The book of Second Corinthians was most likely also written in A.D. 55, but from Macedonia (2Cor 2:13; 7:5). Paul is the author (2Cor. 1:1). This letter is intensely personal and contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings.
Paul had indicated that he planned to visit Corinth again (1Cor. 16:5-7). However, he had a change in plans, at least, in timing. This caused some in the Corinthian Church to accuse Paul of deceiving them (saying "yes, I'm coming", but really meaning "no, I'm not coming"). It was alleged, Paul's word could not be trusted. In fact, false teachers had arisen in the Corinthian Church, who were stirring things up by saying that Paul was not a true apostle and that he could not be trusted with the church money collected for the famine stricken Christians of Jerusalem. Furthermore, these false teachers claimed they had a better gospel. Paul answers his critics in a tender but firm way. His personal life was above reproach, his teaching was true and he was still coming to Corinth.
This second epistle can easily be divided into three main sections: the reason for the change in plans (chs.1-7); the collection of money for the needy in Jerusalem (chs. 8-9); the authenticity of Paul's apostleship (chs. 10-13).
While the Book of Acts tells of Paul's physical sufferings for Christ, the second letter to the Corinthians gives us an insight into the spiritual and emotional sufferings of Paul - and of any true minister of Jesus Christ.
Why does God allow suffering? This is not an easy question nor is there an easy answer. Paul gives a valid reason why God allows suffering among Christians.
Interpersonal relationships are never easy. Personality conflicts are common even among Christian people. Paul gives five suggestions on how to get along with a difficult person in your life.
Christians should forgive those who sin against or offend them - even if they have not yet asked for forgiveness. A failure to forgive does the most damage to the person who carries the grudge.
What is the Christian to be like in this world? We are an aroma of Christ. We are a letter from Christ. We are competent through Christ.
Paul contrasts the ministry that brought death (the Law) and the ministry that brings righteousness (the Spirit). The ministry of the Spirit in Christ is glorious. It brings hope, freedom and transformation to our lives.
Becoming a Christian does not mean an easy life. God allows difficulties (large and small), even suffering, to enter our lives. There are reasons. "We have this treasure in jars of clay" But, eternal glory is in our future!
Question: What happens to Christians, when they die? Answer: What is mortal is swallowed up by life!
Paul has already spoken about forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2. Now he goes a step further and speaks of reconciliation. In great pathos Paul pleads with the Corinthians for complete reconciliation. He has the ministry and the message of reconciliation.
The committed Christian is not to be closely bound together with non-Christians. We are a separated people - separated from the ways of sin. We are temples of the living God. We endeavor by God's grace to live holy lives.
Here are the classic chapters on giving - the grace of giving, the goal of giving and the way of giving. We are stewards of God's gifts to us.
A lesson on Christian leadership: the power of gentleness and the power of humility.
How do false leaders get a foothold in a church? It happens even today. Paul defends his ministry. He then tells them to watch for certain things among these false leaders. Pastor Art then names four anchors for today's church.
Paul had some grandiose visions and some debilitating thorns. He is thankful for both. In fact, he was more thankful for the thorn for a very special reason. He said, "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
As Paul anticipated his third visit to Corinth (2Cor.13:1), he had a lot of conflicting emotions. Will everyone have changed? What about the internal deficiencies that were destroying this church? (We face the same things.) He calls on the church to examine itself and aim for perfection.