These people accused St. Paul several times that he was not a true apostle but only some kind of evangelist, since Paul did not follow Jesus Christ while he still lived, but only after having a vision of the resurrected Christ (Acts 9:1-19). One moment he is venting his feelings of frustration and uncertainty, the next he is pouring out his relief and affection. C. Resolution of the Crisis (7:516) The 2nd Letter to Corinthians is St. Pauls attempt persuade the church of Corinth to turn back to following himself and the true gospel. This would allow for his departure from Ephesus some time after writing 1 Corinthians in a.d. 57 during the spring months. (3) the "severe" letter (see 2Co 2:3-4; see also below); (4) 2 Corinthians. Tradition has been unanimous Although he had been robbed, starved, and imprisoned many times, and although he had to endure the agony of a thorn in the flesh (12:7) as well as the care of all the churches (11:28), he was a living witness to the power of Christ in his life (12:9). When we remember that the particular theme of the lost letter referred to in 1Corinthians 5:9 was the relation of the converts to the immoral, it is by no means unlikely that we have here preserved a stray fragment of that epistle. What Is the Abomination of Desolation Mentioned in Bible Prophecy? $ VII. 10-13 have a severe tone, this is not the only tone found in this section (cf. Paul managed to win both churches, those in Corinth and in Ephesus, back to his side. Paul sends a third Letter (disappeared), the Letter of Tears (also known as Severe Letter), from Ephesus. RESUME OF EVENTS$ $ III. Although the tribulations have taken an exhausting toll of the outward man, the power of God has renewed the inner man (4:16). 1. Either the visitors themselves or some of the local church members appear to have sown confusion among the Corinthians with regard to Pauls authority or his style, or both. To deal with the minority opposition in the church (chs. It was because he would "spare" them (2Corinthians 1:23), and not come to them "again with sorrow" (2Corinthians 2:1). After writing the severe letter, Paul had second thoughts. In the light of this impossibility, there is a strong inclination today to consider the probability of another visit. So sacred and responsible a trust has subdued the apostle's own life, and is indeed the key to its manifold endurance, and to the earnestness with which he has striven to cultivate every grace, and to submit himself to every discipline (2Corinthians 6:1-10). especially Rom 8:3139; 1Cor 1:2631; 4:621; 9:127; 13:113; Phil 4:1019) confirm Pauls familiarity with contemporary rhetoric and demonstrate how effectively it served to express his vision of Christian life and ministry. It is the love of Christ constraining them (2Corinthians 5:14) in the ministry of reconciliation, that they should entreat men as ambassadors on Christ's behalf (2Corinthians 5:20). "Any exegesis," says Weizsacker justly, "that would avoid the conclusion that Paul had already been twice in Corinth is capricious and artificial" (Apostolic Age, I, 343). 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. The available evidence indicates that the year a.d. 55 is a reasonable estimate St. Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, and the Galations, Explained, by G.B 194. by Gracilla Boddington. The date for this is presumed to be a.d. 58. There as well the Judaizers pursued to deny the apostleship of St. Paul and accused him of teaching only the basics of the gospel. 2. So before sending off the letter he added This theory is ably and minutely expounded by Schmiedel (Hand-Kommentar); and Pfleiderer, Lipsius, Clemen, Krenkel, von Soden, McGiffert, Cone, Plummer, Rendall, Moffatt, Adeney, Peake, and Massie are prominent among its adherents. Many great ends are served by it. 10-13 chronologically earlier than chs. Corinthians 12 Pauls visions and revelations, 2. Titus manages to calm the situation. Another Jesus is preached, a different spirit, a different gospel (2Corinthians 11:4). Hebrews! Corinthians, Second Epistle to The - Smith's Bible Dictionary It has been truly said that "it enables us, as it were, to lay our hands upon his breast, and feel the very throbbings of his heart.". He is sincerely and affectionately concerning himself for their edifying. That recognition remains as strong today as ever. Even in Ephesus Paul had trouble (Acts 19:23; 2 Cor 1:8). In 1 Corinthians Paul had intimated his intention of visiting the Corinthians and wintering with them, coming to them through Macedonia (1Corinthians 16:5-7; compare also Acts 19:21). Paul wrote 2 Corinthians at a vulnerable time in his life. The letter was written in a period of greatly improved relations between Paul and the Corinthians. WebCORINTHIANS, SECOND EPISTLE TO THE $ I. It was his most personal and it gives a closer picture about Paul than his other Letters. 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. The Apostle Paul wrote it about 56 A.D. He was so distressed and agitated that he wrote it "with many tears"; after it was written he repented of it; and until he knew its effect he endured torture so keen that he hastened to Macedonia to meet his messenger, Titus, halfway. The opening greeting of the letter states that it was addressed to the church 2 Corinthians the last four chapters to address this troublemaking group. TEXT, AUTHENTICITY AND DATE$ 1. