Paul fervently responds to one last accusation, most probably from the deceitful apostles. He asserts that his decision to forgo payment from the Corinthian church was not a clever ruse. His aim was not to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. Paul speaks with a fervent spirit. He demands any scrap of evidence. He wants proof showing that he, Titus, or any of his envoys ever took advantage of their generosity.
11 I have been a fool; you forced it on me. You ought to have commended me, since I am not in any way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of an apostle were performed with unfailing endurance among you, including signs and wonders and miracles.
2 Corinthians 12:11-12
I have been a fool. You forced me to it.
In the past two chapters, Paul has passionately confronted the Corinthians about the absurdity of self-commendation (2 Corinthians 10:18). Those who revel in boasting and elevating themselves are nothing short of fools! Yet, despite this truth, Paul has found it essential to fiercely defend himself. He highlights his admirable qualities to bolster his credibility. It is clear that he gains no joy from this necessity. In any other situation, such an act would be utterly madness!
However, Paul passionately contends that the Corinthians have “forced” his hand in this matter. They’ve fallen prey to the alluring boasts of the false apostles. They measured them against him. This action led to his ruin! Paul made a brave effort to win back their hearts for the truth. He reluctantly decided to engage in their game. He was determined to outshine their misguided allure. If the Corinthians had been more discerning, Paul would not have felt the urgent need to elevate himself. He wished to improve how they perceived him!
This is yet another powerful example of how Paul embodies his mantra, “all things for the gospel.” Time and again, it is humility and deference that propel the gospel forward far more than any self-defense. Yet, the situation in Corinth stands out as a striking exception. If Paul’s credibility falters, so too does the credibility of the gospel itself. Driven by this truth, he goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure that such a calamity does not occur.
I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles
Paul employs the term “super-apostles” with a sharp, biting sarcasm. In their own minds, they may have believed they were exemplary, but the truth is far from that. Paul humbly regarded himself as “nothing.” How could he see himself in such a light yet consistently defend his position to the Corinthian church? It’s a profound perspective shift. When held up against the divine standard, Paul recognized his own shortcomings in stark relief. His achievements are trivial. The grave reality is that he condoned murder and deceit against believers. As Paul poignantly stated, he was “the chief of sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
But when measuring against these deceitful impostors, Paul was anything but insignificant. He and his ministry shone with a brilliance unmatched in every conceivable way. It’s crucial to note that Paul didn’t initiate the comparison with these false apostles. Such a move would be a mere shadow of true worth. No, it was the Corinthians who set the stage for this. Paul made it clear. If they chose to engage in such a comparison, he would come out on top. His fervent motivation for highlighting this was clear. He wanted the Corinthians to reject the false teachers. They needed to cling passionately to the truth they had received from him.
The signs of a true apostle were performed
The Corinthians were awestruck by the spectacular signs and wonders unfolding before their eyes. These miraculous acts were powerful affirmations of the divine authority bestowed upon His chosen apostles. In those vibrant early days of the church, the community was fervently spreading into new territories. Such miraculous phenomena served as a thrilling testament to God’s active presence among His people.
43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.
Acts 2:43
Throughout the exhilarating pages of the book of Acts, the breathtaking miracles leap out at you! God was fervently authenticating the powerful message of His apostles, and the Corinthians themselves were eye-witnesses to these divine manifestations. It’s a humbling reminder that many awe-inspiring acts and extraordinary events performed by the disciples remain unwritten in Scripture. We must understand that signs and wonders alone cannot validate someone as a true servant of the Lord. The heart and intent behind those miracles truly matter!
24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24
Servants of Satan can, at times, counterfeit these miraculous wonders! Whether wielding his dark power or employing cunning deception, their intent is clear. Therefore, we must ardently scrutinize the message itself through the lens of Scripture!
Cross Reference
- Proverbs 11:2
- 1 Peter 5:6
- Romans 15:19
Reflective Questions
- In what way had Paul been a “fool?”
- How had the Corinthians forced Paul to defend himself like this?
- Who are the “super-apostles” mentioned in verse 11?
- How had Paul proven himself to be true?
- Do signs like these always prove the truth of the accompanying message?
13 So in what way are you worse off than the other churches, except that I personally did not burden you? Forgive me for this wrong!
14 Look, I am ready to come to you this third time. I will not burden you, since I am not seeking what is yours, but you. For children ought not save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for you.[a] If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 Now granted, I did not burden you; yet sly as I am, I took you in by deceit! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those I sent you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit and in the same footsteps?
