Background on the Californian Epistles

Background on the Corinthian Epistles Lesson 1

I. Background on II Corinthians: Author: The Apostle Paul Paul had founded the church on his second missionary journey and stayed in Corinth a year and a half (Acts 18:11) Date: A.D. 56 – About six months after he wrote I Corinthians Location: Macedonia on his third missionary journey

Paul visits Corinth in A.D. 51, founds the church and stays a year and a half. After Paul left Corinth he became aware of some alarming problems, so he wrote a now extinct letter. (I Cor. 5:9) During Paul’s third missionary journey, while stationed in Ephesus, a delegation arrives asking several questions and sharing problems in the church. This occasions Paul writing II Corinthians. Paul sends Timothy to Corinth since he couldn’t leave Ephesus. (I Cor. 16:8-9) Apparently, Timothy informs Paul that a group of false apostles have attempted a coup for the control of the church. Paul leaves Ephesus for a “sorrowful” and “painful” visit to Corinth which did not go well. (II Cor. 2:1) Historical Overview…

Paul returns to Ephesus and writes another letter which is known as the “severe” letter which is now extinct and sent it to Corinth with Titus. (II Cor. 7:5-16) Paul now leaves Ephesus and goes to Troas where he is suppose to meet up with Titus. Titus is a no show. Though Paul is tempted to stay and evangelize because of an open door (II Cor. 2:12-13), nonetheless he leaves for Macedonia where he meets up with Timothy who brings good news of the Corinthians returned loyalty to Paul. (II Cor. 7:7) Paul knows that the possibility that things could go south still exists and to address other issues so he writes II Cor.

Paul’s Four Letters To The Corinthians 1.First letter is lost – Mentioned in I Corinthians 5:9 2.Second letter is our I Corinthians 3.Third letter is lost and is known as the “severe” letter – Mentioned in II Corinthians 2:3-4, 9 and 7:8-9 4.Fourth letter is our II Corinthians

1.To explain why he didn’t come to Corinth when he said he would (1:15-22) 2.To correct over zealous discipline of a repentant brother (2:5-11) 3.To express joy of the Corinthian believers confirming their loyalty to Paul and truth (2: and 7:15-16) 4.To encourage the Corinthians to give generously to the Judean Christian Relief Fund (8-9) 5.To contend for the hearts of the Corinthians against the false apostles in the church (10-13) II. Purpose of II Corinthians:

III. Some Observations: 1.II Corinthians is Paul’s most least studied epistle. 2.Often a “II” book of the Bible gets an unfair second class rating. This is especially true of II Corinthians 3.Is not easy reading 4.II Corinthians is written in the aftermath of great pain and suffering 5.It is more from Paul’s heart, personal, transparent, and Paul shares his deep feelings

6.Paul is defensive throughout the book 7.Tremendous lessons in diplomacy 8.Paul leaves a lot unsaid 9.It is the least doctrinal of Paul’s letters except for Philemon 10.After Paul wrote I Corinthians things got worse 11.No where else does Paul speak about how tough his life is 12.Great insights into spiritual warfare, false Christian leaders, and Satan’s tactics

IV. Outline of II Corinthians: I.Paul explains his actions (1:1-2:11) II.Paul defends his ministry (2:12-7:16) III.Doctrine of Christian giving in light of the Judean Christian Relief Fund (8-9) IV.Paul’s right of apostolic authority in light of the false apostles (11-13)

V. What do the Corinthian epistles teach us about problems in the church? The church is not filled with perfect believers. Often it is comprised of spiritual men and women (I Cor. 2:15), carnal believers (I Cor. 3:1), and even unbelievers (II Cor. 13:5). Just like in government, who controls the house and the government is determined by what party has the majority vote and is in control. When Christ writes to the seven churches of Asia in Rev. 2-3, He gives a passing grade to only two churches out of seven. In other words, 71% fail the Lord’s standards. Although undesirable, sad, and sinful, Christians fighting and divisions in the church is not uncommon God uses these difficulties to see what leadership will emerge – I Corinthians 11:18-19

Problems in the Corinth Church: (From I Corinthians) 1.Party strife (1:11-13; 11:18) 2.Flagrant case of immorality (5:1) 3.Christians suing one other in public court (6:1,5-6) 4.Ignorance regarding marriage (7:5) 5.Caused weaker Christians to stumble (8:1-2) 6.Challenged Paul’s apostleship (9:1-2) 7.Women praying with heads uncovered (11:5) 8.Defiling the Lord’s Supper (11:20-22) 9.Misuse of spiritual gifts (12:1-3) 10.Some denied the physical resurrection (15:12)

John MacArthur says about II Corinthians… A church should not ordain anyone who has not read this epistle and commentaries on this treatise.

In my life, I have attended six different churches Arguing and strife Church leadership involved in affairs The Pastor got upset over not getting his way and resigned. He then changed his mind and was not allowed to return. He became bitter and refused to go to church. The pastor was having an affair with a lady in the church No sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence The pastor refused to submit to the elder board and resigned and started a church in the same community

What happens when problems and divisions in the Church hurt the sheep? Most all of us are shocked to think we are no longer in a “safe” place. Some Christians are devastated never to return to the local church again. To others, it becomes a defining moment and causes him or her to become stronger in his or her faith. In any case it is a reminder of Jesus’ question in John 6:67, Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?"