7 Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so that I could serve you! 9 When I was with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia fully supplied my needs. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Adam Davies

It seems so strange that the Corinthians would doubt Paul's authenticity or legitimacy because he didn’t charge them money to receive the gospel message! But that seems to be something of what has happened here. Paul insists on not burdening the Corinthians, even though as a gospel worker, he could legitimately have received financial support from them. Instead, when he needed financial support, it was the churches further north in Macedonia who provided for him. It seems to me that Paul wanted to distinguish himself from certain people in Corinth who were deceitfully preaching a message for their own gain or financial benefit.

The whole passage makes me reflect on the partnership development I do as an AFES University Christian worker. At university, we offer the gospel free of charge to students so that there is no confusion about the free gift of God’s grace in Christ. But to do that I am funded by Christians from other churches partnering in the ministry with me. I guess some might say I’m robbing other churches (v8) – I never thought about it like that!

But it's such a joy to be able to offer salvation to people who don’t know Christ without any other motives in the mix. Simply being able to hold out the message of God’s free gift of mercy and forgiveness, teaching and training students in following Christ, without charging them a cent, is a huge blessing. It is really quite remarkable when nothing else in this world is really free. The passage has made me feel super grateful to the people who partner with me so that students at university can receive Christ and grow in him.

Who held out the gospel to you? How did you feel about the offer of complete forgiveness without having to open your wallet? I’m so thankful that our God is gracious and compassionate, full of love, mercy and forgiveness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.