A Study on 2nd Epistle to the Corinthians.

2nd Corinthians 1: Simplicity and Godly Sincerity.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother.  To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul and Timothy. While the first was written by Paul and Sosthenes. When the first letter was written Timothy was already sent out on journey through Macedonia, and Achaia [Corinth] being one of the churches he was going to visit. Though Paul had mentioned to the Corinthians that Timothy was on his way to to them, when the first letter was sent out through Titus, however things did not go according to plan. Timothy was meant to address the contention and division among them.

Blessed be the God and Father  of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation, also abounds through Christ.

Whatever God had permitted them to go through, it is so they in turn may serve those who would experience the same kind of tribulation as they did. That they may encourage them of the comfort that is to come from God that they may be able to endure it with patience. As the suffering of Christ? [As the tribulation and persecution that comes upon them on the account of their testimony of Jesus Christ, they are also are comforted by the same measure.]  

• And you became followers of us and our Lord, having received the word with much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7    

Now, if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that is you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.  [and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.]

Paul, has said that they were comforted by God in the affliction that they may comfort others [therefore] if we are afflicted or comforted it is for the benefit of those to whom they minister. They endure affliction that they may bring the truth of the word of God so they may be saved. The gospel is always received with resistance and will have a cost. “A servant is not greater than his master, if they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20  And the comfort they experience is that, those who receive their testimony of Jesus Christ may have hope in the persecution that comes upon them, that they be encouraged to wait with patience of the comfort from God. Paul assures them of this fact, that they have known it through experience, just as you have experienced tribulation and affliction you most certainly will also be partakers of comfort as well.  

• But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict…. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen.  2 Thessalonians 2:2,14
• Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding Joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you, for the Spirit if glory and God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:13-14

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the the dead, who delivered us from so great death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, [you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.]  

Paul had experienced a great victory in Asia and  the word of the Lord was preached to all. “And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia herd the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” Acts 19:10 But on the account of his success a great trouble arose, because people were turning away from idols and all manner of dark practices and the economic consequence that it brought. “Men you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.” Acts 25-26 but God had seen them through it. 

Paul also teaches the effective power of a collective prayer, “that thanks may be given on the account of grace given to us through the prayers of many.” And he has encouraged this aspect in most of his letters, he asked the Romans to strive with him in prayer to God that he may be delivered from the hands of the unbelievers in Judea. To the Ephesians he asked they pray for him that revelation knowledge may be given him that he might make known the mysteries of Christ with boldness. The success of collective prayer is made evident in Acts 12, when Peter was put in prison and Herod was going to put him to death. “but constant prayer were offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:6  which God granted through the hands of an angel. To the same measure we ought to remember those ministries which are in the forefront in our prayer that God may grant them success in every endeavour that His gifts may abound through them.

For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. For we are not writing any other things to you that what you read or understand, even to the end [as you have understood us in part], that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Paul’s second letter has got undertone of giving justification and he labours quite hard to present to them his [and his co-labours] sincerity in all they do; and if we conducted ourselves in such manner in the world, how much more do we with you? He making reference to the instructions given in his first letter, that it is given in [simplicity and truth] that through it they may be strengthened and made godly, which is a boasting for him in them and they also may have a boast in him being their teacher on the day of Christ. They having a right relationship with one another, understanding of intentions and purpose. Which was his hope, though was not quite reciprocated by them.

And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit, to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come to again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you  on my way to Judea. Therefore when I was planning this did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be  Yes, Yes, and No, No?

[What is the confidence?] that they having a mutual understanding of one another, he being their father in the faith they being the faithful children seeking to imitate his manner of life. When saying a second benefit, the first he begot them into the faith, second to shape their manner of growth: “Timothy will remind you of my way in Christ.” and “imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

Now, Paul is explaining his travel plans to them, why he did not come to them after he has sent a letter saying he would do. And informs them what he does he does not do according  to the flesh or whim but it is according to the will of God.

A basic account of Paul’s travel plans: Paul has come to Ephesus second time after visiting Judea, Antioch and Galatia. While there he has a correspondence with the Corinthians, and answers their various questions. In his 1st letter he makes mention of his plan to go to Jerusalem by way of them, which he purposed through the Holy Spirit “Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed though Macedonia and Achaia [Corinth], to go Jerusalem, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.'” Acts 19:21

So he sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia “but he himself stayed in Asia for the time.” Acts 19:22 instructing Timothy to pass through Achaia [Corinth], “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy to you.” 1 Corinthians 4:17 and was hopping to receive him in Ephesus after he has made his round. “That he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.” 1 Corinthians 16:11 After which he himself would travel from Ephesus to Achaia then to Macedonia then from Macedonia back to Achaia, then to Judea.

Paul informs of this and sent his first letter to the Corinthians through Titus, while he stayed in Ephesus as long as time would permit him. “His plan to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost.” However, then a great disturbance occurs in Ephesus [which he mention above] and he had to leave Ephesus and travelled by land to Macedonia rather than sailing across to Achaia as he planed. Where he met Timothy there Acts 20:4 And the second letter is written with him there. [Supposition: Timothy did not get a chance to go to Achaia [Corinth] because of the disturbance in Ephesus, Paul travelled after Timothy through Macedonia where he caught up with him.] But Titus route was to sail direct Achaia [Corinth] then travel by land to Macedonia where he met Paul and Timothy. “For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” 2 Corinthians 7:5-6                 

But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us – by me, Silvanus, and Timothy – was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promise of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. [For all the promise of God are Yes in Christ, and so through Him, our ‘Amen’ is spoken to glory of God.]

Paul is touching on two points here; one he says, “in this confidence I intended to come to you,” that is he might bring a teaching to them [a second benefit], the second thing is the change in his travel plans. Therefore he says, the words we preached to you it is not one thing in one way and another in another way but it is always yes in Christ. Contrasting his preaching to his letter his sent, he is saying, what we preached is what we affirm in our letter. The issue then is the matter of grace. He has preached to them Jesus Christ paid the price yet in his letter has instructed them to put out this sexual offender from their midst. For all the promises of God [to restore all: in this case] in Christ is Yes, to which we heartily shout, so be it to His glory. Second point: He says, we did not  just simply plan to come to you and just change our mind on whim, it is not to say Yes one moment then turn and say No after.

