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First Day
Hosted by Patrick Cooley · EN
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We hope that you will find in each episode something that helps you grow stronger in your faith.
God is starting something new in you!
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Romans 1:8-17: The Obligation of Faith
Jan 18, 202500:19:12Tap to summarizeAlthough Paul does not know the members of the Church in Rome, he fells as responsible for them and their faith as he does for the Galatians, Thessalonians, and Corinthians. His goal is to have theirs and his faith to increase.
Transcribe →Romans 1:1-7, "I can do no other."
Jan 15, 202500:20:45Tap to summarizeThis episode covers Paul's greeting to the Christians of the Church in Rome. Paul explains that he was no choice but to address and, hopefully, bring believers there back into a full relationship with Christ Jesus, so that they may also fulfill their call to to the same for other.
Transcribe →"There be Romans here." A Brief Intro to the Series
Jan 14, 202500:15:45Tap to summarizeThis is an introduction episode to the podcast's new series on Romans. Please listen, like, subscribe, and share.
Transcribe →2 Corinthians 12 & 13: So you will listen.
Jan 6, 202500:30:00Tap to summarize(NRSV, 1989)1 It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.Paul continues his exercise in absurdity—acting in a way that makes him so uncomfortable to prove his point to the Corinthians who have fallen for boasting. If the church must have boasting, again, a common practice in the church that is addressed in 1 Corinthians, Paul says, Let me boast so grandly that they will become uncomfortable. If they have decided that the proof of faith is in visions and not in sacrificial generosity, then what better way is there for Paul to reassert his authority.2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3 And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. Paul tells the story of a man who has been called up to Paradise—the third heaven; the apostle certainly is speaking about himself and his experience. Paul does not know if this happened physically or spiritually, but God does. He repeats this immediately, making God the actual focus and not himself. The great truth that the man encountered there was to be kept to himself and not shared with anyone: how unlike the practice of the boasting super-apostles who appear to actively seek to share “the answer” for the right price. Fourteen years prior to Paul writings these words would be just after his time in Jerusalem with Peter and James (Galatians 1:18,19) during the time of his ministry in Syria and Cilicia. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Surely the Corinthians by now realize that Paul’s “Paradise Man” is himself, but he keeps on boasting of this man—but not himself “except for [his] weakness.” Undertaking a journey like this is certainly reason enough to boast. 6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Paul’s desire is that the Corinthians think better of him for what they have actually seen and heard him doing, not because of some story that he tells. “The fish was this big.” No, even though this divine revelation is a grand one, what he should be judged on his how he carries himself each and ever day. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.By now Paul seems to have let the Paradise Man cover go, and he shares his story with them. To prevent these divine revelations from going to his head “a thorn was given [to him] in the flesh,” perhaps as a reminder that he is only mortal in the absence of God’s initiative. In the Roman triumph a messenger would stand behind the general being honored for his excellence, his exemplary deeds, and his unsurpassed service to Rome and constantly repeat the words, “Remember, thou art mortal.” Whatever this skolops is he assumes the Corinthians know—although we do not. But we do ascertain it purpose of its gifting: to keep Paul “from being too elated.” The important thing to consider her is not what it was or even why it was given but who gave it to him. If Satan is acting as God’s messenger, then the thorn was given to produce humility. God often uses Satan or agents thereof to produce deeper faith and a closer walk. To put it another way, God is not the author or source of this evil but permits it for His reasons. On the other hand, if the thorn is truly and solely the work of Satan, I can easily see it as being given to Paul to hinder him in the fulfilling God’s call on his life. How can we possibly meet God’s expectations if we cannot even live up to ours? Genesis 50:20 gives us a third option and doesn’t have God playing catch-up to Satan or paint Him as mischievous and lacking empathy. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.” (NASB) This perspective is also in keeping with what Paul will write to the Romans in his next letter when he declares that “all things happen for the good of those who love God and seek to do His will.” This is how powerful God is: every action, even those that do not originate in Him will achieve His divine aims. This is born out as Paul continues:8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.“My grace us sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Through it all, as we experience “weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ,” and precisely because we are facing them for the sake of Christ, God’s grace will bring us through. Therefore, we cannot blame God for having Satan do these things to us—making God lack compassion and empathy—nor can we accuse Him fixing Satan’s messes—always being one step behind. 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it. Indeed you should have been the ones commending me, for I am not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 How have you been worse off than the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!Paul lays the Corinthians’ troubles at their own feet. Every proof that was needed to demonstrate that he was a true apostle was performed for them. They had been given everything needed to believe in Christ, repent, and amend their lives together, but they chose instead the “proof” and message of the super-apostles. In verse thirteen Paul expresses his confusion at the fact that the other churches appear to be “getting it” while they aren’t. He then questions if they are failing because he chose to give them more room to figure it out than he did the other churches. 14 Here I am, ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, because I do not want what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? Despite all this, Paul is ready to come to them again. But he will not change the way he will stay with them. He promises not to be a burden and not demand their support—or anything for the matter—from them. This is, ...
