Insights on 2 Corinthians Ministry
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsInsights on 2 Corinthians Ministry
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsDavid E.
Garland, 2 Corinthians
Greetings and blessings (1:1–7)
The greeting (1:1-2)
Blessings for the provision of God's comfort (1:3–7)
The painful visit and the emotional letter: Paul defends his exceptional frankness (1:8–7:16)
The theme of Paul's love for the Church and his reliability (1:8–2:13)
Paul's Sufferings in Asia (1:8–11)
El tema de la carta: Entender realmente el ministerio de Pablo (1:12–14)
The change in Pablo's travel plans and his faithfulness to God (1:15–22)
La afligida visita y la explicación de su decisión de no regresar (1:23–2:4)
Forgiveness to the offender (2:5–13)
Pablo defends his sincere criticism (2:14–7:3)
Apostolic nature of the ministry (2:14–3:6)
Pablo's competence for a ministry that results in life or death (2:14–17)
The Corinthians as Paul's letter (3:1–3)
Pablo's competence as minister of the new covenant (3:4–6)
New and Old Ministries (3:7–18)
The glory of the ministry is set aside (3:7–9)
The greater glory of the new eclipses that of the old (3:10)
The glory of the ministry is set aside (3:11)
Pablo without a veil (We, the apostles) (3:12–13)
Israel with a veil (They, the Israelites) (3:14–17)
Christians without a veil (We, the Christians) (3:18)
Ministerio cristano (4:1–6)
He recommends himself by openly manifesting the truth (4:1–2)
The spiritual condition of those who are blind to the glory of Christ in "our gospel"
(4:3-4)
The basic idea of Paul's preaching: Christ as Lord; we as his slaves (4:5–6)
Self-defense: Catalog of afflictions, always delivered to death (4:7–15)
The hope of resurrection (4:16–5:10)
Persuade others to reconcile with God (5:11–21)
Self-defense: reiteration of the theme of the letter (5:11–13)
A messenger of Christ for reconciliation (5:14–21)
The praise of Paul as a minister of God (6:1–10)
What Christians are and what they are not (6:11–7:3)
The report of Tito (7:4–16)
Paul's frankness to the Corinthians brings joy (7:4)
The arrival of Titus comforts Paul in his affliction (7:5–7)
The purpose and effect of the emotional letter (7:8–13a)
Tito's report justifies that Pablo has glorified himself (7:13b–15)
The frankness of Paul brings joy to the Corinthians (7:16)
Instructions for the Offering for the Saints (8:1–9:15)
Renewing the commitment of the Corinthians to the offering (8:1–15)
Example: Grace of God to the Macedonians (8:1–5)
Address: Complete this act of grace (8:6–8)
Example: The grace of God in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (8:9)
Address: Finish the work (8:10–12)
Divine Principle: Equity (Scriptural Quote) (8:13–15)
The funds are managed by Tito and the acclaimed brothers (8:16–9:5)
Recommendation of Tito and the brothers (8:16–24)
Explanation of the brothers' sending: to avoid embarrassment (9:1-5)
Divine principles of giving: Why the Corinthians need to give generously (9:6–15)
Warnings in the preparation for the next visit of Paul (10:1–13:10)
Preparation for Pablo's imminent visit (10:1–11)
Appropriate reasons to feel proud (10:12–18)
Defense of Pablo (11:1–21a)
Talking with madness (11:21b–33)
The power of God is perfected in weakness (12:1–10)
Foolish boastfulness and signs of the true apostle (12:11–13)
Pablo returns to Corinth (12:14–21)
Warning: Paul may have to be severe in his authority when he is present (13:1–10)
Blessing (13:11–14)
Murray J. Harris, The Second Epistle To The Corinthians
Paul explains his behavior and his apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 1–7)
Introduction (1:1–11)
Greetings (1:1–2)
Doxology celebrating divine comfort (1:3–7)
Release from Affliction (1:8–11)
The conduct of Paul is defended (1:12–2:13)
Characteristics of his behavior (1:12–14)
Response to the accusation of inconsistency (1:15–22)
A painful visit is canceled (1:23–2:4)
Forgiveness to the offenders (2:5-11)
Restlessness in Troas (2:12–13)
Digression — Description of the apostolic ministry (2:14–7:4)
Greatness and superiority of the apostolic ministry (2:14–4:6)
Suffering and glory of the apostolic ministry (4:7–5:10)
Essence and exercise of the apostolic ministry (5:11–6:10)
Transparency and comfort of the apostolic ministry (6:11–7:4)
Pablo's joy at the repentance of the Corinthians (7:5–16)
Consolation in Macedonia (7:5–7)
The severe letter and its effects (7:8–13a)
The joy and affection of Titus (7:13b–16)
