The “super-apostles” have sought to undermine Paul’s authority by questioning his appearance, critiquing his speech, and scoffing at his sufferings, ultimately accusing Paul of being “all bark and no bite” – bold when away, but a wimp in person. Paul defends himself by speaking of his boldness in Christ that shapes his ministry through “meekness and gentleness”. He does not want the…
Paul concludes his appeal to the Corinthians to complete their “Jerusalem Offering” by seeking to motivate them to “sow generously” in order that they might be “cheerful givers” who reflect the abundant giving of God. Paul’s practical principles on how and why to give are timeless, and helpful in nurturing a generous and joyful heart. Join us for our “After the Through…
The Apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthian church to follow up on its good intentions (yet poor execution) in regard to the “Jerusalem Collection”. In order to persuade the Corinthians, Paul does not use the language of the marketplace – speaking of dollars, cents, etc. – but instead uses the language of grace, pointing to God’s extravagant grace revealed in Christ: “For you…
After an extraordinarily long digression, Paul returns to his story about his panicked search for Titus, speaking openly of the unrest and worry that accompanied it. He then describes how overjoyed he is that the Corinthians had experienced “godly sorrow” rather than “worldly sorrow” and thus had been motivated to redemptive actions rather than wallow in their self-pity. Join us for our…
After five chapters defending his apostolic legitimacy, Paul concludes by listing all the tragedies and triumphs of his ministry and pleading for the Corinthians to open their hearts wide to him – to return his love and commitment with their love and commitment. This is a beautiful passage with much to teach us about encouragement, integrity, love, and purity. Join us for…
In this section of Paul’s letter, he communicates his new way of seeing by faith – through the loving eyes of God – and how it impacts his view of himself, others, and the world, and also how it motivates his ministry. As “ambassadors for God” we are called to selflessly and faithfully communicate and live God’s message of reconciliation. By God’s…
For those obsessed with external manifestations of power and glory, Paul demonstrates how the Gospel is communicated in and through our weaknesses, frailties, flaws, and cracks. God hides the “treasure” of the Gospel in common, ordinary, fragile “clay jars”. With this awareness, Paul encourages the Corinthians by speaking of the extraordinary power of God revealed in very ordinary people. Join us for…
Wednesday’s Through the Bible Study is now live and streaming. The passage we are studying includes my favorite verse in Scripture: “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit”…
Wednesday’s “Through the Bible” Study is now online and streaming. Grateful that his “Letter of Tears” was positively received by the Corinthian community and the trouble-maker had been disciplined, Paul now encourages the Corinthians to forgive the trouble-maker and welcome him back, so that he’s not “overwhelmed with sorrow”. He then defends his apostolic authority by speaking of his integrity, and calling…