The Second Letter to the Corinthians

A WORD OF COURAGE  Read II Corinthians 1:1-7

   Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthian Christians by reasserting his apostleship and sounding a tremendous note of encouragement. Praise the Lord [he says] for his strengthening comfort in our difficulties. The same Christ who suffered for us also heartens us, and enables us to help others in trouble, so if we have had to share with you in Christ's sufferings, we can also say that we are partners in receiving his hope and encouragement.

GOD IS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE  Read 1:8-14

   Things in Asia were so overwhelmingly bad that for awhile Timothy and I were in the blackest despair; even life itself seemed a dismal prospect. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. We know that God is pulling us out of this, and that the prayers of you Corinthians on our behalf have helped. Likewise our conscience is clear, for we did not pose before you with a lot of erudite scholarship, but came rather in the simplicity and sincerity of God.

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MY PLANS CHANGED: HERE IS WHY  Read 1:15-2:2

   I , Paul, originally planned to visit you friends en route to Macedonia, and then to pay you a second call before starting back to Judea. My plans changed, but not because of any indecision on my part, for as God is true, our word toward you is not yea and nay. There is no double-talk where Jesus Christ is involved, for in him was yea. God's promises are affirmed and confirmed in him, and the Spirit of God is the pledge and proof in our own hearts.

   My real reason for bypassing Corinth on this trip was to avoid hurting you. I don't mean that we presume to rule over your faith; rather my function is to rejoice with you, and that seemed impossible under the circumstances. For how could you bring me joy if I had brought you sorrow?

THE OFFENDER NEEDS YOUR LOVE  Read 2:3-11

   When I wrote you before, I actually wept over that letter, not to cause you pain, but because my love for you is such that I couldn't help it. The one who caused you shame and mortification has, I think, been rebuked sufficiently. Now he should be forgiven and encouraged, for he needs your love. If you forgive him, I will too; and in fact I do so now in the person of Christ; lest Satan gain an advantage over us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

WHY I CAME TO MACEDONIA  Read 2:12-17

   When I reached Troas I found a real opening for the glad tidings of Christ, but I was uneasy over not finding Titus there, so I came on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we Christians are like a sweet perfume to God, although to those who are perishing for lack of knowing Christ, we may smell like death itself.

   You can be sure of one thing: we speak to you out of sincere motives, and we have no part in any religious racket.

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THE SPIRIT AND THE NEW COVENANT  Read 3:1-11

   In making such a remark I don't mean to imply any fresh self-commendation, as though it were necessary. Although there are some who require testimonial letters when they visit the churches, we do not, for you yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. For the Holy Spirit writes not on tablets of stone, but on the human heart.

   Furthermore, God qualifies us and makes us competent to serve him under the new covenant [agreement] that he made with us [see Jeremiah 31:31-34]. The old covenant, based on the law which God gave to Israel through Moses, was glorious, yet it led to death and condemnation. Why? Because it is the spirit of the law that God wants kept, and not just the letter; the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. And the new covenant, based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ, makes it possible for us to fulfill in him the spirit of the old covenant.

MOSES' VEIL IS NOT NEEDED NOW  Read 3:12-18

   To this day when the children of Israel hear Moses' teachings read in the synagogue, they assume that God is interested simply in the letter of the law. It is as if the veil that Moses once wore is now over their hearts, hiding them from the true glory. Yet when Israel shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. For all who believe, the Spirit of God has provided liberty to look unto God's glory as it is reflected in Jesus, and in so doing to be changed into the likeness of his image.

BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING TO HIDE  Read 4:1-6

   Therefore as Christians who have received mercy, we faint not in our service but commend ourselves plainly and openly to every man's conscience by the honest teaching of God's truth. Anything veiled or obscure is the result of the action of the god of this world [Satan] in blinding unbelievers to the light of the gospel. The same heavenly Father who said, "Let there be light," has given light to us in the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

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GOD NEVER FORSAKES US  Read 4:7-18

   God confers the treasure of his salvation upon us, but he keeps us conscious of our human limitations so that we will not begin to think his divine power belongs to us rather than to him. But no matter what happens to us — and terrible things do happen — we do not despair, for we are never forsaken or destroyed. Even while we are being delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, the life also of Jesus shines through us. We know that since God raised up the Lord Jesus, he shall raise up us also — and you — by Jesus. It is all to God's glory, and that is what keeps us going. Our bodies grow weaker, but our spirits are renewed; our afflictions are only temporary, but the glory that awaits us is eternal.

