2.Corinthians

What was the situation in Corinth like when Paul wrote this letters?

A summery from notes in class (overview of Paul’s activities in and around Corinth)

1.    Paul starts the church – act 18

2.    He writes “1^st Cor” 1.cor 5.9 (the letter we hear about here)

3.    3^rd journey, spent 3 yrs. in Ephesus (Act 19) and

4.    Writes 1^st Cor while in Ephesus – (1.Cor. 16:8,19) – after he had bad reports (1.cor. 1.11, 5.1, 11.18, and another reason, they sent a letter with questions; 7.1:sexual relations, 7.25:young women not married, 8.1: food offered to idols, 12.1: spiritual gifts.

5.    He had a painful visit sometime, described in 2.cor.2.1, 12.14, an extra trip that is not mentioned in Acts – and he rebuked them

6.    He wrote a harsh letter (probably a 3^rd letter, that we don’t have) 2.Cor 7.7-8, and sends it with Titus.

7.     Paul goes to Troas (Act 20.1, 2.Cor2.) a door was open, but he was afraid of Titus whom he sent away with the letter. He may both troubled for the reaction from the church in Corinth, but also for Titus and his life.

8.     Paul goes to Macedonia (Act 20.1)

9.     In Macedonia he meets Titus, 2.Cor.7.5-11, and gets some good news from Corinth  - they repented 7.4-13, but Paul describes also a battle on the outside and fear, discourage on the inside.

10. Titus tells Paul about the attacks “ super apostles” 2.cor.11.5, 12.11 (the other apostle talked down on him)

11.  Writes 2^nd Cor: to defends his ministry and strengthen them, 2.Cor.12.19, 2.Cor 7.5, 8.1, 9.2 He also raises money for the Church in Jerusalem 8.1-15

12. Goes to Corinth, Acts 20.2

13. Writes Romans – Rom 15.26, looks like they came

(Notes from Scott’s lecture)

In 2.Cor 11.23-29, 28-29 Paul describes his burden– also daily burden for the church – but proclaims the known words in 12.9 “ My grace is all you need, My power work best in weakness – so that the power of Christ can work through me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

What is the main idea in is this letter?

The task of reconciliation 5.18-20: Bringing us back to God, and bringing people to Him because He has reconciled Himself the word through Christ. So we are Christ ambassadors and God is making His appeal trough us.

In a dictionary this was said about “reconcile”:

1. To reestablish a close relationship between 2. To settle or resolve. 3. To bring (oneself) to accept. 4. To make compatible or consistent w.thefreedictionary.com

Generosity in giving (8.1-9.15) how abundant joy because of the grace of God has resulted in generous giving in the Church of Macedonia, and he is encouraging the Church in Corinth to also give so that we share what we have. In Rom 15.25-28 it may looks like they did decide to give.

Defense of Paul’s apostleship ch.10-12, he warns they about those who preach a different Jesus 11.4 he is explaining themselves, on one side he might seem a bit on the defense, but he is also describing his love for them 12.15 – and he prays for them that they will become mature and that they receive his words in the Lord, to strengthen them and not to tear down (13.9-10)

The overwhelming glory of the new covenant without a veil! 3.5-18

Paul shows the similarities and also the great different in the new and old covenant – I love the words he is using about the new covenant we have in Jesus: it gives life, far greater glory, how much more glorious, the overwhelming glory of the new way, it remains forever, gives confidence, we can be bold, when we turn to the Lord the veil is taken away and in the Spirit of the Lord there is freedom – so that all of us who has had that veil removed, can SEE and REFLECT the glory of the Lord – and we are made more and more like him as we are changed into His glorious image ! WOW

What does this letter show about the Character and Nature of God?

God is and gives Grace and love: 1.12, 8.9, 9.14, 13.14

“ALL God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes”, 1.20

God enable us to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us and has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts”

He reconciles and gives us the task, 5.18-20 (see above)

The knowledge of Christ is like a sweet perfume, and He uses us to spread this Christ-like fragrance, by our lives  - rising up to God. 2.14-15)

God gives us our qualifications 2.5

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. 3.17

God is great power in us a fragile clay jars.4.7, 6.7, 13.3, 13.4,

God himself is making a house and an eternal body for us in heaven. 5.1, 5.5 – and he prepare us and give us The Holy Spirit as a guarantee. 13.14

God encourages those who are discouraged. 7.6

God will provide all we need – so we can share. 9.8

Sources: Source View Bible (SVB), Nelson Maps and Charts (NB), Faith in Action Study Bible (FSB), notes form Scott Contivals teaching.