2 Corinthians 12:12-13; Not Burdensome to You

2 Corinthians 12:12-13 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

There were wrought in the church in Corinth many signs and wonders and mighty deeds. God’s power was manifested through the ministry of his servant, the Apostle Paul. There was no less of these mighty workings of God in the Corinthian church as there were the other churches founded. Indeed, the Lord instructed him to stay on in Corinth after the initial period where souls were won to God’s kingdom. He stayed for one year and six months. Amidst much opposition, he persevered.

The only difference as he could recall was that he had not insisted on financial assistance from them although other authentic ministers of the Gospel like Peter, James and John did receive financial support. [Swindoll]

1 Corinthians 9:3-6 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

1 Corinthians 9:11-12 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

And if this made him inferior, the Apostle Paul asked them for forgiveness for this wrong. This was the only “sign” of an apostle he did not insist one! [MacDonald]

Thank God for sacrificial servants in God’s vineyard labouring for the gospel’s sake. Amen.