B. The Purpose of Giving (8:10–15)
3. The basis of the ministry (3:7–18) 4. The theme of the ministry (4:1–7) 5. The trials of the ministry (4:8–18) 6. The motivation of the ministry (5:1–10) 7. The message of the ministry (5:11–21) 8. The conduct of the ministry (6:1–10) E. The Corinthians Exhorted (6:11–7:16)
1. To open their hearts to Paul (6:11–13) 2. To separate themselves from unbelievers (6:14–7:1) 3. To be assured of Paul's love (7:2–16) III. Paul's Collection (8:1–9:15)
A. The Patterns of Giving (8:1–9)
1. The Macedonians (8:1–7) 2. Jesus Christ (8:8–9) B. The Purpose of Giving (8:10–15) C. The Procedures of Giving (8:16–9:5) D. The Promise of Giving (9:6–15) IV. Paul's Apostleship (10:1–12:13)
A. Apostolic Authority (10:1–18)
B. Apostolic Conduct (11:1–15) C. Apostolic Suffering (11:16–33) D. Apostolic Credentials (12:1–13) V. Paul's Visit (12:14–13:14)
A. Paul's Unselfishness (12:14–18)
B. Paul's Warnings (12:19–13:10) C. Paul's Benediction (13:11–14)
THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS
2 Corinthians
Greeting
2 CORINTHIANS 1 †Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: 2†Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God of All Comfort
3†Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4†who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5†For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. [1] 6†If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7†Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8†For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, [2] of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9†Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10†He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11†You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Paul's Change of Plans
12†For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity [3] and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 13†For we are not writing to you
anything other than what you read and acknowledge [4] and I hope you will fully acknowledge— 14†just as you did partially acknowledge us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.
15†Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 16†I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. 17†Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say "Yes, yes" and "No, no" at the same time? 18†As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. 19†For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20†For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21‡†And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22†and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. [5]
23†But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. 24†Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
2 CORINTHIANS 2 †For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 2†For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? 3†And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4†For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
Forgive the Sinner
5‡†Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6†For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7†so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10†Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11†so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
Triumph in Christ
12†When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13†my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
14†But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15†For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16†to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient [1] for these things? 17†For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
Ministers of the New Covenant
2 CORINTHIANS 3 ‡†Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2†You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our [1] hearts, to be known and read by all. 3†And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. [2]
4†Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5†Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6†who has made us competent [3] to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
7‡†Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8‡will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9†For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11†For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
12†Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13†not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14‡†But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16But when one [4] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17†Now the Lord [5] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18†And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, [6] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
The Light of the Gospel
2 CORINTHIANS 4 †Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, [1] we do not lose heart. 2†But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3†And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4†In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5†For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants [2] for Jesus' sake. 6†For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Treasure in Jars of Clay
7†But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8‡We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10†always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11†For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12†So death is at work in us, but life in you.
13†Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, 14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15†For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
16†So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self [3] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17†For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18†as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Our Heavenly Dwelling
2 CORINTHIANS 5 †For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2†For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3†if indeed by putting it on [1] we may not be found naked. 4†For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5†He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6†So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7†for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8†Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9†So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10†For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11†Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12†We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13†For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14†For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15†and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
16†From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17†Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. [2] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18†All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19†that is, in Christ God was reconciling [3] the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20†Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21†For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 CORINTHIANS 6 †Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2†For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you."
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3‡†We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4†but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5†beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6†by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7†by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8‡†through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9†as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10†as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
11‡†We have spoken freely to you, [1] Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
The Temple of the Living God
14†Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15†What accord has Christ with Belial? [2] Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16†What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17†Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18†and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."
2 CORINTHIANS 7 †Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body [1] and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Paul's Joy
2†Make room in your hearts [2] for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3†I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4†I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
5‡†For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6‡†But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7†and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. 8‡†For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9†As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
10†For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11†For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12†So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13Therefore we are comforted.
And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. 15†And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16I rejoice, because I have perfect confidence in you.
Encouragement to Give Generously
2 CORINTHIANS 8 ‡†We want you to know, brothers, [1] about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2†for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3†For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4†begging us earnestly for the favor [2] of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5†and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6†Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7†But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you [3]— see that you excel in this act of grace also.
8†I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9†For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10†And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11†So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12†For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14†your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15†As it is written, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."
Commendation of Titus
16†But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going [4] to you of his own accord. 18†With him we are sending [5] the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19†And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered
by us, 21†for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. 22†And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23†As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers [6] of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem
2 CORINTHIANS 9 †Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2†for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3But I am sending [1] the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you —for being so confident. 5†So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift [2] you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. [3]
The Cheerful Giver
6†The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully [4] will also reap bountifully. 7†Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8†And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency [5] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9†As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
10†He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12†For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13†By their approval of this service, they [6] will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14†while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15†Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Paul Defends His Ministry
2 CORINTHIANS 10 ‡†I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2†I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3†For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4†For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5†We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6†being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
7†Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. 8†For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. 9†I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. 10†For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account." 11†Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. 12†Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
13†But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15†We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16†so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence. 17†"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." 18†For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Paul and the False Apostles
2 CORINTHIANS 11 †I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2†For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3†But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4†For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5†Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6†Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
7†Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge? 8†I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9†And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10†As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
12†And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13‡†For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14‡And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle
16‡†I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17‡What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not with the Lord's authority but as a fool. 18Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19‡†For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20†For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours
you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21†To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!
But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22‡†Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23†Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24†Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25†Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26‡†on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, [1] in cold and exposure. 28‡And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
30†If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31†The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32‡At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
Paul's Visions and His Thorn
2 CORINTHIANS 12 ‡†I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2‡‡†I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4†and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5†On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6†Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7†So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, [1] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8†Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9‡†But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Concern for the Corinthian Church
11†I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12†The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13†For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
14†Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15†I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16‡But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. 17Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? 18I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same
steps?
