I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on 2 Corinthians 9-13.

    The passage begins with a reminder of the importance of giving, and of the blessings which God will give us when we do so. He reminds the Corinthians that the idea for a collection to help the believers in Jerusalem was their idea. If we enthusiastically promoted an idea to others we need to make sure that we follow through and do our part to make that idea happen. Paul goes on to remind us that the level of our reward will be commensurate with the level of our generosity. However, it is important that our giving be done willingly and happily, not because we fell obligated, or because someone embarrassed us into it.

    Paul goes from encouraging the Corinthian believers to defending his authority as an apostle. I believe there is a connection between Paul’s reminder about giving and his defense of his authority. It seems to me that Paul was addressing those who claimed that his ministry in Corinth was designed to take advantage of the Corinthian believers. This passage is one where I do not like the NLT translation, it directs Paul’s towards disobedient individuals. Whereas the NIV and NASB translates what Paul says here as being directed at thoughts, ideas, arguments, and worldviews which are counter to those of God. Assuming that what Paul writes here is truly reflective of what the believers in Corinth thought of him, it shows us that Paul was, in person, a somewhat quiet man and makes me suspect that his sermons had a tendency to put people to sleep. If we are to take this passage at face value, and I think we should, Paul did not win converts on the basis of his powerful oratory.