Paul has been lifting us up to amazing heights in describing his ministry. But now he comes back to the issue that some at Corinth were rejecting his ministry. The first 2 verses indicate he was concerned about their salvation. Remember that Paul is a minister of the new covenant. To reject him in favor of other so-called apostles (cf. 11:13) is to reject his message of reconciliation in Christ. In that case they would have received the grace of God in vain (v1).
Therefore Paul writes his own letter of
commendation. Notice that he has not
offended in anything (v3). He realizes what we must realize: evidence for
one’s ministry involves every aspect of our lives, whether we are on- or
off-duty.
If you were writing a letter of commendation
for a church or ministry what kinds of things would you say? The other night my wife listened while the
member of a nearby church related the greatness of that church, telling how
many had been saved, how the pastor was travelling around the country telling
others how to reach young people for Christ, and how the members were involved
in many hours of community service. I
consider this to be a good church, doing God’s work, and these things seemed
impressive to me. But at the same time Paul’s
list of ministry successes is
intriguing. The list is not hard to
understand, but read it through again and note the different marks of ministry.
o
In v4b-5 he speaks of the situations in which he
served: patience, tribulation, needs, distresses (when the path is narrow),
stripes, imprisonments, tumults (unstable situations), labors (wearying work),
sleeplessness, fastings.
o
In v6-7a he speaks of the character he exhibited
in these situations: purity, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, fullness of
the Holy Spirit, sincere love, truthfulness based in the Word of God, by the
power of God, clothed in the armor of righteousness.
o
In v7b-8a he speaks of contrasting types of
environments where he served: under attack from all sides (the right and the
left); whether respected or not; whether spoken evil of or honored.
o
In v8b-10 he speaks of the way he served God in
adverse situations: though called a deceiver he was true; though not well known
he spoke freely as one who is well-known; though often close to death he served
with resurrection life; though chastened (punished for preaching the gospel) he
served because he was not killed; though in sad situations he rejoiced to
serve; though poor he, by the gospel, made many rich in Christ; though having
nothing he served as one who possessed all things.
What Paul is saying is true for us. When we reach out to others in the name of
Christ our most compelling testimony and opportunity to serve will be when
people watch us in adversity. Only then
will they care about the reason for our
hope, as Peter put it (1 Peter 3:15).
Do people trust you when you speak of Christ? What is the proof of your ministry?
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