Transcribe →2 Corinthians 10 & 11: Why do you gotta' be so mean?
Jan 6, 202500:26:38Tap to summarize(NRSV, 1989)As mentioned in the introduction episode, with its radical shift in tone and subject matter, there is a thought among scholars that 2 Corinthians 10-13 represent another Pauline letter addressed to the church—a fifth. In my estimation, this is a reasonable position. Reread the chapters before this one and tell me that Paul’s words haven’t become harsh; some argue that this is not a fifth letter but the harsh letter that Paul refers to at the beginning of 2 Corinthians. Decide for yourself, of course. 1 I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. 3 Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments 5 and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 6 We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.“I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we [Paul] are acting according to human standards.” Someone in the Corinthian church—or maybe even a group within it—has charged Paul with “acting according to human standards”, and that he is unfit to follow. He states that he may be merely human, but when the gospel message is threatened his weapons will “have divine power to destroy strongholds.” These accusers are hindering the church in its knowledge of God, but Paul’s arguments will overcome their efforts and will “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” This matters so much that Paul, himself, is writing these words, as he expresses his readiness to go to war and “punish every disobedience” when the congregation has come to fully obey God. Perhaps the church was beginning to side with Paul’s accusers?7 Look at what is before your eyes. If you are confident that you belong to Christ, remind yourself of this, that just as you belong to Christ, so also do we.Things don’t seem to be going too well in the church, and Paul’s comment here seems to indicate that the Corinthians have allowed themselves to be led astray. “If you are confident that you belong to Christ, [you better look at me and ask yourself if you really still do. Compare your life with Christ with mine.]” 8 Now, even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. 9 I do not want to seem as though I am trying to frighten you with my letters.I can’t help but hear Cartman here. “You will respect my authoritah.” Of course Paul isn’t using his apostolic authority in the same way at all. His has been given to him in order to build the church and not destroy it. He reminds of this with the caveat that he doesn’t want them to think that he is trying to frighten them back to their unhindered walk with Christ. Paul’s statement implies that his accusers may well be claiming authority within the church but are using it like Cartman would. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such people understand that what we say by letter when absent, we will also do when present.Let’s not call them accusers; let’s call them challengers. They say, “He talks a big game on paper, but in person he’s too afraid to.” Paul responds that he will speak what he has written when present with them in the church. 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you.He understands his limits and will not even attempt to give the Corinthians an opportunity to choose between him and the challengers by comparison. They are boastful and proud and—apparently—number more than one since “they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another.” By doing so, “they so not show good sense.” They are behaving like the Corinthians were in Paul’s first letter to them—each trying to stand above the other. Paul, on the other hand, submits himself to God and will not go beyond the boundaries that have been divinely set for him. He knows his limitations and strengths, but more importantly he knows why he does what we does: He does it for God. 14 For we were not overstepping our limits when we reached you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the good news of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labors of others; but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else’s sphere of action. 17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.You see, God had sent him to the Corinthians and equipped him appropriately reach them with the good news. He doesn’t claim to be able to do more, since all he wants to do is what God would have him to, and God has approved Paul. (NRSV, 1989)1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.Now we see that these challengers are presenting the Corinthians with an alternative message; they are tempting the church to say that it doesn’t need the gospel with which Paul preached to and formed them. He, as their spiritual father, had betrothed them to Christ as a bride. He was convinced that they would rise to challenge and become chaste again, but now he is not so sure. He's unsure about their ability to persevere because they seem willing to embrace any false teaching or “different spirit” that comes their way.4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough. 5 I think that I am not in the least inferior to these super-...
