An Argument Of Second Corinthians
By: David Malick
MESSAGE STATEMENT:
OBEDIENCE TO THE WORDS OF PAUL THE APOSTLE IS THE SAME AS
OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST.1
I. Paul and Timothy open their letter to the church in Corinth
as well as believers in Achaia with the desire for both
grace and peace from the God the Father and the Son to be
their experience 1:1-2
A. The letter is from the Apostle Paul and Timothy to the
church in Corinth as well as all the saints in the
surrounding province of Achaia 1:1
1. Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus the
Messiah according to God's will 1:1a
2. Timothy is identified as a fellow believer 1:1b
3. The letter is addressed to the church in Corinth
1:1c
4. The letter is addressed to all the believers of
the broader province of Achaia 1:1d
B. The usual salutation of Grace and peace is given in
behalf of God the Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah
1:2
II. Paul desires to minister to the Corinthians by reaffirming
that they are justified in their confidence in his
integrity as an apostle from God dispite his change in
travel plans, and by thus affirming that they should not
abandon his message for one of legalism leading to sin 1:3-
-7:16
A. Paul discusses comfort in affliction so that the
Corinthians might in the future find comfort in their
persecution by seeing how Paul is strengthened by God
when falsely accused (by the Corinthians) 1:3-11
1. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to say good,
enriching things about God because He has helped
us in our affliction so that we might use His
comfort to help others 1:3-4
a. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to say good,
enriching things about God 1:3a
b. The reason good things should be said about
God is because He has helped us in our need
by sending Jesus to die for our sin 1:3b
c. God, who is characterized by all mercy and
comfort, comforts us in our affliction so
that we might use His comfort to help others
1:3c-4
2. Paul demonstrates that God comforts believers in
affliction so that others (the Corinthians) may
also be comforted in the affliction of Paul and
Timothy 1:5-11
a. Statement: Paul and Timothy affirm that they
received a proportionate comfort from God for
their affliction which arose from their faith
in Messiah 1:5
b. Paul and Timothy affirm that affliction and
comfort to them is to comfort the Corinthians
when they endure the same kind of sufferings
1:6-7
c. Paul and Timothy's confidence in God's
comforting of the Corinthians as they share
in the sufferings with Paul and Timothy is
illustrated by reminding them of a specific
case in point where God delivered them from
death 1:8-11
1) Specific affliction to Paul and Timothy
in Asia are recounted in that they
wanted to die it was so difficult, but
learned to trust in God rather than
themselves because He overrules death
1:8-9
2) God delivered them in their suffering
1:10a
3) One may be confident that God will
deliver in the future 1:10b
4) Therefore the Corinthians are encouraged
to be praying for future deliverances of
Paul and Timothy so that the church may
be encouraged toward God in His use of
them to bring deliverance for Paul and
Timothy 1:11
B. Paul explains his change in travel plans in order to
restore the confidence of the Corinthians in his
integrity: his change in plans was not due to a motive
of deception but in purity of love for the Corinthians
1:12--2:4
1. Motives are pure: Just as Paul's past actions were
based upon pure motives, so was it when he planned
to come to the Corinthians twice as he passed
through Macedonia 1:12-16
a. Paul is confident of the good way in which he
and others have conducted themselves to the
world and especially to the Corinthians who
received them well initially 1:12-14
1) They were pure in lifestyle, sincerity
rather than sinful decisions, and in a
message of grace from God 1:12a
2) They conducted themselves to everyone in
a pure way, especially the Corinthians
1:12b
3) Their writings are of good motive,
understandable, and will hopefully be
looked to in the future for direction
1:13
4) The Corinthians did understand that
there was a mutual love for one another
in proper pride--especially before
Christ in the last day 1:14
b. In the same good attitude Paul intended to
come a second time to enrich the Corinthians
as he went through Macedonia 1:15-16
2. Message is true because of God even if Paul's
motives were not pure: Paul's change in travel
plans does not affect the reliability of his
message about Christ since Paul, Silavanus, and
Timothy spoke to the Corinthians truth about
Christ based upon Christ who Himself fulfills that
truth 1:17-22
a. Since Paul's motives have been pure, it is
wrong to think of the promise to come as
being not thought through, or intentionally
deceptive 1:17
b. In contrast to perceptions of sinful motives,
Paul proclaims that their words to them about
Christ are reliable because they were based
upon Christ who fulfills the promises of God
and has brought them together by His Spirit
1:18-22
3. Motive was to spare sorrow: Paul explains that his
choice to not come twice to the Corinthians was an
act of compassion because by disciplining them it
would hurt him 1:23--2:4
a. Paul's motive in not coming to Corinth was
not deceptive, but to spare the Corinthians
of more sorrow 1:23
b. Paul does not desire to be viewed as one who
"lords it" over their faith, but as a worker
