The trip to facilitate and safeguard the gift from the Corinthian church to the suffering Jerusalem Christians was a joint effort. The group traveling to Corinth for this purpose included a representative of Paul (Titus) and two other unnamed men who were chosen by several churches and Paul.(8:23)
Paul urged the Corinthians to demonstrate their love through action toward the visiting men so that none of the churches (who would hear a report from the man they sent) would doubt their sincere generosity.(8:24) Paul knew that in all this talk about giving he was "preaching to the choir". He knew how the Corinthians felt and that they wanted to give.(9:1) The Corinthian church had previously led the charge in giving to the suffering Jerusalem Christians. (9:2) But Paul also knew it was important that they follow through and not appear slow or reluctant, now that their previous initiative had inspired others to give.
So Paul sent these men, not to strong arm or pressure the Corinthians (and the nearby churches in Achaia that this letter also circulated to), but to help them follow through with what they had committed to.(9:3)
In ancient Greco-Roman culture during this time period, there was tremendous emphasis on obtaining honor and avoiding shame. Paul had staked his reputation on the Corinthians by boasting about them.(9:4) He was ultimately only interested in his standing before God, but he likely cared about the impact his own shame might have on his teaching and the Gospel message. (See last week for the definition of "Gospel".)
With this in mind, Paul urged Titus and the other two men to go and help facilitate the collection and transport of the gift, to make the work efficient and the experience fulfilling for the Corinthians, instead of being drudgery.(9:5)
These verses are an example of what Christian relationships can and should be. The Corinthians were inspired and set a high goal for themselves. Then other Christians became involved to encourage them and help them move forward with their goals after their initial "mountain top" experience.
Next Week- What helps us give and what keeps us from giving.
Coffee House Question- Do you have a Christian relationship in your life in which you can openly share your personal goals for growth and maturity? If so, who? If not, who might you be able to develop this kind of relationship with?
What a good question, Paeter.
ReplyDeleteI do have that kind of relationship. I have a close circle of friends, nearly all of whom are fellow volunteer middle school leaders - and the actual middle school ministry pastor.
We frequently get together, sometimes in one on one settings, sometimes as our larger group of "brothers in Christ" and hold each other accountible to our readings, study of the Word, daily living of the Christian walk, and presenting ourselves to the world as Christians.
Our Middle School Ministry pastor (a middle school kid in a 40 year old's body!) constantly encourages us to continue to grow and (his favorite phrase)marinate in God's Word. It's this kind of encouragement that I constantly keep in mind in my daily search for the truth.