How did Paul handle the Corinth church problems?
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| Säulenreste in Korinth (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
This passage provides some insight into Paul’s activity as an apostle. First, we see his unwavering resolve to stick to his original plans to go to Macedonia. As we discovered earlier in the Corinthian epistle, there were those who thought Paul was trying to run from his duties by not coming to the troubled church at Corinth. It must have been tempting for Paul to change his plans in order to vindicate himself, but he did not do this. Instead, he wrote a letter (this first epistle) to address the many problems at Corinth. He had other business that was more pressing, and he would not allow the taunts of squabbling men to disrupt his prior commitments. This is a good lesson for any Christian, that no matter how much we may be accused by others of neglecting what they deem as more important, we must remain committed to our responsibilities. Paul was a man of clear purpose, and as such, he remained above the manipulations of men.
Paul wrote this letter at Ephesus, where he planned to spend the spring. He would then to travel to Macedonia (he emphasizes in v. 5 that he is in fact going to Macedonia), and once he had taken care of business there, he would go on to Corinth. Paul stuck to his original plans because he had opportunities open to him to spread the Gospel in Ephesus, and he wanted to spend the winter in Corinth.
Notice that despite all the accusations, all the problems in Corinth, Paul did not avoid the church there. He wrote letters, sent trusted ministers (Timothy and Titus), and exhorted Apollos to go there even though he refused. But most importantly, he made plans to spend time with the Corinthians once he arrived. Paul allowed no bitterness, no spirit of judgment to come between him and the people of Corinth. He was firm with them in remaining committed to his duties elsewhere, but he loved them and wanted to be with them as they dealt with their problems. This, too, is a good lesson for us all. Let us not allow strife and sin to sour the relationship we have with Christ’s church. No matter how bad people might be, let us be willing to put our pride behind us and minister to them with integrity and forthrightness, but most of all with love.
Do you harbor bitterness toward the church or any one individual in your church? Do you refrain from serving others, ministering to them, or even joining them in worship because of a lack of patience and love for your fellow sinners? If so, confess that bitterness to the Lord today. Take deliberate steps to serve others despite their sin.
