Gifted to ServeSample

The false leaders in the church had labeled Paul a weak fool. They claimed he was “worldly,” probably because he was taking up an offering in addition to his preaching. Paul wanted the church to understand that Satan was using certain people to damage the church and the gospel message. Paul’s defense against his critics is an excellent pattern even today. The world defines strength and success differently than God does. Paul wants the Corinthian church to view things from a godly perspective rather than the world’s. Today’s passage is an “act” of sorts. Paul assumes his enemies' position, then “boasts” like they do, hoping the Corinthians will see through the darkness of their thoughts to the truth of Christ.

“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).