Now He who establish us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Moreover I call God as a witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. 

Starts of by setting the grounds of their shared faith in Christ, that it is the same God that establish both you and us,- [anointed us: called us for this work] and and sealed us with His Spirit [the promise]. And discloses the reason why he did not come to them as he planned, is because he would have to reprimand them for all the things that went on with them. Not because we have a claim/rule over your faith [as to dictate to you], but we work with you for your benefit. However It is by your faith in God you are able to stand. [It is He who establish you, and seal you with His Spirit.]

2nd Corinthians 2: The Fragrance of Christ. 

But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but one who is made sorrowful by me? And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction an anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly have for you.

Continuing on his last statement, Paul has not gone to them because he would have to reprimand them for all the things that went on, [especially of the sexual immorality of one of the members]. and through it he and they may be made sorrowful. So he has sought to write it in his letter that they may have the opportunity to set it right, and his care from them may be made apparent to them. “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” Hebrews 12:7

But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent – not to be severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought to rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

Paul’s judgment of the man who took his father’s wife, which is the aspect of this discussion, was that to deliver him to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus and not to keep company with such a person and not to fellowship with him. Paul points the grief he caused, it is to them, not to him, but he has intervened they might see his care and love for them. Now Paul encourages them to reestablish their fellowship with him. 

For this end I also wrote to you, that I may put you to the test, whether you be obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presences of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The second reason he gives is, to test their obedience. The Corinthians church, has had some discord, and there is devision among them and have also given heed to some wrong teachings [were being drawn away]. Therefore Paul had the more reason to test them, if they still give heed to his instructions. Though he was one accord with them, in both the dispensing of the punishment and more so in granting forgiveness, that they may not fall prey to the devices of Satan, which is to cause devision, offence and unforgiveness.

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

In regards to Titus, Paul had no rest in himself not because he thought Titus was in jeopardy but was hopping to receive a response, on how the letter was received by them. So here again he shows his care for them, that though he had an opening to preach the Gospel in Troas, by the Lord, he sought to seek out Titus and traveled to Macedonia that he might find peace in his spirit through the word he might bring.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among them who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

We are being lead everywhere by God as captive prisoners of Christ, [as trophy] and through us He impart His knowledge, which brings life to some and death to those who reject it. It is a scent, either of life or of death, to the one being saved it is alluring and to the one who is to die [who reject it] to them it is offensive [life to life or death to death]. Here Paul draws a line between him and those who have infiltrated the ministry for personal gain. The distinction being, where and what we teaches, is of God, and we labour in this task He has given us in all sincerity.

[When asking, “who is sufficient for these things?” he is making the point, this task is great and it is God who calls and enables, no one takes it up; unlike those who have done so for themselves.]

2nd Corinthians 3: The Glory of Righteousness.

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are and epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God,not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh that is of the heart. 

In his first letter he has thought to send to them Timothy that he might remind them of his ways in Christ. Do we need to list our credentials as to be able to preach and teach you. Paul seems to be striving to gain grounds with them again, and the more so in contention with those who have slipped in to bring discord among them. So, he questions them do we need to introduce ourselves to you again? as those who come by letter to the efforts of one who has built. You are our fresh ground, which we have begotten in Christ and you are clearly an evidence of Christ [your faith testifying of that to all]. He describes the Thessalonians in similar manner:

• For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia , but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need say anything. For they themselves declare concerning you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9

And your faith in Christ is not a set of instructions written down but of a change of heart which comes through the Spirit of God. “this is the new covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds I will write them. and then He adds, ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.'” Hebrews 10:16-17 

The law is not dispensed with but the manner of our obedience to it has changed. When it was written on a tablet of stone, as to be observed in the flesh it failed because of our weakness therefore brought death to us. But the same God’s law [which is holy and good] is now written in our hearts and minds, and finds fulfilment because it is the Spirit who strengthens us to walk in His ways; “Walk by the Spirit and you will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 It is not written down in ink and paper to be observed as to bring condemnation but it is of faith, therefore if we do anything outside of our faith and conscience, to us it is sin. “for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:23

And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.   

We do not claim anything to be from us, but it is God who has appointed us and made us able ministers of this new convent. That the knowledge imparted through us is not conceived by us but is from God. And the things we impart is not a sets of instructions [laws] to be followed but it is of the Spirit. Paul is contrasting the Law of the old covenant to life in the Spirit in the new. Speaking of the law he says in Romans, “When the commandment came sin revived and I died. And the commandments which is to bring life I found to bring death.” Romans 7:9-10 that the power of sin is the law therefore sin taking occasion through it killed me. And of the new he says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. For even what was made glorious had not glory in respect, because of the glory that excels. For if what what was passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.       

Paul is describing the events recorded in [Exodus 34:24-35] when Moses brought the law to the children of Israel written on tablet of stone. And he is contrasting it to the ministry of the Spirit, in the new covenant. That the law which sought to be obeyed in the flesh and brought about death, came with such glory that the face of Moses was shinning. Then Paul is saying if that be the case for what is passing away and brought condemnation, how much more should the One that remains and brings life through righteousness exceed in glory?

Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech – unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not steadily look at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the old testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord the veil is taken away.         

