The verses before us contain an explanation for the amazing outpouring of eloquence that is found in the verses 3-10. Paul had been setting forth the proofs of appointment to the office of apostle and the faithfulness with which he had fulfilled that office. His description has been so full that he feels he must explain why he has so written. It was because of the fulness of his heart’s love for them.
I. HERE IS A VIVID PICTURE OF THE APOSTLE’S HEART
Our heart is enlarged. Paul’s heart was swelling with love for them even as he related the troubles he had come through in order that they might have the message of the gospel presented to them. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved, 12:15.
1. The origins of such love. Paul had not always burned with such a love for the people of God, Acts 9:1. What was at work in Paul was the love of Christ, 5:14. Conversion brings an impartation of the character of Christ to our souls. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, 2 Peter 1:4. The love of Christ is communicated to us and ought to be nourished and developed. Paul said to the Corinthians — Ye are in our hearts to die and live with you, 7:3.
2. The labours of such love. There will be a Christ-like quality to the labours of the child of God in whom the Love of Christ is unhindered. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour, Eph 5:2.
3. The words of such love. The love of Christ will speak through us. The enlarging of the heart in love will force the mouth open. Passionate words, plain words, powerful words will flow from a mouth opened by love. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, 7:4. Boldness means openness, frankness. It was this boldness and openness that the prophets displayed, which Christ displayed.
II. HERE IS A SAD PICTURE OF THE PEOPLE’S HEART
Ye are straitened in your own bowels, verse 12. There hearts’ affections toward him were compressed, restrained. They did not return his love in the same measure.
Herein lay the reason for the difficulties in Corinth. Their affections were set on other matters. They did not respond to the gospel preached in love as they ought. If they had matched Paul in love how different things would be. We have Paul as an example to follow. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged, verse 13.
Here was the only recompence, reward or compensation, that he was looking for following his service for them — that they love him as he loved them. This was to be expected of children to their parents.
Enlargement of heart ought to be our response to the faithful preaching of the gospel. Let us seek to match Paul’s heart.
1. Match his acceptance of the gospel. There was a full yielding up to it. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Acts 9:6.
2. Match his devotion to it. Paul conferred not with flesh and blood (Gal 1:16) about how to act or what to do but followed the Lord.
3. Match his enthusiasm for it. We have just seen something of the labours he undertook.
4. Match his sacrifices for it. Paul gave up all for Christ and His cause. Let that be so with us also. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me, Galatians 2:20. The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world, Galatians 6:14.
The following verses, 14-18, gives us the life that love for Christ and the gospel will constrain us to live.