Day 149, 2 Corinthians 1
Paul’s letter we call 1 Corinthians was his second letter to the church he had birthed. So today we begin to read the apostle’s third letter to his spiritual children. Remember how he described himself as a father to them, and that same theme will develop further as we read.
Paul writes from the midst of much suffering, and his readers have been challenged out of their super-spiritual competitiveness by his earlier letters.
Now Paul determines they are ready to receive further instruction, and a deepening understanding of the role of suffering in the life of every believer.
The opening verses of chapter 1 are often used in times of great trial or hardship to focus our hearts back on the source of all comfort and hope: Jesus Christ. I clearly recall leading with these verses on the Sunday after September 11, 2001, when we were hosting many US citizens stranded in Toronto after the terror attacks. Paul’s counsel that God comforts us so we can turn and comfort others, brings much needed unity and hope to those facing great suffering.
Paul goes on to describe and refer to some of his own sufferings. Clearly, those recorded in the Book of Acts are not an exhaustive list! Yet Paul also credits God’s power with carrying him through those trials, and giving him a heart that is pure, without guile, which straightforwardly reveals God’s loving purpose to these believers.
In light of that, there are those (who he will later refer to as “super apostles”) who make themselves out to be more spiritual than Paul because Paul has changed his plans to visit Corinth. These men wish to appear superior to Paul, but Paul sees through the ruse and explains his motivations clearly.
There are times in our lives when it is necessary to simply be true to Jesus and our calling; “speak the truth and shame the devil.”
This is what Paul is doing by writing again instead of visiting. He will go on to instruct about various matters in future chapters.
Have a great day!
Mark.