2 Cor. 11:1-4; 9:10-13, KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Pardon the word “stupid.”  Except that the one who, in terms of these words, does not have a simple devotion to Christ, is stupid.

aplotēs (noun): singleness, simplicity, sincerity

·       Ro 12:8: giver should give w/simplicity, singleness. (Your Bible might say “liberality.”  It’s interesting that the word for singleness of heart is also the word for liberality in giving.  Makes sense: no place for double-mindedness, loving self while loving the Lord!)

·       2 Cor. 1:12: Paul’s conscience testified that he lived in the world in simplicity and sincerity (see below, elikrineia).

·       2Co 8:2; 9:11,13: Macedonians gave liberally in hard times; givers will be enriched in everything in all liberality; givers glorify God with liberal sharing.

·       2Co 11:3: Paul feared being led astray fr. simplicity, purity of devotion to Christ.

·       Eph 6:5: slaves obey masters w/simplicity of heart (Col 3:22)

ICC: honesty of purpose, singleness.  No double-heartedness in their obedience, no feeelings of reluctance, but genuine heartiness & goodwill.

aplous (adjective): simple, single

·       Mt 6:22: if eye is "clear" our body is full of light (Lk 11:34)

These words have the Greek negative “a” in front of plekō,” meaning to “plait, braid, weave together.”  Plekō is 3x in the NT: Mt. 27:29, Mar. 15:17, Jn. 19:2, all referring to the “twisting” of the crown of thorns.  Failure to be single minded in our worship of Christ is to twist a crown of thorns to put on His head.  We do not have a good testimony as Paul (who did not weave fleshly wisdom but lived by grace) and those who gave generously.

Related to the above words are these two terms below that speak of purity as not mixing differing things together.  That would be a recipe that dishonors Christ.  What potential “impurities” do you see in these passages?

eilikrineia: sincerity, purity of nature

·       1 Cor. 5:8: in this age we keep the Passover with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

·       2 Cor. 1:12: Paul’s conscience testified that he lived in the world in simplicity and sincerity

·       2 Cor. 2:17: Paul did not peddle word of God but spoke as of sincerity.

eilikrinēs: unmixed, pure (morally), sincere

·       Phil. 1:10: Paul prays they may be sincere, without offense til the day of Christ

·       2 Pt. 3:1: Peter’s letter was meant to stir up their pure minds.