with them for their joy because they have
stood firm in their faith 1:24
c. Paul desired to spare the Corinthians more
sorrow because it hurts him too much to see
them hurt, therefore, he determined not to
come, but to send a severe letter 2:1-4
1) Paul determined to not come again in
sorrow to the Corinthians for his own
sake because their sorrow grieves him
2:1-2
2) Paul wrote the Corinthians the severe
(sorrowful) letter in order that he
would not have sorrow when he came from
those who ought to make him rejoice 2:3
3) Paul's writing was difficult to do
because he did not desire to make them
sorrowful but to have them know how much
he loved them 2:4
C. The time that Paul has given to the Corinthians has
proven helpful as they dealt with sin--something they
needed to complete because it will lead to triumph as
it did with the Corinthians and Paul (2:5-17)
1. The time that Paul has given to the Corinthians
was helpful because they dealt with sin and need
to continue in obedience: (Because the sorrow was
against the Corinthians and not Paul, and because
Paul had already forgiven the man who sinned, the
Corinthians should forgive the man and reaffirm
their love) 2:5-11
a. The sorrow caused by the person in the church
in Corinth was to the Corinthians and not to
Paul 2:5
b. The punishment was sufficient so that the man
should be forgiven and comforted lest he
become overwhelmed with great sorrow 2:6-7
c. Paul has also forgiven the brother so that
the Corinthians might forgive him and so that
Satan might not take advantage of all 2:10-
11
2. The benefit of continued obedience is that it will
lead to triumph as it did with the Corinthians and
Paul before: (Even though Paul is extremely
concerned about the Corinthians' response to his
confrontive letter, he thanks God for their joint
victory in their confidence in him as God's
messenger) 2:12-17
a. When Paul arrived for Gospel ministry in
Troas, he wrestled within because he did not
find Titus with a word of encouragement from
Corinth, so he left for Macedonia 2:12-13
b. Paul gives thanks for His work in leading the
Corinthians and Him in triumph (over their
differences) and giving a testimony to all
people of either God's grace received or
judgment which is awaiting 2:14-16a
c. Paul affirms their confidence in him as being
God's sincere spokesman 2:16b-17
D. Just as the change enabled the Corinthians to deal with
sin, so does it demonstrate that Paul is from God and
needs no commendation. Rather, he is substantiated by:
the Corinthians themselves, his superior message of the
new covenant with the Spirit, the sufferings of the
ministry which were made possible in view of the
resurrection and the greater experience of life (3:1--
5:10)
1. The source of affirmation of the ministry of Paul
and his associates is not in external letters but
in the experiential growth of believers under the
new covenant of the Spirit of God which was
preached by them 3:1-18
a. Paul questions the need for him and his
colleagues to have letters to substantiate
their ministry when the lives of the
Corinthians and the life the new covenant
speak for themselves 3:1-6
1) Paul questions whether or not it is
necessary to have references to
substantiate his ministry 3:1
2) The reason Paul questions the need for
letters of reference is because the
Corinthians are living proof of their
ministry unto people 3:2-3
a) The Corinthians themselves are
evidences of Paul's ministry which
all can and do read 3:2
b) The Corinthians manifest Christ by
the Spirit in a living way which
Paul and those with them cared for
3:3
3) Paul affirms their confidence before God
and through Christ to proclaim His new
covenant of the Spirit giving life
rather than the law which kills 3:4-6
a) Paul and those with him have
confidence through the work of
Christ and before God 3:4
b) Paul and those with him do not
consider their adequacy as coming
from their own strengths but from
God's 3:5
c) God has made them adequate as those
who serve the new relationship
between man and God through the
Spirit who gives life rather
through the law which gives death
3:6
b. Even though the law came with glory, the
ministry of the Spirit is more glorious
because it leads to uprightness and endures
rather than the law 3:7-11
1) The ministry of death in letters on
stone came with such glory that the sons
of Israel could not even look intently
at Moses face which shone even though it
was fading 3:7
2) The ministry of the Spirit is even more
glorious than was that received by Moses
because of its good and lasting results
3:8-11
a) The ministry of the Spirit has even
greater glory than the one received
by Moses 3:8
b) The ministry leading to uprighteous
has more glory than the one leading
to condemnation 3:9
c) The enduring nature of the ministry
of the Spirit exists in greatness
over the transitory nature of the
ministry of Moses which faded away
3:10-11
c. Paul and his associates speak boldly now, not
being ashamed as Moses was of the passing
glory, knowing that legalism by Israel is a
case of hardness of heart, and knowing that
believers are experiencing God's
transformation 3:12-18
1) Because of the hope of the ministry of
the Spirit, Paul and his associates are
bold in speech 3:12
2) Paul and his associates are not ashamed
as Moses was of the fading of the glory
of the message 3:13
3) Unlike Moses who veiled his face, the
minds of Israel are hardened when they
look at the Law, even though Paul and
his associates speak clearly, because
