2 CORINTHIANS Papeete . Paul had organized the Corinthian church during his second missionary trip (Acts 18:1-18). 2. During his third missionary trip he visits the church (2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1). 3. He sends Titus to Corinth to organize a special love offering for the poverty-stricken saints in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8:6, 10). Titus does this and returns to Paul. 4. He writes a letter (now lost) to the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 5:9). We must keep in mind that God did not choose to inspire all of the many letters written by Paul and the early church leaders, but only those which are found in the New Testament. 5. After a while, Paul writes another letter. This letter is the 1 Corinthians of the New Testament. There were two basic reasons why he wrote this epistle. a. To rebuke the church. Paul had heard about some tragic church factions from the household of Chloe, living there in Corinth (1 Cor. 1;11). b. To instruct the church. Paul was visited while in Ephesus by a three-man delegation from Corinth, who handed him a list of questions the church had for him (1 Cor. 16:17; 7:1; 8:1; 12:1). 6. He then sends Timothy to Corinth with this New Tes- tament epistle (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10, 11). 7. Timothy returns to Paul in Ephesus. This young preacher was apparently unable to straighten things out in Corinth (2 Cor. 1:1). 8. Paul desires to visit the church himself at this time, but is unable to (2 Cor. 1:15-17). 9. He soon hears that his work there is being undermined by some legalistic Judaizers who had just arrived from Jerusalem (2 Cor. 3:1; 10:12-18; 11:22, 23). 10. He now sends Titus back to Corinth with orders to straighten things out and meet him in Troas (2 Cor. 2:12, 13; 7:6, 7). 11. Paul comes to Troas, but does not find Titus. After a restless period, he departs to Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:12, 13). 12. Here he meets Titus, who gives him a favorable report concerning the work at Corinth. 13. With great relief Paul writes 2 Corinthians (2 Cor, 7:5-15). 14. Paul is finally able to visit Corinth at a later date for a period of three months. Here he writes the epistle of Romans (Acts 20:3; Rom. 15:22-29; Rom. 16:1, 23).~ 2 CORINTHIANS ~ 1. Consolation (1:1-7). ‘A. The source of consolation and comfort “The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Fax wer of mercies and the God of all comfort” a f all comfort These two words “comfort” and “consolation” (both from the same Greek word) are loud re times in the first seven verses. Paul begins this epistle (1:3) and ends it (13:11) with the word comfort. Each member of the blessed Tri foetal the blessed Trinity is a 1 The Father (2 Cor. 13 a, 4019), re Son (Jn. 14:1; Isa. 61:2; 2 Thess. 2:16). 3. The Holy Spicit Un. 1416, 26; 1836, to) The word for “comfort” comes. from two Greek words, para (alongside) and kaleo (to call Thus, to comfort a person is to answer his call and walk alongside him to cheer him, guide him, and, on occasion, to defend him. The Greek word was often used in a court of justice to denote a legal counsel for the defense, one who would plead another's cause. (See 1 Jn. 2:1.) Further- ‘more, it may be stated that God is the only source of real comfort. The prophetical prayer of Jesus on the cross as given in the Psalms (69:20) per- fectly describes all human beings: “Reproach hath broken my heart; and | am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for com- forters, but I found none.” B. The need for consolation and comfort: Our trouble, which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life” (1:8) There are two types of people which need no comfort: the unborn and the dead (see Isa. 40:1, 2). CH, Spurgeon said that the preacher who prepared his sermons for heartbroken people would never lack for an audience! C. The purpose for consolation and comfort: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the Sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our con- solation also aboundeth by Christ” (1:4, 5). There is a vast difference between sympathy and empathy The first can only say, “Vm sorry for what you're going through,” but the second may State, “I_know. exactly what you're going through.” Thus, because our Lord Jesus suffered all things, he 18 able to offer all comfort. (See Heb, 2:14-18; 4-14-16.) The Savior not only com- forts us, but suffers with us (Acts 9:4). The spit tual rule therefore in this: The more one suffers for Christ, the more comfort he receives from Christ, and the more ability