In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta examines how the Apostle Paul defends his ministry against critics who judge him by outward appearance rather than by the message he proclaims. Paul insists that true transformation comes from God’s work in the heart, not from impressive credentials or presentation. Through this passage, Paul calls the Corinthians—and us—to see others through the lens of the gospel, not worldly standards.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Paul frames gospel ministry—not as self-promotion, but as a calling shaped by God’s grace and Christ’s love. This episode encourages us to reevaluate how we view others, how we assess ourselves, and how we respond to the gospel’s call to be reconciled to God.

Paul addresses criticism from the Corinthian church and explains the theological foundation and personal motivations behind his work. His message clarifies both the role of an apostle and the purpose of the gospel.

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Podcast season 26, episode 8

In 2 Corinthians 5:1–11, Paul continues his defense of his ministry by explaining how his confidence in the resurrection shapes his message, motivates his courage, and defines his integrity.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Paul’s eternal perspective gave him courage, how that same perspective can shape our lives today, and what it means to aim to please Christ in all we do.

Paul continues with this theme of learning through suffering in 2 Corinthians 5.

Throughout church history and in reading 2 Corinthians, people speculate about how Paul pictures life after death. Both sides of the debate focus on this passage in 2 Corinthians.

Three Stage View

Two Stage View

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Podcast season 26, episode 7

Paul offers a powerful defense of his ministry, explaining how the gospel he proclaims is not about him, but about the transforming power of God. Though Paul faces rejection, suffering, and accusations, he remains unwavering because he knows the source of the message and the One who is truly at work through it.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

What you’ll gain from this episode:

You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of Paul’s view of ministry, not as a showcase of human strength, but as a vessel for God’s glory. Learn why Christian hope isn’t rooted in visible success or public approval, but in the unseen, eternal work God is doing in and through us.

Paul responds to criticism of his ministry by affirming that the power of the gospel does not come from the messenger; it comes from God. His suffering, weakness, and rejection do not discredit his message. Instead, they showcase the surpassing power and glory of God.

Paul repeats three themes through this section where he defends his ministry.

Twice in the chapter (4:1; 4:16) Paul insists he does not lose heart. Why?

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Podcast season 26, episode 6

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta explores Paul’s bold claim that his ministry as an apostle is more glorious than the ministry of Moses. By comparing the Old and New Covenants, Paul shows that spiritual transformation doesn’t come from the Law but from the work of the Holy Spirit.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the glory of the gospel and how God is at work transforming hearts. Whether you’re teaching the Bible or seeking personal encouragement, this passage is a reminder that real change comes from God’s Spirit, not from our own efforts.

Paul continues defending his apostleship by highlighting the source and impact of his work. He isn’t exalting himself but clarifying that the power behind his ministry comes from God and that power brings real transformation.

1 – Paul is not the source of the gospel’s power.

2 – Paul speaks and acts with integrity and boldness.

3 – The gospel (and therefore Paul’s ministry) brings spiritual transformation, something the Law couldn’t do.

If the Law, which cannot save us from death, came with glory, then the gospel, which promises life-giving transformation through the spirit, must come with even more glory.

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Podcast season 26, episode 5

Trying harder won’t fix the human heart, and that’s exactly why the new covenant is such good news. In this episode, Krisan Marotta walks us through 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, where Paul defends his ministry by pointing not to his qualifications, but to the life-giving work of the Spirit. Paul’s confidence doesn’t come from his own strength. It comes from what God is doing through him.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the difference between law and Spirit, external obedience and inward transformation, and why the gospel offers something better than a new strategy for self-improvement.

In 2 Corinthians 3:1–6, Paul continues defending his ministry to the Corinthian church. Some in the church questioned his authority and demanded proof of his legitimacy. Paul responds by pointing to the Corinthian believers themselves as the evidence of his ministry and explains how his message brings life through the Spirit in a way the Law could not.

Paul asks whether he needs to commend himself again or bring letters of recommendation.

Paul expands the metaphor of the Corinthians as his “letter.”

Paul introduces a contrast between the letter and the Spirit.

Paul’s reference to the “new covenant” connects to Old Testament promises of heart transformation.

Each passage shows that the old covenant (the law) was not enough to change hearts. The new covenant brings both forgiveness and internal transformation through the Spirit. The Law gives good commands, but it cannot change a rebellious heart.

This passage has been central to debates about the so-called Victorious Christian Living (VCL) or Keswick theology.

The new covenant doesn’t just offer help. It creates new people.

God forgives us because of Jesus and his death on the cross.  Then God gives us his Spirit to change us from the inside out so that we no longer turn away from him and rebellion, but actually seek him out and find life.

