February 2019
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 21
Hebraic understanding of the teaching letters of the Apostles
2 Corinthians 9 : 1 to 10 : 18
Scholars have discerned that there were at least four letters written by Paul to the “ekklesia” in Corinth. 1 Corinthians, the second written, refers to a previous letter of which there is no longer a written record (1 Cor 5:9), and 2 Corinthians contains the next two. Chapters 1-9 probably the last written, and chapters 10-13 the third written. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his calling and character as an Apostle.
Paul uses a little psychology here to encourage the “ekklesia’ in Corinth to become donors in the cause of support for other believers elsewhere. “it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians.” It is only in last week’s portion that we read of Paul ‘boasting’ about the Macedonians to the Corinthians! Paul seemed to be aware of the capacity of this ‘ekklesia’ at Corinth to share the financial burden of support for others. After all, we know that he had only recently spent three years living and working among them.
So Paul said he would send some brethren, ahead of his own proposed future visit, so that they could collect their ‘generous gift’. The psychology of Paul extends to the use of a well-known agricultural parable, one which is used extensively within the church today to extract ‘generous gifts’ from willing (and not so willing) donors. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” BUT, to his enormous credit, he follows that agricultural truism, with practical common sense. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” I confess, dear friends, to being irritated when I observe Paul’s encouraging parable used indiscriminately by modern day preachers with the implied intent that there is financial gain ahead for the giver according to the quantum of their gift. Our giving should be without such deceptive pressure.
Sadly, on TV every day, we see unscrupulous men, millionaires all, using Paul’s words to impoverish gullible, emotional, fragile, people for their own enrichment. Don’t be fooled by the emotive glib words. Ask the Lord what you should give, and to which cause. He is faithful to show you what is right for you. Paul continues “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good work.”
Yes, it is good to financially support those in need, it is actually a command of God that we so do. Paul continues this theme to the end of Chapter 9 expanding on the benefits to the giver and the recipient, and brings it all to a climax with the verse that ends this chapter. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” That gift is, of course, salvation.
As Chapter 10 opens, we find a different topic. Abruptly, it seems, Paul has reverted to the subject of his time spent with them, compared to their reaction to his earlier letter, which was obviously received when he was not physically with them! Some commentators have concluded that this might even be part of a different letter (see the comment at the head of these ‘reflections’ in 2 Corinthians). So, one reading consecutively from chapter 9 into chapter 10 is challenged in trying to follow the narrative! It appears that Paul felt that his letters were more boldly stated than were his words spoken face to face. They have an advantage over us of course, because we have never been in Paul’s personal presence, so our judgement of him is taken solely from his writing. To most of us therefore, as to them, he is a spiritual giant.
We recall that initially, we discovered that his letters were written to this ‘ekklesia’ in order to address some significant, very serious, difficulty they had encountered in the fellowship of believers. Paul’s advice had caused some division. But he stood by his counsel to them. Now he tells them that although “we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.” The rules are different, because the enemy is not of the flesh. Paul’s keen sense of righteousness, in my view probably arising from his intimate knowledge of Torah, allowed him to discern the nature of the real enemy. Thus he writes that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” This is a ‘right v wrong’, ‘good v evil’ battle. It is not a ‘difference of opinion’ thing. It is a ‘who will you serve’ situation.
Paul had met the risen Messiah. He had received his commission directly from the Saviour Himself, face to face. He was ideally prepared, as a Jewish Rabbi, with a profound knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, to understand the source of the divisions which assail every ‘ekklesia’. Satan is joined in battle for the hearts of men, then and now. Paul saw that battle raging in the ‘ekklesia’ in Corinth. It’s the same ongoing battle today. But that battle is the Lord’s. It takes place ‘in the heavenlies’. Our role is to put our trust in the Lord, by prayer and supplication. As did Paul.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 20
Hebraic understanding of the teaching letters of the Apostles
Scholars have discerned that there were at least four letters written by Paul to the “ekklesia” in Corinth. 1 Corinthians, the second written, refers to a previous letter of which there is no longer a written record (1 Cor 5:9), and 2 Corinthians contains the next two. Chapters 1-9 probably the last written, and chapters 10-13 the third written. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his calling and character as an Apostle.
