Forgiveness And Satan's Tactics In 2 Corinthians
Forgiveness and Satan's Tactics in 2 Corinthians
The apostle Paul's discussion of forgiveness in 2 Corinthians is closely tied to his understanding of Satan's tactics. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, Paul writes that forgiveness is necessary "that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes" [1]. This verse highlights the importance of being aware of Satan's strategies and taking steps to counter them.
Paul's reference to Satan's schemes is not isolated; he also mentions Satan masquerading as "an angel of light" in 2 Corinthians 11:14 [2]. This image suggests that Satan's tactics involve deception and disguise, making it essential for believers to be vigilant and discerning.
The context of 2 Corinthians 2:11 is Paul's discussion of a repentant sinner who had been disciplined by the Corinthian church. Paul encourages the church to forgive and restore the individual, lest Satan gain an advantage over them [6, 7]. According to John Gill, Satan gains an advantage when church discipline is either neglected or overly harsh, leading to the loss of a member or the discouragement of others [7].
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge notes that 2 Corinthians 2:11 is connected to various Old Testament passages that discuss God's wrath, repentance, and forgiveness [3]. These cross-references provide a broader biblical context for understanding Paul's teaching on forgiveness.
In 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, Paul elaborates on the concept of reconciliation, emphasizing that believers are ambassadors for Christ, tasked with spreading the message of reconciliation to a world that is hostile to God [4]. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, reconciliation involves a change from enmity to friendship, with both parties undergoing a transformation [5].
John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion highlights the importance of balancing discipline with mercy and compassion, lest the church fall into the trap of being overly harsh or lenient [8]. Calvin argues that the Donatists, a schismatic group, were guilty of excessive rigorism, which led them to separate from the mainstream church.
The connection between forgiveness and Satan's tactics is also evident in the writings of the early church fathers. Hippolytus, Cyprian, and other patristic authors emphasize the need for repentance and the dangers of Satan's influence [9].
Sources
- 2 Corinthians “that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. -- 2 Corinthians 2:11”
- 2 Corinthians “And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. -- 2 Corinthians 11:14”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 7:11 cross-references: Genesis 44:6, 2 Samuel 12:5, Nehemiah 5:6, Nehemiah 13:25, Job 42:6, Psalms 2:11, Psalms 35:13, Psalms 38:9, Psalms 42:1, Psalms 69:9, Psalms 119:139, Psalms 130:6, Psalms 145:19, Proverbs 14:16, Proverbs 28:14, Isaiah 26:8, Isaiah 66:2, Jeremiah 31:18, Daniel 6:14, Zechariah 12:10, Matthew 5:29, Mark 3:5, Mark 9:43, John 2:17, Acts 17:16, Romans 11:20, Romans 14:18, 1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 12:25, 2 Corinthians 2:6, 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 7:1, 2 Corinthians 7:7, 2 Corinthians 7:9, 2 Corinthians 9:2, 2 Corinthians 13:7,”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 5:11 cross-references: Genesis 35:5, Job 6:4, Job 18:11, Job 31:23, Psalms 73:19, Psalms 76:7, Psalms 88:15, Psalms 90:11, Isaiah 33:14, Nahum 1:6, Matthew 10:28, Matthew 25:46, Mark 8:35, Mark 9:43, Luke 12:5, Luke 16:31, Acts 13:43, Acts 18:4, Acts 18:13, Acts 19:26, Acts 20:18, Acts 26:26, Acts 28:23, 1 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 6:1, Galatians 1:10, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:24, Hebrews 10:31, Jude 1:23, Revelation 20:15”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Reconcilation — A change from enmity to friendship. It is mutual, i.e., it is a change wrought in both parties who have been at enmity. (1.) In Col. 1:21, 22, the word there used refers to a change wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be an enemy to God by wicked works, and yields up to him his full confidence and love. In 2 Cor. 5:20 the apostle beseeches the Corinthians to be "reconciled to God", i.e., to lay aside their enmity. (2.) Rom. 5:10 refers not to any change in our disposition toward God, but to God himself, as the party reconcile”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 2:11: 2:11 If we exercise forgiveness, as Paul did, Satan will not outsmart us by making us either too lax over sin or too rigorous in punishing offenders. • familiar with his evil schemes: Cp. 11:3, 14; Eph 6:11.”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 2:11: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us,.... Or make gain of us, or we should be circumvented by him; a metaphor taken from covetous persons, who take every occasion, and make use of every advantage to circumvent and deceive persons in trading with them: Satan gets an advantage of the churches, when church discipline is brought into neglect and contempt, or turned into tyranny; or when he can draw off any person from a church, or keep him out of it: wherefore the apostle's argument is, that since the incestuous person had true repentance for his sin, he ought ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 94: 13:29 ). Hence he infers from Cyprian, “Let a man then mercifully correct what he can; what he cannot correct, let him bear patiently, and in love bewail and lament.” 12. This he says on account of the moroseness of the Donatists, who, when they saw faults in the Church which the bishops indeed rebuked verbally, but did not punish with excommunication (because they did not think that anything would be gained in this way), bitterly inveighed against the bishops as traitors to discipline, and by an impious schism separated themselves”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 5: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius, Novatian — EXHORTATION TO REPENTANCE.[1] (part 6): Lord, and His propitiation unto such as turn unto Him."(10) Also in the same: "How good is it for a true heart to show forth repentance! For thus shalt thou escape voluntary sin."(11) Also in the Acts of the Apostles: "But Peter saith unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou thinkest to be able to obtain the grace of God by money. Thou hast no part nor lot in this faith, for thy heart is not right with God. Therefore repent of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if haply the thought of thy h”