2 Corinthians 1:18-24

Paul explained his ministry, saying: "We do not want to be masters of your faith, but fellow workers with you for your joy."

As Paul begins his second letter to the church at Corinth, he says that he, Silvanus (called Silas elsewhere), and Timothy have not been preaching a vacillating gospel. "All the promises of God," Paul says, "find their Yes in him (Jesus Christ)." (v. 20) But Paul says that he avoided coming to Corinth earlier in order to spare them. It seems Paul is critical of their beliefs and their practice. Later in this letter Paul asks whether or not he and his colleagues need new reference letters. (3:1) Clearly, there is a dispute in the church of Corinth, and leaders of one faction are unhappy with the teachings of Paul.

Paul says he and his fellow apostles are not trying to tell the Corinthians what they should do, but only want to work with them for the sake of the gospel. Paul denounces false apostles, who are undermining his authority, and because he defends his Jewish roots we can conclude that those opposing his control over the church in Corinth are Jewish Christians. This seems to be another instance of Paul's conflict with the Jewish Christian leadership in Jerusalem over whether restrictions of the Jewish law are to be imposed on Gentile converts.

Seeing this conflict in the early church, we ought not to be surprised by differences in the churches today.

Grace and peace...Bob