“Therefore,” begins our portion this week. A word demanding careful consideration of what has preceded it. And for that, again, as last week, we need to look at the previous chapter.
As believers, Paul had assured the ‘ekklesia’ in Corinth that they had become the ‘Temple’ of the living God. (Ch 6:16). For that reason, verse 17 tells them to ‘separate themselves’ from things unclean. Now it is a whole new study to consider that statement, but trust me when I tell you that the Torah of Moses is explicit about what is unclean. It is matter of regret that many of us have been taught that because the Torah is what our Bible translates (incorrectly) as “law” (more correctly, ‘instruction’) we have been taught that “law” is obsolete for the Christian because it has been replaced by ‘grace’. But evidently that is NOT what Paul taught this ‘ekklesia’ in Corinth. And there is much more, because of the promises contained in Chapter 6: 16-18, following our introductory word “Therefore”, Paul specifies the action required of them.
This is written to a community of believers. They are already ‘saved’ so it is not a pre-condition of, but a consequence of, that salvation! “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Are you saying that we have to DO something about our salvation? I hear some ask. No, I am not saying, our beloved Apostle Paul is saying that. And I agree with him. He writes of cleanliness of the flesh and spirit. Life ‘in the Spirit’ is a life of self-control as well as a life of freedom. It is a life of responsibility as well as a life of privilege. The Psalmist got it right didn’t he? Paul knew the Psalms well.
“How can a young man cleanse his way?” he asked in Psalm 119: 9-11. “By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; O let me not wander from Your commandments. Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” It is well that we notice the part that David played in his commitment to ‘cleansing his heart’. It was the same for the ‘ekklesia’ in Corinth, and it is the same for any who read this ‘reflection’. It cannot be done by anyone else on your behalf. It’s personal. And it involves effort.
Paul knew that his first letter, dealing with sexual immorality among them had caused some disquiet. He was sorry that they were sorrowful, but not for long! “For Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” he writes. His forthright advice to them then, was consistent with the tenor of the first part of our ‘reflection’ today. His concern was to know that the lessons had been learned, and that they now understood that his counsel was in love for them, that their spiritual walk would be worthy of their calling as ‘Ambassadors for Christ’. That advice is timely for each generation of the ‘ekklesia’, even today, or perhaps especially today. As an encouragement, Paul cites the example of the grace which God, in His infinite love for them, had bestowed on the ‘ekklesia’ in Macedonia. This was a province in what we know today as Northern Greece. The main ‘ekklesia’ there were at Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. They were not wealthy, in fact they were downright poor, but they were diligent in their generous support of the ‘saints’ at Jerusalem. They saw themselves as part of the “ekklesia’ of the Lord worldwide, as well as in their local area. For this Paul commends them as an example of how believers should operate.
I am drawn again to Paul’s use of the words ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ in relation to their calling in Christ. The ‘prosperity’ about which Paul writes is a far cry from that taught in many of our mega-churches today. He commends the ‘rich’ Yeshua, who for our sakes became ‘poor’. The richness of Yeshua was in His relationship with the Father. A relationship He willing forsook in order to allow us to gain our relational richness with Father God. However, Paul also includes the exemplary role of the ‘ekklesia’ in Macedonia to share their worldly substance, by gifting, with others in need. He is careful not to imply that they should be impoverished and burdened in their giving so that others benefit disproportionally. His suggestion is that they put aside such as they can over a period of time, bit by bit, so that when one of the teaching group (Titus is mentioned specifically) visit them, their gift may be collected and distributed to those in need in other ‘ekklesia’.
