About This Book
Second Corinthians reveals Paul's vulnerable heart as he defends his apostleship and ministry amid opposition from false apostles in Corinth. Paul explains that comfort received in affliction enables comforting others. He was under great pressure in Asia, despairing even of life, but this taught reliance on God who raises the dead. Paul changed travel plans not from vacillation but from concern for the Corinthians.
His yes means yes because he preaches Christ in whom all God's promises are yes and amen. Paul describes the new covenant ministry—not of the letter which kills but of the Spirit who gives life. Moses veiled his face because of glory that was fading, but believers with unveiled faces behold the Lord's glory and are being transformed into His image. Though Paul has this treasure in jars of clay, proving the power is God's, not his own.
Though outwardly wasting away, inwardly he's being renewed daily. Light momentary affliction produces an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison. Paul walks by faith not sight, committing to please the Lord. Christ's love compels Paul because one died for all, therefore all died, that those living might live for Him.
Anyone in Christ is a new creation—the old has passed, the new has come. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting trespasses. God made Christ who knew no sin to be sin for humanity, that believers might become God's righteousness in Him. As God's co-workers, Paul urges not receiving grace in vain.
Despite afflictions, imprisonments, and hardships, Paul commends himself through purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, genuine love, and truthful speech. Paul appeals for the Corinthians to open their hearts wide to him, to separate from unbelievers. Though Paul came to Macedonia, he had no rest until he found Titus who reported the Corinthians' repentance. Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.
Paul encourages generous giving, following Christ's example who though rich became poor so believers through His poverty might become rich. Paul defends his apostleship against accusations of walking according to flesh, boasting that his commendation comes from God. False apostles disguise themselves as apostles of Christ, as Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Paul reluctantly boasts of his sufferings—imprisonments, beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, dangers, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, cold.
Besides external pressures, daily he feels concern for all churches. Paul received visions and revelations but also a thorn in the flesh. Three times he pleaded for removal, but God said, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore Paul boasts in weaknesses that Christ's power may rest upon him. He warns that when he visits, he will not spare those who sinned earlier and haven't repented.
Paul closes urging self-examination whether they're in the faith.