What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "The tense and complex relationships involving Paul have delayed the progress of this donation campaign. After Paul resolved these relational issues (2 Corinthians 1‑7), he focuses in chapters 8 and 9 on advancing this unfinished task. What tense and complex relationships existed between Paul and the church in Corinth? Please explain this using the writings of Wei and the SDA Bible commentary."
Answer
The relationships between Paul and the Corinthian church were heavily strained by the emergence of false teachers and deep divisions, as some church members began to disregard his apostolic authority and instruction. Moreover, some believers, after his departure, reverted to pagan sins, twisted the words from his earlier letters, and attempted to conceal the true condition of the church from him. These attacks by false teachers and the misunderstanding caused Paul great spiritual burdens and anxieties, until the news of their repentance and conversion finally restored the relationship.
False Teachers and the Distortion of Paul's Instructions
»Paul had briefly written to the church and admonished them to "have no fellowship" with members who persist in excess; but many of the believers twisted the apostle's meaning, argued over his words, and excused themselves for disregarding his instruction. ... False teachers enticed the members to despise Paul's instructions. The teachings and ordinances of the gospel had been twisted. Pride, idolatry, and sensuality steadily increased among those who had once been eager in Christian life.«
Party Spirit and Divisions within the Church
»There was a danger that this party spirit would lead to great evil for the Christian church, and Paul was instructed by the Lord to speak words of serious admonition and solemn protest. Regarding those who said: "I am with Paul; I am with Apollos; I am with Cephas; I am with Christ," the apostle asked, "Is Christ divided? Has Paul been crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?«
Undermining Paul's Influence and Later Reconciliation
»For a time Paul bore a heavy burden on his heart for the churches—a burden so heavy that he could barely endure it. False teachers had tried to destroy his influence among the believers and replace the truth of the gospel with their own teachings. ... This faithful messenger brought the joyful news that a wonderful change had taken place among the Corinthian believers. Many had accepted the instruction contained in Paul's letter and repented of their sins.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
