2 Corinthians 1:12-24
Q.1. On what basis did Paul make his appeal to the Corinthians? Why should God’s servants be faithful and true in word and deed? – (2 Cor.1:12-20)
Paul was at pains to reaffirm the reliability of his words. He urged the Corinthians not to read any other meaning into his message to them – For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end (2 Cor.1:13). This was how he had conducted himself consistently, both in the world, and toward the Corinthians (c.f. 2 Cor.1:12). He then detailed his travel plans, with the proviso that they recognized that God had the right to change these plans. Any changes should not be interpreted as Paul wavering in his care for them or considering breaking his promises (2 Cor.1:14-17). Paul affirmed the importance of keeping promises, even as God does -18 But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. 19 For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no but is yes in Him. 20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; Therefore also, through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us (2 Cor.1:10-20).
Q.2. How is such a high standard achievable? In what way is the Holy Spirit a pledge? For what reason did Paul refrain from returning to Corinth? – (2 Cor.1:21-24)
Because of our human limitations, it is inevitable that we cannot always follow through with all our plans (c.f. 2 Cor.1:17). The secret Paul shared related to the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit – 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge (2 Cor.1:20-21). As the Spirit of Truth, His presence lifts us above our human limitations (c.f. Jn.14:17; 16:13). The Holy Spirit is given as a pledge – a down-payment, or mark of God’s ownership of born-again believers (2 Cor.1:22). How does that look in the experience of the believer? (i) We have a desire for fellowship with the saints. (ii) We love to worship with God’s people and sit under inspired preaching. (iii) We want to read the Bible in order that we can learn to please God. (iv) We want to speak with God in prayer. (v) We want to share with the lost about our newfound Friend. (vi) We want to use our time, talents, and treasure to spread the glory of His name. (vii) We have some supernatural victories over sinful habits, thus proving we are in Christ. (viii) Trials and temptations increase as we are targeted by Satan. (ix) Our whole perspective and value system begin to change. (x) Cultural and class barriers are broken down. Paul had intended to visit Corinth, to impart further spiritual blessings (2 Cor.1:15). However, he had heard negative reports about their attitude toward him. He wrote – But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth (2 Cor.1:23). He clarified that his attitude was not dictatorial but, was rather his attempt to work with them toward the same goal of producing joy and faith (2 Cor.1:24).