The Epistle of Second Corinthians

Outline of 2nd Corinthians Explanation of Paul’s Apostolic Ministry (1:1—6:10) Greetings from “an apostle…by the will of God” (1:1-2) Past events in Paul’s ministry Trouble in Asia, but comfort from God (1:3-11) Plans for visiting Corinth (1:12-24) Writing out of love produces sorrow, yields forgiveness (2:1-11) Nature of the word Paul ministered Dual aroma of the gospel (2:12-17) The word is ministered thru the Corinthians’ changed lives (3:1-5) A ministry of the Spirit (3:6-18) God’s treasure in earthen vessels (4:1-7) Motivation for ministering An eternal perspective (4:8-18) A future expectation (5:1-11) The love of Christ (5:12-16) Reconciling men to God (5:17-21) Proof that Paul is a minister of God (6:1-10)

Outline of 2nd Corinthians Exhortations to the Corinthians (6:11—9:15) Concerning fellowshipping darkness The Corinthians must open their hearts and separate from the world (6:11—7:3) Comfort and confidence in the Corinthians’ obedience (7:4-16) Concerning the collection for the saints. The Corinthians are to do the following: Follow the examples of Christ and the Macedonian churches (8:1-9) Complete what had been planned and purposed (8:10-15) Prove themselves (8:16—9:5) Sow that they might reap, in order to have more to sow (9:6-15)

Outline of 2nd Corinthians Exoneration of Paul’s Apostleship (10:1—13:10) Paul not to be measured “according to the flesh” (10:1-18) Paul must boast: His selflessness excludes others from being regarded as apostles (11:1-15) His willingness to suffer (11:16-33) His exaltation due to his revelations is tempered by infirmity (12:1-10) His miracles (2:11-13) He spent and was spent so as not to burden the Corinthians (12:14-18) His desire for their edification (12:19—13:10)  Conclusion (13:11-14)

Proof of Paul’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:1-10) The apostles were working with God to extend His grace (6:1) God had committed the word of reconciliation to faithful ministers or ambassadors (5:18-20; Eph. 6:19- 20; Acts 26:17-18) Paul pleads with the Corinthians “not to receive the grace of God in vain.” God’s plan to save man through the Christ had come to fruition. “Now” was the time to take advantage of it! (6:2; Isaiah 49:8) The amazing opportunity of the Corinthians to lay hold on God’s grace must not be squandered! Ephesians 6:19-20  and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,  20  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Acts 26:17-18  I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,  18  to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

Proof of Paul’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:1-10) Paul and his fellow workers were careful not to “give offence in anything” so that no fault could be found with their ministry (6:3) The word “offence” means “to do something which causes others to stumble, i.e. leads them into error or sin” (Thayer’s Lexicon) The apostles’ efforts to spread the gospel must not be hampered by behavior contrary to the gospel! (Matthew 10:16; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Thess. 2:10) Our efforts in the kingdom should be free from blame as well (1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Philippians 2:15; 1 Peter 2:12) Matthew 10:16  "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 1 Corinthians 8:13  Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 1 Thessalonians 2:10  You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33  Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  32  Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,  33  just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Philippians 2:15  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 1 Peter 2:12  having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Proof of Paul’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:1-10) Paul asserts that his behavior commended him as an authentic minister of God (6:4-6; 11:23-25) He was willing to experience hardships with “much patience” or “great endurance” Tribulations Needs Distresses Stripes (11:24; Acts 16:23) Imprisonments (Acts 16:23) Tumults Labors (Colossians 1:28-29) Sleeplessness Fastings (Matthew 9:15) General Hardships Specific Afflictions from others Acts 16:23  And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Colossians 1:28-29  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.  29  To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Matthew 9:15  And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. Personal Choices

Proof of Paul’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:1-10) Paul exhibited the appropriate fruit in his daily walk, and he used the gifts God provided him. Purity Knowledge Longsuffering Kindness The Holy Spirit Sincere love (Romans 12:9) The word of truth The power of God The armor of righteousness (Rom. 13:12; Eph. 6:13-18; 1 Thess. 5:8) Characteristics of Paul’s daily walk (Gal. 5:22-25) Galatians 5:22-25  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  23  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  24  And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Romans 12:9  Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Ephesians 6:13-18 1 Thessalonians 5:8  But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Things God supplied to His ministers

Proof of Paul’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:1-10) Paul’s experiences as a minister of God could be perceived in vastly different ways – on the right hand and on the left (6:7b-10) Honor – Dishonor Evil report – Good report Deceivers – True (Acts 18:13; 19:26) Unknown – Well Known Dying – Living Chastened – Not Killed Sorrowful – Rejoicing Poor – Making Rich (Acts 3:6) Having nothing – Possessing all things Nine Contrasting Ways to Perceive God’s Ministers Acts 18:13  saying, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.“ Acts 19:26  Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. Acts 3:6  Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

Lesson Schedule for our study of Second Corinthians Eastside Auditorium Winter Quarter 2017-18