DOCSLIB.ORG

2 Corinthians 202 1 Edition Dr

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2 Corinthians 202 1 Edition Dr Notes on 2 Corinthians 202 1 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable HISTORICAL BACKGROUND First Corinthians did not dispel the problems in the church at Corinth completely. While it resolved some of them, opposition to the Apostle Paul persisted, and Paul's critics continued to speak out against him in the church. One man in particular seems to have been the ringleader of the opposition (10:7-11). He had rallied the support of a significant minority. The issue was Paul's apostolic authority. His critics were claiming equal authority with Paul. This was in effect a claim to apostolic authority, on their part, and or a denial of the full apostolic authority of Paul. News of continuing problems in Corinth reached Paul, in Ephesus, during his prolonged stay there on his third missionary journey. He then made a brief visit to Corinth. However, his efforts to resolve the conflicts proved unsuccessful (2:1; 12:14; 13:1-2). Paul apparently suffered insult and he lost face during that visit (7:12). Consequently, that was a painful visit for Paul. He then returned to Ephesus. Paul's next step, in dealing with the situation in Corinth, was to send a "severe letter" from Ephesus by the hand of Titus and another unnamed brother (2:3-4; 7:8-12; 12:18). He apparently directed this letter, now lost, at the party opposed to him and particularly its leader. Some commentators believe that 2 Corinthians 10—13 contains part or all of this letter, but the evidence for this is not convincing.1 Paul evidently intended to receive Titus' report, concerning the effects of this "severe letter," in Ephesus. However, persecution there made it expedient for Paul to leave that city earlier than he had anticipated (Acts 1See Richard Batey, "Paul's Interaction with the Corinthians," Journal of Biblical Literature 84 (1985):139-43. Copyright Ó 2021 by Thomas L. Constable www.soniclight.com 2 Dr. Constable's Notes on 2 Corinthians 2021 Edition 20:1). He found an open door for the gospel to the north in Troas. Eager to meet Titus, who was taking the land route from Corinth back to Ephesus, Paul moved west into Macedonia (2:12-13). There Titus met him and gave him an encouraging report (7:6-16). Most of the church had responded to Paul's directives, and the church had disciplined the troublemakers (2:5- 11). Unfortunately, some in the congregation still refused to acknowledge Paul's authority over them (10:1—13:10). Many scholars have tried to explain the different subject matter and tone of chapters 10—13, as compared with chapters 1—9. Some believe chapters 10—13 were a separate letter, specifically: Paul's "severe letter." Others argue that it was originally part of 2 Corinthians, and that Paul wrote the whole book at one time. Some scholars believe chapters 10—13 were originally a different letter from chapters 1—9 and from the "severe letter": thus constituting a "fifth" letter from Paul to the Corinthians. Perhaps the best explanation is that chapters 10—13 were originally part 2021 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 2 Corinthians 3 of 2 Corinthians, but that Paul wrote these chapters after he had written chapters 1—9, and after he had met Titus.1 In chapters 10—13, Paul rejoiced at the repentance of the majority in the church. However, his concern for the unrepentant minority, and his desire to pick up the money the Corinthians had begun to collect for their poorer brethren in Jerusalem, led him to write 2 Corinthians. Along with these primary motives, Paul also felt compelled to refute the charge of fickleness leveled at him by his critics. He had changed his travel plans and had not come to see them, as he had originally said he wanted to do. The whole situation provided him an opportunity to clarify the nature of Christian ministry. Like 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians is an "occasional" letter: one occasioned by concrete issues. Paul wrote the Second Epistle to the Corinthians from Macedonia: perhaps from Philippi, Thessalonica, or Berea, probably in the fall or winter of A.D. 56. A date a year earlier or later is possible. Some commentators believe Paul wrote 1 Corinthians after his painful visit and after he wrote the severe letter. Others, and I, believe it is more probable that he wrote 1 Corinthians before these two events. It is very difficult to reconstruct the details of Paul's activities, since the data available to us is incomplete. PAUL'S CORINTHIAN CONTACTS Paul's His Their 1 Paul's His 2 Paul's first "former letter Corinthians "painful "severe Corinthians future visit letter" to visit" letter" visit him 1See Donald A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo, An Introduction to the New Testament, pp. 430-36. See Kenneth G. Hanna, From Gospels to Glory, pp. 209-11, for further discussion of the unity of the epistle. 