By the grace of God, the churches in Macedonia had been blessed with God's love, so much so, that they had plenty to share generously with others. Paul told the Corinthians to finish what they'd started. Give what you have, God will accept it if you are eager to give. If you give freely when you have plenty, then you can expect to receive if you fall on hard times. Titus was coming to them with enthusiasm for serving God with them. Paul was grateful for Titus and asked them to welcome him.
The Corinthians and others, were helping the believers in Judea. Paul let them know the time for giving was at hand. Each person should decide for himself what he will give, remembering that God is able to give you more than you need. God loves a glad giver. God would make them rich enough to give generously at all times. Their service would create much good among the people and they would feel God's love.
Paul defended his ministry. He had a reputation for being meek in person and harsh in his letters. He admitted that by the power of God, he tore down all the obstacles and lies people tried to put in their way. Paul did not want to be confused with others who claimed to have more power based on their own standards. In fact, he boasted about God just like Jeremiah said to. (Jer.9:24)
Paul described his strong feelings for the people. He didn't want them seduced by false prophets to be led astray. He pointed out his generosity with them and his love for them. Paul warned about false apostles who make themselves look good to fool the people. Even Satan could disguise himself as an angel! Paul knew that they had been fooled by these impostors. He was the real deal and he had the experience to prove it. He listed all the hardships he had endured in the service of God - even being lowered in a basked to escape. (Acts 9:25)
Paul told them of a man he knew. Fourteen years earlier he had been snatched up to the third heaven (whether in a vision or physically, Paul didn't know, only God did) and shown many marvleous things which couldn't be described. To keep Paul from getting conceited, God gave him a condition which he asked to have removed three times. God told him His grace was plenty for him and so Paul delighted in his weakness and discomfort and hardships. When he was weak, then he was strong. Paul told them that he wanted them, not their money as the false apostles did. Paul planned to visit them and hoped they would still know each other well. Paul expressed the things he was afraid of finding when he got to them, and he would weep for their sins in their presence.
Tomorrow read 2Corinthians 13 & Galatians 1-4:11
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