Verses 1-4 continue from chapter 1 recounting the divisions, oppositions that existed in the Corinthian church. Some didn't like Paul. Some thought he was too harsh. Some didn't want Paul to come back...
Verses 5-11 speak of confronting and dealing with sin in the church. Many of us don't like to confront our brothers and sisters but like to turn a blind eye. But, as a church we are called to help our brothers and sisters grow, and if there is a sin that is causing trouble in the church then that must be dealt with... and the sorrow that it does bring must also be dealt with. Forgive the brother/sister and bring him/her back into the church. Many times a shameful sin usually causes one to be an outcast. That is not the case. So, we do not turn a blind eye - but we also do not make one an outcast. We love as Jesus loved.
Verse 12-17 Because of Paul's troubled relationship with the Corinthians - he sent Titus ahead to gauge the atmosphere.. and he was supposed to meet Paul in Troas (ancient Troy) but it didn't happen. And without an update from Titus, Paul did not have the "peace" to go back yet - so he went onto Macedonia instead.
Here Paul recognizes that he is but a messenger of God's word - that some will reject and some will accept - but nonetheless he is sent by God to do His work and that is all that matters. Whether he faces opposition or acceptance, he will follow Jesus' lead and go wherever He leads.
No comments:
Post a Comment