But the Lord said to him [Ananias], “Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;” - Acts 9:15
Good morning everyone. As we have read over the past few weeks, starting back in chapter 10, Paul has been making a strong defense of himself, his own integrity, authority, and authenticity as an apostle of Christ. He has been differentiating himself in various ways from the self-proclaimed “apostles” who were leading the Corinthian church astray. Here are just a few of the points he’s made thus far:
He approaches Christian ministry as a spiritual battle, not a physical one.
He strives to behave in the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not in weakness.
He does not boast in things he is not responsible for, nor does he seek men’s recognition.
He has been called personally as an apostle by Jesus and is not inferior to any other apostles.
He chooses to preach the gospel without putting undue or excessive burden on the churches.
He is not fooled by the deceptive tactics of false teachers (who take after Satan himself).
He chastises the Corinthian church for tolerating abusive spiritual leadership.
He recalls numerous sufferings that he has endured for the sake of Christ and His church.
He boasts in his weakness, telling how God has delivered him from numerous dangers and threats.
Today’s message is titled “Paul Concludes His Defense”. We will discuss a few final arguments that Paul makes in defense of himself and his ministry. Remember, his purpose for giving this extensive apology is to regain the Corinthians' trust, in hopes that they might repent of their waywardness and turn back to God.
I. PAUL’S MIRACULOUS VISION (2 Cor. 12:1-6)
Paul stated that he did not find boasting to be profitable or beneficial, but in this case it was necessary. With that in mind, he moved on to another issue - visions and revelations from the Lord. Apparently, the false prophets in Corinth claimed to receive miraculous visions and revelations from God that Paul did not receive.
In response, Paul described an event that had occurred 14 years earlier, when he was caught up to heaven (the first heaven is the sky, the second heaven is outer space, and the third heaven is where God abides). He was uncertain if he had been taken there bodily or if it was an out of body experience. Either way, while he was there he heard inexpressible words that were not to be spoken among men. Paul modestly described this miracle as taking place to an unnamed “man in Christ”, but almost all reputable scholars agree that he was talking about himself. Paul didn’t want to be revered or respected on the basis of unverifiable claims, but rather based on things that people saw and heard firsthand from him.
We could spend a lot of time on this passage, and the implications it has toward the modern Charismatic Movement. Suffice it to say that - though he had experienced something amazing - Paul didn’t disclose what he heard, nor did he describe what he had seen in heaven. In fact, he wrote that it was forbidden for him to do so. This sentiment stands in stark contrast to those who frequently share and elaborate on visions and revelations that they claim to have received from God (outside of the Bible, by the way). As contemporary Christians, we need to affirm the sufficiency of Scripture (Jude 1:3) and recognize complete and full revelation of God in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3). There is no new revelation, but only ongoing illumination of that which the Lord has already spoken (John 14:26, 16:13).
II. PAUL’S THORN IN THE FLESH (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
Though he did not boast about them, Paul asserted that he did receive visions and revelations from God. What’s more, He reasoned that because of the surpassing greatness of these revelations, he’d been given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from exalting himself. He depicted this thorn as “a messenger from Satan” that tormented him. Theologians have long debated the exact nature of this “thorn”. I personally believe it was poor eyesight, but there are many other strong possibilities. Whatever it was, God allowed it in order to keep Paul humble.
Paul recollected praying on 3 separate occasions and asking God to remove the thorn. However, the Lord left it in place and replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, Paul exclaimed that he would boast in his weakness so that the power of Christ might dwell in him. He expressed his contentment in weakness, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, and in difficulties for Christ’s sake. He concluded that when he was weak, the Lord made him strong.
Beloved, we all face various pains and afflictions. We suffer physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Like Paul, we sometimes pray that God would remove the burdens from our lives and heal us, comfort us, and/or restore us. But whether He does or does not, we should always walk with the confidence that His grace is sufficient for us. Our hurts are not due to a lack of faith, but rather are an opportunity for God’s strength to be displayed in our weakness.
