Corinthians II 8:16-24, 9:1-5
While at the start it may appear that Paul’s concern is in regard to the reputation of the apostles and teachers who are traveling between assembled communities, we see by the end of this passage that Paul is really concerned over how the communities themselves will be viewed – specifically in connection to how they deal with those who come to them to educate them about the gospel of Christ.
Paul is concerned with regard to what the communities will say about the apostles – there are several dangers here that Paul is trying to avoid.
First, the risk of declaring a hierarchical structure. The equality of the apostles is essential for Paul, but it is equally important to be represented that way in the public sphere.
Second, the risk of unnecessary asceticism – this is closely connected to Paul’s treatment of the issue of giving to the poor earlier in this chapter. One does not give for the sake of burdening oneself – one gives to achieve a balance and equality – to let no one tower over someone in need. It is interesting that in speaking of the ‘honorable thing’ Paul makes a point of stating that the gift they carry is part of displaying honorable things in the sight of God – meaning in the heart – and in the sight of men – meaning in the hands. For Paul there is no ethical dissection between the heart and the hands. Both are capable of doing honorable things at the right moment. This is, for Paul, the ideal.
Third, the risk of inconsistent representation. Within Judahite tradition, a prophet was known by his God’s name, his cultic vocabulary, his representation was his God’s representation. Words and symbols used to represent the prophet were essential. It is not only what is said, but the manner of speech one takes that offers a full representation of a person’s nature and interests.
The church are called to declare all helpers of Paul, including Titus, to be partners of Paul – not students, not emissaries, not teachers. The apostleship is a partnership. “They are all sent ones of the assemblies, to the glory of God.”
With regard to treating the apostles in passing, Paul again is very clear of his expectations. Do not embarrass the apostles by boasting of one act and doing another. Live up to the boast of goodness. If you lay claim to the benefits of the gospel and claim to have an overabundance, put it to use. In the case of the donation, Paul sees this difference in attitude as being one of either generosity or obligation.
That is, the Christian has every reason to boast of the fulfilling life that God has provided for them through Jesus Christ. Such a person would have no problem giving of themselves to the less fortunate, for the bounty of the Lord manifests itself in generosity.
Now if a person claims to have received this abundance of life and of material goods from God, yet sees the donation of these goods as an obligation, one manifests a tension in truth – is the church called to receive life for itself, or to give life to the entire world?
If we boast about the power of Christ to heal, to love, to give life, to forgive, to teach, to visit, to warn, to protect, etc. and yet show a need to heal ourselves, love ourselves, take life for ourselves, hold others accountable, be stubborn, isolate ourselves, be negligent and yielding to evil… well then our boast does not hold much weight in the eyes of those who are outside.
Paul is very nicely saying, if you boast about how much Christ has given you and then resent anyone who asks you for what Christ has given you, then you are a hypocrite!
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© 2006 Jacob Gorny