2 Corinthians 1
1Paul, an apostlea of Christ Jesus by the will of God,b and Timothyc our brother,
To the church of Godd in Corinth,e together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:f
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.g
Praise to the God of All Comfort
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,h the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts usi in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ,j so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation;k if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings,l so also you share in our comfort.
8We do not want you to be uninformed,m brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experiencedn in the province of Asia.o We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God,p who raises the dead.q 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril,r and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hopes that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers.t Then many will give thanksu on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Paul’s Change of Plans
12Now this is our boast: Our consciencev testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity,w and godly sincerity.x We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdomy but on God’s grace. 13For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, 14as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.z
15Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit youa first so that you might benefit twice.b 16I wanted to visit you on my wayc to Macedoniad and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my waye to Judea.f 17Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly mannerg so that in the same breath I say both “Yes, yes” and “No, no”?
18But as surely as God is faithful,h our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” 19For the Son of God,i Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas,j and Timothyk—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has alwaysl been “Yes.” 20For no matter how many promisesm God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen”n is spoken by us to the glory of God.o 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firmp in Christ. He anointedq us, 22set his sealr of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.s
23I call God as my witnesst—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare youu that I did not return to Corinth. 24Not that we lord it overv your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.w
2 Corinthians 2
1So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you.a 2For if I grieve you,b who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3I wrote as I did,c so that when I came I would not be distressedd by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidencee in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4For I wrote youf out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Forgiveness for the Offender
5If anyone has caused grief,g he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6The punishmenth inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him,i so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9Another reason I wrote youj was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.k 10Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satanl might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.m
Ministers of the New Covenant
12Now when I went to Troasn to preach the gospel of Christo and found that the Lord had opened a doorp for me, 13I still had no peace of mind,q because I did not find my brother Titusr there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.s
14But thanks be to God,t who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aromau of the knowledgev of him everywhere. 15For we are to God the pleasing aromaw of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.x 16To the one we are an aroma that brings death;y to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?z 17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.a On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity,b as those sent from God.c
2 Corinthians 3
1Are we beginning to commend ourselvesa again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendationb to you or from you? 2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.c 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God,d not on tablets of stonee but on tablets of human hearts.f
4Such confidenceg we have through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselvesh to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.i 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenantj—not of the letterk but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.l
The Greater Glory of the New Covenant
7Now if the ministry that brought death,m which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory,n transitory though it was, 8will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9If the ministry that brought condemnationo was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!p 10For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
12Therefore, since we have such a hope,q we are very bold.r 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his faces to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14But their minds were made dull,t for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenantu is read.v It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,w the veil is taken away.x 17Now the Lord is the Spirit,y and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.z 18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate,a the Lord’s glory,b are being transformed into his imagec with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 4
Present Weakness and Resurrection Life
1Therefore, since through God’s mercya we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.b 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;c we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.d On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s consciencee in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospelf is veiled,g it is veiled to those who are perishing.h 4The godi of this agej has blindedk the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,l who is the image of God.m 5For what we preach is not ourselves,n but Jesus Christ as Lord,o and ourselves as your servantsp for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”,q made his light shine in our heartsr to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.s
7But we have this treasure in jars of clayt to show that this all-surpassing power is from Godu and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side,v but not crushed; perplexed,w but not in despair; 9persecuted,x but not abandoned;y struck down, but not destroyed.z 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,a so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.b 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake,c so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.d
13It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”,e Since we have that same spirit of faith,f we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the deadg will also raise us with Jesush and present us with you to himself.i 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgivingj to overflow to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart.k Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardlyl we are being renewedm day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.n 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,o since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 5
Awaiting the New Body
1For we know that if the earthlya tentb we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan,c longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,d 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groane and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,f so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.g
6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7For we live by faith, not by sight.h 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.i 9So we make it our goal to please him,j whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due usk for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,l we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.m 12We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again,n but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us,o so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13If we are “out of our mind,”p as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.q 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselvesr but for him who died for thems and was raised again.
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldlyt point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,u the new creationv has come: The old has gone, the new is here!w 18All this is from God,x who reconciled us to himself through Christy and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.z And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,a as though God were making his appeal through us.b We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.c 21God made him who had no sind to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.e
2 Corinthians 6
1As God’s co-workersa we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.b 2For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”,c
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Paul’s Hardships
3We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,d so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonmentse and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;f 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spiritg and in sincere love;h 7in truthful speechi and in the power of God;j with weapons of righteousnessk in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor,l bad reportm and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;n 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,o and yet we live on;p beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;q poor, yet making many rich;r having nothing,s and yet possessing everything.t
11We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.u 12We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13As a fair exchange—I speak as to my childrenv—open wide your heartsw also.
Warning Against Idolatry
14Do not be yoked togetherx with unbelievers.y For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?z 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?a Or what does a believerb have in common with an unbeliever?c 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?d For we are the templee of the living God.f As God has said:
“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”,g
17Therefore,
“Come out from themh
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”,i
18And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,j
says the Lord Almighty.”,k
2 Corinthians 7
1Therefore, since we have these promises,a dear friends,b let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holinessc out of reverence for God.
Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance
2Make room for us in your hearts.d We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our heartse that we would live or die with you. 4I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you.f I am greatly encouraged;g in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.h
5For when we came into Macedonia,i we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turnj—conflicts on the outside, fears within.k 6But God, who comforts the downcast,l comforted us by the coming of Titus,m 7and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter,n I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvationo and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern,p what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12So even though I wrote to you,q it was neither on account of the one who did the wrongr nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13By all this we are encouraged.
In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Tituss was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14I had boasted to him about you,t and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titusu has proved to be true as well. 15And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient,v receiving him with fear and trembling.w 16I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.x
2 Corinthians 8
The Collection for the Lord’s People
1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedoniana churches. 2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.b 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,c and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharingd in this servicee to the Lord’s people.f 5And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6So we urgedg Titus,h just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completioni this act of grace on your part. 7But since you excel in everythingj—in faith, in speech, in knowledge,k in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8I am not commanding you,l but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the gracem of our Lord Jesus Christ,n that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,o so that you through his poverty might become rich.p
10And here is my judgmentq about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.r 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingnesss to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has,t not according to what one does not have.
13Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need,u so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”,v
Titus Sent to Receive the Collection
16Thanks be to God,w who put into the heartx of Titusy the same concern I have for you. 17For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.z 18And we are sending along with him the brothera who is praised by all the churchesb for his service to the gospel.c 19What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany usd as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.e 20We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.f
22In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. 23As for Titus,g he is my partnerh and co-workeri among you; as for our brothers,j they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. 24Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you,k so that the churches can see it.
2 Corinthians 9
1There is no needa for me to write to you about this serviceb to the Lord’s people.c 2For I know your eagerness to help,d and I have been boastinge about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last yearf you in Achaiag were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 3But I am sending the brothersh in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be.i 4For if any Macedoniansj come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. 5So I thought it necessary to urge the brothersk to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift,l not as one grudgingly given.m
Generosity Encouraged
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.n 7Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,o not reluctantly or under compulsion,p for God loves a cheerful giver.q 8And God is abler to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,s you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their giftst to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”,u
10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for foodv will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.w 11You will be enrichedx in every way so that you can be generousy on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.z
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needsa of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.b 13Because of the servicec by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise Godd for the obedience that accompanies your confessione of the gospel of Christ,f and for your generosityg in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to Godh for his indescribable gift!i
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1By the humility and gentlenessa of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul,b who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as boldc as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.d 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.e 4The weapons we fight withf are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine powerg to demolish strongholds.h 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,i and we take captive every thought to make it obedientj to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.k
7You are judging by appearances.,l If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ,m they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.n 8So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave uso for building you up rather than tearing you down,p I will not be ashamed of it. 9I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 10For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressiveq and his speaking amounts to nothing.”r 11Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.s When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 13We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us,t a sphere that also includes you. 14We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as youu with the gospel of Christ.v 15Neither do we go beyond our limitsw by boasting of work done by others.x Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow,y our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, 16so that we can preach the gospelz in the regions beyond you.a For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. 17But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”,b 18For it is not the one who commends himselfc who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.d
2 Corinthians 11
Paul and the False Apostles
1I hope you will put up witha me in a little foolishness.b Yes, please put up with me! 2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband,c to Christ, so that I might present youd as a pure virgin to him. 3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,e your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached,f or if you receive a different spiritg from the Spirit you received, or a different gospelh from the one you accepted, you put up with iti easily enough.
5I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”,j 6I may indeed be untrained as a speaker,k but I do have knowledge.l We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. 7Was it a sinm for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of Godn to you free of charge?o 8I robbed other churches by receiving support from themp so as to serve you. 9And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed.q I have kept myself from being a burden to your in any way, and will continue to do so. 10As surely as the truth of Christ is in me,s nobody in the regions of Achaiat will stop this boastingu of mine. 11Why? Because I do not love you? God knowsv I do!w
12And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13For such people are false apostles,x deceitfuly workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.z 14And no wonder, for Satana himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.b
Paul Boasts About His Sufferings
16I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool.c But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. 17In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would,d but as a fool.e 18Since many are boasting in the way the world does,f I too will boast.g 19You gladly put up withh fools since you are so wise!i 20In fact, you even put up withj anyone who enslaves youk or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. 21To my shame I admit that we were too weakl for that!
Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.m 22Are they Hebrews? So am I.n Are they Israelites? So am I.o Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I.p 23Are they servants of Christ?q (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder,r been in prison more frequently,s been flogged more severely,t and been exposed to death again and again.u 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashesv minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods,w once I was pelted with stones,x three times I was shipwrecked,y I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews,z in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city,a in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.b 27I have labored and toiledc and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food;d I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.e 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?f Who is led into sin,g and I do not inwardly burn?
