Yes, Paul condescended to the Corinthians out of love.
Paul abased himself, taking wages from other churches to serve the Corinthians freely, and he wrote gently rather than harshly to restore them. Les Feldick teaches that Paul's condescension was driven by his deep love for the Corinthian believers, even though they were carnal and problematic. His actions were a demonstration of that love, not a compromise of truth.
2 Corinthians 11:7 — Paul directly states he abased himself that they might be exalted, which is the core of his condescension.
In 2 Corinthians 11:7, Paul asks, "Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?" He then explains that he took wages from other churches to serve the Corinthians without charge (v. 8). This is a clear biblical example of his condescension—lowering himself financially to elevate them spiritually. Paul's letters show a pattern of careful, loving approach. In 1 Corinthians, he addressed serious problems but did so with a desire not to anger them (1 Corinthians 4:21). In 2 Corinthians, he expresses relief that his first letter accomplished its purpose, as they corrected the issues (2 Corinthians 7:8-11). Scripture also reveals that Paul could not speak to them as spiritual but as carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1), indicating he tailored his approach to their maturity, condescending to their level without compromising the gospel.
Les Feldick explains that Paul's condescension was an act of love. In the clips, he notes that Paul took offerings from other churches to avoid burdening the Corinthians, showing his willingness to lower himself for their benefit (Clip 0). Les also emphasizes that Paul was gentle with the Corinthians because he loved them and wanted to encourage them after their correction (Clip 3, Clip 4). He points out that Paul avoided harsh personal confrontation, choosing instead to write a letter to spare them (Clip 1). Les highlights that the Corinthians were the most carnal of all Paul's churches, yet Paul did not give up on them; he condescended to their level to bring them along (Clip 6, Clip 7). His love for them is seen in his joy at their repentance and his boast about them to other churches (Clip 4, Clip 5).
Paul took wages from other churches to serve the Corinthians without charge, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:8. He also chose to write a letter instead of visiting in person to avoid being too harsh (2 Corinthians 1:23). Les Feldick notes that Paul, against his better judgment, accepted offerings from poor churches in Greece to support his ministry in Corinth, demonstrating his selfless condescension (Clip 0).
The Corinthian believers came out of a pagan background and had many problems, making them carnal and fleshly minded (Clip 2, Clip 6). They had sent Paul a list of questions, and he addressed them one by one (Clip 2). Paul had to deal with serious issues in 1 Corinthians, but by 2 Corinthians they had corrected their behavior, bringing him encouragement (Clip 3).
No, Paul did not regret it. Although he made them sorrowful, he knew it was necessary (2 Corinthians 7:8). Les Feldick explains that Paul did not repent of the letter because it had to be done, and he rejoiced when he learned of their positive response (Clip 4).
Paul's Financial Self-Abasement
Les explains that Paul took wages from other churches to serve the Corinthians without charge, demonstrating his condescension for their exaltation.
Avoiding Harshness
Les notes that Paul chose to write a letter rather than visit in person to avoid being too stringent, showing his loving concern for the Corinthians.
Why Does God Wait Until the End to Judge? — 1 Corinthians 4 Explained
There were probably a few dozen at the most that Paul addresses here, and these fellows and these women have just recently come out of such a pagan background. Now it stands to reason that they couldn't all of a sudden, or they didn't all of a sudden, become spiritual giants.
Encouragement After Correction
Les points out that Paul's second letter was to encourage the Corinthians after they corrected their problems, reflecting his continued love for them.
Joy Over Their Repentance
Les highlights Paul's rejoicing at the Corinthians' continued love and esteem for him, showing his affection and the value of his condescension.
Boasting About Them
Les shows Paul's positive attitude toward the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians, boasting about them to other churches, which contrasts with his earlier reproof.
Carnality of the Corinthians
Les explains that the Corinthians were the most carnal of all Paul's churches, which required Paul to back into issues gently rather than condemn directly.
Paul's Accommodation to Their Level
Les notes that Paul could not speak to the Corinthians as spiritual but as carnal, showing he condescended to their level to communicate with them.
2 Corinthians 11:7: Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
This is the key verse where Paul directly states he abased himself for their exaltation.
2 Corinthians 11:8: I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
Shows the practical outworking of his condescension—he took support from others to serve them.
1 Corinthians 3:1: And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
Paul acknowledges he had to condescend to their spiritual immaturity.
2 Corinthians 7:8: For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
Paul expresses that the letter was necessary and he does not regret it.
No, Paul did not regret it. Although he made them sorrowful, he knew it was necessary. Les Feldick explains that Paul did not repent of the letter because it had to be done, and he rejoiced when he learned of their positive response.
Paul took wages from other churches to serve the Corinthians without charge. He says in 2 Corinthians 11:8 that he 'robbed other churches' to do them service. Les Feldick points out that Paul, against his better judgment, accepted offerings from poor churches in Greece to support his ministry in Corinth.
Because the Corinthians were carnal and immature in their faith. Paul could not speak to them as spiritual but as carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1). Les Feldick stresses that of all the churches, none were as carnal and fleshly minded as Corinth, so Paul had to adapt his approach to reach them.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul Warned About "Another Jesus" — 2 Corinthians 11:4