second epistle to the corinthians

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (better known as 2 nd Corinthians) is Paul's second letter (or epistle) to the people who were living in the Greek city of Corinth. 10Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it. Reference already has been made to the two visits which are recorded in Acts. So when 16I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you. 9My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 13And in keeping with what is written: I believed, therefore I have spoken,d we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.16 a Literally To the one, indeed, an aroma from death to death; but to the other, an aroma from life to life. This epistle is not as systematically structured as 1 Corinthians. Are they descendants of Abraham? at Jerusalem (chs. Then there will be equality. The first part reveals a deep emotional outpouring of grateful thanksgiving over the easing of the tense situation. 14But their minds were closed. 13We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to usa field that reaches even to you. He anointed us, To the inquiry concerning the availability of such a letter, there are two contemporary replies. Used with permission. It was not without significance that Paul urged the Corinthians to have the larger outreach in their giving. Asia (, To explain why he had changed his travel plans (, To ask them to forgive the offending party (, To warn them not to be "yoked together with unbelievers" (, To explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) 7For we walk by faith, not by sight. Pursuing the usual route, he reached Troas, the port of departure for Europe. Cant you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in youunless you actually fail the test? For another, the unsettled and tense relations between Paul and Corinth had interrupted the efforts to complete the collection in Corinth. 5For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every directionconflicts on the outside, fears within. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly. Unity. All rights reserved. 22placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come. Proud member 8through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; INTRODUCTORY NOTES. 2For He says: and in the day of salvation I helped you.b. According to this epistle, relations had become very critical. Titus may have carried this letter also. Paul said good-by to the believers there and moved on to Macedonia, where he The Corinthians were repentant and wanted reconciliation (2 Cor 2:5-11; 7:9, 10). [5]:8. b. Although he had been robbed, starved, and imprisoned many times, and although he had to endure the agony of a thorn in the flesh (12:7) as well as the care of all the churches (11:28), he was a living witness to the power of Christ in his life (12:9). TEXT, AUTHENTICITY AND DATE 1. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians is one of the books in the New Testament. None of the MSS divide the epistle, and among the MSS there is no variation which suggests disunity. When Paul wrote his second epistle to the Corinthians, he alluded to the possibility that Satan might take advantage of them: "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Co 2:11) 2. 3I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. 22And we are sending along with them our brother whose earnestness has been proven many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you. I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. 1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Corinthians, Second Epistle to The: Shortly after writing his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul left Ephesus, where intense excitement had been aroused against him, the evidence of his great success, and proceeded to Macedonia. God, who in the beginning said, Let there be light, has spoken the same words to the hearts of the Corinthians (4:6). 18Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast. So am I. THE NEW SITUATION 1. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. The usual approach is to keep the interval as minimal as humanly possible. 9As it is written: He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; 10Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. It is more characteristic of his style and manner than any of the other epistles in the NT which are attributed to him. 11I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. 13If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. In keeping with this date 2 Corinthians is variously dated from as few as six months to as many as eighteen months later. Dominant motives in Pauls life were gratitude to God and Christ (1:3; 5:14), reverent awe before the Lord (5:10, 11) and genuine love for the churches (2:4; 11:11). 13As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also. 1So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. The SECOND EPISTLE of CLEMENT to the CORINTHIANS. This painful letter was taken by Titus to Corinth. 6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. Paul returned to Ephesus, he wrote the Corinthians a severe letter "out of good. 2I already warned you the second time I was with you. Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians Author: Catholic Software THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS In this Epistle St. Paul comforts those who are now reformed by his admonitions to them in the former and absolves the incestuous man on doing penance, whom he had before excommunicated for his crime. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? 5And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God. 7You are looking at outward appearances. 1I must go on boasting. We have made this clear to you in every way possible. 