Our passage today might be the most sarcastic bit of Scripture you’ll ever read. Up to this point in 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul has been addressing the issue of false ministers. He’s been trying to convince the Christians in Corinth to see them for who they are and embrace his ministry instead.
2 Corinthians 11:16-21 says this:
I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!
Why Paul Was Frustrated with the Corinthians
Paul was expressing some real frustration with the Corinthians. At the core of it, though, was that they were rejecting him and instead embracing false apostles who were mistreating them. While Paul’s ministry was true, these false ministers were making slaves of the Corinthians, devouring, taking advantage, putting on airs and striking them in the face.
Why would anyone put up with ministers like this?
The Corinthians put up with these false apostles because they were impressive. They were eloquent and seemed like they could make things happen. Even in our modern era, this is still the case. Many people in recent history have followed amazing pastors whose empires suddenly collapsed because of their abuse.
What to Look for in a True Minister
When we look for ministers, let’s look for the opposite of what’s described in 2 Corinthians 11:16-21. And for ourselves, let’s shoot for the opposite of this too, because every Christian is a minister.
True ministry should leave you with freedom rather than slavery. True ministry should leave you deeper in a sincere and pure devotion to Christ, not a deeper devotion to the ministers themselves. Instead of taking advantage, true ministers will serve you. Instead of putting on airs, they humble themselves. And look for ministers who are gentle and not violent toward others.
Of course, the ultimate example of a true minister is Jesus Christ. Here is what He said in Matthew 11:29-30:
“… Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Make sure to keep your ministers accountable. Don’t bear with them if they mistreat you in the ways listed in 2 Corinthians 11:16-21. And, when you look for new ministers, hold them to this standard of humility, gentleness, service and devotion to Christ.
Devotional streamed on Facebook Live – Monday, May 4 @ 3:00 PM
