God’s kingdom is always growing and increasing.6 True to this fact, Paul always presses on to conquer new territory, to reach new people.7 But Paul also knows that those already brought to Christ need to do their part for the kingdom. So Paul strengthens and encourages them.8 Even while working hard at Ephesus, Paul writes back to the believers at Corinth. He passes on greetings from Priscilla and Aquila, and also “the church” meeting in their home (1 Corinthians 16:8,19). He addresses the Corinthian Christians as “the church of God in Corinth.” He greets them with blessings from “God our Father” (1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2). To Paul they are “brothers.” (Paul uses this term about 40 times in 1 and 2 Corinthians.) Yes, they are true children of the King!
But children must grow up. Many Corinthian Christians remain immature. Paul hears9 about their many problems. Paul cannot immediately visit them, so he uses the next best method – the same method we are now using – the method called “correspondence.” 1 Corinthians is like a correspondence course with a complete series of lessons. Each lesson shows a problem and its solution. The mind of Christ solves each problem, then and now.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses more problems, including attacks on his apostleship. Though Paul writes during a visit to Macedonia,10 he tells about severe trials in Asia.11 We learn from Acts that, despite many struggles, God’s family is pressing forward in Ephesus. God’s kingdom proves so powerful that the sorcerers burn their books about magic.12 The idol makers fear that their business will collapse. They cause a riot that affects the entire city.13 Chanting mobs pour into the open-air theatre. The disturbance is so great that Paul must leave Ephesus soon afterwards.14
Distance does not diminish Paul’s concern for his converts. As he travels he keeps them in his heart and in his prayers. Again Paul needs to correspond, but he is always busy. Where can Paul find the time that good writing deserves? God uses Paul’s enemies to solve that problem. For in having Paul arrested15 and imprisoned, they give him plenty of time. He goes to Rome and awaits trial for two years.16 From prison Paul writes a collection we call “The Prison Letters” – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.
6. Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44; Luke 13:19-21
7. 2 Corinthians 10:16; Romans 15:20
8. Acts 14:21-23; 15:36,41; Colossians 1:28; 1 Thessalonians 3:2
9. 1 Corinthians 1:11; 5:1; 7:1 11:18
Picture: Three tourists walk the same street by which Paul, Aquila and Priscilla likely entered Ephesus. If modern visitors marvel at the ancient ruins, how much more impressed were visitors that saw Ephesus at the height of its glory.