Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Psalms 146-150
     New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 2

In fact, I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you on another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, then who will cheer me other than the one being hurt by me? I wrote this very thing so that when I came I wouldn’t have pain from those who ought to give me joy, because I am confident about all of you that my joy will also be yours. For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart – not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you (2 Corinthians 2:1-4).

In this immensely personal book, Paul opens his life to the Corinthians and reveals the motivation behind his actions. Undoubtedly, his writings and actions caused misunderstanding and hurt feelings among some believers at Corinth. Paul was sensitive to the Corinthians’ pain and sadness, but because of his commitment to purity before God, he would confront them again if necessary.

After Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, he sent Timothy to Corinth to see how they received the letter and to minister to them (See 1Cor 16:10-11). Disturbing news reached the apostle, possibly from Timothy, of further difficulties at Corinth.

Temporarily abandoning the work at Ephesus, Paul went immediately to Corinth. The visit was not a successful one from Paul’s perspective, as he referred to it as a painful visit (v1).Saddened by the Corinthians’ lack of loyalty to defend him, seeking to spare them further reproof, and perhaps hoping time would bring them to their senses, Paul returned to Ephesus. From Ephesus, Paul wrote a severe letter (See v4) and sent it with Titus to Corinth.

Paul’s reason for writing was that those in sin would repent, then there could be mutual joy when the apostle came. He wanted them to know that his motive in dealing with them in the severe letter and 1 Corinthians was love. Paul said, For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart – not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you (v4).

Paul experienced great sorrow and deep distress from the lack of spiritual growth, selfish unloving behavior, and unwillingness to turn from their past sins among the Corinthian Believers. His desire was not to lord it over them, but was an outpouring of the abundant love he had for them (2 Cor 1:24). Paul’s passionate desire for the Corinthians was for them to grow in faith and lead godly lives.

Paul waited for a report from Titus before taking further action, hoping he would not have to come again to face their rebellion. His mental torture and anxiety of heart over the Corinthians was so great that he could not continue to preach and share the Gospel message. He wrote, When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord opened a door for me, I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus. Instead, I said good-bye to them and left for Macedonia (v12-13).

Paul’s conclusion was, but thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place (v14). Even though Paul was an apostle and spiritual leader of the church at Corinth, Paul knew true ministry was following the leader, not taking the lead. Our ministry becomes effective when we follow the leader instead of jumping ahead of God and taking the lead ourselves. Few people were more gifted than the Apostle Paul, and yet this most gifted man openly declares that God is the leader, not him.

What a Godly example of ministering through challenging times Paul provides to us today. Ministering to the church at Corinth was a difficult and trying task. The very people who should have brought him joy caused bitter pain and deep sorrow. Yet Paul never gave up! His abiding love and compassion for the saints would not allow him to forsake them nor allow them to continue in their sin. Paul ministered not for his benefit but with sincerity of heart and the purest motive. He preached the gospel of Christ as one sent by God.