2 Corinthians 11:8

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he describes a thorn in his flesh. In this plan, Dr. Tony Evans teaches about this thorn, and how it affected Paul, as well as what we can learn from it to apply to our lives today.

In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul encourages believers to live in the identity Christ has provided for them. Although as fragile and mundane as jars of clay, God’s people hold the inestimable treasure of the gospel in their lives (2 Corinthians 4:7). 2 Corinthians reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ, tasked with showing and sharing God’s good news of reconciliation for all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:20).

“It’s complicated”—that is probably an apt way to describe the relationship between Paul and the church in Corinth. His first letter was met with resistance: some rejected his criticism and even questioned his authority. Paul traveled to Corinth in person—a painful visit. After he returned, he wrote a severe letter in tears. The church responded: many repented. Paul heard about this from Titus and wrote again—our Second Letter to the Corinthians. It is a testimony to genuine reconciliation, to love that has been hurt, and to the divine power that can heal even broken relationships, even today.

Let’s explore how we can influence the culture with the truth of God’s word through 1 and 2 Corinthians! These two letters are a powerful message from the Apostle Paul to a church that was passionate about its mission but needed direction to remain true to its Christian faith and doctrines. Those priorities make his letters important teaching for every Christian.