II CORINTHIANS 2:1-17             FEBRUARY 17 / FEBRUARY 24, 2013

 

REVISITING THE CASE OF DISCIPLINE MENTIONED IN THE FIRST LETTER

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  In our last lesson we observed Paul answering charges of inconsistency and lightness that were leveled against him by some at Corinth because of alterations in his plans to visit Corinth. (Ch. 1:15-17)

2.  His sudden transition from defending his veracity as a man, to asserting his consistency as a preacher, shows that his enemies had applied the former charge to his doctrine.

3.  These charges he refuted soundly by reminding them that his doctrine was that of Christ with whom there is no yea and nay, only yea. Christ, the Son of God, whom he preached is the yea and the amen of all divine truth. Plus, through Paul’s ministry God had worked in them His grace, and sealed it by the Holy Spirit. (Verses 18-22)

4.  Having set the record straight, he gave the real reason why he had not come to them in keeping with the original plan. It was to spare them. He did not wish to appear among them as a judge, which would have been unavoidable, seeing what the state of affairs was at the time. (Verses 23, 24)

5.  As we now come to the beginning of Chapter 2, there is no change of subject. To what he had said before, he here adds that he had determined not again to visit Corinth under circumstances which could only give pain to them and to himself.

 

I.  TO HIS STATED CHANGE OF PLANS FOR GOING TO CORINTH, HE HERE ADDS SOME AMPLIFICA- TION. (VRS. 1-4) Paul had stated that the real reason why he had not come to Corinth at the time he had intended was that he would spare them. He wished not to come as a judge among them. There were many things amiss in the church, as the first letter testifies, but here it is implied that the matter of greatest grief and concerned was the case of incest. This situation was intolerable. For this reason, he did not come in person, but instructed them by letter what must be done and why. (I Cor. 5:1ff) They had apparently received his instructions, and acted upon them. This was well pleasing to Paul, and since their actions had had the desired effect on the guilty party, he will go on to instruct them in their duty to forgive and restore the brother.

 

A.  PAUL HAD DEFERRED HIS VISIT BECAUSE HE WOULD NOT COME IN HEAVINESS OF SPIRIT. (VERSE 1)

1.  This, Paul had determined with himself, that is, for his own sake. Thus he delicately intimates that in sparing them he was also sparing himself much pain.

2.  It is here implied that Paul had already made a visit to Corinth under painful circumstances. There is evidence that Paul had been twice to Corinth before this letter was written. (Ch. 12:14, 21; 13:1) Having gone once to correct abuses, he was anxious not to have a second painful interview, so he delayed the visit, and waited for Titus to return to report what effect the letter had.

 

B.  PAUL WISHED HIS NEXT VISIT TO BE ONE OF MUTUAL JOY AND REFRESHING. (VERSE 2)

1.  Paul realized that unless his visit should cause them joy, it would bring no reciprocal joy to himself.

2.  It is wonderful and precious how inspiration leaves in full play the characteristic peculiarities of the inspired writers. We learne through their writings, not only the mind of the Spirit, but also the personality of the writers. Paul’s refinement and courtesy are just as plainly revealed in his epistles, as his intellectual power and moral courage. In no other epistle of Paul is this more evident.

3.  Paul here asks, “How can I receive joy for one to whom I bring sorrow?”

4.  There were many Saints at Corinth who would have needed no reproof, and they were indeed Paul’s joy and crown, but if he came on a mission of judgment, where would be the rejoicing?

 

C.  THE PURPOSE OF THE FORMER LETTER WAS THAT HE MIGHT THEREBY ADDRESS THEIR SIN, RATHER THAN COMING IN PERSON. (VERSE 3)

1.  Safe to say, those who condemned his not coming, and used it to impugn his character and ministry, would not have been glad had he come.

2.  But also, as he reiterates again, he would have had sorrow from them of whom he ought to rejoice.

3.  Paul was satisfied that what made him happy would make his beloved brethren at Corinth happy too. “Having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.”

 

D.  HIS LETTER TO THEM FLOWED FROM A BROKEN HEART. (VERSE 4) His great grief here spoken of was apparently (as indicated by the context) over the case of incest in the church. He was deeply grieved over the fact of the sin, but also for the lack of action by the church respecting the matter.

