impact that this call must have had upon Paul. He had been on a mission of his own choosing, but it was nothing to compare with the one to which he was being called.The Epistle of Second Corinthians
Lesson Number 1
TRANSLATION LEGEND: ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Bible in Basic English (1949), DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), KJV=King James Version (1611), NKJV=New King James Version (1982), NAB=New American Bible, NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New American Standard Bible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=New International Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible, NLT=New Living Translation, NRSV=New Revised Standard Version (1989), RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj (1985), YLT-Young’s Literal Translation (1862).
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK
“ 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” KJV
(2 Corinthians 1:1-2)
INTRODUCTION
The book of Second Corinthians is a sequel to First Corinthians. It contains a response to the manner in which the Corinthians received his first Epistle, which response was, in some respects commendable. However, there were also some unfavorable responses to Paul himself, and in this Epistle he deals with them. Some continued to question his Apostleship and right to correct them. All of this is done in strict keeping with the purpose of Paul’s call into the Apostleship.
PAUL’S COMMISSION
In both of the Corinthian Epistles the care of Paul for the churches is very evident. He had been commissioned by Jesus to go to the Gentiles in order to “open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me” (Acts 26:18). As is evident throughout his Epistles, this ministry was not confined to the initial conversion of the Gentiles. His commission was also carried out in stabilizing those who believed the record God has given of His Son. This is especially made clear in his letter to the Colossians, whom Paul had not seen at the time of its writing. There he affirms that he was made a minister for them – even though they were, at the time, converted: “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Col 1:25). The NASb reads, “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God” (Col 1:25). Paul’s instruction of the Colossians, therefore, whom he did not convert, was involved in carrying his commission to go to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21; 26:17).
Because of the criticality of this point, it is necessary to briefly elaborate its significance.
Opening the Eyes
The opening of the eyes is not fulfilled in the new birth alone. It is also fulfilled when “the eyes of our understanding” are enlightened so men may “know the hope of His calling, and the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe” (Eph 1:18-19). The Epistles, therefore, fulfill part of Paul’s commission, just as surely as “teaching them” fulfills part of the commission Jesus gave the twelve prior to ascending into glory: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Mat 28:19-20). Teaching was a necessary part of his ministry.
Much, if not the majority, of Paul’s writings is devoted to clarifying matters that had become obscure to those whose eyes were once “opened.” The use of such words as “remember” (Eph 2:11; 2 Thess 2:5; 2 Tim 2:8), and “remembrance” (1 Tim 4:6) show that truth can be forgotten. His employment of words like “understand” (1 Cor 12:3; Eph 3:4), “comprehend” (Eph 3:18) accent the role of edification in the Divine economy. Frequently Paul would write in order that the saints might “know” (1 Cor 2:12; Eph 1:18). Helping men to see the truth was part of his ministry.
Ponder the great truths Paul opened up to those who were in Christ Jesus. These expositions fulfilled the commission that was given to him, and were expressions of his apostleship.
☛ The sinfulness of man (Rom 1:19-3:18).
☛ The imputation of righteousness (Rom 4:1-25).
☛ The purpose and effectiveness of Christ’s death (Rom 5:1-10).
☛ Baptism into Christ (Rom 6:1-17).
☛ Nature of inner warfare (Rom 7:15-25).
☛ The liabilities of the flesh (Rom 8:1-14).
☛ The purpose of God for the Jews (Rom 9-11).
☛ The nature of love (1 Cor 13).
☛ The distinction of the New Covenant (2 Cor 3:1-18).
☛ The resurrection body (2 Cor 5:1-8).
☛ The nature of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-21).
☛ The purpose of the Law (Gal 3-4).
☛ The nature of Christ’s humiliation (Phil 2:5-9).
☛ The coming of the Lord (1 Thess 4:14-18); 2 Thess 1:7-10).
This brief sampling confirms that opening the eyes involves more that our initial conversion. I do not believe the modern church has done well in this aspect of ministry. There is an inordinate degree of spiritual ignorance extant in the professing church.
From the Power of Satan Unto God
When men are born again, they are delivered from the power of darkness, snatched from the power of Satan, and turned toward God. However, they are not delivered from all of Satan’s wiles. They must now “resist the devil,” standing in “the evil day” (1 Pet 5:8; Eph 6:13), and remaining “steadfast in the faith” (1 Pet 5:9). The “doctrine of Christ” is calculated to assist us in this endeavor.
The Epistles frequently dealt with people who had fallen into the snare of the devil AFTER they were baptized into Christ.
☛ Divisions in Corinth (1 Cor 1:10-11).
☛ The fornicator at Corinth (1 Cor 5:1-12).
☛ Flawed conduct at the Lord’s table (1 Cor 11:20-22).
☛ The Galatians reversion to the Law (Gal 3:1-24).
☛ The Colossians subjection to regimented teachings that were more related to lifeless law than newness of life (Col 2:16-23).
☛ Disorderly brethren in Thessalonica (2 Thess 3:6-11).
These, and a host of other texts, confirm the need for the ongoing ministry of turning men from the power of Satan unto God. From the standpoint of potentiality, this occurs once. However, from the experiential viewpoint, it continues as long as we are in this world.
Receiving Forgiveness
Although the conscience is purged initially (Heb 9:14), it can again be defiled with the guilt of sin. Forgiveness is not only “for the sins that are past” (Rom 3:25). It is also held out to any child of God who confesses the sin into which they have fallen. This is assured in Paul’s teaching about restoring a brother overtaken in a fault (Gal 6:1). It is also held forth to those who recover themselves from the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him, at his will (2 Tim 2:24-26).
An Inheritance
Here is a matter that is frequently expounded by the Apostle. He distinguishes the inheritance in Christ from one that is by Law (Gal 3:18). He also affirms that in Christ we have been predestinated to obtain an inheritance (Eph 1:11). He assures believers that God has qualified them to be a partaker of this glorious inheritance (Col 1:12). His elaborations include expositions of reigning with Christ (2 Tim 2:12), being forever with the Lord (1 Thess 4:17), being heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17).
Summation
These various expositions had to do with Paul being the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” The tutoring of those translated in to the kingdom of God’s dear Son was integral to his commission. If this is not seen, the weight of this Epistle will be missed.
I am persuaded that there is a general disinterest in the teaching of Paul because of the climate that has been created by erroneous religious emphases.
