New Testament Survey: Book of 2 Corinthians

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New Testament SurveyBook of 2 Corinthians
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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.
• 11 101
• The letters vividness and the character of its
  detail are qualities of Pauls writings.

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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 lettersthird time
• 2 Corinthians 1214 131
• Second letter probably written from Philippi
  after Paul received word from Titus concerning
  the first letter.
• 2 Corinthians 715,16
• Likely written around 56 or 57 A.D.

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The Letters 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 Pauls
  work.
• 2 Corinthians 107 1113
• These people had made false attacks and insulted
  Paul in every possible way.
• They intended to destroy Pauls influence and
  establish themselves with the brethren.

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The Letters 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, Paul defended his ministry
  Chapters 10-13 defended his authority and
  apostolic office.
• In Chapters 8 and 9, he stirred up the brethren
  to carry out their intention to send a
  contribution to the poor saints in Jerusalem.

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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 115-20
• His plans always depended on Gods providential
  will.
• Reminded them of his great trial in Asia when his
  life was in dangerbut God comforted him so he
  could come and comfort them.
• Acts 18

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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 tearsnot 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 31-3

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
  (33).
• Law of Moses ministry of condemnation New
  Covenant ministry of righteousness (39)
• Law of Moses ministration of death Gospel of
  Christ ministration of Spirit (36,7)
• Law of Moses that which is done away Gospel
  of Christ that which remains (311)

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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 mens hearts to give the
  light of the knowledge of the glory of God.
• First revealed in Christnow revealed in the
  gospel message.
• 41-7
• Pointed out the persecutions he had enduredhe
  would do it again for their sake.
• 48-12

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, well put off our mortal bodies and put
  on immortalityafter death and the resurrection.
• As creatures of ability, we are responsible to
  God and will answer to Him in the judgment.
• 413511

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.
• 51221

12
Contents and Character

• He pleaded with them not to receive Gods 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 lifes necessities, and in
  distress
• 61-13

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.
• 61471

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.
• 72-16

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
  lackedthereby creating equality.
• Chapters 8 and 9

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Contents and Character

• Helps us arrive at the Lords 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 161-4 2 Corinthians 89 Acts
  1127-30

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Contents and Character

• Christians were to give as they had purposed in
  their hearts.
• Must give cheerfullynot 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 96-8

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Contents and Character

• Paul made a direct defense of his apostleship.
• Affirmed his authority as an apostle.
• Labors and fruits give evidence of the Lords
  approvalhe 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

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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
  apostlemiracles.
• After being stoned in Lystra, he was caught up
  into Paradise, where he heard unspeakable words.
• 2 Corinthians 11

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Contents and Character

• Paul made a direct defense of his apostleship.
• He had suffered many trials and afflictions for
  the cause of Christ.
• Pauls 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 workoverwhelming evidence that sustained
  his claim to be an apostle!
• 2 Corinthians 11, 12

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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