Introduction: Throughout this epistle Paul has been defending himself against some in Corinth who had been challenging his authority as an apostle of Christ. Previously his defense has been only incidental in his address to the majority whose repentant attitude and support he was so greatly comforted to hear about from Titus (2 Cor 7:6). However,…
2Co 9:1-5 Why was it superfluous for Paul to write to the Corinthians about the collection he was taking up for the poor saints in Judea? See 2Co 9:2. In spite of it being superfluous, why did he do so to such an extent (this is the longest exposition on Christian giving in the NT),…
Introduction: Recall from 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 that Paul has been taking up a collection on behalf of the poor Christians in Judea (who would have been mostly Jewish) from among the Gentile churches he has planted. How would this have helped the Jewish believers to have been more accepting of the Gentile Christians? See Acts 24:17,…
2Co 7:1 What promises does Paul refer to in this verse? See 2Co 5:21, 6:16,18. In light of these promises how does Paul say we should live? See also 2Co 6:17. 2Co 7:2-3 These verses return to Paul’s thoughts from 2Co 6:11-13. What does 2Co 7:2 teach us about how the false apostles were slandering…
2Co 6:1 Paul has been defending his bold, authoritative, and to some, fanatic, proclamation of the truths of the gospel. In the previous verses he established himself as an ambassador for Christ to whom God had committed the ministry of reconciliation. What warning does he now offer the Corinthians as God’s ambassador? What does it…
Review: Recall that Paul began this letter blessing God “who comforts us in all our affliction” (2Co 1:3-4). What afflictions had Paul experienced? See 2Co 1:8-9, 2:4,12-13, 4:8-12. How had God comforted him in the midst of those afflictions? See 2Co 2:5-11,14. How does the glory of the New Covenant from chapter 3 and the…
2Co 4:1 What might have caused Paul to lose heart or be discouraged? See 2Co 1:8-9, 2:4. What was it about his ministry that prevented him from losing heart in the midst of all his afflictions? See 2Co 3:11,18. 2Co 4:2 Throughout history false religious teachers have commended themselves to their hearers by “walking in…
2Co 3:1-4 What does Paul’s sensitivity to being perceived as commending himself (2Co 3:1, see also 2Co 5:12, 10:12) or being overly bold and confident (2Co 3:4, 12; see also 2Co 1:12,15) teach us about the nature of the accusations charged against him by those opposing him in Corinth? It was common practice in the…
2Co 2:1-4 In the last chapter Paul was forced to defend his change of plans about coming to Corinth; what do we learn from these verses about why he had done so? What does he mean by “again” in 2Co 2:1: Had he made a sorrowful trip not recorded in Acts, or does he mean…
2Co 1:1-7 What would cause Paul to immediately break into his eulogy in these verses on God’s comfort? See 2Co 7:5-7. Who does Paul say comforts us in all our affliction? Is it significant that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter? (See John 14:16,26, 15:26, 16:7 in the KJV, NASB = Helper,…