Readings for today: 2 Corinthians 11-13, Psalms 4
The election is over. If you’re like me, you breathe a sign of relief that the daily onslaught of text messages, emails, and ads attacking one candidate or the other are over. You’re thankful we no longer have to be subjected to daily messages of fear and shame and outrage. At least until the next cycle revs up or the party that won makes their first controversial decision. We live in a culture of outrage. A time where personal attack has become virtue-signaling. We too often assume the worst rather than the best of each other and we too often weaponize systems of power against those who might not agree with us. It’s a merciless, pitiless, Darwinian process that tears everyone down.
The Apostle Paul lived in similar times. In chapters 11-13 of 2 Corinthians, Paul is answering his critics. People who have personally attacked him. Self-proclaimed “super-apostles” who follow Paul around to correct his theology. They take it on themselves to serve as the theological police of the fledgling early church. They preach that everyone must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses. They attack Paul’s methods and speaking skills. They attack his character and reliability. They accuse him of being a conflict avoider. They claim to have the same mission credentials as Paul and a better spiritual pedigree. Their CV’s are filled, so they say, with church plants and signs and wonders and visions. This forces Paul’s hand. He has to do what he hates. He has to defend his apostleship by citing his own hard-won accomplishments.
As we read, it is important to discern his tone. In our current cultural and political climate, it would be easy to assume Paul feels as we do. It would be easy to read anger and rage into his words as he defends his apostleship. That would be a mistake. Paul says right up front that he is coming to them in meekness and gentleness. Though confident in his authority as an apostle of Christ, he will not “boast beyond limits” nor will he “overextend” himself to make his point. He calls himself a fool numerous times throughout the reading and mocks his former “credentials.” Over and over again, he reminds them of his love for them. Reminds them of his great desire to see them restored in their faith. I love how he ends his letter, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11) This is Paul’s heart on display.
Originally, Paul came to them in humility. He placed no financial burden on them, preaching the gospel free of charge. Living off the support of other churches, like the one in Macedonia which was extremely poor and yet very generous, he was able to live among them and teach them the good news of Jesus Christ. He didn’t lord his authority over them. He didn’t pass out his resume. He refused to promote his past success. Instead, he came to them in weakness. He shared in their sufferings. He intentionally relinquished his rights in order to build them up as a church. I love how he describes his love for them. “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband — to present a pure virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2 CSB) “I will most gladly spend and be spent for you...” (2 Corinthians 12:15 CSB) “We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you become fully mature.” (2 Corinthians 13:9 CSB)
Perhaps the most famous part of this set of readings has to do with the “thorn in Paul’s flesh.” Commentators throughout history have argued over what exactly Paul is referring to here. Is it an illness? An addiction? A persistent temptation? I believe Paul clearly identifies the thorn when he calls it a “messenger from Satan.” In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 CSB, Paul writes “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works.” The Greek word for “angel” can also mean “messenger” and it is the same word in both cases. Essentially, Paul believes that these false apostles are being used by God to keep him humble and utterly reliant on grace. God is using these evil men and their lies to protect Paul from pride and arrogance. He is using them to remind Paul of his weakness and dependence on Christ. He wants Paul to understand that the power he possesses does not come from him but from Jesus Himself.
I too have experienced the pain of betrayal. I know a little of what Paul is talking about here. I have had a few people I considered to be close friends and ministry partners turn on me. Falsely accuse me of being motivated by pride, arrogance, money, misogyny, you name it. Thankfully, these incidents have been few and far between. Not only that but the elders I’ve submitted myself to were always quick to support and encourage and pray for me. My wife and family always stood by me as did the congregations I served. At the same time, God taught me much about His sufficiency in these moments. He used what others intended to tear me down to build me up. And He showed me my weakness and utter dependence on Christ. So I find myself thanking God even for my worst critics because they keep me humble. They keep me in my place. They keep me from thinking too highly of myself. Most of all, they remind me that all that I have and all that I am comes from Christ alone and He deserves all the glory.
How do you handle unfair criticism? Remember God uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Rather than lash out, take a step back. What is God trying to show you? What is God trying to teach you? Is His grace truly sufficient for you? Is His power made perfect even in your weakness?
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Corinthians Galatians 1-2, Psalms 5 (No devotionals on Sundays)