Useful Bible Studies > 2 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 12
Paul had tried so often to return to Corinth, but the time was not right. Now, at last, because of Titus’ report*, Paul believed that the right time had come. He would arrive there soon after the church had received this letter (the Book of 2 Corinthians).
Again, Paul told the Christians that he would not accept any personal gifts or payments from them. That was how Paul had behaved during his first visit to Corinth*. Often Paul would earn his money by physical work while he established a church*. However, afterwards he would accept their gifts*. So, he was behaving differently at Corinth.
Paul was continuing to refuse gifts from this particular church because of his special responsibility for them. Paul had compared that responsibility to a father’s love for his young children*. In other words, God wanted Paul to look after them. They needed help to deal with the remaining problems in their church. Especially, they needed to understand the difference between Paul’s attitudes, and the attitudes of some teachers in their church. Those teachers were trying to get wealth, power and importance from the church members.
Paul told Corinth’s Christians plainly why he would not accept any personal gifts from them. God, whom Paul served, demanded not just their gifts, but their lives. As God’s servant, Paul could accept nothing less*. Of course it was right for them to give, both for poor people* and for God’s work*. However, they themselves must give their lives completely to God - that is most important.
Next part: How Christians show love (12:15)
* See complete article for these Bible references.
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© 2016, Keith Simons.