30If I must boast, I will boasth of the things that show my weakness.i 31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever,j knowsk that I am not lying. 32In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me.l 33But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.m
2 Corinthians 12
Paul’s Vision and His Thorn
1I must go on boasting.a Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelationsb from the Lord. 2I know a man in Christc who fourteen years ago was caught upd to the third heaven.e Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.f 3And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4was caught upg to paradiseh and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.i 6Even if I should choose to boast,j I would not be a fool,k because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7or because of these surpassingly great revelations.l Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,m a messenger of Satan,n to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.o 9But he said to me, “My gracep is sufficient for you, for my powerq is made perfect in weakness.r”s Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delightt in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,u in persecutions,v in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.w
Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
11I have made a fool of myself,x but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,”,y even though I am nothing.z 12I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.a 13How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you?b Forgive me this wrong!c
14Now I am ready to visit you for the third time,d and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents,e but parents for their children.f 15So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.g If I love you more,h will you love me less? 16Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you.i Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! 17Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? 18I urgedj Titusk to go to you and I sent our brotherl with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?
19Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of Godm as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends,n is for your strengthening.o 20For I am afraid that when I comep I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be.q I fear that there may be discord,r jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,s slander,t gossip,u arrogancev and disorder.w 21I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grievedx over many who have sinned earliery and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debaucheryz in which they have indulged.
2 Corinthians 13
Final Warnings
1This will be my third visit to you.a “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”,b 2I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent:c On my return I will not spared those who sinned earliere or any of the others, 3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me.f He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness,g yet he lives by God’s power.h Likewise, we are weaki in him, yet by God’s power we will live with himj in our dealing with you.
5Examine yourselvesk to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.l Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in youm—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9We are glad whenever we are weakn but you are strong;o and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.p 10This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harshq in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.r
Final Greetings
11Finally, brothers and sisters,s rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.t And the God of loveu and peacev will be with you.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.w 13All God’s people here send their greetings.x
14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,y and the love of God,z and the fellowship of the Holy Spirita be with you all.
1 1:8 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 8:1; 13:11.
2 1:12 Many manuscripts holiness
3 1:19 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
1 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation.
2 5:21 Or be a sin offering
2 6:15 Greek Beliar, a variant of Belial
1 8:7 Some manuscripts and in your love for us
1 10:7 Or Look at the obvious facts
1 11:5 Or to the most eminent apostles
1 12:11 Or the most eminent apostles
1:1 Paul. See note on Ro 1:1. apostle . . . by the will of God. See 1Co 1:1 and note. Timothy. Evidently with Paul when this letter was written, but not necessarily a co-author. our brother. Our fellow believer, our brother in Christ (see Ac 9:17; Heb 2:11 and note). church of God. The community of believers, the local representatives of the universal church (see note on 1Co 1:2). Corinth. See Introduction to 1 Corinthians: The City of Corinth; see also map. his holy people. See note on Ro 1:7. Achaia. Greece, as distinct from Macedonia in the north (see map). Though the letter deals particularly with the situation in Corinth, it was also intended for Christians elsewhere in Greece. Presumably copies of the letter would be made in Corinth and circulated to them.
1:2 Grace and peace. See note on Ro 1:7. Lord Jesus Christ. Also occurs at the end of this letter (13:14); see note on 1Th 1:1.
1:3 God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. See note on Eph 1:3. comfort. Consolation and encouragement. This comfort flows to believers when they suffer and turn to Jesus for strength, and it equips them to comfort others who are also hurting (vv. 4–7). This applies most directly to suffering for Jesus’ sake, and “all our troubles” (v. 4) suggests that Paul is thinking of physical and material hardships as well.
1:8 We. Throughout this letter Paul uses the editorial plural (we, us, our, ourselves). It is possible but not necessary that he is including Timothy (1:10) in some of these references if the context permits. Here he seems to be referring just to himself. brothers and sisters. See NIV text note. province of Asia. A Roman province in western Asia Minor, present-day Turkey (see map).
1:9 Paul’s hardships were so life-threatening that he regarded his survival and recovery as tantamount to being raised from the dead. rely . . . on God. A key principle of this letter. God’s grace is all-sufficient; Christ strengthens us when we are weak (see 12:9–10; Php 4:13 and notes).
1:12 In defending his trustworthiness against the slanders being spread about him, Paul appeals to the witness of his own conscience and to the Corinthians’ firsthand knowledge of his character. He had spent 18 months with them when he first came to Corinth (Ac 18:11), so they could not plead ignorance of his integrity.
1:15 you might benefit twice. Here and in v. 16 Paul refers to his change of itinerary. Originally he had planned to cross over by sea from Ephesus to Corinth, visiting the Corinthians before traveling north to Macedonia, and then, returning from Macedonia, to visit them a second time, thus giving them the benefit of two short visits. This was when he was on good terms with them. What probably occurred was that he paid them a quick visit directly from Ephesus, a visit he had not contemplated and that proved to be “painful” (2:1; see note there). That visit then gave rise to his letter that caused them sorrow (see 7:8–9 and note).
