II Corinthians 1:13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
We know there was a problem in the first century with copy-catters. There were imposters who were sending out letters supposedly from Paul that were not from him.
Paul was directed by God to assure the saints that they were reading his letter as given to him by God. They needed to ignore anything else they were hearing.
We know there are imposters today as well. There are far too many perversions of God’s Word. There are also perversions when it comes to the Hebrew and Greek texts. There is also the corrupt Septuagint. Secular people take pride in this multiplicity of literature. The reason being because they do not want an absolute truth. They are happy to have many different messages because that way they can justify their many sins. What they reject is that they will one day stand before a holy God Who has given us His Word and has preserved His Word in Its entirety. There is nothing missing.
The saints in Corinth needed to set aside their doubts and settle on what God had to say. In verse 14 Paul reminded them that there were those in Corinth who did acknowledge his apostleship, and thus his authority. Those who did believe in his authority were also rejoicing in his work. Paul reminded them that those with him were also rejoicing in them and would rejoice in them in the day of the Lord Jesus.
It seems that there will be some recognition of others in heaven. We know the relationship will be different than that on earth. However, the common bond will be that all who will be there will be blood bought saints. The apostles had a special calling and they will hold a special place in heaven. We know there are twelve foundations in heaven, each one with a name of an apostle on them.
In verse 15 we read that Paul was encouraged by what he witnessed in Corinth. Paul had earlier stated that he wanted to come to them again (I Corinthians 16:5-6). This visit had been delayed because Paul had a desire, but God’s will takes precedence to His servant’s desires. Paul had not sinned in what he had earlier stated. He had expressed his love and care for them. Both he and the Corinthian saints needed to be mindful of the fact that God is never early or late with His plans. No one that is saved is lacking anything due to God’s negligence. Any lack is due to our need for learning.
Paul stated he had already benefited in his first visit with them. He was not serving God for his own benefit. However, there is a benefit in seeing God’s people choose to listen and follow Him. In verse 16 Paul stated what his plan had been. However, that plan was changed by God. True saints need to wait on the Lord. He is never in a hurry. He is never too busy. He has good reason for operating as He does. We know that Martha and Mary needed to understand this as they mourned the death of their brother, Lazarus.
The critics of truth will always find a way to try to discredit the true child of God. They will cast doubts on the sincerity of the faithful servant of God. Sadly, too many will buy into the lies of the naysayers. They miss out on God’s blessings when they do that. The wise person trusts God and honours Him.
Today is the Lord’s Day. We have another opportunity to be in God’s house and enjoy fellowship with fellow saints, if indeed we are saved. Be sure you give God His rightful place in your heart and life. It will be for your benefit and His glory. If you live in our area and do not have a good church home, we would invite you to come and visit us. We are here to help you to know God’s peace and blessing.
Pastor Bartel