19†Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21†I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
Final Warnings
2 CORINTHIANS 13 †This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2†I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— 3†since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4†For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
5‡†Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. 7†But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8‡For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 10†For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Final Greetings
11†Finally, brothers, [1] rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, [2] agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12†Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13†All the saints greet you.
14†The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Footnotes
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 1
[1] 1:5 Or For as the sufferings of Christ abound for us, so also our comfort
abounds through Christ
[2] 1:8 Or brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated
"brothers") refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church [3] 1:12 Some manuscripts holiness
[4] 1:13 Or understand; twice in this verse; also verse 14
[5] 1:22 Or down payment
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 2
[1] 2:16 Or competent
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 3
[1] 3:2 Some manuscripts your
[2] 3:3 Greek fleshly hearts
[3] 3:6 Or sufficient
[4] 3:16 Greek he
[5] 3:17 Or this Lord
[6] 3:18 Or reflecting the glory of the Lord
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4
[1] 4:1 Greek as we have received mercy
[2] 4:5 Greek bondservants
[3] 4:16 Greek man
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 5
[1] 5:3 Some manuscripts putting it off
[2] 5:17 Or creature
[3] 5:19 Or God was in Christ, reconciling
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6
[1] 6:11 Greek Our mouth is open to you
[2] 6:15 Greek Beliar
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 7
[1] 7:1 Greek flesh
[2] 7:2 Greek lacks in your hearts
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 8
[1] 8:1 Or brothers and sisters
[2] 8:4 The Greek word charis can mean favor or grace or thanks, depending on
the context [3] 8:7 Some manuscripts in your love for us
[4] 8:17 Or he went
[5] 8:18 Or we sent; also verse 22
[6] 8:23 Greek apostles
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 9
[1] 9:3 Or I have sent
[2] 9:5 Greek blessing; twice in this verse [3] 9:5 Or a gift expecting something
in return; Greek greed
[4] 9:6 Greek with blessings; twice in this verse [5] 9:8 Or all contentment
[6] 9:13 Or you
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 11
[1] 11:27 Or often in fasting
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 12
[1] 12:7 Or hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the
revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited
Footnotes for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 13
[1] 13:11 Or brothers and sisters
[2] 13:11 Or listen to my appeal
Study Notes
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:1 apostle. This refers to Paul's official position as a messenger sent by Christ (see note on Rom. 1:1; Introduction to 1 Corinthians: Author and Date). by the will of God. Paul's mission was not a self-appointed one, or based on his own achievements. Rather, his credentials were by divine appointment and his letter reflected not his own message but the words of Christ (see Introduction to Romans: Author and Date; cf. Acts 26:15–18). Timothy our brother. Paul's cherished son in the faith and a dominant person in Paul's life and ministry (see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Background and Setting; see note on 1 Tim. 1:2). Paul first met Timothy in Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey (Acts 16:1–4). Timothy was with him during the founding of the church in Corinth (Acts 18:1–5), which, along with Paul's mention of Timothy in 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10–11), indicated the Corinthians knew Timothy. Perhaps Paul mentioned him here to remind them Timothy was indeed a brother and to smooth over any hard feelings left from his recent visit (see notes on 1 Cor. 16:10).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:2 Grace . . . peace. Part of Paul's normal salutation in his letters (see note on Rom. 1:7). "Grace" is God's unmerited favor, and "peace" one of its benefits.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:3 God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul praised the true God who revealed himself in his Son, who is of the same essence with the Father (see notes on John 1:14, 18; 17:3–5; cf. John 5:17; 14:9–11; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 1:2–3; 2 John 3). He is the anointed one (Christ) and sovereign (Lord) Redeemer (Jesus). Although the Son enjoyed this lofty position, he was willing to become a servant and submit himself in his incarnation (see notes on Phil. 2:5–8). This great benediction comprehends the entire gospel. Father of mercies. Paul borrowed from Jewish liturgical language and a synagogue prayer that called for God to treat the sinful individual with kindness, love, and tenderness (see note on Rom. 12:1; cf. 2 Sam. 24:14; Ps. 103:13–14; Mic. 7:18–20). God of all comfort. An OT description of God (cf. Isa. 40:1; 51:3, 12; 66:13), who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. The Greek word for "comfort" is related to the familiar word paraclete, "one who comes alongside to help," another name for the Holy Spirit (see notes on John 14:26; Phil. 2:1). "Comfort" often connotes softness and ease, but that
is not its meaning here. Paul was saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness (cf. 2 Cor. 1:4–10).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:4 affliction. This term refers to crushing pressure, because in Paul's life and ministry there was always something attempting to weaken him, restrict or confine his ministry, or even crush out his life. But no matter what confronted him, Paul knew God would sustain and strengthen him (see notes on 12:9–10; Rom. 8:31–38; cf. Phil. 1:6). that we may be able to comfort. Comfort from God is not an end in itself. Its purpose is that believers also might be comforters. Having humiliated and convicted the Corinthians, God used Paul to return to them with a strengthening message after he himself had received divine strengthening (2 Cor. 6:1–13; 12:6–11; cf. Luke 22:31–32).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:5 Christ's sufferings . . . abundantly. God's comfort to believers extends to the boundaries of their suffering for Christ. The more they endure righteous suffering, the greater will be their comfort and reward (cf. 1 Pet. 4:12–14). Paul knew firsthand that these many sufferings would seem never-ending (2 Cor. 4:7–11; 6:5–10; 11:23–27; cf. Gal. 6:17; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24), and all genuine believers should expect the same (cf. Matt. 10:18–24).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:6 Paul was referring to the body of Christ's partnership of suffering, which mutually builds godly patience and endurance (1 Cor. 12:26). All believers need to realize this process, avoid any sense of selfpity when suffering for him, and share in each others' lives the encouragement of divine comfort they receive from their experiences. salvation. This refers to the Corinthians' ongoing perseverance to final, completed salvation when they will be glorified (see note on Rom. 13:11). Paul's willingness, by God's grace and the Spirit's power, to suffer and be comforted and then comfort and strengthen the Corinthians enabled them to persevere.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:7 share in our sufferings. Some in the church at Corinth, perhaps the majority, were suffering for righteousness, as Paul was. Although that church had caused him much pain and concern, Paul saw its members as partners to be helped, because of their faithfulness in mutual suffering.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:8 our. An editorial plural, which Paul used