1:17 Paul’s opponents in Corinth had been attempting to persuade the Christians there that this change of plan was evidence that his word was not to be trusted, that he was fickle and unreliable. The two rhetorical questions are in effect his denial that he acts lightly and that he says “Yes” and “No” at the same time, so that it is impossible to know what he means. In any case, his plan to visit the Corinthians had not been abandoned; it had simply been modified.
1:18–19 not “Yes” and “No.” Paul now appeals to the gospel message he had preached to them. Believing it, they had found it to be true and free from ambiguity, and by their experience of its dynamic power they had proved it to be one great affirmative in Christ.
1:19 who was preached among you. During Paul’s first visit to Corinth (Ac 18:5). Silas. See Ac 15:22 and note.
1:20 “Amen.” The “Amen” uttered by the congregation at the end of an offering of prayer or praise (cf. 1Co 14:16 and note on 14:15–17). Here it is an expression of faith—a confident assertion that all of God’s promises are fulfilled (already and not yet) in Christ.
1:22 seal. See notes on Hag 2:23; Eph 1:13; cf. Eph 4:30. deposit. A part given as a guarantee that the whole will be forthcoming (see Ro 8:23 and note). The first installment of a sum of money that has been inherited, e.g., assures the recipient that the whole will be received.
1:23 to spare you. Paul’s change of plans for visiting the Corinthian Christians had been motivated not by a fickle and insensitive attitude but by love and concern for them.
2:1 another painful visit. Paul had already made one painful visit to Corinth, and he wanted to avoid another such visit, though he was ready to assert his authority if it should prove necessary (cf. 13:2). This former visit could not have been the one he made to Corinth at the time when the church there was founded in response to the preaching of the gospel (cf. Ac 18). Therefore he must have paid a second visit, which is confirmed by 12:14 and 13:1, where he states that the visit he is now about to make will be his third. The second visit probably took place between the writing of 1 and 2 Corinthians, though some hold that it occurred before 1 Corinthians was written.
2:5–11 Speaks of a particular person who has been the cause of serious offense in Corinth and upon whom church discipline has been imposed. Paul admonishes the Corinthians that because the offender has shown genuine sorrow and repentance for his sin, the punishment should be discontinued and he should be lovingly restored to their fellowship. The offense in question probably took place during Paul’s intermediate visit to Corinth (see note on v. 1) and may have been the occasion for his writing the severe letter demanding the punishment of the offender (see note on vv. 3–4). Another view is that Paul refers to the individual involved in the case of incest recorded in 1Co 5.
2:12 I went to Troas. Paul had traveled up from Ephesus to Troas, a city on the Aegean coast (see Ac 16:8 and note; see also map), hoping to find Titus there and to receive news from him about the Corinthian church. But Titus, who Paul presumably knew would be following the same route in reverse, did not arrive in Troas; so Paul, anxious for news from Corinth, “went on to Macedonia” (v. 13), perhaps to the city of Philippi (see map). opened a door. See Ac 14:27; Rev 3:8 and notes; see also 1Co 16:9; Col 4:3.
2:13 my brother. Cf. 8:23. Titus. See Introduction to Titus: Recipient. Paul held Titus in high esteem; he entrusted Titus with the organization of the collection of funds in Corinth for the relief of the poverty-stricken Christians of Jerusalem (see 8:6 and note), and he chose him to bear this letter to the Corinthian Christians (see 8:16–17 and note on 8:16).
2:14 At this point Paul breaks off the narrative of his itinerary and in a characteristic manner begins a lengthy digression (the narrative is not resumed until 7:5; see note there). The digression, however, is relevant to the main tenor of this letter, for it is an outpouring of triumphant faith in praise of the adequacy of God’s grace for every situation. leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession. A victorious Roman general would lead his soldiers and their captives in festive procession, while the people watched and applauded and the air was filled with the sweet smell released by the burning of spices in the streets (cf. note on 1Co 4:9). everywhere. Cf. note on 1Th 1:8.
2:16 aroma that brings death . . . aroma that brings life. As the gospel aroma is released in the world through Christian testimony, it is always sweet-smelling, even though it may be differently received. Ultimately there are two kinds of people: “those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (v. 15). To the latter, testifying Christians are the smell of death, not because the gospel message has become evil-smelling or death-dealing but because in rejecting the life-giving grace of God unbelievers choose death for themselves. To those who welcome the gospel of God’s grace, Christians with their testimony are the fragrance of life. who is equal to such a task? For the answer, see 3:4–5.
2:17 peddle the word of God for profit. Paul is referring to those in the Greco-Roman world, perhaps some even in the church, who, while insincere, self-sufficient and boastful, artfully presented themselves in a persuasive manner, and their chief interest was to take money from gullible listeners (cf. Mic 3:5,11). Paul, by contrast, had preached the gospel sincerely and free of charge, taking care not to be a financial burden to anyone (see 11:7–9; 1Co 9:11–15 and notes).
