Daring to Discipline

The humility, patience, longsuffering, and gentleness Paul had demonstrated toward his opponents at Corinth had been taken by many of them as an indication of weakness and cowardice.  Paul had been explicit about his intention to eventually return and, if need be, personally confront them.  But their assumption had been that it was all mere bluster and in fact would probably never happen.  In 2 Corinthians 12:20–13:4, he serves notice on his plans to make good on that intention, in a message entitled, “Daring to Discipline”.  It is a rare but valuable glimpse into this important responsibility, which is one of the authenticating marks of what constitutes the true church.