Paul is using some time to. Warn the Corinthians about the teachings of the “Super Apostles”
1. Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians Congregation.
- They are deceiving the Corinthians like Satan deceived Eve
- Paul warns about the abuse that these apostles are using on the Apostles.
- They are making sure that the people serve their own needs rather than serving them
- They are taking their money
- They are more concerned about outward actions rather than changed hearts.
- Paul is sharing the hardships that he went through because of his desire to serve the Corinthians.
- His zeal is based on his his vision of heaven
- To stay humble in this he does battle a thorn in his flesh.
- In all of these actions, Paul apologizes that he is even talking about them because the only thing he wants to glory in is his knowledge of who Jesus is.
- The people set up idols in their hearts and because of it, God allowed idolatrous people to be over them. (See Ezekiel 14: 3)
2. Corinthians should have recognized Paul’s Authority Vs 11 – 13
- I should not have spoken my own praises Vs 11
- The signs of an Apostle are signs, wonders and miracles. Vs 12
- First sign is changed lives. His life is the prime example (1 Timothy 1: 13)
- Miracle of incredible patience in the problems that Paul has endured.
- Signs are also the charismatic gifts that are present in the church in Corinth
- The important thing is that all of these signs are outside the range human capability.
- Gifts done by the power of the Holy Ghost according to His will.
- The Corinthians thought they were worse off than the rest of the Congregations Vs 13
3. I seek not yours, but you Vs 14 – 18
- Paul had two visits, one between the two letters that went bad.
- I will not be a burden to you when I visit Vs 14
- Even with all the accusations, Paul wants them, not something from them.
- Paul is speaking as a Father to his children. Vs 14, 15
- I am your spiritual father
- I will do the spending and I will be spent. Paul is literally saying, I don’t care if you like me or not, I am going to spend myself on your behalf. The more he loves them, the more they hate him. The only real motivation is that they would love God.
- The purpose of the offering Vs 16
- Paul did not take any offering from them, but now they are challenging him by asking how much he is going to pocket from the offering they collected for Jerusalem.
- There is no doubt that they want to get their hands on this money.
- Paul’s character is shown in those he sent to the Corinthians on his behalf Vs 17, 18
4. Paul will edify them to lead them to repentance. Vs 19 – 21
- Paul is not making excuses Vs 19
- Notice the word beloved. There is something to learn about how we treat our enemies here.
- Paul’s desire is to build them up and edify them.
- What went on during his absence Vs 20
- Debates = contentions
- Envying so = rivalries
- Wraths = outburst of anger
- Strifes = factions
- Backbiting = defamation of character or evil speaking
- Whisperings = secret slanderings
- Swelling = pride, loftiness
- Tumulus = disorder and confusion.
- Beyond that, there is no repentance among them. Vs 21
- he once found them unfaithful and fears he may do it again.
- His passion over their lack of repentance.
- Some have quit the practice, but still have not repented over their past actions.