The Epistle of Second Corinthians

Outline of 2nd Corinthians Explanation of Paul’s Apostolic Ministry (1:1—6:10) Greetings from “an apostle…by the will of God” (1:1-2) Past events in Paul’s ministry Trouble in Asia, but comfort from God (1:3-11) Plans for visiting Corinth (1:12-24) Writing out of love produces sorrow, yields forgiveness (2:1-11) Nature of the word Paul ministered Dual aroma of the gospel (2:12-17) The word is ministered thru the Corinthians’ changed lives (3:1-5) A ministry of the Spirit (3:6-18) God’s treasure in earthen vessels (4:1-7) Motivation for ministering An eternal perspective (4:8-18) A future expectation (5:1-11) The love of Christ (5:12-16) Reconciling men to God (5:17-21) Proof that Paul is a minister of God (6:1-10)

Outline of 2nd Corinthians Exhortations to the Corinthians (6:11—9:15) Concerning fellowshipping darkness The Corinthians must open their hearts and separate from the world (6:11—7:3) Comfort and confidence in the Corinthians’ obedience (7:4-16) Concerning the collection for the saints. The Corinthians are to do the following: Follow the examples of Christ and the Macedonian churches (8:1-9) Complete what had been planned and purposed (8:10-15) Prove themselves (8:16—9:5) Sow that they might reap, in order to have more to sow (9:6-15)

Outline of 2nd Corinthians Exoneration of Paul’s Apostleship (10:1—13:10) Paul not to be measured “according to the flesh” (10:1-18) Paul must boast: His selflessness excludes others from being regarded as apostles (11:1-15) His willingness to suffer (11:16-33) His exaltation due to his revelations is tempered by infirmity (12:1-10) His miracles (12:11-13) He spent and was spent so as not to burden the Corinthians (12:14-18) His desire for their edification (12:19—13:10)  Conclusion (13:11-14)

Challenges to the Corinthians: Follow-through with Plans for Giving (2 Corinthians 8:10—9:5) Paul advises the Corinthians to fulfill their plans to give (8:10-11). Paul is not speaking by commandment here. He had ordered how the collection would be taken, but not that they were required to give for this specific relief (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:8). It is not enough to want to give, or pledge to give, if actual giving never occurs. If the mind is willing, giving is accepted (by God) according to what one has (8:12) NOTE: Tithing and alternative sacrifices for the poor in the Old Testament took financial ability into account.

Challenges to the Corinthians: Follow-through with Plans for Giving (2 Corinthians 8:10—9:5) Paul’s goal is that the voluntary giving of the Corinthians would result in the needs of saints being met equally (8:13-15) The Lord desires that His blessings be shared equally among His people (Exo. 16:18; Acts 2:44-45; 4:32, 34) Wealth, like manna, is to be used to diffuse the blessings of God to the glory of God (particularly among His people, 9:13; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 1 Pet. 4:9-11) Exodus 16:18  So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one's need. 1 Timothy 6:17-19  Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.  (18)  Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,  (19)  storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Peter 4:9-11  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  (10)  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  (11)  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Paul commends his fellow workers in this task Challenges to the Corinthians: Follow-through with Plans for Giving (2 Corinthians 8:10—9:5) Paul commends his fellow workers in this task Titus’ care for the Corinthians was shown in his own eagerness to go to Corinth (8:16-17) A loving heart, sound doctrine, and a willingness to work are some of the chief qualities of Paul’s most valued co-workers (cf. Phil. 2:19-20) Another unnamed brother was chosen by the churches to accompany their gift (8:18-21) His good name had great value (Proverbs 22:1) This brother’s work enabled Paul to remain blameless with respect to these funds; all things were to be seen as honorable by God and men (Col. 1:22; Rom. 12:17) Philippians 2:19-20  But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.  (20)  For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. Proverbs 22:1  A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. Colossians 1:21-22  And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,  (22)  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, Romans 12:17  Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 KJV Provide things honest in the sight of all men.  Romans 12:17 ESV give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 

Paul commends his fellow workers in this task Challenges to the Corinthians: Follow-through with Plans for Giving (2 Corinthians 8:10—9:5) Paul commends his fellow workers in this task Paul had sent along a brother who had “proven earnest” or “diligent” in many matters, and who had confidence in the Corinthians (8:22-23) These were Paul’s fellow workers – their work was for the glory of Christ (8:19b, 23b)

The Corinthians’ Opportunity to Prove Themselves Challenges to the Corinthians: Follow-through with Plans for Giving (2 Corinthians 8:10—9:5) The Corinthians’ Opportunity to Prove Themselves The Corinthians now had the opportunity to demonstrate the sincerity of their love to Paul’s noble fellow workers and to the other churches participating in this effort (8:24, cf. 8:8) Paul’s use of Corinth as an example for others could once again have good effect (cf. 7:14)

The Corinthians’ Opportunity to Prove Themselves Challenges to the Corinthians: Follow-through with Plans for Giving (2 Corinthians 8:10—9:5) The Corinthians’ Opportunity to Prove Themselves Paul’s hope is that his use of Corinth as an example for others would have good effect (9:1-5) Paul didn’t need to encourage the Corinthians to want to give to help the saints (9:1) He knew their willingness, and had told the Macedonians that Achaia (Corinth) was ready to give a year ago (9:2; cf. 8:10) Ultimately, both Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make this contribution: Romans 15:26  For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

The Corinthians’ Opportunity to Prove Themselves Challenges to the Corinthians: Follow-through with Plans for Giving (2 Corinthians 8:10—9:5) The Corinthians’ Opportunity to Prove Themselves Ultimately, both Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make this contribution (Romans 15:26) Paul had sent brethren ahead to Corinth to ensure that the Corinthians desire to give would come to fruition, so that neither he nor they would be embarrassed by a lackluster effort (9:3-4) Paul’s efforts to encourage the Corinthians to give was not “extortion” (9:5, ASV). Their gift was not compelled by Paul, but by their own “love,” “willingness” and “desire” to help needy saints. Romans 15:26  For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. Other translation have “exaction” (ESV), “grudging obligation” (NKJV) and “covetousness” (KJV)

Lesson Schedule for our study of Second Corinthians Eastside Auditorium Winter Quarter 2017-18