4 Dr. Constable's Notes on 2 Corinthians 2021 Edition Another view is that the "former letter" is 1 Corinthians, and "the offender" (2 Cor. 2:5; 7:12) is the incestuous man of 1 Corinthians 5:1.1 "According to this view, there was 'no painful visit,' for the word 'again' in 2:1 does not necessarily mean that Paul made a visit between writing First and Second Corinthians. It simply means he did not want to return 'in sorrow.' The reference in 12:14 and 13:1, 2 to a 'third time' does not mean Paul was coming for his third time; it simply means that he was 'ready to come for a third time. He had planned to come (see 1 Cor. 16:5-9), evidently was ready to come (12:14), and then did not actually make the trip (1:15-17, 23)."2 J. Sidlow Baxter observed that Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Galatians follow the order of 2 Timothy 3:16: Romans dealing mainly with doctrine, the Corinthians letters with reproof, and Galatians with correction.3 PURPOSE Paul's immediate purpose in 2 Corinthians was to combat the influence of Judaizers who promoted legalistic teaching. These teachers were evidently Jews, mainly from Judea, who claimed to be Christians. They may have been unbelievers or misguided believers, but they claimed to be Christians. Acts 15:1 refers to them. God’s larger purpose in inspiring 2 Corinthians was to make the gospel crystal clear. Kenneth Hanna noted five purposes: to console and encourage the majority in the church, to restore the disciplined member of the church, to complete the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, to vindicate Paul's apostleship in view of criticisms, and to prepare for Paul's third visit to Corinth.4 1E.g., J. H. Bernard, "The Second Epistle to the Corinthians," in The Expositor's Greek Testament, 3:3-18. 2The Nelson Study Bible, p. 1942. 3J. Sidlow Baxter, Explore the Book, 6:127. 4Hanna, pp. 215-16. 2021 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 2 Corinthians 5 CHARACTERISTICS "While the epistle to the Galatians is the defence [sic] of the doctrine of the Gospel against false teachers, the second epistle to the Corinthians is the defence of his own personal character, his apostolic authority, his motives and his ministry."1 "It was written with a quill dipped in tears, from the apostle's 'anguish of heart,' and contains more of human pathos than any other of his letters."2 "2 Corinthians is very different from the letters between which it was written, 1 Corinthians and Romans. Whereas each of those letters is, in its own way, systematic and orderly, 2 Corinthians is, on the face of it, uneven and digressive. It is no surprise, therefore, that many scholars have suggested that 2 Corinthians is really a collection of letters put together later as a single letter."3 "Second Corinthians presents many inspiring texts and passages to the reader and teacher of God's Word. A quick survey reveals approximately eighty individual verses lending themselves to extended meditation and exposition, apart from the sixty or so constituent paragraphs of the letter. This letter is a rich lode for the edification of God's people."4 "In Second Corinthians Paul bares his heart and his life as he does in none of his other letters. This lends a special value to the letter."5 1Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible, 3:2:149. 2Baxter, 6:121. 3Paul Barnett, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 15. Cf. Alfred Plummer, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, p. xiii. 4Ibid., p. 47. 5Richard Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul's First and Second Epistles to the Corinthians, p. 804. 6 Dr. Constable's Notes on 2 Corinthians 2021 Edition "Of all the Pauline epistles, 2 Corinthians is probably the one which presents most problems to the interpreter."1 C. K. Barrett called 2 Corinthians "… surely the most difficult book in the New Testament."2 He meant the most difficult to interpret. OUTLINE I. Introduction 1:1-11 A. Salutation 1:1-2 B. Thanksgiving for comfort in affliction 1:3-11 1. Thanksgiving for comfort 1:3-7 2. Thanksgiving for deliverance 1:8-11 II. Answers to insinuations about the sincerity of Paul's commitment to the Corinthians and to the ministry 1:12—7:16 A. Defense of Paul's conduct with regard to his promised visit and the offender 1:12—2:17 1. The postponement of the intended visit 1:12—2:4 2.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Tithe Is Little for Some; Impossible Didn't Preach on Tithing
    Studies for families in Belonging, Becoming, and going Beyond Volume 21 Number 14 April 7, 2019 The ScrollsMONEY TALKS "NO TIPPING ALLOWED: THE PRINCIPLE OF PROPORTIONAL GIVING" 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-4 From the very beginning the church assumed note Ac 6:1). The church assumed responsibility for responsibility for caring for its own. Luke tells us all widows having no one to care for them, that early on the needs of the "have nots" were regardless of their cultural background, by addressed by the "haves" in the body. He writes: providing a daily distribution of food. Later still, "For from time to time those who owned land or after agreeing that Paul should go to the Gentiles, houses sold them, brought the money from the sale the apostles in Jerusalem imposed no restrictions on and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was him and his ministry apart from one-that he should distributed to anyone who had need" (Ac 4:34b- continue to remember the poor (Gal 2:10), which 35). Consequently, "there were no needy persons his letters make clear he did. His instructions in 1 among them" (v. 34). and 2 Corinthians regarding a special offering to be Somewhat later, after the number of believers in taken for poor saints in Jerusalem gives us a pattern Jerusalem had grown substantially, Luke tells us for giving in general. how the needs of widows were addressed. He writes: "In those days when the number of disciples This Week’s Core Competency was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them Giving Away My Money – I give away my complained against the Hebraic Jews because their money to fulfill God's purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • Paul, Moses, and the History of Israel: the Letter/Spirit Contrast and the Argument From
