Paul’s Concern For The Corinthians
April 30, 2021
Commentary
Apparently, the false teachers in Corinth were suggesting that Paul’s unwillingness to accept support from the church was simply a coverup. They thought that he really had a love for money, and the offering he claimed to be taking for the suffering saints in Jerusalem was only going to be used to fill his own pockets. Also, his reason for sending Titus ahead was to insure financial gain for himself. Paul wanted to set the record straight. In fact, he found it very disappointing that they charged him and his associates with underhanded self-gratification. He attempts to prove that his motive is right for the sake of the gospel and not to satisfy his own ego, in the following two ways:
1. His previous behavior (vv. 13-16). When he had visited them before he had refused to be a burden to them and had supported himself with his own hands and through the love gifts from other churches. He had never begged for himself, only for others.
2. The behavior of his associates (vv. 17-18). None of his associates that came to help them tried to exploit or take advantage of them. Titus simply walked in Paul’s steps and was motivated by love for them and not personal gain. We must form our opinion of men less from their achievements and failures and more from their sufferings.”
Application
When I am falsely accused, I should not think only about saving my own reputation, but I should be more concerned about what people will think about Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:11– 18 (NET)
11 I have become a fool. You yourselves forced me to do it, for I should have been commended by you. For I lack nothing in comparison to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds. 13 For how were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this injustice! 14 Look, for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you, because I do not want your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 Now I will most gladly spend and be spent for your lives! If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But be that as it may, I have not burdened you. Yet because I was a crafty person, I took you in by deceit! 17 I have not taken advantage of you through anyone I have sent to you, have I? 18 I urged Titus to visit you and I sent our brother along with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit? Did we not behave in the same way?