they will not turn to Christ 3:14-16
a) Unlike Moses who veiled the glory
that was passing away, the
Israelites minds are hardened as if
covered by a veil when they read
the Scripture without Christ 3:14-
15
b) When a person turns to the Lord,
the veil is taken away 3:16
4) The Spirit of God within believers is
transforming them into His image of
glory 3:17-18
a) The Lord being the Spirit is
bringing about liberty for
believers 3:17
b) Believers are being transformed
into God's greatness by the Lord
3:18
2. The source of affirmation of the ministry of Paul
and his associates is not in external letters but
in their participation in the sufferings of Christ
4:1--5:10
a. Encouragement to continue in ministry comes
through being the recipient of grace in
difficulties so that God may be seen to work-
-except for the case of those who are blinded
by the Enemy 4:1-12
1) The solution to loosing heart in the
ministry is the reception of mercy 4:1
2) Rather than using cryptic and deceptive
ways of sharing Christ, Paul and his
companions openly display the truth
through their own lives to reach men
4:2
3) Those who do not receive their message
are blinded by the enemy to not perceive
the greatness of God in believers 4:3-
12
a) The enemy has blinded the eyes of
those perishing from seeing the
greatness of God in Christ 4:3-4
b) The misperception does not relate
to the greatness of men, but to the
message of God which men bear
through their infirmities 4:5-12
(1) Paul and his companions do not
proclaim themselves, but
Christ as Lord and themselves
as His servants 4:5
(2) God who sovereignly reveals
Himself as light does so
through our infirmities 4:6-
12
(a) God who Sovereignly
reveals Himself has done
so through Christ within
us 4:6
(b) God displays this power
through fragile clay
posts (a believer's life)
which may break, but will
not be destroyed through
Christ's work in us 4:7-
12
(i) God places his
greatness in our
fragile selves 4:7
(ii) We experience
difficulty but are
not consumed by it
4:8-9
(iii) Death inflicted
by evil is the
believers' (as it
was Jesus') so that
one might also
display concurring
life which Jesus has
4:10-11
(iv) People are
encouraged by the
battles won over
evil 4:12
b. Because of past experiences of God's
deliverance and the greatness of eternity,
Paul and his companions proclaim without
giving up God's deliverance focusing on inner
growth 4:13-18
1) Having experienced God's deliverance in
life, Paul and his companions believe
and proclaim that deliverance through
the resurrection for the benefit of
others who will then give thanks to God
4:13-15
a) With a similar experience of
deliverance as the writer of Psalm
116, Paul and his companions
proclaim God's work in their lives
to others 4:13
b) One reason they proclaim
deliverance is because they know
that Christ's resurrection will
apply to them and others who
believe 4:14
c) All experiences of difficulty and
victory are for the sake of others
that the gospel of grace might
spread to many, culminating in
thanksgiving to God due to His
greatness 4:15
2) Therefore, Paul and his companions do
not loose heart in the ministry, but in
their experiences of difficulty focus on
God's building of their personhood for
latter reward and eternity 4:16-18
a) Paul and his companions do not
loose heart but see their physical
difficulties as being times of
strengthening for their inner
selves 4:16
b) One reason they focus on their
inner growth is because God will
provide a much greater reward in
eternity for that growth during
difficulty 4:17
c) One reason that focus is on the
inner man is because the outer man
passes away while the inner
developments are forever 4:18
c. Paul is able to suffer in view of the eternal
weight of glory in the resurrection body and
the greater experience of life of life to
follow for obedience today 5:1-10
1) Paul focuses on eternity during
difficulties because our future bodies
will be superior to now in that they
will end our vulnerability due to sin
and death through life 5:1-4
a) The reason Paul focuses on eternity
during difficulties is because of
the future body which is superior
to the one we now have 5:1
b) The reason Paul focuses on eternity
during difficulties is because of
the future personal conquering of
guilt and death in our new bodies
5:2-4
(1) In our present bodies we
painfully long for our future
heavenly body because it will
cover our vulnerability due to
sin 5:2-3
(2) One groans in one's present
body wit a burden of not
wanting to leave one's body
but to have one's new body so
that one's fear of death may
be overcome by life 5:4
c) The believer has confidence in his
future body because of God's work
in his life 5:5
(1) God prepares the believer for
the purpose of the future
5:5a
(2) God gives the believer the
experiential promise in the
work of the Holy Spirit in his
life 5:5b
2) While difficulties are eased through the
knowledge that the believer's future
with the Lord will contain so much more,
there is still an encouragement to live
in a way pleasing to Him because one
will be recognized for one's present
actions 5:6-10
a) During difficulties it is
encouraging to know that life now
is less than complete and one's
future with God will contain so
much more 5:6-8
(1) During difficulties believers
can be encouraged through the
knowledge that one's present
existence is less than perfect
since one does not see Him who
is reality 5:6-7
(2) During difficulties it is
helpful to look toward one's
