Warning: Here I Come Again

Week Six - Day 3

Today's Reading

Acts 19:23--2 Corinthians 10:1 to 13:13

It seems that every time Paul is headed in a positive direction in his letter, he spins around to answer some challenge to his ministry or problem within the Corinthian community.  In today's reading he once again defends his ministry and responds to less than charitable comments that the Corinthians have made about his physical presence and speech: "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible" (10:10). This does not sit kindly with Paul and he launches into an attack on "false apostles" who "disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness" (11:15).  Their end, he remarks, will not be so glorious.

Paul is only warming up, however, and goes on to make the case for the legitimacy of his position as an apostle.  He has physically suffered for his calling and for them, but will not back down.  He is certain of his authority and the revelations that have been given to him, and concludes: "So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong" (12:9b-10).

Finally, Paul says that he is planning on making a third trip to Corinth, and he is prepared to meet head on the personal criticisms and challenges to his teachings.  He warns them that while he does not wish to have to exert his authority as an apostle, he is willing to do whatever it takes.