1.  He was compelled to write and insist that they deal with the situation in a proper manner.

2.  In this, he would have them know, that it was out of love for them that he acted so aggressively.

3.  The preacher’s motive for reproving and rebuking God’s people must ever be love, just as the parent the child.

 

II.  REGARDING THE PERSON WHO HAD BEEN UNDER DISCIPLINE, HE NOW DIRECTS THEM TO RE- STORE HIM, AND GIVES THE REASONS WHY. (VRS 5-11) From what follows, we can conclude most happily that the ordered discipline of the person guilty of incest have had its desired effect, and therefore the church must be as aggressive in their forgiveness and reinstatement as they were in their censure of him. (See I Cor. 5:5)

 

A.  HE TELLS THEM OF THE GRIEF THAT THE MAN IN QUESTION HAD BEEN TO HIM. (VERSE 5)

 

1.  “But if any have caused grief, he hath grieved me, but in part.” This statement has been variously interpreted.

a)  That the man’s sin was only part of his grief. That his grief was also over some who did not mourn, but were  zpuffed up. (I Cor. 5:2)

b)  That the sin was a grief to him but in part because many of them were grieved also.

c)  That his grief was but in part because the church had followed his instruction, and the man had repented.

d)  That he was grieved but in part, because it was not the whole church that had grieved him.

2.  Of these interpretations, the last seems most likely, because of the next words that are added, “that I may not overcharge you all,” that is, that I may not load you all with the imputation, as if you were all involved in it.

 

B.  HE TELLS THEM THAT THE PUNISHMENT WHICH HAD BEEN INFLICTED UPON THE OFFENDER WAS SUFFICIENT. (VERSE 6)

 

1.  The church had been obedient to Paul’s directions.

2. The desired end was achieved, in that, the man had repented, and shown proof of it.

3. There was no more reason to continue the censure. There was now reason for rejoicing.

 

C.  HE DIRECTS THEM TO RESTORE THE MAN WITH ALL SPEED. (VERSES 7, 8)

 

1.  They were to forgive him. They could not remit the guilt (only God can so forgive sin), but it was their duty to remit the punishment. It appears that this they had not done.

2.  They were to comfort him. This meant to receive him again into full fellowship.

3. Otherwise, Paul feared the man might be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Paul clearly had intelligence that the man had experienced godly sorrow. This was good, but it is the Christian way to comfort the brokenhearted.

4. They were to now confirm their love to him.

a)  Paul beseeches them to see to this, lest the man be swallowed up by overmuch sorrow.

b)  The word “confirm” properly means to ratify with authority by some formal public act. The Apostle is apparently calling on them to reinstate this man into the Fellowship of the church by some formal act.

 

D.  HE PERSUADES THEM TO THIS DUTY BY SEVERAL WEIGHTY ARGUMENTS. (VERSES 9-11)

 

1.  For sake of the penitent person, as already considered. (Verse 7)

2.  For their own sakes, that they prove themselves obedient in all things. Just as they had obeyed the Apostle in deal- ing with the offender, now they must prove their obedience in restoring the penitent.

3.  Paul was ready to concur with them in the matter. “To whom you forgive, I forgive also.”

a)  This he would do for their sakes, out of love for them, and for their advantage.

b)  This he would do for Christ’s sake, or in Christ’s name, as an Apostle, and in conformity to His doctrine an  example.

 

4.  He adds another reason that is most weighty: “Lest Satan get an advantage against us.” (Verse 11)

a)  To indulge sin is on the one hand, to allow Satan an advantage.

b)  But, on the other hand, to have an unforgiving spirit, is to give advantage to the enemy.

c)  Satan has many devices (stratagems), and we must not allow ourselves to fall prey to any of them, for we are not ignorant of them.

