2 Corinthians Reflections: Promises and Personalities

Written by Rt. Revd John Packer Honorary Assistant Bishop Diocese of Newcastle, 2 Corinthians 8:16 – 9:5

This passage demonstrates the importance of personal contact. In a world of Twitter and emails, personal relationships can seem less important. We have friends we have never met and never intend to meet. However, we quickly miss out on those qualities that are demonstrated only when we encounter one another.

Reputation and Integrity in the Church

The question of reputation (v.21) needs reflection. The commitment is ‘first to the Lord’ (v.5) and we do what is right in the Lord’s sight (v.21) but Paul is concerned for his own reputation and that of the church. The Christian church often does not have a reputation for generosity or integrity. Bishops are seen as living in luxury. Churches are more concerned with asking for money than giving. They are not even seen as safe places for children. All this harms the attraction of the gospel. ‘Let your light shine before others,’ said Jesus (Matt. 5:16). Christians and Christian churches are called to demonstrate the love of God we have received and share.

Stirring Generosity Between Churches

Paul has used Macedonian generosity to encourage the Corinthians (8:2). Now he reveals that he has also used the Corinthians’ promises to stir up the Macedonians (9:2). Now he is in danger of being embarrassed by the Corinthians’ failure to deliver (v.4). Paul’s trust may be being betrayed. We have a tendency to agree on the spur of the moment, sometimes without even intending to fulfil our word. That can go for our giving. We fill in a form but our prayer and commitment are not there. Our piece of the jigsaw is missing.

The Challenge of Fulfilled Promises

Even when the intention is there (v.2) the fulfilment of a promise is not always achieved (v.3). There can be a Christian duty to challenge one another on how our promises are finding completion. The brothers (v.5) have the task of holding the Corinthians to their promise. They may not like it, but they need to understand the effect of lack of integrity. The generosity of Jesus (8:9) is gracious gift. It is also gracious challenge for our own Christian lives.

2 Corinthians 8:16-21

Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honour the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

Reflect

1. What times are there when we (or our church) act out of ill grace – so that our giving feels more like extortion than voluntary gift?

2. What sort of reputation do Christians, and the church, have in our community?

3. Are there those we should challenge (it may be ourselves!) to ensure that promises are kept and Jesus’ generosity reflected?