Paul Determined with Himself 2 Corinthians 2:1

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth he did not have, “dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy” because it was “by faith” that they “stood”. In chapter two and verse one of Second Corinthians, Paul declared to the church members he, “would not come again to you in heaviness”, where we read:

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

The verse begins, “But I determined this with myself, ...” Paul began with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “I determined” or “Paul picked out, selected, chose, approved, deemed thought and was of the opinion of” “this” which means “the same particular thing” “with myself” or “alongside Paul himself”. Paul was purposed within concerning what he is about to declare.

The verse continues, “... that I would not come again to you in heaviness.” Paul added the words, “that I would not come” which means “that Paul would not appear, show or present himself” “again” or “anew, further or once more” “to you” which refers to “the church members” “in heaviness” or “in sorrow, pain, grief, annoyance and mourning”. Paul purposed not to appear before the Corinthian church members with a sorrowful, grieving, annoyed or mournful attitude.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he was subject to many of the same emotions as his readers. Paul, however, knew the church members did not need to see him in despair with them. Because Jesus Christ desires a relationship with everyone who will receive Him as Savior, it is imperative that people not misrepresent him as Paul was subject to do so. Let us remember to consider how others will perceive us when we share the “good news” of Jesus Christ, and may we “determine” as Paul, that they not see us “in heaviness”.

Next time we see what Paul with do, “if” he makes the church members “sorry”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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