A SECOND BENEFIT

 

"And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit" (2 Corinthians 1:15)

The church in Corinth had a grand beginning. Coming from Athens, Paul came to this city, joining himself with the noble Aquila and Priscilla. That couple had moved to Corinth when Claudius "commanded all Jews to depart from Rome" (Acts 18:1). Although at first opposed in the proclamation of the Gospel, Paul continued to testify in the synagogue in that city. The result was that "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." Even so, the opposition had been so great from the Jews that Paul "shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles."  Notwithstanding this somewhat tumultuous beginning, the Lord spoke to Paul in a night time vision, telling him not to be afraid, but to speak and not hold his peace. He promised, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city." In faith and obedience, Paul continued in Corinth for one year and six months, "teaching the word of God among them" (Acts 18:8-10). What a gracious beginning the church in Corinth had!
Now, about five years later, Paul writes to the Corinthians, telling them he planned to visit them so they "might benefit twice." NIV This "second benefit" speaks of spiritual freshness that moves believers to farther progress in the faith. It is another way of saying maturity, or growing up into Christ in all things (Eph 4:15). It is moving on to perfection (Heb 6:1). This spiritual spurt is the result of perceiving more of the grace of God, as proclaimed in the Gospel. Paul would provoke this "second benefit" by further opening the great mysteries contained in the Gospel of Christ–hidden truths that contain seeds that grow within the heart of the believer.
Many a professed believer has never experienced the "second benefit." The day has not yet dawned upon them, nor the Day Star risen in their hearts (2 Pet 1:19). But there is no need for this condition to continue. Through powerful and insightful presentations of the Gospel, and deep and extended thoughtfulness by the individual, the "second benefit" can be realized. This is not merely an experience, or point in time, but the beginning of an expanded spiritual life, where more fruit is reaped, and more involvement in God's work is realized.