Therefore because the ministry of the Spirit far exceeds in glory and comes with such qualities, we proclaim it with all boldness. Comparing Moses, who hid his face, that the Israelites could not witness the glory [of the law] that shone on his face was slowly degrade away. Moses’ skin shone for a time, but it slowly dissipated away, the law does not bring about a permanent change, but constrains the flesh to give a of light righteousness, while the ministry of the Spirit brought life from within. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit.” John 7:37-39     

When Paul says, their minds were blinded? he is saying the mysteries of God in Christ is not observed through the law it is not to be searched out through the Scriptures. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” John 5:39 It is when one receives the Lord Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, the law will give up its secrets and reveal Christ in its pages. They searched out the Scriptures, but they were unable to see Him, Paul himself was so learned in the law, but never saw Jesus until he encountered the Lord, then his eyes were opened to bring all his knowledge of the Scriptures in its proper place. The light of the truth of Scripture is through the Holy Spirit, “whom the world cannot receive, because it neither see Him nor knows Him.” John 14:17 And He only comes in when one turns to the Lord to receive Jesus. 

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

The liberty is in Christ Jesus. That Christ has come to set us free from the law of sin and death and has also has set us free from the bondage of the law. “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:34-36 [A slave is one bound by rules and regulations.]  When he says beholding with unveiled faces, he saying, because we have received the Lord Jesus Christ, we are able to look at the Scriptures and to see Jesus Christ. And we are being transformed by the Holy Spirit into the very image, of the Lord we behold. “till we all come to the unit of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man, to the measure of the the stature of the fullness of Christ;”  Ephesians 4:13

2nd Corinthians 4: The Spirit of Faith.

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not  lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. [Therefore, since we have received this ministry through the mercies [of God] we do not lose heart.] 

That we are made ministers of the Spirit and [not of the law] and it is God who has called us to it, so we have reason to hope and to press on. We stand in opposition to operations of hidden things, but deal openly we do not operate in secret. We do not seek to supplicate men, but openly declare the truth of the word of God. We do not employ guile or schemes nor do we twist the word of God to serve our own purposes.  In this manner we seek to present ourselves to every man in the sight of God.

But even if our gospel is veiled, its veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.    

He has said we are the aroma of the knowledge of Christ; to one aroma of life and to the other the aroma of death. That the truth of the gospel is hidden from the sight of the unbelievers; due to the god of this age [who is the devil], to whom all flesh is subject, and has deceived the whole world and stands in opposition to the truth, that they may not come to the faith through the knowledge of the Son of God and be saved. 

For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves your bondservants for the sake of Jesus’. For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  

When he says “we do not preach ourselves,” it is in respect of his previous statement of those who don’t believe. As to say, it is not us they reject but they reject the one who has called us to this ministry. Jesus said to His disciples, “he who reject you rejects Me and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” Luke 10:16 And we don’t promote ourselves but are made your servants, because it is God who called us, to make Himself known through the proclamation of Christ, through us; [God in Christ and Christ in God.] That the life of Christ should overflowing from within us.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are pressed in every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down and not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.

We have this treasure: “the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” in weak mortal flesh – and Paul lists of all the things they encounter – he has already said “we were burdened beyond what we can bare, that we despaired of life itself, that we may not rely on ourselves but on God,” therefore he saying, we are pressured from every corner that we may not even have a place to put our back against, persecuted, perplexed [beyond our comprehension], and beaten down; yet God keeps seeing us through – all things that tare down the stronghold of the flesh [in which it relies and takes comfort in] that our hope and trust may be in God alone, that the life of Christ may be manifested through us. That is our flesh is constantly being put to death by all things we endure, in order that we may proclaim life to you. 

Then the perspective of the flesh is this: I can stand secure knowing I can see what is coming towards me, seeks to be in full understanding as to be in control, seeks approval as a sign of acceptance and winning as an aspect of [approval of God].

The Lord had spoken to Paul saying, “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as the Gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, in order they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:17-18 Yet through it all, Paul has been beaten, flogged, stoned, shipwrecked, and frequented prisons. That they were brought to the very edge; when in appearance all seems lost and are shamed yet God’s purpose was being worked through them and God was seeing them through.

And since we have the same spirt of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will presents us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.       

That the spirit of faith is faith that is spoken. “with a heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10 We therefore speak what we have believed, “knowing God will raise us up with Jesus.” Therefore, we endure all things; it is for your sakes, that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ may come to all people that it may result in thanksgiving to abound to God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal wight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We have reason to hope, that it is God who is working through us and in us. That everything we endured [which is a speck in comparison to eternity] does not bare to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed in us. [Romans 8:18] Though everything in appearance may be diminishing, but our spirit man is being renewed, strengthened. That everything we perceive through our senses is temporary and it will cease to be, but the unseen the spiritual is what is permeant.

2nd Corinthians 5: Ministry of Reconciliation.

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the havens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from haven,if indeed, having being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.   

Paul continues on his illustration of the temporary nature of what we see by likening this mortal flesh to a tent, as something that is easily taken down and uses house to show the enduring nature of the one to come. That this is our ernest expectation that we may put on our eternal habitation, the spiritual body which is made in the likeness of the Lord which Paul has written to them about in his first letter.

Now when says, “if indeed having been clothed [with spiritual body] we shall not be found naked.” He is speaking of what he also described in his first letter saying, that we each are responsible how we construct this building we are to occupy. “let each take heed how he builds on it, for no other foundation can anyone lay than which is laid which is Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 And he has already described in previous paragraph, how “this light affliction are working for us a more exceeding eternal wight of glory.” That the manner of the life we live matters and what we endure for the sake of Christ, is our adornment. Then he is saying, if indeed having put on the eternal habitation, then we discover our life has been lived in vain and produced nothing of value.         

And this desire for our eternal habitation is not that “we want to be unclothed,” as in seeking to die but that death may be swallowed by life. That we may walk from victory to victory. Which the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of the promise of God, “in whom also having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is a guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession to the praise  of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent form the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 

Our faith and confidence is this “He who believes in the One who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24 That our journey from this life is not to the grave or hades to await judgment but as one stepping life to life. To be absent from this body is to step into the presence of the Lord. 

