–Save This Page as a PDF–  
 

Paul Describes His Apostolic Ministry
4:7 to 7:4

Now Paul turns to the paradoxical fact that the glory of the B’rit Chadashah Gospel moves out into the world via jars of clay, who are fragile and often suffer as they carry out their ministries (to see link click Az – Priceless Treasure in Clay Jars), Paul speaks of the troubles faced in ministry, but he insists that the suffering experienced by competent shepherds has a purpose: the advancement of the Gospel.

From a human perspective, it might seem that the intensity of suffering faced by Paul and his coworkers would be devastating. Yet, as Paul explains, rather than being destroyed, true shepherds experience renewal (4:16), and the suffering faced in ministry has a personal outcome: An everlasting glory whose weight is beyond description. Finally, the eternal glory brings to mind an eternal realm, on which true shepherds focus their attention (4:17-18).

Paul then explains the hope that competent shepherds have in the face of suffering and death. And he uses words such as house, tent, and building to talk about the contrast and relationship between the earthly body of suffering and the heavenly body that will be put on at the resurrection of the dead. Out of this discussion of death and resurrection, the apostle writes openly about his longing to be with Messiah and his desire to be pleasing to Him (5:1-10).111

Paul then appeals to the Corinthians to be reconciled to God and to open their hearts to their apostle. He clears the ground for these appeals by declaring:

1. A New Creation – 5:11-17 (Bd)

2. The Ministry of Reconciliation – 5:18-20 (Be)

3. Fifteen Words of Hope – 5:21 (Bf)

4. Living as a Servant – 6:1-10 (Bg)

5. The Characteristics of Love – 6:11-13 and 7:2-4 (Bh)

6. Do Not be Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers – 6:11 to 7:1 (Bi)