Level Up – The Epistles Summer 2024 2 Corinthians Introduction – NIV Study Bible a. Author: Paul –traditionally accepted by church fathers (external evidence), plus this one has more autobiographical material than any other of his letters (internal evidence) b. Date: 55 AD. 1 Cor. 16:5-8 suggests that letter was written from Ephesus before Pentecost in the spring, and it is believed that 2 Cor. was written later the same year, before the onset of their winter, from Macedonia (see 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:5) c. Recipients: 2 Cor. 1:1: the church in Corinth and Christians throughout Achaia (the Roman province which covered all of Greece south of Macedonia) d. Purpose: to refute false teachers who had come into the church in Corinth, challenging Paul’s personal integrity and authority as an apostle. They used the occasion of Paul changing his plans (from two short visits to one longer visit, change of itinerary, but he is still coming soon) to say he didn’t keep his word. They also questioned if he was pocketing money intended for famine relief in Jerusalem. Paul answers all these charges. e. Structure of the letter—Paul: • Explains change of itinerary (chs. 1-7; long response with truth nuggets) • Encourages the completion of the collection for famine relief (chs. 8-9) • Stresses certainty he will come, his authenticity as apostle, and readiness to exercise discipline (as an apostle) if necessary (chs. 10-13). f. Notes: • note that Paul uses an editorial “we” a lot in this letter, but he is really just talking about himself alone, for example, in 1:8, “the hardships we suffered,” etc. • While this is the second letter to the Corinthians that we have, it mentions another letter which we do not have, so this would have been at least the third. A “painful visit” is also mentioned. Bible Project – Highlights I.
Reconciliation after itinerary change/dispute (chs. 1-7) a. God of all comfort in stress and suffering b. Distorted values vs. true leadership – not about status; not going to prove credentials (integrity; the church body is his commendation); quotes Jeremiah & Ezekiel; covenant people (old vs. new—more glorious (shiny; 3:18), eternal, and transformative) his conscience is clear; competence comes from God (see 3:5-6) c. Paradox of the cross reveals salvation, God’s character, and a new way of life (“do not be yoked with unbelievers” in 6:14 in context of false teachers) d. The painful visit and painful letter caused sorrow, but that led to repentance, so that is ultimately a cause for joy (church discipline)