How many have been accused of making pretenses or false advertising and proven true? How many claim to be one thing and are not, motivated by ill profit? People at one time said, “What you see is what you get.” Often what is presented is not what is promised and expected. So, we go about not believing what is said, and when someone says, “Their bark is worse than their bite,” we believe it. These truths are learned in every generation, including Paul’s.
While Paul was away from Corinth for nearly two years, some well-dressed, slick tongues came into the congregation saying, “Paul’s letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive, and his speaking amounts to nothing.” (10) They were doing all they could to get their hands on the offering collected for the poor.
Paul’s speech and writing were plain, straightforward, and free from artificiality. Paul did not charge for his letters or oratory. The charitable gift was not for himself. So his detractors said, “His words are worthless,” meaning he couldn’t get a cent for it, so he gives it free of charge. “He talks tough, but he is a weakling in person.”
“Not so,” replies Paul. (11) When I arrive, if you keep this lip smacking up, you will realize your error and their deception.
From the beginning, some thirty years ago, I decided that FreeBibleStudyHelp.com would not charge, not advertise, and not collect and sell personal information. I also decided to present the Bible study materials as it says, without denominational influence, and not to sweeten it so more people would come. As time has passed, I am not ashamed of that decision, and I still work at keeping to that personal promise even though people don’t pay for things; they often get the impression that it is cheap. So, be it. FreeBibleStudyHelp.com will remain free, and the truth will be presented even though sometimes Jesus’ words, “Repent or perish,” are kept on the site.
