From Letters To Ministries To Veils (3:1-18)

Neal Pollard

Apparently due to unnamed critics who were trying to condemn the work Paul and his co-workers were doing, Paul feels the need to defend it. Paul felt it worthwhile to “stoop” to this because the spiritual well being of this church meant that much to him. He was an inspired writer and Spirit-led apostle, so his work must be accomplished. But make no mistake about it, the power was not in Paul and his fellow-laborers; it was in the message and the One responsible for it. 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (1-3)

We all have benefited from someone giving us a good recommendation for a job, scholarship, or award. Such apparently had a place in the ancient world, too, but Paul calls the Corinthians his letter of recommendation. Their faith and faithfulness were sufficient proof of the quality work Paul and the others had done. It was proof positive that God was at work through these missionaries (2). The “letter” was written on their hearts. 

MINISTERS OF SUFFICIENCY (4-9)

Paul shifts his illustration from a figurative epistle written on by the apostle’s work to their actual work as servants of God. While Paul’s use of the word “minister” includes the idea of preaching and teaching the gospel, his point is that they were servants of God and the Corinthians. They were serving by sharing Christ with these Christians. Paul makes the point that their success and sufficiency was because of Christ in them, not because of them (4-6). They didn’t gauge success necessarily by the response people had to their teaching, but whether or not they faithfully shared it. He contrasts their work with the work done under the first covenant. As glorious as was the word that came to Moses on Sinai, the ministry of the Spirit is more glorious and righteous (8-9). 

VEIL OF MOSES (10-18)

Paul transitions to a third word picture in this discussion. When Moses received the ten commandments, he had to wear a veil to shield the Israelites from the physical glory and brightness that he possessed after being with God. You may remember that despite this demonstration, they managed to be hardhearted and did not have the faith to conquer Canaan in their generation. Paul then says that Jews who refused to leave the Old Law for Christ were in the same predicament as their Old Testament counterparts. But now the veil is over their own eyes and is only taken away when they believe the gospel of Christ. When one does remove the veil, there is freedom and transformation (17-18).

How does this apply to us today? Believe it or not, it’s very practical. First, we need to remind ourselves that we shouldn’t fear criticism or the unrighteous judgment of others as we seek to serve God. Influence others and their faithfulness will testify to our good work. We also remind ourselves that any and all success we have in saving souls and strengthening saints is because of God’s power and not ours. While we may not be trying to convince Jews to leave the Old Law, we are trying to help people with spiritual blinders on to remove whatever it is in order to see Christ. When they do, they will be free and transformed! We should let that motivate us!

Truly Forgiving A Brother Who Repents (2:5-11)

Neal Pollard

Through the years, I have handled some public responses from Christians who were repenting of some very public, sometimes very damaging, sins. They had the courage and humility to try and make right and move on from these transgressions in order to be restored to fellowship and the light. Almost always, their spiritual family has rallied around them and assured them of their love and forgiveness. What should happen is that no one holds them hostage to these sins by reminding them of those things or judging that they have not changed when their deeds and fruits say otherwise.

It appears that Paul is writing the church about the man who had his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5:1ff). Paul writes in that first letter that they should “judge” him by delivering “such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:3,5). We can assume that not only did they do just that, but that their action worked to bring about the man’s repentance. In 2Corinthians 2:5-11, Paul tells them what should come next. 

FORGIVE AND COMFORT HIM (7)

They had taken the hard steps outlined by Paul (1 Cor. 5), and it brought him back. When he came face to face with his sin, it must have been a harsh reality check. Paul suggests he was wrestling with “excessive sorrow.” Perhaps he had a hard time forgiving himself, so it was vital for the church to let him know they no longer held this against him. As our sin dawns on us, it can be “overwhelming.” We don’t feel worthy or worthwhile, and a forgiving church is God’s antidote for that. 

REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE FOR HIM (8)

One rebounding from sin also does not feel worthy of love. When one has publicly done what is unlovable, the last thing he or she expects is to be shown love. Paul begs them to tangibly, audibly, and visibly reassure this man of their love for him. As “the majority” reminds itself of our own sin and weakness, we will freely embrace and restore one of our number who has repented of sin and weakness. 

BE OBEDIENT IN EVERYTHING (9-10)

Forgiving is a spiritual test. Do you remember what Jesus taught? Jesus gives a parable of a man forgiven of an insurmountable debt who mercilessly refuses to forgive a fellow slave of an infinitely smaller debt. That slave was delivered to the torturers, and Jesus concludes, “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart” (Mat. 18:35). Forgiving the penitent is a command (9) that must be obeyed (10). Remembering this will help us with brethren who personally come to us or publicly repent. 

DON’T BE OUTWITTED BY SATAN (11)

Sometimes the devil’s ploys are more overt and obvious. A man living in sexual sin with his father’s wife is a “no brainer.” At first, the Corinthians knew about it and kept fellowship with him despite the sin (1 Cor. 5:2). When rebuked for this, they stepped up and handled it. Now, this more subtle trick was being employed by Satan. Our adversary is willing to use anything he can to harm our fellowship and unity, and to hurt the cause of Christ. Paul urges them not to allow this by withholding fellowship to one who repented. 