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Apr 17, 1997 - Religion - 692 pages 2 Reviews Reviews aren't verified, but Paul sends Titus to Corinth (possibly with the Letter of Tears, 2 Cor 12:18). From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, 2 Corinthians There are three main divisions: The first seven chapters in 2 Corinthians as a whole are taken up with a retrospect of the events that have recently transpired, joyful references to the fact that the clouds of grief in connection with them have been dispelled, and that the evangelical ministry as a Divine trust and power is clearly manifested. The second section discloses a fervent appeal for liberality in the collection for the church at Jerusalem. Paul leaves for Macedonia (current northern Greece) where he receives Titus who brings happy news (2 Cor 2:13). It is impossible to reap bountifully, if we sow sparingly. and the Area of His Mission (, Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction In passages of great rhetorical power (2Cor 4:715; 6:310; 11:2129; 12:510; 13:34) he enumerates the circumstances of his ministry and the tribulations he has had to endure for Jesus and the gospel, in the hope of illustrating the pattern of Jesus existence in his own and of drawing the Corinthians into a reappraisal of the values they cherish. He hopes the Corinthians will not compel him to show his courage (2Corinthians 10:2). Grudging and compulsory benevolence is a contradiction, but God loveth and rewardeth a cheerful giver. This letter was written because he could not trust himself meantime to another visit. WebThe book of 2nd Corinthians is a Pauline Epistle (letter from Paul). It was probably written His opponents suffered a crucial defeat, for after this it was very difficult to undermine the gospel (that is free from works and deeds) in the pagan world. 7 Things the Bible Says You Can Know for Sure, 15 Amazing Attributes of God: What They Mean and Why They Matter. Would God the Corinthians might open their hearts to him as he does to them! According to them, a true Christian should follow the law of the whole Old Testament, that is, to become a Jew. WebCORINTHIANS, 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). Pauls quick visit to Corinth (2 Cor 12:14; 13:1) which was a painful one for both (2 Cor 2:1-4). it by Titus (12:8). "Second Corinthans is one of the most difficult writings in the New Testament to interpret. In addition, these false apostles had shown to the Corinthians letters of recommendation from the church in Jerusalem (2 Cor 3:1) to show that they were representing greater and more important people than Paul. II. The starting point is dating 1 Corinthians some time before Pentecost in a.d. 57 (cf. This turned into a humiliating experience for Paul. Moreover, he gloried in infirmities (12:9) and was content with weaknesses, insults, persecutions and calamities for the sake of Christ. WebExternally, the testimony of the sub-apostolic age, though not so frequent or precise as in the case of 1 Corinthians, is still sufficiently clear to establish the existence and use of According to this epistle, relations had become very critical. In 2 Corinthians where he gives strikingly intimate glimpses into his own person, the self-portrait is that of a man in Christ (12:2). As for those who by God's mercy have received such a gospel ministry, it is impossible for them to be faint-hearted in its exercise, although the eyes of some may be blinded to it, because the god of this world enslaves them (2Corinthians 4:4). In this difficult situation St. Paul decided to make a quick visit to Corinth, but he had to return (perhaps because of what was happening in Galatia) before all things were put back to order (2 Cor 10:2; 13:2). (3) the letter described as written in tears and for a time regretted (2:4; 7:8). The distinctive elements of Pauline theology and eschatology, expressed in familiar Pauline terms, are manifest throughout. The epistle is attributed to Paul the Apostle and a co-author named up the book. Value of the Epistle.$ The chief element of value in this epistle is the revelation it gives of the apostle himself. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The emotional tone of the letter, its lack of order, and our ignorance of some of its background do not make it easy to follow, but it amply repays the effort required of the reader. Those differences led to comparisons. His motivation for taking a collection was not only his response in human sympathy to those in need, but also his ecumenical concern for the unity between the Jerusalem Christians and his Gentile churches. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother: to the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints that are in all Achaia: 1:2. In the light of this improbability and also in the light of the impossibility of limiting Pauls visits to Corinth to two, there is a decided shift to the hypothesis that Paul made another visit. Asia (, To explain why he had changed his travel plans (, To ask them to forgive the offending party (, To warn them not to be "yoked together with unbelievers" (, To explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) Pauls third visit to Corinth (Acts 20:1-6) where he spends three months for the writing of this letter. Paul sends his fourth Letter to Corinth (called the 2nd Letter to Corinthians). Immediately preceding this period there had been serious differences which endangered Pauls leadership at Corinth. (. (2) The epistle is charged with a magnificent consciousness on the apostle's part of his high calling in Christ Jesus. report of Titus of the improved situation at Corinth is the immediate occasion Yea, even if one be called to die in this ministry, that is but another light and momentary affliction. He returned to Ephesus, and poured out his indignation in a severe epistle, which he sent on by the hands of Titus. The hypothesis refers to a third letter, frequently described as the painful letter (cf. Purposely veiled as the statements are, it would yet appear that a personal attack had been made on the apostle; and the "many" in Corinth (2Corinthians 2:6), having at length espoused his cause, Paul then deals with the matter in the generous spirit he might have been expected to display. All his argument centers on the destiny of Jesus, in which a paradoxical reversal of values is revealed. WebThe Second Epistle to the Corinthians