he has to comfort other suffering people. Thus, he who has suf- fered much speaks many languages M, Explanation (1:8—2 13) ‘A. Concerning his travail in Asia (1:8-14), Paul writes “We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life" "(18). Just what he suffered here is not known. Some have connected this epistle with the account in Acts 19:23-41, but it would seem Paul himself did not suffer at that time. (See 1 Cor. 15:32 for a possible clue.) At any rate, it was so severe that he resigned himself to dying at that time, “But we had the sentence of death in our- selves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead” (1:9). Paul's faith here was like that of Isaac and Abraham in the Old Testament. (See Gen. 22:1-18; Heb. 11:17-19.) Note his testimony concerning God's threefold deliverance. 1. “Who delivered us.” This speaks of justifica- tion. 2, "Who doth deliver.” This speaks of sanctifi- cation 3. “Who will yet deliver.” This speaks of glori- fication B. Concerning his trip to Macedonia (1:15-24; 2:1, 12, 13). 1. What he meant to do: “J intended at first to come to you, that ‘you might twice receive a blessing; that is, to pass your way into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be helped on my journey to Judea” (1:15, 16, NASB). 2. Why he did not do this: “But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heavi- ness” (2:1). (See also 1:23.) Paul realized he would be running into a hornet’s nest if he visited them at this time, and thus felt led to come at a later date. 3. Where he finally did go: “When I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, be- cause I found not Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia” (2:12, 13). C. Concerning his tears in Ephesus (2:2-11), “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart | wrote unto you with many tears” (2:4). Here Paul apparently refers to the epistle of 1 Corinthians, 1. He had wept over the fact that the church had once refused to rebuke the unrepentant man in 1 Corinthians 5. 2. He now wept over the fact that the church refused to restore the repentant man. “Ye ought rather to forgive him and com- fort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” @7) ‘This restoration was to be forthcoming im- mediately: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” Qu), II Demonstration (of the Nature of the Ministry) (2:14-6:18). ‘A. Itis a triumphant one (2:14-16). “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and makethmanifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2:14). God has thus assured us of victory—total vic- tory: 1. Regardless of when the problems anise (al- ways) 2. Regardless of where the problems arise (ev- ery place) To illustrate this promise, Paul likens the min- istry to a victorious Roman parade during which the successful general (in this case, Jesus) would lead both conguerors (the saved) and carlves (the unsaved) to their respective destinies From the marching parade there would ascend a sweet fragrance, caused by the burning of in- cense. Thus: “To the one [captives] we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other (conquer- ors] the savour of life unto life” (2:16). In the Old Testament, Joseph’s presence was death for the baker (Gen. 40:16-19, 22) but life for the butler (Gen. 40:9, 13, 21). Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus’ pres- ence meant death for the unrepentant thief (Lk. 23:39), but life for the repentant thief (Lk. 23:40-43), B. It is a sincere one. “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincenty” (2:17). (See also 2 Pet. 3:14-16.) The word “corrupt” means to peddle, or to huckster the Word of God. All false prophets are guilty of this hornible sin. (See Acts 8:18-23,) C. Itis an approved one (by God humsell) “Do we ... need... . or some others, epistles - of letters of commendation” (3:1-3). The legalistic Judaizing teachers who plagued Paul's work carned formal and impressive letters of introduction from Jerusalem. Pnor to his con- version, the apostle had done this also (Acts 9:2). But now all that had changed. Paul's letters were: 1. Personal (""Ye are our epistle”). 