Thursday 29th June
Read 2 Corinthians 13:10
“This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority – the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.” (NIVUK)
Paul began this section of his missive recounting the Corinthian accusation that he is weighty in his letters but weak and ineffectual when present in person (2 Corinthians 10:1-10). He ends the letter with the revelation that the charge is partly true! Paul very deliberately writes in sometimes harsh terms so that when he is present he does not have to exercise apostolic authority. He longs to build them up, but he is willing if necessary to tear them down.
It is a staggering display of the authority Paul actually wields as an apostle! All along he has written to avoid having to exercise any power or authority at all. But when it comes down to it, Paul’s authority is not actually exercised at the discretion of the Corinthian, or any other, church. His power and authority is independent. If the church does not repent then he will arrive with discipline and exercise the authority he has.
This renders all the more striking the previous four chapters of writing! Paul has bent over backwards, begged and ‘boasted’, in order to restore the church to the truth. He prays that they will return and repent and be restored – even at the cost of his own personal prestige (v7-9). How willing are we to build others up if it means we are trodden down? It reflects the life of Jesus, the life of Paul, and the life of all those willing to walk in their steps.