 

III.  HE REPORTS TO THEM OF HIS TRAVELS AND LABORS IN THE GOSPEL, HIS SUCCESSES, AND ALSO SOME CONCERNS THAT HE HAD. (VERSES 12-17)

 

A.  HIS UNEASINESS IN NOT FINDING TITUS AT TROAS HAD CAUSED HIM TO GO FROM THERE TO MACEDONIA. (VERSES 12, 13)

 

1.  In execution of his plan to go from Ephesus through Macedonia to Corinth (I Cor. 16:5) Paul came to Troas.

2.  There, the Lord had opened to him an opportunity to labor successfully in the Gospel, yet he had no rest in spirit, because of concern for Titus. Titus was supposed to meet Paul at Troas and report to him of the state of things at Corinth, and especially the effect produced by his former letter.

3.  We can see how he considered this to be a turning point in the history of the church. If they submitted to his authority, and corrected the abuses which he addressed in the letter, then he would be greatly relieved, and hope- ful for their stability and progress. But, if they refused to regard his injunctions, then he could foresee their com- ing destruction.

 

B.  HE BLESSED GOD FOR THE SUCCESSFULNESS OF HIS LABORS EVERYWHERE. (VERSES 14-16)

 

1.  God caused Paul and his fellow-laborers in the Gospel to triumph in every place. (Verse 14) In spite of fierce opposition at every turn, God was making manifest the savour of his knowledge by them in all places where they went. That is, men were brought to a knowledge of God through the preaching of the Gospel. They were given a heart to know the Lord.

 

2.  However, the Gospel did not always have that same good effect on all who heard it. (Verse 16)

a)  In every place it brought some to a knowledge of God and salvation, but not all.

b)  Although to some the savour was that of life, to others it was the savour of death.

 

3.  But, in either case, the faithful preacher of the Gospel is a sweet savour to God. (Verse 15)

a)  The preacher’s job is to faithfully preach Christ. It is God Who must make it effectual. (I Cor. 3:6; Psa. 110:3)

b)  The faithful steward is pleasing to his master on the basis of faithfulness. (I Cor. 4:1, 2)

 

C.  HE PROFESSES HIS FAITHFULNESS TO THE WORD OF GOD AND HIS SINCERITY IN STRIVING TO PLEASE GOD. (VERSE 17)

 

1.  Though many did corrupt the Word of God, the Apostle’s conscience witnessed to his fidelity.

2.  It is not our business to add our notions to the doctrine of God. We must not either add to it, or diminish ought from it, but declare it as it is.

FEBRUARY 3, 2013     II CORINTHIANS 1:12-24

 

PAUL DEFENDS HIS INTEGRITY

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  We are aware from the concluding chapter of the first epistle that Paul’s intention and hope was to come and visit the church at Corinth. (I Cor. 16:5-7)

2.  It appears from our present passage that Paul’s original plan was to go directly from Ephesus to Corinth, and from there into Macedonia, and then back to Corinth, and from there to Jerusalem. (Verses 15, 16) But, he then decided that, God willing, he would go to Macedonia before going to Corinth. (I Cor. 16:5)

3.  So eager were the false teachers at Corinth to find reasons of complaint against him, that they made this change of plan a grievous offence, and a proof that he was not to be depended upon either as to his purpose or his doctrine.

4.  Thus, we have in these verses a vindication of himself and his fellow-laborers.  First, he will attest to the integrity of himself and his companions in ministering the Word. Their ministry was according to truth, and their lives were consistent with what they preached. Secondly, he vindicates himself against charges of undependability. Any changes in his travel plans were not due to levity, or inconsistency on his part, but rather to the will and providence of God.

 

I.  HE ATTESTS TO HIS AND HIS FELLOW-LABORERS’ COMPLETE SINCERITY AND INTEGRITY IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL. (VERSES 12-14)

 

A.  THEIR INTEGRITY WAS ATTESTED TO BY THE SINCERITY OF THEIR CONVERSATION (BEHAVIOR). (VERSE 12)

 

1.  This he does in a most humble manner, not by way of boasting, but as appreciative for the help of their prayers. (Verse 11; Heb. 13:18)

2.  This they had done by God’s grace. “Not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world.” (Verse 12b)

3.  It is essential for ministers of the Gospel to demonstrate in their daily walk of the sincerity of their ministry. For this they must have God’s grace; and for this they earnestly ask for the prayers of God’s people.

