Introduction
The latter part of the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians (12:11 onward) through the final verse of chapter 13 (13:13) constitutes a highly memorable conclusion addressed by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. In this passage, Paul is not merely leaving behind moral lessons but is exposing the serious situation he faces in order to set the church straight. He reaffirms his apostolic authority and sincerity, pleading for the purity of the gospel and the maturity of the church community. This text represents the culmination of his long-established relationship with the Corinthian church, while simultaneously issuing a final warning.
In his commentary and sermon on this passage, Pastor David Jang points out that the issues the Corinthian church faced still resonate in the modern church two thousand years later. A church’s nature does not change easily, and wherever the gospel is at work, various forms of human immaturity, financial problems, misunderstandings about authority, and false teachings inevitably appear. Against this background, the latter chapters of 2 Corinthians—often referred to as Paul’s “tearful letter”—are not merely a historical record but rather a vivid warning and a message of hope to churches and believers of every era.
Pastor David Jang, through Paul’s final exhortations and rebukes to the Corinthian believers, illuminates how the modern church can stand firm in the gospel, nurture communal maturity, rightly handle the authority of church leaders and the obedience of believers, and pursue spiritual examination and loving practice in the Holy Spirit. He also provides concrete proposals on how the church can address complex issues—such as finances, false teachers, personal conflict, and the neglect of sin—in a faithful and spiritual manner.
Below are five main themes drawn from the core message of the passage. First, Paul’s stern rebuke and an understanding of the historical context of the Corinthian church. Second, the paradox of apostolic authority and humility. Third, Paul’s stance on financial matters and false teachers, and his commitment to preserving the purity of the gospel. Fourth, building the community through the balance of love, patience, and church discipline. Fifth, the benediction of the Triune God and the church’s path to complete growth. Rooted in Pastor David Jang’s pastoral insight and theological perspective, these five themes help modern churches understand and apply the text of 2 Corinthians more effectively.
Theme 1: Paul’s Resolute Rebuke and Understanding the Corinthian Church’s Situation
1. Historical Background and Paul’s Distress
Paul stayed in Corinth during his second missionary journey (approximately a year and a half) to plant a church and establish the foundations of the gospel. Afterward, he left to continue his missionary work elsewhere. In his absence, false teachers infiltrated the Corinthian church and stirred up dissent. They undermined Paul’s apostolic authority and spread another gospel, thereby shaking the believers’ faith. In response, Paul tried to address the problem through letters and also by attempting personal visits, but resolving the conflict was not straightforward.
Pastor David Jang underscores the human distress and spiritual anguish Paul must have felt. A church that he once nurtured with love was now questioning his sincerity and tarnishing his reputation. Although he had willingly sacrificed himself for the gospel, he was now compelled to defend his actions and even resort to what he calls “foolish” boasting. Unable to remain silent for the sake of the gospel, the apostle had been forced into this awkward position.
2. Parallel with the Modern Church
Pastor David Jang uses this point to reflect on the reality of today’s church. Modern churches also face difficulties from various forms of corrupted gospels, voices challenging pastoral authority, suspicions arising from financial issues, and conflict among believers. Since the church is a community of sinners saved by grace, it never exists in a state of perfection but is always on the path of sanctification. Hence, the problems encountered by the Corinthian church can likewise confront the modern church at any time.
3. Choosing Resolution over Silence
The ideal of the gospel follows the example of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of Isaiah 53, who silently endures suffering. However, Paul discerned that silence under conditions of chaos and a distorted gospel might do more harm than good. Therefore, he “foolishly” boasted and defended himself, speaking sharply against the false teachers. In doing so, Pastor David Jang suggests that decisive action is sometimes required for the health of the church. Love is not merely a pretext for covering everything up; it includes the courage to face wrongdoing and to correct it.
4. The Motive of Love within Paul’s Rebuke
Behind Paul’s stern tone lies profound love. He wants the Corinthian church to be firmly grounded in truth. Thus, he has no choice but to rebuke them and defend himself, continuing the good fight to edify the church. Pastor David Jang applies this principle to contemporary leaders: in times of confusion, church leaders should not allow sin to persist under the banner of love or yield to worldly logic. Instead, they must lead the community toward truth with resolution and humility.
Theme 2: The Paradox of Apostolic Authority and Humility
1. Signs of an Apostle and the Basis of Genuine Authority
Paul demonstrated the signs of an apostle abundantly among the Corinthians (cf. 2 Cor. 12:12). He performed miracles and wonders, and he patiently taught the believers. However, the church not only failed to appreciate this, but even questioned why he did not receive financial support. “Why is the apostle not taking any wages from our wealthy church? Is he hiding something?” Such questioning reveals an ungrateful attitude that casts doubt on the apostle’s sincerity.
Pastor David Jang explains that genuine apostolic authority is not solely proven by miracles or outward success. True authority is justified by absolute devotion to the gospel, self-sacrifice, patience, and dedication to building up the community. Paul consistently demonstrated these essential qualities.