Transcribe →2 Corinthians 9: Generosity and Faith
Dec 30, 202400:15:56Tap to summarize(NRSV, 1989)Now it is not necessary for me to write you about the ministry to the saints, 2 for I know your eagerness, which is the subject of my boasting about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you may not prove to have been empty in this case, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be; 4otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—in this undertaking. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you, and arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised, so that it may be ready as a voluntary gift and not as an extortion.Paul wants to make sure that Corinthian church remains the example of generosity, commitment, and faith that it had become. Titus and the other brothers are there to encourage the Corinthians to remain motivated to fulfill their pledge to provide assistance. Their failure to follow through could very well hinder the mission of the apostles and damage their reputations. They are being sent ahead of Paul “so that it may be ready as a voluntary gift and not as an extortion” when he arrives. 6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 9 As it is written,“He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” As God’s children—like David—they have been promised great blessings by God. In verse eight, Paul reminds the Corinthians again that God provides abundance so that they “may share abundantly in every good work [of the gospel].” Believers must ultimately choose to give so that they might fulfill their call and purpose. Those who put little effort into this work will receive little because of it. In the Expanse novels there is a saying: “The more you share, the more your bowl will be plentiful.” Now I know there are some rolling eyes out there—and maybe even some charges of communism—but hear me out. These rolling eyes are the result of Christians “keeping it real”/”Let’s be honest.” This only works if everyone in the Church shares, and we know that isn’t going to happen: If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it one-thousand times. This is called an excuse. The truth is, I am afraid that many in the Church today—many Christians in our part of the world—are happy with the Church being a country-club, social club, or politically oriented 501-3(c). In none of these do we have to be vulnerable or to trust; we only have to worry about ourselves. I think this is why Paul was very specific about two things: Firstly, the desire to provide must come from of a person’s heart, and, secondly, that desire will only arise after a person devotes himself or herself to the things of the Lord. As the Corinthians grow “in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness” they also grow in the desire to be generous. (8:7) Or to put the opposite spin on it: a lack of generosity demonstrates a lack of faith. 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12 for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.“The more you share, the more your bowl will be plentiful.” God makes no promise of blessing without the willingness to “sow”—without the desire to be generous, so God’s promise comes at a price. But again, as we grow in faith—if we are growing in faith—we will want to be generous. This will take the three Cs: courage, commitment, and Christ. When we do, this ministry provides for the needs of the saints, the spreading of the gospel, and brings “thanksgivings to God.” Through generosity—through our willingness to share—we share the mind of Christ. So, if we know this to be true—it is right here in the bible, after all—why don’t we do it? 13 Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!The Corinthians’ opportunity to minister to the needs of the Jerusalem church is a test. Does this not apply to the Church always and everywhere, even here? In verse thirteen, Paul appears to link the Corinthians’ willingness to be generous with their confession of faith in Jesus Christ; faith without generosity is not faith.