4.  The Apostle could heartily attest that they had walked honestly toward them that were without, and toward them. “We have had our (good) conversation in the world, and to you-ward.”

 

B.  HE APPEALS TO THE TESTIMONY OF CONSCIENCE. (VERSE 12) “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience…”

 

1.  It was a matter of rejoicing, for his conscience testified that his life was of a singular purpose, and with all sincerity he had kept to that purpose.

2.  Paul could say, “My joyful confidence consists in the consciousness of sincerity.” Paul was aware of his integrity, and his conscience, the guardian of his soul attested to the fact.

3.  His conscience bore witness that his was “godly sincerity,” as opposed to “fleshly wisdom.” Literally, “the sincerity of God,” as distinguished from mere natural sincerity as a moral virtue.

 

C.  HE APPEALS TO THE CORINTHIANS THEMSELVES FOR VERIFICATION, BASED ON WHAT THEY HAD OBSERVED. (VERSES 13, 14)

 

1.  The conduct of Paul and his companions fell, in part, under the observation of the Corinthians, and they knew how well these men had behaved themselves.

2.  In this, he could say “we are your rejoicing.” When the church is blessed with ministers who conduct themselves holily and justly and unblamably (I Thess. 2:10), it is reason for rejoicing.

3.  Likewise, the saints, in the same way give cause for their pastors to rejoice, when they know that the people are walking and holiness. “As ye also are ours.” (Verse 14c; III John 4) this joy shall be complete “in the day of the Lord Jesus,” that is, when the Lord Jesus shall come.

 

II.  HE VINDICATES HIMSELF FROM THE IMPUTATION OF LEVITY AND INCONSISTENCY. (VS. 15-24)

 

A.  HIS CHANGE OF PLANS WERE NOT DUE TO LIGHTNESS, FOR HIS INTENTIONS WERE SINCERE. (VERSES 15-17)

 

1.  It was “in the confidence” (Verse 15a), of their good opinion of him, i.e. that they rejoiced in him and he in them (Verse 14), that he was most desirous to come to them. (Verse 15)

 

a)  He was not fearful of coming, for he did not doubt that the great majority of the church would warmly  receive him.

b)  The troublemakers were only a small minority in the church. They were no doubt loud and very visible, but  nonetheless a minority.

 

2.  Paul had sincerely desired that they, by his coming first to Corinth before going to Macedonia, and then back again to Corinth after going to Macedonia, should receive “a second benefit.”

 

a)  They, according to his first intention, would have had the benefit of seeing him twice.

b)  By “benefit” is meant as the term is generally used in Scripture, religious blessing.  Paul desired this for  their spiritual good. This shows that he had the heart of a true minister of Christ.

3.  His original plan also included being helped on his journey to Jerusalem by them. They would have, had not only the pleasure of helping him, but some of them may have had the blessing of escorting him part way. This was a common custom. (Verse 16c)

4.  Could they possibly have thought that he had lightly considered these things? “When I was thus minded, did I use lightness?” (Verse 17a)

5.  Would they accuse him of acting in the flesh? “Do I propose according to the flesh?” Was Paul in the habit of being governed by the flesh? (Verse 17b)

6.  Was he in the habit of contradicting himself? Did he affirm and deny the same thing? “That with me there should be yea, yea and nay, nay?”

 

B.  HE WOULD NOT HAVE IT INFERRED BY THE CORINTHIANS THAT HIS GOSPEL WAS UNCERTAIN. (VERSES 18-22)

 

1.  His preaching was never contradictory. (Verse 18) He did not preach one thing and then another. His sudden transition from the question about his veracity to defending his consistency as a minister of Christ shows two things.

 

a)  First, his enemies had brought both charges against him, basing the latter on the former. This is why we must be above reproach, lest our inconsistencies reflect badly on the Gospel.

b)  Second, Paul was more concerned for the Gospel then for his own reputation. Thus he aggressively denied these false charges, for the Gospel’s sake.

 

2.  His preaching was true, because he preached Christ and Christ is true. (Verse 19, 20) There is no contradiction, no yea and nay in him, therefore there was no contradiction in Paul’s doctrine, because it was a trustworthy exhibition of the Person and work of Jesus Christ, Who is the Son of God. As the Son is one in nature with the eternal Father, Who is immutable.