2. The Purpose of Authority: Building Up, Not Tearing Down
In 2 Corinthians 13:10, Paul states that the authority given to him is for “building up, not for tearing down.” This declares the true purpose of church authority. A leader’s authority is not intended to destroy or oppress the church but is meant only for the sake of its edification and maturity. Pastor David Jang emphasizes that modern church leaders must keep this principle in mind. Abusing authority wounds the church, while disregarding authority fragments it. Therefore, authority must be used for its original purpose, to strengthen and mature the community.
3. Power in Weakness: The Paradox of the Cross
Following the example of Christ, Paul asserts that God’s power is revealed in his own weakness (2 Cor. 13:4). Just as Christ appeared weak on the cross yet manifested ultimate authority in His resurrection, so Paul, in his weakness, testifies that God works powerfully. This serves as a safeguard against leaders who might exalt themselves or churches that get trapped in a success-oriented mindset. Pastor David Jang stresses that today’s leaders must acknowledge their weaknesses and rely solely on God’s power, thus establishing genuine authority.
4. Modern Implications: Balancing Authority and Humility
Today’s church often struggles between authoritarian leadership and the abandonment of all authority. Drawing from Paul’s example, Pastor David Jang observes that a genuine leader must embrace both authority and humility, made possible only through the Holy Spirit. Authority is essential for protecting truth and fostering communal growth, yet it must not stem from human arrogance but must be exercised through God’s power and the humility of Christ. This paradox is well worth church leaders’ careful reflection.
Theme 3: Financial Issues, False Teachers, and Preserving the Purity of the Gospel
1. Misunderstandings and Conflicts over Money
The Corinthian church was a wealthy community, making financial issues a sensitive subject. Paul deliberately chose not to receive any living expenses or support from the Corinthians. He did this to avoid any suspicion that the gospel was being commodified. However, the church, ironically, took this as something suspicious: “Why doesn’t the apostle accept money from us? What’s his ulterior motive?” Such a reaction indicates a skewed mindset that views the gospel in terms of financial transactions and self-interest.
From this, Pastor David Jang draws an important lesson. Although finances are a crucial resource in the church, they cannot be the basis upon which the gospel is assessed nor the driving criterion for questioning a leader’s dedication. Overemphasizing monetary matters can undermine the purity of the gospel.
2. The Cunning Infiltration of False Teachers
False teachers undermine the apostle and sow division. Like the serpent that deceived Eve, they proceed with crafty stratagems, disparaging Paul’s apostleship, exaggerating financial matters, and promoting an alternate gospel to shake the community’s foundations. Pastor David Jang uses these examples to highlight that the modern church faces similar challenges—heretical influences, prosperity theology, and the prioritizing of material values. Churches must diligently guard against such falsehoods and uphold the truth.
3. Guarding the Essence of the Gospel
Paul’s fervent statements throughout these chapters underscore the essence of the gospel. His declaration “we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth” (2 Cor. 13:8) captures the apostle’s heart. The truth is the gospel, which is the message of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, the free gift of grace. Any attempt to quantify or evaluate it through money or human profit is utterly unacceptable.
Pastor David Jang stresses that the essence of the gospel is “grace given without cost” and “sacrificial love,” reminding churches that they should never allow any worldly perspective or false teaching that corrupts that essence. Rather than placing money in the forefront, the church’s fundamental pursuit must be the righteousness and truth of God’s kingdom.
4. The Woman with the Alabaster Jar and the Spirituality of “Holy Waste”
When the woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus, Judas condemned it on financial grounds—a viewpoint reminiscent of the Corinthian church’s attitude of interpreting the gospel in terms of money. Jesus rebuked such “reasonable criticism,” revealing that love’s seemingly extravagant waste is intrinsic to the gospel. Pastor David Jang uses this example to underscore that the church should sometimes demonstrate God’s love through forms of sacrifice that look like “waste” in worldly terms, thereby testifying to the truth of the gospel. All resources, including money, are tools for the gospel, not its goal. The church’s true value lies not in financial gain but in the practice of cross-shaped love.
Theme 4: Love, Patience, and Discipline—Paul’s Principles for Building the Church Community
1. The Nature of Love and Community Relationships
Paul deeply loved the Corinthian church. His statement, “I seek not what is yours but you” (2 Cor. 12:14), conveys his heartfelt love. He is willing to devote himself for their spiritual well-being. Yet, instead of reciprocating that love, the church doubts him. Pastor David Jang highlights that genuine love willingly sacrifices for the other’s sake, even when there is no guarantee of receiving anything in return.
2. The Importance of Patience
Love “endures all things” (1 Cor. 13). Even in this painful situation, Paul endures. This patience is neither cowardice nor weakness, but a strategic waiting designed to preserve the community. Pastor David Jang defines patience as “persevering and waiting for what is right, even when one’s heart is torn apart.” Modern churches, too, need this painful patience in order to love and build each other up. Yet patience is not an excuse for indefinitely tolerating sin or falsehood. At the appropriate time, discipline and rebuke are necessary to restore order.