2 Corinthians 12:13-18
I did not burden you
Paul was acutely aware of the vulnerabilities within the Corinthian church. With fervent resolve, he meticulously ensured that no one could level an accusation against him. He chose not to accept personal support from them. Instead, he took the noble path of a tent-maker. He tirelessly labored to provide for himself and exemplified the selfless spirit of true service (Acts 18:1-4).
Christian workers would be wise to learn from Paul here. We should be all things for the sake of the gospel. Scripture is clear that the “worker is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). However, there are times when it is advisable to forego that “right.” One should consider this when it might prove a stumbling block.
I seek not what is yours, but you
Here, Paul passionately reveals his true motivations. He didn’t seek their money! He yearned for their souls for the Lord! Paul’s ministry overflowed with selflessness, driven not by a desire for personal gain but by an unwavering commitment to serve. He scorned the allure of luxury and never allowed himself to be enriched by exploiting his relationship with the churches. Instead, he poured himself out in sacrifice. He willingly gave up his rightful claim to support. He did this for the sake of their spiritual growth.
One of the most significant tragedies in the history of the church is the failure of leaders to grasp Paul’s profound lessons. This issue spans both past and present times. Throughout much of church history, these leaders have shamefully exploited the very people they were meant to serve. They imposed crushing taxes to erect grand edifices, flaunted their wealth in exquisite garments, and resided in opulent mansions. Astonishingly, at one point, they even dared to sell absolution from sin. The notion is outrageous, as if forgiveness could ever be bought!
And this problem still persists today! Some pastors of mega-churches flaunt extravagant lifestyles with their fleets of luxury cars and multiple private jets. This starkly contrasts with Paul’s commitment to not being a burden. It utterly betrays the fundamental principle of “I seek not what is yours, but you.” Such ostentation alienates countless individuals from the true essence of the gospel, and can we blame them?
Let us ignite our hearts with the passion of loving people! We must have a profound desire to witness their souls embrace eternal life. This should be the ultimate driving force behind our ministry. Take a moment to dive into prayer. Fervently ask God to embolden you with this deep, supreme love for others. When we cultivate such love, our hearts will overflow with compassion for them. We will see them as precious creations of God. They are sheep yearning to be guided toward the Savior. They are not mere stepping stones for our own selfish ambitions.
Parents are obligated to save up for their children
Paul passionately appeals to a principle rooted in common sense. He champions his unwavering conviction of sparing the Corinthians from additional burdens. Parents naturally support and care for their children fiercely. They embody the very essence of love and responsibility. This instinctive cycle of devotion is the heartbeat of existence. Children embrace this sacred duty to nurture the next generation with the same fervor and dedication.
While this may seem self-evident, the truth is it eludes many. Tragically, some parents overlook this vital principle. They view their children not as cherished individuals but as mere investments in their own future security. These parents may harbor an unsettling belief. They think their kids somehow “owe” them a debt for the hours and resources they’ve poured into them. They forget the unconditional love that should define the parent-child relationship.
God intricately designed the family unit with a profound purpose: for parents to selflessly sacrifice for their children. True, godly parents do not measure the value of this sacrifice. They should not keep a tally of their gifts. They should not use their gifts to wield power over their kids. Gifts should not be exchanged for something in return. Our heavenly Father finds joy in bestowing good gifts upon us. We should embrace that divine example. We must shower love and generosity upon our own precious children!
A selfish child might glance at this passage. They might misuse it as a shield against their duty to care for their parents. They must open their hearts to the truth of 1 Timothy 5:8. Paul is not advocating for a lack of responsibility among children. Instead, he passionately affirms that sacrificing for your children is both innate and divinely sanctioned. Parents, pour yourselves into your children without bitterness! Let the devoted servants of the gospel implement this same dedication. They should reflect the love and commitment God urges us to uphold with those they tirelessly minister to.
If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
The Corinthians tragically overlooked the profound sacrifices Paul made for them, failing to recognize the depths of his devotion. It was not just appropriate but essential to express gratitude and reciprocate that boundless love. Children must never dismiss the incredible sacrifices of their parents. They should actively return that love with equal fervor and appreciation.
