Paul reminds the Corinthians of his superiority over false teachers: (12:11-13): Paul once again begins with a sarcastic note that he was forced to boast which he did not desire to do. He was almost apologizing for writing about himself. He would rather write more about the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was simply telling about himself to correct the believers and not be influenced by false teachers. Paul also points out that there were many signs and wonders taken place among them. All these are the evidences of Paul’s apostleship. Further has seen the risen Christ and spoke to Him face to face. But the only thing Paul did was to refuse money from Corinthians. This cannot become a negative point for any church, but he sarcastically asks their forgiveness. Therefore they cannot be inferior to any other church just because they were freely served whereas other false teachers were exploiting money from some of the members of the Corinth.
Paul’s special relationship and mention of third trip: (12:14-19):
Paul had founded the church on his first visit to Corinth and stayed a year and six months (Acts 18:11). His second visit was a brief, painful visit in between the writing of (1& 2 Corinthians). Now he mentions of his coming a third time. He makes it clear he would not depend upon them. He does not want their possessions but he loves them so much. After all he was a spiritual father to the Corinthians. Just like a loving father does not lay his burdens on his children he puts no burden upon them. Instead, he sacrificed so that the children might have what they need. Children will have no idea what it means for parents to go to work and earn the money that provides for the needs of the family. In other words he was also saying that the Corinthian believers are still in childhood. They need to depend upon their spiritual father. When they grow up spiritually, they can be partners in the Gospel. Further he was also silencing the boasting of the Judaizers and false teachers.
Although Paul took nothing from them, some of them were thinking that somehow Paul was crafty tricked them and earned money. Although Paul did take collection through Titus to support the poor believers of Jerusalem and Judea, who were in poverty, it was highly transparent that the collection was sent through Titus, a designated member of the church and third believer also. Paul knew that not a single person could accuse him of covetousness or selfishness. He drew their attention that even Titus too acted in the same spirit when he was sent to look after Corinthians. He explained to them that all that he did was only for the benefit and edification of the Corinthian believers.
Paul’s apprehension: (12:20-21):
Paul was in great apprehension that Corinthians may have gone back to their wicked living. When a person has a true repentance, there must be marked transformation over the period. Many signs and miracles have happened when Paul ministered to them. Paul was greatly afraid that he would be very sorry if he sees them back in a wretched condition. What the church needed was the consecration. It appeared that there are still terrible sins in the church and Paul asks them to put away them and be consecrated. Sin in the church is like a cancer, unless it is cut off timely results into the death of the church. Some of the sins which Paul mentioned are perhaps found in our contemporary churches. As believers we must make an examination of our church members. They are:
- Quarrelling: Angry dispute
- Jealousy:
- Outbursts of anger: Blow up in anger for every matter
- Factions: Making divisions in the church for even small points
- Slander: Falsely speaking and damaging the reputation of others.
- Gossip: Speaking of others personal information with maliciousness.
- Arrogance: Overbearing pride.
- Disorder: Causing disturbances in the normal circumstances.
All the sins are linking each other. Apart from the above sins, there could be impurity, sexual sins, debauchery etc. which he feared very much. If Paul finds them in such a situation, then he would be very much humbled and grieved. He still uses his authority to straighten up their lives in the light of the Gospel. Although he loves them so much like a father, he cannot tolerate them involving in such sins.