Transcribe →2 Corinthians 8: It's Just Right
Dec 30, 202400:22:27Tap to summarize(NRSV, 1989)1 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; 2 for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, 4 begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints— 5 and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, 6 so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. 7 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. Paul now turns his attention away from his and Titus’ relationship with the Corinthians to tackle what is the most pressing problem facing the Church of Christ: relieving the hardship faced by Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. What this hardship was is not precisely known, but many believe that a famine had, again, begun in Jerusalem as it was, apparently, present in Macedonia as well. Paul praises the Macedonians for demanding to help him in his collection for the Jerusalem Christians, and even more because the Macedonians were in “a severe ordeal of affliction…and…extreme poverty [yet had] overflowed in a wealth of generosity…” The Macedonians gave what they could. This generosity was the result of their commitment to Christ, since “they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to [Paul]”—perhaps to encourage Titus to motivate the Corinthians to follow their lead. Paul tells the Corinthians that as they first commit themselves to the Lord they will grow “in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in [Paul’s] love for them” and, subsequently, their generosity. 8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— 11 now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means.This is something that the Corinthians must want to do; it must be a work of their hearts just as it was in Macedonia. For encouragement Paul reminds them of “the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for [their] sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty [they] might become rich.” This is a thought that Paul will repeat in later letters—and in the case of Philippians even the words will be pretty much reused. We have received to give. Although this collection had begun in the congregation, it had not yet been completed, and Paul was eager for it to be, but he stresses only “according to [their] means.” 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. 13 I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between 14 your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. 15 As it is written,“The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.” Is your heart inclined to generosity? If it is, Paul tells us that whatever gift we can afford is enough. Giving all you have to another, making that person rich and yourself poor, is not the point; there should not “be relief for others and pressure on you”. My condolences to any television preacher whose flock chooses to read the bible for themselves. The concern here is not the amount of money that the Corinthians have but the desire of the heart and the “fair balance between [their] present abundance and [the Jerusalem Christians’] need.” Paul wants them to realize, again, that we receive from God to give to others. Paul uses Exodus 16:18 as an example, when God began to provide manna to His people and commanded them to gather only what they needed for each do: No one had too much, and no one had too little. 16 But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same eagerness for you that I myself have. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but since he is more eager than ever, he is going to you of his own accord. Titus is as eager as Paul to lead the Corinthians in their generosity. Again, Paul stresses that this is of Titus’ “own accord.”18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his proclaiming the good news; 19 and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this generous undertaking for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our goodwill. Paul here is likely speaking about Timothy. God will provide the saints with help when it is needed.20 We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering, 21 for we intend to do what is right not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of others. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found eager in many matters, but who is now more eager than ever because of his great confidence in you. Paul wants no one to be able to claim that there has been any financial fraud in the distribution of the gifts from the Gentile churches. Verse twenty-one is the standout here for me, “for we intend to do what is right not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of others.” It seems that the need for transparency has been paramount in the Church from the very beginning when money is involved. Paul is sending a third person, a third set of eyes and ears for the sake of accountability. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker in your service; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.The churches are described here as “the glory of Christ.” This is something that we need to remember in our day and age. We the Church do not exist for ourselves, to perpetuate our legacies, or have others to meet our needs. No, the Church is the reflection and the image of Christ, brought into being to be God’s righteousness in the world. ...
