2 Corinthians Introduction
Introduction
Paul’s first letter to the believers in Corinth gives us a glimpse into his deeply personal and tumultuous relationship with this gathering of Jesus-followers. The letter we know as 2 Corinthians further reveals the triumphs and struggles that result when life in the present age meets up with the in-breaking reality of God’s kingdom. Here we see Paul working to repair relationships, explain various changes in travel plans, make practical arrangements for collecting a gift for the struggling believers in Jerusalem, and directly confront challenges to his own leadership by the self-proclaimed ‘super-apostles’.
In the four main parts of the letter, each introduced by a reference to a place, Paul envisions himself in different locations, recalling or anticipating his relationship with the Corinthians. The single theme running through these sections is that God will comfort us in all our troubles, and we will offer this comfort to each other. This models the life of Jesus himself, who suffered first and then was comforted. Like the crucified Messiah, we are weak, yet we live in God’s power.
In the final section, however, Paul feels he has no choice but to make the Corinthians uncomfortable, to help them face their present condition. But he ends the letter hopefully, calling on them to rejoice in God’s grace, love and fellowship.
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2 Corinthians Introduction: NIVUK
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The Holy Bible, New International Version® (Anglicised), NIV®
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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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