Inferior to Other Churches 2 Corinthians 12:13

Paul the apostle told the church members, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirteen of Second Corinthians, Paul asked the church members how they were, “inferior to other churches” where we read:

For what is it wherein you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

The verse begins, “For what is it wherein you were inferior to other churches, ...” Paul began with the words, “for what is it” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore how can it be” “wherein you were inferior” or “that the church in Corinth was less, worsted and set below” “to other churches” which refers to “other assemblies of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting”. Paul asked how the church members in Corinth believed they were in a less position than any of the other churches to whom he ministered.

The verse goes on to say, “... except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.”. Paul continued with the words, “except it be that” which means “save and but that it is because and since” “I myself” which refers to “Paul himself” “was not burdensome” which means “was not caused to grow numb, torpid, heavy or as a detriment” “to you” or “to the church members”? “forgive me” which means “pardon and do Paul a favor” “this wrong” or “that injustice, unrighteousness of heart and life and a deed violating law and justice”. Paul's only “inferior” area to the church in Corinth was that he was not a “burden” to them.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how he assured the church members in Corinth that he was not ministering to them for his personal benefit. They were the ones who were blessed by his service of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and there was “no charge” for it. Jesus desires for people to come to Him and receive Him as “Savior and Lord”, and there should never be a feeling of “inferiority” with any of them. All people are valuable to God, and as Paul made the churches equal in importance, so should we see the value in all people within the world.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “the third time I am ready to come to you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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