Paul has been defending his ministry from accusations thus far, and has been listing out the things that he can rightfully be boasting in. In 2 Cor 10, he speaks of a boasting “only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you” (2 Cor 10:14) and he ultimately boasts in the Lord (2 Cor 10:17-18). He also lists his nationality, heritage and labours as characteristics that are worth boasting in (also c.f. Phil 3:1-6).
Apart from these, in 2 Cor 11:23b-33, Paul also describes the sufferings that he has gone through and also highlights his willingness to endure it all. And in the immediate context, Paul speaks of the visions that he saw, but also the thorn given to him because of these visions (2 Cor 12:1-10). Notice how he spoke in the third person, intentionally not speaking to draw attention to himself. Even his weaknesses were not something to be ashamed of, but in these weaknesses, Paul boasted.
In this study, we go one to read about how Paul writes and thinks about his ministry.
(A) True Apostleship: Boasting in Jesus Christ alone (2 Cor 12: 11-12)
In 2 Cor 12:11a, Paul calls himself a fool. Why was he a fool? Paul did so to address each accusation that was thrown at him, and thus, he had to try to argue from terms that they’d understand. It wasn’t preferable, but he had to do it. Paul hates boasting in things that don’t matter. Notice his escalating aggression even. On the flipside, he also loves boasting in things that do matter. He loves boasting in the gospel! For those of us who are serving, is this our mentality? Is our ministry about us or about God? Is our discipleship about the gospel or is it about things that don’t really matter? Remember the things that are important and boast in them! Don’t waste time on other things!
Paul said that he should have been commended by them (2 Cor 12:11b). The Corinthian church did not step up to defend him. He thought of them as his letter of recommendation (c.f. 2 Cor 3:2). Yet, their lives did not prove the authenticity of his ministry and did not even defend him. We see how Paul loves the Corinthian church. Despite the accusations of this church that he laboured so hard for, Paul did not move on and give up on them. He did not choose to invest in those who would actually care and reciprocate his efforts. Despite them turning their backs to him, he loved them enough to entreat them to turn back to God and he spent 2 letters doing that.
Paul’s expectation for the church is that their lives are changed by believing. (c.f. 2 Cor 3:2 again) His ministry goal is that hearts and lives are changed, and that they become Christians after turning away from their previous life. True ministry demands this of us. We turn away from the lives we lived before – our loves, values, dreams etc – and we turn to Christ and have new loves, values and dreams. This is the motivation for our service! The goal of Christian ministry is Christian maturity. It’s not about just settling into a church or a cell group but it is to grow and become mature.
Paul goes on to say that he is not inferior to these “super-apostles” even though he rightly sees himself as “nothing” (2 Cor 12:11b). Paul displays a humility and awareness that the achievements in his ministry was not because of his exceptional ability. This is why he has not been boasting on these terms, but if he had to use the super-apostles’ criteria, he would not lose to them.
Paul also points to the demonstration of the signs of a true apostle to authenticate his ministry (2 Cor 12:12). These marks were performed among them, displayed in the form of “signs and wonders and mighty works” and done with “utmost patience” (2 Cor 12 :12). The phrase “signs and wonders” calls to mind the OT description of the deliverance at the Exodus, while “mighty works” refer to the pattern of miracles in the NT. Thus, Paul refers to both the OT and NT demonstration of these marks. This is significant because these signs, wonders and mighty works do more than inspire awe. These culminate or point to the cross of Christ (c.f. Rom 15:18-20, Gal 3:1-5).
Paul’s ministry is all about preaching Christ crucified. And this also defines a true apostle’s ministry! Though Paul has been trying to defend and argue on the accusers’ terms, he’s also pointing them back now to what’s important – Christ. These signs are not just signs in itself. These ultimately point to Christ.
What does this mean? Do we have this same laser focus on the gospel, that no matter what happens, Christ must be preached? Are we more concerned about other things – trying to be welcoming, inclusive, tolerant? Have we been distracted that we forget to proclaim Christ crucified?
(B) Ministry Patterns: To most gladly spend and be spent for their souls (2 Cor 12:13-18)
Paul goes on to ask for their forgiveness, with some irony. The only wrong he did was that he did not ask them for money for his ministry. This was not because they were less favoured, but because he did not want to burden them (2 Cor 12:13, c.f. 2 Cor 11:7-12). This reveals how considerate he was of this church.
Not only that, we see Paul’s desire to be with them (2 Cor 12:14). In a time when meetings are not taken for granted, we can understand a bit of Paul’s heart here. Paul also uses the image of children here (2 Cor 12:14b). He feels the same financial obligation to them as a parent would to a child. How much does he love them? He declares that he “will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Cor 12:15a). Paul is willing to give up everything for the sake of their souls – tears, blood, sweat, money, everything.
Do you recognise this pattern of ministry? It could be in the small things – meeting someone after a long day at work, spending time and money at supper with those you’re not very close to and only for them to ignore you. Don’t be discouraged and take comfort in the fact that you are labouring just as Paul did, and are walking in the footsteps of our Saviour (c.f. 2 Cor 8:9). Paul is merely echoing Christ’s pattern of ministry. Do we expect anything less? Take heart if you’re battered from years of ministry. Be glad and be committed to be spent for the sake of other’s souls and for the sake of God’s glory.
As Paul deals with another charge of being deceitful, Paul draws on the consistency of his ministry across his partners and disciples as his defence (2 Cor 12:16-18). He refers to Titus and the brother he sent Titus with. They, like Paul, did not ask them for money. We might find it strange that he uses this as a defence but it shows us that Paul and his ministry partners acted in the same way and in step. It’s a wonderful picture of how God’s ministers, though apart, act in the same way. His partners, like him, echo the same model and pattern. Those we disciple will emulate us if we are consistent.
(C) Ministry Concern: Fear for their souls and desire for their maturity (2 Cor 12:19-21)
The past 3 chapters is not about him proving himself, but it is him giving a testament to God, speaking in and of Christ in his boasting, for their upbuilding (2 Cor 12:19). But once again, we see his deep love for them. He seeks their maturity and their building up as believers. Do we see how Paul thinks of ministry? His goal is not just changed hearts and lives, but also their upbuilding. This should help us think about our own ministry and walks with God in at least 2 fronts. Is our ministry driven by love or self-justification? Do we spend more effort talking about how blames and good we are or are we driven by the love of God?
Secondly is our ultimate goal about the upbuilding of God’s people? Is the maturity, encouragement and salvation of one another at the forefront of your mind? See how this kind of Christian walk is more active than we care to admit. We cannot just show up at service and leave. It calls us to think about our goals as we serve.
Paul fears that they are still living in their sin and have not repentant when he visits them (2 Cor 12:20-21). Conversely, he fears that they might not find him as they expect him, as one bearing wonderful gifts, but instead, he comes to judge and calls them to order and holiness. This is the mutual disappointment he speaks of here.
His fear is for their souls, salvation and holiness. He is concerned about the sins in their lives and repenting from it. He desires for their maturity. And we too, should be concerned about these things, whether we serve or not. What are your motivations, loves and desires?