 

a)  There is no yea and nay in either the Father or the Son. (James 1:17; Heb. 13:8)

b)  To this truth all of his readers could testify. (Verse 20) Christ was preached to them consistently, not only  by Paul, but also by Silvanus, and Timotheus (this refers to the first visit to Corinth) as the way, the truth,  and the life; that he was made their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. (I Cor. 1:30) In  all these things there is no uncertainty, but all things are yea in Christ.

 

3.  His preaching was perfectly consistent, for Christ is yea, and all of the promise of God in him are yea, because they are made in Christ. (Verse 20)

 

a)  “All the promises,” literally, “as many promises,” that is, as many promises as had been made from the  beginning concerning Messiah.

b)  “In Him are yea.” Literally, “in Him were the yea,” for in Him they had their affirmation and  accomplishment.

c)  “And in Him the Amen.” This is simply repeating the same, using the Hebrew equivalent of yea, which is  “Amen.” Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness.” (Rev. 3:14)

 

4.  It is by the preaching of the gospel that men are brought to say “AMEN” to the divine promise to the glory of God. “Unto the glory of God by us.” (Verse 20c)

5.  That which was wrought in them through Paul’s ministry (and other faithful men) was the work of God the Father in Christ Jesus the Son, which work had the seal of the Holy Spirit. (Verses 21, 22)

 

a)  How could any recipient of such grace and power doubt either their source or the One in Whom alone they are received? (Verse 21; II Pet. 1:3, 4)

b)  God has put in every true believer the Person of the Holy Spirit, Who bears witness to the truth, and Who is Himself the earnest of all that is promised Him by way of inheritance. (Verse 22)

 

III.  HE SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT THAT HIS NOT COMING TO THEM AS PREVIOUSLY PLANNED WAS DUE NOT TO LIGHTNESS, BUT RATHER TO LENITY. (VERSES 23, 24)

 

A.  IT WAS THAT HE MIGHT SPARE THEM. (VERSE 23)

 

1.  He knew that there were things amiss among them, and such things as deserved censure, and he desired not to come with the rod, but in love and tenderness. (See I Cor. 4:21)

2.  He assured them that this was the true reason in a very solemn manner. “I call God for a record upon my soul.” Even his harshest critics would not think he would call upon God to countenance or bear witness to a lie.

3.  As he further explains this reason in the next chapter, we will learn that, for his own sake, he wished not to come to them with the rod of discipline, but rather as a loving father, so that his own soul might be made glad. This reflects a true pastor’s heart. As with God, judgment is his strange work.

 

B.  HE ASSURED THEM THAT HE HAD NO AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE UPON THEM ANYTHING BUT WHAT GOD HAD REVEALED. (VERSE 24)

 

1.  Even an Apostle was not to try and become “lord over God’s heritage.” (I Pet. 5:3)

2.  Paul and others who labored in the Word were simply “ministers by whom they believed.” They had no dominion over their faith, but were helpers of their joy.

JANUARY 27, 2013       II CORINTHIANS 1:1-11

 

AN INTRODUCTION TO II CORINTHIANS

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  After the apostle had written and sent the former letter to the Corinthians, he seems to have been under a heavy burden, “a state of unusual depression and anxiety,” as Charles Hodge puts it. This was due in part to the persecutions and perilous conditions he was exposed to in Asia. But, it was also caused by the state of affairs at Corinth. However, when Titus, perhaps the bearer of the letter, met him in Macedonia with a report that it had been received by the Corinthians with a proper spirit, (for the most part at least) and that positive things had resulted, Paul was greatly encouraged and his spirit was uplifted. (III John 4)

2.  More than any other of Paul’s epistles, II Corinthians has the impress of his strong feelings and emotions. On the one hand, we have expressions of warmest affections toward the congregation at Corinth which had manifested its love and affection for him. But, on the other hand, the increased boldness of the false teachers in their charges against him and their perversions of the truth filled him with indignation. This accounts for the abrupt changes of tone and manner which characterize the epistle.

