Week 48b--2 Corinthians

This is Paul’s second letter to the people of Corinth.

He wanted to come back to Corinth, but couldn’t because he would have only come to scold the Corinthians (see post on 1 Corinthians). Fortunately, the Corinthian Christians have repented of their sin and immorality and changed their ways. 

Paul then speaks on a familiar topic--the difference between the Law and the Spirit, the Old Covenant and the New. Following a pattern of the prophets and Psalmists, Paul says the Corinthians are “our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (3:2-3)

The source of Paul’s continued strength is revealed--their “treasure in earthen vessels” (4:7) which is “the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” (4:11) The theme of Paul’s life is found in 2 Cor 4:17: “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” Remember, this “momentary light affliction” included being thrown into prison, beaten, stoned almost to death...this verse always helps give me perspective.

Next Paul discusses the importance of giving financially to other believers and churches. He is coming soon to gather an offering for the church in Jerusalem.

Toward the end of the letter Paul begins to speak of spiritual warfare, and though he saves the armor of God for Ephesians, he does speak of “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (10:5) (for we know we never do anything we haven’t first thought about at least once).

Again, Paul warns against false teachings, commanding the Corinthians not to tolerated anyone who preaches a false or separate gospel. He lists his own qualifications in the next chapter. Paul has much to boast about, as an educated Jew who has been persecuted (if anyone wished to compare such things). But Paul would rather glory in his weakness, for in his weakness God is glorified.

Paul sums up his statement on boasting with the tale of the “thorn in his flesh,” his great weakness which God would not remove. God’s response: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (12:9).

Finally, Paul tells the Corinthians he is coming to visit them for the third time (he probably wrote the letter sometime during Acts chapter 20 and visited them shortly afterward). He tells them to be holy, be mature, be at peace, be encouraged.

I wish this for you as well.