Category: 2 Corinthians
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Apostolic Benediction
2 Corinthians 13:14 The way some English translations read, the question emerges whether verse 14 is something like a “complimentary close” modeled on canons of ancient Greek letter writing or whether it is something more. Analysis of the context, form, and actual words of Paul indicates that verse 14 is something more than a mere closing word,…
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Reframing Value
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 One reasonable way to determine what the contemporary church values is by examining what Christian books it purchases. The two best-selling contemporary Christian books promote new revelations and your best life now. Book sale then, seem to indicate that contemporary Christianity values new messages from God and physical blessing. Turning to this first century…
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Humble Deliverance
2 Corinthians 11:30-33 Stories often communicate deeper levels of insight about persons or circumstances than a set of mere descriptive details. To this point in Paul’s so-called “fool’s discourse,” Paul has described a harrowing set of external and internal miseries encountered throughout his ministry. In recounting these miseries, Paul was boasting in his weakness as a counter…
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Strength Magnified In Weakness
2 Corinthians 11:21-29 As Paul finally takes up his so-called “fools discourse,” ironically, he boasts in weakness, not strength. While this portion of the fools discourse consists of three sets of weaknesses, Jewish pedigree, external sufferings, and internal stresses, the weight of this discourse is placed upon the immense amount of physical suffering Paul endured, including multiple…
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False Ministry Exposed, True Ministry Commended
2 Corinthians 11:16-21 The headlines tell the story of gross pastoral abuse with details that are quite shocking. In some of the most high profile churches in America, we read testimony of all kinds of abuse ranging from sexual, to financial, and even to physical abuse. As Paul shames the Corinthians for accepting the false teachers who…