2 Corinthians

1

Praise be to the God of all comfort. Paul suffers and is consoled in Christ. Paul was delivered by God from desperate troubles and a sentence of death in Asia. Paul has acted not with fleshy wisdom, but in accordance with the grace of God. Paul has not said ‘yes’ and meant ‘no’, and vice versa. In Christ was yes. The reason Paul did not visit Corinth was to spare them.


2

Paul did not want to come to the Corinthians in sorrow. Paul writes this letter rather than visiting personally. He recommends that the Corinthian Christians forgive the brother who had sinned (and repented) among them. Satan will take advantage if forgiveness is not forthcoming. Paul found an open door in Macedonia, and so visited that place. To the saved, we are the aroma of life leading to life; to those who are perishing, we are the aroma of death leading to death. Paul does not peddle the word of God, but speaks sincerely.


3

Does Paul need a letter of recommendation? He has one; the Corinthian Christians themselves – they are an epistle written on his heart, not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. Paul is not sufficient of himself, but is sufficient in Christ. The new covenant is not of the letter,m but of the Spirit – for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. The Mosaic ministry of death was glorious, but the ministry of righteousness exceeds it in glory. The veil Moses had to wear has been taken away. We are transformed by beholding the glory of the Lord.


4

Paul has not acted with craftiness or deceit. Our gospel is veiled to those who are perishing. We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, who has shone in our hearts. God’s treasure is in earthen vessels. We have suffered, but are resilient, carrying around within us the dying of the Lord Jesus. God will raise us up, as he raised up the Lord Jesus. The outward man is perishing, but the inward man is renewed day by day. Light affliction works towards an eternal weight of glory.


5

Our earthly house (ie physical bodies) may be destroyed, but we have a heavenly house made by God. We yearn to be clothed with our heavenly habitation, so mortality will be swallowed up by life. When we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. When we pass from these bodies to the world beyond, we must each give an account before the judgment seat of Christ according to what we have done, whether good or bad. We regard no one according to the flesh. Anyone in Christ is a new creation. We are reconciled to God in Christ. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


6

Now is the day of salvation. As a minister of God, Paul has suffered, been armed with the armour of righteousness, and rejoiced. You are not restricted by us, but restricted by your own affections. Be separate from lawlessness and idolatry.


7

Let us cleanse ourselves from filthiness of body and spirit. We have not wronged, corrupted or cheated anyone. Paul is encouraged by news of the Corinthians’ mourning and zeal. A severe letter (a lost one written between 1 and 2 Corinthians) had a mortifying but salutary effect. Titus has brought encouraging news from Corinth.


8

The Macedonian Christians are a great example, displaying liberality and joy in affliction. Paul hopes that the Corinthians will be as generous in giving money for the Christians in Jerusalem. Christ was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Your abundance will relieve the lack of the Jerusalem Christians. Paul commends Titus as a trustworthy bearer of their money. The financial assistance will be a proof of your love.


9

Paul knows the Corinthians’ willingness to give. Paul is sending Titus and the others to pick up the collection – it is a matter of generosity rather than a begrudging obligation. He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly. God loves a cheerful giver. God will generously increase the fruits of your righteousness. Giving supplies the needs of the saints in Jerusalem, it will occasion thanksgiving to God, it is evidence of God’s work, and will cause the Jerusalem Christians to pray for the Corinthians. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!


10

Paul does not minister according to the flesh. The Corinthian Christians have a carnal reliance on outward appearances. Paul faces the accusation that he is tough in his letters, but weak and unimpressive in person. If they wish, he can be equally tough in person. Paul’s critics measure themselves by themselves. Paul will not boast beyond measure – he who glories, let him glory in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:24).


11

Paul fears that, just as the serpent deceived Eve, so the Corinthians will be corrupted by those who preach a Christ different from Paul’s. Paul is not inferior to the most eminent apostles. False apostles are like Satan, seeking to transform himself into an angel of light. Paul is forced to boast foolishly – the Corinthians suffer fools gladly, since they are wise! Paul boasts of his apostolic credentials, and the sufferings he has endured.


12

Paul mentions visions and revelations he received from the Lord. He speaks of his suffering in connection with these extraordinary revelations: in order that he does not become too exalted, a messenger of Satan is sent to be a thorn in his flesh. Paul exults in sufferings and reproaches, and vindicates his apostleship. Paul promises to come and visit the Corinthians. Paul will financially support himself, and has never behaved in a financially inappropriate way. Paul fears that when he visits the Corinthians he shall find many evils and disorders among them.


13

Paul promises to come with severity, if necessary. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.