3.  Perhaps no other letter reveals to us Paul’s personality as much as this one. Yet the full play of the feelings and emotions of the writer is in no way inconsistent with his plenary inspiration.

 

I.  THE SALUTATION. (VERSES 1, 2) The salutation in the second letter is merely in the same words as in the first letter.

 

A.  THE INSCRIPTION. (VERSE 1)

 

1.  The person sending the letter, namely Paul, who calls himself “an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God.” 

a)  The apostleship was ordained by Jesus Christ, according to the will of God.

b)  To this office Paul was called by Jesus Christ, according to the will of God.

 

2.  To his name he joins that of Timotheus, his trusted and highly esteemed fellow-laborer in the Gospel.

a)  Not that he had Timothy share his office, or assist in writing the letter, but that it had his witness and support.

b)  Paul bestowed an honor on Timothy, and dignified him with the title of brother, just as he did Sosthenes in the first letter.

 

3.  The persons to whom the letter was sent, namely “the Church of God at Corinth,” and also “to all of the saints in Achaia,” that is to all the Christians that lived in the regions roundabout.

a)  Though the letter shall deal with the specific matters pertaining to the Corinthians, it’s divinely inspired instructions are for all Christians.

b)  As in the first letter, he writes for the benefit of “all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” (I Cor. 1:2b)

 

B.  THE APOSTOLICAL BENEDICTION. (VERSE 2)

 

1.  He desires for them the two great comprehensive blessings, grace and peace. The favor of God and its fruits comprehend all of the benefits of redemption.

2.  He puts them in the proper order. First there must be grace, before there can be peace.

3.  These two are fitly joined together, for there can be no good and lasting peace without true grace.

4.  “From God our Father” who is the benevolent author of grace, “and from the Lord Jesus Christ,” who is the procurer and dispenser of those blessings to fallen mankind.

5.  None will ever know God’s peace apart from His grace, and none can ever receive God’s grace but in and through Jesus Christ.

 

II.  THE INTRODUCTION, WHICH IS A THANKSGIVING. (VERSES 3-7) This was also true of the first Corinthian Epistle, but it is clear that these expressions are not mere forms, but genuine outpourings of the heart. They vary according to the circumstances under which each epistle was written.

 

A.  HERE, THE THANKSGIVING WAS FOR MERCIFUL CONSOLATION IN TIMES OF MANIFOLD TRIBULATIONS.

 

1.  This may be seen in the several glorious and amiable titles he gives to Him Who is worthy to receive all praise for His gracious consolation in times of severe trial. He gives thanks to:

a)  “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  God is the Father of Christ’s divine nature by eternal generation. He is Father of His human nature by miraculous conception in the womb of a virgin. He is Father of the God–man, our Redeemer and the covenant Mediator through Whom all blessings come from God to us, and here particularly divine consolations.

b)  “Father of mercies.” All mercies originate with God; He is the Father of them, and they are multitudinous (Psa. 51:1); they fail not, no matter how freely they flow forth. (Psa. 89:1f)

c)  “God of all comforts.” From Him proceeds the Comforter Himself. (John 14:16; 15:26) God has not left us comfortless. (John 14:18) He has given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (Verse 22)

 

B.  THE REASONS OF PAUL’S THANKSGIVINGS ARE HERE SPECIFIED. (VERSES 4-7)

 

1.  He was grateful, first of all, for the great benefit God’s comfort had been to himself and his companions

(Verses 4a, 5) “who cometh to us in all our tribulations” (Verse 4a) “as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so does our consolation.” (Verse 5)

a)  In the world they had trouble, but in Christ they had peace. (John 6:33) They were comforted in all of their tribulations. God does not leave His children comfortless. It is especially in times of severe trial that this fact is most realized and appreciated.

b)  Their sufferings were “the sufferings of Christ.” This does not mean sufferings on account of Christ; neither the sufferings which Christ Himself endured, but rather, such suffering as Christ suffered, and which His people are called upon to suffer in order to be like Him. (Matt. 20:33) Paul thus speaks of the fellowship of His sufferings. (Phil. 3:10).

c)  As their sufferings abounded, they found that consolation also abounded by Christ. For this they were truly thankful. (See Ch. 12:9)

d)  Notice, the consolation is “by Christ,” for He sympathizes with His people when they suffer for His sake, and personally comes to console them and administer comfort.

