I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!
Many SS guards said after WWII as they were being tried for war crimes that they were “only following orders”. The problem is that their orders were not all they were following. They were also reflecting the evil and ant-Semitism of their superiors. Thankfully, Paul followed orders from Jesus, to be the Apostle to the Gentiles but he also followed the Superior King himself. It is obvious, not only in what he did, planting churches in Gentile lands, but in how he reflected the meekness, gentleness, and humility of Jesus Christ. The Corinthians took these attributes the wrong way, turning them against Paul to say it shows he is not called to be an Apostle. This sentence alone refutes that erroneous claim and exposes the claimants as false apostles that deserve the “boldness” coming to them when Paul comes.
Come to Cape Community Church tomorrow as we learn just how bad the relationship was between Paul and these leaders who commended themselves. This sets the stage for much of Paul’s boasting but, just as in previous chapters, we will also learn in whom Paul is boasting. It is only Jesus that deserves the praise and glory the Corinthian leaders heap on themselves. It was his meekness, gentleness, and humility that gave us hope of seeing him in his glory, power, and majesty when he returns. May we remember that, the last shall be first so we first glorify Jesus.
Dear Lord, thank you for your gentleness as well as your power. May we reflect your humility so the power of your love can shine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church