When the thrust of the church is “evangelism,” it at once falls into a snare. With that emphasis comes the notion that when a person is baptized into Christ, most of the change required has already taken place. But this is not the case. We are “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit” NRSV (2 Cor 3:18). The burden of transformation takes place following the new birth, just as the majority of human growth takes place following the natural birth. Apostolic doctrine has to do with the growing up into Christ in all things, or being conformed to the image of God’s Son, which is His predetermined purpose (Rom 8:29).
SATAN’S INITIATIVE
It is ever be remembered that the target of Satan’s current initiative is not the heathen of the world. It is not the world of drug addicts, drunkards, harlots, and the life. He has not targeted the youthful generation, political parties, and the likes. Rather, Jesus Himself has revealed the objective of Satan’s efforts. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev 12:17). The dragon is the devil himself: “the great dragon . . . that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” (Rev 12:9). The specific people against whom, his initiative has been launched are those “who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” NASB
Those who neglect the body of Christ, therefore, have, by that very act, given a certain advantage to the devil. Paul was NOT in that number. He sought to strengthen and build up the saints, knowing the designs of the wicked one.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE EPISTLES
In my judgment, believers should all become experts in handling the message of the Epistles. That, of course, does not suggest a neglect of any other part of the Word. However, the Epistles are especially tailored for those who are in Christ Jesus. With the exception of First and Second Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, none of them were written to individuals alone – and even those written to individuals were not intended to be confined to them. None of the letters were intended only for a segment of the body of Christ. Yet, you will be hard pressed to find a single body of believers who are not sorely lacking in an understanding of Apostolic doctrine.
All manner of theological bypaths have been introduced to occupy the minds of the saints. It is not unusual to find whole churches who have given themselves over to the study of a book that has been written by one of their peers. In fact, whole church programs have been formed around such studies. Whatever good may appear to come from such endeavors, there is little evidence that it has resulted in the kind of growth that God Himself has ordained and required. Most of these efforts have to do with the development of habits, and are more akin to the ceremonies of the Law than newness of life in Christ Jesus.
The Epistles contain teachings that deal with various intrusions into the church – intrusions fostered by the devil himself. In dealing with those impositions, the Epistles also contain affirmations, promises, and various incentives that are essential to spiritual productivity and the maintenance of newness of life, as well as overcoming the wicked one. Their purpose is not to establish a certain routine or procedure that is superior, and thus is guaranteed to make the doer acceptable to God. It was the intrusive and flawed doctrines of false teachers that offered such an approach to God, and were thus soundly condemned by the Apostles.
SOME PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS
These observations have led me to several conclusions. They will bear directly upon the manner in which I approach this book.
1. The teaching of the Epistles, in particular the one with which we will be dealing, is not primarily to meet local needs. To be sure, local needs were being met by the letter sent to them. However, there was a greater context than their circumstances. Paul had not been made an Apostle to answer problems of local assemblies. Rather, it was to open men’s eyes, turn them from darkness to light, turn them from the power of Satan unto God, enable them to receive the forgiveness of sins, and the inheritance enjoyed by those who are sanctified by faith in Christ (Acts 26:18). His answers were primarily tailored to address these matters, and thus are relevant to all generations.
2. The teaching of the Epistles did not reflect the culture of local societies. There is a strain of teaching that suggests many Apostolic teachings were nothing more than an adaption to the culture of the certain times and places. However, this cannot be, for it does not relate to being turned from Satan to God, receiving forgiveness, or enjoying an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith. If Paul did approach matters from the standpoint of culture, he would have departed from his calling. Salvation is set within the context of culture. In fact, a point is made of the fact that in Christ “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female”(Gal 3:28) – all of which are aspects of culture.
3. All Satanic efforts are devoted to negating Divine objectives. It must be seen that Satan’;s designs are to keep men under his power, prohibit them from receiving forgiveness, and stop them from receiving the appointed inheritance. Every false doctrine is calculated to accomplish these objectives. Every disruption of the people of God is designed to rob them of these benefits. Satan transforms himself into an “angel of light” in order to achieve these aims (2 Cor 11:14). His cast and divers army of “ministers” transform themselves into “ministers of righteousness” to accomplish these ends (2 Cor 11:15).
Whether it is dividing the people of God, setting them against each other, or promoting immortality among them, it all is designed to separate the people from the benefits of the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Whether it is questioning the validity of Paul’s Apostleship, or the reality of the resurrection of the dead, the purpose is to deny men the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel.
Issues in the body of Christ cannot be viewed as mere academic considerations. They are not the reflections of simple differences of opinion. The old serpent is behind them all. By means of these “issues” he is endeavoring to minimize being turned to God, receiving forgiveness, and participating in the inheritance God has prepared for those who love Him. You should note with care that any place and every place people are enamored of issues relating to this world, the blessings of redemption are invariably thrust into the background of consideration.
THE PURPOSE OF SCRIPTURE
The Spirit informs us that the purpose of “all Scripture” is “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:17). This is accomplished by means of “doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). This, in turn, is described as being made “wise unto salvation” (2 Tim 3:15).
As we delve into the words of this Epistle, it is imperative that we keep these things in mind. The things of which the Apostle will speak relate to salvation. They have to do with being turned from the power of Satan unto God. They are associated with receiving the forgiveness of sins, and the inheritance that is given to those who are sanctified by faith.
When we are exposed to doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, it is in order that we ourselves may be made “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” If, to some measurable degree, these objectives are realized, we will have profited from these studies.
And now, may the Lord give you understanding as we launch the boat of learning into the waters of Second Corinthians. We will experience some depths that will yield great refreshment. May you find this a fruitful field indeed.
THE CHURCH AT CORINTH
THE CIRCUMSTANCES
Paul had been forced to leave Thessalonica, where the Jews had “gathered a company,” and set the whole city “on an uproar.” They caused the people and rulers of the city to be “troubled.” As a result, “the brethren sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea.” The people there received the Word of God “with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” However, when the Jews got word that the Word of God was preached also in Berea, “they came hither also, and stirred up the people.” As a result, “immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were by sea: but Silas and Timotheus” remained in Berea. From there, “they that conducted Paul brought him to Athens.” Paul then gave them a commandment for Silas and Timotheus “to come to him with all speed.” Receiving the commandment, they then departed (Acts 17:1-15).
