2 Corinthians 3:4-6, The Spirit Giveth Life
2 Corinthians 3:4-6 4And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Cor. 3:4-6 KJV)
A. J. Gordon, in the story entitled “Greatest Unused Power”, observed interestingly, “An American with an English gentleman was viewing the Niagara whirlpool rapids, when he said to his friend: “Come, and I’ll show you the greatest unused power in the world.” And taking him to the foot of Niagara Falls, “There,” he said, “is the greatest unused power in the world!” “Ah, no, my brother, not so!” was the reply. “The greatest unused power in the world is the Holy Spirit of the living God.””¹
The Apostle Paul’s life was a testimony of the power of the Holy Spirit unleashed. Souls were converted and brought to life when the gospel was preached and the new converts painstakingly nurtured so that the Holy Spirit will fill that new life with power. This was how the church in Corinth began.
KJV Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. 7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
There as much opposition and the Apostle Paul was cast into prison. But the Lord encouraged him to persevere – 9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:1-11 KJV)
The idolatrous city of Corinth experienced the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit when godly men, filled with the Spirit, walked among them. All praise and glory to our great God. May He use you for such a time as this as a witness to your community. Amen.
¹Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.