Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
The word “proverb” (mashal) appears only four times in all, (1:1, 6; 10:1; 25:1). The meaning of the words is likeness or resemblance. In this they are akin to the parables of the New Testament. They become “representative statements, not relating solely to a single fact, but standing for, or representing other similar facts” (Perowne).
Liberal-Modernist scholars assert that the Proverbs began as ‘one-liners’ and later expanded to carry a ‘motive-clause’ as the result of an ‘evolutionary’ development! This view attributes to Solomon only a few of these Proverbs. Even some ‘conservative-scholars’ assert that Chapters 1-9 were written long after Solomon’s time. Proverbs 1:1 is a general heading and the rest added by Hezekiah’s men, who put the whole Book together.
The Corinthian Christians were saved as a fruit of the Apostle Paul’s ministry. The gospel that he preached indeed were effectual to the conversion of souls and how they renounced their idols and come to faith in Jesus Christ. It was a well-known fact that an undeniable change has taken place in their lives. There was no necessity for any letter to be written on pen and paper to authenticate the Apostle Paul’s love for them.
The Apostle Paul begins this chapter with the question, “Do we begin again to commend ourselves?” The again does not imply that he had commended himself previously. Rather, it simply means that he had been accused of doing so, and now he anticipates the repetition of such a charge against him. [William MacDonald]
The testimony of the gospel team led by the Apostle Paul went about their mission work with sincerity of heart, preaching the gospel in the fear of God. They were mindful of the spiritual mandate placed upon them and were careful to speak the truth according to the Word of God. Venturing not to speak beyond what the Word of God says, they stood behind the Word of God.
Believers with the gospel mandate are given the task to usher souls to heaven or to consign them to the condemnation of hell. What a grave responsibility! Who is sufficient for these things? Who is adequate for such an undertaking? Not by our own strength but by the grace of God.
When the gospel is preached, there can be two responses. One may repent and receive Christ and be saved, one may reject Christ and perished in eternal damnation. The two thieves that were hung beside our Lord when He was on the cross provided for us this contrast.
2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
The blessing of the gospel to the believer is an eternal one. From the day of conversion, eternal life with God comes to us through Jesus Christ.
Thank God for the life that Christ impart in the hearts of God’s people. This effervescing life causes to live triumphantly for God’s honour and glory. Indeed, the knowledge that comes from God imparts life. It imparts great value to the lives it influences.
When the Apostle Paul was in the city of Troas, God opened the door for the gospel work. He, however, did not stay in Troas to advance the gospel there because Titus who was supposed to meet him there did not turn up! Titus was on the errand for the Apostle Paul.