all of Greece south of Macedonia; see map, 2288). 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. They must not imagine that in all this he is excusing himself to them. I. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Google Books He then wrote again--the present epistle--and forwarded it by Titus and other brethren, he himself following a little later, and finally wintering in Corinth as he had originally planned. Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection in preparation 1. Reference already has been made to the two visits which are recorded in Acts. In a vivid series of four contrasts, Paul declared that a constant succession of serious crises afflicting him never defeated him (4:8, 9). WebThe Second Epistle to the Corinthians[a] is a Pauline epistle of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The second letter is the pastoral letter, more commonly known as the canonical epistle (1 Cor) in which Paul treated a number of problems existing in the Christian congregation at Corinth. Others continue to regard it as a single letter, attributing its inconsistencies to changes of perspective in Paul that may have been occasioned by the arrival of fresh news from Corinth during its composition. 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 WebCorinthians, Second Epistle to The: Shortly after writing his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul left Ephesus, where intense excitement had been aroused against him, the evidence 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. For they must meet again--he is coming for the third time--and this time he will not spare. So after the riot caused That recognition remains as strong today as ever. This is significant for it indicates that it is to make a major contribution in the relations between Paul and the Corinthians. The period of Pauls contacts with the Corinthians is indicated in Acts (Acts 18:1-18; 20:2, 3). The 2nd Letter to Corinthians is St. Pauls attempt persuade the church of Corinth to turn back to following himself and the true gospel. God, who in the beginning said, Let there be light, has spoken the same words to the hearts of the Corinthians (4:6). and his authority as an apostle (see 11:4; 12:11). He has never wronged them; they are enshrined in his heart, living or dying; he glories in them, and is filled with comfort in all his affliction (2Corinthians 6:11-13; 7:2-4). To the list there given should be added Moffatt's Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament, 1911; valuable for its critical presentation of recent views, and for its references to the literature. responded favorably to his painful letter (, To let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of It is not possible to say that these were the only visits to Corinth. (. It was indeed an agonizing experience until the moment he met Titus, but the relief was all the sweeter and more triumphant when God at length gave it, as he might have been sure He would give it to a faithful and soul-winning servant of Christ (2Corinthians 2:12-17). As a Christian, Paul willingly suffered with Christ (1:5) and bore in his body the dying of Christ (4:10). Corinthians 8 The shared wealth and need of believers, 2. In trying to determine the length of the interval, it is necessary to allow sufficient time for the activities of Paul which occurred during this period. it by Titus (12:8). Next, Paul discusses the work of the ministry in connection with the predicament of trial. 10-13 constitute a section of the epistle that conforms to the supposed contents of the severe (or painful) letter; (4) therefore, chs. The apostle had been grievously wronged in the presence of the church, and the Corinthians had not spontaneously resented the wrong. God does not write letters of recommendation on paper but into the life of his servant! He has been called with a Divine calling to the most glorious work in which a man can engage, to be to this estranged earth an ambassador of heaven. 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. The question is still a subject of keen discussion, and is not one on which it is easy to pronounce dogmatically. was written in the aftermath of a serious crisis between Paul and the Corinthians. (, The Integrity of Paul's Motives and Conduct The enemies of the apostle have charged him with being very bold and courageous when he is absent, but humble enough when he is present. St. Paul's Second New International Version (NIV), Encyclopedia of The Bible Second Epistle to the Corinthians. He earnestly defends himself against their contemptuous charges of fleshliness and cowardice (chapter 10), and crafty venality (2Corinthians 12:16,17). Corinthians 2 In the Triumphal Procession of Christ, 2. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Moreover, he wrote to them concerning the collection which he expected to gather for the church at Jerusalem. (3) the "severe" letter (see 2Co 2:3-4; see also below); (4) 2 Corinthians. The offender in 1Corinthians 5:1-5 had been guilty of incest, and Paul was grieved that the church of Corinth did not regard with horror a crime which even the pagan world would not have tolerated. As they arrogated to themselves a peculiar relation to Christ Himself ("Christ's men" and "ministers of Christ," 2Corinthians 10:7; 11:13), it is possible that the Christus-party of 1 Corinthians (and possibly the Cephas-party) may have persisted and formed the nucleus round which these newcomers built up their formidable opposition. Therefore, St. Paul was between two lines of fire: In the east were the difficulties of Galatia and in the west the problems of Corinth. In explaining the identity of this painful letter two points of view have had much more impressive support than other points of view. The accusations against St. Paul can be grouped together as follows: At the same time there were similar difficulties in the church of Galatia. Unity. Second Epistle of Clement - Wikipedia This would allow for his departure from Ephesus some time after writing 1 Corinthians in a.d. 57 during the spring months. 