September 8, 2021 – 2 Corinthians 10-13

Paul, in addressing problems in Corinth, finds himself having to defend his apostleship and authority. In doing so, he also finds himself having to contrast his ministry with the work of false prophets among the people. He was deeply concerned that the Corinthians would “be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (11:3). His aim is that the Corinthians will not accept “another Jesus than the one we proclaimed” or “receive a different spirit from the one you received” or “accept a different gospel from the one you accepted” (11:4). Just a good reminder that, always, we must be on our guard, much like the Bereans of Acts 17, to make sure we are walking in the truth.

Paul, as he struggled to maintain his ministry and to encourage the Corinthians toward continued faithfulness, and in his weakness (see chapter 12 and Paul’s thorn in the flesh), surely could identify with this verse from the hymn “Make Me a Captive, Lord.”

My will is not my own

Till thou hast made it thine;

If it would reach a monarch's throne,

It must its crown resign.

It only stands unbent

Amid the clashing strife

When on thy bosom it has leant,

And found in thee its life. -- George Matheson (1890)