Wednesday, February 16, 2011 (top)
Real and False Apostles
(2 Corinthians 11:16-12:13)
The personal attacks on Paul by false teachers had been extremely severe. They had clearly hurt Paul and put him in a very difficult position with the churches he had started in and around Corinth. The false apostles had elevated themselves in the eyes of the people, first, by tearing down Paul in about every way possible. Then they "showed" how they were far more spiritual and worthy of being considered as great men. Paul, they said, never sought such consideration because he knew that he was unworthy of it. Paul had already responded to some of these accusations with a bit of sarcasm, saying things like, "For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?" (2 Cor. 11:5-7).
He went on to address the attacks on his spiritual credibility by the false apostles by laying out some of his accomplishments, primarily pointing to the extreme suffering he had endured as an apostle (12:22-29). Even after referring to the visions of the "third Heaven" he had had, he said that it was nothing to be boasting about. He then teaches the secret that enabled him do more than all the other apostles. It was grace that God had abundantly given him in his weakness. He had come to live in a place where all he would honestly boast about was his weakness, a weakness that Jesus told him would be exchanged for enabling grace to do more than all the other apostles (1 Cor. 15:10).
This entire issue of having to defend yourself when you don't approach success according to our nature's prideful impulses is a challenge we all should face. For us to excel we must allow our weaknesses to become the platform of God's gracious, undeserved blessing and keep us from the poison of self-idolatry that made the most beautiful of angels, Lucifer, become the devil.
Let people misinterpret us and defame us. The fruit of God's grace through our lives and the success it produces will speak for itself of the glory of God's grace (Eph. 1:4-6).
NKJV Bible Text
2 Corinthians 11:16-12:13
16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. 17 What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.
| Reluctant Boasting v. 16 A Fool – Paul stated in v. 1 that it was folly to be put into a position of having to validate himself before the Corinthians. After referring primarily to the faults of the false teachers, he now returns to his primary purpose in presenting his qualifications for having authority from God to minister to them. v. 17 Not According To The Lord – Paul was not denying divine inspiration here. He was stating that the situation at Corinth that required he present his claims as a legitimate apostle were not the methods God uses to validate those He has ordained to ministry. But it was necessary in the eyes of the Corinthians. Paul's love for these believers and his deep concern for their spiritually precarious situation compelled him to do this in order to bring them back to sound doctrine and to Christ (v. 1-4). | v. 18 Boast According To The Flesh – This referred to natural rather than spiritual qualifications. Fools Gladly – The boasting that Paul already described as "foolish" was something they had accepted from the false apostles as an esteemed quality. Yourselves Are Wise – Paul used the tool of sarcasm to expose the wrong perception in their approach to this situation. v. 20 You Put Up With – Paul graphically portrayed the illogical subjection to these religious tyrants. v. 21 Too Weak For That – Paul continued the use of sarcasm, saying that he was too "weak" to treat them as a religious tyrant. |
Suffering for Christ
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
| Suffering For Christ v. 22 Are They Hebrews – These false apostles were evidently Jewish and had used that as one of their qualifications to represent the Jewish Messiah, Jesus. The word Hebrew literally means "one from beyond," a term referring to Abraham, the first Jew, who came to Palestine from the foreign land of Ur of Chaldea. Are They Israelites – Israel, named Jacob at birth, was a grandson of Abraham, the first Jew. It was Israel's 12 sons who founded the 12 tribes of the Jewish nation. Seed Of Abraham – This was another way of identifying with the Jewish heritage. v. 23 I Am More – Paul put a twist on the issue of pride based on the flesh, or the natural realm. He turned to all that his natural body suffered as a proof of his qualifications. Labors More Abundant – Paul had earlier told them that by the grace of God he had done more than any other apostle to establish the first century church (1 Cor. 15:10). Above Measure – Paul referred to the whippings he had received--so numerous he had lost count. In Prisons – The book of Acts recorded one of these imprisonments prior to the writing of this letter (Acts. 16:23), indicating that Acts was only a brief sampling of all that went on during Paul's ministry. In Deaths – Paul was often exposed to the threat of death. He also suffered beatings that brought him to the brink of death. Furthermore, he died to his own self interests time and time again (1 Cor. 15:31). v. 24 Forty Stripes Minus One – The Old Testament laws