through my speculations, and exalted some worldly thinking or common sense wisdom of man to a place that’s higher in my mind than the place I’ve given to God’s revealed will in His Word?” If so, here is how I’m supposed to deal with them:
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
II Corinthians 10:5
I must intentionally and carefully tear them down and place them under the feet of Jesus. I must obey Him even when something else seems to make more sense.
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
II Corinthians 10:6
This was Paul’s statement rebutting the claims of the false teachers in Corinth who said that Paul talked big in his letters, but was much less confrontational when he was personally present in Corinth (vv.10-11). “Having a readiness to revenge all disobedience” means that Paul was more than prepared to deal with these false teachers harshly when he arrived. However, he wanted to give the faithful church members in Corinth the opportunity to do it themselves first. Only when their obedience in dealing with disobedience (to Apostolic doctrine) was “fulfilled,” meaning when they had done all they were willing to do, would he come in and deal with it himself. The exact nature of the “revenge” is left unspecified. It could have meant excommunicating or throwing them out of the church, or even something as extreme as the use of his God-given supernatural gifts and power to chasten, discipline, or punish them.
Paul knew that the false teachers were handsome and charismatic and eloquent. They were good at making shallow friends and influencing people in such a way that they didn’t realize they were being manipulated.
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
II Corinthians 10:7
The expression “think again” can be a warning expression, “If you think I’m gonna stand for that, you better think again!” Paul was reminding them that they had come to put their trust in Christ by hearing and believing Apostolic doctrine. He didn’t want them to let someone tell them that what Paul and the apostles had taught and preached was false. Rhetorically, if Paul and the apostles had been false teachers, then the Corinthian church members would have been false converts.
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
II Corinthians 10:8
Motivations for Giving
January 20, 2022 at 11:39 am | Posted in II Corinthians | 4 CommentsTags: 2 Corinthians 9, Biblical giving, commentary on 2 Corinthians, faith promise offering, financial giving, financial offerings, giving in church, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians
In II Corinthians Chapter 9 Paul wanted to let the Corinthians know that he was sending brethren to collect the offering and that he wanted them to be prepared, since he had already assured others of their generosity.
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
II Corinthians 9:3
This is not the highest purpose of financial giving, but one of its benefits is that it motivates other believers to give. Paul was using the Macedonian churches to motivate Corinth. Now he revealed that he had used the promise to give, made by Corinth, to motivate the Macedonians.
High-pressure giving is not Biblical, nor is boastful individual giving, but commitment-based giving and publicized giving through church bodies (not the individuals that make them up) is Biblical. Paul did not want it to look, to the Macedonian brethren who would accompany him and his team to Corinth, like they failed to keep their promise and now had to be pressured into giving what they were not prepared to give. I would encourage Christians today to take some time to pray about, plan, and even organize your personal giving, while remaining open to spontaneous giving that may go above what has been previously planned.
A second motive for giving, in addition to motivating others, is that God plainly declares that He will bless those who give.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
II Corinthians 9:6
This is a general principle woven into the fabric of God’s creation by God Himself. It is doubtful that non-Christians would be capable of understanding the balancing of this principle with the unselfish desire to minister to the Lord and others through giving (which, to be fair, is the chief overriding motivation that the Lord wants us to have).
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
II Corinthians 9:7-8
While we admittedly enjoy the thought of receiving blessings, we also defeat the fear that sacrificial giving might cause us to miss out on meeting what we perceive as our needs by knowing God’s ability and disposition to supply those needs with His grace.
Another good motivation for giving is a desire to be used by God in meeting those very needs in others.
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
II Corinthians 9:12
Our brothers and sisters have needs. We have been blessed to be able (by working together) to meet those needs. But, rather than earning their thanks ourselves, we cause them to give thanks to God, and thereby demonstrate the greatest motivation for giving: to glorify God.
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
II Corinthians 9:13
As mentioned before, organized giving ministry through the local church is a joint cooperative effort, and it helps to unite, not only givers with givers, but givers with receivers.
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
II Corinthians 9:14-15
We can certainly verbalize our thanks for financial or material gifts, but these gifts are really only echoes which hearken back to the Gift that goes beyond our ability of description.
Willing to Give
January 7, 2022 at 2:12 pm | Posted in II Corinthians | 3 CommentsTags: 2 Corinthians 8, Biblical giving, cheerful giving, commentary on 2 Corinthians, joyful giving, love offerings, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians, Titus
In II Corinthians 8 we can almost sense the relief on Paul’s part. He had found it necessary to use himself as a positive example and to defend his own actions and virtues in the previous chapters. Now he could finally point to others as an example to look to for how to please the Lord.