Therefore we make  is our aim, whether present or absent to be well pleasing to the Lord. For we all must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

There is a manner of life that is pleasing to the Lord, how we conduct ourselves and to what we devote our time. Paul’s prayer to the Colossians was, “that you might walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good workand increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10  When he says, “we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ,” he is speaking of believers and unbelievers alike. Though for the believers it is not the judgement of life or death but of reward. As the Lord says “I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” Revelation 22:12

“Knowing the terror of the Lord,” Paul has spoken in every place especially to Gentiles, saying how God has set a time by which He is going to judge the world  through Christ. “Truly this time of ignorance God has overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man he has ordained. Acts 17:30-31 Therefore having knowledge of this impending judgement, we implore people. 

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 the flesh and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves it is for God; or if we are in our right mind it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

We are not justifying ourselves to you as in to gain your acceptance but the reasons we give you this details of our life [our afflictions, the call of God for this ministry, our being accepted and rejected] is so that you may have something to say, to those who criticise us and boast of their flesh. For if we endure all these things and appear to walk contrary to the expectation of the world and our flesh. It is for God, it is the love of Christ is what drives us. When he say they boast of the flesh, he is speaking of boasting of their genealogy of heritage. He has also spoken in similar manner in his letter to Timothy saying:

• “Remain in Ephesus that you may charge some they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, form a good conscience, and sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:3-7

To this he makes a point that Christ has died for all that is for both Jews and Gentiles by that he infers that we also all have died. “as many were baptised into Christ were baptised into His death.” Romans 6:3 The case he is making is, there in no longer a wall of seperation between the two. “That He might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile] to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity [the law of commandments]… For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:16,18 Though prior, the flesh had advantage since access to God was through the law, it no longer is, it is through the one Spirit we both have access to God the Father.

Therefore we being dead now live for Christ and stand on equal grounds in Him.Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we now we known Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.

Even to this extent, we no longer regard Christ according to His flesh, but as He is the Son of God and we through Him have become children of God. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 And have become a new creation. “The Spirit Himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:16

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We being reconcile to God [having received mercy] have become His representatives to proclaim the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that all may be brought to knowledge of God. That is Christ has already paid the price for all our sins, therefor we plead with all people [As though God Himself is pleading through us], to accept the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes we were healed. 1 Peter 2:24

2nd Corinthians 6: Don’t Let Grace be in Vain.

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

In his first pleading he was speaking to those who do not yet know Christ. To accept His grace that all their past sins are forgiven and life in the Spirit is available to them. But now He addresses those who have accepted the grace of the Lord and have come to the knowledge of Him. To them he speak saying “do not receive the grace of the God in vain.” that is do not make it a cover for sin or make it of no effect. He is speaking of it by the same measure. That is the Lord has come to your aid and brought you out of bondage, in his last letter, he has given them the picture of Israel coming out of Egypt, how the Lord has helped them but was not pleased with those who continued in sin [sexual immorality and idolatry]. This is the moment of your salvation and have been helped by Him, therefore walk in it.

We give no offence in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in strips, in imprisonment, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit,by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and the left by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report; as deceivers yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying and behold we live; as chastened, yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

He has already said we endure all things for the sake of Christ. That we endeavour ever more to present ourselves as approved ministers of God. That we bare all things that the ministry may not be hindered [he has already given the example of how they had forgone the rights of the gospel in order to preach to them Christ, they may have no cause for offence.] His laying themselves bare, in all they have endured whether it be good or whether they were shamed in it, in all things we present ourselves open. As to give them an example to imitate. We have done thus for the sake of the gospel and you, could you not so act for one another.

O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our hearts is wide open. You are not restricted by us but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same [I speak as to children], you also be open.

When he says “You are not restricted by us.” He is referring to the instructions he gave them in his last letter and the manner of way they ought to walk. [form marriage, food sacrificed to idols, church proceedings and the Lord’s Supper.] Though, these questions seemed to have come form them as issues they wanted to be resolved, some of the members it appears were not pleased with the response he has provided them. Bearing in mind he has said, “I believe there must be factions among you that those who are approved may be made manifest.” that some have taken his instruction to mean law, and not grace as a shackle put on them. And him as one contradicting what he preached. But Paul, has given them as example what he and his fellow workers endured for the sake of Christ and love and he tells them, “you are restricted by your own affections.” That the issue among the Corinthians was that they lacked care [love] for one another, from business conduct, church proceedings even in the Lord’s Supper they acted in manner that showed no regard for another.

Therefore he says, we have openly declared to you the council of God and has not sought to burden you. If you have found it confining it is not because we have boxed you in, but your love for one another is small that you are unwilling to bare burdens for the sake of one another. Therefore the solution is not to dispense with what I have written to you under the cover of grace or faith but open your heart, that if you truly love one another it wont be burdensome, nor confining.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God and they shall be My people.

When he says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” he is addressing all manner aspects of life. For those who have not repented of their old ways but have continued in the same manner of practice, he asks what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness [sinful practice]. In matters of being yoked in marriage; he has advised them they ought to marry in the Lord: that believer has no part with unbeliever. In matters of worship, where some have sought to frequent idol temples and to eat things sacrificed to idols, he asks what part has the temple of God [which is their body] with idols. If you were delivered from such practices as through the knowledge of God and has become His dwelling place, what fellowship do you have with false gods and demons?

Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

The point he makes then is walk in a manner of one who has received mercy through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, therefore live a life befitting repentance. Peter also writes saying, “As obedient children, not confirming yourselves to the former lusts, as in all your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-15

2nd Corinthians 7: Paternal Love.

Therefore, having theses promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Because we have become a habitation of God are His sons and daughters, we ought to seek to live holy lives .  Open you hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. I do not say these to condemn; for I have said before you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.Great is my boldness of speech toward you,great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

There is no need for you to look on us with suspicions, as to question our motives. You have no reason to do so [we have walked with a clear conscience, in all simplicity and godly sincerity.] Paul is speaking to them as a parent would, and express his love for them no matter what. As such he dose not, hold back in his speech when correcting them but speaks with all expected authority of a parent. To the same extent he also boast in them, [grieved in their shortcomings and joyful in their success] and rejoice in all his sacrificial effort for the betterment of his offspring.