2. Permanent (“wnitten in our hearts”) 3. Public (“known and read of all men”) D. Itas a dependent one (3:4, 5) “Not that we are sufficient [qualified] of our- selves... but our sufficiency 1s of God” (3:5; see also Phil. 4:13), E. Its a supenor one (3:6-18) 1. Its program 1s superior. Here Paul refers back to Exodus 34:29-35, when Moses came down from Mt. Sinat after receiving, the Ten Com mandments. On that occasion his face had so radiated God's glory that he wore a veil, lest he fngnten the waiting Israchtes below. But an 2 Connthians 3.13 Faul explains that the real reason for the veil was to prevent Israel from viewing the glory which soon faded away But Gaat's new program is superior to thal of Mones, for its glory. as given by Chr wall never fade ‘ away (See abo Mt 26 Rauieaeen y Io Mt 26.28 Vou the Teter [Od Testamen Bram) bullet but the sj vow The Hit [New Test © prowram| giveth lite (3.6) L Iras.a confdeat one (51-9) 2. Its power 1s superior. "Now the Lord 1 that spant; ar the spun of the Lord 1s, there Wea (17) 3. Its purpose 15 superior. God's new mine in Chnist has a twofold purpose 7 a. Concerning Israel—to remove the ve of unbelief from their eyes (2:16) b Concerning the church—to. transform Christians into the very image of Crna G15) ery” F. It is an open one (41-4) 1. An open walk—"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walang a craftiness.”” 2. An open talk—"Nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (4:2). This openness is vital, for sinners are already blinded by Satan and should not suffer acd tional harm by the lives of deceitful Christans G. It is a Chnst-honoring one (45-7). Paul's mes sage highlighted three points. 1. Who Chnst 1s—he is the Lord. 2. What Christ has done. “For God, who commanded the light shine out of darkness [a reference to cre- ation], hath shined in our hearts [a refer- ence to redemption], to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God” (4.6) 3. Why Christ chose to use Paul “But we have this treasure in earthen ver sels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (4:7). H. It is a suffenng one (48-18). 1. The nature of this suffenng: ‘a. troubled on every side b. perplexed . persecuted d. struck down fe. penshing outer man 2. The victory through this suffenng troubled, yet not distressed perplexed, but not in despair persecuted, but not forsaken struck down, but not destroyed renewed inner man 13. The results from this suffenng. Immedute blessings: a The privilege of beanng the marks of Christ (4:10, 11; see also Rom. 8:36; 1 Cor 15.31; Gal 0:17; Col. 1:24) b. The prilege of sharing the glory of God (1s) Future blessings ¢ resurrection (414) G rewards (4.17, 18, see also Mk 1028-3) eoge 1 That God wall give to us (an the future) ~ dan house not made with hands, eternal 19 the heavens” (5.0) . 2. That God has given to us (at the present 7 fally, the seal or pledge] the earnest [liter he Spit” (53) the Spit” (59) FOr Note Paul's supreme confidence 3s these facts. “Therefore we are atoays con~2 CORINTHIANS ~ (5:6), The word “always” appears many times in Paul's wntings. concerning prayer (Rom, 1:9) concerning praise (1 Cor. 1:4) concerning work (1 Cor. 15:58) concerning obedience (Phil. 2:12) JW ig a compelling one (510-17), Thee were at least four compelling factors which prom Paul to work day andnightin the sung 1. The judgment of the saints ($:10). Note: The plan—we must The parties—all The presence—appear The place—before the judgment seat of Christ €. The purpose—that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad Note: Here the word “bad” should be rendered “worthless.” (Compare with 1 Cor. 3:12.) 2. The need of sinners (5:14), “Because we thus judge, for all, then were all dea Paul thus desired that his converts would be able to give a good accounting to Christ on that day. 3. The “terror of the Lord” (5:11). Here Paul refers to that reverential fear and respect which should charactenze every believer. Paul's fear was that he might displease his glorious Master. pooe at if one died TRIUMPHANT (2:14-16) SINCERE (2:17) APPROVED (3:1, 2) DEPENDENT (3:4, 5) Characteristics ofthe Gospel Ministry 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14—6:18 4. The love of Christ (5:14). “For the love of Christ constaineth 8" 1e power of the gospel (S 5 TMS Trerefore it any man be in Chis, he is anew creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new: This glorious gospel therefore assures us Pe muah live throagh Chit (149 b. We mught live with Christ (1 Thess. 5:10). cc. We might live for Christ (2 Cor. 5:15). K. It is a representative one (5:18-21). . “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ. 1. An ambassador must be a aitizen of the state he represents (Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1, 2) 2. He is chosen (Jn. 15:16). 