"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men" (2 Cor. 3:2).
Unlike some of Paul’s more general letters which were probably circulated among various churches, 2 Corinthians is deeply personal and, as we said in yesterday’s study, filled will emotion. Two chief themes in this epistle provide insight into the type of ministry Paul had among the people of Corinth. In chapters 1–7, we find the apostle offering words of comfort and encouragement to a people in the midst of suffering and trouble. Not only were the Corinthians suffering, but Paul himself suffered—hardship, persecution, anxiety over the churches, and false accusations. Because Christ has promised that the church will encounter suffering, just as He did, this comes as no surprise to Paul. Yet, he does not give a cold dissertation about the purposes of suffering; instead, he offers the same consolation and comfort he had received from the churches of God. It is not until chapter 10–13 that he gets into how God’s strength is manifested in human weakness, how we learn dependence on Him, and how He is glorified in our trials.
Some supporting themes of the letter include the glory of the new covenant ministry, principles of Christian stewardship, and a defense of Paul’s conduct, which was still under question by the false teachers who were leading people astray. We also find passages describing Paul’s frequent suffering for the sake of the church, which is ultimately for God’s glory. Such is the mark of a faithful minister! If he is faithfully serving God and ministering to the church according to the revealed Word, he will face hardship. A world of hostility, constantly spreading its tentacles into the church, threatens to strangle the growth of grace among God’s people. When a minister, or any Christian for that matter, stands fast against this attack, he will very often suffer for it. But, as Paul so often says, we must stand fast in our faith and give glory to God.
Paul’s ministry was always based on the standards of Christ and not according to worldly standards, no matter how much opposition he faced. In the same way, the church today needs to stand fast in the face of opposition and accept suffering with faith. In this, our consciences will be clear and our boasting will not be in ourselves, but in God who gives us grace to endure all things.
If you were an apostle writing a letter to your church, what would you say? During this week, work on a letter to your church. What concerns do you have? Praises? Model Paul who wrote with love and forthrightness. Let this be an exercise to develop an awareness and love for the church. (It’s not for the church to read).
