Abounding, Surpassing and Exceeding

Graf Marcel

When reading 2 Corinthians, one might be struck by the frequent occurrence of the words ‘abounding’, ‘surpassing’ and ‘exceeding’. Through these expressions, the surpassing sufferings, troubles and hardships which the Apostle Paul experienced in and as a result of his faithful service for the Lord are contrasted with the surpassing grace, power and glory of God. Should this not also speak to our hearts?

In chapter 1, the apostle, who had to suffer much for the sake of the name of Christ his Lord, writes: ‘Because, even as the sufferings of the Christ abound towards us, so through the Christ does our encouragement also abound’ (v. 5). Perhaps you find yourself in a situation where everything seems about to overwhelm you and the burden you face is beyond your strength. Even if the sufferings and hardships you experience from different sides are unbearable to your natural heart and mind, you may take the encouragement of the Word of God for yourself.

In chapter 4:7, the apostle likens the redeemed, who are weak in themselves, to fragile earthen vessels containing precious treasure. He then continues: ‘that the surpassingness of the power may be of God, and not from us’. How wonderful that we weak creatures are connected to such a source of strength! Does this not give us fresh, unending courage?

In verse 17 of the same chapter, Paul holds out to us the prospect that, as a result of enduring affliction for a time, we shall inherit ‘in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory’ following the end of our earthly journey. This helps us better to bear present hardships.

In chapter 9:14, he speaks of ‘the exceeding grace of God which is upon you’. This overflowing grace is also available to you and me every day. Take as much of it as you need — and more (see also Eph. 3:20)! Do not fear that this wealth could ever be exhausted! Such a situation would be impossible because it is the grace of God.

When he speaks of himself, the Apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, also uses the word ‘abundant’ and similar words several times. In chapter 11, for example, where he summarises the experiences of his service for the Lord, he states: ‘Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as being beside myself) I above measure so; in labours exceedingly abundant, in stripes to excess, in prisons exceedingly abundant, in deaths oft’ (v. 23). Was there another servant of the Lord who, on the one hand, could speak of the exceeding greatness of the revelations which God had given him (12:3), but, at the same time, took upon himself so many and such great privations as the Apostle Paul?

Yet it was he who was attacked by some at Corinth and whose ministry was questioned. Did he defend himself against these attacks by standing against the Corinthians? No! Twice we read of his abundant love for them: ‘For out of much tribulation and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears; not that ye may be grieved, but that ye may know the love which I have very abundantly towards you’ (2:4); ‘Now I shall most gladly spend and be utterly spent for your souls, if even in abundantly loving you I should be less loved’ (12:15).

In this attitude towards those who attacked him personally, did he not imitate the mind of his Master? The Lord Jesus never defended Himself for His own sake, and never ceased to meet all in love, even those who did not understand Him or rejected Him. Let us be Paul’s imitators in this, as he imitated Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).

From: Truth and Testimony, 2023