Paul compares the sedition of false teachers taking over an established church with the many trials he endured in preaching the Gospel.
Paul’s Jealousy over the Church, vv. 1-2
A. It is a godly jealousy.
B. It is a goal-oriented jealousy: he desires to present the Church as a pure virgin bride to Christ.
Paul’s Concern regarding the Church, vv. 3-4
A. What he fears, v. 3: he is concerned lest Satan deceive the Corinthians church as he once deceived Eve.
B. Why he fears, v. 4: they are so gullible, ready to believe anything they hear about Jesus and the Gospel.
Paul’s Service to the Church, vv. 5-12
A. He is not a “super” apostle, but knows what he is talking about, vv. 5-6.
B. He “robbed” other churches, receiving their support so he could minister in Corinth at no cost, vv. 7-8.
C. He earned his own keep, receiving nothing from the Corinthians when he ministered there, vv. 9-12.
Paul’s Warning to the Church, vv. 13-15
A. What false teachers are able to do, v. 13: the Judaizers deceive the church into accepting them as true apostles of Christ.
B. How false teachers are able to do it, vv. 14-15
1. The root of this ability, v. 14: Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2. The fruit of this ability, v. 15: Satan is able to transform his followers in similar fashion.
Paul’s Credentials and the Church, vv. 16-22
A. The Judaizers and their false credentials, vv. 16-21: These false teachers use their credentials to harm believers.
B. The Apostle and his valid credentials, vv. 21-22: Paul uses his credentials to help believers.
Paul’s Sufferings for the Church, vv. 23-33
A. He was imprisoned often, v. 23.
B. He was whipped times without number, v. 23.
1. He received 39 lashes from the Jews on five occasions, v. 24.
2. He was beaten with rods on three occasions, v. 25.
C. He faced death many times, v. 26.
1. He faced danger from flooded rivers.
2. He faced danger from robbers.
3. He faced danger from both Jewish and Gentile mobs.
D. He was stoned once, v. 25.
E. He was shipwrecked three times, v. 25.
F. He spent a terror-filled night and day on the open sea, v. 25.
G. He traveled many weary miles, v. 26.
H. He spent sleepless nights, v. 27.
I. He knew constant hunger and thirst, v. 27.
J. He was often cold and ill-clothed, v. 27.
K. He experienced harrowing escapes, vv. 32-33.
L. He bore daily the burden for the many churches he started, vv. 28-31.
Conclusion
Beware of the smooth-talking, good looking, highly credentialed preacher. They work behind the scenes and use flattery to gain support.
Honor the hard-working preacher who has put in hours and sweat to build the church.
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.