throughout the letter. It usually was a humble reference to Paul himself, but in this instance it could include others as well. affliction we experienced in Asia. This was a recent occurrence (following the writing of 1 Corinthians) that happened in or around the city of Ephesus. The details of this situation are not known. despaired of life. Paul faced something that was beyond human survival and was extremely discouraging because he believed it threatened to end his ministry prematurely. The Greek word for "despaired" lit. means "no passage," the total absence of an exit (cf. 2 Tim. 4:6). The Corinthians were aware of what had happened to Paul, but they did not realize the utter severity of it, or what God was doing through those circumstances.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:9 the sentence of death. The word for "sentence" is a technical term that indicated the passing of an official resolution, in this case the death sentence. Paul was so absolutely sure he was going to die for the gospel that he had pronounced the sentence upon himself. rely not on ourselves but on God. God's ultimate purpose for Paul's horrible extremity. The Lord took him to the point at which he could not fall back on any intellectual, physical, or emotional human resource (cf. 12:9–10). who raises the dead. A Jewish descriptive term for God used in synagogue worship language (see note on 1:3). Paul understood that trust in God's power to raise the dead was the only hope of rescue from his extreme circumstances.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:10 he will deliver us again. See notes on 2 Tim. 4:16–17 and 2 Pet. 2:9.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:11 help us by prayer. Intercessory prayer is crucial to the expression of God's power and sovereign purpose. In this regard, Paul wanted the faithful Corinthians to know he needed their prayers then and in the future (cf. Eph. 6:18; James 5:16). give thanks. Prayer's duty is not to change God's plans, but to glorify him and give thanks for them. Paul was confident that God's sovereign purpose would be accomplished, balanced by the prayerful participation of believers. blessing. Or favor; this is God's undeserved favor or the divine answer to prayer Paul would receive in being delivered from death.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:12 Paul faced his critics' many accusations against his character and integrity (they had accused him of being proud, self-serving, untrustworthy and inconsistent, mentally unbalanced, incompetent, unsophisticated, and an incompetent preacher) by appealing to the highest human court, his conscience. boast. Paul often used this word. Used negatively,
it refers to unwarranted bragging about one's own merits and achievements; but Paul used it positively to denote legitimate confidence in what God had done in his life (cf. Jer. 9:23–24; Rom. 15:18; 1 Cor. 1:31; 15:9–10; 1 Tim. 1:12–17). conscience. The soul's warning system, which allows human beings to contemplate their motives and actions and make moral evaluations of what is right and wrong (see note on Rom. 2:14–15). In order to work as God designed it, the conscience must be informed to the highest moral and spiritual level and best standard, which means submitting it to the Holy Spirit through God's word (cf. Rom. 12:1–2; 1 Tim. 1:19; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 9:14; 10:22). Paul's fully enlightened conscience exonerated him completely (cf. Acts 23:1; 24:16; 1 Tim. 1:5; 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:3). But ultimately, only God can accurately judge a man's motives (1 Cor. 4:1–5). earthly wisdom. Wisdom that is based on worldly, human insight (see note on James 3:15).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:13 This broadly answers the accusation that Paul had engaged in deceptive personal relationships (cf. 7:2; 11:9). His continuing flow of information to the Corinthians was always clear, straightforward and understandable, consistent, and genuine. Paul wanted them to know that he was not holding anything back, nor did he have any secret agenda (10:11). He simply wanted them to understand all that he had written and spoken to them.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:14 partially. As the Corinthians read and heard Paul's unfolding instruction to them, they continued to understand more. you will boast of us. See note on v. 12. the day of our Lord Jesus. When he returns (see notes on Phil. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:12; 4:8). Paul eagerly longed for the Lord's coming when they would rejoice over each other in glory (cf. 1 Thess. 2:19–20).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:15 second experience of grace. Paul's original plan was to visit the Corinthians twice so that they might receive a double blessing. His travel plans were not the result of selfishness, but of the genuine relationship he enjoyed with the Corinthians and their mutual loyalty and godly pride in each other.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:16 come back. Paul had planned to leave Ephesus, stop at Corinth on the way to Macedonia, and return to Corinth again after his ministry in Macedonia (cf. 1 Cor. 16:5–7). For some reason, Paul's plans changed and he was unable to stop in Corinth the first time. The false apostles who had invaded the church seized upon that honest change of schedule as evidence of his untrustworthiness and tried to use it to discredit him.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:17 Paul is probably quoting some actual accusations of dishonesty brought by his opponents. Was I vacillating . . . ? The Greek words that introduce this question call for an indignant, negative answer. Paul declared that he was in no way operating as a vacillating, fickle, unstable person who could not be trusted. according to the flesh. Purely from a human viewpoint, apart from the leading of the Holy Spirit, this is someone who is unregenerate (see notes on Gal. 5:19–21). He affirmed that his "yes" and "no" words to them really meant what they said.