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,…
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…