Strength in Weakness – 2 Corinthians 10-13
Paul spends four chapters defending his apostleship to the Corinthians. He didn’t take support from them—other churches supported him while he ministered to them. He’s embarrassed to lay out his “resume,” detailing his hardships, the work he’s done, and the challenges he’s faced for the gospel—beatings, shipwrecks, constant dangers. He even shares visions God gave him, yet he boasts only in his weaknesses, knowing God’s power shines through them. But why does Paul write all this?
2 Corinthians 12:19-21 (CSB)
“Have you been thinking all along that we were defending ourselves to you? No, in the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and everything, dear friends, is for building you up. For I fear that perhaps when I come I will not find you to be what I want, and you may not find me to be what you want. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. I fear that when I come my God will again humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned before and have not repented of the moral impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality they practiced.”
Paul’s not just defending himself—he’s speaking in Christ, aiming to build up the Corinthians. His concern isn’t for his reputation but for their spiritual health. He fears finding them unrepentant, caught in sins like quarreling, jealousy, immorality, and disorder. Paul grieves at the thought of their unrepentant hearts, longing for their restoration, even if it means his own humiliation. His love for them drives his words.
Paul concludes with a prayer for their maturity:
2 Corinthians 13:7-9 (CSB)
“But we pray to God that you do nothing wrong—not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear to fail. For we can’t do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you become fully mature.”
Paul prays they’ll do what’s right, not to prove his apostleship, but for their own good. He rejoices in his weakness if it means their strength and maturity in Christ. His ultimate desire is their growth in truth, reflecting God’s heart for His people.
Paul’s example challenges us. He endured hardships and humbled himself, not for his own glory, but to see the church grow in righteousness. Are we, like Paul, more concerned for others’ spiritual maturity than our own reputation? Let’s pray for one another’s growth, rejoicing in our weaknesses if it means others are strengthened in Christ.
