Who Wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?
External and inner evidence confirms that this letter was written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth. This authorship has never seriously been in motion, as it is quoted by early church fathers Polycarp, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. second Corinthians is a personal, aroused, and at times afflictive letter was written by Paul to the church at Corinth. As we read this letter, it is clearly that some in Corinth rejected what Paul wrote to them in 1 Corinthians, to their own detriment .
Context and Background of 2 Corinthians
Paul makes reference point to an earlier sorrowful, or severe letter in 2 Corinthians 2:3 –4 and 7:8. Since that letter is not probably referring to 1 Corinthians, this may be referring to a separate letter written between 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. It is believed that Paul then made a “ irritating visit ” to directly address these issues ( 2:1, 12:14 ) and subsequently wrote this second gear letter. Many of the believers in Corinth wanted to reconcile and follow the teachings given by Paul, but there remained a group that was hostile to his leadership. The letter can be divided into three major sections, Paul ’ s explanation and department of defense of his ministry ( 1-7 ), Collection for the Saints ( 8-9 ), and Paul ’ sulfur vindication of his Apostleship ( 10-13 ). Paul spends a capital conduct of this letter simply defending his ministry .
Main Theme and Purpose of 2 Corinthians
Paul’s Apostolic Authority
This speaks to the heart of any curate or church drawing card honestly and prayerfully serving so far finding themselves faced with rebellion and dissent. The church in Corinth was planted by Paul, and so far there are many who doubted his authority and his words. His inaugural letter and visits proved to be by and large abortive, and he was criticized for what they perceived as weakness. The church seemed about ashamed of Paul, as he was poor ( 6:10 ), and did not appear in person american samoa brawny as he sounded in his letters ( 10:10 ). Paul explains that his hope and intensity are in Christ, and in those to whom he ministers.
Our Tendency to be Impressed with What is False
It is unmanageable to believe that the Apostle Paul had trouble convincing people of his qualifications. Yet that is precisely what he has to do in this letter. In this letter, Paul placed his own apparent failing, in which he proclaims that Christ becomes his strength, against the boastings of the ‘ super-apostles. ’ Unlike them, he brags no in his own military capability, but in Christ. It is assurance in the office of Jesus ’ Resurrection that produces glory for the Gospel message and concluding reward and recognition for the Apostle .
What Can We Learn from 2 Corinthians Today?
Unity
Just as Paul wrote to the Corinthians in the wake of their repentance from divisions and quarrels, the message for today is clear : survive in oneness requires us to humbly forgive one another and to trust in Godly leaders. second Corinthians reminds us that even as Christians, we hurt each other and need to forgive those who wrong us ( 2 Corinthians 2:7 ). Thorns in the Flesh
It is in this letter that we learn of Paul ’ s “ spine in the pulp. ” We still do not know precisely what this hindrance was, but we know that it was an annoyance and perturb to Paul that hindered him in his ministry and caused him emotional and/or physical trouble. Yet he learns to use even this as an asset to who he is in Christ, and a mean to keep him from becoming conceited : “ That is why, for Christ ‘s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am hard ” ( 12:10 ). just as Paul finds that his force in Christ is found in personal weakness, we will besides see Christ at work in the ‘ unaccented ’ areas of our lives. In the places where we feel overpower or simply in over our heads, that is where we learn to trust and lean on messiah at make in us, and not what we can accomplish in our own forte. Paul brags not in his own accomplishments, though there are many, but rather brags in his weaknesses because that is what honors and points us to Christ. Giving
Paul gives one of the most concise discussions of christian giving in chapters 8 and 9. Contained in this passage are the principles for giving, the purposes for giving, the policies to be followed in giving, and the promises to be realized in giving. Paul encourages them ( and us ) to give sacrificially, just as Christ gave sacrificially for us ( 8:9 ). Paul does not give a specific monetary amount but rather states that “ whoever sows meagerly will besides reap meagerly, and whoever sows liberally will besides reap liberally ” and “ each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful donor ” ( 9:6-7 ). Likewise, we should consider nothing as our own, but as resources to be used to the aura of God .
Our Favorite Verses from 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 3:17 – “ now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is exemption. ”
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2 Corinthians 4:17 – “ For our unaccented and fleeting troubles are achieving for us an ageless glory that far outweighs them all. ” 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “ We live by faith, not by view. ” 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new universe has come : The honest-to-god has gone, the fresh is here ! ” 2 Corinthians 8:9 – “ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was ample, however for your sake he became poor people, so that you through his poverty might become rich. ” 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful donor. ”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “ But he said to me, ‘ My grace is sufficient for you, for my office is made perfect in weakness. ’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ ‘s power may rest on me. ”
Sources
- Bible.org. 2020. 8. 2 Corinthians: Introduction, Argument, And Outline.
- Encyclopedia Britannica. 2020. Biblical Literature – The Second Letter Of Paul To The Corinthians.
- Insight.org. 2020. Book Of Second Corinthians Overview – Insight For Living Ministries.
- The New Open Bible. (1990). Nashville: T. Nelson, p.1329
Photo credit : © Sparrowstock Jason Soroski is a homeschool dad and member of the worship team at matthias lot church in St. Charles, MO. He spends his free prison term hanging out with his family, exploring new places, and writing about the experiences. Connect on Facebook or at JasonSoroski.net.