3. The Necessity and Purpose of Church Discipline
At the beginning of 2 Corinthians 13, Paul declares that if he comes again, he “will not spare those who sinned” (2 Cor. 13:2). This shows that covering everything with love does not mean indefinitely overlooking sin. Discipline purifies the church community and brings the sinning member to repentance. Pastor David Jang emphasizes that discipline is not a destructive or cruel action but a solemn expression of love with a goal of restoration and edification. When churches lose sight of this principle, sin and falsehood can spread under the guise of love and tolerance.
4. Pursuing a Balance of Love, Patience, and Discipline
Modern churches must avoid two extremes: letting sin slide under the pretense of love or suppressing believers with overly strict authority. Pointing to Paul’s model, Pastor David Jang explains that the community grows healthily when love, patience, and discipline are kept in proper balance. Churches need both the decisive stance that leads sinners to repentance and the restorative love that raises them back up. By maintaining this balance, churches stand as communities that embody both truth and love.
Theme 5: The Benediction of the Triune God (2 Cor. 13:13) and the Church’s Path to Complete Growth
1. The Significance of the Benediction
Concluding his letter, Paul writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:13). This is far more than a simple closing remark. Pastor David Jang underscores that, through this benediction, Paul bestows upon the Corinthian church the grace, love, and fellowship of the Triune God. It is an invitation for the church to dwell in the mutual communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a place of genuine faith.
2. A Trinitarian Understanding of Community
The church should mirror the flow of love within the Triune God. Abiding in the Father’s love, the Son’s grace, and the Spirit’s fellowship, the church reflects God’s character. When believers of diverse backgrounds gather and harmonize in a Trinitarian manner, the church manifests a distinctly heavenly quality. Pastor David Jang urges churches to transcend narrow human calculations and instead form relationships centered on God.
3. The Need for Faith Examination and Growth
Paul commands the Corinthian church to “examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5). This implies that within the realm of Trinitarian blessing, believers must objectively assess their spiritual condition and recognize Christ’s indwelling presence. Failure in this examination reveals that one may be a Christian in name only, rendering the church internally weak.
Pastor David Jang states that this self-examination is vital for church growth. As believers each look within themselves—ensuring they stand firmly on truth, abide in love, and stay in the fellowship of the Spirit—the church collectively matures. Such habitual introspection is crucial for modern churches. In an era rife with secularism, syncretism, and materialism, sustaining true faith demands continual spiritual self-checks.
4. The Benediction’s Message for the Modern Church
Even today, worship services commonly end with a benediction. Pastor David Jang notes that though the benediction is repeated weekly, it should never be relegated to a mere formality. It is a spiritual proclamation that the power and love of the Triune God are actively at work in the lives of believers and in the life of the church. Through the benediction each week, the church reaffirms to whom it belongs and which direction it is heading, renewing its commitment to truth and love.
Amid the chaos of our contemporary world, the Trinitarian benediction provides the core foundation for the church to remain unshaken and stand upon the gospel. Through it, the church rediscovers the grace of the cross and the resurrection, is empowered by God’s love to love one another, and unites diverse gifts in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to form one body. This is the model church that Paul so deeply desired and that Pastor David Jang holds up as an ideal for the modern church.
Conclusion and Modern Application
Through his exploration of 2 Corinthians 12–13, Pastor David Jang delves into the ancient and modern challenges faced by the church, offering insights for applying Paul’s teachings today. The core messages emerging from this passage can be summarized as follows:
Safeguarding the Truth and the Purity of the Gospel: Under no circumstances can the church compromise with false teachings that distort the essence of the gospel. Finances, worldly wisdom, or political interests cannot serve as a standard by which to evaluate the gospel.
The Leader’s Authority and Humility: A leader’s authority is given for building up the community. Leaders must acknowledge their own weakness and depend on God’s power. Abusing authority or disregarding it both harm the church.
The Harmony of Love, Patience, and Discipline: When problems arise in the church, believers must patiently bear with one another in love; however, allowing sin to fester indefinitely under the guise of love is unacceptable. Discipline that leads to repentance and purification is part of loving leadership. Genuine love never sacrifices truth.
The Presence and Growth of the Triune God: The benediction reveals that, through the grace of Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Spirit, the church is continually called to self-examination and spiritual growth. The church must constantly reorient itself toward Christ and offer a gospel-centered alternative to the world.
Challenges and Hope for Today’s Church: The issues the Corinthians encountered 2,000 years ago parallel those in the modern church. Yet, Paul’s instruction and Pastor David Jang’s exposition provide a roadmap for implementing truth and love, authority and humility, patience and discipline. These are fundamental spiritual qualities the church needs to transcend time and culture.
These lessons offer concrete ways for contemporary churches to overcome secularism, commercialization, the abuse of authority, misunderstandings, and conflicts. Believers can, by heeding this teaching, continue in the good fight to protect the truth, respect God-given authority, and build one another up in love. Moreover, by reflecting on the grace, love, and fellowship of the Triune God, the church reaffirms that it is not merely an organization but a spiritual community—indeed, the body of Christ.