is a Pauline epistle of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. True Christian giving builds unity, understanding and mutual concern among all Christians (9:12-14). In all probability we may take it that he was the offender of 2Co 2 and 7. Corinthians 13 Weak people and powerful Christ, First visit to Corinth in Pauls second Mission trip (Acts 18:1-18), First Letter to Corinth (see 1 Cor 5:9, this Letter has disappeared), The Corinthians reply to Paul (see 1 Cor 7:1), A second Letter to Corinth (called the 1st Letter to Corinthians) sent from Ephesus (1 Cor 16:8), Adversaries of Paul arrive in Corinth (2 Cor 3:1) and Paul receives information difficulties in the church. THE and his readiness to exercise discipline if necessary (chs. With the threatened rebellion no longer troubling Paul to the extent he was troubled at the height of the crisis, he wrote to the Corinthians, communicating to them his thankful relief. of Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority The third section manifests an indignant spirit as Paul vehemently asserts the authority of his apostolic office and ministry. Involved in the consideration of the extent of the Corinthian correspondence is the related matter of the number of visits which Paul made to Corinth. Ministers of Christ! In a vivid series of four contrasts, Paul declared that a constant succession of serious crises afflicting him never defeated him (4:8, 9). Following this he wrote in an attempt to rectify the situation. At this early date, the epistle was recognized without question as Pauline. WebFootnotes 2 Corinthians 1:8 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of Gods family; also in 8:1; 13:11. The encouraging Their attacks are vehemently repelled in an eloquent apologia (chapters 11 and 12), and he declares that when he comes the third time they will not be spared (2Corinthians 13:2). It is indeed wonderful that ministers of this grace should be creatures so frail, so subject to pressure and affliction, but it is not inexplicable. WebUnder the influence of the feelings awakened in his mind by the favourable report which Titus brought back from Corinth, this second epistle was written. The letter, or at least some sections of it, appears to have been composed in Macedonia (2Cor 2:1213; 7:56; 8:14; 9:24). In the face of this serious situation, Paul decided to make a quick trip In the hastily written and nervously repented passages of that severe epistle; in the restless wandering, like a perturbed spirit, from Troas to Macedonia, to meet the news and know the issue of his acts, we see a man most lovable indeed, most like ourselves when issues hang in the balance, but a man not already perfect, not yet risen to the measure of the stature of Christ. It seems that the false apostles opposed St. Paul in person while they both were in Corinth (2 Cor 10:10). Many judge, therefore, that this letter as it stands incorporates several briefer letters sent to Corinth over a certain span of time. Moreover, he wrote to them concerning the collection which he expected to gather for the church at Jerusalem. 1:3. There was also serious sexual immorality in Corinth (2 Cor 12:21), which could have come through the heresy of the Gnostics. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Titus and His Companions Sent to Corinth As this cannot possibly refer to the first visit when the church was founded, and cannot easily be regarded as indicating anything previous to 1 Corinthians which never alludes to such an experience, we must conclude that the reference points to the interval between 1 and 2 Corinthians. in its present form). Could they but believe it, their perfecting is the aim of all his labors (2Corinthians 13:1-10). The Second Epistle to the Corinthians Paul Barnett Wm. is the author of this letter (see 1:1; 10:1). Meanwhile, Paul prepared to leave Ephesus for Macedonia, where he expected Titus to rejoin him and report on developments at Corinth. Let them prove themselves whether they be in the faith; for surely they must know whether Christ be in them. heard that his letter had not completely accomplished its purpose. 10-13 were written some time before chs. Dictionaries :: Corinthians, Second Epistle to The - Blue Letter Bible Yet the epistle is not doctrinal or didactic, but an intensely personal document. In it he deals with one or more crises that have arisen in the Corinthian church. 2 Corinthians 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. He shared the weakness of humanity and felt the gusts of emotion, whether in affectionate love or vehement indignation. With the coming of Titus reporting upon a greatly-improved situation, Paul writes from Macedonia of his joy and of his plans to come to Corinth shortly. Second Corinthians is rich and varied in content. great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears" (2:4), probably sending As a Christian, Paul willingly suffered with Christ (1:5) and bore in his body the dying of Christ (4:10). (. Truly he ventures on it out of concern for them (2Corinthians 11:2). (, The Prospect of Death and What It Means in mind: The structure of the letter relates primarily to Paul's impending third visit The Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Bible Hub The most plausible attempt to establish the disunity of this epistle involves the following arguments: (1) comparative study of 2:3, 4; 10:1, 2; 11:2, 3 indicates another letter than 2 Corinthians; (2) this letter may be identified as the severe (or painful) letter written to relieve the tense relations which developed between Paul and Corinth during the interval between 1 and 2 Corinthians; (3) chs. for the Christian (, A Spiritual Father's Appeal to His Children Above all, let them remember that important issues are bound up with this grace of Christian liberality. met Titus. 1:23), and while chs.
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