Paul wrote instead of visiting because he wanted to spare the Corinthians a severe personal confrontation.
The evidence indicates Paul's absence was not due to careless reasons but because he was burdened and grieved by the congregation's problems. He judged that a face-to-face visit would have made things worse, so he used a letter to address the issues more gently.
2 Corinthians 14 — In this chapter, Paul explains his decision to postpone his visit to spare them from severity, aligning with the question.
The Bible does not directly quote Paul explaining his choice to write instead of visiting. However, in 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote in response to the Corinthians' questions and problems. In 1 Corinthians 5:9, he mentions having written a previous letter about fellowship with fornicators. The scripture itself does not explicitly state his reasoning for writing rather than visiting.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul wrote to the Corinthians because they were carnal and weak, needing correction and instruction. In the clips, Les explains that the Corinthian church was deeply problematic, prompting Paul to address issues through letters. He also highlights that Paul wrote under the Holy Spirit's inspiration to guide the churches. Although the clips do not directly address the specific question, they show Paul's pastoral concern and the necessity of written correction.
Les teaches that the Corinthian church was the most carnal and least spiritual of all the churches Paul dealt with. They were weak, fleshly believers who had not become spiritual giants because they had recently come out of pagan backgrounds.
Les explains that after establishing churches, Paul began writing letters around AD 58-59 to provide doctrine, correction, and instruction. The Holy Spirit prompted him to write these letters.
Les emphasizes that Paul's letters were written by Holy Spirit inspiration, as he addressed the Corinthians' questions and problems.
Paul's Letters to Believers
Les discusses Paul's epistles as doctrinal letters for believers, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation.
Context of 2 Corinthians
Les sets the context of Paul writing to the Corinthian church, noting that he writes to believers.
Holy Spirit Inspiration
Les says Paul wrote under Holy Spirit inspiration in response to the Corinthians' letter, addressing their problems.
Carnal Church
Les emphasizes the Corinthian church was the most carnal and least spiritual, explaining why Paul had to write corrective letters.
Corinthians' Questions
Les explains that Paul wrote to answer the Corinthians' questions, which stemmed from their problems.
Paul's Apostleship
Les notes Paul as apostle to the Gentiles, writing primarily to Gentile believers, including the Corinthians.
Paul's Correction
Les shows Paul had to correct the Corinthians for their carnality and other problems, which likely contributed to his decision to write.
Purpose of Letters
Les explains Paul wrote letters because churches needed doctrine, correction, and instruction, and the Holy Spirit prompted him.
2 Corinthians 5:9: I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
Paul references a previous letter, indicating he used letters to instruct the Corinthians.
No, the evidence indicates he stayed away to spare them a severe confrontation, not out of fear or carelessness.
According to Les Feldick, Paul wrote under Holy Spirit inspiration, and the letters were prompted by the Spirit to address the church's needs.
Watch the Teaching: What It Means to Be Sealed by the Holy Spirit — 2 Corinthians 1:21-22