May 3, 2015.

Hey guys, it’s been a while since we have communicated like this, but I just want to let you know that I am very appreciative of your continued following and support. I am sick tonight, and because I am ahead of schedule on the letters, I decided to only do a chapter tonight and do the last three chapters in II Corinthians next week. God bless you all.
________________________________________________________________________________

Daily Reading: II Corinthians 10-13.

Background: II Corinthians 7-9. There is evidence to suggest that the book of II Corinthians is actually a combination of Paul’s fourth letter (II Corinthians1-9) and the “severe” letter (II Corinthians 10-13), as there is an abrupt change in tone and subject matter after chapter nine of this letter, making the last four chapters of the letter not fit all that well with the first nine.

Concepts and Connections.

Chapter 10

Paul’s presence in letter verses in person: As stated above, the letter that has been generally commending of the Corinthians takes a somewhat abrupt turn in tone. Paul takes a stand in the beginning of this chapter to defend his ministry to the Corinthians, though he shouldn’t have to due to his intimate relationship with them, and even boast a little, in the Lord (see Jeremiah 9:23-24), so that the Corinthians might take notice of who is speaking to them and realize the authority he has. His authority, of course, comes from Jesus, who called him to be an apostle and a witness of Christ to the gentiles. The complaint of the Corinthians was that Paul seemed to be two-faced to them. He was bold when he wrote them a letter, using heavy language and strong words, but when he came to visit he was meek and gentle (see I Corinthians 4:14-21). Paul assures the Corinthians that he has the same lesson for them either way, and in his first letter he explains that he would rather see them in person gently than come with a rod. But he would in he had to. Paul deeply cares about the Corinthians and he hopes that even though his letters are filled with genuine tough love, their faith will increase so that they will recognize the authority of the apostles and what they are doing wrong. Writing these letters is not a easy thing for Paul to do, but he does it because they are the will of God. Sometimes we will have to do things that we don’t want to, but we need to do to further the kingdom of God. May we always seek to know the will of God, and pray for discretion and wisdom see His guidance.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 17-20.

Grace and peace.

-Walter