While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timotheus, “his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” As a result, he “disputed [or reasoned] in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market place with them that met him.” In that whole process, “certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him.” Struck by what appeared to them to be a most novel teaching, they responded, “What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection” (Acts 17:18). They then took Paul, and brought him to the Areopagus, the highest court in Athens. There, as though putting on trial what Paul was saying they asked, “And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean” (Acts 17:16-20). We are told that they did not do this out of a genuine interest in what Paul was preaching: “For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). It was then that Paul made his great defense of the God of heaven, the purpose for living, and man’s ultimate accountability to Christ (Acts 17:22-31). The result was that “when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter” (Acts 17:32). Paul then departed from among them.
We are told that “certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Acts 17:34). However, this did not appear to be sufficient reason for Paul to remain in that area. Therefore, “he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth,” which was approximately forty to fifty miles away. It is understood that he went by boat on the Mediterranean Sea. At this point, Silas and Timothy had still not joined him.
PAUL ARRIVES IN CORINTH
Having arrived in Corinth, he immediately sought out some brethren. He “found a certain Jew named Aquila,” born in Pontus, with his wife Priscilla. Coincidently, some of the Jews who were converted on the day of Pentecost were from “Pontus” (Acts 2:9). We are told the reason for Aquila and Priscilla’s presence in Corinth. It was because Claudius Caesar had “commanded all Jews to depart from Rome” (Acts 18:2). Little is known of this expulsion. It is briefly mentioned by a Roman historian, Suetonius: “he expelled the Jews from Rome, who were constantly exciting tumults under their leader, Chrestus.” Life of Claudius, Chap 25
For the first time, we are apprised of how Paul was making his living. He was a “tentmaker.” We know very little about this aspect of Paul’s life. An indirect reference to it is made in the twentieth chapter of Acts, at which time he was leaving the brethren in Ephesus, where he had “ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears,” for a period of three years (Acts 20:35). In his first letter to the Corinthians he also said he had “no certain dwelling place,” and was noted for his labor, “working with our own hands” (1 Cor 4:11-12). He also reminded the Thessalonians that he had labored night and day that he would not be “chargeable,” or burdensome, to any of them (1 Thess 2:9; 2 Thess 3:8-9).
Upon arriving in Corinth, he found that Aquila and Priscilla were “of the same craft” as himself, and thus joined with them in “their occupation” (Acts 18:3).
ACTIVITY IN THE SYNAGOGUE
While in Corinth, Paul “reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath,” persuading “the Jews and the Greeks” (Acts 18:4). The truth of the Gospel had no charged his spirit that he could not, and would not, keep silence.
Before long, Silas and Timotheus came to him from Macedonia. Upon their arrival, we are told that Paul “was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:5). This stirred an antagonistic spirit in the Jews. It is said of them, “resisted and blasphemed” Paul. Their resistence was so pronounced that Paul responded, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6).
JUSTUS AND CRISPUS
Paul immediately departed from those people, and entered into the house of a man named Justus. We are told that this man “worshiped God,” and his house was next to the synagogue. His influence quickly spread, and “Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:7-8).
Although Paul had met with much resistance, and only a remnant had accepted his message, the conversion of Crispus and “many of the Corinthians” must have been a most refreshing thing to the Apostle.
THE LORD SPEAKS TO PAUL
Following this, the Lord spoke to Paul “in the night by a vision.” His words were refreshing and to the point. “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10).
The result was that Paul “continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (Acts 18:11).
AN INSURRECTION
During the time that followed, the Jews continued to cause trouble. Finally they “made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat” of Gallio, who was the “deputy,” or proconsul “of Achaia.” They leveled a charge against Paul saying, “This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.”
When Paul was about to speak in his own defense, Gallio, detecting the fraudulent manner of the Jews, spoke to them. “If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.” He then drove them from the judgment seat (Acts 18:14-16).
The Greeks responded by taking Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beating him before the judgment seat. It is written that “Gallio cared for none of those things”(Acts 18:17). It was a shameful display of hardheartedness.
PAUL CONTINUES A GOOD WHILE
Following this uncomely event, Paul continued in the same area “yet a good while,” or “for a considerable time” NIV Then, perceiving it was time to leave, he “took his leave of the brethren, and sailed to Assyria,” taking Aquila and Priscilla with him (Acts 18:18).
This is what we know about the birth of the church in Corinth. It was founded in the midst of trouble and controversy, with Paul providing his own living as he worked together with Aquila and Priscilla. Not only were the Jew aligned against him, but many of the Greeks were as well. Yet, in that very place, the Lord testified to Paul that He has “much people.” Faithful to his calling, Paul remained their for over one and a half years, testifying of Christ, baptizing people into Christ, and grounding the people in the truth. During that time the Lord restrained any one from harming him, as he continued to powerfully testify that Jesus was the Christ. The Lord had provided a minister for the many people ion that city that belonged to Him. This is something the Lord is faithful to do, even when circumstances do not appear favorable (1 Cor 3:5). I would call that a good beginning that should have been filled with many advantages.
A PROBLEMATIC CHURCH
The church at Corinth is distinguished from all other churches by its undue exaltation of spiritual gifts. They seem to have superceded the office of bishop or elder, which was most unusual. Although there is a segment of Christendom that hold up Corinth as the pattern for spiritual endowments, no such veneration can be found in Scripture. Far from being the example of the ideal congregation, it is clearly set forth as a premier example of the flesh overriding nearly the whole of the church. While some have led us to suppose that the presence of spiritual gifts, such as those mentioned in Corinth, are the secret to a stable and godly church, Corinth is known for being carnal and walking as men (1 Cor 3:3). To say the least, this was a problematic church, as is most evident in Paul’s first Epistle. This was in spite of its noble beginnings. It is apparent to me that rather than impacting its surroundings, the decadent culture around it had actually penetrated the church itself.
After exposure to the preaching of Paul for more than one and a half years, such things as the credibility of the resurrection of the dead, and Paul’s own Apostleship were still held in question by some within this assembly. Therefore, First Corinthians was characterized by spiritual sternness. We will find some of that in Second Corinthians also. To say the least, we are not dealing with an ideal church – certainly not one that is intended to be a pattern for churches throughout the ages. Those who see this church as a pattern are misled, and betray a fundamental ignorance of the nature of the New Covenant. I will address this matter more fully under the heading, “What Occasioned this Epistle.”
