Undermining Pastors: 2 Corinthians 11:5-12, especially vs. 12:
"But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast."
In today's Epistle reading, St. Paul refutes a number of mean-spirited insinuations leveled against him by certain "false apostles" (2 Cor. 11:13). These enemies were seeking to undermine his pastoral relationship with the people of his congregation in Corinth. He writes to the Christians of Corinth to correct certain errors of these "deceitful workers" who were "transforming themselves into Apostles" (2 Cor 11:13).
The first tactic, which these false brethren used against St. Paul, was to suggest that he was an inferior Apostle (2 Cor. 11:5). Ironically, he himself had "opened this door" to this claim when he said: "I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God; but by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:9,10).
Let us not miss the truth, however. In his heart St. Paul was quite secure in his position as the Lord's Apostle. Earlier he had said, "...and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all" (1 Cor. 15:10). Now, in this rebuttal, he says, "For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles" (2 Cor. 11:5), by which he is referring to the Twelve. Those who would tear down a Pastor and subvert honest ministry find ways to suggest that such and such a Priest is "inferior," compared to other clergy.
The second tactic of St. Paul's detractors was an attack on his public speaking ability (vs. 6). Among the central tasks of pastoral work are preaching and teaching, a labors demanding ability to speak and communicate. However, let us never forget: no one, not even the most skilled and articulate human communicator, is "worthy to approach or draw nigh or to serve [the] King of Glory," much less to speak about Him Who is "unspeakable and boundless."
Always it is possible to “pick' at a Pastor's speaking style: "he speaks too long; he is too brief; he rambles; he is over-organized; he never preaches from the Scriptures; he only preaches from the Scriptures; he speaks too loudly; or he cannot be heard because he doesn't speak up." In truth, the communication of the Gospel is the work of the Holy Spirit through men. God can reach hearts through the most humble of speakers who are devoted to Him and to His truth.
The third insinuation used by the agitators who opposed St. Paul was to gainsay his humble-mindedness (vs. 7). Out of love for the Lord, most clergy receive pay far below their level of training, education, and efforts as Pastors; and they do so joyfully. To apply market-place comparisons as a means of devaluing their "worth" misses the entire nature of a Pastor's call. As the Lord Jesus forewarned when He called St. Paul into His service, "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake" (Acts 9:16). It is a terrible sin to take advantage of a man's submission and dedication to Christ to abuse him by pinching his income.
Finally, the Apostle Paul's opponents were suggesting that the Blessed Saint who gave himself unstintingly to all men did not love his people (2 Cor. 11:11). This sort of attack represents the ultimate low among insinuations used to undermine Pastors. To those who will not refrain from using this tactic, St. Paul retorts, "God knows!" If ,his self-sacrifice was not evidence enough, what more could he say?
Beloved of the Lord, what true Christian can adequately return the love with which Christ has loved us? There are times when all of our Pastors are frail, when they bumble as servants. Still, let us remember our own failures at genuine love and uphold those who labor among us.
Strengthen Thy Pastors, O Lord, ever to labor worthy of Thy calling upon them.