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:18 as God is faithful. Paul may have been making an oath and calling God to give testimony (cf. 11:10, 31; Rom. 1:9; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8; 1 Thess. 2:5, 10). Whatever the case, he refers to God's trustworthiness and the fact that he represented such a God as an honest spokesman. not been Yes and No. He was not saying "yes" and meaning "no." There was no duplicity with Paul (nor with Timothy and Silas). He said what he meant and did what he said, unless there was compelling reason to change his plans.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:19 The firmness of Paul's statement, and his use of Jesus' full title, indicates that the person and work of Christ were under attack from the false teachers at Corinth. The proof of his truthfulness with them was the truthful gospel that he faithfully preached. Silvanus. The Latin name for Silas, Paul's companion on his second missionary journey (Acts 16–18) and fellow preacher at Corinth (see note on Acts 15:22). Timothy. See note on 2 Cor. 1:1.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:20 their Yes in him. All God's OT and NT promises of peace, joy, love, goodness, forgiveness, salvation, sanctification, fellowship, hope, glorification, and heaven are made possible and fulfilled in Jesus Christ (cf. Luke 24:44). Amen. The Hebrew word of affirmation (cf. Matt. 5:18; John 3:3; Rom. 1:25). Paul reminded them that they had said a collective "yes" to the truth of his preaching and teaching.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:21 God who establishes us. Christ's saving work of grace stabilizes believers and places them on a firm foundation in him (cf. Rom. 16:25; 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Pet. 5:10).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:21–22 God . . . Christ. . . Spirit. A clear reference to the three members of the Trinity. The authenticity of Paul's spiritual life and that of every genuine believer is verified by these four divine works ("establishes
us," "anointed us," "seal on us," "given us his Spirit") accomplished in their lives. For the critics to attack Paul's authenticity was equal to tearing down God's work as well as the church's unity.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:21 anointed. This word is borrowed from a commissioning service that would symbolically set apart kings, prophets, priests, and special servants. The Holy Spirit sets apart believers and empowers them for the service of gospel proclamation and ministry (cf. Acts 1:8; 1 John 2:20, 27).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:22 put his seal on us. Refers to the ancient practice of placing soft wax on a document and imprinting the wax with a stamp that indicated authorship or ownership, authenticity, and protection. The Holy Spirit attaches all these meanings to his act of spiritually sealing believers (see notes on Eph. 1:13; cf. Hag. 2:23; Eph. 4:30). guarantee. A pledge or down payment. The Spirit is the down payment on the believer's eternal inheritance (see note on Eph. 1:13–14; cf. 2 Pet. 1:4, 11).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:23 God to witness. See note on v. 18. to spare you. Paul finally explained why he said he was coming, but did not. He did not come earlier because he wanted them to have time to repent of and correct their sinful behavior (see Introduction to 1 Corinthians: Background and Setting; see note on 1 Cor. 4:21). He waited instead for a report from Titus before taking further action (see 2 Cor. 7), hoping he would not have to come again, as he had earlier, to face their rebellion.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1:24 Not that we lord it over your faith. Paul did not want to dominate and control the Corinthians when he ministered and worked among them (see notes on 1 Pet. 5:2–3).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:1 another painful visit to you. Paul, who had already had a painful confrontation at Corinth (see Introduction: Background and Setting), was not eager to have another one (see note on 1:23).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:2 Although Paul was sensitive to the Corinthians' pain and sadness from the past confrontation, because of his commitment to purity he would confront them again if necessary. "The one whom I have pained" refers to one convicted by his sin. In particular, there was apparently on Paul's last visit a man in the church who confronted him with the accusations taken from the false teachers. The church had not dealt with that man in Paul's
defense, and Paul was deeply grieved over that lack of loyalty. The only thing that would bring Paul joy would be repentance from such a one and any who agreed with him, and Paul had been waiting for it.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:3 I wrote as I did. Paul's reason for writing was that those in sin would repent—then there could be mutual joy when the apostle came.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:4 Paul again wanted them to know that his motive in dealing with them in the "severe letter" (see Introduction: Background and Setting) and 1 Corinthians (see Introduction to 1 Corinthians: Background and Setting) was not harsh but loving.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:5–11 This passage is one of the best texts in all of Scripture on the godly motivation and rationale for forgiveness.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:5 if anyone has caused pain. The Greek construction of this clause assumes the condition to be true—Paul is acknowledging the reality of the offense and its ongoing effect, not on him, but on the church. With this deflection of any personal vengeance, he sought to soften the charge against the penitent offender and allow the church to deal with the man and those who were with him objectively, apart from Paul's personal anguish or offense.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:6 is enough. The process of discipline and punishment was enough; now it was time to show mercy because the man had repented (cf. Matt. 18:18, 23–35; Gal. 6:1–2; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13; Heb. 12:11). punishment by the majority. This indicates that the church in Corinth had followed the biblical process in disciplining the sinning man (cf. Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:4–13; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14). The Greek word for "punishment," used frequently in secular writings but only here in the NT, denoted an official legal penalty or commercial sanction that was enacted against an individual or group (city, nation).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:7 you should rather turn to forgive. It was time to grant forgiveness so the man's joy would be restored (cf. Ps. 51:12, 14; Isa. 42:2–3). Paul knew there was—and is—no place in the church for man-made limits on God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness toward repentant sinners. Such restrictions could only rob the fellowship of the joy of unity (cf. Matt. 18:34–35;