Transcribe →2 Corinthians 7: Good Grief
Dec 23, 202400:14:21Tap to summarize(NRSV, 1989)2 Make room in your hearts for us; we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I often boast about you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with consolation; I am overjoyed in all our affliction.Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians has been a strained one. In fact, all of the letters that have preceded this one—the ones we have and the ones we don’t—have been critical of the quality of their walk with the Lord. If you recall from the introduction, this letter—or at least this part of it—is Paul’s response to the good news that he received from Titus that there had been a turnaround, of sorts.Here, Paul asks the congregation to open its heart to him. He tells them that nothing he has said to them has been false, nor was it condemn them—nor has he taken advantage of or led astray any of them. He reminds them that he wrote these things out of his love and empathy for the sake of togetherness: “…for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.” He feels a deeply for them as any person can feel for another. He loves them so much that he is even “overjoyed in all [his] affliction.” He doesn’t bemoan his suffering for their sakes, yet they had begun to exact a heavy toll.5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted in every way—disputes without and fears within. 6 But God, who consoles the downcast, consoled us by the arrival of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was consoled about you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.Paul was in Macedonia because Titus has failed to show-up whilst he was in Troas; the apostle became worried and decided to go on to Macedonia after preaching there. When he arrived in the province, Paul tells the Corinthians, he was both spiritually and physically “afflicted…[by] disputes without and fears within.” Since he makes a point of telling the Corinthians that “God…consoles the downcast,” one word comes to mind: discouragement. Remember this the next time you are beating yourself up because you feel discouraged. If Paul can be affected by it…But because Paul is fulfilling the call of righteousness that God has placed upon him and because he clings to the fact that God has become like a father him—see the last episode and the discussion of 1 Samual 7—God send Titus to him with incredible news: that the Corinthians long for his return, are eager for it, and are saddened by his absence. 8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it (though I did regret it, for I see that I grieved you with that letter, though only briefly). 9 Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that you were not harmed in any way by us. Paul refers to the harsh letter that he had written to them. He realizes that it cause them pain, but he had come to the conclusion that their discomfort was necessary. Note in his parenthetical comment that initially he did regret sending the letter because it had caused them pain. It seems that somewhere along the way the Spirit must have provided him with reassurance—perhaps that since the letter was sent in love, sent out of his duty to gospel, it would result with the repentance that it did. Grief and “godly grief,” what’s the difference? Paul uses the Greek lype, referring to sense of hurt people feel when others act in a harsh or wrong manner towards them. It can be experienced by groups of people or by individuals. As we learn here, not all lype is bad. The apostle says in verses 10:10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death. Our consciences may cause us some trouble—maybe even some sleepless nights—for a time, but we will find transformation and freedom from our sinful pride in the end: “repentance that leads to salvation”. Paul goes on in verse eleven to explain how we can recognize this godly grief. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves guiltless in the matter.Godly grief has these qualities: earnestness, eagerness, indignation, alarm, longing, and zeal. Notice, the Corinthians do not blame anyone or attempt to justify their previous behavior, and they seem to be unable to rest until they make amends with Paul and within themselves. Their hurt changed them, and they accepted responsibility for its cause. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the one who was wronged, but in order that your zeal for us might be made known to you before God. 13 In this we find comfort.This is why Paul wrote his lype letter: to spark the overwhelming desire to amend their relationship with Paul and be transformed in a way that testifies to others. In addition to our own consolation, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his mind has been set at rest by all of you. 14 For if I have been somewhat boastful about you to him, I was not disgraced; but just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved true as well. 15 And his heart goes out all the more to you, as he remembers the obedience of all of you, and how you welcomed him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.Paul now has peace in his heart concerning the Corinthians. He says here that he is not only happy that his relationship with the church has been mended but that, even more so, Titus has now found peace in his heart about them and has found that his love for them has become greater and stronger when he remembers how they listened to him and repented. Paul has been boasting about the congregation and glad that they didn’t prove an embarrassment to him. I guess his earlier fretting was in vain.
