2 CORINTHIANS 12
11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. – 2 Corinthians 12:11-16
2 CORINTHIANS 12 PAUL’S UNCONDITIONAL SERVICE TO THE CORINTHIANS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
God gave us unconditional love and much generosity
Shouldn’t we return such undeserved favor with loyalty?
A servant of God does what God calls them to do for his kingdom
Their services may not be justly paid now but later they’ll be compensated
Working for the kingdom of God means your rewards are lasting and eternal
They cannot be compensated by mere monetary wages which are limited.
In this letter, Paul promises to return to the Corinthian church soon. Acts 18:11 says that Paul stayed in Corinth after he planted the church in the region and stayed a year and a half there teaching them the word of God. According to sources, his second visit was between his first letter and second one, under painful circumstances since he was confronting them of their sins. So, this letter is preparing them for his third visit to them.
Paul explicitly explained to them that he won’t be expecting contribution from them even though he receives monetary funding from the other surrounding churches. Paul knew that the church wasn’t still mature in their faith and he didn’t want them to be compelled to give him support out of obligation. He clearly told them that the most important thing is for them to be continually taught the gospel and he can support himself.
REFLECTION
- What do you think verse 14 in these following verses mean?
