2 Corinthians 11 - Day 1000 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Commentary: One of the difficulties we face as we read Paul’s correspondence with the churches of his day is that of not knowing precisely the background to the turns of phrase he employs. It is true that we have a good picture of the overall scene at Corinth, but some smaller details remain—and perhaps must always remain—obscure to us. The present chapter, along with chap. 12, is a good illustration. Obviously, at places Paul is ironical (vv 1, 8, 11). He finds it necessary, if distasteful, to explain why he is required to justify himself and put his actions in the clear. But it is needful because of the close link that he claims with the church (v 2), likened here to the bride of Christ. Because he cares so much for Christ’s people, he is most solicitous lest they should be led astray (v 3). How could this happen, we may inquire? Some important vv sketch in the character of the men who are later severely reprimanded (vv 13–15). Three descriptions of their work are given in this section. (1) Their most dangerous work was that of enticing the believers away from a single-hearted devotion to Christ, and in attempting this (cf. Mark 13:22) they were doing the devil’s work for him, as the serpent did in Eden (vv 3, 14; both texts are based on Gen 3:4, 13, and Jewish apocalyptic demonology). If this seems a staggering thought, we may recall Mark 8:33; Matt 7:15–23; Gal 1:6–10; 1 John 4:1–6; Rev 2:20–24. (2) These men—Paul’s antagonists—are errorists, preaching a different gospel which centered in a different Jesus from the person of the Pauline message (v 4). Martin, R. P. (1986). 2 Corinthians (Vol. 40, p. 354). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: Jesus told his apprentices that you can determine a "good tree" by the fruit that it bears. Good trees nurture good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit. The point is that Jesus wasn't only talking about fruit trees and that we can use this same principle when meeting someone new, especially if we're going to trust them with our future. Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize Your chosen leaders and put our trust in them... Comments are closed.
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January 2024
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