leaving of this limited
experience and being with God
in the fullness of life 5:8
b) Because of one's future presence
before God Himself, the goal of
believers is to please Him whether
in life or in death 5:9-10
(1) The goal of the believer is to
please God whether in life or
in death 5:9
(2) The reason the believer's goal
is to please the Lord is
because everyone will be duly
recognized by Him for those
things--be they good or bad--
which one has done while in
this existence 5:10
E. Paul urges the Corinthians to increase their confidence
in Him, not to give up grace for the law, and to be
reconciled to God and him and to separate from evil
5:11--7:16
1. Paul urges the Corinthians to increase in their
confidence in him:Paul exhorts believers to share
with others the grace of God rather than focusing
on the externals of men because of Christ's
gracious provision of life for those who will
receive it 5:11-21
a. Because of the reality of our future before
God, Paul and those with him persuade men in
an openness and honesty that God sees and
hopefully the Corinthians also see 5:11
b. Paul's motive in explaining himself is not to
begin again with the Corinthians, but to
encourage them in their confidence in him as
they answer objectors who focus on externals
rather than the heart 5:12-15
1) Paul's motive in explaining himself is
not to begin in his relationship again
with the Corinthians but, that the
Corinthians may be proud of him and have
an answer for those who insist upon
external requirements 5:12
2) The reason for the logical explanation
is to resolve the Corinthians' struggles
and not those of Paul with God 5:13
3) The reason Paul is patiently explaining
himself is because of the control which
understanding Christ's substitutionary
death places on him in serving Christ
5:14-15
c. Because of Christ's provision for man, Paul
does not focus on externals, but on the
change that Christ makes within people who
have received His provision 5:16-19
1) Paul does not focus on men's external
appearances because, as with Christ,
they are temporary 5:16
2) For believers there is a newness to them
in that their past changes and their
present becomes new when they have faith
5:17
3) Christ has provided reconciliation with
God for believers and to be proclaimed
by believers 5:18-19
d. Because of Christ's provision for
reconciliation with God, believers are
messengers for God to the world of their need
to receive this grace 5:20-21
2. Paul, through a life of integrity which
substantiates his ministry, urges the Corinthians
to be those who do not give up the benefits of
grace for law 6:1-7
a. As a worker with Christ, Paul urges the
Corinthians to not receive the grace of God
to no avail by following the law since they
are forgiven by Christ already 6:1-2
b. Paul urges the Corinthians as a man of
integrity who has endured, been pure and
expressed the power of God 6:3-10
3. Paul urges the Corinthians to be reconciled to
him: thus, they are to separate from the false
teachers and continue in the movement which they
began with Titus 6:11--7:16
a. Just as Paul and those with him have been
open, honest, and helpful to the Corinthians,
he asks them, as a father, to be receptive to
him 6:11-13
1) Paul and those with him have been open
and honest with the Corinthians 6:11
2) The Corinthians have not been limited by
Paul, but by themselves 6:12
3) Paul urges the Corinthians--as his own
children--to be receptive of him and
those with him 6:13
b. Paul urges the Corinthians to separate
themselves from unbelievers: Because of the
incomparability of unbelievers with
believers, and the promises of a close
relationship with God, believers should not
unite themselves with evil ones, but with the
people of God 6:14--7:1
1) The Corinthians are exhorted not to
unite themselves with unbelievers
because they have opposite views of life
6:14-18
a) Believers are not to unite with
unbelievers 6:14a
b) The reason believers are not to
unite with unbelievers is because
they share opposite views of life
6:14b-18
(1) There is questionable
partnership in righteousness
and lawlessness 6:14b
(2) There is questionable
fellowship in light with
darkness 6:14c
(3) There is questionable harmony
in Christ with Satan 6:15a
(4) There is questionable common
ground in a believer with an
unbeliever 6:15b
(5) There is questionable
agreement with God's temple
and idols which is who a
believer is 6:16a-18
(a) Statement of the
questionable agreement
6:16a
(b) God likens a believer to
His temple where He
dwells and reigns 6:16b
(c) Because of God's presence
among believers, they are
not to be people who are
contaminated by evil, but
who are dedicated unto
God 6:17
(d) A believers' adherence to
God will enhance his
family relationship with
God 6:18
2) Based upon the promises of God,
believers should cleanse themselves from
external and internal pollution of their
faith, and work towards a separateness
unto God 7:1
c. Paul urges the Corinthians to once again be
receptive of him because he has never hurt
them, but always loved them finding them to
be a great source of comfort and joy 7:2-4
1) Paul exhorts the Corinthians to be
reconciled to him and to those with him
7:2a
2) The reason Paul exhorts that the
Corinthians be reconciled toward him is
because nothing was done by him, or
those with him, to hurt the Corinthians
7:2b
3) Paul is not speaking to condemn the
Corinthians because they are his joy and
satisfaction 7:3-4
a) Paul is not speaking to condemn the