Transcribe →2 Corinthians 6: Now Is the Time
Dec 23, 202400:15:55Tap to summarize(NRSV, 1989)1 As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,“At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8 from the LXX. Here’s the quote in context:“This is what the LORD who rescues you, the God of Israel, says: ‘Sanctify the one who despises his life, who is abhorred by the nations, the servants of rulers. Kings will see him and arise; rulers will also worship him for the sake of the LORD; because the Holy One of Israel is faithful, and I have chosen you.’ This is what the LORD says: ‘I have listened to you at the acceptable time, and I have helped you in the day of salvation. And I have formed you and given you as a covenant for the nations, to establish the land and to allot disserted lots, saying to those in chains, “Come out!” and to those in darkness, “Be revealed!” “’They will be fed in all the ways, and their pasture will be in all their paths. They will not hunger or thirst, and the burning heat and the sun will not strike them, but the one who shows mercy will comfort them, and he will lead them through springs of water. And I will turn every mountain into way and every path into a pasture for them.“’Look! These people will come from afar, these will come from the north and the sea, and others from the land of the Persians.’ Be cheerful, heavens, and let the earth rejoice! Let the mountains burst forth with cheer, because God has shown mercy to his people, and he has comforted the low among his people.” (7-13, The Lexham English Septuagint)These verses from Isaiah are the foundation of Paul’s message to the Corinthians and to the Church. We work together with Christ to bring reconciliation to the world as Christ’s “ambassadors”. Paul tells the Corinthians that God heard their cries and has brought them salvation through Christ from the death of sin, and now they are charged with a purpose, that is to become God’s righteousness and presence in the world. Just as the Holy One has made a way for us to come into God’s presence—to be reconciled to Him—so, too, must we now do the same. Because the Corinthians have died to self they can now live for God. 3 We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, 7 truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.Here, Paul provides the Corinthians with proof that his new life is in keeping with the purpose for which it has been given. He isn’t trying to make them feel as if they cannot live into Isaiah 49; he doesn’t want them to feel guilty for their failure but to use his own life as an example of what the ministry of reconciliation looks like. Starting in verse 8b, Paul reminds them of something that he wrote to them in 1 Corinthians: the world will see his life as a failure and nothing to emulate, yet quite the opposite is the true: His is the only way to live for it is Christ’s life. 11 We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. 12 There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. 13 In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.Paul’s concern for the Corinthians is genuine; his “heart is wide open”. He loves them unconditionally, although, it seems, this is not reciprocated. Paul’s heart remains vulnerable because he has chosen to live life as it has been defined by his call to an apostle. Interestingly, here Paul delivers his instruction to the Corinthians commandingly: He doesn’t include any caveats like, “decide for yourself,” etc. He speaks to them “as to children,” and commands them, as their spiritual father, to “open wide their hearts” as he has to them—to make themselves vulnerable and to share the gospel and live their calling unreservedly. He wants them to love others—and himself—as freely as he has loved them and as God has loved them through Christ. He wants their relationship to be as it once was before the strain. 14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? 15 What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,“I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord,and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you,18 and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters,says the Lord Almighty.” Paul’s fatherly command to his spiritual children goes further. Not only do they have no choice but to open their hearts to Paul and others, they must also cease contact with the way they used to live their lives. The life of Christ is a full-time commitment. His examples are of extreme contrasts: light and dark, Christ and Beliar—a name for Satan—believer and unbeliever, “the temple of God with idols”, for God’s people, God’s Church, is the temple of God, the place to where the nations come to find life. Paul closes this chapter with a combined quotation from the LXX’s Isaiah 52:11,12 and 2 2 Kingdoms 7:14a (2 Samuel 7:14 if you are following along in your bible): “Depart! Depart; come out from there and touch no unclean thing! Come out from the middle of her; be separate, you who carry the vessels of the LORD, because you will not come out with trouble or go in flight, for the LORD will go before you, and the one who gathers you is the God of Israel.” (Isaiah) “I will be like a father to him, and he will be like a son to me.” (2 Kingdoms) When the verses that precede Isaiah 52:11,12 and follow 2 Samuel 7:14a are considered, Paul’s point comes into focus. In the former’s case, Isaiah 52 is a rallying cry for God’s people to “Put on [their] strength” (1) and prepare to be redeemed. Through them, God will declare salvation and “the good news of good things…and will make [their] salvation h...
