2 Corinthians Introduction
Introduction
In 1 Corinthians Paul writes about his personal struggles with the believers in Corinth. That relationship was not easy and sometimes unpleasant. In 2 Corinthians Paul continues to speak to these believers about their problems and struggles.
In this letter Paul tells them they are part of God’s new world. But they live in the old world that is still fighting against God. So they will have problems as followers of Jesus. Paul writes about many practical issues. Paul tells them why he must change his plans to visit them. He tells them how to collect money as a gift for the very poor people in Jerusalem. Finally, Paul tells them to not believe false teachers. He tells these believers that he has been true to them. And that he brought the true message of good news to them.
As Paul writes this book, he sees himself in different places. In each setting Paul thinks about his relationship with the people in Corinth. Paul either recalls or looks forward to something in his relationship with them. There is a main theme connecting all the parts of the book. The theme is that God will bring comfort in the time of trouble. So believers everywhere must also offer this comfort to each other. Jesus’ life was an example of this. Jesus suffered first and then was comforted. And so his life is an example for us. We are weak and suffer. But we live in the power of God through Jesus Christ. And that is our comfort.
In the final section of the book, Paul challenges the people in Corinth. They must not believe the false teachers who have come there. Then Paul ends the letter with hope. He asks the people to rejoice in God’s grace, love and fellowship.
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2 Corinthians Introduction: NIrV
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Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
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2 Corinthians About this letter
About this letter
In the beginning of this letter Paul answers the concerns of the Christians in Corinth who accused him of not living up to his promise to visit them. Paul had changed his mind for a good reason. He had stayed away from Corinth so that he would not seem to be too hard and demanding (1.23). He also wanted to see if they would follow his instructions about forgiving and comforting people who had sinned (2.5-11).
Paul reminds the Corinthians that God is generous and wants them to be just as generous in their giving to help God's people in Jerusalem and Judea (8.1—9.15).
Paul is a servant of God's new agreement (3.1-17). He is faithful in trying to bring people to God, even if it means terrible suffering for himself (4.1—6.13; 10.1—12.10). And what has God done to make it possible for us to come to him?
God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.
What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace.
(5.18,19)
A quick look at this letter
1. Paul gives thanks to God (1.1-11)
2. The work of an apostle for God's people (1.12—2.17)
3. Guided by the love of Christ (3.1—7.16)
4. Gifts for the poor (8.1—9.15)
5. Paul is a true apostle (10.1—13.10)
6. Final greetings (13.11-13)
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