    Paul, Moses, and the History of Israel: The Letter/Spirit Contrast and the Argument from Scripture in 2 Corinthians 3. By Scott J. Hafemann. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament. II/81. Tübingen: J. C. B. Mohr, 1995, xii + 497 pp., DM 228. This work represents the completion of Hafemann's study on 2 Corinthians 2-3, and fortunately his book is also available in an affordable version from Hendrickson publishers. The first work is contained in his 1986 dissertation, Suffering and the Spirit, which was also published by J. C. B. Mohr in the WUNT series (an abridged and edited version of this book titled Suffering and Ministry in the Spirit is available from Eerdmans, 1990). Hafemann tackles one of the most controverted texts in the pauline corpus (2 Corinthians 3), and his study and conclusions are bound to be of interest since one's understanding of 2 Corinthians 3 impinges on central issues in pauline theology, such as Paul's understanding of the Mosaic law and the hermeneutical implications of his use of the Old Testament. Indeed, from now on all scholars who address these issues must reckon with Hafemann, for his work represents the most thorough interpretation both of 2 Corinthians 3 and the Old Testament background to that text, and he directly challenges the scholarly consensus on this text. The work commences with an introduction in which the history of research on the letter and spirit in Paul and the "new perspective" on Paul's theology of the law are sketched in. Part one of the book examines the sufficiency and call of Moses and the sufficiency and call of Paul.
    [Show full text]
  • Studies in the Book of 2 Corinthians PART FOUR: Weeks 24-31 Group Applications Personal Study Week 24 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 (ESV)
    Weak is STRONG Studies in the book of 2 Corinthians PART FOUR: Weeks 24-31 Group Applications Personal Study Week 24 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 (ESV) , Paul, myself entreat you, by the walk in the flesh, we are not waging war meekness and gentleness of Christ—I according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons who am humble when face to face with of our warfare are not of the flesh but have Iyou, but bold toward you when I am divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am destroy arguments and every lofty opinion present I may not have to show boldness raised against the knowledge of God, and with such confidence as I count on showing take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 against some who suspect us of walking being ready to punish every disobedience, according to the flesh. 3 For though we when your obedience is complete. beyond what is necessary—only inasmuch Context as it pushes them towards holiness and love for each other. • 10:1 When Paul speaks of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, he is pointing to • 10:3 Paul does a little wordplay here— the way in which Christ walked humbly he is apparently being accused by false before men with kindness and compassion teachers in Corinth of “walking in the despite his incredible power and wisdom. flesh” or living by his worldly lusts and Meekness is not weakness, but rather passions. He takes this accusation and power under control.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cross and Christian Generosity 2 Corinthians 8-9 Where We're Going
    The Cross and Christian Community The Cross and Christian Generosity Dr. David Platt November 24, 2013 The Cross and Christian Generosity 2 Corinthians 8-9 If you have His Word, and I hope you do, I’m going to invite you to open with me to 2 Corinthians 8. Pull out that Worship Guide you received when you came in. I know growing up as a kid—in my house and now as a husband and a dad in my house—there were times when my dad or now I (as dad) would call a family meeting, and everybody gets together around the room, and you know there’s maybe something to celebrate or maybe there’s something in the family that we need to address. As I have prayed about and prepared this week in light of this text for this gathering right now, I feel like that’s what this is. In a way, it’s different. There’s a sense in which this happens every week when we gather together as a faith family to meet together. So, in a sense, every Sunday is that, but maybe in a unique way today, in light of some things that are particularly heavy on my heart as a pastor in this faith family, I put aside my notes and iPad that I usually use and got the Worship Guide here that’s got some notes in it. I was not going to have anything; I was just going to stand or sit on the stairs or something, but my back’s been causing some problems, so I’m going to have something to lean on.
