June 29, 2 Corinthians 12
What if Paul had a publicist to get good media exposure and present him in the best possible light? Let’s imagine a conversation between the apostle and his publicist. Since he’s imaginary, we can name him anything we like. How about Bob?
Bob: OK, Paul. We’re getting close to the end of this letter. I know you’re reluctant to talk about your successes, but our polls in Corinth say you need to enhance your credibility. Why not tell about that mystical out of body experience you had a while back? That’s impressive. The Corinthians will like that!
Paul: No. That was fourteen years ago. There’s not much to say, really. I can’t even talk about what I do remember seeing and hearing. Let’s tell them more about my weaknesses, so the Lord gets glory instead of me.
Bob: You don’t understand! Your approval rating is way down! You’re trailing the guys who went in and discredited you. It’s time to accentuate the positive, the big successes.
Paul: I think I’ll tell them about my thorn in the flesh.
Bob: What? Are you out of your mind? You’re going to admit you have an embarrassing, debilitating problem? If you open up that box, it will look like you’re not even well-connected enough to get your prayers answered!
Paul: They were answered. The answer was no. I asked the Lord three times to take away this aggravating physical problem. He said no. He promised his grace was sufficient, that his strength would shine through in my weakness. God’s design is greater than my desires.
Bob: You’ve got to come across as strong!
Paul: That’s exactly why I boast about the weaknesses and hardships. In those negative situations, I have plenty of strength, and it’s obviously from him, not from me. That’s how I learned to be content despite the calamities and persecutions. He’s in control. Anyway, they know I’m an apostle. They saw the miracles. The only difference in them and any other church is that I didn’t take any support from them.
Bob: Right. They owe you! It’s time for them to ante up, to show you some respect.
Paul: They’re my children. A father ought to give to his children, not the other way around. I want to give to them, not take from them. Nobody in our organization has taken anything from them—not Titus, not Timothy.
Bob: You’ve got to defend yourself!
Paul: That’s not the point. We’re writing this to build them up, not to defend ourselves. You know, I dread going there if we have to be rough with the ones who haven’t listened to my warnings about changing their ungodly lives.
Bob: I don’t know, Paul. It doesn’t make sense to me. This boasting about your weaknesses and giving instead of taking— that’s just not how it’s done in this old world.
Paul: I know, Bob. It’s OK. We’re not doing it like it’s done in this world. Let’s finish the letter.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—June 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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