3:1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Paul realizes that virtually everything he wrote or said was liable to be twisted by some in Corinth. letters of recommendation. The appearance of vagrant impostors may have led to the need for letters of recommendation. Paul needed no such confirmation, but others, including the Corinthian intruders, did need authentication and often resorted to unscrupulous methods for obtaining or forging such letters.
3:2 known and read by everyone. Because of the power of the gospel demonstrated by their transformed lives.
3:3 you are a letter from Christ. The reality of their salvation and faith is all the commendation needed for Paul’s ministry. written not with ink. As a parchment or papyrus document would be—but ink fades and may easily be obscured. with the Spirit of the living God. The Spirit is himself life and therefore life-giving (v. 6), and the life he gives is eternal and without defect. not on tablets of stone. As at Sinai (see note on v. 6). on tablets of human hearts. See Jer 31:33; Eze 11:19; 36:26 and notes. Paul explains the significance of this contrast between the old and the new covenants in vv. 7–18.
3:6 ministers of. Those who serve the cause of (Ro 15:16; Col 1:7; 4:7; 1Ti 4:6). Paul will return to the theme of “this ministry” in 4:1. new covenant. Here Paul takes up the theme suggested by the mention of “tablets of human hearts” (v. 3; see note there). See Heb 8–10 and note on 8:8–12. Paul’s reference to “ministers of a new covenant,” in contrast to the “ministry that brought death” (v. 7), may have been occasioned by his opponents in Corinth who were Judaizers, perhaps those who claimed to be associated with Peter (see 1Co 1:12 and note) and who are referred to as Hebrews in 11:22 (see note there). the letter. The Ten Commandments, originally written on the two tablets of stone (see Ex 24:12; 31:18 and note). the Spirit. The writing of the law “with the Spirit of the living God . . . on tablets of human hearts” (v. 3; see note there), which was the promise of the new covenant as foretold by the prophets (see Jer 31:31–34 and notes). the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Does not mean that the external, literal sense of Scripture is deadly or unprofitable while the inner, spiritual sense is vital. “The letter” is synonymous with the law as an external standard before which all people, because they are lawbreakers, stand guilty and condemned to death. Therefore it is described as the “ministry that brought death” (v. 7) and the “ministry that brought condemnation” (v. 9). On the other hand, the Spirit who “gives life” writes that same law inwardly “on tablets of human hearts” (v. 3; see note there). He thus provides believers with love for God’s law, and with power to keep it.
3:7–18 Paul is defending his ministry of the new covenant in Christ (cf. v. 6 and note) and here compares the experiences of Moses, who mediated the old covenant of Sinai, and his own as a minister of the new covenant. But he now applies the word “ministry” (v. 7) to the law that was “engraved in letters on stone” (v. 7) and to the Spirit, who writes “on tablets of human hearts” (v. 3; see note there). The point of comparison is the temporary glory that shone on Moses’ face and the “ever-increasing glory” (v. 18; see note there) reflected in the faces of those who minister the new covenant.
3:8–9 ministry of the Spirit . . . brings righteousness. Giving life instead of death (cf. Isa 46:13 and note).
3:11 what was transitory. The old covenant of Sinai, which was not to endure forever. In due course it was superseded by the unfading and much more glorious radiance belonging to the new covenant (see Heb 8 and notes on 8:7–13).
3:13 Moses, who would put a veil over his face. See Ex 34:33–35 and note on 34:33. The purpose of the veil was to prevent the Israelites from seeing when the glory on his face disappeared, foreshadowing the temporary nature of the Mosaic (Sinaitic) covenant.
3:14 to this day the same veil remains. Paul realizes that the light on Moses’ face was temporary, just as the “old covenant” (see chart) was temporary. He envisages the glory of this covenant, therefore, as fading away at its end. Those who fail to accept this have a spiritual “veil” over their own faces—one that is removed only in Christ.
3:17 the Lord is the Spirit. This statement should be linked with what was said at the end of v. 6: “the Spirit gives life.” Only by turning to the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 16) can the condemnation and the sentence of death pronounced by the law on the lawbreaker be annulled and replaced by the free, life-giving grace of the new covenant. where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. See Jn 8:33,36 and note on 8:32. The “new covenant” (v. 6) promised an inward transformation through the Holy Spirit (see Jer 31:31–34; Eze 36:27; Joel 2:2–29 and notes).
3:18 with unveiled faces. In contrast to Moses (v. 13). transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory. Christ himself is the glory of God in the fullness of its radiance (see Heb 1:2–3 and note); his is the eternal and unfading glory, which he had with the Father “before the world began” (Jn 17:5). Cf. Ro 8:29; 12:2 and notes.
4:1 this ministry. See 3:6 and note. not lose heart. When God through his mercy calls and commissions his servants, he also supplies the strength necessary for them to persevere in the face of hardship and persecution.
4:2 renounced secret and shameful ways. Paul is referring to the other teachers in Corinth (2:17). By contrast, he is able to appeal to the conscience of every one of them and also to his own integrity “in the sight of God,” because his practice was always that of setting forth the truth plainly, i.e., without obscuring it or resorting to deception (cf. 1:12,18–24 and note on 1:12).