Mark 11:25–26).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:10 in the presence of Christ. Paul was constantly aware that his entire life was lived in the sight of God, who knew everything he thought, did, and said (cf. v. 17; 4:2; 2 Tim. 4:1).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:11 designs. The devil wants to produce sin and animosity that will destroy church unity. He uses every possible approach to accomplish this—from legalism to libertinism, intolerance to excessive tolerance (cf. 11:13–14; Eph. 4:14; 6:11–12; 1 Pet. 5:8). Paul used a different Greek word (but with similar meaning) translated "schemes" in Eph. 6:11. It, along with the words for "outwitted" and "ignorant," strongly implies that Satan targets the believer's mind, but God has provided protection by unmasking Satan's schemes in Scripture, along with providing the counteracting truth.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:12 When I came to Troas. "Troas" was a seaport city north of Ephesus in the western Asia Minor province of Mysia (cf. Acts 16:7). The riots in Ephesus probably caused Paul to leave for Troas, but his main reason for going was to meet Titus, returning from Corinth after delivering "the severe letter" (2 Cor. 2:4), and to hear how the Corinthians had responded to that letter (see Introduction: Background and Setting). a door was opened for me. God sovereignly provided a great evangelistic opportunity for Paul, which may have led to the planting of the church in Troas (cf. Acts 20:5–12). Because of the success of his preaching, Paul was assured that this opportunity was from God (cf. 1 Cor. 16:8–9).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:13 my spirit was not at rest. Paul's concern for the problems in the Corinthian church and how its members were responding to both those problems and his instructions caused Paul debilitating restlessness and anxiety (cf. 7:5–6). These concerns became so heavy and distracting that he was unable to give full attention to his ministry. Titus. One of Paul's most important Gentile converts and closest associates in ministry (see notes on 2:12; Gal. 2:1; see Introduction to Titus: Background and Setting). took leave of them. Because of his troubled heart and mind and his anxiety to see Titus, Paul turned his back on the open door in Troas. Macedonia. A province that bordered the northwest shore of the Aegean Sea, north of Achaia (see Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Background and Setting; see note on Acts 16:9). Paul headed there in hopes of intersecting with Titus, whom he knew would have to pass through there on his journey back from Corinth.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:14 But thanks be to God. Paul made an abrupt transition from his narrative and looked above and beyond his troubles to praise and thank God. By turning from the difficulties of ministry and focusing on the privileges of his position in Christ, Paul regained his joyful perspective. He picked the narrative back up in 7:5. in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession. Paul drew from the imagery of the official and exalted Roman ceremony called the Triumph, in which a victorious general was honored with a festive, ceremonial parade through the streets of Rome. First, Paul gave thanks for being led by a sovereign God at all times (cf. 1 Tim. 1:17); and second, for the promised victory in Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 16:18; Rom. 8:37; Rev. 6:2). spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him. Paul was also grateful for the privilege of being used as an influence for Christ (cf. Rom. 10:14–15) wherever he went. The imagery comes from the strong, sweet smell of incense from censers in the Triumph parade, which, along with the fragrance of crushed flowers strewn under horses' hooves, produced a powerful aroma that filled the city. By analogy, every believer is transformed and called by the Lord to be an influence for his gospel throughout the world.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:15 the aroma of Christ to God. Paul was further thankful for the privilege of pleasing God. Continuing his analogy, Paul pictured God as the emperor at the end of the Triumph who also smells the pervasive fragrance and is pleased with the victorious efforts it represents. Wherever God's servant is faithful and is an influence for the gospel, God is pleased (cf. 5:9; Matt. 25:21).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:16 a fragrance from death . . . life. Paul used the style of Hebrew superlatives to emphasize the twofold effect of gospel preaching. To some, the message brings eternal life and ultimate glorification. To others, it is a stumbling stone of offense that brings eternal death (cf. 1 Pet. 2:6– 8). sufficient for these things. No one in his own strength is adequate or competent to serve God in the ways and with the power that Paul has been describing (cf. 2 Cor. 3:5; 1 Cor. 15:10; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:19; 3:20; Phil. 2:13; Col. 1:29).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2:17 not, like so many. Or, "not as the majority." This specifically refers to the false teachers in Corinth and to the many other teachers and philosophers of that day who operated by human wisdom (cf. 1 Cor. 1:19– 20). peddlers. From a Greek verb that means "to corrupt," this word came to refer to corrupt hucksters, or con men who by their cleverness and deception
were able to sell as genuine an inferior product that was only a cheap imitation. The false teachers in the church were coming with clever, deceptive rhetoric to offer a degraded, adulterated message that mixed paganism and Jewish tradition. They were dishonest men seeking personal profit and prestige at the expense of gospel truth and people's souls. in the sight of God. See note on 2 Cor. 2:10.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:1–6 The false teachers in Corinth constantly attacked Paul's competency as a minister of the gospel; these verses form his defense.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:1 Because Paul did not want to allow the false teachers to accuse him of being proud, he began his defense by posing two questions rather than making any overt claims. Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? The Greek word for "commend" means "to introduce." Thus Paul was asking the Corinthians if he needed to reintroduce himself, as if they had never met, and prove himself once more. The form of the question demanded a negative answer. letters of recommendation. The false teachers also accused Paul of not possessing the appropriate documents to prove his legitimacy. Such letters were often used to introduce and authenticate someone to the first-century churches (cf. 1 Cor. 16:3, 10–11). The false teachers undoubtedly arrived in Corinth with such letters, which they may have forged (cf. Acts 15:1, 5) or obtained under false pretenses from prominent members of the Jerusalem church. Paul's point was that he did not need secondhand testimony when the Corinthians had firsthand proof of his sincere and godly character, as well as the truth of his message that regenerated them.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:2 written on our hearts. An affirmation of Paul's affection for the believers in Corinth—he held them close to his heart (cf. 12:15). known and read by all. The transformed lives of the Corinthians were Paul's most eloquent testimonial, better than any secondhand letter. Their changed lives were like an open letter that could be seen and read by all men as a testimony to Paul's faithfulness and the truth of his message.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:3 letter from Christ. The false teachers did not have a letter of commendation signed by Christ, but Paul had the Corinthian believers' changed lives as proof that Christ had transformed them. written not with ink. Paul's letter was no human document written with ink that can fade. It was a living one. Spirit of the living God. Paul's letter was alive, written by Christ's divine, supernatural power through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 2:4–5; 1 Thess. 1:5). tablets of stone. A reference to the Ten
