Bible Studies 1992 - The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians: Bible Studies
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Bible Studies has been the scripture discussion and research magazine of the Churches of God since 1933. Each year, a different subject is explored via editorials, group discussions, Q&A and special focus articles. This volume explores the second epistle to the Corinthians.
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Bible Studies 1992 - The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians - Hayes Press
JANUARY 1992 - COMFORT IN ADVERSITY (2 Cor. 1:1-21)
EDITORIAL 9201 - YE ALSO HELPING TOGETHER
The apostle took up the question as to whether he had shown fickleness or had determined to carry through without consideration whatever purpose he formed in his mind. In actual fact he had reconsidered the timing of his purposed visit to the Corinthians and was sensitive to the Lord's leading in the matter.
If misgivings had influenced the thinking of certain of the saints, these notions were symptomatic of diminished joy. The motivation for all they stood for must be the Lord Himself. The realisation and fulfilment of the promises of God had to be perceived as being within His sovereign disposal.
Paul desired that the Corinthians should not be depressed by all his afflictions, as though he had brought them upon himself, but might realise that the God of all comfort
would comfort him, as he was a partaker of the sufferings of Christ. Likewise they could receive such comfort while they endured the same sufferings as he did, and even in their sympathy. Fellowship in these matters, and in his supplication, would help the saints to seek as their one objective the glory of God
, and in this their joy would be renewed. Then the apostle could share with them a mutual pleasure in the grace of God manifested in them from his point of view and in himself from theirs.
As we enter a new year it is surely an encouragement to all to share with others an ongoing interest in the study of the Word.
E.A.
CONTRIBUTIONS
From Ayr: The man who could speak authoritatively resulting from the visions and revelations of the Lord (1 Cor. 12:1), which he had known in his time, could also write with conviction out of real personal experience of afflictions and sufferings which so often weighed down exceedingly
himself and his fellow-workers, beyond their power, insomuch that they despaired even of life
. In such circumstances they learned not to trust in themselves but in God, and they discovered that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom they preached among the Corinthians (v.19) was also in the fullest sense of the word, the Father of mercies (Gr. oiktirmos, pity, compassion), and God of all comfort (Gr. paraklesis, to call to one's side to aid or soothe).
The apostle shared the concern of his Master that saints, although delivered out of so great a death (v.10) are subject to affliction and suffering in this life, and as pilgrims passing through a hostile world they have tribulation (Jn. 16:33). To the end that such might be comforted of God, the divine Comforter, the Spirit of truth, has been given to indwell every believer. He abideth with you, and shall be in you ...
. I will not leave you desolate (or orphans)
(John 14:17-18, RVM). Whether it be the words of Scripture (Rom. 15:4) the presence of a brother or sister (7:6) or a fellow worker unto the kingdom of God (Col. 4:11); comfort and consolation, in whatever form, thus originates with and proceeds from God (v.4). He also sealed us (to stamp as a mark of ownership) and gave us the earnest of the Spirit (a pledge given in advance as an assurance of His total ownership).
Obviously it was in the potential of comfort and security that they possessed in the blessed Holy Spirit who for them, as also for us, embodied every spiritual resource that may ever be required. His presence in our hearts makes sure and certain through the promise of the faithful God (v.18) on whom we have set their hope that He will also still deliver us
(v.10), not only from the circumstances of suffering in this life, but ultimately unto glory (Heb. 2:10).
D. Smith
From Birkenhead: Ananias, who was sent to meet Saul of Tarsus, was told by the Lord that He would show Saul how many things he must suffer for My Name's sake
(Acts 9:16). Paul speaks of his sufferings, his attitude to them, and his recognition of the benefit received in times of distress.
It is clear in Paul's mind that when trials abound the Lord's presence and help are most clearly perceived. Paul speaks of the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction
, and in doing so makes clear that comfort is known while the affliction is being experienced, and that God alone is the source of comfort. He is the Father of mercies; the One who truly pities. David beautifully pictures the situation (Ps. 23:4). In the valley of the shadow of death he says of the Lord, Thou art with me
. Besides the help received by the sufferer, Paul also draws attention to the by-product, the ability to comfort others who find themselves in similar circumstances. How valuable it is to be able to be alongside a suffering saint to offer support.
The word affliction
has the primary thought of pressure or a pressing burden. This may present itself in a wide variety of ways and be experienced physically and/or spiritually. Paul appreciates that his experiences in his pathway of suffering, as he seeks to preach and teach, are bringing blessings to others. The severity of his suffering at certain stages of his life is described as a despairing of life itself (v.8). Truly he had arrived at the point of total dependence on God. Scripture tells of occasions when God works in the `impossible' situations of men. Peter was released from prison (Acts 12) when his life was under threat, and the situation was in human terms beyond hope.
Tragically Paul came under attack from the believers in the church in Corinth, who accused him of vacillation in the matter of visiting their city. The apostle sets out his reasons for behaving as he did, and then directs them to consider the One who is at all times faithful. God's promises are sure and settled, centred in Christ. The apostle finishes with the glorious thought that believers are sealed with, and indwelt by the Spirit of God. This is indeed a comfort.