Pablo calls to finish the offering (2 Corinthians 8–9)
Need to be generous (8:1–15)
The generosity of the Macedonians (8:1–6)
I urge you to give generously (8:7–12)
The objective of equality (8:13–15)
Mission of Titus and his companions (8:16–9:5)
The delegates and their credentials (8:16–24)
The need to be prepared (9:1–5)
The resources and results of generosity (9:6–15)
God enriches the giver (9:6–11)
Prayer offering to God (9:12–15)
Paul defends his apostolic authority (2 Corinthians 10–13)
Exercise of apostolic authority (10:1–18)
The strength of apostolic authority (10:1–11)
Legitimate spheres of activity and satisfaction (10:12–18)
Boasting "like a fool" (11:1–12:13)
Petition for tolerance (11:1–6)
Financial dependence and independence (11:7–12)
False apostles (11:13–15)
Justification for boasting foolishly (11:16–21a)
Inheritance and judgments of Paul (11:21b–29)
Escape from Damascus (11:30–33)
A vision and its consequences (12:1–10)
Apostolate test (12:11–13)
Planning of the third visit (12:14–13:10)
Promise not to be a burden (12:14–18)
Fears about the state of the Corinthians (12:19–21)
Warning about the impending discipline (13:1–4)
Self-evaluation petition (13:5–10)
Conclusion (13:11–13)
Paul Barnet, The Second Epistle To The Corinthians
Introduction (1:1–11)
Greeting (1:1–2)
Blessing (1:3–7)
Escape from Asia (1:8–11)
Self-defense (1:12–2:13)
Preliminary defense (1:12–14)
Defense of the change of plans in the trip (1:15–2:11)
Response to accusation (1:15–17)
The theological basis of Paul's integrity (1:18–22)
Reasons for the change: Why Paul did not return to Corinth (1:23–2:2)
Why did Paul write instead of returning (2:3–4)
The result of the letter: The Corinthians pass the test (2:5–11)
Pablo in Troas: Confusion in the ministry (2:12–13)
Defense of the ministry of the new covenant (2:14–7:4)
Paul defends his ministry (2:14–4:6)
God's victory procession (2:14–17)
The praise of the ministry (3:1–3)
Pablo: Minister of the new covenant (3:4–6)
The glory of the two ministries contrasted (3:7–11)
The people of the old covenant: with veil (3:12–15)
The people of the new covenant: without a veil (3:16–18)
This ministry (4:1–6)
The ministry: Life and death (4:7–15)
The minister: Delivered to death (4:7–12)
Result: Life for the Corinthians (4:13–15)
Hope in the face of death (4:16–5:10)
An eternal weight of glory (4:16–18)
Living in the intermediate: Complaint (5:1–5)
Living in the intermediate: Trust and commitment (5:6–10)
Ministers of God (5:11–7:1)
Paul's Ministry: Foundation for Pride (5:11–13)
Scope of the apostolic ministry: All people (5:14–17)
Call of God through his minister (5:18–6:2)
Credentials of the ministers of God (6:3–10)
Corinthians, corresponded to my affection (6:11–13)
A call to separation (6:14–7:1)
Epilogue: Words of Encouragement (7:2–4)
Pablo in Macedonia: Tito brings news from Corinth (7:5–9:15)
The effects of the 'stern letter' (7:5–16)
Pablo's joy at the arrival of Tito (7:5–7)
Pablo's joy at receiving the letter (7:8–12)
Pablo trusts them (7:12–16)
Call to complete the offering (8:1–9:15)
The grace of God shown to the Churches of Macedonia: Basis of appeal to the Corinthians (8:1–7)
Possible expected misunderstanding (8:8–15)
Recommendation of the three men that Paul sends to Corinth (8:16–24)
The impediment of Pablo to reach Corinth (9:1–5)
Blessings of being generous (9:6–15)
Corinthians: Prepare for the third visit of Paul (10:1–13:14)
Pablo's plea not to have to be bold when he arrives (10:1–11)
Paul defends his discipline (10:1–6)
Pablo's reproach to his critics (10:7–11)
"Exceptional" Apostles (10:12–12:13)
Intruders (10:12–18)
The senseless speech (11:1–12:13)
Preparation for the impending third visit (12:14–13:14)
I will not be a burden to you (12:14–19)
Warnings before Pablo's third visit (12:20–13:4)
Examine yourselves (13:5–10)
Final greetings (13:11–14)
Common questions
Powered by AIPaul encourages the Corinthians to participate in the offering by citing the generosity of the Macedonian churches and the ultimate example of Jesus Christ's sacrificial grace as motivations. He points to the Macedonians' joy and liberality displayed in giving despite their poverty as evidence of God's grace working among the believers. Furthermore, he underscores the equitable principle that ensures reciprocal support within the Christian community, conveying that their generosity will both meet urgent needs and result in thanksgiving to God .
