February 12, 2006
THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST
2 Corinthians 11:1-34

   A careful reading 2 Corinthians 11 will show that the issue was of grave importance. Paul expressed his godly jealousy for them so he could "present [them] as a chaste virgin to Christ." This would not happen unless they were awakened to their peril which he likened to that of Eve in Eden. What a contrast: the simplicity of Christ and the subtilty of the devil!
   Satan is mentioned a second time, and up to his same old tricks. Paul called his opponents at Corinth "false apostles, deceitful workers, trans-forming themselves into the apostles of Christ" (11:12),
   He first begged their indulgence and pointed out how they had borne with those who brought to them a "different Jesus...another spirit...and another gospel." In fact he chided how they had borne "with fools gladly." They had given allegiance to those who had brought them into slavery... devoured them...took their means...and exalted themselves" (11:19-20). How sorrowful to see what these saints willingly endured at the hands of false apostles while rejecting Paul, God's true apostle and their own spiritual father. "...I have begotten you through the gospel" (1 Cor. 4:15).
   So urgent was Paul that twice he added an oath: of his love in verse. 11, and his honesty in verse 31, "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...knows that I lie not." He plead that they take his claims seriously as to the truthfulness about all his sufferings. He then penned the fullest list of sufferings ever found, of which the book of Acts does not tell the half. Absent also was Paul's list of achievements, not the least of which was the founding of the church at Corinth, in the very heartland of Greek idolatry, mythology, and philosophy. No mention is made of either the occult library torched by the previous practitioners at Ephesus. The gospel had triumphed, but of this, not a word. He would list only his weaknesses and sufferings for his Lord. If his opponents were successful in discrediting Paul's apostleship, his message would suffer the same dishonor!
   How would his accusers respond? What would they say as to their suffering for Christ and their stand for the gospel of grace? Paul's love for these wayward saints was second only to his love and dedication to Christ.
   Paul was greatly out of character in boasting: "I am become a fool in boasting, but you have compelled me; for I ought to have been commend-ed by you" (12:11), What do you think of Christ? ...and of Paul?

Ivan L. Burgener