17In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Titus was not there (see 2Co 2:12-13). 4was caught up to Paradise. Authority (chs. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. Nor should it obscure Pauls sigh of relief and his attitude of joyous thankfulness over the fortunate change of attitude on the part of the Corinthian church. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved? . The period of Pauls contacts with the Corinthians is indicated in Acts (Acts 18:1-18; 20:2, 3). In utter frankness, he spoke of his bodily presence as weak and his speech as contemptible (10:10). 4Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows. The most likely explanation is that Paul has more of an emotional rather than a logical order for the letter. The Glory of the New Covenant(Exodus 34:1035). Consequently, there is no evidence from the MSS to create any doubt concerning the unity of the letter. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. 1-9 and to identify it with parts of the severe letter has not yet been validated in the light of MS evidence supporting the unity of the epistle; (4) the uncertainty of assertions which indicate that portions of the severe letter are extant. All of this constrains Paul to write to the Corinthians that he expects to visit them shortly. Generosity Commended(Philippians 4:1020). , . CORINTHIANS, SECOND EPISTLE TO THE (, ; the second of two books or epistles in the New Testament addressed by St. Paul to the Christian community at Corinth). theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Corinthians. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. The hypothesis refers to a third letter, frequently described as the painful letter (cf. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. 3And I know that this manwhether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows Paul left Ephesus and spent time in Macedonia and Greece (cf. Paul begins by greeting the people in Corinth and reminding them that he is serving the Lord . However, this effort to prepare the church should not obscure the influence of the critical situation through which Paul had just passed in his relations with the Corinthians. Internal Evidence 2. In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he again refers to himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God and reassures the people of Corinth that they will not have another painful visit, but what he has to say is not to cause pain but to reassure them of the love he has for them. Although it is as a valuable treasure, it is entrusted to vessels of far inferior value. This probability rests upon data gleaned from 2 Corinthians. The explanation is found in the work of the ministry, which has succeeded because of the triumphant power of the Spirit (3:4-6). 2 Corintians 6:14-7:1 2. RESUME OF EVENTS III. 8For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed. Notwithstanding the MS support for the unity of 2 Corinthians there have been and continue to be impressive attempts to show that there is internal evidence of disunity. 11Finally, brothers, rejoice! We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. Moreover, he wrote to them concerning the collection which he expected to gather for the church at Jerusalem. report of Titus of the improved situation at Corinth is the immediate occasion 1-9 which is thankful, and the tone of chs. At this early date, the epistle was recognized without question as Pauline. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more. 4For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. (. In this letter Pauls spirit overflows with relief at the news of improved relations which Titus reported. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Assuming that Paul wrote such a letter after such a painful visit to Corinth, he may well have written concerning matters which distressed him greatly and which had occasioned his hurried and humiliating departure from Corinth. Salem Media Group. 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; Meanwhile, Paul prepared to leave Ephesus for Macedonia, where he expected Titus to rejoin him and report on developments at Corinth. [3] According to Jerome, Titus was the amanuensis of this epistle. The letter does not indicate where he is writing from, but it is usually dated after Paul left Ephesus for Macedonia (Acts 20), from either, Paul presumably made the third visit after writing 2 Corinthians, because Acts 20:23 indicates he spent 3 months in Greece. Reaffirm Your Love 1 So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 15Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! The arguments for the unity of the epistle are: (1) there is no evidence of MS disturbance which would permit the supposition that 2 Corinthians was originally two letters, or parts of two letters, incorporated into one letter; (2) while chs. Paul nourished the concept of benevolent giving among his churches. It may be that some progress can be made toward a partial understanding of the contents of the letter by correlating Pauls probable second visit to Corinth and the strained relations involved with the painful letter which he wrote in an attempt to alleviate the tense crisis. Paul felt the situation in Corinth was still complicated and felt attacked. 2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. 3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. 1:23), and while chs. (, The Prospect of Death and What It Means and contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings. Others hold that To them faithfulness to Jesus was primarily the acknowledgment of Jesus' being the most powerful "divine man" and, secondarily, their establishment and maintenance of relationship to him through imitation in their powerful demonstrations and wondrous acts. The most important and yet the most ambiguous element is the interval separating the writing of 1 and 2 Corinthians. 