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). Proud member Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Wikiwand As to the genuineness internal evidence very vividly attests it. The other reply is that the letter has been lost, just as the letter alluded to in 1 Corinthians 5:9 is regarded lost. Second Corinthians could have been written in October prior to his arrival in December to spend the winter months with the Corinthians. He loved those converts as only a great soul in Christ could love them. The Second Letter to the Corinthians is the most personal of all of Pauls extant writings, and it reveals much about his character. (1) In relation to his converts, it shows us how sensitive he was, how easy it was to touch him on the quick, and to wound his feelings. This is the so-called great digression, 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.". It is but passing from a frail earthly tent to abide forever in a heavenly home (2Corinthians 5:1). Paul was denounced as an upstart and self-seeker, destitute of any apostolic authority, and derided for the contemptible appearance he made in person, in contrast with the swelling words and presumptuous claims of his epistles It is clear, therefore, that a profound religious crisis had arisen among the Corinthians, and that there was a danger of their attachment to Paul and his doctrine being destroyed. After writing the severe letter, Paul had second thoughts. On the other hand Sanday (Encyclopaedia Biblica) declares against it, and Robertson (Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (five volumes)) regards it as decidedly not proven; while critics of such weight as Holtzmann, Beyschlag, Klopper, Weizsacker, Sabatier, Godet, Bernard, Denney, Weiss, and Zahn are all to be reckoned as advocates of the integrity of the epistle. 1 Cor 5:9) in which Paul specifically required that Christians in Corinth were to separate themselves from immoral persons. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Bible Hub 7 Things the Bible Says You Can Know for Sure, 15 Amazing Attributes of God: What They Mean and Why They Matter. met Titus. His keenest sorrow came in the disaster that threatened them, and he flew to their defense. The opposition was strong and full of effrontery, and the whole trend of things was against him. Corinthians was written from Ephesus before Pentecost (in the late spring) As that earlier letter, however, must have contained references to the personal offender, the present section, which omits all such references, can be regarded as at most only a part of it. For another, the unsettled and tense relations between Paul and Corinth had interrupted the efforts to complete the collection in Corinth. Wherefore let them go on with the good work they were so ready to initiate a year ago, giving out of a willing mind, as God hath enabled them (2Corinthians 8:10-15). 10-13 which is severe. In addition to the difference in the tone of the two sections, it is pointed out that there is a difference in reference to point of time. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. of Nor should it obscure Pauls sigh of relief and his attitude of joyous thankfulness over the fortunate change of attitude on the part of the Corinthian church. (, The Corinthian Believers -- a Letter from Christ Paul willingly served and suffered, even as Jesus did, but he was not overpowered through affliction. And present we shall all ultimately be before Him on the judgment throne (2Corinthians 5:10). J. H. Kennedy (Second and Third Cor) presents perhaps the ablest and fullest argument for it that has yet appeared in English. onset of winter. Second Corinthians In this letter Paul was attempting to relieve the strained relations. Titus and His Companions Sent to Corinth 2Co 2:13; 7:5 indicate that it was probably written from Macedonia. The third section, 2Corinthians 10-13, as has been pointed out, is a spirited and even passionate polemic, in the course of which the Judaizing party in Corinth is vigorously assailed. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians at a vulnerable time in his life. Received as Divine, this vocation is accepted with supreme devotion. Value of the Epistle.$ The chief element of value in this epistle is the revelation it gives of the apostle himself. That itself unspeakably deepens the earnestness with which preachers of the gospel seek to persuade men. It was then beyond doubt that the visit "with sorrow," which humbled him (2Corinthians 12:21) and left such deep wounds, had actually taken place. Corinthians 9 Collection for the poor in Jerusalem, 2. Will the adepts - Corinthians bear with him in a little of this foolish boasting? Even in Ephesus Paul had trouble (Acts 19:23; 2 Cor 1:8). However scholars may differ as to the continuity and integrity of the text, there is no serious divergence among them in the opinion that all parts of the epistle are genuine writings of the apostle. Web1:1. The chief purpose of 2 Corinthians is to prepare the church at Corinth for Pauls visit which he is soon to make. The letter deals principally with these three topics: (1) a crisis between Paul and the Corinthians, occasioned at least partially by changes in his travel plans (2 Cor 1:122:13), and the successful resolution of that crisis (2 Cor 7:516); (2) further directives and encouragement in regard to the collection for the church in Jerusalem (2 Cor 8:19:15); (3) the definition and defense of Pauls ministry as an