Ministerial Helpfulness.
This declaration divides itself very naturally into two parts the negative and the positive; what is disclaimed, and what is professed; what the Apostle is not and will not, cannot be to them, and what he aspires to be and is.
I. First, then, observe with how much distinctness and definiteness he repudiates and disclaims the position of supreme religious authority over them and their faith. If he, who was a chosen and well-adapted instrument for the full revelation of gospel truth to the Gentile world, in a particular instance like this in Corinth, when he has revealed it, draws back and seems to stand apart in serious and reverential contemplation of the stupendous problem that must be wrought out between the Saviour and the sinner, between God and the individual soul, how foolish and impious must it be for others so far inferior to him to make pretension to priestly power, to assert sacramental efficacy concerning what they do, to legislate and decide for others concerning those high and deep and far-reaching things comprised under the phrase "faith and morals."
II. "We are helpers of your joy." (1) In these times there is a great deal of intellectual hindrance to religious decision and life. While boastful cries are heard that the battle is lost, that our main positions are taken, and that we must immediately retire, we are seen keeping well in rank, and still advancing on the high field of conflict, and in the long battle of the ages, as looking for the victory in the fulness of time. And this cannot but have a reassuring effect upon those whose minds have been troubled. Thus in our very position and work, when they are honestly maintained, we become helpers of others' joy. (2) Then again, there is the continual shortcoming of the Christian life, making the helpfulness of the Christian ministry very necessary and very welcome. We are sent as repairers of all the breaches we may find, and restorers of the most desolate paths to dwell in. (3) Wherever we go we find sorrow and trouble in their various forms and measures. Christians only, and especially Christian teachers, are helpers of immortal joy joy that will become glory everlasting in the great future world. (4) The grave is not the end of all but to each there is a grave. To help the wearied soldier in fighting his last battle, the storm-tossed mariner into the haven of eternal rest and safety this is to have harvest indeed. Triumphs won in life may be lost. Triumph won in death is something sealed and gained for ever. To help in this is to be a helper towards your eternal joy.
A. Raleigh, Christian World Pulpit,vol. viii., p. 241.
References: 2 Corinthians 1:24. Preacher's Monthly,vol. ii., p. 96; Ibid.,vol. iv., p. 154; F. W. Robertson, Lectures on Corinthians,p. 274. 2 Corinthians 2:6-11. Ibid.,p. 280. 2 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 2:11. C. J. Vaughan, Words from the Cross,p. 126; F. W. Robertson, Lectures on Corinthians,p. 70.