Reading: II Corinthians 9-13
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth(II Cor. 10:12-18).
Paul had worked hard to provide the church at Corinth with the best start possible. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them (Acts 18:8-11). Even after he left the area, he stayed in contact through letters, offering encouragement, advice, and support, as well as necessary Godly chastisement. Yet now Paul’s authority was being challenged. Everything from his methods and ideology to his moral character was being questioned. He was accused of exceeding his authority and using his letters as a ‘bully pulpit’ to say things he was too weak and cowardly to speak in person (II Cor. 10:1,10).
Paul did not let these accusations pass without rebuttal, although he did not enjoy defending himself. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing (12:11). Paul was not concerned with how others thought of him personally, but he refused to allow his witness to be destroyed. Yet when Paul fought back, he did so in a way his opponent didn’t expect.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (10:3-4). He didn’t meet accusation with accusation; he wasted no time trying to prove that he was a ‘better’ person than his accuser. In fact, the only challenge he lay down was for them to look within themselves and to ascertain by whose authority they were launching their attack. Paul then drew upon the authority of God and laid it all on the line. God’s good opinion was the only one that mattered, and as long as he had that, he would not be silenced.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you (Phil. 4:8-9).
Thought for Today: We must remember that we stand equal with those with whom we share His Word; the only difference is that they have yet to find His path.
Cross Reference: For II Cor. 9:9: See Ps. 112:9. II Cor. 10:17: See Jer. 9:24. II Cor. 13:1: See Deut. 19:15.
Word Studies: 9:2 forwardness = readiness; 9:5 bounty = gift; 9:7 of necessity = under compulsion; 9:13 experiment = experience, proof, evidence; 10:13 without = beyond; 11:2 espoused = betrothed, engaged; 11:3 beguiled = deceived, seduced; simplicity = sincere faithfulness; 11:5 a whit behind = at all inferior to; 11:6 rude in speech = unskilled as an orator; 12:7 buffet = discipline; 12:17 make a gain of you = take advantage of or exploit you; 12:20 swellings = pride; self-assertion; 12:21 lasciviousness = lustfulness; 13:6 reprobates = rejected, not genuine Christians.
Pray For Staff:Ryan McCrary • Government Officials: Gov. Kristi Noem (SD) • Country: Jordan (7,930,491) Southwestern Asia • Major Languages: Arabic, English • Conversion from Islam is not permitted • 92% Sunni Muslim (Official); 6% Christian; 2% Other (Shia Muslim, Druze) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to make you willing to go wherever He wants to send you (Is. 6:8).