Paul addresses the criticism of financial exploitation by emphasizing his commitment to financial independence from the Corinthians to avoid being a burden and to maintain integrity in his ministry. He supports his conduct by highlighting his practice of working to support himself while preaching, refraining from burdening the congregation, and accepting support from other churches to serve Corinth. This argument not only clarifies his intention to protect the Corinthians financially but also serves as a demonstration of his selfless dedication to their spiritual growth without seeking profit .
By calling himself and his fellow workers 'ministers of the new covenant,' Paul positions their ministry as a continuation and fulfillment of God’s promises through a new spiritual dynamic that emphasizes life and liberation rather than death and condemnation. The new covenant enacts freedom from the legalistic constraints of the law, offering an intimate relationship with God where believers are transformed into His image. This reflects the superiority and enduring nature of the spiritual life imparted through Christ .
Paul contrasts the superficial boasting of the so-called 'super-apostles' with genuine apostolic signs, framing his boasting as ‘foolish’ but necessary to defend his ministry and establish authenticity. He uses this rhetoric to illustrate the profundity of the experiences and sufferings he endured for the sake of the gospel, which serve as true markers of his apostolic commission. By emphasizing his sufferings and weaknesses, he redefines strength and authority in spiritual leadership as dependent on God’s power rather than human credentials or accomplishments .
Paul employs the concept of 'veils' to differentiate between the spiritual blindness associated with the old covenant and the freedom of apprehension in the new covenant. For Israelites, the veil represents their inability to see the transient glory of the old ministry or understand the surpassing glory of Christ. In contrast, Christians, unveiled by the Spirit, see the glory of the Lord directly, transforming into the image of Christ. This metaphor points to the openness and clarity afforded by the new covenant, indicating a growing conformity to the spiritual truths revealed in Christ .
Paul contrasts the glory associated with the old covenant with the surpassing glory of the new ministry. He argues that the glory of the old ministry, though significant, is eclipsed by the greater glory of the new covenant in Christ. This argument is illustrated through the imagery of veiling; unlike the Israelites who had a veil over their hearts as a consequence of the old covenant, Christians—under the new covenant—experience unveiled access to God’s glory, leading to transformation and clarity in their spiritual vision .
Suffering is central to Paul's defense of his ministry, serving as both a validation of his apostolic authority and a reflection of shared fellowship with Christ’s sufferings. He portrays his trials as indicative of the genuine nature of his calling and ministry, suggesting that such experiences connect him with the power and purpose found in Christ and highlight the transformative, life-giving essence of the gospel. This suffering is not just endured but seen as a vital component that demonstrates and amplifies God's strength in apparent weakness and vulnerability .
Upon learning of the Corinthians' repentance, Paul expresses profound comfort and joy, acknowledging this transformation as vindication of his ministry and the severe letter he previously sent. This reversal reassures Paul about his earlier decisions and reinforces his hope that the severe actions taken were necessary for spiritual correction. His joy reflects the relational depth and emotional investment he has with this church, underscoring how mutual understanding and reconciliation foster long-term community building and shared faith .
Paul addresses accusations of inconsistency by highlighting the transparency and integrity of his actions, pointing to God as the witness of his sincerity. He explains that apparent changes in plans were motivated by a commitment to prevent further hurt to the Corinthians rather than capriciousness. This response underscores Paul's leadership style as being deeply personal and pastoral, prioritizing the spiritual well-being and unity of the church over rigid adherence to plans or human expectations .
Paul justifies his decision not to return to Corinth by emphasizing his reliability and sincerity, ultimately driven by his love and concern for the well-being of the Corinthians. He explains that his change of plans was not due to fickleness but as a considerate response to spare them the pain of a severe confrontation. Paul references the spiritual integrity and consistency upheld through God's actions as a method of reinforcing the truthfulness of his ministry and intentions .