3. He is called home before war is declared (1 Thess, 1:10; 5:1-10). L It is a blameless one (6:1-8). “Giving no offence in anything, that the min~ istry be not blamed: But in all things approv- ing ourselves as the ministers of God” (6:3, 4). ‘The Bible has suffered much at the hands of 1ts friends M. It is a paradoxical one (6:9, 10). A paradox is an apparent (but not real) contradiction. The Bible lists a number of paradoxes. Note: 1. To find one’s life, yet to eventually lose it Gin. 12:25), 2. Of losing one’s life, yet to eventually find it. 3. Of being unknown, yet to be well known. @ Cor. 69). 4. OF dying, yet to possess life (2 Cor. 6:9). CHRIST-HONORING (4:5-7) SUFFERING (4:10, 14, 15, 17, 18) CONFIDENT (5:1-9) COMPELLING (5:10-17) REPRESENTATIVE (5:18-20) BLAMELESS ¢6:1-8) 10) SEPARATED (6:11-18) Bo~ WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE ~ 5. Of being sorrowful, yet always rejoicing (@ Cor. 6:10) 6. Of dying, yet able to give life On. 12:24). 7. Of being poor, yet making many rich (2 Cor. 6:10) 8. Of having nothing, yet possessing all things (2 Cor. 6:10). 9. Of hearing words that cannot be expressed (2 Cor. 12:4), 10. Of being strong when one is weak (2 Cor. 12:10) 11, OF knowing the love of Christ which sur- passes knowledge (Eph. 3:19) 12. Of seeing the unseen (2 Cor. 4:18). N. It may be concluded that the very life and minis- try of our blessed Savior was itself a divine para- dox. 1. He hungered, yet fed multitudes (Mt. 4:2; Jn. 9). 2. He thirsted, yet is the water of life (in. 19:28; 4:14) 3. He wearied, yet is our rest (Jn. 4:6; Mt. 11:29, 30). 4. He paid tribute, yet is the King of kings (Mt. 17:27; Rev. 19:16) 5. He prayed, yet hears our prayers (Mk. 14:32-42; Jn, 14:13, 14), 6. He wept, yet dries our tears (Jn. 11:35; Rev. 21:4) 7. He was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet redeems the world (Mt, 26:15; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19). 8, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and yet is the Good Shepherd (Isa. 53:7; Jn. . Ioan. 9. He was put to death, yet raises the dead (in. 19:33). ©. It is a separated one (6:11-18). 1. The nature of this separation. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (6:14). This separation would no doubt cover such human ties as: a. marriage b. certain business partnerships ¢ unsound ecclesiastical organizations 2. The logic of this separation. “What fellow- ship hath ...”? ‘a. righteousness with lawlessness b. light with darkness c, Christ with Belial d. believers with unbelievers e. the temple of God with idols 3. The rewards of this separation (6:17, 18). “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daugh- ters, saith the Lord Almighty.” W. Gratitude (7). ‘A. Paul’ gratitude to God upon seeing Titus (7:1-6). For. when we were come into Macedonia, ‘our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that cor oe te Mretglon Go he store wa raceming of Tins” "aul’s gratification to God upon hearing Ti G7-16) Titus reported he had Been wel ceived by the Corinthian church and that Paul previous letter had produced the desired twin goals of remorse and repentance over their var- fous sins. One such sin was the case of a man living in sexual sin with his stepmother (1 Cor 5). Paul exclaims: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to sal- vation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (7:10) V. Solicitation (8, 9). A. The examples of giving: 1. The Macedonians (8:1-5). a. They gave by surrendering themselves to the Lord. “But first gave their own selves, to the Lord” (85). b. They gave by submitting themselves to the apostle. ”.. . and unto us by the will of God” (8:5). ¢. They gave by sharing their resources with the needy saints. “The fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (6:4). 2. The Son: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (83). Thus, our Lord became what he was not (poor), that we might become what we were not (rich), The sinless Son of God became the Son of man that sinful sons of men might become the sons of God. 3. The Father: “Thanks be unto God for his un- speakable gift” (9:15). B. The spirit of giving: “For if there be first a willing mind, itis ac- cepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (8:12). “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; rot grudgingly, of of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” 7). C. The grace of giving: “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also” (8:7). Jesus’ words to the rich young ruler would ap- ply here (Mk. 10221). D. The results of giving: 1, The facts. a. Giving will bring blessing to the needy. “For the administration of this service _ supplieth the want of the saints” (9:12) b. Giving will bring blessing to the giver- (1) He will be provided for by the Lord: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you: that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to ev- ery good work” (93).