¹³For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! ¹⁴Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. ¹⁵I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

Why would Paul write as he does here except that some criticized him for treating them in a perceived second-class way? Such are the Corinthians’ complaints, engulfed by self-entitlement; such is one of many brush strokes in the portrait of arrogance. The Corinthians viewed any treatment that did not exalt them above others as demeaning. Thus Paul, who did not cater to their sects or divisions, came into their crosshairs.

Yet the reality is that Paul already had two visits with them and is planning a third; add to that, this is his fourth letter to them (see comments on 1 Corinthians 5:9, Week 8, Day 5). We see no other church in the biblical record given as much attention! Any wrong they experienced could only be construed as satire: of all the churches, the Corinthians did not have the “opportunity” to help Paul. For this he writes, “Forgive me this wrong!” The sarcasm drips from his quill.

By contrast, Paul commends the Philippian church, “You have done well to share with me in my affliction,” and then adds, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Phil. 4:14, 17). But the Corinthians were “robbed” (2 Cor. 11:8) of the profit that comes from giving generously. And they missed the opportunity to partner with Paul, in fact, to partner with the Holy Spirit in reaching the lost Gentile world.

So although Paul gladly and joyfully accepted gifts from other individuals and churches, he was adamant about not doing so from the Corinthians. In great wisdom he must have known that to accept their gifts would have jeopardized his ability to minister to them and to rebuke them as needed. Of all the churches Paul planted, this one seemed to have the most difficulties in their Christian behavior, judging from his writings. Accepting their financial support to relieve his daily burden of sustenance would muddy the waters, so he presumably lived off the gifts of those outside of Corinth and from the work of his own hands (see Acts 18:2-3, 20:34). Like a parent desires not to be a burden to his children, Paul is willing to sacrifice greatly for them. All he asks is that they do not take advantage of his love by living selfishly. That would bring him joy.

Lord, I confess that at times I look for what others can do for me, rather than how I can love them more. Forgive me and help me do better.