2 Corinthians 12 (5)

Pray Psalm 46.1-3.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Selah

Sing Psalm 46.1-3.
(St. Chrysostom: We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought)
God is our refuge and our strength; He is our help in times of need.
Thus though the earth beneath us should change, the sea engulf the mountain range.
Waters may roar with raging speed; yet God will rescue us at length.

Read 2 Corinthians 12.1-18; meditate on verses 16-18.

Preparation
1. What did Paul not do when he was with the Corinthians?

2. How did Titus and the other brother follow Paul’s example?

Meditation
Paul wanted the Corinthians to receive his instruction, both that which came in the first letter and that which he was communicating here in the second. To that end, he felt he needed to persuade them that all his words were only intended for their good. That if they received his instructions and carried them out, they would know the rich blessings of obedience and the favor of the Lord.

So here he reminded them that nothing he had done while he was with them was intended to weigh them down with a heavy burden (v. 16). Nothing that he had done or written was meant to take advantage of them (v. 17). He caught them “by cunning” because they had sent a team to help them sort things out, and he used that opportunity for some serious straight talk (v. 16). All that he said and did was for their edification and that the glory of Christ might flourish among them.

He reminded them that he had sent two witnesses—Titus and “our brother”—to reinforce and follow-up on Paul’s first epistle. Like Paul, these two neither burdened nor took advantage of the Corinthians (v. 17). Instead, they helped the churches in Corinth get back on the Jesus Path, because they came in the same Spirit as Paul and helped the Corinthians’ begin taking the steps Paul had prescribed (v. 18).

The three were of one voice in their assessments, instructions, and love: They would not burden the Corinthians. They would not take advantage. But they would insist on obedience so that the churches in Corinth could grow and regain an effective witness to the people around them. The Corinthians had listened to their witness, and they must continue to do so.

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162.
Paul was into a period of reflection over what had transpired with the Corinthians.

The issue at hand—their lack of support accompanied by a judgmental attitude—was upsetting to Paul.

At first, I think, he was astonished at their lack of civility and appreciation. Then, came his exposition concerning the things he had suffered in his time, so far, in ministry; followed by his boasting in infirmities, and God’s strength pervasive in his weakness. Then he got a tad bit irritated with them, and now he was post-anger, but still hurt enough to continue the conversation.

“I did not burden you to support me, but I caught you out in your dereliction of duty towards me—and Titus and our other brother. Did I take advantage of you? Did Titus take advantage of you? He and I walked in the same spirit of generosity toward you—right? Didn’t he and I walk in the very same steps?”

Because Paul would never have behaved in this way toward others, being unappreciative and judgmental, he was absolutely gobsmacked that they had done this to him, and to Titus.

Sounds a bit like David when he opined: “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng” (Ps. 55.12-14).

But righteously, Paul’s main concern was for them. He loved them dearly, as if they were his children, and he wanted them to behave differently. Better. Behavior more reflective of him, and by extension, Jesus. (1 Cor. 11.1)

“I AM the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (Jn. 8.12).
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5.14, 16).

Paul wanted what was best for the Corinthians. And for us (2 Cor. 12.14, 15).
Jesus wants what is best for us and for the world (Jn. 3.16).

And both insisted on obedience to God’s Law, so that the Church will grow and “regain an effective witness” unhampered by sin, poor behavior, and a lack of generosity.

For reflection
1. How can we be sure that we’re not taking advantage of others?

2. What’s the best way to start our day on the Jesus Path and keep it there throughout the day? Is this your practice?

3. What do we learn from Paul about how to proceed when believers we know and love have strayed from that Path?

Here is an account of the apostle’s behavior and kind intentions; in which see the character of a faithful minister of the gospel. This was his great aim and design, to do good. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12.11-21

Pray Psalm 46.4-11.
Pray that the Spirit will fill you, transform you, overflow you, and make you a powerful witness for Jesus today.

Sing Psalm 46.4-11.
(St. Chrysostom: We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought)
God’s everlasting, joyous grace gladdens the city where He dwells.
Safely in Him, we will not be moved; when morning dawns, His love will be proved.
Fears and distresses Jesus dispels for His beloved, chosen race.

Kingdoms arise and rage and roar, threat’ning the earth with sore distress.
Nations may fall, earth melt away, His Word is yet our hope and stay.
God is among us, ever to bless; He is our stronghold evermore.

Come see the works of God’s Right Hand! He breaks the nations of the earth,
shatters their foolish weapons and pride, sets all their sinful strength aside.
Them He will show His infinite worth as they before His judgment stand.

Rest in the LORD and be at peace, all who are mired in sore travail.
Lift up our God, praise Jesus our Lord; proclaim to all the earth His Word!
God is our stronghold, never to fail; thus may our hope and joy increase!

T. M. and Susie Moore

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter, available by clicking here.