The comparison with the ‘ekklesia’ in Macedonia is the yardstick by which Paul encourages the Corinthians to look. It may well provide an example for us to consider as we think of ways we might ‘bless Israel’ today through the many Christian organisations which offer material support to those in need there.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 19
Hebraic understanding of the teaching letters of the Apostles
Scholars have discerned that there were at least four letters written by Paul to the “ekklesia” in Corinth. 1 Corinthinans, the second written, refers to a previous letter of which there is no longer a written record (1 Cor 5:9), and 2 Corinthians contains the next two. Chapters 1-9 probably the last written, and chapters 10-13 the third written. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his calling and character as an Apostle.
Because these ‘reflections’ are arbitrarily taken by chapters of Scripture, it is sometimes difficult to make sense of the strict chapter narrative. We remind ourselves that Paul did not write in chapters and verses, they were provided by Robert Estienne, (a French printer) about 1520, for the Apostolic Scriptures. So we need to re-read the end of chapter 4 to get the sense of Paul’s message here. Specifically “For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Now we can understand the words with which chapter 5 begins, as Paul is contrasting our earthly (temporary) home with the heavenly (eternal) home to which all believers aspire.
It is well understood that a believer “walks by faith, not by sight”. And many preachers emphasize this to illustrate that our salvation is NOT by works. Most of us believe that. But is that the end of the story? Well some teach that “the Spirit led life” is almost a ‘do as you like’ lifestyle, because God is a loving, forgiving, gracious God. Which He is. But Paul does not say that in this passage. He says “we make it our aim, whether present (in this life) or absent (in heaven) to be well pleasing to Him.” That is a direct reference, dear friends, to the way we live our lives. It’s a doing thing. It was the burden of Paul’s writing to this “ekklesia” in Corinth. Their works, how they live their lives, is important. For those who may have doubt, refer to the Great White Throne judgement of Revelation 20. Everyone who ever lived (all of us) have an appointment there. And what are we judged on? Our faith? No. Our church attendance? No. Our tithing? No. We are judged according to our works! (which may include all of the above) And those who do not have their names written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire. I think Paul is spelling it out very clearly in this passage. It was a timely warning for the “ekklesia” in Corinth, and it’s a timely warning for anyone reading this ‘reflection’.
Now here is the blessed hope for the believer. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” This is the right time to do a personal audit. We who claim to be “in Christ” should be able to see the difference between the ‘old man’ and this ‘new creation’. Check yourself out, you are the one best qualified to do that. Dare I repeat myself? The best guide to change is difference in behaviour! Attitude! Things you do! Things you say! Actions! Works! Why are these things so important? Because, Paul says, we have become “Ambassadors for Christ.” Others will judge us in that light.
Please read carefully the first ten verses of Chapter 6. Ponder them at length. Measure yourself against them. It is the prosperity gospel according to Paul! It spells out the rewards of being an “Ambassador for Christ”. He writes about ‘making many rich’, and about ‘having nothing, and yet possessing all things’. This is the prosperity gospel friends. Having ones name written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life”. Eternal life in Him. “O Corinthians!” he writes, “We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.” In paraphrase, Paul is saying ‘we have spoken the truth, in love, warts and all. Nothing hidden. And there is a bit more to come!’ We recall that Paul had written to deal with ‘issues’ within the ‘ekklesia’. Now he lays it on the line. Not only is their behaviour critical to their role as “Ambassadors for Christ”, but so is the company they keep. “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” How up to date is that? It is probably the most violated of all the injunctions contained in Scripture. And we have become most inventive in our reasoning for ignoring such an injunction.
Today it is most applied in reference to marriage. And it is relevant. But Paul goes way beyond that singular application. “What communion has light with darkness?” he asks. Events in which we participate in order to be ‘sociable’, even ‘friendly’ which may be alright and proper because we are called to live in this world, but paradoxically not to be ‘part of it’. Where is the line drawn? This is where God, in His infinite love, mercy and grace to us who are believers (that new creation) has given His Holy Spirit prompted discernment. If we include Him in our participation in the events we attend, we will have no difficulty in knowing the difference between the ‘light’ and the ‘darkness’ of which Paul writes. “Come out from among them and be separate says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” Plenty to think about this week eh!