limited punishment by whipping to 39 lashes. v. 25 Beaten With Rods – The Romans used this form of punishment. The rods were flexible sticks tied together. (See Acts 16:22-23 for an example.) | Stoned – This referred to what happened at Lystra, as recorded in Acts 14:19. v. 25 Suffered Shipwreck – Acts 13-20 recorded several accounts of Paul traveling by sea, any of which may be referred to here. The only recorded shipwreck in Acts occurred years after this letter was written (Acts 27). In The Deep – One of the shipwrecks Paul referred to had destroyed the ship so badly that he floated for several hours clinging onto part of the wreckage. v. 26 In Journeying – Paul gave a general listing of the broad range of difficulties that were a part of his constant travels. According to historians, Paul's trip to Pisidian from Perga was in an area where attacks on travelers were well known. And at flood season, rivers posed a serious threat to travelers. v. 27 Weariness And Toil – Paul continued to list things he went through to fulfill his apostolic calling and that were manifested through the sufferings of his "flesh." v. 28 Concern For All the Churches – Paul pointed out that the pressures on him to do all he could to serve the churches among the Gentiles had taken a great toll on him, not only emotionally but also physically. v. 29 Who Is Weak – Paul gave two examples of how his concern for the church members affected him. His empathy for weak and struggling believers was so strong it caused him to internally experience what they were going through. v. 29 Made To Stumble – When Paul saw believers fall spiritually because of the influence of false teachers or the forces of a fallen world, he was gripped with anguish and a godly anger. |
30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
| v. 30 If I Must Boast – A review of the chapter reveals that Paul could never fully bring himself to list all of his accomplishments, which could have been honored by man. Thus he concluded that if he boasted, it would only in how God's power had brought success in his weakness. v. 31 I Am Not Lying – Paul affirmed the truthfulness of the sufferings he had endured, as well as the power God had revealed through him in those sufferings. | v. 32 In Damascus – This event occurred soon after Paul's conversion (Acts 9:23-25). He saw it as a foretaste of what his life would be as he lived out the commission given to him by Jesus as the apostle to the Gentiles. |
2 Corinthians 12
The Vision of Paradise
1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
| Chapter 12 The Vision Of Paradise v. 1 Not Profitable – Paul had felt he was forced into a position that required he establish his credibility before these believers (11:1; 16-21). This produced inner conflict because he saw no value in boasting about spiritual accomplishments. However, he felt compelled by a deep concern for their spiritual well being to regain a ministry influence with them (11:1-15). Visions – This referred to the means whereby God reveals in a person's mind a scene that expresses something that God is or will do. Some examples of this in Paul's life are recorded in Acts 23:11; 9:12; 16:9-10; 18:9; 22:17- 18; 23:11; 27:23-24. Revelation Of The Lord – Revelation at its root means, "to uncover." Here it referred to the removal of darkness, the lack of understanding of God. This revelation was not sourced simply in the process of mental pursuit. It was the illumination of the soul and spirit concerning God by God Himself. v. 2 I Know A Man – Paul expressed his aversion to boasting by referring to himself in the third person. In Christ – This is a glorious way to refer to any believer. A believer is seen as living within the riches of all that Jesus Christ is. Fourteen Years Ago – It is generally held that 2 Corinthians was written in 58 A.D. Paul therefore referred to an event that occurred in 44 A.D. This seemed to coincide with Paul's experience in the temple when called by God to leave Jerusalem and go to minister to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17-21). In The Body – The vision Paul referred to here was so "real" that it appeared to have been a literal physical experience rather than only an experience of the inner being. God Knows – Paul admitted that only God knows the true character of mankind's experience in the realm of the Spirit. We are limited in this life to appreciate the full meaning of such experiences. Third Heaven – The scriptures refer to the first heaven as earth's atmosphere (Gen. 8:2; Deut. 11:11; 1 Kings 8:35). The second would be references to other planets and stars (Gen. 15:5; Ps. 8:3; Is. 13:10). The third heaven is seen as the place of God's manifested presence (1 Kings 8:30; 2 Chron. 