A.E. Sands, R.D. Williams
From Bolton and Leigh: As Paul opens this second epistle to the Corinthians, he vindicates his own true apostleship, which we find later in the epistle is being challenged as false teachings were propounded (2 Cor. 6:4-10; 2 Cor. 11:4, 13). These false teachers were coming from Jerusalem with letters of introduction and preaching a different gospel from the true gospel preached by Paul. His first epistle had been stiff, but had accomplished its purpose, and wrongs had been righted (2 Cor. 7:7-16).
He states clearly in Gal. 1:1 that his apostleship was not from men, neither through a man, but by Jesus Christ and 2 Tim. 1:1 shows that it is by the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus
. But what is this promise of life
? It was thought to be eternal life.
Comfort is the key word of this epistle (2 Cor. 7:6-7) and especially of this first chapter. Paul lays open his heart, as through the epistle more is given of his personal history than in any other of his epistles. He reveals his sufferings, sorrows and secrets (2 Cor. 1:8-10, 5:4). Despite the sentence of death
(v.9), Paul could look beyond death to resurrection. In order to give comfort, it is necessary to have passed through affliction. In suffering for Christ there will be comfort from Christ. What were the troubles which came in Asia (v.8)? Did this refer to his stoning at Lystra (Acts 14:19) [Comment 2]? Was this connected to the thorn in the flesh which Paul had to bear?
It was noted that Paul refers to God as the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. This is the One who gives us comfort by condescending to notice us, who have never deserved any good at God's hand: the One who will never leave us a prey to anxiety, persecution or temptation. Despite being weighed down beyond what is credible; beyond even that which natural strength could support, the God in whom Paul trusted, the God who raised the dead, delivered Paul from his suffering. The deliverance from the danger and death to which he was exposed was the gift, and even as the great apostle, he felt the result of united prayer of the church of God necessary for his comfort and support.
Thus Paul could remind the Corinthians that whilst they could boast of Paul and Timothy as the ministers of Christ through whom they had believed, so also they (Paul and Timothy) could boast of the Corinthians as genuine converts to the Christian faith and worthy saints in the church of God. Sometimes it was necessary for the yea to be changed to the nay and here Paul explains why his plans were changed (vv. 12-13). There should be no double talk; we must say what is meant and mean what is said. This was a characteristic of the Lord Jesus seen in the Amen (v.20). He fulfilled the promises and truly the Amen was fulfilled at Calvary. Thus as Paul calls on God to witness, it was through his tenderness toward them that he did not visit Corinth at the time purposed.
The chapter concludes with Paul reminding the Corinthians that they are anointed and sealed by the Holy Spirit; wonderful promises to the believer.
W. Paterson Jun.
From Derby: Paul's second letter to the Corinthians seems to be of a more personal nature than his previous one. Although many of the principles of the life of the believer are dealt with in some detail, there is less doctrinal matter. It would appear also that this letter is limited to the Church of God in Corinth together with those in the province of Achaia (v.1), whereas his first letter was primarily addressed to the Church of God in Corinth, embracing all that call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place. The greetings of grace and peace lead on to thanksgiving. Blessed be the ...Father of mercies and God of all comfort
. These expressions have a richness in meaning in expounding the character and attributes of Him who is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the great Originator and the Source from which they flow.
We noted that Paul mentions mercy and comfort before speaking of affliction. Comfort is one of the key words in the earlier part of this chapter. It conveys the thought of a calling alongside, a helping, to receive strength. Paul had known a profound experience of divine comfort and he was able to extend to others in their need a sympathy born of divine sympathy. His many trials which were often severe added to his usefulness in the Lord's service and with this a new power to comfort. It has been said that God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but so that we may be able to comfort others.
There was some discussion about what Paul may have been referring to in verses 8-10. Was he alluding to the events that took place in Acts 19:23-41? See also 1 Cor. 15:32, where he speaks of fighting with the beasts of Ephesus. Certainly Demetrius stirred up and led the rioters, men bent on inflicting harm on Paul and his companions. Paul uses very strong language to describe this affliction; We were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life
(v.8). It seems to have been virtually a sentence of death, yet from this he was delivered. This deliverance affirms Paul's trust in God, who is able to deliver from a far greater death, and on this he is able to set his hope.
The structure of vv.12-17 would seem to indicate that certain accusations were being made against Paul by the Corinthians, and he seeks to answer these charges. Misunderstandings about his motives and intended visit to them had arisen. His conscience is clear and his behaviour towards them is in the grace of God. We do not know what prompted these accusations. It could well be that they felt that Paul had neglected them and not kept his promise and had `let them down'. He is able in all sincerity to identify himself with the faithfulness and purposes of God as the One whom he sought to serve. For in Him is the Yea and the Amen. He it is who stablishes them together in Christ, and this union is perfectly demonstrated in the anointing, sealing and receiving of the earnest of the Spirit in their hearts.