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
II Corinthians 8:1-2
He wanted the Corinthians to acknowledge the generosity of the Macedonian churches who gave joyfully to the poor despite their own hardships and poverty. This reminds us that our own financial and personal difficulties shouldn’t hinder us from giving to those who are struggling financially. It also reminds us to do it with the right attitude, and to find joy in it. Paul wanted the Corinthians to be motivated by this example.
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
II Corinthians 8:7
They were very willing to exercise the richness of their spiritual gifts. Now he wanted them to exercise the gift of generosity, but commanding them to give, with his Apostolic authority, would have robbed them of the blessing of doing it willingly and cheerfully.
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
II Corinthians 8:8
Love is not negated by doing things that benefit the doer, but real love is demonstrated by sacrificial, selfless non-quid-pro-quo giving. Paul could praise the Macedonians, and he could praise the Corinthians. Now he could also praise his partner, Titus.
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
II Corinthians 8:16-17
Titus was zealous and excited about accomplishing this collection for the poor, but, along with his zeal, he and others, especially another unnamed brother in Christ were DILIGENT about it.
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
II Corinthians 8:22
While this chapter does not continue the pattern of paradoxes, antitheses, and contrasts we saw in Chapters 6 and 7, there is still an underlying theme of paradox in the idea that Christians may accomplish God’s overriding will by the apparent exercise of our wills. Although God’s will is sovereign, there are passages of Scripture that make it appear as though He sometimes chooses to sovereignly blend together His divine will with the will of human beings.
How to Repair a Broken Relationship
December 9, 2021 at 11:03 am | Posted in II Corinthians | 3 CommentsTags: 2 Corinthians 7, Biblical reconciliation, broken relationships, commentary on 2 Corinthians, restoring friendship, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians
In II Corinthians Chapter 7 we can get some guidance on repairing broken relationships.
1. Point out your own loyalty and the benefits of your past relationship.
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
II Corinthians 7:2
2. Don’t try to hide that you are hurt, and speak positively about the other person.
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
II Corinthians 7:5
3. Admit your part in the breakdown of the relationship – even if your part in it wasn’t sinful.
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
II Corinthians 7:8
This was a reference to the missing Corinthian letter – a letter which is not in the Bible or still extant, to anyone’s knowledge – which addressed the problems mentioned in I Corinthians. Apparently it was a very harsh letter – but a very truthful letter. Paul at one point regretted sending it, but now:
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
II Corinthians 7:9
Sorrow and shame don’t feel good, but they are key instruments used by God for our correction and sanctification. Christians should not enjoy conflict, but two errors when dealing with conflict are: (1) handling it the wrong way (without love and grace); and (2) avoiding it altogether, even when it is necessary.
4. Rejoice over the prospect of restoring and/or rebuilding the relationship.
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
II Corinthians 7:13
I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
II Corinthians 7:16
Speaking from the Heart
November 17, 2021 at 3:37 pm | Posted in II Corinthians | 3 CommentsTags: 2 Corinthians 6, Biblical separation, commentary on 2 Corinthians, common expressions from the Bible, Deuteronomy 22, sufficiency of Christ, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians, the doctrine of separation
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
II Corinthians 6:10 (emphasis added)
Christians have nothing of ultimate value which can be taken away from us. Our true treasure and our truest blessings are in Christ. Therefore, having “all things” in Him, the world should not be able to successfully tempt us with a bribe.
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
II Corinthians 6:11
We sometimes say we are “speaking from the heart.” Paul was being very open about his feelings toward the Corinthians, but they were not reciprocating.
Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
II Corinthians 6:12
Let me encourage you not to get too easily offended, to not get your feelings hurt by the coldness of other believers, especially newer believers.
Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
II Corinthians 6:13
As parents, one of the things you learn to live with is your children seldom responding to the love you show them with equal measures of love being returned. It was important for Paul – as it should be important for us – to establish our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, for several reasons, including the fact that we will at times have to show them “tough love.” We will have to tell them the truth for their own good.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
II Corinthians 6:14
Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.
Deuteronomy 22:10
The ox and the donkey are fundamentally different types of animals. They don’t respond to the same type of encouragement. They are not the same size. They have different motivations. Christians and non-Christians shouldn’t intermarry. In many cases they shouldn’t form a business partnership. They shouldn’t irrevocably link their lives together in such a way that they depend on each other’s fundamental beliefs to accomplish something. These Corinthian believers had come out of darkness, and it was crucially important that they not go back into it. They had come out of unrighteousness; they must not go back into it.
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
II Corinthians 6:15-16
Fellowship, communion, concord, part, agreement: these are words of unity, harmony, and symphony. Musicians can’t all play their own song at the same time and have it sound melodious, pleasing, and beautiful. A football team can’t gain yardage unless everybody comes out of the huddle planning to run the same play. God’s Kingdom is not advanced through church chaos. It is advanced and He is glorified through common unity – diversity, but unity.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
II Corinthians 6:17
The nature of the believer is fundamentally, ontologically different from an unbeliever. The ox was a clean animal; the donkey was not (Deuteronomy 14). The doctrine of separation for Christians is based here on three key principles, and we just saw the first two:
- The nature of the believer
- The command of Scripture
Here is the third: The promise of blessing.
