seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
2 Corinthians 2:1 So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
The first paragraph is actually a continuation of the previous chapter, according to the commentary. Even the man's letters are skewed so that the reader has to "study" to find the end of the thought. Paul is confusing to read! He might as well have written [or dictated] this in KJV or Greek! Apparently, there are a couple of issues here. Paul has called out a man who slept with his stepmother, according to the commentary. This all goes back to 1 Corinthians 5 according to the commentary. The man, according to the commentary, was sorry for what he did. That immoral man "said he wouldn't do it again". Paul said the church should forgive him and let him back in the church.
Like I said though, the first paragraph is the continuation of Paul's first chapter about how the church in Corinth should forgive him for failing to show up after taking their money "to give to the church in Jerusalem". Paul wants the church to let a lot slide.
Now, according to the commentary, he wants the church to forgive and forget the sexual immorality of one of the Corinthians.
Wow, you would think Paul wanted the church to "forgive" the man because he apologized and said he wouldn't do it again. Paul said when someone slides, but shows a willingness to be obedient, then the church should forgive him and let him back in the fold.
Paul's teachings seem to say "do anything you want... just apologize and remind everyone you are a Christian... and you will be forgiven". It's as if Paul is teaching there are no consequences for Christian misconduct!!!!
Is this the problem with the church today? Does a preacher who steals from the church get a free pass if he says he's sorry? Does a preacher get a free pass for making a pass at one of the wives in the church if he says he's sorry. Is that how the televangelists felt they could get away with what they were caught doing? Is that how the priests got caught with little boys, and figured they should be able to "keep it quiet because the priest told the pope they were sorry"?
I'm sorry. I truly believe that Paul was not a good man. I truly believe that Paul's actions are the root of the problems in the Christian Church. I really think Paul may be a demon called a saint, who started a cancer in the church that would eat at the soul of the church from the inside out. No, don't get your thingy cut, don't follow food restrictions, but definitely bring me your tithe... "I'm an apostle... Jesus knocked me down and made me an apostle". What sense does any of that make?
After Jesus ascended, did only the tithe retain its' value? Pay your tithe and apologize for your sins and you will get off Scott free. No need to get your thingy cut or give up your pulled pork sandwiches, just bring your tithe and a contrite apology and there are no consequences.
How much does forgiveness cost?
Can I get forgiveness on sale for $1.99?
