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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 33

"Epistles of commendation..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 3:1

COMPLEX PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST CENTURY

There were many complicated situations that the Church faced in the first century. The following may be highlighted:

1. Books were not easily available.

2. Contact with each other was not easily maintained.

3. The Apostles were the main teachers of New Testament Theology.

a) But there were very few Apostles.
b) The churches had become widespread.
c) The Apostles had to work very hard to ensure that the churches would be well-established.

4. There were many false teachers.

a) They claimed to have knowledge and authority.
b) They infiltrated the churches.
c) They created many problems for the early New Testament Church.

A SECOND ECHELON OF LEADERS

The Apostles had to travel far and wide and often. Their role was indispensable! Thank God there arose some who began to stand out in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church! They formed the second echelon of leaders and teachers for the early Church. Among these leaders were Timothy and Titus.

EPISTLES OF COMMENDATION

One of the ways in which the church safe-guarded themselves was to use “letters of commendation.”

“Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need,
as some others, epistles of commendation
to you or letters of commendation from you?”
2 Corinthians 3:1

1. “Epistles of commendation”

a) The word “letters” is the synonym for “epistles”.
b) These could be:
i) Letters of commendation from a church.
ii) Letters of commendation to a church.

2. “Do we begin again to commend ourselves”

a) Paul expressed astonishment that he had to furnish epistles of commendation to the Corinthians!
b) He certainly did not need to have any letter of commendation to the Corinthian church nor receive a letter from the Corinthians!
c) Paul was the founder of the Corinthian church and had ministered there for about 18 months (Acts 18).
d) This problem reflected serious spiritual problems in the Church!