Commandments (see notes on Ex. 24:12; 25:16). tablets of human hearts. More than just writing his law on stone, God was writing his law on the hearts of those people he transformed (cf. Jer. 31:33; 32:38–39; Ezek. 11:19; 36:26–27). The false teachers claimed external adherence to the Mosaic law as the basis of salvation, but the transformed lives of the Corinthians proved that salvation was an internal change wrought by God in the heart.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:4 Such is the confidence. The Greek word for "confidence" can mean "to win." Paul was confident in his ministry, and that confidence resulted in his ability to stay the course and continue moving toward the goal (cf. Acts 4:13, 29).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:5 sufficient. See note on 2:16. to claim anything. Paul disdained his own ability to reason, judge, or assess truth. Left to his own abilities, he was useless. He was dependent on divine revelation and the Holy Spirit's power. our sufficiency is from God. Only God can make a person adequate to do his work, and Paul realized that truth (see note on 2:16; cf. 9:8, 10; 2 Thess. 2:13).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:6 new covenant. The covenant that provides forgiveness of sins through the death of Christ (see notes on Jer. 31:31–34; Matt. 26:28; Heb. 8:7–12). the letter. A shallow, external conformity to the law that missed its most basic requirement of absolutely holy and perfect love for God and man (Matt. 22:34–40) and distorted its true intention, which was to make a person recognize his sinfulness (cf. Rom. 2:27–29). the Spirit. The Holy Spirit. the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. The letter kills in two ways: 1) it results in a living death. Before Paul was converted, he thought he was saved by keeping the law, but all it did was kill his peace, joy, and hope; and 2) it results in spiritual death. His inability to truly keep the law sentenced him to an eternal death (see notes on Rom. 7:9–11; cf. Rom. 5:12; Gal. 3:10). Only Jesus Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit can produce eternal life in one who believes.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:7–18 A true minister of God preaches the New Covenant, thus Paul featured the glory of the New Covenant in these verses.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:7 the ministry of death. The law is a killer (v. 6) in the sense that it brings knowledge of sin. It acts as a ministry of death because no one can satisfy the demands of the law on his own and is therefore
condemned (cf. Gal. 3:22; see notes on Rom. 7:1–13; 8:4; Gal. 3:10–13; 3:19– 4:5). came with such glory. When God gave Moses the law, his glory appeared on the mountain (Ex. 19:10–25; 20:18–26). Paul was not depreciating the law; he was acknowledging that it was glorious because it reflected God's nature, will, and character (see notes on Ex. 33:18–34:7). could not gaze at Moses' face. The Israelites could not look intently or stare at Moses' face for too long because the reflective glory of God was too bright for them. It was similar to staring into the sun (see notes on Ex. 34:29–35). its glory. When God manifested himself, he did so by reducing his attributes to visible light. That's how God manifested himself to Moses (Ex. 34:29), whose face in turn reflected the glory of God to the people (cf. the transfiguration of Jesus in Matt. 17:1–8; 2 Pet. 1:16–18; and his second coming in Matt. 24:29–30; 25:31).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:8–9 ministry of the Spirit . . . righteousness must far exceed it in glory. The "ministry of the Spirit" is Paul's descriptive term for the New Covenant (see notes on Jer. 31:31–34; Matt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 8:8, 13; 9:15; 12:24). Paul is arguing that if such glory attended the giving of the law under the ministry that brought death, how much more glorious will be the ministry of the Spirit in the New Covenant that brings righteousness. The law pointed to the superior New Covenant and thus a glory that must also be superior.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:9 ministry of condemnation. Another name for the ministry of death (see note on v. 7). ministry of righteousness. The New Covenant. The emphasis here is on the righteousness it provides (cf. Rom. 3:21– 22; Phil. 3:9).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:11 what was being brought to an end. The law had a fading glory (cf. v. 7). It was not the final solution or the last word on the plight of sinners. what is permanent. The New Covenant is what remains because it is the consummation of God's plan of salvation. It has permanent glory.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:12 such a hope. The belief that all the promises of the New Covenant will occur. It is hope in total and complete forgiveness of sins for those who believe the gospel (cf. Rom. 8:24–25; Gal. 5:5; Eph. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3, 13, 21). bold. The Greek word for "bold" means "courageous." Because of his confidence, Paul preached the New Covenant fearlessly, without any hesitation or timidity.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:13 Moses . . . put a veil over his face. This physical action pictured the fact that Moses did not have the confidence or boldness of Paul because the Old Covenant was veiled. It was shadowy. It was made up of types, pictures, symbols, and mystery. Moses communicated the glory of the Old Covenant with a certain obscurity (cf. 1 Pet. 1:10–11).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:14–15 that same veil remains . . . a veil lies over their hearts. The "veil" here represents unbelief. Those Israelites did not grasp the glory of the Old Covenant because of their unbelief. As a result, the meaning of the Old Covenant was obscure to them (cf. Heb. 3:8, 15; 4:7). Paul's point was that just as the Old Covenant was obscure to the people of Moses' day, it was still obscure to those who trusted in it as a means of salvation in Paul's day. The veil of ignorance obscures the meaning of the Old Covenant to the hardened heart (cf. John 5:38).