What did Paul say he had done with the church in 2 Corinthians 11:2?
Paul said he had espoused the church to one husband, out of a godly jealousy, so that he might present it as a chaste, or pure, virgin to Christ. He addressed members of the Body of Christ, including Gentile believers in the Age of Grace.
Les explains that Paul is writing to Gentile believers, including Jews in the Age of Grace, who are members of the Body of Christ. Paul says, “I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste, or pure, virgin to Christ.” Les calls this a beautiful picture. It connects to the bride in Revelation being clothed in linen, bright and white and clean, because of the concept of a virgin bride and purity. He also notes this reflects older cultures where parents paired children.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
More Questions
Why did Paul say he had espoused the church to one husband?
Paul’s purpose in espousing the church to one husband was to present her as a chaste or pure virgin to Christ.