Good Reproof.... (2)
| So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. (2Corinthians7:12-16) |
But Paul is astute in relationships - he argues that his letters and calls to repentance were not because of this specific situation, but rather a test of the congregation's devotion to Paul and ultimately to Christ. (He says "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1Cor11:1)
Paul was delighted to discover that his reproof had been received well by the Corinthians. They had treated Titus well when he visited on Paul's behalf and this convinced Paul that they were sincere in their devotion.
This brings out one of the clear principles of leadership in the church: We have authority when we are under authority.
The bad teachers that had infiltrated Corinth were encouraging the congregation to follow them and discard Paul who had founded the church and built it on the solid foundation of Christ. They depicted him as a letter-bully (we'll see more of this later) and urged the congregation to ignore him.
But Paul's credibility won the day with the Corinthians and they showed great hospitality to Titus and paid respectful attention to Paul's rebuke.
This is often the acid test of leaders: are they willing to submit to the authority of godly leaders placed over them? And are they humble enough and willing to accept correction?
At this point the Corinthians have proven faithful...