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:14 that same veil . . . through Christ is it taken away. Without Christ the OT is unintelligible. But when a person comes to Christ, the veil is lifted and his spiritual perception is no longer impaired (Isa. 25:6–8). With the veil removed, believers are able to see the glory of God revealed in Christ (John 1:14). They understand that the law was never given to save them, but to lead them to the One who would.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:17 the Lord is the Spirit. Yahweh of the OT is the same Lord who is saving people in the New Covenant through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The same God is the minister of both the Old and New Covenants. there is freedom. Freedom from sin and the futile attempt to keep the demands of the law as a means of earning righteousness (cf. John 8:32–36; Rom. 3:19– 20). The believer is no longer in bondage to the law's condemnation and Satan's dominion.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 3:18 we all. Not just Moses, or prophets, apostles, and preachers, but all believers. with unveiled face. Believers in the New Covenant have nothing obstructing their vision of Christ and his glory as revealed in the Scripture. beholding. Or "reflecting" (see esv footnote), as with a mirror. Paul's emphasis here is not so much on the reflective capabilities of the mirror as it is on the intimacy of it. A person can bring a mirror right up to his face and get an unobstructed view. Mirrors in Paul's day were polished metal (see note on James 1:23), and thus offered a far from perfect reflection. Though the vision is unobstructed and intimate, believers do not see a perfect representation of God's
glory now, but will one day (cf. 1 Cor. 13:12). being transformed. A continual, progressive transformation (see note on Rom. 12:2). into the same image. As they gaze at the glory of the Lord, believers are continually being transformed into Christlikeness. The ultimate goal of the believer is to be like Christ (cf. Rom. 8:29; Phil. 3:12–14; 1 John 3:2), and by continually focusing on him the Spirit transforms the believer more and more into his image. from one degree of glory to another. From one level of glory to another level of glory—from one level of manifesting Christ to another. This verse describes progressive sanctification. The more believers grow in their knowledge of Christ, the more he is revealed in their lives (cf. Phil. 3:12–14).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:1 this ministry. The New Covenant gospel of Jesus Christ. lose heart. A strong Greek term that refers to abandoning oneself to cowardly surrender. That was not how Paul responded to the continual attacks he faced. The task of ministering the New Covenant was too noble to lose heart over (cf. Gal. 6:9; Eph. 3:13). Since God had called him to proclaim it, Paul could not abandon his calling. Instead, he trusted God to strengthen him (cf. Acts 20:24; 1 Cor. 9:16–17; Col. 1:23, 25).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:2 we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. "Renounced" means "to turn away from" or "to repent," and "disgraceful" can also mean "ugly." The phrase "underhanded ways" refers to secret immoralities, hypocrisies, and the sins hidden deep in the darkness of one's life. At salvation every believer repents and turns away from such sin and devotes his life to the pursuit of godliness. This appears to be a reply by Paul to a direct and slanderous accusation against him, that he was a hypocrite whose mask of piety hid a corrupt and shameful life. tamper. This Greek word was used in nonbiblical sources to speak of the dishonest business practice of diluting wine with water. The false teachers accused Paul of being a deceiver ("cunning") who was twisting and perverting the teaching of Jesus and the OT Scripture.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:3 if our gospel is veiled . . . to those who are perishing. The false teachers accused Paul of preaching an antiquated message. So Paul showed that the problem was not with the message or the messenger, but with the hearers headed for hell (cf. 1 Cor. 2:14). The preacher cannot persuade people to believe; only God can do that.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:4 the god of this world. Satan (cf. Matt. 4:8; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:26; 1 John 5:19). this world. The current
world mind-set expressed by the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes, and views of the majority of people. It encompasses the world's philosophies, education, and commerce. See notes on 2 Cor. 10:5. has blinded. Satan blinds men to God's truth through the world system he has created. Without a godly influence, man left to himself will follow that system, which panders to the depravity of unbelievers and deepens their moral darkness (cf. Matt. 13:19). Ultimately, it is God who allows such blindness (John 12:40). image of God. Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God himself (see notes on Col. 1:15; 2:9; Heb. 1:3).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:5 we proclaim is not ourselves. The false teachers accused Paul of preaching for his own benefit, yet they were the ones guilty of doing so. In contrast, Paul was always humble (12:5, 9; cf. 1 Cor. 2:3); he never promoted himself, but always preached Christ Jesus as Lord (1 Cor. 2:2).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:6 God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness." A direct reference to God as Creator, who commanded physical light into existence (Gen. 1:3). the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. The same God who created physical light in the universe is the same God who must create supernatural light in the soul and usher believers from the kingdom of darkness to his kingdom of light (Col. 1:13). The light is expressed as "the knowledge of the glory of God." That means to know that Christ is God incarnate. To be saved, one must understand that the glory of God shone in Jesus Christ. That is the theme of John's Gospel (see note on John 1:4–5).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:7 this treasure. See note on v. 1. jars of clay. The Greek word means "baked clay," and refers to clay pots. They were cheap, breakable, and replaceable, but they served necessary household functions. Sometimes they were used as a vault to store valuables, such as money, jewelry, or important documents. But they were most often used for holding garbage and human waste. The latter is the use Paul had in mind, and it was how Paul viewed himself—as lowly, common, expendable, and replaceable (cf. 1 Cor. 1:20–27; 2 Tim. 2:20–21). surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. By using frail and expendable people, God makes it clear that salvation is the result of his power and not any power his messengers could generate (cf. 2 Cor. 2:16). The great power of God overcomes and transcends the clay pot. The messenger's weakness is not fatal to what he does; it is essential (cf. 12:9–10).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:8–9 Here Paul gave four contrasting metaphors to show that his weakness did not cripple him, but actually strengthened him (cf.
