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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 183

"Did I take advantage of you..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:17

TAKING ADVANTAGE

The false teachers were known to have taken advantage of their followers. They virtually exploited those who followed them. They were unscrupulous in their ways! Paul distanced himself from the false teachers and their evil practices!

“Did I take advantage of you
by any of those whom I sent to you?”
2 Corinthians 12:17

1. “Did I take advantage of you”

a) The word “advantage” has some important nuances to take note of.
b) The following may be noted:
i) To cheat
ii) To covet
iii) To be greedy
c) Paul was the exact opposite.
i) He refused to be a burden to the Corinthians.
ii) He sought to provide for himself.

2. “By any of those whom I sent to you”

a) These were people who worked closely with Paul.
b) These were his associates.
c) Some were not named (2 Corinthians 8:13).
d) Some were named – Titus (2 Corinthians 8:16).

3. What were these unnamed brethren like?

Let us recall what Paul wrote about them.

a) “The brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 8:18
b) “Proved diligent in many things.” 2 Corinthians 8:22
c) “They are messengers of the churches.” 2 Corinthians 8:23
d) “The glory of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 8:23

4. “Those who were named”

Titus was one whose name was mentioned

a) He was described as “my partner”. 2 Corinthians 8:23
b) He was a “fellow-worker”. 2 Corinthians 8:23

At no time had Paul or any of his associates taken advantage of any church! They were very diligent to conduct themselves as true servants of the Lord Jesus Christ! They were well-known and well-loved by all the churches among whom they served!