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Podcast season 26, episode 4

Paul’s ministry didn’t look successful. He was often rejected, beaten, and misunderstood. But in 2 Corinthians 2:5–17, Paul reminds us that the gospel doesn’t need to be repackaged to be effective.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Paul handled criticism, disappointment, and conflict in ministry. You’ll be encouraged to speak the truth faithfully, even when you can’t control how others respond.

In this passage, Paul addresses two major concerns with the church in Corinth: how they handled a disciplinary case involving a disruptive member, and how they viewed Paul’s own ministry. Paul defends his actions and clarifies his motives, reminding the Corinthians—and us—that the outcome of gospel ministry belongs to God.

Paul refers to a man who caused significant pain, likely during Paul’s sorrowful visit to Corinth.

Paul never names the man or the exact offense, but scholars have proposed two main theories:

Paul’s language suggests a personal offense against him that harmed the whole church and sparked division over Paul’s apostleship.

After writing the sorrowful letter, Paul eagerly awaited news of the Corinthians’ response.

Paul reflects on his ministry using the image of a Roman triumphal procession.

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Podcast season 26, episode 2

When Paul didn’t return to Corinth as expected, some accused him of being unreliable. In 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4, Paul explains his decision did not result from selfish motives but from pastoral care. His example gives us a window into how mature faith navigates conflict, disappointment, and the hard work of loving others well.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church and what it means to live and lead with integrity. Krisan Marotta helps unpack this passage in a way that’s honest, accessible, and grounded in Scripture, equipping you to better trust God when plans change and relationships get complicated.

In 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4, Paul addresses a specific situation: why he didn’t visit the Corinthian church as originally planned. Some in the church questioned his integrity and commitment, assuming his change in plans reflected selfish motives. But Paul uses this conflict to defend his actions, affirm his sincerity, and remind the Corinthians that the gospel is trustworthy and certain.

Understanding this passage requires some background on Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians, including the letters and visits that didn’t survive.

To understand Paul’s decision not to visit, we need to know the timeline of his interactions with the church at Corinth.

Some Corinthians viewed Paul’s change in plans as a sign of unreliability. Paul explains his actions and defends his apostleship.

Paul connects his own trustworthiness to the faithfulness of God.

Paul explains that his decision not to visit was motivated by love and concern, not fear or indifference.

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Podcast season 26, episode 2

When Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthians, he doesn’t start with doctrine. He starts with suffering, comfort, and prayer. This passage gives us a glimpse into the personal cost of gospel ministry and the beauty of how God uses suffering to encourage others.

Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church was complicated. These opening verses set the tone for a letter that’s both tender and urgent.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain a richer understanding of 2 Corinthians and the heart behind Paul’s words. You’ll see how his story models gospel-shaped leadership—and how our own trials can become a source of comfort to others.

To understand 2 Corinthians, we need three key pieces of context:

Paul opens by calling himself an “apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” That’s not just a formality. It’s a gentle but firm reminder to a church that doubted him: God chose Paul to speak for Christ. That calling didn’t come through popularity or persuasion—it came through divine appointment.

Paul praises God as “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). But Paul isn’t just making a general theological point. He’s describing his own life. God has encouraged him in the midst of real affliction, and that encouragement wasn’t just for Paul—it was for the Corinthians too.

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Season 26, Episode 1

Corinth was one of the most influential and morally corrupt cities in the Roman Empire. Yet it became home to a growing church. In this episode, we study Acts 18 to explain how and why Paul founded a church in Corinth, what made Corinth strategic, and how God used unexpected partnerships to advance the gospel.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

By listening, you’ll gain insight into the unique challenges and opportunities Paul faced in Corinth and how God used those circumstances to lay the foundation for one of the New Testament’s most complex and important churches.

Corinth was a city of wealth, power, and moral decay—an unlikely place for a thriving church.

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Season 26, bonus episode

What happens when ministry gets messy? Or when people in the church misunderstand, question, or even reject you? In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul opens his heart to a struggling, divided church and shows us what faithful ministry looks like in the midst of conflict.

This verse-by-verse podcast series walks through Paul’s most personal letter, filled with truth, grace, and surprising encouragement for anyone walking through conflict or discouragement in the church. Join us and discover how God shows up—even when church hurts.

Mark your calendar for July 9 and be sure to follow Wednesday in the Word wherever you listen so you can get notified when each new episode drops.

If you’d like to explore the podcast with a small group, I’ve created a set of thoughtful discussion questions to support deeper conversation and shared reflection. There are 15 questions for each episode ranging from the key themes to personal application, plus a few creative fun hypotheticals to help you connect biblical truths in meaningful and engaging ways.

Thanks again for listening. I’m looking forward to sharing Season 26 with you.

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Maybe share a quick note about something you’ve learned. Your personal touch could make all the difference in blessing someone else.

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