III. A SUMMATION OF PAUL’S DEFENSE (2 Cor. 12:11-18)
Paul declared that he felt rather foolish having to defend himself so vigorously, yet the doubts and unfounded criticisms of the Corinthian church compelled him to do so. Rather than rebelling against him, they should have been commending him. Paul recalled exhibiting the wonders and signs of a true apostle when he had been present among them. Had they forgotten? Although he was a “nobody”, Jesus had personally appointed him to that office and, as such, he was not inferior to even the most eminent apostles. Paul asked the Corinthians how he had treated them in any lesser way than the other churches (as he’d been accused of doing)? He asked for their forgiveness if he’d offended them for preaching the gospel in Corinth without charge.
Paul announced his plans to visit Corinth for a third time in the very near future. He stated that he was not coming for their money or resources, but for them. Just as in his previous visits, he would not be a financial burden to them. Paul explained that it is not the child’s job to provide for the parent, but the parent’s to provide for the child. Picturing himself as their parent, he wrote that he’d gladly expend himself for their sake. That said, his sacrificial love for them shouldn’t diminish the love they returned to him. Finally, restating the ridiculous charge that he was a “crafty fellow” and a deceiver, Paul asked the Corinthians how he had taken advantage of them. He asked if any of the people he’d sent to them, such as Titus, had taken advantage of them. Of course neither he or they had done so. On the contrary had acted with the utmost integrity, righteousness, and compassion.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the false apostles in Corinth who slandered Paul and cast derision upon him claimed to receive remarkable revelations and visions from God which they openly boasted about and discussed. Paul responded that he received visions and revelations also, but didn’t publicly disclose them or arrogantly seek acclaim for having them. In fact, God had given him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble, so that he would only boast in his weakness and be content in his sufferings. Paul had performed miracles in the Corinthians' presence as proof of his apostleship, had shown them sacrificial love, and neither he nor his colleagues had placed any burden on them or taken advantage of them in any way. What else could he say?
And so, Paul ended his defense. He had argued his case brilliantly, upheld his character, and decisively distinguished himself from the false prophets in Corinth. Now the ball was in their court. Would the Corinthians recognize Paul’s authenticity and respect his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ or would they continue following the charlatans who were leading their church?
Good morning everyone. As we have read over the past few weeks, starting back in chapter 10, Paul has been making a strong defense of himself, his own integrity, authority, and authenticity as an apostle of Christ. He has been differentiating himself in various ways from the self-proclaimed “apostles” who were leading the Corinthian church astray. Here are just a few of the points he’s made thus far:
He approaches Christian ministry as a spiritual battle, not a physical one.
He strives to behave in the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not in weakness.
He does not boast in things he is not responsible for, nor does he seek men’s recognition.
He has been called personally as an apostle by Jesus and is not inferior to any other apostles.
He chooses to preach the gospel without putting undue or excessive burden on the churches.
He is not fooled by the deceptive tactics of false teachers (who take after Satan himself).
He chastises the Corinthian church for tolerating abusive spiritual leadership.
He recalls numerous sufferings that he has endured for the sake of Christ and His church.
He boasts in his weakness, telling how God has delivered him from numerous dangers and threats.
Today’s message is titled “Paul Concludes His Defense”. We will discuss a few final arguments that Paul makes in defense of himself and his ministry. Remember, his purpose for giving this extensive apology is to regain the Corinthians' trust, in hopes that they might repent of their waywardness and turn back to God.
I. PAUL’S MIRACULOUS VISION (2 Cor. 12:1-6)
Paul stated that he did not find boasting to be profitable or beneficial, but in this case it was necessary. With that in mind, he moved on to another issue - visions and revelations from the Lord. Apparently, the false prophets in Corinth claimed to receive miraculous visions and revelations from God that Paul did not receive.
In response, Paul described an event that had occurred 14 years earlier, when he was caught up to heaven (the first heaven is the sky, the second heaven is outer space, and the third heaven is where God abides). He was uncertain if he had been taken there bodily or if it was an out of body experience. Either way, while he was there he heard inexpressible words that were not to be spoken among men. Paul modestly described this miracle as taking place to an unnamed “man in Christ”, but almost all reputable scholars agree that he was talking about himself. Paul didn’t want to be revered or respected on the basis of unverifiable claims, but rather based on things that people saw and heard firsthand from him.