 

2.  He was thankful, secondly, for the great advantage which the experience of himself and his companions would be to their brethren. “…that we may be able to comfort them that are in any trouble…” (Verses 4b, 6)

a)  As they had experienced divine goodness and mercy in abundance, they could now communicate it to others.

b)  Thus, Paul could say “and whether we be afflicted it is for your consolation.” (Verse 6)

c)  What blessings God bestows on us are not for the benefit of ourselves alone, but are meant to make us useful to others.

d)  What goodness we received from the Lord, whether directly, or through another, we are to communicate in kind to others who have like needs. “…with the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted.”

e)  God’s grace enabled Paul to be grateful even for trials and afflictions, because the Lord was making him able to sympathize and minister to his brethren in their times of suffering.

 

3.  He was thankful, thirdly, for the steadfast hope that all would be for the edification of the Corinthians. (Verse 7)

a)  The main idea in this verse is this: “Whether we be afflicted it is for your good; or whether we be comforted, it is for your good.”

b)  The relation in which the Apostle stood to the Corinthians was such that he felt assured that they would share both in his sufferings and in his consolation, and therefore experience the benefit of both.

c)  It was not merely that Paul’s attitude and constant suffering set them a good example, or that he simply suffered in behalf of the Gospel, which was to their benefit. Neither is he saying that the experience of the Corinthians would correspond to his own, that being similarly afflicted they could expect to be similarly comforted, although that would surely be so. The main point is that such was the intimate bond between them and him, and he had a firm hope they would be partakers both of his afflictions and of his comfort.

d)  That said, the other ideas are certainly not to be excluded.

(1)  His was an example to them in this matter.

(2)  He did suffer for sake of the truth, which was for their benefit.

(3)  He could well testify from experience that they, being partakers of the suffering of Christ, could expect to be partakers of the consolation of Christ.

(4)  We can even feel certain that he hoped it would be so. (II Tim. 3:13)

 

III.  THE PRESENT SITUATION IN ASIA. (VERSES 8-11)

 

A.  HE CONFIRMS FROM HIS RECENT HISTORY WHAT HE HAD SAID ABOUT HIS AFFLICTIONS. (VERSE 8)

 

1.  Asia is probably to be understood as referring to proconsular Asia, which would be the Western provinces of Asia Minor.

2.  What afflictions and dangers he refers to is uncertain. It is generally assumed that he alludes to the uproar in Ephesus, (Acts 19:23-41) but why would he have said Asia, and not Ephesus? It would seem that he is referring to trials of different kinds, and especially, to attempts on his life. We know that the Book of Acts contains only a small portion of his afflictions.

3.  So severe were their afflictions that they were “pressed out of measure, above strength.” They felt that they were sure to die. “We despaired even of life.”

 

B.  HE TESTIFIES THAT HIS OWN VERDICT WAS THAT THEY WOULD BE KILLED. (VERSE 9)

 

1.  The meaning here is, “we had in ourselves the answer of death,” that is, if asked what they expected to happen, they would have said, “we are going to die.”

2.  Their only hope was in God Who raiseth the dead. So certain were they to die that God’s sparing their life was tantamount to His raising the dead. Their deliverance was a deliverance from the jaws of death.

 

C.  HIS TRUST IN GOD WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED, FOR HE DID DELIVER THEM FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH. (VERSE 10)

 

1.  God did deliver from what it seems would have been a most painful death.

2.  He continued to deliver them from death, for they literally faced murderous enemies every day. (Rom. 8:36)

 

D.  HE ACKNOWLEDGED THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER IN GOD’S DELIVERANCE OF HIM. (VERSE 11)

 

1.  Paul understood that prayer was a powerful means of grace, and therefore he often sought the prayers of the saints on his behalf.

2.  When the Apostle assured the saints of his prayers for them, and sought their prayers in return, he was in dead earnest. May we be so sincere, both in asking for prayer, and in promising to pray.

3.  Let us be faithful in the Ministry of prayer, and may we value and desire the prayers of God’s people. (Jam. 5:16)