THE CITY OF CORINTH
Corinth was a Grecian city, situated on the isthmus which joined Peloponnesus to the continent of Greece, between the Ionian and AEgean seas . A majestic rock rose above it, on which was the Acrocorinthus, or citadel – a fortress that dominated Corinth. The city, because of its situation, storage center for shipments from Asia to Italy. It also was a center for land movement from the North to the South. From history, it appears to have been a peaceful environ, with the spirit of freedom being very prominent.
Prior to the time covered by this Epistle, the city had been rebuilt as a colony of Rome, and populated with freed-men from Rome. It quickly became a great and wealthy city, and was made the seat of government for Roman proconsuls in Southern Greece, and was the capital of Achaia. The temple of Venus was prominent in the city, and was noted for its wealth. It was also known for sup-plying harlots to numerous merchants there under the guise of religion.
The immorality of Corinth was prominent, even in the pagan world. This was so much the case that the word “corinthianize”was a proverb for being wanton, or promiscuous. The worship of Venus was prominent in Corinth. Here temple was on the Acrocorinthus, and was attended by the maintenance of one thousand female slaves, for the serve of strangers journeying through the city. FAUSSET It has a large and mixed population – over 600,000 – of Romans, Greeks, and Jews.
The Epistles to the Corinthians provide a sort of index of the kind of liabilities churches face that are surrounded by a well known and decadent society. There are places that are seats, or thrones, of Satan (Rev 2:13). Corinth appears to be one. Frequent references are made to local evils, which indicate the danger of their influence (1 Cor 5:11; 6:9-10; 8:5). There is also reference to the propensity to employ mere oratory in speaking of eternal things – something that was venerated among the Greeks (1 Cor 2:1,4; 4:19; 2 Cor 10:10; 11:6). There is also reference to the Grecians undue exaltation of wisdom (1 Cor 1:22).
As we are exposed to Paul’s writings, particularly in his letters to the Corinthians, we must be alert to perceive these dangers. Paul deals a blow to a certain way of thinking that had become prominent among the Corinthians. It had moved them to reject his Apostleship, and allow carnal ways to enter among them.
THE TIME OF ITS WRITING
EMINENT MEN LIVING AT THE TIME THIS EPISTLE WAS WRITTEN
L. Annaeas Seneca, the Stoic philosopher and poet, son of M.Annaeus Seneca, the rhetorician; born about the commencement of the Christian era, and put to death about A. D. 65. — Annaeus Cornutus, the Stoic philosopher, and preceptor to Persius the satirist; flourished under Nero. — Lucan, nephew to Seneca the philosopher; born about A. D. 29, put to death about A. D. 65. —Andromachus of Crete, a poet, and Nero’s physician. — T. Petronius Arbiter, of Massila, died A. D. 66. — Aulus PersiusFlaccus, the Latin poet, of Volaterrae in Italy; died in the ninth year of the reign of Nero, aged 28. — Dioscorides, the physician; the age in which this physician lived is very uncertain. — Justus, of Tiberias, in Palestine. — Flavius Josephus, the Jewish historian; born A. D. 37, died A. D. 93. — Silius Italicus, the poet who was several times consul; born about A. D. 23, died in the beginning of the reign of Trajan, aged 75. — Valerius Flaccus, the Latin poet; flourished under Vespasian. — C. Plinius Secundus, of Verona, born under Tiberius, flourished under Vespasian, and died under Titus, A. D. 79, aged 56. — Thraseus Paetus, the Stoic philosopher, famous for his independence and generous sentiments; slain by order of Nero, A. D. 66. — Quintius Curtius Rufus, the historian; the time when he flourished is uncertain, some placing him under Claudius, others under Vespasian, and other sunder Trajan. — Asconius Pedianus, the historian and annotator, died A. D. 76, aged 85. — Marcus Valerius Martialis, the epigrammatist; born about A. D. 29, died A. D. 104, aged 75. —Philo-Byblius, born about A. D. 53, died A. D. 133, aged 80. —Acusilaus, the rhetorician; flourished under Galba. — Afer, anorator and preceptor of Quintilian, died A. D. 59. — Afranius, the satirist, put to death by Nero, in the Pisonian conspiracy. —Marcus Aper, a Latin orator of Gaul, died A. D. 85. — Babilus, the astrologer, who caused the Emperor Nero to put all the leading men of Rome to death. — C. Balbillus, the historian of Egypt; flourished under Nero. — P. Clodius Quirinalis, the rhetorician, flourished under Nero. — Fabricus, the satirist; flourished under Nero. — Decius Junius Juvenalis, the satirist; born about A. D. 29, died A. D. 128, aged about 100 years. — Longinus, the lawyer, put to death by Nero. — Plutarch, the biographer and moralist; born about A. D. 50, died about A. D. 120, or A. D. 140, according to others. — Polemon, the rhetorician, and master of Persius the celebrated satirist, died in the reign of Nero. — Seleucus, the mathematician, intimate with the Emperor Vespasian. — Servilius Nonianus, the Latin historian; flourished under Nero. — Caius Cornelius Tacitus, the celebrated Roman historian; born in the reign of Nero, and died at an advanced age in the former part of the second century. ADAM CLARKE
This Epistle was apparently written from Macedonia, as indicated by the manner in which Paul spoke in 8:1-14 and 9:2-4. Other references to Macedonia include 1:16, 2:13, 7:5, and 11:9. It is also apparent that it was delivered to Corinth by Titus (8:16-18,23; 12:18). If these assumptions are correct, the letter was probably written about one year after the first Epistle – a period of time he refers to in 8:10 and 9:2. Paul had left Ephesus, the place from which the first Epistle was written (1 Cor 16:8), traveled to Troaz (Acts 16:8), and from there was called into Macedonia (Acts 16:9). There Titus had joined Paul, and informed him of the response of the Corinthians to his first Epistle (2 Cor 7:13-14).
