These are unusual verses, aren't these? What are they all about? What strange ideas the Corinthians had Paul mentioned one of these ideas. In effect, the Corinthians had been told by the false teachers, 'Do you know the reason why Paul would not accept any support from your church? It's because he's not one of the real apostles! He didn't graduate from the right schools. He doesn't have a D.D. degree.' Paul said in return, 'You've got it all wrong. I did not ask for nor accept your money because I wanted to show you that the Gospel is free of charge. While I was in Corinth, I was a worker-pastor. I worked part-time making tents. Some of the other churches also sent me support gifts. That was how I lived so I would not be a burden to you.' Paul's principle was this - he would not take anything from those to whom he preached the Gospel the first time. He wanted to be sure that they knew the Gospel was free. It was not for sale. Paul had a high view of the Gospel. What does this mean to us today? Are we as careful in asking for money as Paul was? Is our church careful whom it asks support from? Is it careful in observing that God's work should be supported by God's people? Does our church make sure its money is handled wisely and honestly? Let's make sure that no one can point a finger at us in any of these matters where we are dealing with the Lord's money. Let's see that our testimony to the outside world remains clean. This is one way we can tell the world that the Gospel of Christ is free. It is for all who will accept the free gift of salvation in Christ without money or price. Have you accepted this wonderful gift yourself? |
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