Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 143

"Let such a person consider this..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:11

IN DEFENCE OF CONSISTENCY

The detractors of Paul sought to adversely affect people’s thoughts. They sought to portray Paul as an inconsistent person. What he was when he was absent is different when he is present. What he wrote and how he speaks were also different. Paul refused to allow this false image to form on the hearts and minds of the Corinthian Church!

“Let such a person consider this, that what
we are in word by letters when we are absent,
such we will also be in deed when we are present.”
2 Corinthians 10:11

1. “Let such a person consider this”

a) Paul wrote directly.
b) He addressed the following:
i) Those who had badly influenced the Corinthians.
ii) The Corinthian believers themselves.
c) Each individual must logically consider:
i) The doctrines Paul taught.
ii) The facts as they stood.
iii) Their knowledge of the character of Paul.

2. “That what we are in word by letters when we are absent”

a) Paul took this up deliberately.
b) He was aware that his detractors sought to highlight the following:
i) That he was powerful.
ii) That he was mighty.
iii) But only in words
iv) And in absentia.

3. “Such we will also be in deed when we are present”

a) Paul was able to be mighty and powerful
i) In absence.
ii) In presence.
b) He had been misrepresented.
c) He sought to establish some hard facts.
d) The Corinthians could choose to have Paul come to them lovingly and gently.
e) Or they could see him minister in Corinth with apostolic power and authority.