Needing God’s Enabling

Paul asks a poignant question, “Who is equal to such a task?” (16). He had walked away from a potentially fruitful opportunity for Gospel ministry, simply because his mind was perturbed at not finding Titus in Troas, with the expected news of the Corinthian church. When the news came, he realized he need not have worried. Surely, the man who described Jesus Christ as triumphant (14) ought to know that Christ always has everything under complete control? The fact is that he did know–and yet he was anxious. Far too often, we too find ourselves in the same position. We know what the Bible says about not being anxious for anything (Phil. 4:6)–and yet we are! Who, indeed, is sufficient for these things?

Paradoxically, for all the sweetness of the aroma they spread around, those who bring the good news of the salvation of Jesus Christ are not a source of comfort to everybody. Rather, they divide the world into those who are perishing and those who are being saved (15-16). There is such a thing as the offence of the Gospel (Gal. 5:11). For the one as for the other, there are eternal consequences.

Paul’s 18 months of resident ministry had led to the establishment of the church at Corinth. All that time, he was a self-supporting missionary who applied his tent-making skill to earn his living (Acts 18:3). Surely, as the one who introduced the Corinthians to Christ, he did not need to be introduced to them afresh! Yet it was from among these same people, for whom Paul had such affection and longing, that some rose up to call into question his apostolic authority and personal integrity. Once again, he might well ask, “Who is equal to such a task?” This time, however, he finds the answer: “Our competence comes from God” (3:5).

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor. 12:9). What has this verse meant to you?