Study Notes Ed Underwood 2 Corinthians Triumph in Trials

“For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ.” (Paul to the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

The thirteen Pauline Epistles develop the foundational truths of Christianity introduced in the Gospels. Paul wrote nine letters to churches and four to individuals. He writes from the perspective of the Apostle to the Gentiles, church-planter, pastor, and friend. His letters contain instructions, exhortations, and corrections that were real-time—messages to real people, gathered in real churches, with real problems as they endeavored to follow Christ and make a difference in their world. One consistent theme undergirds all of Paul’s teaching—the reality of every believer’s position in Christ.

Corinth was one of the most influential cities in the Roman Empire and the capital of the province of Achaia. The “Las Vegas” of the Empire, Corinth was a wealthy and debauched place inviting all to come and taste the pleasures of the hundreds of temple prostitutes at the Temple of Aphrodite. The city prospered on commerce, entertainment, vice, and corruption. Corinth had gained such a reputation for sexual depravity that Aristophanes had coined the verb korinthiazo = to act like a Corinthian, i.e., to commit fornication.

Paul planted a church there on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-7). He taught the Word of God in the city for eighteen months, and recruited Apollos from Ephesus to replace him as pastor of the Church in Corinth. About five years later during his third missionary journey, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus to address problems in and answer questions from the Corinthian church. He sent Timothy to Corinth and expected him to return with a report (1 Corinthians 16:10-11). Timothy brought back the distressing news that false teachers were stirring up opposition to Paul and his teaching. So Paul made a hurried and painful visit to Corinth to stand against these enemies of the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:1; 12:14; 13:1-2). When he returned to Ephesus, Paul wrote a sorrowful letter, asking the congregation to discipline the leader of the opposition (2:1-11; 7:8). Titus carried this letter to Corinth, and Paul went to Macedonia to meet with Titus on his return trip (2:12-13; 7:5-16). There in Macedonia Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, and sent it with Titus and another brother in Christ (8:16-24). Finally, Paul made his last recorded trip to Corinth (Acts 20:1-3), an extended stay that allowed him to write his masterpiece, the Book of Romans.

Paul’s Corinthian Interactions (from Tom Constable) Plants the “former Response First “painful “severe Second Anticipated church letter” to Paul Corinthians visit” letter” Corinthians visit

Second Corinthians is the most personal of Paul’s letter to churches. If Romans reveals his mind, 2 Corinthians reveals his heart. The first seven chapters express his joy over the good report that the church had responded to his exhortation to remember the centrality of Christ. He then devotes chapters 8 and 9 to the principles guiding his request that they give to the work of Christ. Finally, in chapters 10-13, Paul speaks to the remnants of the opposition by defending his apostleship. No more realistic presentation of the cost of disciplemaking exists in the New Testament. And no more majestic presentation of the power of the gospel of the New Covenant can be found:

Paul’s overwhelming concern in this letter was to oppose the influence of false teachers who were telling Christians that righteousness was by works. As he makes the gospel sparkling clear, he reveals some of the deepest practical truths about the glorious struggle of serving Christ in this fallen world.

I. INTRODUCTION (1:1-11): Paul thanks God for the comfort that is ours during suffering because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians: The magnitude of the privilege of serving Christ eclipses the pain.

II. PAUL EXPLAINS HIS MINISTRY TO THOSE WHO STOOD AGAINST THE LIES ABOUT HIM (1:12-7:16): Paul didn’t delay his planned visit to Corinth because he was afraid of his enemies but to give the church ample time to repent. He goes on to demonstrate the superiority of the New Covenant, who Satan opposes the gospel, and how that opposition brings not only suffering today, but the prospect of rewards from Christ in the future. It’s a great privilege to be an ambassador for Christ that requires separation from the sin of our culture. Finally, Paul thanks the Corinthians for the good news of Titus’ report of their repentance.

III. PAUL EXPLAINS NEW TESTAMENT STEWARDSHIP (8:1-9:15): This is the longest and most complete discussion of the principles and practice of giving of our money in the New Testament. The example is the Philippians selfless, courageous, and sacrificial giving. The application is Paul’s insistence that the privileged and wealthy Corinthians keep their promise to give generously. The promise is that God reward generous and sacrificial giving in the name of His Son.

IV.PAUL EXPLAINS HIS DEFENSE OF HIS APOSTLESHIP (10:1-13:10): To the rebellious minority still resisting his authority, Paul presents his impeccable credentials. His meekness does not mean weakness but sensitivity and servanthood. His knowledge, integrity, resumé, sufferings, miraculous visions and works measure up to any of the Apostles. And they better get that right, because he’s coming, and he’s bringing his apostolic authority with him!

V. CONCLUSION (13:11-14) Paul exhorts, encourages, and greets the assembly at Corinth.

2 CORINTHIANS AND YOU: If you’re considering following Christ as His devoted disciple (and you should!), Second Corinthians will calibrate your expectations. From this letter you will discover the two overarching truths all who serve Christ by pouring into others know learn: The expectation of suffering and the anticipation of glory. If you’re willing to pay the price of suffering for Christ, God will give you a front row seat to see His glorious power working in this world.

Don’t underestimate the pain of ministering in the name of Christ!

1. Expecttrialsandtribulations—2Corinthians4:8-1511:16-33. 2. Expectopposition—2Corinthians11:1-15. 3. ExpectSatanicattack—2Corinthians4:1-7. 4. Expecttohavetogiveyourmoneyandaskforthemoneyofothers—2Corinthians8-9. 5. Expecttobemisunderstoodandfalselyaccused—2Corinthians10:1-18.

Don’t underestimate the privilege of ministering in the name of Christ!

1. Experiencethewonderofbeingusedtochangelives—2Corinthians3:1-5.

2. KnowthatyouareministersofanawesomelyNewCovenant—2Corinthians3:6-18.

3. Experience the power of Christ pulsating through your body, this “container”—2 Corinthians 4:1-8.

4. ExperiencetheexhilarationoflivingbyfaithasanambassadorofChrist—2Corinthians5:1-21.

5. AnticipateyourrewardatChrist’sjudgmentseat—2Corinthians5:9-11.

Christ: “Jesus Christ is presented as the believer’s comfort (1:5), triumph (2:14), Lord (4:5), light (4:6),

judge (5:10), reconciliation (5:19), substitute (5:21), gift (9:15), owner (10:7), and power (12:9).”

–Kenneth Boa