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Examine Yourselves - 2 Corinthians 13
Examine Yourselves - 2 Corinthians 13
Paul came to Corinth and brought the gospel of Jesus. This is how the church in Corinth began (cp. Acts 18:8). Why would they believe this new message from an unknown preacher? Because it was confirmed by miracles, signs, and wonders that accompanied Paul’s preaching! While there is no specific mention of such in Acts 18, Paul does speak of such in his first letter to that church.
1 Cor. 1:5–7 — 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Cor. 2:4–5 — 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Yet, false teachers entered after Paul left and began questioning the very apostleship of Paul. They were persuasive enough to cause the brethren in Corinth to begin questioning Paul’s authority as an apostle.
Paul’s advice now as he ends this 2nd letter to them: Examine YOURSELVES! The signs of an apostle were publicly displayed among them. Hence: “37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. (1 Cor. 14:37).
Disagreeing with Paul, a confirmed apostle of the Lord, only means YOU are wrong.
Hugh DeLong
