Monthly Archive: February 2011

I've finally finished reading William Still's fine The Work of the Pastor. Perhaps a better heading for this post would be the need for perspective. Anyway, here's a word for our own day:

Paul Barnett has a very helpful paragraph in his commentary in the NICNT series in which he charts the main line through the 8th and 9th chapters of 2 Corithians:

“In our view, chapters 8-9 can be consistently viewed as having a coherent and consecutive argument. Based on the voluntariness of the Macedonians’ involvement in the collection and their sacrificial generosity, Paul calls on the Corinthians to complete their participation in it (8:1-7). These words, however, may lead to misunderstandings: (1) This is ‘advice,’ not ‘command’; ‘grace’ and ‘readiness’ are their appropriate responses (8:8-11); (2) it is not a call to give more than they have, but for the completion of what was both desired and begun (8:11-12); and (3) the Jerusalemites’ relief is not at Corinthian impoverishment; it is for ‘equality’ between the Jerusalemites and the Corinthians (8:13-15). In the light of the coming of Titus and two highly regarded Macedonians, let the Corinthians give proof of their love and of Paul’s pride in them (8:16-24). In particular, when Paul himself comes, with other Macedonians, let the Corinthians spare him and themselves the humiliation of being ‘unprepared’ (9:1-5). Finally, as a theological consideration, let them note that God further blesses the generous giver and unites givers and receivers in spiritual fellowship (9:6-15).” (page 388)

There are some very helpful distinctions and other points made in an article by Doug Wilson on Lent. With a month to go before the season begins, I'd commend it to readers of this blog.