4:4 god of this age. The devil, who is the archenemy of God and the unseen power behind all unbelief and ungodliness. Those who follow him have in effect made him their god. this age. Used in contrast to the future, eternal age when God’s creation will be forever purged of all that now mars and defiles it. Paul calls it the “present evil age” in Gal 1:4 (see note there). blinded the minds of unbelievers. Paul continues to use the imagery of the veil that covers the divine glory so that those who reject the gospel fail to see that glory (3:13–18). image of God. Christ, the incarnate Son, authentically displays God to us (see Col 1:15 and note). He is the image of God in which humanity was originally created (see Ge 1:26 and note) and into which redeemed humanity is being gloriously transformed (3:18) until at last, when Christ comes again at the end of this age, we who believe will “be like him” (1Jn 3:2).
4:5 preach . . . not ourselves. As did the false teachers, puffed up with self-importance (cf. 1Co 2:2 and note).
4:6 “Let light shine out of darkness.” God said this at the creation (see Ge 1:2–4 and notes) and says it again in the new creation or new birth (see 5:17; Jn 3:3 and notes; 1Pe 1:3), as the darkness of sin is dispelled by the light of the gospel. the light of the knowledge of God’s glory. The light that now shines in Paul’s heart (qualifying him to be a proclaimer of Christ) is the knowledge of God’s glory as it was displayed in the face of Christ—who has come from the glorious presence of God in heaven (see Jn 1:14 and note).
4:7 this treasure. The gospel. jars of clay. See photo. Treasures were sometimes concealed in clay jars, which had little value or beauty and did not attract attention to themselves and their contents. Here they represent Paul’s human frailty and unworthiness. all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. The idea that the absolute insufficiency of human beings reveals the total sufficiency of God pervades this letter.
4:10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus. The frailty of the “clay jar” of Paul’s current body (v. 7) is plainly seen in the constant hardships and persecutions with which he is buffeted for the sake of the gospel and through which he shares in Christ’s suffering (see 1:5; Ro 8:17; Php 3:10; Col 1:24 and notes). that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. Refers to Christ’s resurrection life and power (see Php 3:10 and note). Once again (see v. 7 and note), human weakness provides the occasion for the triumph of divine power.
4:13 “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Faith leads to testimony. Paul therefore tirelessly labored and journeyed to bring the gospel message to others.
4:16 we do not lose heart. Repeating the statement in v. 1. The intervening paragraphs explain why the apostle continues to have a cheerful heart, and the rest of the chapter summarizes the argument he has developed. wasting away. Because of the hardships to which he is subjected. being renewed. Because of the flame of resurrection life burning within.
4:17 light and momentary troubles. Seen from the perspective of eternity, the Christian’s difficulties diminish in importance. eternal glory that far outweighs them all. By comparison, the eternal glory is far greater than all the suffering one may face in this life (see Ro 8:17–18 and note on 8:17).
4:18 what is seen . . . what is unseen. The experiences and circumstances of this present life are visible to the Christian; but these are merely temporary and fleeting. To fix our eyes on them would cause us to “lose heart” (vv. 1,16). By contrast the unseen realities, which are no less real for being invisible (cf. Heb 11:1, 7,26–27), are eternal and imperishable. Accordingly, we look up and away from the impermanent appearances of this present world scene (see Php 3:20; Heb 12:2 and notes).
5:1 earthly tent we live in. Our present body (see Jn 1:14 and note; 2Pe 1:13). As a tent is a temporary and flimsy abode, so our bodies are frail, vulnerable and wasting away (see 4:10–12,16 and notes). a building from God, an eternal house in heaven. A solid structure—permanent, not temporary. This is one of the eternal realities that are as yet “unseen” (4:18). Probably it includes our resurrected and glorified bodies (cf. Php 3:21). not built by human hands. The work of God, and therefore perfect and permanent (see Heb 9:11 and note).
5:2 Meanwhile. As we await the Lord’s return. we groan. Because we long for the perfection that will be ours when we put on the glorious spiritual body (cf. 1Co 15:42–49 and notes). clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling. The eternal dwelling provided by God is pictured as a garment (v. 4).
5:3 naked. Without the clothing of a body, which is the state of those whose earthly dwelling has been dismantled by death (see v. 8 and note).
5:4 what is mortal. Our present mortal body. swallowed up by life. By our participation in the resurrection life of Jesus (see 4:10 and note) our mortal being is “swallowed up by life,” not by death. Paul reverses the age-old imagery of death and the grave being the great swallower (see Ps 49:14 and note), as did Isaiah (see Isa 25:8; see also 1Co 15:54).
5:5 God . . . has given us the Spirit. The Holy Spirit applies the benefits of Christ’s redeeming work to the hearts of believers and makes his resurrection power a reality of their daily experience (cf. 4:10–16 and notes). This guarantees their eventual transformation into the likeness of Christ’s glorified body (see Php 3:21 and note). deposit. See 1:22 and note.