    [Show full text]
  • V. the Covenant of Christian Character 27
    251876 Manual 2009_13 ins:244823 Manual 2005-09 1/11/10 4:06 PM Page 38 38 CHURCH CONSTITUTION 26.1. In one God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 26.2. That the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living. 26.3. That man is born with a fallen nature, and is, there- fore, inclined to evil, and that continually. 26.4. That the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eter- nally lost. 26.5. That the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin. 26.6. That believers are to be sanctified wholly, subse- quent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 26.7. That the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers. 26.8. That our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place. V. The Covenant of Christian Character 27. To be identified with the visible Church is the blessed privilege and sacred duty of all who are saved from their sins and are seeking completeness in Christ Jesus. It is re- quired of all who desire to unite with the Church of the Naz- arene, and thus to walk in fellowship with us, that they shall show evidence of salvation from their sins by a godly walk and vital piety; and that they shall be, or earnestly de- sire to be, cleansed from all indwelling sin.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Cor Session 1
    This morning we will continue our series on Paul’s early letters. Paul’s early letters all focused on establishing his young churches in the gospel. Last week we finished 1 Corinthians and this morning we turn our attention to 2 Corinthians. 2 Corinthians is a very different type of letter since it is not primarily bringing focusing on the kerygma and didache, but rather on Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians. Why would he devote a large letter to his relationship with the Corinthians? Paul’s Early Epistles 8You see, my dear family, we don’t want to keep you in the dark about the suffering we went through in Asia. The load we had to carry was far too heavy for us; it got to the point where we gave up on life itself. 2 Corinthians 1:8 N. T. Wright 4No: I wrote to you in floods of tears, out of great trouble and anguish in my heart, not so that I could make you sad but so that you would know just how much overflowing love I have toward you. 2 Corinthians 2:4 N. T. Wright Paul’s Early Epistles 12 However, when I came to Troas to announce the Messiah’s gospel, and found an open door waiting for me in the Lord, 13 I couldn’t get any quietness in my spirit because I didn’t find my brother Titus there. So I left them and went off to Macedonia. 2 Corinthians 2:12–13 N. T. Wright 3 So: we’re starting to “recommend ourselves” again, are we? Or perhaps we need—as some do—official references to give to you? Or perhaps even to get from you? 2 Corinthians 3:3 N.
    [Show full text]
  • OFFERTORY SENTENCES Exodus 25:1-2 -- the LORD Said to Moses
    OFFERTORY SENTENCES 2 Corinthians 8:7 -- Paul writes, "Just as you excel in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for one another -- see that Exodus 25:1-2 -- The LORD said to Moses, "Tell my people to bring me an offering. you also excel in this grace of giving." You are to accept the offerings from all whose hearts prompt them to give." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 -- Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap Ex. 34:20b, 26 -- No one is to appear before the LORD empty-handed. Bring the best sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you of the firstfruits of your labors to the house of the LORD your God. should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace Leviticus 27:30 -- A tenth of everything from your labor in the land belongs to the abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will LORD -- whether grain from the soil, fruit from the trees, or wages from your work - abound in every good work. - it is holy to the LORD. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 -- Now the Lord who supplies seed to the sower and bread to Deuteronomy 14:22, 29b -- Be sure to set aside a tenth of the produce from all your the eater will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge your fields and labors each year, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work harvest.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Corinthians 13:11–14 (NIV84) Trinity Sunday / June 19, 2011 Finally
    2 Corinthians 13:11–14 (NIV84) Trinity Sunday / June 19, 2011 11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, 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 send their greetings. 14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Can’t We All Just Get Along? • 2 Corinthians 13:10 (NIV84) 10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. Aim for perfection- Be made complete, be perfect, Be restored. listen to my appeal - The word here in the original has two meanings. It means to exhort someone and also comfort them. There are cases when it is hard to distinguish between exhortation and comfort. Here in our text παρακαλεῖσθε embraces “both the word which consoles the sufferer and the word which admonishes the slack and weary.” Both the repentant and impenitent needed to listen up. be of one mind - NIV 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 CORINTHIANS Sufficient in Christ
    2 CORINTHIANS Sufficient in Christ W E E K L Y W O R S H I P T O O L S I S S U E 8 : M A Y 9 – M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 2 0 PURPOSE AND SUGGESTED USE Crosspoint Church has set out to produce an issue of Weekly Worship Tools for the encouragement and resourcing of our church body each week. Each Saturday, this guide is published with the hope that it will aid you in being transformed by the gospel and living daily on mission. This document is structured in two categories: weekend resources and weekday resources. Sundays we gather for Corporate Worship and sit under the teaching of the Word of God as we fellowship together. The first guide listed in the Table of Contents below, "Prepare for Worship," is produced to stir our meditation on the passage to be preached, causing us to prepare our hearts for the message on Sunday. Additionally, we have provided you with a basic outline of the "Sermon Notes" to guide your attention and participation with the Pastor as he works through the message. Furthermore, a set of lyric sheets have been added following the "Prepare for Worship" for your convenience as you join in worship through song on Sunday morning. A Sermon Discussion Guide and a Daily Worship Guide are provided for individual or household worship through the week. The focus of Monday and Tuesday is an opportunity to look back at the Scripture preached on Sunday. Each Wednesday we will read an Old Testament passage that connects to what is being communicated through our sermon Scripture.