We could spend a lot of time on this passage, and the implications it has toward the modern Charismatic Movement. Suffice it to say that - though he had experienced something amazing - Paul didn’t disclose what he heard, nor did he describe what he had seen in heaven. In fact, he wrote that it was forbidden for him to do so. This sentiment stands in stark contrast to those who frequently share and elaborate on visions and revelations that they claim to have received from God (outside of the Bible, by the way). As contemporary Christians, we need to affirm the sufficiency of Scripture (Jude 1:3) and recognize complete and full revelation of God in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3). There is no new revelation, but only ongoing illumination of that which the Lord has already spoken (John 14:26, 16:13).
II. PAUL’S THORN IN THE FLESH (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
Though he did not boast about them, Paul asserted that he did receive visions and revelations from God. What’s more, He reasoned that because of the surpassing greatness of these revelations, he’d been given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from exalting himself. He depicted this thorn as “a messenger from Satan” that tormented him. Theologians have long debated the exact nature of this “thorn”. I personally believe it was poor eyesight, but there are many other strong possibilities. Whatever it was, God allowed it in order to keep Paul humble.
Paul recollected praying on 3 separate occasions and asking God to remove the thorn. However, the Lord left it in place and replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, Paul exclaimed that he would boast in his weakness so that the power of Christ might dwell in him. He expressed his contentment in weakness, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, and in difficulties for Christ’s sake. He concluded that when he was weak, the Lord made him strong.
Beloved, we all face various pains and afflictions. We suffer physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Like Paul, we sometimes pray that God would remove the burdens from our lives and heal us, comfort us, and/or restore us. But whether He does or does not, we should always walk with the confidence that His grace is sufficient for us. Our hurts are not due to a lack of faith, but rather are an opportunity for God’s strength to be displayed in our weakness.
III. A SUMMATION OF PAUL’S DEFENSE (2 Cor. 12:11-18)
Paul declared that he felt rather foolish having to defend himself so vigorously, yet the doubts and unfounded criticisms of the Corinthian church compelled him to do so. Rather than rebelling against him, they should have been commending him. Paul recalled exhibiting the wonders and signs of a true apostle when he had been present among them. Had they forgotten? Although he was a “nobody”, Jesus had personally appointed him to that office and, as such, he was not inferior to even the most eminent apostles. Paul asked the Corinthians how he had treated them in any lesser way than the other churches (as he’d been accused of doing)? He asked for their forgiveness if he’d offended them for preaching the gospel in Corinth without charge.
Paul announced his plans to visit Corinth for a third time in the very near future. He stated that he was not coming for their money or resources, but for them. Just as in his previous visits, he would not be a financial burden to them. Paul explained that it is not the child’s job to provide for the parent, but the parent’s to provide for the child. Picturing himself as their parent, he wrote that he’d gladly expend himself for their sake. That said, his sacrificial love for them shouldn’t diminish the love they returned to him. Finally, restating the ridiculous charge that he was a “crafty fellow” and a deceiver, Paul asked the Corinthians how he had taken advantage of them. He asked if any of the people he’d sent to them, such as Titus, had taken advantage of them. Of course neither he or they had done so. On the contrary had acted with the utmost integrity, righteousness, and compassion.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the false apostles in Corinth who slandered Paul and cast derision upon him claimed to receive remarkable revelations and visions from God which they openly boasted about and discussed. Paul responded that he received visions and revelations also, but didn’t publicly disclose them or arrogantly seek acclaim for having them. In fact, God had given him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble, so that he would only boast in his weakness and be content in his sufferings. Paul had performed miracles in the Corinthians' presence as proof of his apostleship, had shown them sacrificial love, and neither he nor his colleagues had placed any burden on them or taken advantage of them in any way. What else could he say?
And so, Paul ended his defense. He had argued his case brilliantly, upheld his character, and decisively distinguished himself from the false prophets in Corinth. Now the ball was in their court. Would the Corinthians recognize Paul’s authenticity and respect his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ or would they continue following the charlatans who were leading their church?