Corinthians 7:3a
b) The Corinthians are in Paul's heart
a source of confidence, boasting,
comfort and joy during affliction
7:3b-4
d. Paul urges the Corinthians to continue in the
direction of their good response to Titus
7:5-16
1) The news which Titus brought of the
Corinthians' response to him was a
comfort to Paul in Macedonia 7:5-7
2) Titus' report of the good response by
the Corinthians to his lettered
encouraged Paul 7:8-13a
a) Titus' report helped Paul to
rejoice that he had caused a
limited amount of sorrow since it
led to repentance 7:8-9a
b) Paul had made the Corinthians
sorrowful as God would have them be-
-not to destroy them, but to help
them, as it did to Paul's
encouragement 7:9b-13a
3) Paul rejoiced over the encouragement the
Corinthians had given Titus by being all
that Paul had said they would be in
their reception of the word of God
through Paul 7:13b-16
III. Paul specifically exhorts the Corinthians to complete their
intended gift for the church in Jerusalem by noting the
faithfulness of the church in Macedonia, describing it as a
spiritual service, emphasizing the need for purity of
commitment, focusing upon proportionate giving, warning of
embarrassment if they fail to organize their gift, reminding
them of the law of the harvest 8:1--9:15
A. Inspired by the willing and sacrificial giving of the
Macedonian churches, Paul encourages the Corinthians to
also be a part of God's working by completing their
giving as a spiritual service, motivated out of a
purity of commitment, and in accordance with their
ability 8:1-15
1. From the inspiration of God's gracious work
through the willing, abundant giving of the
afflicted Macedonian churches, Paul encourages the
Corinthians to likewise give as they had intended
8:1-6
a. Paul informs the Corinthians of the working
of God through the great, sacrificial giving
of the Macedonian churches 8:1-5
1) God has expressed grace through that
which was given by the Macedonian
churches 8:1
2) The Macedonian churches liberally gave
while suffering themselves 8:2-5
a) The Macedonians were in affliction
8:2a
b) The abundance and poverty of the
Macedonians overflowed in liberal
giving 8:2b-5
(1) The Macedonians gave according
to and beyond their ability
8:3a
(2) The Macedonians strongly
desired to give out of their
relationship with God 8:3b-5
b. Titus was therefore, encouraged to complete
God's gracious work through the Corinthians'
giving just as he had initiated it there 8:6
2. The Corinthians should abound in their giving as a
spiritual service, motivated out of a purity of
commitment in accordance with their ability 8:7-
15
a. The Corinthians should abound in the
spiritual act of giving as much as they do in
spiritual character qualities 8:7
b. Rather than being motivated out of duty, the
Corinthians are asked to consider the
sincerity of their commitment through the
stimulation of others 8:8-9
1) Paul is not commanding obedience 8:8a
2) Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to
be motivated within for good by the
earnest giving of the Macedonians and by
the condescendtion of Christ for our
benefit 8:8b-9
c. The Corinthians are encouraged to willingly
complete the task which they began in giving
according to their ability 8:10-15
1) Just as the Corinthians were first to
begin and even desire to give, they
should finish the task of giving 8:10-
11a
2) The Corinthians should complete their
giving in accordance with their ability
to give 8:11b-15
a) Statement: The Corinthians should
complete their intention to give in
accordance with their ability
8:11b
b) One reason the Corinthians should
give in accordance with their
ability is because God understands
and accepts one's limitations 8:12
c) Another reason the Corinthians
should give in accordance with
their ability is because God's
desire is not to afflict a
believer, but to provide equally
for all who have life-threatening
needs 8:13-15
(1) God's desire is not to afflict
a believer for the ease of
others 8:13a
(2) God's desire is for one to
give according to one's
ability so that all with life-
threatening needs may be met
8:14-15
(a) God desires for all with
life-threatening needs to
be met by one another
8:14
(b) Support that God desires
to meet one's basic needs
equally is in His
proportionate supply of
"manna" in the wilderness
8:15
B. Since Titus and two brethren from the churches are
coming to Corinth to help in administrating the
Corinthians' offering, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to
prove their intentions by giving lest there be
embarrassment 8:16--9:5
1. Titus and two faithful, prominent brethren from
the churches which are participation in the
offering are coming to Corinth to help with their
offering 8:16-23
a. God is thanked for His working in Titus to
the point where he chose to go to the
Corinthians to help 8:16-17
b. Another brother has been sent along with
Titus who is famous for the gospel, and
represents the churches in taking the
offering to Jerusalem 8:18-21
1) A brother has been sent with Titus who
is noted for the gospel among the
churches 8:18
2) The brother is also going along with the
gift which the apostles are
administering as a further protection
against any questions of misconduct by
men 8:19-21
c. Another brother is coming with Titus and the
churches representatives because of his
faithfulness in ministry and his confidence
in the Corinthians 8:22
d. In summary, those coming to help the
Corinthians with their offering for the
