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Paul waits to address his critics and their criticism until the end of his letter. His strong words indicate that his character, ministry, and doctrinal teaching had all been the subject of slander in the Corinthian church. Paul speaks his defense to the church, knowing that the future of his ministry there, and in other places, was threatened by the criticism that had been leveled against him. Paul needed to be respected as an apostolic leader to teach God’s word. A lot was at stake when Paul wrote the words from today’s passage.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).