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your morning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

And this is as mentioned above, Paul has to leave Ephesus under such strain that arose against them. Though they had fled to Macedonia they were not at rest. He has said how his spirit had not rest, because he did not find Titus and how he sought him out. The comfort of his coming [main aspect] is the report he brought back. We, might expect, the letter he had to write had weighed on his mind.

For even if I made sorry, with my letter. I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer no loss form us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

The are two ways we can respond to correction from God. Paul in his letter has a reason to rebuke them, though through it they might have been grieved for a while, the result it produced in them was godly because, it gave them sight of their need for repentance. As such he says such rebuke and such sorrow, is not to be regretted because a brother/sister is restored from a path of destruction.

An example of such responses: In Acts 2 when Peter preached to the multitude, how they have taken part to condemn the Lord and preached the gospel to them, it writes they were “cut to the heart, and asked what shall we do? and through it three thousand were saved. However in Acts 7, Stephen preached to the council of the elders, and rebuked them for their hardness of heart and how they have taken part in condemning the Lord [they waited for], they also were cut to the heart, but it says they gnashed their teeth at him and at his testimony of seeing God and Christ, they rose up and stoned him to death. In one it produced life in the other it produced death.

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but that our care for you in sight of God might appear to you.

When he says, “you proved yourselves clear in this matter” as in steps taken to address infringement. Though the matter was reported but congregation were none the wiser of what the person has done. Paul praises the manner they went about to address it, as to vindicate themselves. Then when he speaks of repentance, it is in seeking to put right whatever went wrong. It would not be repentance if they had not taken steps accordingly. Which they evidently has done since he instructs them to restore him to fellowship. In similar manner to Israel repented before the Lord, Joshua 7, for the actions of Achan who acted deceitfully and took accursed things. Therefore he asserts again, saying I did not write to you as to bring the case for the wronged or the offender, but our care for you may be made manifest.

Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received hm. Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

Therefore we are comforted, because you proved your obedience, your innocence in the matter, and in your regard for us. And we ourselves are delighted because Titus has found you just as we have spoken of you. So he says I have confidence in you.

[His manner of speech is then: contrasting his ministry with those who are spreading wrong doctrine. His test to see if he has influence among them. And not as to commend themselves but they may have answers to those who might criticise his ministry.]

2nd Corinthians 8: The Grace of Giving.

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bare witness that according to their ability, yes beyond their ability they were willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of of God.

In their lack and trials of poverty they were more willing to give, through the grace of God was working in them to be more liberal in their giving. That they may take fellowship in the ministering to the saints. That is to be faithful in your giving, may it be when you are in lack or when you have abundance, God’s measure is according to what you have. Jesus looking at the those giving said of the widow, “for they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” Mark 12:44

So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything  –  in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.

Titus is sent back with the second letter to the Corinthians, that he may prepare their offering. Paul’s has praised them in strength of faith and knowledge in his first letter, now their diligence in matters of resolving the issue he has brought to their attention. So he is seeking to encourage them to excel in their giving also.

I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

The Corinthians have been blessed abundantly. And gives them a point of comparison, if they in their lack have diligence in giving , you ought to be more so. The blessing you have obtained is through the poverty of the Lord.

And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must compete the doing of it; that as there was readinesses to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according what he does not have.

He says not as a commandment, but the blessing of giving is to your advantage. He is addressing the matter he spoke to them in his first letter. That they ought to put something aside at the beginning  of the weak. That now they ought to fulfil what they had mind to do. The willingness has come into the them, now he encourages them to do [to complete] it. “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 1:13 He spoke of the Thessalonians how the grace of God abounded in them that they begged that they may take part in the relief for the saints. It is the grace of God at work in you, that you are willing to take part in the giving, now if you allow it to abound in you, it ought to be  according to what you have.

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, – that there may be equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack – that there may be equality.  As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left  over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”  

“According to what one has, and not according what he does not have.” One who has a lot ought to give in proportion to his blessing and he who has little in proportion to what he has. If we give according to what we have, it is not so to relive those who have little and a greater burden put on those who have abundance. But as you are blessed now, your blessing may meet there need, that none may be without. They also might reciprocate in your need.

But thanks be to God who put the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. And we have sent with him brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches, to travel with us with this gift, which is administrated by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administrated by us – providing honourable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 

In matters of receiving the collection from the Corinthians, Paul gives commendation to the people whom he sent. Titus being one, the other who seems to have been specifically selected by the churches to over look this matter of gifts. That in all things they desire that there ought to be no question or doubt in the administration of their gifts to those intended. There would be no cause to taint the ministry. And to show your willing mind; that some may not blame them as if it has been extorted from them, due to the abundance of their giving. Serving both instances, the gift is collected and delivered in an honourable manner. 

And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things,  but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Therefore show to them, and before the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf. Giving commendation to all who accompany them. Titus a fellow worker, and the brethren are messengers sent by the churches.

2nd Corinthians 9: A Cheerful Giver.

Now, concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that as I said, you may be ready; lest some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we [not to mention you!] should be ashamed of this confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised. That it may be ready as matter of generosity and not a grudging obligation.

Paul explains the reason he is writing reminding them of the gift they promised. One was the fact that they enquiring to give to the saints in the first letter when he was meant to go to them was a cause by which other churches were stirred up “that Achaia was ready a year ago”. In the same manner Paul had mentioned the Thessalonians eagerness to give as motivation for the Corinthians. Therefore he has sent the brethren and made a point of it in the letter that, the boasting and the cause that stirred up others may not be proved vain. That they were sent to ensure it is ready as it was expected to be, according to the time they anticipated his second visit to be.

