Matthew

II Corinthians

LeRoy Eims

Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth is a very personal thing. Whereas his first epistle contained much by way of doctrinal teaching, his second letter simply lays bare the life and ministry of this dedicated servant of God. He shares his heart and there is an intensity of emotion that bursts forth from every page.

His first letter was plain and out‑spoken. He had some deep misgivings as to the way it would be received. The truth is not always easy to swallow. When Paul arrived in Macedonia he met Titus, who had just been to Corinth. Paul was cheered and comforted by the report. They were responsive to his spiritual counsel and guidance. They had followed the apostle's admonition and were taking measures to correct the problems.

Paul had been attacked by critics in Corinth. In response to these attacks he sets forth a beautiful panorama of his life and ministry in the service of Christ. Paul defends his apostleship against the attack of false legalistic teachers and thereby gives us insight into his inner soul. This provides the highest inspiration and instruction to every servant of Christ.

He also shares with the Corinthians a need that had developed in Jerusalem. The believers there needed some financial help and the apostle Paul not only makes them aware of the need of their impoverished brothers and sisters in the faith, but also gives them some instruction for proper giving to the work of the Lord. "But this I say, He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work." (II Corinthians 9:6‑8)

Today as we read the New Testament it seems strange to us that the apostleship of Paul would even be brought into question. He was undoubtedly the most brilliant of all the apostles. He was university trained and had a knowledge of Greek culture and philosophy. He was a student of the noted and respected Gamaliel, by whom he was trained in the Old Testament scriptures. With his mental and spiritual gifts he became the greatest preacher, theologian, missionary and writer of Christian history. Others who were called to be apostles had no such brilliance or training, so it is obvious that these things were not the crux of the issue.

What then, were the conditions of apostleship? First of all, it was necessary that for a man to hold the office of apostle, he must have seen the Lord. Paul says he saw the Lord after his resurrection (I Corinthians 15:8).

Also, to be an apostle it was necessary that he be called personally by Christ. This happened to Paul on the road to Damascus. He told the story to King Agrippa: "At midday, Oh king, I saw in the way a light from heaven above, the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them who 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, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 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 which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now 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 who are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:13‑18)

Third the apostle must be divinely inspired. His interpretation of the scriptures must be true, exact, and the new revelation given to the word must be given by God.

The Apostle Paul affirms that to be true in his case. "But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11,12) These and other qualifications were met by Paul.

It is in this letter that we learn of Paul's thorn in the flesh. "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance or the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong." (II Corinthians 12:7‑10) In his weakness he was brought nearer to God with increased spiritual power. What an encouragement to those who suffer affliction and trials.

Study this book for greater insight in your service for Christ.