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 18
Hebraic understanding of the teaching letters of the Apostles
Scholars have discerned that there were at least four letters written by Paul to the “ekklesia” in Corinth. 1 Corinthians, the second written, refers to a previous letter of which there is no longer a written record (1 Cor 5:9), and 2 Corinthians contains the next two. Chapters 1-9 probably the last written, and chapters 10-13 the third written. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his calling and character as an Apostle.
“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men.” says Paul to the “ekklesia” in Corinth. What you are is what you declare! And that is a lesson that we all should learn. Those we come into contact with are much more influenced by our actions than by our words. Words are easy, how we live is the hard bit! But it shows the truth.
Then Paul appears to invite comparison between the “Old” and “New” covenants. “… not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” And that is how most people would interpret Paul here. BUT, as David Stern points out in his “Jewish New Testament Commentary”, care should be taken not to confuse “the letter” as referring to the “Torah” (God’s instruction for righteous living). Both Old and New Testaments include “Torah” don’t they? At least that’s what the Bible says. The difference is in the method of transmittal. “The letter” is written on tablets of stone. Those words have been subject to much abuse by well-meaning interpreters throughout the ages … and they still are. The ‘hedges’ which the Rabbis have constructed around Torah have had the effect of making it a very heavy yoke. In Jeremiah 31 we are told that it was the covenant promise to keep Torah which their forefathers broke. In contrast, the New Covenant is unbreakable. Why? Because it will be written on the heart of man and put in his mind. By whom? By God Himself, guarantied by the blood of Yeshua, and activated and lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is THIS covenant of which Paul claims to be a minister. It is ‘life-giving’ because it cannot be manipulated by men.
David describes the “Torah” as “perfect, converting the soul.” Nehemiah says that God gave the Israelites “just ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments.” Paul himself, writing to the Romans says “Therefore the Torah is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” (Psalm 19:7, Nehemiah 9:13 and Romans 7:12) Or read Psalm 119. How much clearer can the Scriptures be regarding the “Torah”?
Paul looks forward to the day when, that which is undoubtedly to ‘pass away’, the much broken “letter” with its capacity for manipulation, is replaced by the New Covenant. We know even today, that God’s chosen ones have a ‘veil’ which prevents them from seeing Yeshua in their reading of the Hebrew Scriptures, in spite of the many places where those Scriptures clearly look forward to His coming. And He did come! That veil is miraculously lifted from those who become believers in Him. “It is the Lord who is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Liberty to see Him and to worship Him as He desires of them.
To the “ekklesia” in Corinth, Paul then re-affirms his ministry. “We have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully.” There were evidently people in his day, as there are indeed today, who handle the word of God deceitfully. Shame. There are many whose eyes were, and still are, blinded by the god of this age. Dear friends, check out the substance of what you hear preached in your own “ekklesia” week by week. If it does not accord with the word of God, exercise your responsibility to say so. Ezekiel 3 and 33 contain warnings which apply onerous charges against those of us who do not. Paul would have been very quick to speak up! He said “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Yeshua Ha’mashiach. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
There is a tranquillity about Paul. His words, in English, seem to me quite complicated, but his message is steadfast. He knows what he believes, and he knows Whom he believes. That he suffered deprivation for the sake of the gospel is abundantly clear. The “prosperity” gospel, for him, was not of this age. It was his transient sojourn on this earth, to which he was assigned a special ministry that kept him faithful to his calling. The ‘prize’, the goal towards which he fearlessly looked day by day, was to be presented, by Yeshua, His Lord, before the Father as a good and faithful servant of the King.
O that we all, could learn from this man’s example in our daily living. “looking not at the things which are seen (which are temporary), but at the things which are not seen (which are eternal).” That is Paul’s burden for the “ekklesia” in Corinth, and it is his burden for your local “ekklesia” here on this earth.
Shabbat Shalom
RS