Saturday 3rd June
Read 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
“And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (NIVUK)
You may have heard the phrase ‘put your money where your mouth is’? Paul’s challenge to the false apostles is almost the exact opposite. He is urging the Corinthian church to see if these false apostles, who want an opportunity to be considered equal with Paul and his co-workers, will truly seek equality and offer their services free-of-charge. Paul’s disinterest in money from the Corinthians is a mark of his love for them. The false apostles’ continued request and interest in money from them shows them how they truly feel.
It is an ironic request given Paul has just spent two chapters asking the Corinthians to ‘put their money where their mouth is’ with respect to fulfilling their promises regarding their offering and service to the Jerusalem church. The money they spend on these interlopers is money that could have been given to those in need in Jerusalem. Paul will not take a cent from them. Paul carefully avoids conflict of interest in his dealings. This allows him to speak truth without compromise – completely free from the need to water down his words for fear that his livelihood would be at risk. It is a commitment to truth worth emulating.