AND HE PROMISES A BETTER HOUSE  Read 5:1-10

   God has a far better house than this mortal tent, prepared for us in the heavens, and we yearn for it. Our hope is not to have the present body stripped off, but rather to exchange it for a new kind of body; that the mortal might be swallowed up by life, and that we might be absorbed in the glory of the presence of Christ.

   God has sent his Spirit as a kind of down payment on this house of the future, thereby giving us hope and confidence, so that we walk by faith, not by sight. Our ambition is to be well-pleasing to him, since we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.

WE WANT TO SHARE CHRIST'S LOVE  Read 5:11-15

   Now you see in part our motive for evangelism: judgment is coming! We who have sensed the terror of the Lord are ready to do anything for your sakes, for our hearts go out to you in love. Jesus Christ has sent us to tell every living person that he died for all, and rose again, so no one should ever live for himself anymore, but rather for Christ. Such is the constraining love of our Lord.

FOR HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW  Read 5:16-21

   Because of this hope of heaven, the physical is no longer important to us; even Christ himself we no longer know in that way.

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In fact, if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation. God, who makes all things new, has in Christ reconciled the world unto himself, and has made us Christ's ambassadors and the agents of his reconciliation. That is why we beseech and exhort you to be reconciled to God. We want to tell the whole world that Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR WITNESS  Read 6:1-10

   It is vitally important that you receive the grace of God now, and that you do not receive it in vain. We Christians are to maintain our witness at whatever cost, commending ourselves under every conceivable hardship and circumstance as God's servants.

   Not only are we to be examples of sincerity, wisdom, long-suffering, love and gentleness; but under all conditions we are also to keep our integrity, whether we be glorified or held in dishonor, and whether the reports of us be fair or false.

   If we are ignored, God knows us; if we are disciplined, we still have life; and if we are put to death, God raises the dead. So in the midst of sadness we rejoice, for even though we have nothing, yet we possess all things in Christ, and through him we enrich many others also.

LOVE IS A TWO-WAY STREET  Read 6:11-13

   Really, Corinthian friends, our hearts go out to you in love; now let there be reciprocity. If there is any feeling of reserve left, it surely is on your side, not ours.

THE REAL MEANING OF SEPARATION  Read 6:14-7:1

   Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for you surely have nothing in common with them. How can light have communion with darkness? We are the temple of the living God; he lives and walks in us. As his sons and daughters, let us give up the unclean things of the old life. You see what our task is in the light of his promises.

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TITUS CAME -- AND WHAT GOOD NEWS!  Read 7:2-7

   As things have turned out, even in the midst of pressures, I am filled with joy and definitely encouraged. As I mentioned earlier [2:13], I left Troas quite uneasy over not finding Titus there, and came directly to Macedonia. What a blessing it was, then, when he arrived here safely, and brought the good news of your earnest desire, your deep sorrow over your sins, your fervent mind toward me. I was simply delighted.

YOU SEE HOW IT WORKED OUT  Read 7:8-16

   Now I am not sorry that I wrote you as I did, even though it upset you at the time. You see how it worked a godly repentance among you. That is always God's way! Look at the fresh zeal and diligence it has brought to the church, as you proceeded to prove yourselves pure in this matter.

   Rest assured I was not interested in singling out anyone when I wrote; I only wanted to bring out how much you really care for us before God. What a joy it was to hear from Titus how his spirit was refreshed by you all. The reception you gave him has borne out my confidence in you.

