Get the app2 CorinthiansSample
Paul had originally announced to the Corinthians that he would visit them again. The fact that he ultimately did not do so was resented by some as unreliability. Yet, his decision was shaped by love for the church: he did not want to force change, but wished for it to happen out of their joy in Jesus. In the situation at the time, a visit would have likely only hardened the opposing positions—even though Paul would have been in the right. Therefore, he initially kept his distance and wrote a letter instead. Even if his words in it sounded harsh, his goal was reconciliation with the Corinthians, whom he so loves.
For Reflection
Sometimes it is wiser to hold back out of love—even when you are in the right. Paul did not want to win an argument, but to be a "midwife of joy." A joy that grows out of a relationship with Jesus. And sometimes a letter can be more healing than a direct conversation.
About this Plan
“It’s complicated”—that is probably an apt way to describe the relationship between Paul and the church in Corinth. His first letter was met with resistance: some rejected his criticism and even questioned his authority. Paul traveled to Corinth in person—a painful visit. After he returned, he wrote a severe letter in tears. The church responded: many repented. Paul heard about this from Titus and wrote again—our Second Letter to the Corinthians. It is a testimony to genuine reconciliation, to love that has been hurt, and to the divine power that can heal even broken relationships, even today.
More
We would like to thank Christusgemeinde Nagold for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.Christusgemeinde-Nagold.de
Related Plans
Unbroken Fellowship With the Father: A Study of Intimacy in John
The Revelation of Jesus
A Heart After God: Living From the Inside Out
Faith Through Fire
Wisdom for Work From Philippians
The Path: What if the Way of Jesus Is Different Than You Thought?
Created as an Introvert
To the Word
The Faith Series
