Bridging the Social and Ethnic Divide

The collection for the impoverished Church at Jerusalem was near and dear to Paul’s heart.  Not only because it was an opportunity for his Gentile converts to learn and develop the important grace of giving, but because it was also the occasion for the Lord to work in healing one of the deepest and longest-standing animosities of all time, the enmity between Jew and Gentile.  What Paul described in his own words as, the dividing wall of hostility (Eph. 2:14).  As much as we might like to believe that such prejudices suddenly vanish upon our conversion to Christ, the New Testament is sure witness to how pervasive and persistent they truly are, even among professing believers.  2 Corinthians 9:11-15 is a much-needed word for our times, as we look at one man’s tireless commitment and unyielding effort at “Bridging the Social and Ethnic Divide”.