WHAT GOD WANTS FIRST  Read 8:1-5

   I would like you to know, brethren, how generous the Macedonian churches have been in the midst of all the trials they have suffered. Their joy was so abundant that they insisted on having a part in this gift we are putting together for the saints in Jerusalem. They did it by first offering themselves to the Lord, and then by entreating us to receive this token of grace and fellowship.

THE FUND SIMPLY PROVES YOUR LOVE  Read 8:6-15

   Now I have asked Titus to bring this letter and complete the same service of love with you friends in Corinth. This is not an order — simply a proof of your love. You realize that our Lord Jesus Christ became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich. No one is suggesting that you deprive yourselves in order

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to oversupply others; we only wish to see the want and the abundance equalized somewhat. And since you started the fund a year ago it is nothing new to you; what is important now is to finish it.

NOW JUSTIFY OUR PRIDE IN YOU  Read 8:16-24

   Now it develops that Titus — God bless his heart — has had the same plan in mind, and accordingly we are sending him to you. To avoid any criticism, two of our trusted brethren are accompanying him. As you welcome them before the churches, let them see the proof of your love. Vindicate the high esteem in which we proudly hold you.

YOUR ZEAL HAS INSPIRED MANY  Read 9:1-5

   I don't really need to write you about this matter — your zeal has already inspired a great number to give to the fund. But I don't want you (or us, for that matter) to be embarrassed if some Macedonians should accompany me to Corinth and find you unprepared — for that reason it seemed wiser to send the brethren on ahead.

THE GIVER THAT GOD PREFERS  Read 9:6-15

   This matter of sharing is a lot like sowing seed. If you are stingy in sowing, you get a meager harvest; but if you are generous, the blessings will be bountiful. Think it through; we don't want anyone giving grudgingly, or of necessity, for God prefers — and loves — a cheerful giver. That God will reward you by multiplying your blessings and the fruits of your righteousness, goes without saying. This whole gift, if fact, is more than a collection to meet the needs of the Christians of Jerusalem; it is an anthem of thanksgiving to God for your obedience to the glad tidings of Christ. Just as we are grateful for the prayers in Jerusalem in your behalf, so we thank God for his unspeakable gift.

WHAT'S THIS THAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING?  Read 10:1-18

   Some taunters among you are claiming that I present a rather undignified appearance when face to face with you. What of it?

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The weapons of our warfare are not carnal — that is, physical — but they are mighty through God. Don't be misled by outward appearance. I know the word is being spread through your church that while my letters sound weighty and powerful, my physical presence is quite disappointing; but I wouldn't count on it too much if I were you! Must a man go around boasting about himself and his work (or someone else's work) before the Lord can commend him? Let us rather do our boasting about the Lord and leave it at that.

JUST WHAT DID I DO WRONG?  Read 11:1-9

   You can't blame me for displaying a godly jealousy over your spiritual state when someone arrives in Corinth [from Jerusalem] preaching Christ, and you so beautifully put up with him. Who does he think he is? I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. Furthermore, I gave you the whole truth; what are people complaining about? What was my offense? Only that I did not take a cent from you when I preached to you the gospel of God; nor do I intend to do so.

MY SCARS ARE MY CREDENTIALS  Read 11:10-33

   But if everyone else is indulging in the foolishness of boasting, I will too. You seem to be able to put up with about anything! All right, then: Are these legalistic preachers Hebrews? So am I. Servants of Christ? So am I — and far more than they, for I have suffered for him and I do not lie: whippings, beatings, stonings, prisons, shipwrecks, weariness, pain, hunger, thirst, nakedness, exposure — and added to this the daily concern and care of all the churches.

   So if I must boast, you see, it is really of the things which concern my infirmities. I remember very well one occasion when a whole garrison threw a dragnet over the city of Damascus, looking for me, and I escaped by being lowered down the city wall in a basket.