Transcribe →2 Corinthians 5: The New Creation
Dec 16, 202400:33:31Tap to summarize(CSB)Thank you for listening to First Day.Paul continues in chapter five informing the Corinthians the outcomes that they should expect following their decision to die to self and live in Christ. These are the results of righteousness. Up front let me tell you that this chapter is one of the heaviest, most theologically and doctrinally dense chapters in the New Testament. Some of the commentary here may seem to you incomplete—and it probably it—because the themes and teachings here are fleshed out further in Romans. In fact, I’m starting to think that 2 Corinthians 5 should be required reading before tackling Paul’s magnum opus.1 For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.We sacrifice and are afflicted and face hardship and privation for the sake of the gospel; we experience these things in our physical bodies: hunger, pain, and emotional stress, to identify just a few. The Christian who allows his or herself to die with Christ on the cross to live in Christ will find that their faithfulness will yield the blessing of a new spiritual body. This is in keeping with Paul’s earlier teaching on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians. “…our earthly tent” may also refer to our lives in general, with Paul concerned with how we live them: Upon what do we focus? What are our priorities? 2 Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.We long for that spiritual body given at resurrection just like we long to live in God’s kingdom. Either way, we will be “clothed” in Christ. When that time and state of being finally comes, we will find God to be our refuge, and God’s hand will cover us. Remember Psalm 116 from last episode. As Paul has already explained to the Corinthians, the only way for a person to gain immortality is to die to self and be made alive in Christ. From this perspective, being unclothed means to be mortal and to be clothed is to be immortal, clothed in the glory and majesty of God. We know that this will be the outcome of our faith because God has given to us His Spirit in Christ Jesus. 6 So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.Is Paul speaking specifically here—that this is about our physical bodies—or this Paul speaking generally about to kind of life that we live: our own, worldly one or Christ’s? As with most bibly things, even though most Christians want it either/or, it is probably both/and. Consider verse six: would you rather be here or in God’s kingdom? Would I rather be in the kingdom than be here where I must struggle against my pride every day? Duh… In verse eight Paul tells us his preference, that he’d prefer to be with God, but “whether we are home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.” This really leads us to verse ten. We may long to be in God’s kingdom, like Paul, but the fact is we are still here. Let us spend a minute here in verse ten.For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 11 Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences.What Paul says to the Corinthians here is one of the most often ignored teachings in the whole of scripture. In our kneejerk reaction to what we perceive to be dogma in the Roman Catholic Church—what has come to be called “works righteousness”—we Protestants long ago decided that salvation was through faith alone. Some of you listening are going, “Yes,” and some of you are going, “No,” but most of you are going, “Where is he going with this?” Well, this is where: We Christians don’t tend to like to dive into the deep end of our common faith. I guess it’s called the comfort zone for a reason. To put this as succinctly as possible, Paul says here that we are to be judged not on what we believe but whether we have faith—which is belief in action. We must act on what we believe, and these actions declare what we believe. And Paul tells us in verse eleven that this is why he does what he does. “What we are in plain to God, and I hope it is plain to your consciences.”12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in outward appearance rather than in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.Paul has not written this letter to provide the Corinthians with evidence for his apostolic authority. Instead, he has written to them to provide them with an example for, or better, a counter argument to, those Christians who wear their belief on their sleeves—those who do what they do to set themselves apart—perhaps even to those who try to do the ministry of Christ commonsensically or as the world would do ministry. These Christians live for themselves, whereas in verse fifteen we hear Paul declare the necessity of the death-to-self: “…so that those who live should no longer live for themselves…” Why we do what we do is as important and necessary as what we choose to do. This message is in line with what he had already written to the Galatians: that we no longer live but that Christ lives in us. To me, verse fifteen is the standout. “And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.” Much of Paul’s soon to be written letter to the Romans is dedicated to explaining what the apostle means here, and I can’t wait to get there: Jesus died so that we might be able to live for something greater than ourselves. 16 From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 18 Everything is from God, wh...
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