825.htm

825.

"THE LETTERS INDEED, SAY THEY, WEIGHTY AND STRONG,
THE BUT PRESENCE OF THE BODY WEAK AND THE WORD
HAVING BEEN TREATED AS UTTERLY NOTHING".
(2 Corinthians 10:10 Greek Translation).

WHO WERE "THEY" SAYING THESE THINGS, AND WHY?
These were men who sought to be found equal to apostles of Christ by recommending themselves as such, but they were without the approval of Jehovah. (2 Cor 10:18 & 11:12,13). As ministers of satan they were transforming themselves into 'ministers of righteousness' for the purpose of deceiving. (11:15). Though boasting of being such, they were not The Christ's disciples. The humility of the apostle Paul should have been their example. And yet, despite giving ample testimony of his knowledge and sufferings for the faith, they still criticized him for a lack of "presence". Because in their view he was unskilled in speech, they said he treated the Word of God as utterly nothing. (11:6).

Aware that they considered the beneficial discipline administered by the apostle Paul as unreasonable, he pointed out that, "If a man tyrannizes over you, exploits you, gets you in his clutches, puts on airs, and hits you in the face, you put up with it." (11:20 NEB). So what did he mean when he wrote, "And we, you say, have been weak! I admit the reproach" ? (11:21 NEB). That they were willing to tolerate being exploited by Godless ones, but sought to excuse themselves from the discipline of God administered freely through The Christ's apostle to the nations! They had more in common with those tyrannizing over them than with The Christ! (11:19). Although while among them Paul was in need, he did not hold this against them. Paul told them he loved them, and that what he was doing he would still do, "...that I may cut off the pretext from those who are wanting a pretext for being found equal to us in the office of which they boast." (11:12).

As ministers of satan but with an appearance of righteousness, this evil "seed" have been most effective within Christ's congregations, and especially so today. "But their end shall be according to their works." (11:15). However, like Paul, we are concerned that you too are being exploited by the deceitful works of ministers of satan.

THEIR PRETEXT MADE INVALID THROUGH WEAKNESS.
But while they said, "his letters are weighty and forceful, but his presence in person is weak and his speech contemptible", in his defence, Paul said, "Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself that you might be exalted, because without cost I gladly declared the good news of God to you?" (10:10 & 11:7). Because they were comparing themselves with those who were recommending themselves as 'ministers of righteousness', they looked upon Paul's humility in connection with the Word of God as weakness. They expected Paul to have a powerful "presence" and to impress them with the spoken Word, rather than exercising faith in that Word by their Godly works. Moreover, the Lord said: "My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you; for my power is being made perfect in weakness." (12:9).

PAUL MAKES COMPARISONS AS TO BOASTING.
Ministers of satan seek a pretext for not measuring up to the office of which they boast, and this is made manifest in various ways. In the case of the apostle Paul, these "superfine apostles" erroneously criticized him for not having the charisma and forcefulness of character they deemed the prerequisite of an apostle, and by their absence accused Paul of treating the Word of God with contempt. (12:11-13). But what Paul could boast of certainly cut off their pretext for boasting. (Please read 11:16 & 11:23-30). Suffering for the faith means more than just preaching or attending congregation meetings. (1 Peter 2:20).

23/10/77.