THE THORN IN THE FLESH  Read 12:1-10

   This boasting is a lot of unnecessary foolishness, but let me tell you of a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago, was snatched

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away into Paradise, where he heard secret and unrepeatable statements. Then, as if to keep me from becoming inflated by excessive revelations, I was given a thorn in the flesh, which was Satan's way of smashing me with his fist. And when on three different occasions I asked the Lord to take it away, his answer to me was, "My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." So now I prefer to do my "boasting" about my infirmities and persecutions and distresses, since when I do, I am in a position to appropriate the power of Christ. This is a spiritual law: when I am weak, then I am strong.

YOU OBSERVED MY CREDENTIALS  Read 12:11-13

   It is embarrassing to keep on boasting like this, but you have forced me to it by listening to the criticism of others. No high-flying apostle "pulls rank" on me, even if I am a nobody. The signs of an apostle were clearly demonstrated when I was with you, and my only fault seems to have been that I did not sponge off your church treasury. If that was a crime, I ask forgiveness!

JUST WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?  Read 12:14-21

   On this forthcoming visit to Corinth (my third one) I do not expect to be a burden to you any more than in the past; in fact, because of my love for you, I will very gladly spend and be spent freely in your behalf.

   So what is the problem? Have I exploited you? Has Titus? Do you think we owe you some kind of apology? Before God in Christ, our only motive is to build you up. I have a feeling that when I do come, I may find a divided church full of friction, arrogance, jealousy and sniping. I am afraid I may have to do some weeping of my own, as God humiliates me over your attitude of impenitence for sin and lust.

TOO LATE FOR FORBEARANCE  Read 13:1-10

   Remember to establish your facts in every controversial matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This time, as I warned you, I will not spare those who sinned earlier. You wanted to see the power of Christ in me? You will see it! For Christ was crucified through weakness,

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but lives by the power of God; and so do I. Examine your faith and test it. Either Christ dwells in you or he doesn't — but in any case, he is in me!

   I have written this to you now to avoid having to be harsh with you when I get to Corinth. We want nothing but the best for you. The power that the Lord has given me, I assure you, is for building up, not for tearing down.

GREETINGS FROM PHILIPPI  Read 13:11-14

   So take courage, be of one mind and live in peace. Your Christian friends in Philippi send greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

   Second Corinthians is a beautiful letter, possibly the most intimate and personal that Paul wrote. It is rich in spiritual teaching, particularly in chapters 1 and 4-7. Here we find Paul in high spirits, for his elation on receiving Titus' report from the Corinthian church knew no bounds. Evidently genuine repentance had taken place.

   Key verses in the opening portion of the letter are 1:9, 10 and 2:14. The offender mentioned in 2:6 is discussed in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.

   Chapter 3 is difficult to understand in the King James Version and should be compared with a recent translation (e.g. NIV) as well as with this paraphrase. Chapter 4, however, as rendered in the King James is one of the classics of English prose.

   The meaning of separation from the world is discussed frankly in 6:14-7:1. Notice what Paul says and also what he does not say. The "gift" Paul seeks in chapters 8 and 9 is explained in Galatians 2:10; it was an offering among the western churches to relieve acute poverty among the believers in Jerusalem.

   A great deal of speculation has taken place over II Corinthians 10 to 13. You should know the difference between two Greek words: exegesis, which means interpreting the text, and eisegesis, which means reading something of your own into the text. Make it a point to accept no one's explanation of a message, unless it is

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soundly based on the text itself, as you compare Scripture with Scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

   Some claim that there is a break in the letter between chapters 9 and 10; that originally II Corinthians was two letters. There is no evidence for this. Judge for yourself whether you think those who claim such a break have established their case.

   Second Corinthians begins on a note of exultation and ends with a sharp warning. Chapters 12 and 13 contain the famous description of the "thorn in the flesh," about which there had been speculation for centuries. Rather than review this well-beaten subject, I suggest that you take up in your Bible class the relationship of Paul's attitude in chapter 13 to Jesus' cleansing of the temple. Refer also to 1 Corinthians 4:19-21 and II Corinthians 7:8-12.

   Does there come a time when the Christian, in a position of responsibility, must "come with a rod" and set things right, sparing no feelings? If so, when should he do it? How? And how often?

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