Judging by the first chapter of Paul's letter, his previous visits to the Corinthian church were by no means smooth. We can only guess what he means...
Judging by the first chapter of Paul's letter, his previous visits to the Corinthian church were by no means smooth. We can only guess what he means by the "griefs" caused to the Corinthian Christians during his previous visit to them. One thing is clear: the conversation was serious and, most likely, not very pleasant.
Paul nevertheless hastens to assure the Corinthian brothers that this by no means cancels or destroys the spiritual unity that binds them all as members of the one Church of Christ. The issue, of course, is not external, formal unity, but essential unity. The apostle expresses it this way: on the day of the Lord, as the first Christians called the day of the Savior's return, we, says the apostle of himself and his companions, will boast before God of you, and you of us.
And the point here is not only that Paul managed to make good Christians out of the Corinthians, whom he can present to Christ on the day of His return as evidence of the undoubted success of his earthly ministry. The point is that one can boast, in the sense in which the apostle uses this word, only of those with whom one abides in the fullness of communion. In spiritual unity.
But what about all the harsh and not very pleasant words, as one may think, spoken by Paul to the Corinthian Christians before? Evidently they did not destroy the unity mentioned above. The point is not only in the words, but also in how they are spoken: with love or with hatred. With the desire to help or with the desire to push away, assert oneself, and triumph over a defeated opponent.
The matter lies in the intention that stands behind the words, an intention positive or negative, constructive or destructive. And if words are spoken with love, they do not destroy relationships and do not violate spiritual unity, although they may cause not only discomfort but also pain. Without love, no words, even the most pleasant, create anything or establish any relationships. Therefore they are useless for the Kingdom as well: they simply do not reach it. For the Kingdom is an environment of love, and everything that has no relation to love therefore remains outside the Kingdom. With all the consequences that follow.
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1:12 For I am the more emboldened to look for this, because I am conscious of my integrity; seeing this is our rejoicing - Even in the deepest adversity. The testimony of our conscience - Whatever others think of us. That in simplicity - Having one end in view, aiming singly at the glory of God. And godly sincerity - Without any tincture of guile, dissimulation, or disguise. Not with carnal wisdom, but by the grace of God - Not by natural, but divine, wisdom. We have had our conversation in the world - In the whole world; in every circumstance.
1:14 Ye have acknowledged us in part - Though not so fully as ye will do. That we are you rejoicing - That ye rejoice in having known us. As ye also are ours - As we also rejoice in the success of our labours among you; and we trust shall rejoice therein in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1:15 In this confidence - That is, being confident of this.
1:17 Did I use levity - Did I lightly change my purpose?Do I purpose according to the flesh - Are my purposes grounded on carnal or worldly considerations? So that there should be with me yea and nay - Sometimes one, sometimes the other; that is, variableness and inconstancy.
1:18 Our word to you - The whole tenor of our doctrine.Hath not been yea and nay - Wavering and uncertain.
1:19 For Jesus Christ, who was preached by us - That is, our preaching concerning him. Was not yea and nay - Was not variable and inconsistent with itself. But was yea in him - Always one and the same, centering in him.
1:20 For all the promises of God are yea and amen in him - Are surely established in and through him. They are yea with respect to God promising; amen, with respect to men believing; yea, with respect to the apostles; amen, with respect to their hearers.
1:21 I say, to the glory of God - For it is God alone that is able to fulfil these promises. That establisheth us - Apostles and teachers. With you - All true believers. In the faith of Christ; and hath anointed us - With the oil of gladness, with joy in the Holy Ghost, thereby giving us strength both to do and suffer his will.
1:22 Who also hath sealed us - Stamping his image on our hearts, thus marking and sealing us as his own property. And given us the earnest of his Spirit - There is a difference between an earnest and a pledge. A pledge is to be restored when the debt is paid; but an earnest is not taken away, but completed. Such an earnest is the Spirit. The first fruits of it we have Romanos 8:23; and we wait for all the fulness.
1:23 I call God for a record upon my soul - Was not St. Paul now speaking by the Spirit? And can a more solemn oath be conceived? Who then can imagine that Christ ever designed to forbid all swearing? That to spare you I came not yet to Corinth - Lest I should be obliged to use severity. He says elegantly to Corinth, not to you, when be is intimating his power to punish.
1:23 Not that we have dominion over your faith - This is the prerogative of God alone. But are helpers of your joy - And faith from which it springs. For by faith ye have stood - To this day. We see the light in which ministers should always considerthemselves, and in which they are to be considered by others.Not as having dominion over the faith of their people, and having a right to dictate by their own authority what they shall believe, or what they shall do; but as helpers of their joy, by helping them forward in faith and holiness. In this view, how amiable does their office appear! and how friendly to the happiness of mankind! How far, then, are they from true benevolence, who would expose it to ridicule and contempt!