5:6 at home in the body . . . away from the Lord. Still living here in our earthly dwelling (see v. 1 and note); it does not mean that we are deprived of the Lord’s spiritual presence with us in our daily lives.
5:8 away from the body . . . at home with the Lord. The situation of believers after death, when they are no longer living in their mortal bodies (see Php 1:23 and note).
5:9 whether we are at home in the body or away from it. Whether we are alive or are already with the Lord.
5:10 appear before the judgment seat of Christ. To give an accounting of what we have done with our lives as Christians (cf. 1Co 3:11–15 and note on 3:13). things done while in the body. Although the body is wasting away, we are responsible for our actions while in it.
5:11 fear the Lord. As the one to whom we are accountable (v. 10; see Ge 20:11; Pr 1:7 and notes). we try to persuade others. Paul needs to persuade some members of the Corinthian church that he, not any of the false teachers who have invaded their ranks, is their authentic apostle.
5:12 take pride in what is seen. The pretension of the false apostles is a superficial front; their concern is not with spirituality that is true and deep but with money (see 2:17 and note), popularity and self-importance.
5:13 “out of our mind” . . . in our right mind. Perhaps Paul’s enemies were asserting that he was suffering from religious mania—what they regarded as his insane way of life. If this is what it means to be out of his mind, Paul does not deny it, for this whole letter shows how willingly and joyfully he endured affliction for the gospel (see 12:10). On the other hand, there was nothing that could be called eccentric about his manner of presenting the gospel to the Corinthians, for he had been sensible and sober-minded, avoiding flowery rhetoric and all forms of sensationalism (see 1Co 2:1–5 and notes).
5:14 Christ’s love. As shown in his death for us, though some hold that the meaning here is “our love for Christ.” one. The incarnate Son. therefore all died. Because Christ died for all, he involved all in his death. For some his death would confirm their own death, but for others (those who by faith would become united with him) his death was their death to sin and self, so that they now live in and with the resurrected Christ (v. 15; see Ro 6:1–11). However, some hold that Paul is not speaking specifically here about the scope of Christ’s atonement but about the effect of Christ’s death on the Christian life. Thus “all” would refer not to every human being but only to believers.
5:16 we once regarded Christ in this way. Paul admits that before his conversion he held views of Christ that were “worldly”—based on purely human considerations.
5:17 in Christ. United with Christ through faith in him and commitment to him (see Ro 6:11; Eph 1:1; Php 2:1 and notes). new creation. Redemption is the restoration and fulfillment of God’s purposes in creation (see 4:6 and note), and this takes place in Christ, through whom all things were made (see Col 1:16 and note; Heb 1:2) and in whom all things are restored or created anew (cf. Ro 8:19–23; Eph 2:10).
5:18 All this is from God. God takes the initiative in redemption (see Jn 3:16; Ro 5:8; Eph 2:8–10 and notes), and he sustains it and brings it to completion (see Php 1:6 and note). ministry of reconciliation. We who are the recipients of divine reconciliation have the privilege and obligation of now being “Christ’s ambassadors” (v. 20), his representatives to proclaim the “message of reconciliation” (v. 19) throughout the world. reconciliation. See Ro 5:10–11 and notes.
5:20 Christ’s ambassadors. The honor of Christ and his church is in his ambassadors’ hands. He expects them to represent him well. People will think more highly or less highly of Christ and his church based on the effectiveness of his ambassadors’ service.
5:21 A summary of the gospel. Christ, the only entirely righteous one, took our sin upon himself on the cross and endured the punishment we deserved (see NIV text note), namely, death and separation from God. Thus, by a marvelous exchange, he made it possible for us to receive his righteousness and thereby be reconciled to God (cf. 1Co 1:30 and note).
6:1 to receive God’s grace in vain. To live for oneself (5:15) is one way to do this.
6:2 time of my favor . . . day of salvation. An affirmation that is true in a general sense of all God’s saving acts in the history of his people, but that finds its particular fulfillment in this present age of grace between the two comings of Christ. now. Underscores the urgency of the divine invitation (see Ps 32:6 and note).
6:10 making many rich. True wealth does not consist in worldly possessions but in being “rich toward God” (Lk 12:21). Believers, even if they have nothing of this world’s goods, nevertheless have everything in him who is Lord of all (cf. 1Co 1:4–5; 3:21–23; Eph 2:7; 3:8; Php 4:19 and note; Col 2:3).
6:11–13 Paul has always been completely open and sincere in his relations with the Christians in Corinth (cf. 1:12–14; 4:2 and note), but the false apostles among them have been trying to persuade them that Paul does not really love them. Now the apostle tenderly appeals to these Corinthians, who are the beneficiaries of his love for them (cf. 11:11).
6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. Cf. Dt 22:10. For the Corinthian believers to cooperate with false teachers, who are in reality servants of Satan, notwithstanding their charming and persuasive ways (see 11:13–14 and notes), is to become unequally yoked, destroying the harmony and fellowship that unite true believers in Christ. what fellowship can light have with darkness? See 4:6 and note.