A.G. Willis
From Kilmarnock: Love endures all things. It is love that sustains each of us under the hardship of being a Christian today. We abide in His love (Jer. 31:3) in the sense that His love for us in unchanging and eternal, but in the sense in which the Lord Jesus spoke in Jn. 15:9, Abide ye in My love
and in which Jude spoke, Keep yourselves in the love of God
(Jude v.21), it is evident that we must do something to abide in His love. The Lord Jesus gives the answer, If ye keep My commandments ye shall abide in My love
, and He will replenish the sorrowful soul (Jer. 31:25). We look to our Lord (Heb. 12:2), to His example, to the One who makes our faith strong and whole. In so doing we shall not be weary or grow faint in our souls (Heb. 12:3).
If we died with our Lord, we shall also live with Him (2 Tim. 2:11-12). But if we do not endure we will not receive our reward, the crown of life. Love for the Lord and only love for the Lord will enable us to endure all the things which may come our way, whatsoever they may be.
Love always trusts. Even when our lives (especially our spiritual experiences) are dark and dreary, when there is nothing but darkness all around, God is near at hand for us to put our trust in (Is. 50:10). On our own we will surely stumble, but what harm can come to us when we lean upon Him? God will not fail the person whose complete faith is in his or her God.
So when we trust completely we will cease to worry, especially about what men can do to us. What can mortal man do to us when we trust in the Creator (Ps. 56:3-4)? On many occasions we trust in men, created beings, to do things for us, and how often they fail! Love never faileth
; i.e. God never fails and He is able to do all things, over and above what we ask of Him.
Love always trusts - always. Just as He is there in the darkness so He is there in the light. Trust is not taking God's blessings for granted when things are going well. There is no love in such a spirit. Rather, trust in God includes love and appreciation and knowledge of God, however limited.
Love Never Fails If we are to know the love that never fails we must love out of a pure heart (1 Tim 1:5), sin must be confessed and put away or spiritual death will result (Jas. 1:15). Our love may need reviving (Phil. 4:10) and reviving comes from the Lord (Ps. 119:88). He is able to make our lives flourish in love, even when we have become like a dry tree (Ezek. 17:24), to flourish and abound in love (2 Thes. 1:3).
As we grow in response to the grace of God we become strong in the Lord and love for the Lord and His Word leads us into the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk worthily of the Lord ... bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power ... unto all patience and longsuffering with joy
(Col. 1:9-11). His grace which is sufficient for every trial will enable us to say, I know that my Redeemer liveth
. This is the way to being perfect (Mat. 5:48).
David Cranson, Drew Ramage
From Leeds: Comfort (vv. 3-7) (paraklesis) is also translated as consolation in the A.V., and Paul, in his eulogy, declares that God is the God of all comfort. The word indicates a calling to one's side to provide comfort, as is used of the Holy Spirit (parakletos) the Comforter who indwells us and provides comfort for us throughout all of our times of suffering and affliction which Paul, and those with him, experienced in their lives of godly service, were those which, invariably, came from without. They were inflicted by the pressure of circumstances then prevailing, and were often brought upon them by the antagonism of those who were so opposed to their preaching and teaching, so much so that they despaired for their lives (v.8).
Those who are servants of God will know times of suffering in their service. In v.5 these sufferings are referred to as `the sufferings of Christ'. Some versions of Scripture quote that the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, but then there is overflowing comfort too, which Christ brings to us e.g. `Just as Christ's (own) sufferings fall to our lot, (as they overflow upon His disciples and we share and experience them), so, through Christ, comfort and consolation and encouragement are also shared and experienced abundantly by us' (Amp. N.T.)
The Lord Himself bears the title of Man of Sorrows
, the One acquainted with grief (Is. 53:3). So intense were His sufferings at Calvary, when He paid the price of our redemption through the shedding of His blood, that He was caused to cry out My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?
(Ps. 22:1), Save Me, O God; for the waters are come in unto My soul. I sink in deep mire where there is no standing
(Ps. 69:1-2). It was then that He cried, I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none
(v.20).
It was this blessed One who personally cared (and cares) for His disciples, that made them the promise of a Comforter, One like Himself (as He was to them) (Jn. 14:16). Whilst He remained with them, He was their Comforter. When they experienced times of adversity and suffering and those without pressed in upon them, He was there, and came alongside to help and support them. God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear
(Ps. 46:1-2).
Though we may be called upon to endure such afflictions as those experienced by Job when he said the The terrors of God do set themselves in array against me ... it would please God to crush me; ... and cut me off ... then should I yet have comfort ... for I have not denied the words of the Holy One
(Job 6:4, 9-10). Ye have heard of the patience of Job
(Jas. 5:11), Be patient therefore, until the coming of the Lord ... be ye also patient, stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand
(vv. 7, 8). We shall be with the Lord for ever, wherefore comfort one another with these words
(1 Thes. 4:18).
H.R. Dodge
From Lerwick: Paul writes of himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ
(1 Cor. 1). Much of that epistle has to do with doctrine and corrections of irregularities in the church. In 2 Cor. 1 he