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also will reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; For God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Earlier in the letter he had mentioned that their taking part in ministering to the saints is to their benefit. Now he gives more insight in the grace of giving, and likeness it to sowing seeds. That the harvest you expect is accordingly to the seeds you have sown, which is in proportion to what you have. However, let your giving be according to joy and willingness of your heart, not of extortion or need. The seed you have sown, the harvest of it is God is able to make [all grace abound toward you] in whatever form it takes, through it you may have sufficiency in all things which [itself] leads you to abound in every good work. You are blessed to bless and in the blessing you will be blessed. Paul quotes Psalm from 112 of a righteous man, how that man’s house is blessed and how he is gracious in his giving, “has dispersed abroad and gives to the poor” and is not afraid of the circumstances that may arise because his trust is in the Lord.

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while your are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

In his blessing of their giving, Paul points out first that both the seed and the bread is from God. [That is God is responsible for it from beginning to the end. From the field to the table.] And His blessing of their giving is so that they are so enriched in all things, that they may further increase in all generosity of their giving, through which God is glorified, through the thanksgiving they [the saints] give to Him, in the blessing they have received.

For administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgiving to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Paul is saying this ministry is not only to supply the need of the saints, but thanks giving may abound to God. This he speaks of through the perspectives of the saints in Jerusalem, [and of those who receive the gift ministered.] You are the proof of this ministry, “an epistles of Christ, ministered by us.” That [the saints] will glorify God, first that you have become obedient and part of the body of Christ, and second that your willingness to share with them and [all men] of your material blessings. “For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make certain contribution for the poor among the saints, who are in Jerusalem.” Romans 15:26 That they also in turn will pray for you.

2nd Corinthians 10: Whom the Lord Commends.

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. 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.

In his first letter Paul, has said when he comes he will see the powers of those who have raised themselves up. Those who have criticised him and his manner of teaching, speech and presence. And had sought to ask if he should come with a rod or the spirit of gentleness. So this time he is hoping that he might not have to go to them as he had intended the first time round, as to rebuke them for their errors. And expose the powers of those that has spoken so against him and judged him according to the flesh. Paul has sought to establish in their mind the ministry they have received is from God. That in all things he had showed how much they have endured things that put down the exaltation of the flesh, that they may be of benefit to them in spiritual things.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but might in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

In his letter to the Ephesians he speaks of the fight we fight is not with flesh and blood but with spiritual powers. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 He exhorts them that, they may stand in the day of battle having these armours: truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, sword of the Spirit [the word of God] and prayer. Therefore he says, our battle is not in the manner of flesh, but the weapons of our warfare are, in speech, preaching and teaching of faith and truth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then the manner of his fight he is describing is, to teardown the works and kingdom of the devil and to set the captives free, through the preaching of the gospel of Christ. And to bring down all the false teaching the devil has sowed in the minds of men about God and bring them to the renewed mind in Christ, through the teaching of the word in truth and of faith.

• “Beware lest any any cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, and according to the basic principles s of the world and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

Then when he speaks of saying “ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” he saying , once you have come to the knowledge of God in Christ and have been made obedient to the truth, there is correction given to those who disobey and stray from the truth. Rebuke openly those who persist in sins, that others may fear [1 Timothy 5:20], is the advice Paul gave to Timothy. Sinners are not rebuked or judged by the saints but are to be reconciled with God, “that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not imputing their sins to them. And has committed to us the ministry of recollections. ”

However there is expectation on believers, who ought to know better [whose obedience is fulfilled], to those he warns saying “let not the grace of our Lord be in vain.” Corinthians were a carnal church, and in his letter to them Paul has spoken boldly rebuking all manner of errors that is among them. He does not speak to them in such manner as though they are still sinners, but as to correct those who have been brought from darkness to light, which he justifies as the authority given on to him for their edification. It is all aspects he implements as part of the warfare from tearing down to sustaining new grounds, through obedience to the truth.

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. For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed – lest to terrify you by letters. “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily  presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 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.   

He has already taught them saying, we no longer regard anyone according to the flesh. So here he is bringing their attention to this fact, as to say you are looking at me in the flesh and not as you ought to do in Christ. The  manner of way he addresses them is through the authority which God has given him as their teacher and father in the faith. Therefore has spoken boldly to them as to correct them. But this in itself has become their source of their judgment for some, though he has shown such authority through his letter,  some have seen his desire to be meek and lowly among them as a sign of weakness. And assumed, he is not able to speak to them by the same measure of boldness when present among them. So he is saying we are not one way by letter and another when present.

[Point] That one who may appear small and weak in the flesh but can willed a mighty power in the spirit through God. It is not according to the flesh the battle is waged, it is not in eloquence of speech, strength of muscle nor is it in heritage but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of sphere which God appointed us – a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves [as though our authority did not extend to you], for it was to you that we came with gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is in other men’s labours, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in an other man’s sphere of accomplishment.

It is not wise to measure yourself against another to determine the success of your work, since it is relative, therefore a poor measuring stick. However, our boasting in you is not exaggerated, that if we have boasted in you, it is because God has so chosen to bring you to the obedience of the faith through us. That it is the grounds he has given us for ministry. We are not speaking to you as ones who have come to the grounds of another, who has laboured to plant. But we ourselves are the ones who have sowed the gospel of Christ among you. Their hope being as the Corinthians grew in faith, that they may be able to assist them to minister to areas beyond them. Paul speaks of the Philippians in similar way, as the first church who partnered with him, in order to enable him to minister beyond the areas of Macedonia [Philippians 4:15-17].

But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

It is not your own assessment of your achievement through the measuring of others which counts, but the commendation of the Lord, who knows the grace He has given you to accomplish the work He has assigned you. [???]

2nd Corinthians 11: Boasting in Infirmities.

Oh, that you would bare with me in a little folly – and indeed you do bare with me. For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow , as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted – you may well put up with it.   