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
II Corinthians 6:18
Fathers long to bless their children, but good fathers don’t bless disobedience when it will hurt their children. That’s not real blessing. We must remember to Whom we belong. We were not set free to serve ourselves, or our Father’s enemies. We were set free to serve our Father with joy.
The Deep End 
II Corinthians: The Ministry of Defense
May 25, 2022 at 9:27 am | Posted in II Corinthians | 1 CommentTags: 2 Corinthians, Apostle Paul, commentary on 2 Corinthians, defense of ministry, lessons on 2 Corinthians, self-defense, study of 2 Corinthians, Sunday School lessons on 2 Corinthians
The Epistle we know as II Corinthians has various themes and purposes, but one striking feature is how the Holy Spirit caused and allowed the Apostle Paul – who was so often attacked, insulted, undermined, and challenged by the enemies of the Gospel in the early Church – to defend his ministry with humility, but also with forthright boldness. As a Christian minister you may need to:
-Defend your ministry by finding your comfort and consolation in Christ and His suffering (II Corinthians 1:5-6)
-Defend your ministry by having compassion (II Corinthians 2:4)
-Defend your ministry by focusing on God’s glory (II Corinthians 3:18)
-Defend your ministry by thinking of it as a treasure (II Corinthians 4:4-7)
-Defend your ministry by reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:17-21)
-Defend your ministry by separation (II Corinthians 6:14-17)
-Defend your ministry by encouragement (II Corinthians 7:6-7)
-Defend your ministry by faithful giving (II Corinthians 8:1-3)
-Defend your ministry by cheerful giving (II Corinthians 9:7)
-Defend your ministry through spiritual warfare (II Corinthians 10:3-5)
-Defend your ministry with Godly jealousy (II Corinthians 11:2-5)
-Defend your ministry with humility (II Corinthians 12:7-10)
-Defend your ministry by warning others (II Corinthians 13:10)
Below are links to lessons on II Corinthians:
1. Consolation / Catastrophe (1:1-7)
2. More Strange Weapons: A Bone (Simple, Silly, Serious, and Successful) (1:12; 11:3)*
3. Maintaining a Clean and Sensitive Conscience (1:12-24)
4. A Christian Weight-Loss Program (2:1-8)
5. A Pair of Paradoxes (2:10; 10:6)
6. Tips for Teachers (3:1-3)
7. Unveiled Glory and Unguarded Giving (3:7-18)
8. Forgetting To Remember – Part 1 (3:9-11; 10:5)
9. Two Requirements: Light and Eyesight (4)
10. Why Some People Just Don ‘t Get all that Jesus/Church/Religion/Christianity/Gospel Stuff (4:3-4)
11. Breaching Reality (4:4-6)
12. Strange Weapons Lesson 3: The Pitcher (spiritual application) (4:4-7; 10:3-4; 12:10; 13:3-4)
13. Light Is Stronger than Darkness (4:6)
14. Trusted with the Treasure (4:7)
15. Key Words for Bible Teachers: Treasure (4:7)
16. Changing Clothes for the Last Time (5:1-6)
17. Beware the Fiduciary Foundation (5:5)
18. An Acceptable Performance (5:6-9)
19. Examining Our Motivations (5:7-11)
20. Three Questions and Three Answers (5:19-20)
21. Catechism Question 20 (5:21)
22. Hardship Cubed (6:1-7)
23. Maybe (6:2)
24. The Good, the Bad, and the Godly (6:8-10)
25. Speaking from the Heart (6:10-18)
26. Douglas Wilson: S.W.I.M. to Get Out of Secularism (6:17)
27. How to Repair a Broken Relationship (7:2-16)
28. Oswald Chambers Says You Can S.W.I.M. with Joy (7:4)
29. Willing to Give (8)
30. Is it Wrong To Ask for an Overt Response? (Part 2) (8:3-5)
31. Causality and God’s Will (8:3-5)
32. Motivations for Giving (9)
33. D.L. Moody: S.W.I.M. Deeper in Grace (9:8)
34. Thinking through the Battle (10:1-8)
35. Imagination in Marriage (10:3-6)
36. Take the Good with the Bad (10:5)
37. Think Again (10:7)
38. With Whom Will You Bear? (11:1-19)
39. Bondage, Biting, Bragging, and Beating (11:16-23)
40. The Apostle Who Came Back from Heaven (12:1-10)
41. A Child’s View of God’s Supremacy (12:7-10)
42. Seven Marriage Resolutions (12:14-15)
43. Spiritual Self-Defense (12:11 – 13:14)
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