Two possible dates are suggested for the time of writing: 56 and 60. I will defer to the first date, roughly 56-57, which is generally acceptable to all. That makes it a little over two and one-half years from the founding of the church in Corinth, which was sufficient time for it to be grounded in the truth, seeing it was personally fed by Paul for the first one and one-half years. This is also about thirty-six years after Christ’s ascension, and about twenty-nine years after Paul’s conversion. I give these dates to show how rapidly the truth spread following the day of Pentecost. Beginning with only a handful of people, it has filled Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. It had spread to Syria, Asia, and Greece – largely under the efforts of a single man. The Gospel had penetrated citadels of idolatry, immortality, philosophy, and governmental excellence. It had battered down walls raised by each of those divisions, gathering together Jew and Gentile, bond and free, and male and female from all kinds of cultures – and it had all happened in less than forty years! This is undeniable confirmation of the power of the Gospel.
At the beginning of this section, I have provided a listing of world-eminent men that lived at the time this Epistle was written. Many of then exercised very much influence within the city of Corinth. They include categories of men that remain influential to this very day. Among them were poets, philosophers, rhetoricians, physicians, historians, politicians, astrologers, satirists, lawyers, biographers, and moralists. These were not misfits in the society of the day, but were largely responsible for shaping the culture of that time. Yet, from within the very culture they dominated, there arose a diminutive Jewish man who lacked any of the credentials with whom they were associated. He came with a message they had never heard before, and that sharply conflicted with the entire thrust of their way of thinking and reasoning. His message was so powerful it shook down bastions of thought that they had erected, and severed the very root that fed the branches of their thinking.
From the standpoint of culture and human wisdom, this letter was written “out of season.” From the standpoint of the Divine agenda, it was written “in season.” This was not the time, and Corinth was not the place for the questioning of Paul’s Apostleship. The establishment of souls in the faith hinged on people words being powerfully spoken.
WHAT OCCASIONED THIS EPISTLE?
SOME BACKGROUND
This second Epistle will deal with some matters addressed in first Epistle to the Corinthians. A brief understanding of this is necessary if we are to receive the optimum benefit from letter. When doctrinal error and carnal manners are introduced into the body of Christ, a most dangerous situation ensues. While Paul’s first letter dealt directly with these matters, they had not been altogether resolved.
As I review a few of these matters, it will become evident to you that the modern church has actually learned to live with the conditions for which Corinth was rebuked. In some cases, they have even been dignified, as though life in Christ Jesus allowed their presence among the people of God. However, these matters cannot be allowed to continue. They must be torn down by the spiritual weaponry the Lord as given to us (2 Cor 10:4-5).
Divisions
(1 Corinthians 1:10-14; 3:3-5; 11:18)
After Paul had left Corinth, word came to him from “the house of Chloe” that divisions were present in Corinth. Such a circumstance was wholly unacceptable. Therefore Paul besought them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that they all “speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions” among them (1 Cor 1:10). These divisions were more precisely described as “contentions,” or “quarrels” NKJV among them (1 Cor 1:11). A spirit of competition was found among them, rather that the “unity of the Spirit” into which they had been called. At least four different groups had formed, choosing to call themselves after “Paul, “Apollos,” “Cephas,” and “Christ” (1 Cor 1:12a).
Paul contends that Christ was not “divided,” and thus division was wholly unwarranted. Paul had not been crucified for them, and therefore it was not appropriate to call themselves after him. They had not been baptized in the name of Paul, and thus could not call themselves by his name (1 Cor 1:12b-13).
This division had caused them to be “carnal,” and “walk as men.” It had spawned all manner of envying, strife, and division among them (1 Cor 3:3). Their insistence on calling themselves by various names confirmed that they were “carnal” (1 Cor 3:4). Such a condition is forthrightly condemned by the Spirit, for “to be carnally minded is death” (Rom 8:6). The reason for this circumstance is that the carnal mind “is enmity against God “for it is not subject to the law of God, neither, indeed can be” (Rom 8:7). I hardly see how a condition could be any more serious than this.
The gravity of this division was confirmed in their conduct around the Lord’s table. Instead of that occasion being a focal point for uniting them, it proved to only accent their despicable division. “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper” (1 Cor 11:18-20).
Immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1-11)
Within the framework of division, all manner of sin can break forth. That is because “the unity of the Spirit” is a sort of insulation against the intrusion of immorality. As we are “members one of another” (Rom 12:5; Eph 4:25), there is a ministration that passes from Jesus the Head through the members to one another (Eph 4:15-16). When this unity is not present, the door is opened for sin to enter.
At Corinth, a man was found who “had his father’s wife.” This was a sin so base, that was even despised by the Gentiles, who know not God (1 Cor 5:1). Instead of the church mourning the very presence of this condition, they were actually “puffed up,” or “arrogant.” NASB They were proud of their gifted and flourishing church, even though there was grievous sin among them. Paul chides them, saying they should have mourned and lamented, and thrust the offender from their presence (1 Cor 5:2).
They were then solemnly instructed to come together with his own spirit, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and with the “power of our Lord Jesus Christ,” and “deliver” this man to “Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor 5:3-4). They were not told to counsel the man, restore the man, or be patient with him. The reason was that he had a leavening effect upon the entire congregation, like Achan did upon Israel (Josh 8:25-26). They could not serve Christ while he was among them. The “old leaven” had to be cast out (1 Cor 5:7).
This incident is relevant to our study of this book, because Paul will make some extensive remarks about their response to this instruction.
His Apostleship
(1 Corinthians 9:1-6)
Even though the Corinthians themselves were the product of Paul’s ministry, they actually questioned the validity of his Apostleship. Paul reasons with them, declaring they are his “work in the Lord” (1 Cor 9:1), and the “seal” of his “apostleship” (1 Cor 9:2).
This is relevant to the message of this Epistle. Paul will give an extensive defense of his own Apostleship inn Second Corinthians. That defense was necessitated by the Corinthians questioning of its validity. I affirm that the divisions that were among them mothered this doubt of Paul’s Apostleship. While they called themselves after Apollos and Cephas, they were forced to doubt the role of Paul in the Divine economy.
The divisions within the church of our day are far in excess of those found in Corinth. Those divisions have produced a similar questioning of Paul’s commission within the church. It is not at all unusual to hear people speak about Paul’s “opinions,” and even how he was “against women,” or made a mistake when he insisted on going to Jerusalem, even though Agabus the prophet told him bonds awaited him there (Acts 21:10-14).
The Resurrection of the Dead
(1 Corinthians 15)
Once division begins, it is like the breaking of a dam: the flood waters of heresy begin rushing in. Among the Corinthians, there actually arose questions about the resurrection of the dead. Some among them were affirming, “there is no resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor 15:12). Paul “protests” that they were “rejoicing,”even though they were abysmally ignorant of the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 15:31).