church in Jerusalem are Titus, Paul's partner
and faithful worker, and messengers from the
churches which are the glory of Christ 8:23
2. The Corinthians are exhorted to demonstrate their
intentions of love toward the Jerusalem saints by
giving their offerings through the arrangement of
the brethren, and which will prevent the
embarrassment of empty promises 8:24--9:5
a. The Corinthians are exhorted to demonstrate
their good character through the offering and
for which Paul and others are proud 8:24
b. The reason Paul desires for the Corinthians
to demonstrate their character is because
their good intentions could lead to
embarrassment if not arranged well 9:1-5
1) Paul does not feel it is necessary to
write again about the ministry unto the
Jerusalem church because the Corinthians
have been ready to help so as to spur on
the Macedonians 9:1-2
2) Even though the Corinthians have been
ready to help the saints, Paul has sent
the brethren to help arrange the actual
gift so that no one would be
embarrassed by empty promises 9:3-5
C. Remembering the law of the harvest, the Corinthians are
encouraged to give knowing that in doing so God will
provide for them, enrich them to give more, and use
them to reflect Him in His goodness 9:6-15
1. Since one receives in proportion to one's giving,
God desires for all to willfully choose to give,
knowing that He will provide for one's needs, and
give one even more to give in uprightness 9:6-10
a. The law of the harvest is true with respect
to giving: one receives in proportion to how
one invests 9:6
b. God desires everyone to do what they do out
of contemplative, willful choices, rather
than against one's will as a duty 9:7
c. God is able to graciously supply for one's
needs and give one an abundance for more good
works of uprightness 9:8-10
1) Statement concerning the physical 9:8
2) Old Testament support for the spiritual
from Psalm 112:9 9:9
3) Statement combining the physical and the
spiritual 9:10
2. God will enrich those who give more liberally
because it will ultimately reflect back to the
goodness of Himself to all 9:11-15
a. God will enrich those who give in order to
give more 9:11a
b. One's giving will ultimately reflect back
unto the goodness of God 9:11b-15
1) One's giving produces thanksgiving to
God 9:11b
2) Proofs of this assertion:
a) Those who receive the gift will
glorify God for the Corinthians'
obedience to the gospel, and the
liberality of their contribution
9:13
b) Those who receive the gift will
pray for the Corinthians because of
the grace of God they have received
through them 9:14
c) God is thanked for His
indescribable gift for all 9:15
IV. Paul responds to criticisms of his leadership by explaining
his choice to care for those under his responsibility, by
sarcastically boasting of his strengths in order to
emphasize that weaknesses are the realm through which God
shows strength rather than the strength of men, and by
directly exhorting the Corinthians to be reconciled to him
and by-pass the hurt of going in the direction of error
10:1--13:6
A. Responding to criticisms of his leadership style, Paul
explains his preference for caring for those entrusted
to his responsibility as God would have him do rather
than succumbing to the pressures of others to be more
stern because only God's opinion lasts 10:1-18
1. Responding to criticisms of his leadership style,
Paul explains that he does not desire to
physically punish those rebelling in Corinth
because spiritual warfare can change hearts 10:1-
6
a. In a sarcastic way, due to criticisms of his
leadership style, Paul gently writes to urge
the Corinthians to not force him to deal
sternly with them 10:1-2
b. The reason Paul is usually not visibly stern
with people when face to face is not because
he sinfully seeks approval, but because he
fights in the spiritual realm first 10:3-6
1) Though one lives in the physical realm,
Paul engages in the power of spiritual
warfare first 10:3-5
a) Spiritual warfare is divinely
powerful and able to destroy
fortresses 10:4
b) Spiritual warfare is able to defeat
how people think 10:5
2) Punishment for disobedience follows the
completion of spiritual warfare 10:6
2. Urging his critics to consider his motivations
which are to help those under his care in
leadership, and not to act out of jealously, Paul
reminds the Corinthians that only God's approval
lasts when leading, not man's 10:7-18
a. Rather than judging Paul's leadership style
from external appearances, Paul exhorts the
Corinthians to consider his inward
motivations 10:7-10
1) Those judging Paul are only looking at
things externally 10:7a
2) Paul encourages his critics to consider
his inward motivations which are for
good 10:7b-10
a) Statement: Paul exhorts his critics
to look at things inwardly 10:7b
b) Being a believer, Paul desires what
Christ would desire for another
believer 10:7c
c) Paul bears authority for the
purpose of building-up other
believers 10:8
d) Paul's desire is not to terrify the
Corinthians with his letters as a
coward would when away 10:9-10
b. Paul re-affirms his personal consistence of
leadership which is demonstrated when dealing
with real needs of people under his care, but
is not evoked by personal jealousy 10:11-16
1) Paul affirms that his character of
leadership is consistent whether absent
or present 10:11
2) That which motivates Paul's expression
of leadership is personal care for those
under his responsibility and not 'peer'
jealousy 10:12-16
a) "Peer"-jealousy does not motivate