    [Show full text]
  • SSS 2019 Acts Handouts
    !1 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? The Word of God and Evangelisation Today Holy Cross College 2019 Kieran J. O’Mahony www.tarsus.ie The First Christian History: the Acts of the Apostles Learning today from the very first generations Programme 1. Introduction to the Acts (p. 1) 2. Pentecost tableau (p. 8) 3. Speeches in Acts (p. 14) 4. Conversion of Cornelius (p. 18) 5. Paul in Athens (p. 23) 6. Paul in Rome (p. 28) 1. Introduction to the Acts • First of all • Two “big” stories • Getting started • History? • Date, authorship, location • Prayer / Conversation First of all… • The world of Acts • Our world(s)!!! • This is a rattling good story, full of excitement and drama. • Plenty of friendship • Plenty of conflict • Two “big” stories with lots of little stories around as well… • Two “big” stories: Peter and Paul • Two volumes: Gospel and Acts together • Starts in Jerusalem and ends in Rome. • Really the story of Peter and then Paul; Peter peters out. • Large biblical theology of history, found chiefly in the speeches. • About one third of Acts is made up of speeches. • The break with Judaism and the inclusion of the Gentiles. • The “we” passages in Acts. • The vast number of characters. • Certain scenes receive extensive treatment (Cornelius; the journey to Rome). • Ends happily, but strangely without closure. Two “big” stories Two volumes: Gospel and Acts together Preface Luke 1:1-4 Part I Luke 1:5-2:52 The time of Israel reaches its climax Part II Luke 3:1-Acts 1:26 The time of Jesus Part III Acts 2:1-28:31 The time of the Church www.tarsus.ie !2
    [Show full text]
  • Archimandrite Serge (Keleher)
    “GLORY BE TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS.” NEWSLETTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER VOLUME 10, NUMBER 6, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011 VITO R. CARCHEDI, EDITOR, 35 SCHENLEY AVE. STRUTHERS, OH 44471 TELEPHONE: 330-755-5635 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.byzcath.org/stjohnchrysostom/ FROM THE EDITOR… present. The Orthodox presence in a Church Hall, a Hall Dear Members and Friends, I send along my best that they owned, was quite remarkable considering the wishes for a Holy Nativity season and a Happy New fact that Fr Serge’s book was about the Year. Our first regular meeting of 2012 will be suffering/persecuted Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine. at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 7782 Once again Fr Serge stood out, as it were, by wearing his Kamelevikon and veil; neither of the Orthodox Bishops Glenwood Ave., Boardman, Oh 44512-582 wore theirs.. At some stage during the gathering http://www.stmarysbyzantine.org Phone/Fax: Metropolitan Kallistos also spoke. He started his talk in (330) 726-8573. St. Mary’s is our chapter’s home his own very English humorous way as follows: “God is base. a mystery; therefore because man is made in the image The meeting will be Tuesday January 10 at 7 of God, he too is a mystery; but there is no greater p.m. Father George Gages, pastor of St. Mary’s mystery than Archimandrite Serge Kelleher!” will speak on “The Miracle of Damascus, Church In addition, many years ago, when the Society of St John Unity: Priority or Apathy?.” Chrysostom in England had almost ceased to exist, there Please mark your calendar for two other regular was a meeting held downstairs in the Ukrainian Catholic meetings: Tuesday, March 13, 7 p.m., Bishop John of Cathedral in London attended by Fr Serge, the late Fr the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Parma and Graham Woolfenden, the late Joe Farrelly, myself and Tuesday, May 8,, 7 p.m., Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 “In Simplicity and Godly Sincerity”
    2 Corinthians 1:12-24 “In Simplicity And Godly Sincerity” • Apparently the Corinthians charged Paul with lying when he did not re- visit them in a timely manner • Remember: 1 Corinthians 16:5-9 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. o The Lord did not permit Paul to make it to Corinth. o Did that make Paul a liar? Unreliable? • Double minded man – unstable in all his ways James 1:6-8 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. • Let your “Yes be Yes” Matthew 5:33-37 33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
    [Show full text]