Reading for December 12th

 Read 2 Corinthians 11.1-15. In 11.1-15: Paul's love for the Corinthians. In verse 1: Foolishness: this anticipates the fool's speech that follows (11.16-29). In verse 2: The image is a father whose daughter has deeply disappointed him. In verse 3: Gen 3.3. Led astray suggest sexual seduction. In verse 4: The opponents are obviously Christian. Another Jesus probably means an understanding of Christ completely different from Paul's, perhaps one emphasizing Jesus' miracle-working power and resurrection to the neglect of his human limitations and crucifixion. Different spirit is possibly different understanding of the Holy Spirit. Their different gospel certainly placed them at odds with Paul (Gal.6-9). In verse 5: Super-apostles: This is doubtless Paul's label for his opponents (12.11). It need not refer to the twelve apostles, but could be a derisive way of referring to competing missionaries. In verse 6; He echoes their criticisms of him. In verses 7-9: In keeping with the policy outlined in 1 Cor 9, he preached without pay. Humbling myself refers to working to support himself. Other churches: He received financial support from the Philippians (Phil 4.15).In verse 11: His opponents might have argued: If he loved you, he would accept your money. In verse 12: Equals: They wanted to have equal claim on the church. In verse 13: The language is unusually harsh. Apostles probably means "missionaries," rather than some of the twelve apostles (8.23; 12.11-13). In verses 14-15: Calling them ministers of satan intensifies the criticism. Comments or Questions...