2 Corinthians
The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church, expressing gratitude for God's consolation in their tribulations and defending his integrity and sincerity in his ministry. He explains that his change of plans was not due to fickleness, but rather because God is faithful, and that all of God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Paul also writes about the power of Christ, the ministry of the Spirit, and the transformation that occurs in those who turn to the Lord. He urges the Corinthians to live as ministers of God, enduring hardships and difficulties with patience and integrity, and to separate themselves from unbelievers and unclean things. Paul also encourages the Corinthians to give generously to the saints, as an example of their faith and charity, and to live a life of goodness and spiritual growth. Throughout the letter, Paul defends his apostleship and ministry, boasting of his sufferings and hardships as evidence of his devotion to Christ, and concludes by expressing his love for the Corinthians and his desire for their perfection.
Chapter 1
Paul and Timothy greet the Corinthian church, expressing gratitude for God's consolation in their tribulations, which enables them to console others. They share their experience of being overwhelmed in Asia, but rescued by God, and express hope that the Corinthians will participate in both their sufferings and consolations. Paul defends his integrity and sincerity in his ministry, stating that his conscience is clear and that he has acted faithfully. He explains that his change of plans was not due to fickleness, but rather because God is faithful, and that all of God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Chapter 2
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians with a heavy heart, not intending to cause them sorrow, but to express his love and charity towards them. He sought to test their obedience and to confirm their love for one another, particularly towards someone who had caused sorrow. Paul forgave this individual in the name of Christ and encouraged the Corinthians to do the same, lest Satan take advantage of their discord. He then expressed his gratitude to God for the triumph of the Gospel and the fragrance of Christ that is manifested through him and his ministry.
Chapter 3
The Corinthians are a living testament to the power of Christ, written in the hearts of the apostles and known to all. The apostles' adequacy comes from God, who has made them suitable ministers of the New Testament, not in the letter but in the Spirit. The ministry of the Spirit is more glorious than the ministry of the law, which was ineffective and temporary. The veil that once covered the glory of the law is now removed in Christ, and those who turn to the Lord will experience liberty and be transformed into the image of God.
Chapter 4
The apostles renounce dishonest and deceitful methods, instead commending themselves to others through the manifestation of truth. The gospel is hidden to those who are perishing, as the god of this age has blinded their minds, but the apostles preach about Jesus Christ, not themselves. They endure tribulation and persecution, yet remain hopeful, knowing that their suffering allows the life of Jesus to be manifested in their bodies. Their ultimate goal is to abound to the glory of God, focusing on eternal, unseen things rather than temporal, seen things.
Chapter 5
The earthly body is temporary, but believers have a heavenly dwelling that is eternal. They long to be clothed with their heavenly habitation, and this transformation is made possible by God through the Spirit. Believers are confident in their faith and strive to please the Lord, knowing they will be judged according to their actions. They have been reconciled to God through Christ and have been given the ministry of reconciliation, serving as ambassadors for Christ, urging others to be reconciled to God.
Chapter 6
The apostle urges the Corinthians not to waste the gift of God's salvation and to live as ministers of God, enduring hardships and difficulties with patience and integrity. He encourages them to be open and sincere in their relationships, and to separate themselves from unbelievers and unclean things. The apostle reminds them that they are the temple of the living God and should not be joined with idols or darkness. He calls them to depart from the unclean and be separate, promising that God will accept them as sons and daughters if they do so.
Chapter 7
The writer encourages the believers to cleanse themselves from all defilement and perfect their sanctification in the fear of God. He expresses his confidence and joy in them, despite having suffered tribulations, and attributes his consolation to the arrival of Titus, who brought news of their desire and zeal. The writer notes that his previous letter caused them sorrow, but it was a godly sorrow that led to repentance and salvation, and he rejoices that they have shown themselves to be uncorrupted by this sorrow. He also expresses his confidence in them and the abundance of Titus' feelings towards them due to their obedience.
Chapter 8
The churches of Macedonia, despite experiencing great tribulation and poverty, showed an abundance of joy and generosity in their giving to the saints. The Corinthians are encouraged to follow their example, abounding in the same grace of giving, as they already excel in faith, word, knowledge, and charity. The apostle Paul reminds them that Jesus Christ, though rich, became poor for their sake, and they should strive for equality in their giving, so that those in need may be relieved. Paul also commends Titus and other brothers who are accompanying him, and asks the Corinthians to demonstrate their charity and prove their glorying about them.
Chapter 9
The Corinthians' willingness to give to the saints is well-known, and their example has inspired others. To ensure they are prepared to give as promised, the brothers have been sent to them in advance. The amount given is not as important as the attitude, for God loves a cheerful giver, and those who give generously will reap generously. The Corinthians' generosity will not only supply the needs of the saints but also bring thanksgiving to God and glorify Him through their obedience to the Gospel.
Chapter 10
Paul asks the Corinthians to consider his humility and confidence in them, and he defends his authority as given by the Lord for their edification. He notes that his opponents judge him by outward appearances, but he measures himself by his own standards and the limits set by God. Paul asserts that he will not boast beyond his measure, but rather hopes to be magnified in the Corinthians through their growing faith. He concludes that true glory comes from the Lord, and that one's worth is determined by God's commendation, not self-commendation.
Chapter 11
The writer expresses his concern that the Corinthians may be led astray by false apostles who preach a different Christ, Spirit, or Gospel. He defends his own ministry, stating that he preached the Gospel freely and did not burden the Corinthians financially. The writer also boasts of his own sufferings and hardships, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, as evidence of his devotion to Christ. He concludes by recounting his narrow escape from the governor of Damascus, who was trying to apprehend him.
Chapter 12
The writer describes a man who was given visions and revelations from the Lord, including being enraptured to the third heaven and hearing words of mystery. However, the writer notes that he will not boast about himself, but rather about his infirmities, as the Lord's grace is sufficient for him and virtue is perfected in weakness. The writer then defends his apostleship, stating that he has been patient and performed signs and wonders, and that he has not burdened the Corinthians financially. He expresses his love for them and his willingness to spend himself for their souls, but also warns them about the possibility of contention and sin among them.
Chapter 13
The apostle Paul warns the Corinthians that he will not be lenient with them when he arrives, and that he will not tolerate sin. He reminds them that Christ speaks through him and that, although Christ was crucified in weakness, he lives by the power of God. Paul urges the Corinthians to test their faith and to live a life of goodness, and he expresses his desire for their perfection and spiritual growth. The letter concludes with a blessing and a greeting from the saints.
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