Day 160, 2 Corinthians 12
Paul draws his correction toward a conclusion. To highlight the absurdity of their focus on status, hyper-spirituality, and reputation, Paul discloses that he could boast in those areas too, but he chooses to focus instead on the correlation between his teaching and his life. Paul walks the talk.
And he points to the hardships as a constant reminder to be humble and depend on God. (There is no evidence that Paul’s thorn was a sickness; that would contradict the truth of the gospel that Jesus heals).
Contrasting the supposed “super apostles” with the truth of his own experience, Paul highlights that he is writing truth in Christ for their benefit, and that he never placed a financial demand on them. Integrity has been the hallmark of Paul’s ministry to them, and of those team members who have come to them representing Paul.
Beware the temptation to favor glossy “perfection” over the messy truth of bringing God’s amazing grace to a twisted, broken world. God has always stepped into sin and chaos to bring redemptive order. He’s not going to stop now!
Have a great day!
Mark.