Episode Synopsis:

Paul is under attack by some in the Corinthian church who question his intentions and his ability–he will later identify them as “super” or “false” apostles who are agents of Satan. These men claim to exercise charismatic gifts but which call attention to themselves in a manner unlike Paul had taught the Corinthians. They claim that although Paul is tough when he picks up his quill, he is weak in person, and a poor public speaker to boot. He tells the Corinthians he’s going to come to them, but he doesn’t. They say Paul is wishy-washy and unreliable. Instead of coming himself, he sends his lackeys, Timothy and Titus. Things in Corinth were so bad that one of Paul’s critics caused such great harm to Paul’s reputation and challenged his authority to the point the entire congregation was severely impacted.

But as we have come to expect of him, Paul takes the high road. As the founder and spiritual father of this congregation, he will not let the situation get out of hand. He will defend himself and explain his current circumstance. He begins by calling God as his witness so that everyone understands that Paul is a truth-teller and not an excuse maker. As he explains, he did not come to Corinth because he did not want a repeat of his previous “painful visit,” which he feared would only bring additional stress to the congregation and greater distance from himself. It grieves Paul to have to say as much, but since the matter has caused so much pain, it was best not to come then. Since the Corinthians have disciplined the offending party, and since he had apparently repented and was restored to fellowship, this opens the door for Paul to make his promised trip to Corinth after visiting Macedonia. Meanwhile, there have been many tears shed and if the Corinthians have forgiven the offender, Paul has too.

Paul explains that his plans for his visit evolved due to the ever-changing circumstances in Asia Minor, including his missed connection with Titus–a matter of great frustration to Paul, who pressed on to Macedonia. Using the image of the triumphal procession led by ancient rulers–including the Roman Caesars–Paul speaks of himself as a servant in the royal train of Jesus Christ. As a great leader ensures his presence is manifest in a fragrant scent covering the stench of his defeated foes, who march in chains and filth at the end of the processional, so too Paul speaks of the gospel as the most pleasing aroma, covering the stench of human sin. Paul flips the royal image so as to remind the Corinthians, that he is captive to the king of kings and Caesar’s lord, Jesus Christ, and no amount of flower petals and incense can match the wonderful aroma of the gospel.

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