Paul traces their propensity to sin to their ignorance of the resurrection: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Cor 15:34). In a display of foolishness, some were asking, “How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?” (1 Cor 15:35).
This, too, is relevant to this letter, for Paul provides an insightful view of the resurrection body in the fifth chapter, and of the strong incentive created by knowing about it. There certainly is no room for ignorance on this matter.
I cannot help but observe the general ignorance that exists among professing Christians concerning the resurrection of the dead. As with the Corinthians, this condition has been produced by the divisions found among God’s people. Some people believe both the spirit and the body are raised in the resurrection. Others believe there are two resurrections, separated by one thousand years. Still others believe the wicked will be raised with mortal bodies, which shall ultimately be destroyed. There is even a considerable amount of controversy about the nature of the resurrection body itself. All of this makes Second Corinthians a very timely book.
The Proper Remembrance of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:24-29)
Another result of their division, was the manner in which they approached the Lord’s table. In their divisions, they were actually eating of “the table of devils,” yet imagined that they could also partake of “the Lord’s table” (1 Cor 10:16-17). Paul, however, informs them that there cherished assemblies were “not to eat the Lord’s supper” (1 Cor 11:20). Without giving due regard to the Lord Jesus Himself, they were actually eating and drinking “damnation” to themselves. The Lord’s table manners had caused the judgment of God to come upon them, so that some became weak and sickly among them, and some even died (1 Cor 11:30). He therefore called upon them to “examine” themselves, and “judge” themselves, so they would not be judged by the Lord on that solemn occasion (1 Cor 11:28,31).
This too is relevant to our study of Second Corinthians. Paul will declare the constraining power of “love of Christ” (2 Cor 5:14), and expound some of the deep involvements of His death (2 Cor 5:18-21).
When Titus returned from Corinth to Paul, he reported the response of the brethren in Corinth to his first epistle (2 Cor 7:6-16). Paul writes this letter in response to that report. He will do so with his characteristic wisdom and power, and unto edification. As we should expect, we will find his answers to be most appropriate for our own time and place.
A SUMMATION OF THE BOOK
There is a marvelous scope in this book – a wide expanse of truth that glows with the glory of Jesus, and emits the fragrance of hope. He makes some remarkable succinct and poignant statements concerning foundational realities. A brief review of some of them will serve to whet our appetites for what is to come.
SUFFERING
Sufferings and their role in the Divine economy (1:3-11). The life of faith is not intended to be one of ease and comfort in this world. We are being oriented for “the world to come,” where our inheritance awaits us.
The sufferings that result from living by faith are mentioned in 1:4-7, 7:4-6, 4:6-18; 11:23-29, and 12:7-10.
RESTORATION
Restoring the fallen (2:1-11). Paul revisits the matter of the case of immorality that he mentioned in the first Epistle. He shares the burden that he experienced in having to deal with this matter (2:1-5). Because the man repented, renouncing his iniquity, Paul extends himself to say enough punishment had been ministered. There was no need for any more. He admonishes the Corinthians to confirm their love to the penitent (2:6-11).
DEFENSE #1
Defense of Paul’s Apostleship, #1 (3:1-6). The Apostle affirms that he really has no need to commend himself to the Corinthians, or to justify his Apostleship. They themselves are the proof of his ministry. They are his epistle, written in their hearts, and known and read of men. This marvelously confirmed that his sufficiency was of God.
COVENANT COMPARISON
A comparison of the Covenants (3:7-18). A failure to comprehend the nature of the New Covenant, and its distinction from the Old Covenant, is the root of a remarkable number of errors. Paul labors to show this distinction. He states that he is a “minister of the new testament,” not of “the letter,” which depicts the Law, but of the Spirit, which gives life (3:6).
In his telling comparison, Paul refers to the Old Covenant as “the ministration of death” (3:7), “the ministration of condemnation” (3:9), that which “had no glory in this respect” (3:10), and “that which was done away” (3:11). In a most glorious comparison, he refers to the new covenant as “the ministration of the Spirit” (3:8), “the ministration of righteousness” (3:9), the covenant with the “glory that excelleth” (3:10), and “that which remaineth” (3:11).
DEFENSE #2
Defense of Paul’s Apostleship, #2 – His Sufferings (4:1-18). The confirmation of Paul’s Apostleship lay partly in sufferings that he incurred during his ministry. There is no possible way to account for these sufferings apart from his ministry. From the human point of view, they were the world’s reaction to his message. From the spiritual point of view, they were the result of an initiative against him from the powers of darkness.
The point to which Paul draws our attention is that he did not “faint” in all of these things (4:1). Rather than them weakening his determination to fulfill his ministry, they became the occasion for him renouncing the hidden things of dishonesty, a refusal to walk craftily, and a refusal to handle the Word of God deceitfully (4:2).
He accounts for the suffering from another point of view: “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (4:7).
He also confirms the validity of his ministry by pointing out his sufferings did not overcome him: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (4:8-9)
RESURRECTION BODY
The Resurrection body (5:1-7). This is a most unique passage on the subject of the resurrection body. Referring to the resurrection body as “a building of God, a house not made with hands,” he affirms that we already have it “in heaven.” It only awaits the time when we will inhabit it (5:1). Acutely aware of how newness of life has made us incompatible with our present bodies, Paul affirms that we presently “groan, desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (5:2). This fierce conflict does not merely reflect a desire to exit this fleshly body. There is also a desire to be “clothed” with the proper body – our house from heaven. When this takes place, mortality will be swallowed up of life (5:3-4).
The Apostle then affirms that a purpose for regeneration is that we might be clothed with that immortal body. In other words, redemption is fitting us for it. That fitting is being accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who is the “earnest” of the fulness of the blessing (5:5).
Fully persuaded of the truth he has spoken, Paul says he is quite willing
to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. In fact, that is his preference. It is in view of that blessed circumstance that he is presently laboring (5:6-8).
RECONCILIATION
The Love of Christ and Reconciliation 5:14-21). As soon as the heart is made tender, it is enabled to receive deeper and more profound expressions of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Having responded favorably to the admonition concerning the fornicator in their presence, Paul now speaks more freely concerning salvation.
