Manic?
| What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. (2Corinthians5:11-13) |
They claimed a more cerebral and sophisticated faith. They were more polished speakers whereas Paul could be tedious and long-winded. They argued that his delay in seeing them indicated his lack of stability and they they were the true apostles and that Paul should not be trusted.
Paul appeals to the evidence of their conscience.
They had seen his heart - they had seen his sacrifice.
He reminded them that he had been willing to do whatever it took to please God and reach others. Whether he seemed in or out of his right mind - Paul was focussed on God and on them and not on himself.
He offers an interesting perspective:
"I'm not going to defend myself anymore - you should take pride in us!"
What does he mean by this?
- That they should be proud to be so loved by Paul and by God?
- That they should be proud of how God was glorified in Paul?
- That they should be proud that Paul was the real deal?
Maybe a bit of all of the above...
Later in the letter Paul will take up this theme of them being proud again - he will "boast" about the things that make him look weak so that God can be shown as strong.
There is constant pressure to make faith socially acceptable and inoffensive. Nobody wants to wear the label of being "overly religious" - but Paul sees only two things:
- God who he wants to glorify
- People who he wants to reach
May we do the same!
