Paul gives some direction on effective giving that we can apply in principle to our finances today. It appears that many churches, including those in Galatia, were contributing to a financial gift for the Christians in Jerusalem who were likely suffering from either poverty or persecution.
Paul directed these believers to set aside money from their finances on a weekly basis and in proportion to their financial wealth. It was not just the wealthy that were meant to participate and it was not meant to be a last minute scramble. Giving was to be built into each person’s weekly budget. The combined financial gifts were also entrusted to people that the church approved for this role.
As strong as Paul was in his faith, he was not beyond needing the help of others, and looked forward to receiving help from the Corinthians when he stayed with them.(v.6-7)
We can learn a valuable principle from verses 8 and 9. Paul wanted to stay in Ephesus a little longer because a great opportunity for effective ministry had opened up for him there. But at the same time there were many who were opposing him. We can sometimes assume that because circumstances are difficult or painful, God is “closing a door” or leading us to do something else that will remove us from the difficulty. But difficult circumstances are not an indicator that we should change our behavior or goals. God’s will might even put us right in the middle of very difficult circumstances!
Paul asks that the Corinthians accept Timothy, a partner and representative of Paul. He asked them to give him no reason to fear. We know from 1 Timothy 4:12 that Timothy had a tendency to be timid. Although he was commanded to grow out of this character flaw, Paul commanded the Corinthians to respect Timothy and make allowance for the areas he was a little weaker in.
We can tend to see our Pastors and church leaders as people who should be “super Christians”. When they fall short of this, we can jump to the conclusion that they aren’t fit for their role. While church leaders should have maturity in relation to their congregation, church leaders are people too and we can honor God by treating them with acceptance and understanding. (v. 10-11)
In chapter 3:4-5, you might remember that the Corinthians were taking sides and forming little groups under Paul and Apollos. A situation Paul spoke against. But Paul has no jealousy toward Apollos because of his followers. He even urges Apollos to go to Corinth. Jealousy can creep up on us even in ministry, but Paul serves as an example against this tendency. (v.12)
The phrase “act like men” as it appears in some translations of verse 13 would be better interpreted today as “be courageous”. Given the culture in which this letter was written, that is how the original readers would have taken it.
As Christians, we should constantly aim to have alert minds, firm faith, courageous hearts and strong character. (v. 13) And all of these things should be pursued in the context of loving God, knowing his love for us and loving others. (v. 14)
Paul holds up the household of Stephanas as an example to follow and serve under. They were the first to become Christians in Achaia (the area Corinth resided in) and subsequently dedicated themselves to helping other Christians. In our lives, we should aim to engage with and help other Christians, looking for opportunities to work under and be mentored by Christians that have been believers longer than we have. (v. 15-16) By aiming to serve Christ as a community of believers, we can be more effective than we would be individually. (v. 17-18)
Although modern churches have a tendency to be isolated from each other, especially across denominational lines, the early church made an effort to connect with each other and combine efforts in ministry. An example worth thinking about today. (v. 19-21)
Although the reference to a “holy kiss” in verse 20 is specific to the culture of the original readers of this letter, we can still apply the same principle today. The practice of kissing each other was common between family members and close friends. For those of us that are introverts and perfectly content to walk staring at the floor, this can be a challenging example to follow. But let’s ask ourselves these questions: When was the last time I made a new person or loose acquaintance at church feel like a close friend to me? How can I step out of my comfort zone a little to make someone else at my church feel cared about?
Curse invocations, like the one in verse 22, were common in Paul’s culture. It would have been the opposite of a statement of blessing, like the one following it, “Maranatha”, which expresses a desire for Christ to come and judge the world. Paul naturally wants all to believe in and love Jesus. But his love for Jesus is so great that he acknowledges being cursed as the rightful state for those who forever persist in rejecting Christ.
Paul closes this letter by expressing his desire for Christ’s undeserved favor(grace) to be with the Corinthians, expressing his own love for them also.
Next Week- Paul’s journey continues in Acts 19!
Coffee House Question
What is the most challenging thing you face in the Christian community you are a part of? What steps can you take to improve that situation and build your relationships with others?
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