Why is it that our spiritual authority is at its greatest when conditions are chaotic and a lot less so when they are under control? Why do more miracles take place in the Developing World than the Western World? Is it a just case of “everyone’s a hero somewhere else” or is there a more rational reason? Read what the Apostle Paul had to say about it:
“This intended visit of mine is my third visit to you. ‘On the evidence of two or three witnesses every charge shall be sustained.’ Those who cling to their old sins, and indeed all of you, I have forewarned and still forewarn (as I did on my second visit when present, so I do now, though absent) that, when I come again, I shall not spare you; since you want a practical proof of the fact that Christ speaks by my lips – He who is not feeble towards you, but powerful among you.
“For though it is true that He was crucified through weakness, yet He now lives through the power of God. We also are weak, sharing His weakness, but with Him we shall be full of life to deal with you through the power of God. Test yourselves to discover whether you are true believers: put your own selves under examination. Or do you not know that Jesus Christ is within you, unless you are insincere?
“But I trust that you will recognize that we are not insincere. And our prayer to God is that you may do nothing wrong; not in order that our sincerity may be demonstrated, but that you may do what is right, even though our sincerity may seem to be doubtful. For we have no power against the truth, but only for the furtherance of the truth; and it is a joy to us when we are powerless, but you are strong.
“We also pray for the perfecting of your character. For this reason I write thus while absent, that when present I may not have to act severely in the exercise of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down.”
Weymouth New Testament in Modern Speech (Kregel Publications)
Weymouth’s clarity of expression in verses 8 and 9 conveys a basic principle of apostolic authority, which is that it is at its strongest where most needed and at its weakest where least needed. In the latter case Paul will rejoice, since it will mean the Christians at Corinth have at last put their relationships in order.
“Having this hope, a mellower Paul is able to lay aside the legal significance of a third-time witness, and close his polemic epistle with one the Bible’s most beloved benedictions. Paul compares his human weakness with that of Jesus when he was crucified. He will not come to the church at Corinth in the power of any earthly authority.
Jesus had taught, “You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26, 26)
Paul continues by comparing his apostolic authority with Christ’s resurrection power. Like the humble Jesus he comes in weakness, but will come in power if their high-minded attitude remains unchanged (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:1-6). Paul presents them with a choice: their humble acceptance of his authority or his necessary apostolic correction.
He presses them to examine themselves: are they in the faith or are they not? Paul wants them to submit to his authority, even though their submission will not require him to exercise that authority. He must exercise it to the degree that they resist it. Not for authority’s sake but rather so that they will be better for having been disciplined.
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible makes verse 9 crystal clear: “For we are glad when we are weak…” [appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority]. The apostles rejoiced when they had no occasion of exerting themselves, and of exercising that high office, and extraordinary commission they had received of Christ Jesus. “…and you are strong” [when you … are strong in Christ, and in his grace, and in the power of his might].” A wonderful power paradox!
It is clear from the above that a leader’s authority is seen in the good order and self-discipline of those he leads, and that the more chaotic a church the more authority is required. Understanding this principle is relieving to those leaders whose church members are in order under the godly authority of their elders. To those leaders whose members resist any exercise of scriptural authority it may underline the absolute necessity that godly authority of this kind be exercised.
This principle also works with the ministry of healing and the response — or lack of response — to it. When a believer informs me that he or she has a healing ministry, I point them to the elderly, most of whom struggle with ill-health from time to time. Generally speaking, there’s not much point in them ministering healing to teenagers. The same goes for the other spiritual gifts – all of which are most effective in those conditions that are their opposites. The answer to any problem is its opposite; its antonym.
With this in mind I suggest that Paul’s authority principle offers an answer to the plethora of miracle-healings that happen in the Developing World and the relatively few that happen here at home.
Sickness in undeveloped countries provides welcome opportunities for God’s healing power to flow; whereas sickness at home is very much the province of medical professionals. The gap that is filled by God’s power in poor nations is filled here at home by doctors and surgeons. This is why the media speak breathlessly of the latest Medical Miracle.
Summoning his disciples, Jesus gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Their authority authorised their power to act. The need for healing in those days was acute, and provided Jesus and his disciples with many opportunities.
Such opportunities are provided here only when medicine has failed and healing from God is a last resort. It’s possible that the high cost of medical treatment will force more sick people to seek healing through the hands of those who believe that God still heals. (I’m referring to Divine Healing, not the extreme so-called Faith Healing practised by charlatans.)
From a pragmatic point of view — “What works works” — a lack of access to medical help can provide for an exercise of authority and power by believers, which sick people will welcome. “Beggars can’t be choosers” says the old proverb, but in the Bible it was those who had no other choice but to believe in Jesus that were healed. Some of them were beggars who became choosers. That’s what it took then and at times still takes in our time.