When Your Pastor Cheats (Part II)

(Read: When Your Pastor Cheats (Part 1)

So we know that Paul scolded the Corinthians because they gloried too much and weren’t taking the sin of adultery and fornication seriously as they should have.

However, in 2 Corinthians chapter 2, which is a portion of Paul’s second letter to them, he has more to say. He wrote this letter after he left Macedonia.

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. ~1 Corinthians 16:5 KJV

[9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself . [10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. ~2 Corinthians 11:9-10 KJV

Next, he essentially apologizes for over-grieving them. Not because they shouldn’t have been sorry, but because he wanted them to remain in joy. He explains that his tears were not for them to grieve about his scolding, but rather that they would know his love for them.

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. ~2 Corinthians 2:4 KJV

Then, Paul explains that the punishment inflicted by all of them upon the man, who had slept with his father’s wife, was sufficient. They could proceed with forgiveness so that he did not become swallowed up with much sorrow. In other words, this man was repentant for his sins and his deep sorrowing was known.

[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. [7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him , and comfort him , lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. [8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. [9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. [10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it , for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; [11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. ~2 Corinthians 2:6-11 KJV

Therefore, there was a duration between Paul’s letters because he was traveling. His letters could have been two or more months apart, which would give the sinning parties time to decide what route they would take; ungodliness or godliness and repentance. Amen. However, if this person was in a position of leadership, he would not be allowed to continue to lead the church because of the requirements of a bishop state that he should not have a bad report. Obviously, a bad report causes people to blaspheme God knowing that a church leader has committed adultery while overseeing his flock even if he has repented. Cite this article: Please update the Accessed or Retrieved date (September 13, 2015).