Paul is using the example of Israel who was married to God through the covenant of the law, and His love towards them was described as, He burned with jealousy when they were led away from the covenant He had made with them. So he describes his reaction in a similar manner, that just as he has sought to betrothed them to Jesus Christ and present them undefiled, and their stumbling also moves him to jealousy. Just as the serpent deceived Eve by corrupting the truth, they also may be moved from the simplicity of the gospel in Christ through wrong doctrine by those who seek to complicate it and through it make them stumble. They seem gullible to him, allowing any manner of teaching to be spoken to them, since some were already easily moved from the gospel he had preached to them to a false teaching on resurrection. Which he laboured in the first letter to correct, by expounding on all its implications.

For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

Paul gives a plane description of himself, he does not seek to belittle himself through false humility but speaks an honest in assessment of himself. Though he is aware of the manner of his speech, yet he asserts he has not come short in the knowledge. They boast in flesh, having judged his speech, but through it have missed the wisdom of his words.

Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of  God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with, and in need, I was burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren from who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me form this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

Paul here is speaking to them of when he first ministered to them bringing the gospel of Christ. Which he has so asserted in his first letter, he has done it in such manner that he might not put a hinderance on the way of the gospel. And that it was the brethren from Philippa were the ones who supported him while he laboured among them with his own hands. [His boasting being he laboured for free.] 

But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

And he asserts his purpose in not seeking support from them is that, by any means he might stifle the ministry of those who seek to spread false doctrine among them, for personal gain [“as peddling God’s word”]. These who have ceased the opportunity to present themselves as apostles of Christ, are counterfeits. And Paul is seeking to show a clear distinction between them and him, while they sought to take advantage of them he has sought their wellbeing and to present them perfect to Christ at cost to himself.   

I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold – I speak foolishly – I am bold also.     

He is seeking again here to compare himself on their terms according to the flesh [as in boasting] that he may portray to them, that the ministry he gives to them is far better than they, even if its he had to boast in the flesh, which they seem to be able to understand. In all manner ways Paul is trying to draw them away, that they may not fall foul to deceitful workers, and be brought under bondage and be taken advantage of. 

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of the Christ? I speak as a fool – I am more: in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty strips minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the seas, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often in cold and nakedness – besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, I do not burn with indignation?

Though he dose not seek to boast in such matters, which are according to the flesh, he shows that he is a match to any of the apostles [false or true], but he excels them in what he had endured for the sake of the gospel of Christ. And he lists all the things that ought to qualify him to be a true minister of Christ. That no one would endure all these calamities, if it is not to serve the One who called him and of love. In his letter to the Galatians he signs off saying, “let no one trouble me, for I bare in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Galatians 6:17 That in all things, he is deeply involved, from the first preaching of the gospel to the successful walk of faith of those to whom he ministered.

If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.      

His boasting is not in anything that exalts him, but of things that portray his weakness, which he has listed in the previous paragraph. And adds one other aspect, as one which humbles the flesh, that he had to be hidden in a basket so that he may escape arrest.

2nd Corinthians 12: Strength Perfected in Weakness.

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago – whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the I do not know, God knows – such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man – whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know, God knows- how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

Though he has boasted in his weakness,  he is saying he could just as easily boast of those things that concern revelations and visions of the Lord. Then he continues to speak of a man who has gone up to haven, [not himself: since if he spoke of his own experience in a third person just so that he can boast that would be hypocritical which he is not.] of such he boasts as an affirmation to the gospel he preaches. Yet of his own experience he does not, in case people may make him out to be more than he is. That he always seek to speak of the things that brings him low, for the sake of the gospel of Christ, that the Lord may be glorified. 

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.       

Paul says, due to the depth of knowledge the Lord has revealed to him a thorn in the flesh was [given to him], that he might remember he is an earthen vessel and the surpassing excellence of power that is at work in him is of God, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything being from ourselves.” And some has taught saying, this thorn in the flesh is not some illness he carries or some secret sin he is not divulging, since his whole message thus far has been in all sincerity and honest open communications. A thorn in the flesh is not something that emanates from within but something that oppresses from without, while sin and sickness are weakness of the flesh. That if the power was of him, he would have dealt with it. So in all experiences that perplex, confound and reveals to him how little he is, he glories in them, because the power of Christ is being manifested to perfect his weakness.

Though it might have been, far more gallantry for him to ride breaking through the lines of the guards and escape. He in weakness was hidden in a basket and let out through a window on the wall, the wisdom of Christ was working to deliver him. Then thorn in the flesh are such things that may befall us for Christ’s sake, “infirmities [weakness], reproaches, needs, persecutions, distresses.” anything that makes it, a hard pill for our flesh to swallow. Though the manner of his speech is contemptible to some, but the knowledge he presented was unparalleled by any in some aspect as Moses was.

• If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:14

I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong! 

He has been made to boast in matters that have no bearing for their sakes. That he might present himself to them as one lacking in nothing even if it is to be compared foolishly with those who are exalted in the flesh. Though he boast of nothing of himself.

When he says “the signs of an apostles were accomplished among you,” Paul in his first letter had said, “If I am not an apostles to others, yet doubtless I am to you. Since you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” Then the evidence of apostleship is one who brings the lost to the obedience of Christ, through signs and wonders and mighty deeds that their faith is not in the wisdom of man but in God and establish a thriving church with much patience. So his point is, you are the evidence, your faith is so much in God [through the demonstration of His power], you have given me no regard nor have I been a burden to you. [in a manner of speaking]

Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

Paul has not been back with Corinthians since the first time he brought the gospel to them and remained in their region for 18 months. Form that point on his dealings with them has been through letters and through those whom he has sent to them. In the beginning of this letter he has explained why he did not come to them as he intended which would have been his second visit. Now on his planned third visit he intended to do just as he has done before; in the first instance it was so that he might present the gospel to them without hinderance. Now as he had mentioned above seeks to do in the same manner, so that he might stifle the ministry of those who are seeking to take advantage of them and lead them astray. In everything he is putting himself out for their interest as a parents do to their children. Yet, as though they are adolescent, give him no regard and his constant sacrifice from them goes unnoticed.

But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 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?