You say I was crafty and got the better of you
It should have been abundantly clear that Paul’s intentions were pure, that he sought no personal gain from their sacrifices. Yet, insidious rumors churned in the shadows. They painted him as a cunning manipulator. People thought he was merely playing the long game to earn their trust for even greater self-serving ends. His adversaries unleashed a barrage of slander. They maliciously insinuated that Paul had dispatched Titus to collect funds for his own greedy desires. They claimed he did this instead of fulfilling his promise to deliver those offerings to the sacred church in Jerusalem.
Such vile and despicable lies struck at the very heart of integrity! Paul had consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment and character time and time again. His previous assistants embodied the same honor and virtue. They never exploited the Corinthians. Paul had steadfastly refused to exploit as well. These accusations are nothing but a shocking fabrication, a blatant affront to the truth!
We must tread carefully before we embrace whispers of rumors! Let us wield discernment and resist the urge to leap to conclusions without thoughtful consideration. Consider who initiates the gossip. Determine what motivates their actions. Evaluate the integrity of the individual being wrongly tarnished. A vital biblical principle reminds us to be judicious. We should not heed accusations against our leaders unless two or three witnesses stand in unwavering agreement on the facts presented. (1 Timothy 5:19)
Cross-References
- Romans 12:1
- Matthew 10:39
- Mark 10:45
- Galatians 6:2
Reflective Questions
- What does Paul mean about burdening them?
- What did he do to make sure that he did not burden them?
- In verse 14, what motivated Paul to serve them?
- Who are the children and who are the parents in this example?
- What principle can parents learn from this illustration?
- What had Paul spent for their souls?
- How did Paul hope they would react to his service?
- What did the Corinthians accuse Paul of?
- What lessons can we learn here that can be applied to modern day ministry to the body?
19 Have you been thinking all along that we were defending ourselves to you? No, in the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and everything, dear friends, is for building you up. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I will not find you to be what I want, and you may not find me to be what you want. Perhaps there will be quarreling, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come my God will again humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned before and have not repented of the moral impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality they practiced.
2 Corinthians 12:19-21
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you?
Paul suspects that the Corinthians may be tired of him and merely reply, “he is just defending himself again.” “It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ.”
Paul fervently proclaims that every word he has spoken stands as a testament before God. He is driven by his immeasurable love for and deep relationship with Christ. Each revelation he has shared with them shines brightly in the presence of God, to whom he is fully accountable.
All for your upbuilding
God was an attentive witness to the heartfelt truths Paul poured out. Every word he spoke was ignited by an unwavering love for them. He had a fervent desire to see them flourish in their faith.
What can you learn from Paul’s attitude toward the Corinthians?
Even after their disgraceful treatment of Paul, he loved them fiercely. In this verse, he tenderly refers to them as “beloved.” Few would have castigate him for uttering “good riddance” and simply walking away from this tumultuous chapter. Yet, his unwavering conscience forbade such thoughts. Every word he spoke and every action he took was driven by a profound love for them.
Every parent, teacher, and minister must harbor the fervent wish to declare sincerely, “We are devoted to your upliftment!” Take a moment to critically assess your relationships. Are you pouring your heart into parenting purely for the flourishing of your children? Is your ministry at church driven by an unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth of your flock?
I fear that I may not find you as I wish
Paul was concerned about his return. He feared he would find them in the same shameful spiritual condition as the last time. He did not want to see more of the same rampant sin and tolerance for that sin.
And that you may find me not as you wish
If their sin persisted, Paul would inevitably face the daunting task of addressing it. This meeting would be far from comfortable; it would demand a fierce kind of love that insists on strict discipline. The experience would be deeply unsettling for everyone caught in its web. Paul earnestly yearned for the Corinthian church to embrace this letter with open hearts. He urged them to confront both the sinner and the deceitful apostles. If they failed to act, a wave of suffering would crash upon them all, leaving no one unscathed.
Sin is a scourge! It brings untold anguish and devastating consequences. The longer we allow it to fester, the repercussions become more dire. It is more painful to uproot it from our lives. We must act decisively and “nip it in the bud!” Let us guard our hearts, our families, and our church with fervor. We must never allow sin to gain a foothold, for it will only breed further destruction!
Cross Reference
- Acts 24:16
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Ephesians 4:29
- Romans 14:19
Reflective Questions
- According to verse 19, why did Paul say he had been defending himself?
- What does he mean that he was “speaking in Christ?”
- What was Paul concerned about finding in the church when he returned?
- How might Paul be humbled before them on a return trip?
- How did he react to sin?
- What lessons can we learn here about how believers should respond to sin in the church?
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