Corinth was one of the cities that Paul traveled to. From his two letters which are included in the canon as 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, we can tell that Paul invested so much of his energy and time on the church of Corinth. We learn from the Book Acts that, after he established churches in Macedonia — Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (Acts 16-17), Paul traveled to Corinth for the first time in his second missionary journey. We also learn that Paul not only established a church in Corinth but stayed there for two years. So, the church of Corinth is like Paul’s child. He loves the people of God in Corinth.

But after he left Corinth, Paul heard “not-so-good” news about what was going on among them; not only about quarreling and sexual immorality but also about how false teachers/false apostles led them “astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3

The love and respect they once had for Paul disappeared in thin air and replaced by contempt. Why? The Corinth believers got attracted to false teachers’ style, eloquence and general presentation.

Paul argues:

“For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.” 2 Corinthians 11:5-6NASB

These false apostles were very attractive. I mean, they know how to make the whole congregation laugh with their examples and jokes. They also present the whole Christianity, wrapping it up with a paper called “Judaism,” culture and tradition. They first preach themselves so they earn their hearers’ respect. Then they bring their “water downed gospel.” Corinth believers saw them with so much respect and honor that they couldn’t see Paul in equal terms. They literally despised him.

In today’s terminology, after the service, people follow these “false apostles” just to take selfie with them and post the picture on social media.

What was attractive about Paul?

Simply put: Absolutely nothing!

He is so weak and somehow disfigured by many and repeated beatings and persecutions.

Here is the rundown of Paul’s lifestyle:

He received many “imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; ” 2 Corinthians 11:23-26 NASB

Let me tell you something:

If by any mistake this kind of man comes to take selfie with me, I will definitely say to him: “Sorry, but no selfie with you,” tongue in a cheek, I add this quietly, “Ah! You have the audacity to take a picture with me!”

Why?

Because I don’t want to identify with this kind of man! Gee! He doesn’t look nice, right?

No so quick!

Who is Paul?

Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ (apostle means “sent by”) and he preaches not himself (2 Corn. 4:5) but the One who sent Him.

And who is Jesus Christ?

Listen:

Jesus “had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:2-3ESV

Did you see any resemblance between Paul and Jesus Christ?

And Jesus said,

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 NLT

So, let me ask you:

Who is your pastor? Who do you sit under to know Christ? Who is your apostle?

You cannot have both ways!

You cannot have Jesus Christ and “so and so” who is worthy to take selfie with you.

Choose one! ///