He reminds them that “the love of Christ constraineth us,” moving us to reason correctly, and to conduct our lives in keeping with the truth (5:14). We now live for a different reason, not seeking our own ways, as men do in divisions, but rather living “unto Him which died for them and rose again” (5:15).
Being saved necessarily involves becoming a “new creation” – one in which “old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (5:17).
In a most powerful affirmation, Paul then shows that reconciliation is wholly of the Lord. It is God who reconciled the world to Himself in the person of Christ, “not imputing their trespasses unto them.” It is this message that is to be heralded among men – both the saved and the lost: “be ye reconciled unto God” (5:18-20).
The salvation of men involves a most significant exchange – one that could be made only by God Himself. Speaking of the Father’s activity in the Son, it is written, “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:21).
DEFENSE #3
Defense of Paul’s Apostleship, #3 – Approval in His Experiences (6:1-13). Paul’s third defense of his Apostleship centers in his approval amidst the circumstances of life. His was a response that confirmed God had sent, equipped, and sustained him.
His approval was realized IN “much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings” (2 Cor 6:4-5). It was confirmed BY “pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true” (2 Cor 6:6-8).
It was gained in his experience of the differing reactions of heaven and earth: AS “unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Cor 6:9-10)
All of this was in strict accord with “the day of salvation” in which men are extricated from sin, and built up in the most holy faith.
SANCTIFICATION
The Necessity of Separation from the World (6:14-7:1). A succinct statement is made concerning the necessity of separation from the world. Nowhere does God pledge to walk with those whose lives are lived in contradiction of Him. The people of God must come out from among defiling influences, else God will not walk with them.
The unequal yoking of the saved and lost is to be avoided at all cost. Paul shows that such a yoke is spiritually illogical, for there is no accord between good and evil: “for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Cor 6:14-16).
The only acceptable solution is to separate from the ungodly and “touch not the unclean thing.” Then God will receive us, be a Father unto us, and we will be His sons and daughters (6:17-18). That promise is sufficient incentive to cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (7:1).
RECOVERY
Recovering from sorrow (7:2-16). The great heart of the Apostle was so tender, that it grieved him that he had to be so harsh with the Corinthians. He urges the Corinthians to receive him, for he had wronged no man, had corrupted no one, and had defrauded no one. In fact, he affirms that they were in his heart, to live and die with them (7:2-3).
While in Macedonia, Paul had trouble on every side; “without were fightings, and within were fears” (7:4). Notwithstanding, because of his great love for the Corinthians, when Titus brought word of their progress, he was much comforted, and took heart (7:5-7). Their sorrow and repentance had confirmed their acceptance in Christ, and Paul was glad (7:8-13). The effect of their repentance upon Titus also brought joy to Paul.
MONEY AND COLLECTIONS
Perspectives About Money, and Collecting for the Poor Saints (8:1-9:15). Paul engaged in an aggressive effort to gather a collection from the Gentile churches for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Corinth had made a commitment to this good work, but had not yet fulfilled it. Paul reasons with them concerning this matter, urging them to compete their vow. He cites several remarkable reasons for them doing so.
(1). The churches in Macedonia had responded to this request, even though they lacked much (8:1-5). (2). He was sending Titus to finish this work, and urged the Corinthians to abound in this matter (8:6-7). (3). He reasons with them concerning the grace of the Lord Jesus, who became poor that we might become rich in His grace (8:9). (4). He affirms that no one will be the poorer for doing this (8:10-15). (5). He assures them that provision has been made for the funds to reach the needy brethren (8:16-24). (6). He urges them to have their “bounty” ready, that they not be subjected to any unnecessary shame (9:1-5). (7). He reminds them that they will reap in strict accord with how they have sown (9:6). (8). He affirms that the Lord loves a cheerful giver (9:7). (9). He declares that God can make all grace abound to them, so they will always have total sufficiency, yet be able to “abound unto every good work” (9:8-15).
DEFENSE #4
Defense of Paul’s Apostleship, #4 – Responding to Challenge (10:1-18). In Paul’s fourth defense of his Apostleship, he shows he has responded to challenge. He reminds them that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God (10:4-5). He also urges the Corinthians not to look upon him according to appearance. He has been given authority “for edification,” and that is precisely how he is addressing every challenge that has come from them (10:6-9). Even though they had viewed his appearance as “base” (10:1), and his speech “contemptible” (10:10), yet he is making every effort to be gentle, not seeking to destroy them. He is stretching himself “beyond measure” to profit them, not seek a name for himself (10:11-18).
DEFENSE #5
Defense of Paul’s Apostleship, #5 – Maintaining Under Stress (11:1-33). In his fifth defense, Paul points out his endurance under affliction. Although he had experienced extraordinary sufferings, none of them turned him from his mission. All of this was done in order that he might present the people “as a chaste virgin to Christ” (11:2). His profound concern was that they might be deceived by the tempter, and thus their “minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (11:3).
He then cites the unparallel sufferings he had endured – with none of deterring him from his mission. He engaged in “more labors,” experienced “stripes above measure,” was in prison “more frequent,” and confronted death “oft” (11:23). The Jews had him beaten five times with forty stripes minus one (11:24). Three times he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned, three times he experienced shipwreck, and he spent a day and a night alone in the deep (11:25).
He was involved in more journeyings, and experienced perils of water, robbers, his own countrymen, the heathen, in the city, in the wilderness, in the sea, and among false brethren. (11:26-27). His had been a life of weariness, painfulness, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, being without food, and being cold and naked (11:27).In addition to all of this, he daily bore the burden of all of the churches, desiring that they grow up into Christ, even though many of them exhibited little desire to do so (11:28).
In Damascus, the governor of the city was desirous to apprehend him. It was there that he was let down through a window and over a wall in a basket, thereby escaping the threat against him (11:32-33). Who but an Apostle is capable of enduring such things?
DEFENSE #6
Defense of Paul’s Apostleship, #6 – Responding to a Thorn (12:1-21). In his sixth defense, Paul reveals his response to a limitation placed upon him by God Himself. This came because of the “abundance of the revelations” that were given to him. Because of this circumstance, and in order to keep him from being “exalted above due measure,” there as given him a “thorn in the flesh.” Satan delivered it, buffeting him with it (12:1-7).
