“Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we are clearly apparent to God, and I hope we are also apparent to your consciousness. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you an opportunity to boast of us, so that you may have something to say to those who boast of external appearance rather than of the heart. For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are rational, it is for you. For the love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer (2 Cor. 5:11-16).”
Paul defends his ministry because his opponents have interpreted his trials and tribulations as signs that he is not truly an apostle who can minister about the saving power of God; 'For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16).’ His ministry, as God knows, was commanded by Christ and he hopes that it is apparent to the Corinthians; ‘He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do (Acts 9:5-6).”’ He did not recommend himself to them and his ministry comes from the heart not like others who try to impress by appearances and minister for personal profit. Paul gave the same message to the Thessalonians; “Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, nor did it work through deception. But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please human beings, but rather God, who judges our hearts (1 Thess. 2:3-4).” Paul’s motives are from love of Christ who died for us. Because we believe in Christ, then we also died with him and are raised to a new life to live for Christ (Rom. 6:8, 23).
Almighty God, through our confession of faith you buried our sins with your Son and raised us to new life by his resurrection. Help us to love you in word and deed and to share that love with others in the hope that they turn their hearts to you in truth and faith. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Reference:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
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