2 Corinthians
The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church, expressing gratitude for God's comfort in their tribulations and sharing his experience of suffering and consolation. He defends his integrity and sincerity in his ministry, stating that his word is reliable and consistent with God's promises. Paul urges the Corinthians to forgive a certain individual who caused grief and to comfort him, and he expresses his confidence in the Corinthians' obedience and sincerity in their faith. He explains that the power of the gospel is not from himself, but from God, and that his sufferings serve to manifest the life of Jesus in his body. Paul also emphasizes the importance of generosity and giving to those in need, and he commends the churches of Macedonia for their remarkable generosity. He defends his apostleship and ministry, pointing out that he has performed signs and wonders among the Corinthians, and he expresses his love for the Corinthians and his desire to edify them. Paul concludes by urging the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they are truly in the faith and expressing his trust that they will recognize his own authenticity.
Chapter 1
Paul and Timothy greet the Corinthian church, expressing gratitude for God's comfort in their tribulations, which enables them to comfort others. They share their experience of suffering and consolation, stating that their afflictions and comfort are for the benefit of the Corinthian church. Paul also explains that he and his companions were delivered from a life-threatening situation in Asia through God's intervention and the prayers of the Corinthian church. He defends his integrity and sincerity in his ministry, stating that his word is reliable and consistent with God's promises.
Chapter 2
The apostle Paul explains that he chose not to visit the Corinthians again in a state of sorrow, as he didn't want to cause them grief. He wrote to them with many tears, not to grieve them, but to express his love for them. Paul urges the Corinthians to forgive a certain individual who caused grief, and to comfort him, as he has already suffered enough. He also expresses his confidence in the Corinthians' obedience and sincerity in their faith.
Chapter 3
The Corinthians are a living testament to the power of Christ, written in the hearts of the apostles and known to all. This new covenant is not written in stone, but in the hearts of believers through the Spirit of the living God. The apostles' sufficiency comes from God, who has made them able ministers of the new covenant, which is a ministry of the Spirit that gives life. The glory of the new covenant far exceeds the glory of the old covenant, which was only temporary and has been abolished in Christ.
Chapter 4
The apostle Paul explains that despite facing hardships and persecution, he and his fellow ministers remain steadfast in their mission, commending themselves to every man's conscience by manifesting the truth of the gospel. The gospel is hidden to those who are lost, as the god of this world has blinded their minds, but Paul's focus is on preaching Christ, not himself. He acknowledges that the power of the gospel is not from himself, but from God, and that his sufferings serve to manifest the life of Jesus in his body. Paul's faith is rooted in the promise that God will raise him up, just as He raised Jesus, and that his sufferings are temporary and will ultimately lead to eternal glory.
Chapter 5
The earthly body is temporary, but believers have a heavenly dwelling that is eternal. They long to be clothed with their heavenly body, and though they are burdened with their current mortal state, they are confident in their future with God. Believers must appear before Christ's judgment seat to receive what they have done in their bodies, and knowing this, they persuade others to be reconciled to God. Christ's love compels them to live for him, and through him, they are made new creatures, reconciled to God, and given the ministry of reconciliation.
Chapter 6
The apostle urges the Corinthians to receive God's grace and not let it go to waste, emphasizing that the time for salvation is now. He highlights the challenges and hardships faced by the ministers of God, yet they remain committed to their work through patience, kindness, and the power of God. The apostle also warns the Corinthians against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, urging them to separate themselves from unrighteousness and idols, and promising that if they do, God will be their Father and they will be His children.
Chapter 7
The writer urges the believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness and perfect holiness in the fear of God. He expresses his confidence in them and joy in their response to his previous letter, which had caused them sorrow but led to repentance. The writer notes that godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation, whereas worldly sorrow leads to death. He is comforted by their comfort and the joy of Titus, who was refreshed by the believers' obedience and reception of him.
Chapter 8
The churches of Macedonia, despite their own poverty and affliction, showed remarkable generosity in giving to the saints. The Corinthians are encouraged to follow their example, as they abound in faith, knowledge, and love, and to demonstrate the sincerity of their love by giving to those in need. The apostle Paul reminds them that Jesus Christ, though rich, became poor for their sake, and that their abundance can supply the want of others, and vice versa, to achieve equality. Paul also commends Titus and other brothers who are helping to administer the gift, and asks the Corinthians to show proof of their love and generosity.
Chapter 9
The Corinthians' generosity was well-known, and Paul boasted about their eagerness to give, but he sent brethren to ensure they were prepared to follow through on their intentions. Paul encouraged them to give freely and cheerfully, as God loves a cheerful giver and is able to provide them with all sufficiency. Their generosity would not only meet the needs of the saints but also bring thanksgiving to God and glorify Him. The chapter concludes with thanks to God for the unspeakable gift of His grace.
Chapter 10
Paul asks the Corinthians not to judge him based on his outward appearance, but rather on his actions and the authority given to him by the Lord. He explains that his warfare is not of the flesh, but rather spiritual, using mighty weapons from God to pull down strongholds and bring every thought into obedience to Christ. Paul also warns against comparing oneself to others and boasts only in the Lord, stating that true approval comes from God, not from self-commendation.
Chapter 11
The apostle Paul expresses his concern that the Corinthian church may be swayed by false teachers who preach a different Jesus or gospel. He defends his own ministry and credentials, stating that he is not inferior to other apostles, despite being "rude in speech." Paul also explains that he has supported himself financially while ministering to the Corinthians, and has not been a burden to them. He lists his many hardships and sufferings as proof of his devotion to Christ and his ministry.
Chapter 12
The writer describes a vision in which he was caught up to the third heaven and heard unspeakable words, but he refuses to boast about himself, instead choosing to boast about his weaknesses. He mentions a "thorn in the flesh" that was given to him to prevent him from becoming too proud, and says that God told him, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." The writer then defends his apostleship, pointing out that he has performed signs and wonders among the Corinthians, and that he has not been a burden to them financially. He expresses his love for the Corinthians and his desire to edify them, but also his fear that when he visits them, he will find them to be unrepentant and full of strife.
Chapter 13
The apostle warns the Corinthians that if he visits them again, he will not spare those who have sinned, and that he will prove the power of Christ in him. He urges them to examine themselves to see if they are truly in the faith, and expresses his trust that they will recognize his own authenticity. The apostle's goal is to build them up, not to tear them down, and he concludes by wishing them perfection and peace, and sending greetings from other saints.
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