30:27; Ps. 123:1). | v. 3 Know Such a Man – Paul referred to himself in the third person because of his struggle with this appearing as spiritual pride and boasting. v. 4 Paradise – "Paradise" is a term used to describe the place where believers go after physical death. Since the resurrection of Christ, this is a place in the presence of God, or the third heaven. Jesus referred to Paradise in Luke 23:43 as where he would be with the converted thief who had died alongside Him. In 1 Peter 3:18-20, we are told that at His death Jesus went to Sheol, the place of the departed dead. It seems from Luke 16:19-31 that this place had two parts: one part for those who died with faith in God and one for those who did not have faith in God. Those who died in faith did not enter the true presence of God until after Christ had atoned for sin on the cross. Therefore, in Ephesians 4:7-10, it refers to those who were on the "paradise" side of "Sheol" as ascending to heaven with Christ. Now Paradise is in heaven because by the atonement of Christ the believer goes directly to God's presence. That is why Paul could now say "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). Inexpressible Words – Paul saw things in heaven that human language would not be able to convey. Not Lawful – Paul knew that if he sought to describe what he saw it would create more problems than blessing for others. He knew that such information would generate endless speculations and cause many to glory in Paul because of his experience. v. 5 Yet Not Of Myself – Paul continued to try to restore his credibility without directing attention on himself. My Infirmities – Paul introduced what will become the next major issues of proof of his true ministry: his trials, weaknesses, and suffering. v. 6 Not Be A Fool – Paul stated here that for him to recount his many spiritual experiences would not be the actions of a fool because they were all true. Think Of Me Above – Paul did not want their view of him to be based on experiences with God that cannot really be tested for authenticity. Instead, he desired that he be judged by what they could readily observe in his daily life and ministry. |
The Thorn in the Flesh
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
| The Thorn In The Flesh v. 7 Exalted Above Measure – Paul explained to the people who questioned his calling and spirituality that the weaknesses they saw in him were, in fact, the direct result of having to counterbalance the many spiritual experiences he had had. He knew that God was using his various trials and weaknesses as a means to humility. Thorn In The Flesh – Paul did not state the specific source of pain, so it was futile to give too much thought to what it was. However, we will be greatly benefited if we understand the purpose for which God allows pain and suffering to accompany the life of his servants. Messenger Of Satan – The word "angellos" which means "messenger" in scripture appears 188 times. Of these, 180 are references to spirit beings. God used some force that originated in Satan's opposition of Paul in a secondary way for Paul's ultimate good. Just as God used Satan's attacks upon Job for Job's ultimate good, he also did so for Paul. We can see in this that God is able to use all things, even Satan's attacks on our flesh, for the ultimate good of His people. Buffet Me – This referred to being treated in a way that causes pain. It can be either physical pain or the pain of the inner man, including one's emotions, mental states, etc. | v. 8 Pleaded With The Lord – Paul prayed to Jesus three times just as Jesus had prayed in Gethsemane three times for the Father to remove from Him the cup of judgment for the sin of humanity (Mark 14:32-41). This truth is a balancing concept for those who say all prayer is to be answered. Prayer is only to be answered when it is in harmony with God's will. v. 9 My Grace Is Sufficient – God's grace is seen in the divine provisions He gives us apart from our personal merit. Paul declared that one of the main purposes of the believer is to become a living testimony of what God's grace can do in and through a person, even though he suffers from the results of living in a sin-cursed world. Power Of Christ – Paul experienced the power of God not because he was without fault or weakness, but just the opposite. Because he was weak, it provided a platform to reveal the power of God that more than compensated for those weaknesses. v. 10 Take Pleasure In Infirmities – Paul realized that enduring the severe troubles he went through would cause people to honor and glorify Christ as the source of his strength. It would be readily seen as a power that was obviously sourced in God, not Paul. Paul genuinely wanted people to see and glory in Christ rather than in him. I Am Weak – As long as Paul acknowledged his weakness, he lived in the corresponding strength of Christ that replaced that weakness. |
Signs of an Apostle
11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!
| Signs Of An Apostle v. 11 You Compelled Me – Paul saw no other way to reestablish his relationship with them. Commended By You – The facts regarding this situation were such that Paul believed he had more than enough proof that was lived out before them of his call to be an apostle. | v. 12 Signs Of An Apostle – Paul reminded them of the validating proofs that were given through the ministry of the Spirit through him. v. 13 Not Burdensome – The only thing that Paul saw that he did not do, but was common to an apostle, was to receive financial support from the Corinthians. |
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