2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Q.1. How was Paul like the Apostles? Were the Corinthians able to perform the signs of a true Apostle? How had Paul treated the churches? – (2 Cor.12:11-13)
Paul stated – in no way was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles (2 Cor.12:11-12). It was recorded that Peter and the Apostles performed many signs and wonders that confirmed that they were Apostles of Jesus (c.f. Acts 5:12-16; Heb.2:3-4). The same was recorded about Paul’s ministry (c.f. Acts 14:3; 19:11-12). Paul’s claims to apostleship reveal that the manifestation of spiritual gifts in the church was not the same as that of the Apostles. If their gifts were the same, Paul’s claims would be baseless. Moreover, Paul also distinguished himself by working and paying for his own ministry, unlike the other Apostles (2 Cor.12:13 c.f. 1 Cor.9:1-7; 2 Thes.3:7-9). If Paul had made himself rich by sharing the Gospel, it could have undermined the truth that justification comes by faith and that the Gospel cannot be earned.
Q.2. Why did Paul support himself? Did others minister free of charge? Why had Paul justified his ministry? What was his concern? – (2 Cor.12:14-21)
Paul explained that he supported himself so – … I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children (2 Cor.12:14). Though he taught that, like Priests in Israel, a minister of the Gospel was entitled to support, Paul discouraged his companions such as Titus from accepting such support (2 Cor.12:14-18 c.f. 1 Cor.9:8-14). It pained him that his sacrifices for them had been seen as weakness, so that the people treated him with a lack of respect (2 Cor.12:15-17). Though his explanation might seem like excuses, Paul’s key concern was to protect and build them up (2 Cor.12:19). He hoped that his defence would resolve potential – strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, and disturbances (2 Cor.12:20). Paul feared – … that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality, and sensuality which they have practiced (2 Cor.12:21). Paul preferred to confront the issues rather than pretend that they did not exist.