Because of the severity of this “thorn,” Paul earnestly besought the Lord three times “that it might depart” from him (12:8). After those three supplications, the Lord declined to remove the “thorn,” saying His grace was “sufficient.” The principle upon which this was founded, Jesus said, was this: “for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). That is, the more incapable men are in the flesh, the more capable they become in the Spirit. At no point does the work of the Lord depend upon fleshly wisdom or might.
Perceiving this, Paul chose to glory in his “infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses.” He heartily embraced the real circumstance: “when I am weak, then am I strong.” That response confirmed Paul was who he said he was.
DEFENSE #7
Defense of Paul’s Apostleship, #7 – Test the Results (13:1-14). The final defense of Paul is also one of great significance. Since the Corinthians were seeking “proof of Christ speaking” in him, he calls them to consider how powerful his Gospel was among them. He urges them to examine themselves, to see if they are in the faith (13:5). If so, then they owe that circumstance to Paul. That will be the crowning proof that he is not a reprobate – for a reprobate cannot bring anyone to be “in the faith” (13:6a).
INTRODUCTORY CONCLUSION
In these various responses, as is characteristic of Paul, an abundance of teaching will and Kingdom orientation will be found. It will be seen in every rebuke, encouragement, and explanation. We will find this Epistle is like the “woods” in which Jonathan found himself – “woods” that dripped with honey. When “he put forth the end of his rod in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth,” “his eyes were enlightened” (1 Sam 14:26).
I bid you to put the rod of thought into the “honey” of this Epistle, and see if your eyes are not also enlightened. See if the things of God do not become refreshingly clearer to you, and the will of the Lord more attractive.
THE AUTHOR AND HIS CO-LABORER
“ 1:1a Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother . . . ”
PAUL
“Paul . . . ” The name “Paul” is said to mean “small or little.” Some believe this referred to his physical stature. While this may certainly be true, I choose to see it as depicting his humility before the Lord. Here was a man noted for submitting his whole person to the Lord of glory. His entire life revolved around his heavenly calling. It was defined by his commission, and sharply focused upon doing the will of the Lord. It is profitable for us to be fully acquainted with his person, for he has obtained a certain spiritual dignity that few men have realized.
Formerly called Saul of Tarsus
Stephen’s Death
We first hear of this man approximately six years after the ascension of Jesus and the day of Pentecost. He is brought to our attention in the record of the death of Stephen.
Stephen was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith (Acts 6:5), also described as “full of faith and power,” who “did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). His influence quickly spread as he confounded
the religious intelligentsia of the day. Soon his enemies “secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God” NIV (Acts 6:11). The outcome of it all was that they dragged Stephen outside of the city, and stoned him to dead. The witnesses who lied against him “laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul” (Acts 6:58). The word translated “young man” comes from the Greek word neani,ou (nea-niou), which means “a man in the prime of life, between twenty and forty years old.” THAYER We have no idea how old Saul was at the time. However, judging from the his seeming ignorance of Jesus, we gather he was on the younger side.
Luke us careful to tell us that “Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen’s) death” (Acts 8:1). Many years later, after he was laboring for Christ, Paul said of this event, “And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him” (Acts 22:20). How he must have lamented that dreadful day!
Persecuting the Church
At the time of Stephen’s death, “there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1b). This resulted in a dispersion of the disciples, many of which had come to Jerusalem “from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). It is written “and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1c).
While devout men “carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him,” our attention is turned to young Saul of Tarsus. It is said that he “made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” NKJV (Acts 8:3). This did not deter the spread of the Gospel, for “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).
Saul’s persecution of the church apparently pickled up its pace. The ninth chapter of Acts begins by saying, “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9:2). This is thought to have occurred around A.D. 37, which would have been about two years after Stephen’s death. This aggression of Saul was generally known among the followers of Jesus, as Ananias indicated in Acts 9:13-14). Following his conversion, we learn that the disciples in Damascus also know of this (Acts 19:21).
Following his conversion, when speaking in his defense before his own countrymen, Paul said of this time of his life, “And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished” (Acts 22:4-5). He also said to Agrippa, “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:9-11).
He also wrote to the Corinthians, “I persecuted the church of God” (1 Cor 15:9). He mentioned this to the Galatians also, “I persecuted the church of God and wasted it” (Gal 1:13). To the Philippians he wrote, “concerning zeal (I was) persecuting the church” (Phil 3:6). To Timothy he said of himself, “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious” (1 Tim 1:13).
This was, indeed, a dark and foreboding part of Paul’s life. He never did forget the depths to which he had sunk, blaspheming the name of Christ and doing harm to His people.
Some Additional Information
Paul provides some additional information about his former life. In his defense before the Jewish council, he said that he was himself a Pharisee, and the “son of a Pharisee” (Acts 23:6). He told Agrippa “after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee” (Gal 26:5). He wrote to the Philippians that he was a “Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the Law, a Pharisee” (Phil 3:5). He revealed to the Galatians how he had excelled among his peers: “And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Gal 1:14). While Paul was, indeed, a Jew, he was no ordinary one.
His Conversion
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus was as dramatic as his previous life. It is a classic example of the Lord interrupting the course of men, and calling them I contradiction of human logic.
Saul confronted the risen Christ while he was en route to persecute the saints. The record of that confrontation is familiar to all believers. “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:3-6). We are told that the men who journeyed with him “stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man” (Acts 9:7). Elsewhere the Spirit clarifies that those with Saul, “saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me” (Acts 22:9) – that is, they did not comprehend what was said. To Agrippa Paul gave this account, “At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue” (Acts 26:13-14).
Paul’s account to Agrippa also provides some additional things about this occurrence. Not only did Jesus identify Himself, affirming He was the One whom Paul was persecuting, and directing him to go to Damascus for instructions, He also spelled out why He had appeared to Paul. “And I said, Who art Thou, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me” (Acts 26:15-18).
This appearance was not an offer of salvation, but a call to the Apostleship. What was required to be saved would be told him by “a certain disciple” named Ananias. I can only imagine the
impact that this call must have had upon Paul. He had been on a mission of his own choosing, but it was nothing to compare with the one to which he was being called.
☛ To be made a minister and a witness of the things he had seen.
☛ To be made a minister and a witness of the things in which Jesus would yet appear unto him.
☛ He would be delivered from the Jewish people.
☛ He would be sent to the Gentiles.
☛ He was to open the eyes of the Gentiles.
☛ He was to turn them from darkness to light.
☛ He was to turn them from the power of Satan unto God.