Apostle Paul had finished the previous chapter by boasting about his ministry of reconciliation, which led to their faith in Christ and the formation of the Corinthian congregation (10:12-18). He acknowledged that the Lord Jesus made everything possible and did all the real work (10:17-18). Paul knew that boasting was foolishness, but his reason to do so had the intent to bring those in the congregation back to sound thinking and faith. (1)
Paul supplies a common Biblical illustration to enforce his intent. He equated himself as a best man, as John the Baptist had, and a father of the bride who walks his daughter to the groom during a wedding ceremony (unique to Christianity). (2) A father presents his daughter as a virgin bride to his soon-to-be son-in-law. She is radiant and pure. Paul had earlier stated he would brag about them during his examination before Christ’s judgment seat. He wants to present them pure and blameless to Christ (2).
Men came to their congregations claiming to be “super-apostles”. They were deceiving the congregation with a serpent’s cunning tongue. (3) Paul was afraid that the congregation would be deceived as Eve was, and she sinned. They needed their feet cleaned, just as Jesus cleaned the feet of his apostles during the Last Supper. (John 13:10-11) Paul bragged about his mission of reconciliation while he was with them to change their minds and hearts. (3)
Is my heart pure? Do I need my feet clean? Time always exists to examine every part of my mind and heart to see what needs to be cleaned. The Holy Spirit reveals the need for change and gives me the will, power, and ability to do it.