Paul is giving no grounds for ambiguity, that in everything he might silence the voice of the critics that they may have nothing to say. That in all things, himself and all who have laboured with him have acted in same spirits and principles. He in his first letter told them, I will send Timothy to you that he might remind you of my ways in Christ. One may expect he does so in a manner he conducts himself just as Paul would.

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. 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; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned beforehand and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.

If looking at as if a parent is speaking to their children, he is not seeking to justify himself in their sight. Nor is making any apologies for his manner of dealings with them. “We speak before God in Christ:” a statement to give gravity to the truth he is speaking. That every steps they have taken even in the manner of correction, is so that they may be built up. His worry is that his expectation of them may be lacking, and he might have to be among them as one sent to correct with a rod approving every word of his letter, and not in the meekness of Christ. Two aspects are his cause for concern, first the contentions and all manner of divisions and the second some are still in sin and have not turned away from the manner of life they have lived.

2nd Corinthians 13: Examine Yourselves. 

 This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witness every word shall be established.” I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and all to the rest, that if I come again I will not spare – since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.

Paul applies the principle from the old testament, “by two or three witness” the truth is established. His application may be in regard to accusations that may be brought against some in manner of their conduct. And is speaking [as if] he has gone to them the second time, and has taken steps to rebuke them and now warns through his letter, when he does come this time, he will deal with them as persons who have received correction twice before.

When he says, “You seek proof Christ is speaking in me.” there is two points to consider. The first is to address, “Christ is speaking in me” the reference here is to the guidance he gave to the Corinthians in his first letter. At several points in his pervious letter he had mentioned, “the Lord and not I say this” or “I not the Lord” or “I give my judgment as one who has the Spirit.” Therefor it stand to reason that, some have rejected his teaching and has justified themselves saying, “is Christ really speaking through him?” or “he is trying to control us or use us.” So he repeatedly in his second letter he has showed, in no manner has he sought anything from them but in all things he has served them at a loss to himself [and will continue to do so]. He has portrayed to them, how God has called them to this ministry of the new convenient, that we do not say as if anything as if it is coming from us, but it is the grace of God at work in us “who has made us sufficient ministers”. Also the reason he rejoice in his infirmities is because it meant that when he is weak the abundance of Christ’s power at work in him.

The second is the means of proof, which is the manner he was planning to address them. Earlier in his letter he had said, “I may not have to 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.” Has also brought to mind the manner of expectation they had of him, “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.” Therefore, the manner I will deal with you then is not going to be in meekness [but by the power of Christ]. [with strong, forceful, authority as with rebuking and chastening, to put right anything amiss.] That Christ is not weak toward you, but is powerful [IN] you. Though [He gave His life in weakness] but He lives in the Power of God. And says, “we also are weak in Him” our flesh is also crucified with Him in weakness, but we conduct ourselves toward you in the power of His life in us. As to say it is with a God given authority, as Christ Himself is working through us.

[Side Point:] That sin ought to be correctly addressed and appropriate exhortation given, specially by those God has so chosen to shepherd His people. It is right judgment, not no judgment. Jesus said, “remove the beam from your eye that you might see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye.” There is a purpose to it, “to punish all disobedience once your obedience is fulfilled” If from the office to the common people, all have beams then we all end up in a ditch. If we as parents take steps to correct our children for their edification, is our heavenly Father any deferent? “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

After he says, “examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” the measure he present as proof of being in faith is the knowledge within ourselves that Christ lives in us. “The Spirit Himself bares witness with our spirit we are children of God.” Romans 8:16  AND “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself.” 1 John 5:10 The point he is making here is, why do you ask if we are in Christ or that you say we are walking in the flesh? we ourselves are the first to bring Christ to you. – Then, you who ask this thing, is it because you yourself do not know that Christ lives in you? If Christ is not in you, you are not His. However, [concerning us] I am sure you [will know], as we know Christ lives in us.

Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that  you should do what is honourable, though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing agains the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong.

His prayer from them is that they do not sin [do no evil], not because he wants to be proved right, [I do not want you to abide to the judgment I gave you, just so that I might appear to be right.] but that you yourselves might do what is right [just, honourable and righteous], even if that means as if we were proved wrong. Paul is trying to convey his deepest desire for them, whether we appear right or wrong is of no matter to us, our care and prayer for you is that you walk free from sin and do good works. When he says, “for we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” we cant help but do what is right in sight of God. For we would gladly go without and be spent for you, for death is at work in us but life in you. We rejoice in our weakness, then Christ strength is being manifested in us, and when you are strong [His life is working in you.]

[Concept]: In the application of the above statement: Right and Wrong are preferable to Approved as being [in Christ] and Unapproved [estranged from Christ]. Paul had spent his entire letter showing that he does not operate in the flesh and have contrasted his ministry with those who do [ to the point boasting in the flesh]. He has sought to affirm that, Christ is working in him and has given the testimony, the affliction that comes on him is not because he is estranged from Christ, but the fact that Christ’s exceeding revelations is given to him. Second point is, they abiding in what is good, is not going to be proof that he is in Christ, it has no bearing. It is when they were still in sin and in the world, he brought Christ to them. Then he would not make the statement,”whether we seem to be [in Christ] or seem to be estranged [from Christ ] is no matter for us.” because the latter means they can not serve Him and would have invalidated his entire letter. However, if he says, it is not so you may prove us to be right or wrong in judgment, but rather you yourselves do what is right in the sight of God.

And this also we pray, that  you may be made complete. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for your destruction.   

This is also our prayer [for those who have sinned], that you may become complete, [restored]; So he writes this letter that, they may have an opportunity to put right [to restore] whatever is out of place, themselves so that at his coming, he does not have to spend time in rebuking and correcting.

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

His closing remark is to touch on the aspects he has laboured to put right in his letter:  As for [falling into sin], he says, be [restored: put right] and as [for himself as one who is for them], he say be exhorted [give heed to my rebuke; it is for your edification], as to address [the division and contention among them] he says be united, of one mind and at peace with one another.  And closes with a blessing [Grace, Love, Fellowship] with God. 

The End!