God wants us to be a people willing to deal forthrightly and biblically with “sin in the camp.” But, when one repents, He wants us to be equally willing to reflect God’s full and unreserved loving forgiveness. Encourage them, reassure them, and embrace them. The goal is salvation–theirs and ours. 

Motivations For Teaching Difficult Things (1:12-2:4)

Neal Pollard

It becomes clear from reading this letter that Paul feels the need to defend himself and his actions among the Corinthians. He feared that he had been misunderstood in his previous work among them (cf. 1:12-14). In fact, it seems as though this is the purpose of the letter (look also at 5:11-12). If you remember from the first letter, he had some pretty challenging and unpopular things to say about how they were behaving. It’s not far-fetched to think that some of them not only would not appreciate what he said, but would attack him as the messenger for saying it. 

Sometimes, however lovingly and kindly we share the truth, it will offend the hearer who, instead of repenting, tries to undermine the one who said it.  As we read this section, think of Paul as a man, just like his audience, who has feelings, struggles, difficulties, and temptations, too. He also needed them to know that it was because he cared so much about them that he would not “shrink from declaring to [them] anything that was profitable” (cf. Acts 20:20). What drove Paul to minister to the Corinthians?

THE GRACE OF GOD (12)

He would not boast in himself, whether his abilities or knowledge or influence. Those are empty and unsatisfying. His motives were pure and he was helped by a grace he wanted them to appreciate, too. When we understand our need of God’s grace, it will move us to give Him our all in response. 

THE JUDGMENT DAY OF GOD (13-14)

Paul wanted them to be able to legitimately boast together and of one another at “the day of the Lord” (cf. 5:10). The word “boast” in modern English has negative connotations–bragging, arrogance, and sinful pride. Paul wanted to have confidence in them as they faced this Day, as confident as he hoped they were of him in view of it. We should share the whole counsel of God to make sure people are ready for the most important day of all. 

THE PROMISES OF GOD (20)

He shared the positive and negative, the promises and the warnings, because he knew God meant what He said. He would not equivocate or talk out of both sides of his mouth. He was going to give them “the whole purpose of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). He knew God was the supreme promise-keeper (2 Tim. 4:8; 2 Cor. 5:11-14).

THE GLORY OF GOD (20)

Paul taught them for the glory of God. The Word is God’s. The promises are God’s. The salvation is from God. How silly for the fragile pottery to brag (4:7); the glory belongs to the Potter. Anything worthwhile we accomplish is always because of God. 

THE WORKING OF GOD (21-22)

Paul was moved by the knowledge that God is the one who establishes men (21), sets us apart (21), and gives us His Spirit (22). Knowing this, we should share Him with people so that God can accomplish His work in their lives. 

THE WITNESS OF GOD (23-24)

Wise teachers and preachers will remember that God is watching their work. He can see where no one else can–our hearts and motives. Knowing He knows me inside and out, I will check myself and do His work to bring the joy and strength of our hearers (23-24). 

THE PEOPLE OF GOD (2:1-4)

We should be moved by genuine love and concern for people. Those who share the word should share life with those who receive the word from them. Building relationships, being together in all the ups and downs of life, is what it is all about. It’s hard to imagine staying motivated to share the gospel with people we isolate ourselves from. 

Perhaps there are some preachers and teachers who just love beating up on their listeners (or readers). Motivation is individual to each one (Phil. 1:15-17). I have to believe that every faithful proclaimer wants not only to please God but also help as many people as possible go to heaven. There are so many great reasons why Christians should want to share God’s Word with others. Paul gives us a handful of them here. 

The Causes Of Comfort (1:1-11)

Neal Pollard

Paul decides to follow up on his first letter to the saints at Corinth (cf. 2 Cor. 7:8). He greets them with similar language in both epistles (“the church of God,” “saints,” “grace and peace”), but his purpose in this letter will be very different. This time around, Paul is defending his apostleship, his actions, and his work, while following up to matters and concerns he addressed in the first letter. But the beautiful beginning of this letter stands out as one of the most encouraging greetings in not only the Bible but all of human history. The unmistakeable theme is “comfort.” What are the sources of comfort available to the Christian today?

• GOD THE FATHER (3-4)–“The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort”
• THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH AFFLICTION AND UNDERSTAND (4)–When we go through hard times, it makes us suited and equipped to help others who go through the same thing
• CHRIST (5)–Who has endured suffering like Jesus (Heb. 12:1)? Whose comfort is more abundant than His? 
• THOSE WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED SUFFERING (6-10)–Paul saw the many things he went through as a servant of Christ (see 11:23ff) as accomplishing not only the preaching of the gospel but also the means of encouragement and even comfort for other Christians trying to successfully live the Christian life. Out of despair, affliction, threat of death, weakness, and peril came deliverance and hope. Paul and his co-workers, from these experiences, could help these brethren make it. 
• PRAYER (11)–Our own prayers and those others pray for us

We are living in a world that not only gives no comfort, but also steals comfort. Everyone wants courage, cheer, encouragement, and cheering up, and it is available. But we are called to go to the right sources, the very ones Paul identifies at the start of this letter. May we obtain that comfort ourselves, then share it with others. 

