2 Corinthians - Introduction

All of us, at one time or another, find ourselves defending our actions (or lack of actions). This is the occasion that resulted in Paul writing his second letter to the Corinthians.

As you may recall, the First Epistle was written, about a year earlier, to reprove the irregularities which existed in the church at Corinth. Paul did this with great fidelity.

Barnes, in his commentary, tells us..."Paul had not only answered the questions presented to him, but had gone with great particularity into an examination of the serious failures of which he had learned by some members of the church. A large part of the Epistle, therefore, was the language of severe reproof. Paul felt its necessity".

Later, according to Barnes..."Paul met with Titus in Macedonia, and learned that his First Epistle had accomplished all which he had desired. The act of discipline which he had directed had been performed; the abuses had been in a great measure corrected, and the Corinthians had been brought to a state of true repentance. Paul was greatly comforted by this news".

Barnes continues..."In this state of mind, Paul had planned a second visit but he had not done it yet, and his enemies had taken occasion from this to say that he was inconstant and fickle-minded. He, therefore, takes occasion to vindicate himself, and to convince them that he was not faithless to his word and purposes, and to show them the true reason why he had not visited them. He states, therefore, that his real intentions had been to visit them; that his failure to do so had not proceeded from either levity or falsehood; as they might have known from the uniform doctrine which he had taught them, in which he had inculcated the necessity of a strict adherence to promises, from the veracity of Jesus Christ his great example. He states, therefore, that the true reason why he had not come to them was, that he wished to spare them; he was willing to remain away from them until they should have time to correct the evils which existed in their church, and prevent the necessity of severe discipline when he should come".

As I think about the great pains Paul took to "correct the record" I'm reminded of the seriousness of our words. When we represent Christ, the perceived falseness of our words (or, actions) reflect negatively upon Christ Himself. We should always be prepared...and eager...to correct misunderstandings. As we prepare to look at Paul's response to the Corinthians let's learn from Paul...how he chooses to vindicate himself...so we are prepared when the time comes when we may be required to do the same thing.

Live boldly out there...