A Ministry of Life and Death

As we’ve learned, the Corinthians’ rejection of Paul and his ministry was very painful to him. He had planted the church, loved them dearly, and agonized over their spiritual welfare. As we see later in the letter, the majority of the church responded well to his severe letter (now lost to history). Titus, Paul’s fellow worker in the gospel, brought him the good news of their repentance, and II Corinthians is Paul’s response. In our passage this Sunday, Paul continues to fill in the gaps for this dear church, as to his whereabouts and travel plans. He won’t pick the travel narrative back up until chapter 7, verse 5. In typical Pauline fashion, he begins a theological defense of his message and ministry in 2:14, centered on the crucified and risen savior. Paul’s apostolic ministry embodies the Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly suffered and died in order to bring life to the dead. The message we preach is potent. Life and death are in the balance and our own lives should bear witness to it.