2 Corinthians 10:8-9; Clarify By a Letter

2 Corinthians 10:8-9 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

The Apostle Paul was careful to use his authority to build up the faith of the saints. It was not meant to frighten or scare them, or worse to harm them. He had to clear himself so that it will not be misconstrued. MacDonald observed insightfully, “He knew there were false teachers exercising authority among the Corinthians which they had never received from the Lord.”

The Apostle Paul was not there but was aware of the falsehoods planted concerning his ministry amongst the Corinthians. As such, he was duty-bound to clarify, albeit, by a letter.

The Apostle Paul could have let the matter rest, after all, he was far away, but his heart will have no rest until he saw to the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians. True to the trust that our Lord placed upon him, we saw him discharging his work with heart, soul, mind and strength for the glory of God.

A.C. Palmer in the hymn “Ready” shared that commitment articulated by the Apostle Paul here.

Ready to speak, ready to think,
Ready with heart and brain,
Ready to stand where He sees fit,
Ready to bear the strain.

Refrain:

Ready to go, ready to stay,
Ready my place to fill,
Ready for service, lowly or great,
Ready to do His will.

Ready to speak, ready to warn,
Ready o’er souls to yearn,
Ready in life, ready in death,
Ready for His return.

May His Name be praised. Amen.