2 Corinthians
Giving is More Blessed Than Receiving
Paul, writing from Macedonia, hoped that news of the generosity of these churches would encourage the Corinthian believers, motivate them to solve their problems, and unite the fellowship. He is usually thought of as being a great theologian and missionary. However, what is often not …
The Triumph of Christ
It appeared that Paul’s plans had completely fallen apart. He had sent Titus to Corinth to find out their spiritual condition and had arranged to meet him in Troas for a firsthand report. When Titus failed to show up, Paul became very concerned. For all Paul knew, Titus might have been carrying …
Paul’s Vision And Thorn in The Flesh
Just as God permitted Satan to test Job (Job 1-2) and Peter (Luke 22:31-34), so He permitted Satan to attack Paul. To avoid exalting himself he describes these experiences in the third person …
We May Be The Only Bible Some People Read
These legalistic false teachers boasted that they carried "letters of recommendation” from the “important people” in the Jerusalem church. They said, “Where is his letter of recommendation? Does he have a letter of approval from the apostolic council in Jerusalem? If so, let him produce …
Christ Our Pattern
I have known pastors, missionaries, and Bible school students who argue that since they devote their whole life to serving the Lord, they are not obligated to give financially to the Lord’s work. Paul says just the opposite is true (vv. 7-8). If you are gifted from God, you ought to want to give …
Cast Down But Not Conquered
God has made us the way we are so that we can do the work He wants us to do (v. 7). As a Christian we should never complain because of a lack of gifts or abilities. Each of us is a special vessel made by God for His use. The important thing about a vessel is that it is clean, empty, and available …
Bringing People to God
It appears that Paul is trying to persuade men of his own sincerity. He has no doubt whatever that in the sight of God his hands are clean and his motives pure, but his enemies have cast suspicion on them. This is not from any selfish desire to vindicate himself. It is from the knowledge that, if …
Forgiveness For The Sinner
“Peace at any price” is not a Biblical principle, for there cannot be true spiritual peace without purity (James3:13- 18). Church discipline is not a popular subject and very few churches today really practice it. Too many churches just sweep things under the rug instead of obeying the …
Assurance of The Resurrection
In this passage we find that heaven was not simply a destination for Paul; it was also a motivation. He was anxiously waiting for the day when he would fully participate in the abundant life promised in heaven. He used a tent or earthly house as a picture of our present earthly bodies (v. 1). A tent …
The Spirit, Not The Letter
Paul could go through what he did because he knew that it was not in vain; he knew that it was to bring others to Christ. When a man has the conviction that what is happening to him is happening literally for Christ’s sake, he can face anything. Paul was a brilliant and well- educated man; yet he …