Paul Revisits Corinth
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he reproves the latter with abrupt severity. The Corinthians had been
overcome by temptation, and deceived by the ingenious sophistry of
teachers who presented errors under the guise of truth. They had be-
come confused and bewildered. To teach them to distinguish the false
from the true, required great caution and patience in their instructor.
Harshness or injudicious haste would have destroyed his influence
[190]
over those whom he sought to benefit.
In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the
faith of the gospel. Christ, the true foundation, was virtually renounced
for the obsolete ceremonies of Judaism. The apostle saw that if these
churches were saved from the dangerous influences which threatened
them, the most decisive measures must be taken, the sharpest warnings
given, to bring them to a sense of their true condition.
To deal wisely with different classes of minds, under varied cir-
cumstances and conditions, is a work requiring wisdom and judgment,
enlightened and sanctified by the Spirit of God. The minister of Christ
should learn the importance of adapting his labors to the condition of
those whom he seeks to benefit. Tenderness, patience, decision, and
firmness are alike needful; but they are to be exercised with proper
discrimination. It is only by maintaining a close connection with God
that his servants can hope to meet judiciously the trials and difficulties
that still arise in the churches.
Paul had presented to the Galatians the gospel of Christ in its purity.
His teachings were in harmony with the Scriptures; and the Holy Spirit
had witnessed to his labors. Hence he warned his brethren to listen to
nothing that should contradict the truth which they had been taught.
The apostle reverts to his own experience, of which the Galatians
have been previously informed. He reminds them of his proficiency in
the learning of the Jews, and his zeal for their religion. Even in early
manhood he had achieved distinction as an able and zealous defender
[191]
of the Jewish faith. But when Christ was revealed to him, he at once
renounced all his prospective honors and advantages, and devoted his
life to the preaching of the cross. He appeals to his brethren to decide
whether in all this he could have been actuated by any worldly or
selfish motive. He then shows them that after his conversion he had no
opportunity to receive instruction from man. The doctrines which he
preached had been revealed to him by the Lord Jesus Christ. After the
vision at Damascus, Paul retired into Arabia, for communion with God.