apostle. From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, 2 Corinthians WebCORINTHIANS, SECOND EPISTLE TO THE (, ; the second of two books or epistles in the New Testament addressed by St. Paul to the Some think that when Paul had just completed writing Certainly all this is folly, but they are most to blame for it who, through lack of loyalty, have forced him to it. 1-9 have a thankful tone, this is not the only tone found in this section (cf. He tells them of the extraordinary liberality of the Macedonian churches, and invites them to emulate it, and by the display of this additional grace to make full proof of their love (2Corinthians 8:1-8). Was it a mark of fleshly cunning when he resolved not to be burdensome to them, while he accepted supplies from Macedonia? WebSummary of the Book of 2 Corinthians. WebWe are aware that some scholars, as f. i. Hausrath, Schmiedel, Kennedy, Baljon, Findlay, Robertson (in Hastings D. The distinctive elements of Pauline theology and eschatology, expressed in familiar Pauline terms, are manifest throughout. So is he. It is impossible to reap bountifully, if we sow sparingly. The Corinthians had been swayed by a godly sorrow and repentance (2Corinthians 7:8), and the sky had cleared again with almost unhoped-for brightness. Titus, who had gone as his representative to Corinth, was to return with a report of how this severe letter had been received, and when Titus failed to meet him at Troas 2Corinthians 2:13, he had "no relief for his spirit," but pushed on eagerly to Macedonia to encounter him the sooner. (. Although the genuineness of the various parts of the epistle is scarcely disputed, the homogeneity is much debated. 10 - 13, which is so different 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. So before sending off the letter he added The Second Epistle to the Corinthians Paul Barnett Wm. The epistle was It is universally acknowledged that there is a remarkable change in the tone of the section 2Corinthians 10:1-13:10, as Compared with that of the previous chapters In the earlier chapters there is relief at the change which Titus has reported as having taken place in Corinth, and the spirit is one of gladness and content; but from chapter 10 onward the hostility to the apostle is unexpectedly represented as still raging, and as demanding the most strenuous treatment. 1915. Salem Media Group. Before Titus could return, events took a disastrous form in Ephesus, and Paul was forced to leave that city in peril of his life. 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). That is what wounded the apostle most deeply, and it is to secure their change in this respect that is his gravest concern. This reply is subjected to strong criticism because of the insufficient evidence upon which it is based. There was also serious sexual immorality in Corinth (2 Cor 12:21), which could have come through the heresy of the Gnostics. A man in Christ. In 1 Corinthians where Paul counsels on church problems, the self-portrait is that of a Christian minister. 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. ; (2) the painful visit implicitly referred to in 2:1; and. 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. His message was Jesus Christ as Lord (4:5). Meanwhile, Paul prepared to leave Ephesus for Macedonia, where he expected Titus to rejoin him and report on developments at Corinth. Paul informs the Corinthians that Titus and others are coming to help them in this project. the last four chapters to address this troublemaking group. Evidence of this triumph is no less than the Corinthian church. 7 Things the Bible Says You Can Know for Sure, 15 Amazing Attributes of God: What They Mean and Why They Matter. It needs no veil as if to conceal its evanescence. It is the ministry of reconciliation (5:18). This letter was written because he could not trust himself meantime to another visit. Could they but believe it, their perfecting is the aim of all his labors (2Corinthians 13:1-10). Paul deals at length with aspects of this situation in 2 Cor 2:147:4 and again in 2 Cor 10:113:10, though the manner of treatment and the thrust of the argument differ in each of these sections. There are two sections, however, whose right to remain integral parts of 2Co has been more forcibly challenged. of Paul to the Corinthians Through all its changing moods, Paul, in perfect abandon, shows us his very soul, suffering, rejoicing, enduring, overcoming. While the Book of Acts, in part, provides the frame of reference for Pauls travels and correspondence, 2 Corinthians gives autobiographical information which is invaluable. But if this plan, on which he and his friends had counted, had not been entirely carried out, it had been for good reason (2Corinthians 1:17), and not due to mere fickleness or light-hearted change to suit his own convenience. 1-9; (5) later, 2 Corinthians was put in its present form by the Corinthian congregation and then circulated among the churches. The glory of the Lord has transfigured the afflictions (4:17). but it turns out to be in some ways the most important section of the letter Hausrath (Der Vier-Capitel-Brief des Paulus an die Korinther, 1870) gave an immense impetus to the view that this later section really represents the painful letter referred to in 2Co 2 and 7. Furthermore, apparently because there remained residual elements of unrepentant minorities, Paul wrote with extraordinary vigor and vehemence concerning his authority as an apostle. Let it be forgiven! visit turned out to be painful and did not accomplish its purpose. The one point of view is the traditional equating of 1 Corinthians with the painful letter. This view does not consider seriously the possibility of more than two visits by Paul to Corinth.

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