Paul second letter to the Corinthians is an interesting letter in that it is the least doctrinal of Paul’s epistles. The letter almost seems like Paul’s personal biography.
The letter explores the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit demonstrated in Paul life, ministry, and message. Some of Paul opposition argued that his sufferings meant he really wasn’t a Spirit-filled apostle of the Risen Christ.
Paul argued the exact opposite – that his suffering is the means God uses to reveal His glory to all. It is this letter in which we learned of the all-sufficiency of grace. “[God] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” [2Corinthians 12:9 HCSB]
As you get to the end of the letter, one word stands out … “Finally.” Chapter 13, verse 11 begins “Finally, brothers, rejoice!” [HCSB]
Finally, after everything Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he urged them to rejoice. Rejoice! After everything Paul endured (read Chapter 11:24-33), he urged others to “Rejoice!”
Paul writes consistently about rejoicing. (Nine times in the Book of Philippians alone!) It seems unusual that someone who suffered so much for the Gospel could possibly be known simply as “The Rejoicing Apostle!” But Paul saw beyond his sufferings to the glory that awaited him when he would see his Risen LORD in eternity.
No wonder he wants us to “Finally, rejoice” right along with him.