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,…
In Acts 19:22 we read that Paul sent Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia while “he himself stayed in Asia for a while.” His purpose for sending them was to prepare for his coming, especially in regard to the offering which he was taking up for the saints in Judea. From Macedonia they were to continue…
In Order in Which They Were Written: New Testament Chronology Chronological Review of Paul's Ministry A Chronology of Paul’s Galatian Ministry Thessalonians Corinthians Romans Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon) Pastoral Epistles (1Timothy, Titus, 2Timothy)
1Co 16:1-4 What was the purpose of the collection Paul was taking up? See Acts 24:17, Rom 15:25-27, 2 Cor 8:1-4,13-14. How would such a gift have made the Gentile Christians more acceptable to the believing Jews? Is it significant that it was on the first day of the week that Paul told them to set…
1Co 15:1-11 Recall that the Corinthians had written to Paul with questions about various topics that he had been addressing (see 1Co 7:1, 8:1, 12:1). What topic does he now begin to address? See 1Co 15:12. In light of this topic, what is Paul’s purpose in 1Co 15:1-11? Is it to give a one paragraph…
1Co 14:1-5 Do Paul’s word’s on the superiority of love as the supreme goal negate the importance of spiritual gifts? What gift in particular does he recommend? Is the purpose of the gift of prophecy to divine the future? What is its purpose? See 1Co 14:3. Why does Paul say that the gift of prophesy…
1Co 13:1-3 Why is it significant that Paul mentions tongues and prophecy first when describing the superiority and necessity of love? See 1Co 14:2-3. Why is it significant that he also mentions knowledge? See 1Co 8:1-2,7,11. Is it possible to speak in tongues, prophecy, and have knowledge and great faith, but not have love? What…
1Co 12:1-3 Recall that the Corinthians had written to Paul with questions about various topics that he had been addressing (see 1Co 7:1, 8:1). What topic does he now begin to address? Note: The questions the Corinthians had about spiritual gifts were the same ones churches today have: Because of its glitz some were exalting…