6:4–10; 12:7–10).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus. "Always" indicates that the suffering Paul experienced was endless. And the suffering was a result of attacks against Jesus, not Paul and other believers. Those who hated Jesus took out their vengeance on those who represented him (cf. John 15:18–21; Gal. 6:17; Col. 1:24). that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. Through Paul's weakness, Christ was put on display (cf. Gal. 2:20). His suffering, the false apostles said, was evidence that God was not with him and he was a fraud. On the contrary, Paul affirmed that his suffering was the badge of his loyalty to Christ and the source of his power (2 Cor. 12:9–10).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:11 given over to death. Refers to the transferring of a prisoner to the executioner. It was used to refer to Christ's being delivered to those who crucified him (Matt. 27:2). In this case, it refers to the potential physical death constantly faced by those who represented Christ. our mortal flesh. Another term for Paul's humanness—his physical body (cf. 2 Cor. 4:10; 5:3).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:12 Paul faced death every day, yet he was willing to pay that price if it meant salvation for those to whom he preached (cf. Phil. 2:17; Col. 1:24; 2 Tim. 2:10).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:13 Paul remained true to his convictions, no matter the cost. He was not a pragmatist who would alter his message to suit his listeners. He was convinced of the power of God to act through the message he preached. spirit of faith. The attitude of faith, not the Holy Spirit. Paul had the same conviction about the power of the message as did the psalmist (see following note). I believed, and so I spoke. A quotation from the LXX (the Greek translation of the OT) version of Ps. 116:10. In the midst of his troubles, the psalmist confidently asked God to deliver him out of his troubles. He could confidently do so because he believed God would answer his prayer.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:15 to the glory of God. The ultimate goal of all that the believer does (see note on 1 Cor. 10:31).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:16 we do not lose heart. See note on v. 1. our outer self is wasting away. The physical body is in the process of decay and will
eventually die. On the surface Paul was referring to the normal aging process, but with the added emphasis that his lifestyle sped up that process. While not an old man, Paul wore himself out in ministry, both in the effort and pace he maintained, plus the number of beatings and attacks he absorbed from his enemies (cf. 6:4–10; 11:23–27). inner self. The soul of every believer i.e., the new creation—the eternal part of the believer (cf. Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10). being renewed. The growth and maturing process of the believer is constantly occurring. While the physical body is decaying, the inner self of the believer continues to grow and mature into Christlikeness (cf. Eph. 3:16–20).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:17 light momentary affliction. The Greek word for "light" means "a weightless trifle" and "affliction" refers to intense pressure. From a human perspective, Paul's own testimony lists a seemingly unbearable litany of sufferings and persecutions he endured throughout his life (11:23–33), yet he viewed them as weightless and lasting for only a brief moment. eternal weight of glory. The Greek word for "weight" refers to a heavy mass. For Paul, the future glory he would experience with the Lord far outweighed any suffering he experienced in this world (cf. Rom. 8:17–18; 1 Pet. 1:6–7). Paul understood that the greater the suffering, the greater would be his eternal glory (cf. 1 Pet. 4:13).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 4:18 things that are seen . . . unseen. Endurance is based on a person's ability to look beyond the physical to the spiritual, beyond the present to the future, and beyond the visible to the invisible. Believers must look past what is temporary—what is perishing (i.e., the things of the world). things . . . unseen are eternal. Pursuing God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the souls of men should consume the believer.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 5:1 tent that is our earthly home . . . house. Paul's metaphor for the physical body (cf. 2 Pet. 1:13–14). The imagery was quite natural for that time because many people were nomadic tent dwellers, and Paul as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) knew much about tents' characteristics. Also, the Jewish tabernacle had symbolized God's presence among the people as they left Egypt and became a nation. Paul's point is that like a temporary tent, man's earthly existence is fragile, insecure, and lowly (cf. 1 Pet. 2:11). a building from God. Paul's metaphor for the believer's resurrected, glorified body (cf. 1 Cor. 15:35–50). "Building" implies solidity, security, certainty, and permanence, as opposed to the frail, temporary, uncertain nature of a tent. Just as the Israelites replaced the tabernacle with the temple, so believers ought to long to exchange
their earthly bodies for glorified ones (see notes on 2 Cor. 4:16; Rom. 8:19–23; 1 Cor. 15:35–50; Phil. 3:20–21). a house . . . in the heavens. A heavenly, eternal body. Paul wanted a new body that would forever perfectly express his transformed nature. not made with hands. A glorified body, by definition, is not of this earthly creation (see notes on Mark 14:58; Heb. 9:11; cf. John 2:19; Col. 2:11).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 5:2 we groan. Paul had a passionate longing to be free from his earthly body and all the accompanying sins, frustrations, and weaknesses that were so relentless (see notes on Rom. 7:24; 8:23). put on our heavenly dwelling. The perfections of immortality (see note on 2 Cor. 5:1).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 5:3 we may not be found naked. Paul clarified the fact that the believer's hope for the next life is not a disembodied spiritual life, but a real, eternal, resurrection body. Unlike the pagans who viewed matter as evil and spirit as good, Paul knew that Christian death would not mean being released into a nebulous, spiritual infinity. Rather, it would mean the receiving of a glorified, spiritual, immortal, perfect, qualitatively different but nonetheless real body, just as Jesus received (see notes on 1 Cor. 15:35–44; Phil. 3:20–21; cf. 1 John 3:2).
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 5:4 unclothed . . . clothed. See notes on vv. 2–3. Paul reiterated that he could hardly wait to get his glorified body (cf. Phil. 1:21–23). mortal may be swallowed up by life. Paul wanted the fullness of all that God had planned for him in eternal life, when all that is earthly and human will cease to be.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 5:5 for this very thing. Paul emphatically states that the believer's heavenly existence will come to pass according to God's sovereign purpose (see notes on Rom. 8:28–30; cf. John 6:37–40, 44). God . . . given us the Spirit. See notes on 2 Cor. 1:22; Rom. 5:5; Eph. 1:13; cf. Phil. 1:6. guarantee. See notes on 2 Cor. 1:22 and Eph. 1:13.
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 5:6 at home in the body . . . away from the Lord. While a believer is alive on earth he is away from the fullness of God's presence. However, Paul was not saying he had absolutely no contact, because there is prayer, the indwelling Spirit, and fellowship through the word. Paul was simply expressing a heavenly homesickness, a strong yearning to be at home with his Lord (cf. Ps. 73:25; 1 Thess. 4:17; Rev. 21:3, 23; 22:3).