Paul to express himself because to
do so is not to understand what God
values 10:12
b) Paul is motivated to exercise
leadership over people whom God has
given into his care as service to
God 10:13-16
(1) While not overstepping his
bounds, Paul will exercise
leadership in those areas
which God has given
responsibility which includes
the Corinthians 10:13
(2) The Corinthians fall into
Paul's sphere of
responsibility because they
first received the Gospel from
him with the hopes extending
his ministry to people beyond
them who had not heard 10:14-
16
c. Paul reminds his critics to evaluate their
actions by God's expectations rather than
their own because only His will give a
lasting approval 10:17-18
B. Using the foolishness of boasting to expose the
Corinthians naive reception of false teachers, Paul
explains that focusing on weakness rather than
strengths is the correct way to boast because it
emphasizes God's power rather than men's 11:1--12:10
1. Paul encourages the Corinthians to endure some
boasting which he is about to do with them because
he is acting with understanding and out of
commitment to them 11:1-15
a. Even though the Corinthians were beginning to
consider Paul as foolish, he asks that they
might put up with some talk that he deems
foolish 11:1
b. Paul deserves for the Corinthians to listen
to his foolishness for their good, because he
is committed to them, because he is an
apostle, and because he has cared for them
11:2-15
1) One reason Paul wants to enter into
these games of boasting is because he is
committed to the relationship the
Corinthians have with God 11:2-4
a) Paul is committed to helping the
Corinthians remain pure toward God
11:2
b) Paul is fearful that the
Corinthians are being led astray by
the Enemy through false teachers
11:3-4
2) Another reason Paul entreats the
Corinthians to bear with his discussion
is because of his Apostolic
understanding and care for them 11:5-9
a) Paul asks the Corinthians to hear
him out because of his apostolic
authority which is expressed with
knowledge 11:5-6
b) Paul asks the Corinthians to hear
him out because of the sensitive
way that he has ministered to them
11:7-9
3) Paul is determined to argue against
false teachers because they are an
instrument of Satan to corrupt believers
11:10-15
2. Exposing the Corinthians naive reception of
boasting--false teachers, Paul demonstrates their
silliness by comparing himself to them in a
boastful way 11:16-22
a. Once again Paul encourages the Corinthians to
receive his foolish boasting 11:16
b. The reason Paul is going to express a
confidence of boasting is not because he
thinks it is as Christ would speak, but to
expose the Corinthians in their blind
reception of others who do so 11:17-21a
1) Paul proclaims that his boasting is not
biblical 11:17
2) Paul proclaims that his boasting is
meant to expose the naive reception of
others by the Corinthians 11:18-21
a) Paul is going to boast as the false
teachers do 11:18
b) The Corinthians naively accept the
boasts of foolishness 11:19-21
(1) Statement: although the
Corinthians appear to be wise,
they gladly endure the
foolishness of boasting 11:19
(2) Proof of the statement: the
Corinthians receive those who
abuse them while considering
those who care for them as
weak by comparison 11:20-21a
c. In a comparative way Paul boasts of his
bearing the same natural qualifications of
leadership as do the false teachers 11:21b-
22
3. Continuing in the sphere of boasting, Paul
explains that weaknesses rather than strengths are
better areas to boast in since they point to God's
strength rather than men's 11:23-12:10
a. Paul continues his comparative boasting with
the false teachers by describing himself as a
servant of Christ yet, through experiences of
weakness and care rather than "authority"
11:23-29
1) Paul compares himself with the false
teachers as a servant of Christ, not
really believing that they are so
11:23a
2) Paul actually demonstrates his position
as a servant of Christ through
weaknesses of experience 11:23b-29
a) Paul has had more hurtful things
happen to him 11:23b-25
b) Paul has experienced dangerous
journeys 11:26
c) Paul has experienced physical abuse
11:27
d) Paul feels daily pressure of the
churches' needs 11:28-29
b. Paul explains that boasting should be in the
area of weakness rather than strengths citing
God as his witness and an experience at
Damascus as proof 11:30-33
1) Paul explains that real boasting should
in a person's weaknesses rather than in
their strengths 11:30
2) Paul supports his statement by
testifying of God's understanding and
with an example of God working in
delivering him even through a
humiliating experience 11:31-33
c. Using the context of his receiving a vision
from God, Paul explains that it is better to
boast in weakness where God's power is
displayed rather than in strengths which
uplifting men 12:1-10
1) Feeling that it is necessary for the
Corinthians to more fully understand
what Paul has to say about empty
boasting, he begins to boast about
receiving a revelation from God 12:1-4
2) Paul now explains how boasting about
what a man has experienced builds up a
man where as focusing on a man's
weakness builds up one's perception of
the strength of God 12:5-10
a) Boast about one's strengths only
builds up men; that is why Paul
will only boast in regard to his
weaknesses 12:5-6
b) God gives those who have personal
strengths and gifts weaknesses so
that they strength can be seen as
coming from God 11:7-10