~2 CORINTHIANS ~ “Now he that ministere tothe sower both minister bresd oF your food, and multiply yo seed sown, and incrense the fruits of your righteousness being enriched in every thing to all bountiulnes, which causeth rough us thanksgivis " Gaon, NNSNB God (2) He will be prayed for by the needy. “While they also, by prayer on your behalf, yeam for you be- cause of the surpassing grace of God in you" (0:18, ASV). ©. Giving will bring blessing to God. “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry they will glorify God” (9:12, 13, NASB). 2. The proof. a. Proof from the world of God: “But this I say, He which soweth spar- ingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully” (9:6). (See also Prov. 22:9; Gal. 67, 9). . Proof from the Word of God: “As itis written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack” (6:15; see also Ex. 16:18). “As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever” (94 see also Ps, 1129) science and causing him to conclude his “superior morality” is sufficient, apart from Chast's righteousness b. Sometimes Christian leaders fall victim to this snare also by comparing their own ministry to that of another believer's ‘work. This can lead to envy (if his work is bigger than mine) or pride (ifthe oppo site is true). But Paul carefully avoided this trap. Note his words: “But he that gloneth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (10:17, 18). 3. He did not build upon other men’s founda- tions (10:13-16). The apostle asked, “Do ye Took on things after the outward appear- ance?” (107). ‘Apparently they had, for his enemies claimed that “his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible” (10:10). Paul answered this by saying: “But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge” (11:6). Gee also 1 Cor. 2:1-4.) ‘A difficulty is seen here, for another pas- sage seems to suggest that Paul was an elo- quent and powerful speaker. (See Acts 149-18) At any rate, Paul did not glory in whatever physical qualities he may have pos- sessed, In this he was supported by both Old and New Testament teachings. a. 1 Samuel 16:6, 7: “And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is be- fore him. But the Lord said unto Sam- uel, Look not on his countenance, or con the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on. the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” b. John 7:24: “Judge not according to the appear- ance, but judge righteous judgment.” VL. Vindication (10:13). Paul pens these final chapters to defend his apostleship. Both his good name and min- istry were being undermined by some jealous Judaiz~ ers who had probably come to Corinth from Jerusalem to stir up trouble. In his able defense he demonstrates that 'A. His methods were superior to those of his accus- ers. 1. He did not use carnal and fleshly weapons of war in fighting Satan (103-5). “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (10:4). Ih defeating Satan one cannot fight fire with fire. He must use blood (see Rev. 12:11). 2. He did not employ a fake system of mea- surement (10:12, 17, 18). “For we dare not . . . compare ourselves with some that commend themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (10:12). {All too often both saved and unsaved peo- ple are guilty of this false measurement sys- tem ‘The unsaved man can usually find some poor miserable wretch who is worse than he is, thus relieving his own uneasy con- B. His motives were superior to those of his accus- 1. His jealousy over the church (11:1, 2). “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for | have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ’ (11:2). (See also Col. 1:28) [At this point let us distinguish between jealousy and envy. a. Jealousy. “The desire to possess one's ‘own things.” Contrary to popular opin- ion, this is a good and natural trait, if kept in proper bounds. b. Envy: “The desire to possess the things of another.” This is always wrong. 2. His fear for the church (11:3-6). “But I fear, lest by any means, as the ser- pent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 50 your minds should be corrupted from thesimplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus whom we have not preached or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or an- other gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (113, 4). (Gee also Mt. 24:4, 5; Eph. 4:14; Gal 16-8.) 