New Testament Survey: Book of 2 Corinthians

1. New Testament Survey:Book of 2 Corinthians

2. The Author • Both external and internal evidence indicates that Paul also wrote this letter to the church at Corinth. • Since it was circulated later, it is not often quoted by other writers. • Twice, Paul referred to himself. • 1:1; 10:1 • The letter’s vividness and the character of its detail are qualities of Paul’s writings.

3. The Date • Paul left Ephesus shortly after writing the first epistle to Corinth. • Passages in the second epistle may indicate a short trip between the two letters—”third time” • 2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1 • Second letter probably written from Philippi after Paul received word from Titus concerning the first letter. • 2 Corinthians 7:15,16 • Likely written around 56 or 57 A.D.

4. The Letter’s Purpose • Autobiographical in nature. • Personal; made of up of explanations, defense, protests, appeals, reproaches, and warnings. Characterized by subtle irony. • It appears that the Judaizing teachers had come to Corinth and were again undermining Paul’s work. • 2 Corinthians 10:7; 11:13 • These people had made false attacks and insulted Paul in every possible way. • They intended to destroy Paul’s influence and establish themselves with the brethren.

5. The Letter’s Purpose • Circumstances made it necessary for Paul to defend himself and his work. • Not in the interest of self-vindication. • Preserving his influence and protecting the Corinthian brethren against false teachers • In Chapters 1-7, Pauldefended his ministry; Chapters10-13 defended his authority and apostolic office. • InChapters 8 and 9, hestirred up the brethren to carry out their intention to send a contribution to the poor saints in Jerusalem.

6. Contents and Character • In defense of his ministry, Paul had shown no fickleness or character instability by failing to come to them personally. • 2 Corinthians 1:15-20 • His plans always depended on God’s providential will. • Reminded them of his great trial in Asia when his life was in danger—but God comforted him so he could come and comfort them. • Acts 18

7. Contents and Character • Some had accused Paul of being severe in his letters, but weak in his personal presence. • If it had been necessary, he would have been severe when he was present with them. • He was writing to them with anguish of heart and many tears—not to grieve them. • Reminded them to accept the disciplined man back into fellowship (1 Cor.5) because he had repented. Evidence of his effective ministry. • 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

8. Contents and Character • Draws a contrast between the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Christ • Written and engraved on stone tablets, while the gospel was written in the heart by the Spirit (3:3). • Law of Moses = “ministry of condemnation” New Covenant = “ministry of righteousness” (3:9) • Law of Moses = “ministration of death” Gospel of Christ = “ministration of Spirit” (3:6,7) • Law of Moses = “that which is done away” Gospel of Christ = “that which remains” (3:11)

9. Contents and Character • Paul stated that the gospel treasure was in earthen vessels. • The God who caused the “light to shine out of the darkness” has shown in men’s hearts to give “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.” • First revealed in Christ—now revealed in the gospel message. • 4:1-7 • Pointed out the persecutions he had endured—he would do it again for their sake. • 4:8-12

10. Contents and Character • A proper perspective and outlook on life. • “Spirit of faith” is to believe and speak as it is written. • Eternal nature that dwells within man. • Temporal things cannot last; but spiritual things are eternal. • One day, we’ll put off our mortal bodies and put on immortality—after death and the resurrection. • As creatures of ability, we are responsible to God and will answer to Him in the judgment. • 4:13—5:11

11. Contents and Character • Commending oneself or glorying in appearance is vain. • Christ died for us, and only in Him can the old man of sin be crucified. • We can be new creatures who are reconciled to God. • Paul was an ambassador for Christ. • The “word of reconciliation” had been committed to him. • 5:12—21

12. Contents and Character • He pleaded with them not to receive God’s grace (His gospel) in vain. • Paul had not put any obstacles in their way; they could not find any fault with his ministry. • He had worked among them with patience, during affliction, without life’s necessities, and in distress… • 6:1-13

13. Contents and Character • Paul admonished them to refrain from compromising their faith in Christ by fellowshipping the idolatry of the heathen people. • Must keep themselves separate from the heathen practices of the city in which they lived. • Must strive for perfect holiness in the fear of God. • 6:14—7:1

14. Contents and Character • Paul assured them of his love for them, that he gloried in them, and that he would continue to be concerned about their well being. • He was comforted by the message he received from Titus. • The sinful man had repented and corrected his wrong. • Contrasts worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. • 7:2-16

15. Contents and Character • Discussion and exhortation concerning the contribution promised a year ago for the poor saints in Jerusalem. • Used the brethren in Macedonia as an example. • By fulfilling their obligation, they would demonstrate the sincerity of their love. • Their abundance could supply what the poor lacked—thereby creating equality. • Chapters 8 and 9

16. Contents and Character • Helps us arrive at the Lord’s pattern for “one church helping another church” • Receiving church was unable to provide for its own who were in need of help. • Contributing church raised its own funds by free will offering on the first day of the week. • Contributing church sent the money through an individual messenger chosen by them. • Contribution delivered to the elders of the needy church. • 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Acts 11:27-30

17. Contents and Character • Christians were to “give as they had purposed in their hearts.” • Must give cheerfully—not grudgingly • God is able to make His grace abound so that those who give will have an abundance for every good work. • Brings about thanksgiving to God. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

18. Contents and Character • Paul made a direct defense of his apostleship. • Affirmed his authority as an apostle. • Labors and fruits give evidence of the Lord’s approval—he need not to do so himself. • Reminded them that he had begotten them in Christ through the gospel. • Affirmed that he was not one whit behind the chiefest apostle. • 2 Corinthians 10,11

19. Contents and Character • Paul made a direct defense of his apostleship. • He had taken no money from them; other churches supported him. • Branded the false teachers as false apostles whom Satan had transformed into ministers! • Paul had exhibited the signs of an apostle—miracles. • After being stoned in Lystra, he was caught up into Paradise, where he heard unspeakable words. • 2 Corinthians 11

20. Contents and Character • Paul made a direct defense of his apostleship. • He had suffered many trials and afflictions for the cause of Christ. • Paul’s “thorn if the flesh” that God would not remove because His grace was sufficient to sustain him. • Paul was not bragging, but telling the true facts of his work—overwhelming evidence that sustained his claim to be an apostle! • 2 Corinthians 11, 12

21. Contents and Character • Specific exhortations: • Walk in the same spirit. • Be united among yourselves. • Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith. • Be of one mind and live in peace. • 2 Corinthians 12,13