8I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. 1Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. He also shows great joy over the restoration of Corinthian loyalty to him. 4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy. He knew this by personal experience. 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Who wrote the book? Some five or six years later Paul spent three months in Greece, presumably at Corinth, following which he went to Macedonia and from there to Jerusalem. Consequently, most contemporary views consider the probability of another letter. This epistle, it has been well said, shows the individuality of the apostle more than any other. This disunity is borne out by the difference in the tone of chs. 11For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures! (1949); F. V. Filson, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (The Interpreters Bible) (1953); R. V. G. Tasker, The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (1958); E. P. Hughes, Pauls Second Epistle to the Corinthians (1962). For Paul, the grief and anxiety gave way to thankful joy (2 Cor 7:6, 7, 13-16). We Ought to Think Highly of Christ Brethren, it is fitting that you should think of Jesus Christ as of God as the Judge of the living and the dead. The Letter. p. 437), that the apostle had made Titus the bearer of a letter couched in terms of decided severity, now lost, to which he is to be supposed to refer in 2 Corinthians 2:3 (compared with 2 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 2:9); 2 Corinthians 7:8; 2 Corinthians 7:11 sq. Accordingly, some attempt is necessary to include all of Pauls known activities during this period. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 8Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. 17For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition. Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another,b be of one mind, live in peace. The one point of view is the traditional equating of 1 Corinthians with the painful letter. This view does not consider seriously the possibility of more than two visits by Paul to Corinth. 3I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpents cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. 16So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Precision in dating is difficult, if not impossible, by reason of the complicated character of the historical background of the Corinthian correspondence. "Human weakness, spiritual strength, the deepest tenderness of affection, wounded feeling, sternness, irony, rebuke, impassioned self-vindication, humility, a just self-respect, zeal for the welfare of the weak and suffering, as well as for the progress of the church of Christ and for the spiritual advancement of its members, are all displayed in turn in the course of his appeal." 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1: The passage 2 Corinthians 6:14 to 2 Corinthians 7:1 deals with the inconsistency and peril of intimate relations with the heathen, and is felt to be incongruous with the context. chs. 5I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. 9Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. As God has said: 1Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. The third section manifests an indignant spirit as Paul vehemently asserts the authority of his apostolic office and ministry. 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?c Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 13On account of this, we are encouraged. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. 8:1 9:15 Instructions for the collection for the poor in the Jerusalem church. the last four chapters to address this troublemaking group. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart. Corinthians was written from Ephesus before Pentecost (in the late spring) 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. This would allow for his departure from Ephesus some time after writing 1 Corinthians in a.d. 57 during the spring months. [9], The seemingly sudden change of subject from chapter 7 to chapters 89 leads some scholars to conclude that chapters 89 were originally a separate letter, and some even consider the two chapters to have originally been distinct themselves. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. But we hope that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well, c. The collection. Pauls collection for needy Christians at Jerusalem had an important role in his missionary efforts. 2:14-5:21). Paul's example and teachings recorded in 2 Corinthians can inspire students to remain true and faithful to the eternal . 4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by Gods power. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 10For some say, His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account. 12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. 9I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters. Upon realizing how serious the deterioration really was, Paul sent Titus to Corinth with the painful letter (cf. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. 15And his affection for you is even greater when he remembers that you were all obedient as you welcomed him with fear and trembling. As a Christian, Paul willingly suffered with Christ (1:5) and bore in his body the dying of Christ (4:10). Leit. visit turned out to be painful and did not accomplish its purpose. Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?b. of the writing of 2 Corinthians. Neither psychological persuasion nor sociological trends adequately explain the phenomenon of the Christian community at Corinth. This reply is subjected to strong criticism because of the insufficient evidence upon which it is based. Finally, Paul describes the theme of the ministry. Corinthians, Second Epistle to The: was written a few months subsequent to the first, in the same year-about the autumn of A.D. 57 or 58-at Macedonia. He knew that he could return to Corinth without fear of being rejected or facing a rebellious congregation. Pauls Suffering and Service(Colossians 1:2429). The severe letter had brought its intended results (7:5-16). and set out for Macedonia by way of Troas. After writing 1 Corinthians Paul continued his ministry at Ephesus until he to get news of the effect of his severe letter on the Corinthian church, but The encouraging Did Titus exploit you in any way? For his relationships with the Corinthians between these two visits we are dependent upon the correspondence which he had with them. It contributes significantly to our knowledge of Paul by providing much autobiographical material and revealing glimpses into his personality, including his emotions, his personal sense of integrity and his incisive grasp of what it meant to be a genuine apostle of the Lord. In this part Paul reveals his delicate sensitiveness to the strained relations. 10As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. That recognition remains as strong today as ever. 6So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it. As it is written in 2 Cor.9:8 that Jesus who "although He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor that you through His poverty might be made rich". Second Corinthians could have been written in October prior to his arrival in December to spend the winter months with the Corinthians. Paul treats this theme in terms of a pageant of triumph, followed by a predicament of trial and concluding with a proclamation of a theme. He also shared the risen life of Christ (4:10, 11) and his ministry was a continuing triumph in Christ (2:14). 1 Cor 5:9) in which Paul specifically required that Christians in Corinth were to separate themselves from immoral persons. 23Are they servants of Christ? 14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.c, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.. Apologetic: Paul's Explanation of His Conduct 3:3), and the importance of being a person of Christ and giving generously to God's people in Jerusalem, and ends with his own experience of how God changed his life (Sandmel, 1979). concerned about how the Corinthians might react to it. This is significant for it indicates that it is to make a major contribution in the relations between Paul and the Corinthians. 7Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? The letter was written prob. Jesus will forever have a human, although glorified body. 20We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete. In the light of this improbability and also in the light of the impossibility of limiting Pauls visits to Corinth to two, there is a decided shift to the hypothesis that Paul made another visit. Integrity and faithfulness characterize his ministry, with toil and suffering being indelible marks identifying him as a true apostle (1:12; 6:3-10; 11:23-29). and his readiness to exercise discipline if necessary (chs. In attempting to determine the extent of the correspondence which Paul had with the Corinthians, the most widely-discussed hypothesis refers to four letters. 16:8). Openness and honesty are necessary (8:20, 21). THE SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS The Second Letter to the Corinthians is the most personal of all of Paul's extant writings, and it reveals much about his character. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 20In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or exalts himself or strikes you in the face. . Our Future Destiny. THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:21-33; 12:1-9. During the latter part of the first visit to Corinth which Paul made, Gallio became proconsul at that city. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. from the rest of the letter? In anticipation of his coming visit to Corinth, Paul wrote with great force concerning his claim to unequivocal apostolic leadership over the Corinthian congregation. 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: I. Intoduction. 4For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily. Regarding the phrase a year ago (2 Cor 8:10; 9:2), Paul did not intend a full chronological year. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ. Not in the same footsteps? and high calling of Christian ministry. There is, however, no manuscript I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 11Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means. He states the importance of forgiving others, and God's new agreement that comes from the Spirit of the living God (2 Cor. Content, including outline. 1:12 7:16 Paul defends his actions and apostleship, affirming his affection for the Corinthians. The date for this is presumed to be a.d. 58. The epistle was written in Ephesus. "Human weakness, spiritual strength, the deepest tenderness of affection, wounded feeling, sternness, irony, rebuke, impassioned self-vindication, humility, a just self-respect, zeal for the welfare of the weak and suffering, as well as for the progress of the church of Christ and for the spiritual advancement of its members, are all displayed i. 19that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting mens trespasses against them. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another mans territory. It is motivated by love (8:8) and by faith that God will provide (9:8). It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. 1. 13I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there.
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