Scripture
Semi-continuous: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 or 1 Samuel 17:57—18:5, 10-16; Psalm 9:9-20 or Psalm 133; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
Complementary: Job 38:1-11; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
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Prayer
God our protector, you stood by David in the time of trial. Stand with us through all life’s storms, giving us courage to risk danger to protect those who are oppressed and poor, that they may know you as their stronghold and hope. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)
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Reflection
As we work together with him,[a] we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
“At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: in great endurance, afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; in purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors and yet are true, as unknown and yet are well known, as dying and look—we are alive, as punished and yet not killed, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing everything.
We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also (2 Corinthians 6:1-13).
Verse 1: As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
Paul emphasizes the importance of acting on the grace received from God. The Corinthians are urged to live in a way that reflects their acceptance of God’s grace, showing that it has a transformative effect on their lives.
Verse 2: For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8 to stress the urgency and immediacy of salvation. He reminds the Corinthians that the present time is a critical opportunity to accept and act upon God’s grace.
Verse 3: We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
Paul asserts that he and his fellow workers conduct themselves in a way that avoids causing others to stumble. Their behavior is intended to be above reproach to prevent any discredit to their ministry.
Verse 4: Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
Paul lists the hardships he and his companions endure to commend themselves as genuine servants of God. Endurance through suffering is presented as evidence of their commitment and authenticity.
Verse 5: in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
Paul continues to enumerate the severe trials they face, highlighting physical violence, imprisonment, social unrest, and personal sacrifices. This further demonstrates their dedication to God’s work.
Verse 6: in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
Alongside their endurance of hardships, Paul points to their virtues—purity, understanding, patience, and kindness. These positive qualities, empowered by the Holy Spirit and characterized by sincere love, validate their ministry.
Verse 7: in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Paul emphasizes their reliance on truthful speech and divine power. The “weapons of righteousness” suggest moral and spiritual integrity as their defense and offense in spiritual battles.
Verse 8: through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;
Paul acknowledges the paradoxical nature of their ministry. They experience both honor and dishonor, praise and slander. Despite being genuine, they are often misjudged as impostors by others.
Verse 9: known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;
Paul continues with contrasts, noting how they are known yet treated as unknown. Despite facing death and severe beatings, they continue to live and serve, reflecting the resilience given by God.
Verse 10: sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Paul highlights the seeming contradictions of their ministry. They experience sorrow but maintain joy, live in poverty but enrich others spiritually, and possess nothing materially yet have everything in Christ.
Verse 11: We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.
Paul expresses his open and honest communication with the Corinthians. His heartfelt appeal shows his deep affection and concern for them.
Verse 12: We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.
Paul points out the asymmetry in their relationship. While he and his companions have shown great love and openness, the Corinthians have not reciprocated to the same extent.
Verse 13: As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Paul urges the Corinthians to respond with the same openness and affection. By calling them his children, he emphasizes the familial and affectionate nature of his relationship with them, hoping for a reciprocal emotional openness.
PRAYER: Keeper of our lives, you know the hardness and gentleness of human hearts. You call your people to faithful living. Through the storms of life that bring suffering and fear, joy and laughter, teach us to turn to you for all we need, so that we may come to know your presence even in the midst of the trials that surround us. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)
SOURCES
Paul Barnett, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament.
Colin G. Kruse, 2 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries.
Leander Keck, The New Interpreter’s Bible : Second Corinthians - Philemon.
Craig S. Keener, 1-2 Corinthians. New Cambridge Bible Commentary.
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