Footsteps #160

We must study the text in its historical setting, then we ask, how does 2Corinthians speak to cultural issues today? As previously noted, the Apostle Paul has been marginalized by the leaders who succeeded him. They have attacked him for his appearance, his poor communication skills, his lack of credentials, for the fact that he didn’t charge for his services, and even for his suffering (implying that he must have deserved it or God wouldn’t have allowed it; the old health/wealth lie). In defending himself Paul argues strongly against a culture that saw wealth and power and influence and oratory and good looks as the evidence of godly success. Instead, he chooses humility and weakness and suffering and integrity as the true signs of successful ministry.  It is a letter for Christians who want to reach a lost generation with the truth of the Gospel. In much of the western world, the church has been either static or in retreat for many decades. I read recently that in spite of the explosion of mega-churches in the United States, there is not a single county where the born-again population is larger today than twenty or thirty years ago–not even the counties where the largest mega-churches reside. Even in Australia, the church is losing the fight for the soul of the nation. In 2Corinthians Paul reminds us that the key to reaching a lost world is not found in methods or techniques, however valuable these might be in their proper place, but with godly motivation and truth. If we were more like Paul, our perceptions would be increasingly shaped by the two factors found in chapter five: the fear of the Lord (5:11) and the love of Christ (5:14).  

 It is also a letter for Christians who care about holiness. The Apostle Paul was not merely an outstanding evangelist, a superb missionary, and a theologian without peer; he was also a man of great godliness and holiness. He cared passionately about the inner life. The unique contribution of 2Corinthians is that he responded to the challenges that faced him in Corinth by baring his soul and becoming vulnerable to his readers.