Strength in weakness is the central message of 2 Corinthians. Throughout the letter Paul turns upside down our natural expectations of the way life works. Contrary to the way the world and our own human hearts naturally function, God takes what is low, despised, and weak to accomplish his purposes. Scriptures referenced include 2 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 6:10; Jeremiah 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 2 Corinthians 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:11-12; 2 Corinthians 6:4-6, 8-10; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, 9, 14; 2 Corinthians 11:30; and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

If 1 Corinthians gives us unparalleled insight into the everyday life of a New Testament church, 2 Corinthians offers us a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the apostle whose work founded and built that church, with implications for each of us. In today’s Top Ten List, we explore “10 Things We Learn About Paul and About Christian Relationships from 2 Corinthians.” This includes that Paul has a strained relationship with this church, and he has a “thorn in the flesh” that keeps him reliant on the Lord. Scriptures referenced include 2 Corinthians 12:14; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Romans 16:1; 2 Corinthians 1:12–13; 2 Corinthians 7:8–16; 2 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Luke 22:25-26; 2 Corinthians 2:13, 17; and 2 Corinthians 7:4.

In both New Testament epistles to the church at Corinth but especially in 2 Corinthians, Paul gives a powerful example of what it means to lead the body of Christ as a servant leader. He suffers to comfort others. He shows humility. He points to the example of Christ. He seeks to preserve the unity of the faith. But he does not shy away from confronting inappropriate behavior. Scriptures referenced include 2 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3,4; 2 Corinthians 3:5-8; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; 2 Corinthians 2:3-4, 6-7; and 2 Corinthians 4:5.

We wrap up the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring the context in which it is written and its importance in understanding early Christianity. We linger for a moment on 1 Corinthians 13 – the love chapter and then wrap up with a reflection on the elements of the gospel which Paul emphasizes in this book, with particular attention to 1 Corinthians 15:1-10. Other Scriptures referenced include 1 Corinthians 1:20;  1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 14; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Isaiah 53; Ephesians 6:13; and Jude 1:24-25.

What are some verses in the Book of 1 Corinthians on which we ought to meditate? Scriptures referenced include Jeremiah 9:23-24 and more than 17 passages from the book of 1 Corinthians. Check out our website for more.

Spiritual arrogance had caused some Corinthians to have a warped understanding of freedom. They actually believed that their freedom had lifted them above the norms of Christian morality. Paul responded to this belief and his words of correction are applicable to us today. Scriptures referenced include Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 32-33; 1 Corinthians 5:2-6; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, 12-20; and Proverbs 16:18.

In 1 Corinthians 12:31, Paul directs the people at the church in Corinth to seek “a more excellent way.” He is talking here about love. Today’s top ten list explores ten powerful lessons that we can learn from a study of 1 Corinthians. Other scriptures referenced include the “love chapter” – 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 16:14; John 14:15; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 12; John 8:32; 1 Corinthians 8:1, 3; and 1 Corinthians 1:18.

Two important letters written by the apostle Paul to the fledging Christian church in Corinth are included in the New Testament. Where was Corinth? Why was it important? What was it like in Paul’s day? What do we know about the church there and the challenges it was facing? How did Paul address these challenges? We answer these questions and more. Scriptures referenced include Romans 15:4; 1 Peter 5:12; Galatians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 4-5; and 1 Corinthians 5-10.

We wrap up the book of Romans by exploring its purpose, structure, the context in which it was written, and selected highlights. According to Romans 5, God can make us different people: “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). Believers can be at peace with God. Other scriptures referenced include Romans 4:1-9; Romans 11:11-12; Romans 10:14-17; Acts 19:21; and Romans 1:10–12.

What are some verses in the Book of Romans on which we ought to meditate? Scriptures referenced include more than 25 passages from the book of Romans. Check out our website for more.