Unity In Service (16:1-24)

Neal Pollard

Paul draws his first letter to a close by utilizing the formula he has leaned on throughout, changing subjects with “περί” (7:1,21; 8:1; 12:1). In English, it is often, as here, translated, “Now concerning….” Paul addresses the matter of financial giving (1-4), then moves into ways the church can unite to serve. We will help the church be one when we are engaged in trying to find ways to assist the cause of Christ. When we are idle or insistent on being served, division is usually left in our wake! 

Consider ways Paul says we can be united in service.

Monetarily (1-4). The instructions Paul gives Corinth were those he, as an apostle, was giving to other congregations (1). This shows that these are instructions for all God’s people to follow. His instructions are specific, telling when (first day of the week, 1), how (premeditatedly and as prospered, 2), and why (to systematically meet needs, 2-4). They had brethren beyond their “walls” who were in need, and through their finances they could fellowship them (3). It is beautiful to see the church join hands in common cause, using her resources to bless lives. 

Mission Work (5-9). But, there were needs beyond the financial. As always, Paul was focused on sharing the gospel. To that end, he anticipated stopping by Corinth on his way through Europe on his missionary journey. He hoped to be received and sent by Corinth, but also to spend time strengthening them (6-7). They needed Paul’s message, and they needed to help him spread it to others. One of the most beautiful ways to unite in service is through supporting the spread of the gospel, especially in far off places where access is more limited. 

Ministry (10-12, 15-19). Back in chapters 12-14, as we recall, Paul talked about the spiritual gifts with which every individual is endowed. While those gifts also involved the miraculous, there is a timeless principle here. Several individuals are noted for their individual ministry, which, when combined, meant a body functioning the way God wants it to (12:12,18,25, etc.).

Timothy is involved in preaching and missions along with Paul (10-11). As he will remind Timothy, he reminds Corinth that he should not be despised (11; 1 Tim. 4:12). Since this letter was written before the first epistle to Timothy, one could surmise that he would be despised for his youthfulness. Paul had not long before picked him up in Lystra (Acts 16:1ff). They were to value his efforts. For his part, Apollos was much engaged elsewhere, but would lend his service later (12).

The household of Stephanas, among the first converts in Achaia (cf. Acts 18:12; Achaia along with Macedonia would represent much of first-century Greece), were “devoted” to the ministry of the saints (15). Paul urges Corinth to unite in submission to all men like Stephanas “who helps in the work and labors” (16). Stephanas, with Fortunatus and Achaicus, were ideal examples of what Paul called for in chapters 12-14. They “supplied what was lacking on” Corinth’s part (17). They were of that rare, valuable breed who “refresh the spirits of others” (18). In a letter about unity, is there a more attractive illustration (cf. Psalm 133:1). 

Aquila and Priscilla exemplify the ministry of hospitality, housing the church in Ephesus (19; Acts 18:24-28). Apparently, they were former members of the church in Corinth (Acts 18:1ff), so their greeting would have been impactful. No wonder they greeted Corinth “heartily.”

Each of these individuals who are named exemplify the power and effectiveness of brethren who discover their gifts and put them to use. How Corinth would benefit from imitating these active, fruitful saints! Shouldn’t we look for Christians here that set the tone in serving the Lord? 

Maturing (13-14,22-24). Sprinkled in with his closing (20-21), Paul makes it relevant to Corinth. What could they do to forge unity as a church? Notice the ingredients: vigilance (13), conviction (13), maturity (13–“act like men”), strength (13), and love (14,22; cf. 13:1-13). How do I know if I am spiritually mature or immature, a source of unity or division? Deep down inside, I need to reflect and self-evaluate. What does God supply? Grace (23)!  Do you know what God expects in the face of what He supplies? Love (22)! Lacking that, we are accursed. 

One note on the Aramaic word in verse 22. Ben Witherington, III, writes, “The Aramaic clause maran atha (v. 22b) obviously comes to us from the Aramaic-speaking Christian community, probably in Jerusalem. If we read it as maran atha, which is possible, it would mean ‘our Lord has come.’ Read as marana tha, which seems more likely, it is a prayer: ‘Come, Lord.’ This latter interpretation is supported by what is probably a Greek translation of the clause in Rev. 22:20: ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ Didache 10.6 also supports the view that this was an early eschatological prayer for the Lord to return” (Conflict And Community In Corinth, 323). 

Let us end our study by considering the most powerful incentive to be united as a church. Jesus is coming. When He does, He will judge the church and the world (1 Pet. 4:17). We want to meet Him as those who have devoted ourselves to serving Him in such a way that the church is strong, vibrant, active, growing, and, most of all, united on the truth of His Word!