3. His unselfish service to the church “Have | committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because | have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, T was chargeable to no mani for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from’ Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will keep myself” (2 Cor. 11:7-9), (Gee also Phil. 4:15, 16), 4. His warning to the church, Paul was the Corinthian believers about the real nature of his enemies. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves. into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an an- gel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Cor. 11:13-15) Paul then lists (11:20) at least five crimes ‘committed by these false ministers upon true believers: They made slaves of them. They devoured them They took advantage of them. They exalted themselves at the expense of others. e. They (spiritually) struck them on the face 5. His sufferings for the church. “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in per- ils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness, beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches Who is weak, and 1am not weak? who is offended, and 1 burn not? If 1 must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities, The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which Bose is blessed forevermore, knoweth that | ie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desitous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands” (2 Cor. 11:24-33) (Note the many other references to Paul's sufferings in this letter. See 1:3-11; 48-11; 6:4, 8-10; 7:5; 127-10.) C. His miracles were superior to that of his accusers, 1. His supernatural sight (32:1-6). “T knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth) how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Cor, 12:2-4) Note: We cannot even speculate upon what Paul actually witnessed on this occa- sion. At a later date John the apostle appar- ently viewed a similar sight. (See Rev. 10:4) Some believe Paul actually died during his stoning at Lystra (Acts 14:19) and that during this time he experienced the vision here in 2 Corinthians 12, prior to being raised again from the dead by God. 2. His supernatural strength (12:7-10). “And lest I should be exalted above mea- sure through the abundance of the revela- tions, there was given to me a thorn in the fiesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above mea- sure, For this thing | 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. There- fore I take pleasure in infirmities, in re- proaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Cor 12:7-10). Note: This passage marks the fifth refer- ence to Satan by Paul in 2 Corinthians. From these verses we learn: a. His title: the god of this world (4:4). b. His tactics: (1) To take advantage of believers Qa). (2) To inflict suffering upon believers (12:7), See especially Job 1 and 2. (3) To blind unbelievers (4:4) ¢. His treachery: disguising himself as an angel of light (11:14) d. His trustees: false ministers (11:15)- What was the nature of this thom in the flesh? There are various views. The main theory is that he suffered from chronic oph-~2 CORINTHIANS ~ thalmia, a disease of the eyes, not extremely painful, but at times repulsive. It came upon Paul fourteen years prior to his writing this epistle, which was about the time of his en. trance into Galatia. This was occasioned by some sort of physical infirmity. (See also Gal. 4:13-15; 6:11.) It should also be remembered that he was blinded for awhile at his conversion (Acts 9:9). Satan thus may have exploited a natural infirmity. 3. His supernatural signs: “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (12:12). D. His mission was superior to that of his accusers. Paul was planning to make his third visit to them. “This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall ev- ery word be established” (13:1). (See also Deut. 19:15.) His proposed mission was based upon two prin- ples: . He was a devoted parent. 1 He echold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burden- some to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children” (2:18) They were disobedient children. a ncrorl fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swell- ings, tumults” (12:20). E. His Messiah was superior to that of his accusers. Their master was either Satan (11:13-15) or self (10:12). But not Paul's. “Since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For indeed he was crucified because of weakness, yet he lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in him, yet we shall live with him because of the power of God directed toward you” (13:3, 4, NASB).