(1) Paul was given a weakness to
keep him from exalting himself
with the revelation he
received 12:7
(2) When Paul asked God to take
the weakness away, he was told
that it was a gracious gift to
mature power which he had
12:8-9a
(3) Paul concludes that the
weakness is better as the
channel of God's power 12:9b-
10
C. Speaking directly, Paul questions the Corinthians'
attitude toward him, explains his desire to draw them
away from sin and its consequences, and exhorts them to
by-pass hurt by receiving him as God's messenger 12:11-
-13:6
1. Paul directly questions the doubting attitude of
the Corinthians toward him in light of his
apostleship, respectful treatment of them, and his
intentions to invest himself in them 12:11-18
a. Paul directly addresses the Corinthians
improper attitude toward him of questioning,
rather than commending him for being an
apostle who treated them respectfully 12:11-
13
1) Paul felt compelled by the questioning
spirit of the Corinthians to present the
foolishness of his credentials to the
Corinthians 12:11a
2) Rather than always questioning him, Paul
felt that the Corinthians should have
commended him because of his apostleship
and respectful treatment of them 12:11b-
13
b. When Paul comes to the Corinthians on his
third visit, his intention is not to burden
them, but to invest himself in them as a
father would with a child 12:12-15a
c. Because of Paul's past dealings, and present
plans on behalf of the Corinthians, he
questions openly their unfeigned hostility
toward him and his message 12:15b-18
1) Paul questions the Corinthians' lack of
love for him in light of his great love
for them 12:15b
2) Paul insists that he did not burden, or
act deceitfully toward the Corinthians
himself, or through any of his fellow-
workers 12:16-18
2. Rather than desiring to build himself up, Paul has
been defending himself to build up the Corinthians
by drawing them away from sin and its consequences
to the truth of God 12:19-21
a. Rather than trying to build himself and those
with him up, Paul insists that his arguments
have been biblical for the purpose of
building up those whom he loves--the
Corinthians 12:19
b. Paul has been defending himself in hopes of
drawing the Corinthians back to the truth so
that they may not experience the hurtful
consequences of sin 12:20-21
1) One reason Paul has been defending
himself is so that neither he nor the
Corinthians might have to experience
painful surprises about each other
12:20a
2) Another reason Paul has been defending
himself is because he desired to end
sinful disputing within the church
12:20b
3) Another reason Paul has been defending
himself is because he does not desire to
be humbled and mournful by continued
immorality within the church 12:21
3. Warning of his upcoming exercise of the life-
giving power of God towards those who are
continuing in sin, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to
receive him as a messenger of Christ 13:1-6
a. As Paul has warned in the Past, he once again
warns that when he comes on his third visit,
he will deal with strength against all who
continue to sin 13:1-2
b. Paul's strong dealings toward the
Corinthians' continuing in sin will be
experiential proof of the real strength of
Christ which leads to life 13:3-4
1) Paul's actions will really demonstrate
the strength of Christ through him
towards them 13:3
2) The power of God is that which turns the
weakness and death of sin into life for
Christ, Paul and now the Corinthians
13:4
c. By sarcastically reaffirming the faith of the
Corinthians, Paul once again exhorts them to
receive him as a messenger of Christ 13:5-6
1) In a sarcastic manner Paul exhorts the
Corinthians to examine their
relationship with Christ--knowing full
well that they are believers through his
proclamation to them 13:5
2) Paul once again encourages the
Corinthians to acknowledge his place
among the messengers of the faith 13:6
V. Praying for the Corinthians good, and encouraging them to
respond to him so he need not be severe, Paul closes his
correspondence by encouraging them to obedience, sending
greetings from the saints and praying that they might
experience God's care for them 13:7-14
A. Paul prays for the Corinthians good and explains that
he desires for them to have a change of mind so that he
does not need to be severe when he comes 13:7-10
1. Because of Paul's and his companions' commitment
to the truth, they pray for the Corinthians' good
regardless of whether they receive Paul or not
13:7-8
a. Paul prays for the good choices of the
Corinthians whether or not they approve of
him 13:7
b. Paul's reason for praying for the Corinthians
is that he is committed to the truth and good
of the Corinthians even in personal loss
13:8-9
2. Paul's purpose in writing is so that they may have
a change in heart and thus, he may not need to be
severe when he comes 13:9
B. Paul closes by encouraging a response of mature,
peaceful unity to increase the Corinthians'
relationship with God, sending greetings from the
saints, and praying that they might experience the
triune God among them 13:11-14
___________________________
1 Paul desires to encourage the Corinthians to obey his
words out of confidence in his apostleship from God. He develops
this encouragement by explaining his change in plans (1--7),
exhorting the Corinthians to participate in the offering going to
Jerusalem from all of the churches in Macedonia (8--9), and by
defending his authority as an apostle (10--13).
