3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. 16Therefore we do not lose heart. 6For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness,b made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.c. He shared the weakness of humanity and felt the gusts of emotion, whether in affectionate love or vehement indignation. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek All of this constrains Paul to write to the Corinthians that he expects to visit them shortly. 13 If I speak in the tongues[ a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [7] Those who disagree with this assessment usually say that the "letter of tears" is no longer extant. 1 Corinthians 6 - Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, however God will do away with both *of them. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Start for FREE. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away. 6And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 9as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed; 8:1 9:15 Instructions for the collection for the poor in the Jerusalem church. The first section contains references to the past (1:23; 2:3, 9), while the second section contains references to the future (10:6; 13:2, 10). [4] 9So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 2 Corinthians - Second Epistle to Corinthian Church - Study the Bible 2. 16I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?c Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 24Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm. 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. 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. God Loves a Cheerful Giver(1 Corinthians 16:14). Yet, this commentary, which follows Barrett's works on Romans and I Corinthians in the same series, is superb in every respect. The first part reveals a deep emotional outpouring of grateful thanksgiving over the easing of the tense situation. 8Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, written in 1859, has remained a standard resource for teach ers, pastors, and educated laypersons. God knows I do! This is the heart of the apostolic gospel ministry engaged in proclaiming reconciliation. Paul Greets the Corinthians(Acts 18:111; 1 Corinthians 1:13). Meanwhile, Paul prepared to leave Ephesus for Macedonia, where he expected Titus to rejoin him and report on developments at Corinth. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; Although the tribulations have taken an exhausting toll of the outward man, the power of God has renewed the inner man (4:16). Because I do not love you? Did Titus exploit you in any way? 17Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? 3It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 2New International Version. The three months spent in Greece must have been during winter, since he left Corinth and arrived in Philippi in time for the Passover (Acts 20:6). 33But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.31 a Or forever blessed. 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. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and . 14For Christs love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. 1Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. In utter frankness, he spoke of his bodily presence as weak and his speech as contemptible (10:10). 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 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). 14Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. . 6But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?b. 2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. 2 Corinthians, The Second Letter to the Corinthians | USCCB 5For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. The complexity of the occasion requires that oversimplification of stating the purpose be avoided. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. It is motivated by love (8:8) and by faith that God will provide (9:8). 3For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. 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. 15And his affection for you is even greater when he remembers that you were all obedient as you welcomed him with fear and trembling. "Second Corinthans is one of the most difficult writings in the New Testament to interpret. In this letter Pauls spirit overflows with relief at the news of improved relations which Titus reported. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy. The period of Paul's contacts with the Corinthians is indicated in Acts ( Acts 18:1-18; 20:2, 3 ). After a lapse of time extending for some days or weeks, Titus reached Paul and gave him a heartening report. Evidence of this triumph is no less than the Corinthian church. Paul willingly served and suffered, even as Jesus did, but he was not overpowered through affliction. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise. He also shows great joy over the restoration of Corinthian loyalty to him. The most important and yet the most ambiguous element is the interval separating the writing of 1 and 2 Corinthians. The author is unquestionably Paul, for none other than Paul has ever been suggested as the author. (8, 9) to this matter. 2 corinthians 2 NIV - So I made up my mind that I would not - Bible Gateway Regarding the phrase a year ago (2 Cor 8:10; 9:2), Paul did not intend a full chronological year. The confrontation with these problems caused him to reflect deeply on his relationship with the community and to speak about it frankly. was written in the aftermath of a serious crisis between Paul and the Corinthians. 4was caught up to Paradise. Moreover, he wrote to them concerning the collection which he expected to gather for the church at Jerusalem. 6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Paul Barnett - Google Books Although I did regret it, I now see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time. 14knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesuse will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. The epistle is attributed to Paul the Apostle and a co-author named Timothy, and is addressed to the church in Corinth and Christians in the surrounding province of Achaea, in modern-day Greece. The epistle was written in Ephesus. 11I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. 15And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. 1 Corinthians 6 (NASB20) - Food is for the stomach - Blue Letter Bible 5. 8We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; So am I. If I love you more, will you love me less? The Corinthians were repentant and wanted reconciliation (2 Cor 2:5-11; 7:9, 10). There are two sections, however, whose right to remain integral parts of 2Co has been more forcibly challenged. The third section manifests an indignant spirit as Paul vehemently asserts the authority of his apostolic office and ministry. For his relationships with the Corinthians between these two visits we are dependent upon the correspondence which he had with them. 14At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. 13On account of this, we are encouraged. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. 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. God, who in the beginning said, Let there be light, has spoken the same words to the hearts of the Corinthians (4:6). 9For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! [14][15], The book is usually divided as follows:[8], Paul's contacts with the Corinthian church can be reconstructed as follows:[8]. Paul informs the Corinthians that Titus and others are coming to help them in this project. Background. With the memory of humiliating rejection removed, and with the anticipation of another visit to Corinth, Paul wrote the thankful letter (2 Cor), which was considered to be his last known letter to Corinth. This turned into a humiliating experience for Paul. 1 a For we know that if our earthly dwelling, * a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. 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. One reply is that such a letter has been preserved, at least in part, in 2 Corinthians 10-13. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org He anointed us, It is more characteristic of his style and manner than any of the other epistles in the NT which are attributed to him. 3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. 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. 14See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Possible additional orders are: 1. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. Some scholars view these chapters as a misplaced part of another letter to the Corinthians, thus supporting the speculation about the loss of some intervening communication. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. 8I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia. The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians was written from Macedonia in about 55 ce. To the inquiry concerning the availability of such a letter, there are two contemporary replies. From various passages we learn that the apostle Paul wrote this Epistle under much pressure of spirit. 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. Quotes about the Second Epistle to the Corinthians . 14But their minds were closed. Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible The homily known as 2 Clement was traditionally attributed to Pope Clement I of Rome. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Probably during his last year in Ephesus. 4. So am I. 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. The other reply is that the letter has been lost, just as the letter alluded to in 1 Corinthians 5:9 is regarded lost. 17When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? 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. Second Epistle of Clement - Wikipedia His appeal to the Corinthians to complete the collection has three grounds: (1) since the Macedonian churches were so liberal in their giving, the Corinthians should know of this; (2) since Jesus Christ so willingly gave Himself, the Corinthians should emulate Him (8:9); (3) since they had earlier pledged, Paul urges them to fulfill their pledge as a matter of integrity and conscience (8:10-12). 12But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast. A man in Christ. In 1 Corinthians where Paul counsels on church problems, the self-portrait is that of a Christian minister. He is criticized for the way he speaks and writes and finds it just to defend himself with some of his important teachings. The Glory of the New Covenant(Exodus 34:1035). 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, 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. 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. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, 1-9 which is thankful, and the tone of chs. Who wrote the book? For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. 12For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Moreover, he gloried in infirmities (12:9) and was content with weaknesses, insults, persecutions and calamities for the sake of Christ. It is not possible to say that these were the only visits to Corinth. b. 1-9; (5) later, 2 Corinthians was put in its present form by the Corinthian congregation and then circulated among the churches. 1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. 17For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition. This epistle, it has been well said, shows the individuality of the apostle more than any other. INTRODUCTORY NOTES. External evidence attests his authorship, for it has been a well-documented fact that 2 Corinthians was circulated throughout the churches as early as a.d. 140. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. 22placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come. The MS evidence for the unity of 2 Corinthians is particularly impressive. Openness and honesty are necessary (8:20, 21). This project had fallen behind in the critical situation that developed. The last four chapters of the letter, a sharp and vigorous defense of Pauls apostolic authority, differ markedly in tone from the earlier chapters, suggesting that chapters 1013 may have been written earlier, before Paul had received Tituss message. 19For you gladly tolerate fools, since you are so wise. I had confidence in all of you, that . 17For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. 16Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery. He would have time to be in Macedonia and he could send 2 Corinthians sometime in October of a.d. 57 before his arrival for the winter months in Corinth. Titus may have carried this letter also. While this reply encounters fewer difficulties than the first reply, it provides no data for obtaining any knowledge of the contents of such a letter. Before Paul could return to Corinth for the third visit, two matters needed attention. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more. Describing the work of the ministry as a long triumphant march, Paul gives thanks to God (2:14). Review of Pauls Relation's with the Corinthians, 1: 1 -- 7:16. 7Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 7For we walk by faith, not by sight. The reconciling work of God through Christ involved a great paradox. His opponents who had challenged his apostolic authority were, in return, challenged by Paul himself as he marshaled impressive evidence authenticating his apostolic authority and leadership. 1Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry,a we do not lose heart. The glory of the Lord has transfigured the afflictions (4:17). 1This is the third time I am coming to you. Letters of Paul to the Corinthians - Britannica In his, This page was last edited on 26 May 2023, at 19:33. 7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrongnot that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed. True Christian giving builds unity, understanding and mutual concern among all Christians (9:12-14). 5I consider myself in no way inferior to those super-apostles. 4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. He states the importance of forgiving others, and God's new agreement that comes from the Spirit of the living God (2 Cor. Bible: The New Testament The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. The "Second Epistle" of St. Clement 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. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. Details Or fastest delivery June 22 - 26. 3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. 20For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. Hodge's introductory material, chapter summaries, and verse-by-verse exposition provide-- even after more than one hundred years-- solid, relevant instruction for today's students of the Bible. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Translated) - Conservapedia Since sources date the beginning of Gallios proconsulship in a.d. 51 or 52, the first visit of Paul to Corinth can be dated with confidence. 4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. 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. 12It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained. c. The collection. Pauls collection for needy Christians at Jerusalem had an important role in his missionary efforts. For Paul, the whole enterprise [of the Jerusalem collection exhorted at 2 Cor 8:13-14] was rooted in the conviction that the advent of the eschatological kingdom of God had inaugurated a new socio-economic order, which was to become distinctive of the emergent Christ-believing communities on . We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up. Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! 11Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means. The Spirit of God working through the ministry of Paul has accomplished this (3:2, 3). Corinthians, Second Epistle to the - Bible Study Tools 1-9 have a thankful tone, this is not the only tone found in this section (cf. Lias, Second Corinthians.[16]. [3] According to Jerome, Titus was the amanuensis of this epistle. Some challenged his authority as an apostle, and he compares the level of difficulty to other cities he has visited who had embraced it, like the Galatians. 6Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Saddened by reports of dissension among the converts of various Apostles, Paul begins his letter with a reminder that all are to be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of Gods mysteries (4:1). 14But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. The second section discloses a fervent appeal for liberality in the collection for the church at Jerusalem. At this early date, the epistle was recognized without question as Pauline. 'from Clement to Corinthians'), often referred to as 2 Clement (pronounced "Second Clement"), is an early Christian writing. In this Scripture he declares that God in love has effected not simply a legal acquittal but more significantly a vital personal relationship to God and an inner transformation of life (5:17). Begun in the late 1940s by an international team of New Testament scholars, the NICNT series has become recognized by pastors, students, and scholars alike as a critical yet orthodox commentary. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved? For we are not unaware of his schemes. In this part Paul reveals his delicate sensitiveness to the strained relations.