6:16 agreement . . . between the temple of God and idols. There can be no reversion to or compromise with the idolatry they have forsaken for the gospel (cf. 1Th 1:9). temple of the living God. Built of “living stones,” namely, Christian believers (1Pe 2:5; see note there); therefore it is all the more important that they form no defiling and unholy alliances (cf. 1Co 6:19–20). their God . . . my people. The supreme OT affirmation of covenant relationship between God and his people (see Jer 7:23; Hos 1:9; Zec 8:8 and notes).
7:2 Make room for us in your hearts. Resumes the thought of 6:13 after a brief digression. We have . . . exploited no one. Implies that Paul had been accused by the false teachers of being unjust, destructive and fraudulent—the very things they themselves were guilty of. Cf. 1Sa 12:3 and note.
7:3 Again Paul declares the depth of his affection for the Corinthian believers and appeals to them to respond by displaying their love for him (cf. 6:11–13 and note).
7:4 great frankness . . . my joy knows no bounds. The long digression that started at 2:14 (see note there) concludes here on this note of exhilaration. The news he had been so anxiously awaiting from Corinth has turned out to be reassuring, and Paul is overjoyed to receive it.
7:5 For when we came into Macedonia. Here Paul resumes the account he began in 2:12–13, where he described how his hopes of meeting Titus in Troas were disappointed and how, restless for news, he had decided to press on into Macedonia. He now explains that on reaching Macedonia, he was at last comforted by the arrival of Titus, who had been well received in Corinth and was able to assure Paul (v. 7) of the “longing” and “ardent concern” of the Corinthian Christians for him and of the “deep sorrow” they had expressed because of the grief they had caused him. Consequently, his “joy was greater than ever” (v. 7). Macedonia. See notes on 1:1; Php 4:15.
7:8 Paul regretted the necessity of writing a letter to the Corinthians that caused them sorrow. my letter. Some think Paul here refers either to 1 Corinthians or to 2Co 10–13 (see Introduction: Occasion), but more likely he refers to a letter now lost that he wrote shortly after his “painful visit” (2:1; see note there).
7:10 Godly sorrow . . . worldly sorrow. The former manifests itself by repentance and the experience of divine grace; the latter brings death because, instead of being God-centered sorrow over the wickedness of sin, it is self-centered sorrow over the painful consequences of sin.
7:12 the one who did the wrong. Either the person who particularly opposed Paul when he visited Corinth in between writing 1 and 2 Corinthians or the incestuous offender who was to be disciplined in 1Co 5 (see notes there; see also 2Co 2:5–11 and note).
7:15 you were all obedient. This seems to indicate that when Titus left Corinth to report to Paul, there was no strong opposition party (see note on 10:1).
8:1—9:15 Paul addresses the question of the collection of money for the poor and persecuted believers in Jerusalem, which the Corinthians had started but not completed.
8:2 overflowing joy. In the blessings of the gospel.
8:5 gave themselves first of all to the Lord. The true basis of all Christian giving. God’s grace makes a difference in the lives and attitudes of his people—a central theme of this letter (cf. 12:9–10).
8:6 we urged Titus. The collection had been started in Corinth under the direction of Titus during the previous year (see v. 10; 9:2) but had slowed down or come to a standstill. Paul is now sending Titus back to them, bearing this present letter, for the purpose of completing this “act of grace.”
8:8 I am not commanding you. True charity and generosity cannot be commanded. sincerity of your love. They can prove this by giving selflessly and spontaneously. earnestness of others. The remarkable example of the Macedonian churches (vv. 1–5; see Php 4:15 and note).
8:9 though he was rich . . . he became poor. The eternal Son, in his incarnation and atoning death, emptied himself of his riches (see Php 2:7 and note). through his poverty might become rich. The supreme example and incentive for all genuine Christian generosity. rich. Cf. Pr 3:9–10 and note on 3:10; 10:22 and note; Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3–5.
8:11 The work they had started “last year” with “desire” (v. 10) needs to be completed (see note on v. 6).
8:12 according to what one has. See v. 11. What matters is the willingness, no matter how small the amount that can be afforded (see Mk 12:41–44 and note on 12:42). The mechanics of the collection being made in Corinth had been proposed by Paul in his earlier letter (see 1Co 16:1–2 and notes).
8:13–15 Paul’s desire is that believers throughout the whole Christian community share what they have with believers who are in need so that a measure of equality is maintained within the church—so that, as with Israel in the wilderness (see Ex 16:18 and note), there would be no one who has “too much” and no one who has “too little” (v. 15). Paul does not call the rich to trade places with the poor, but he does call them to give from their surplus and acknowledge just how much is surplus.
8:16–17 Titus had established a relationship of trust and affection with the Corinthians (7:6–7,13–15). He had organized the collection when it was started the previous year (see note on v. 6).
8:18 brother. Perhaps Luke or Barnabas.
8:19 Paul provides a good example of the care that church leaders should take in handling money (see 1Co 16:3–4 and note on 16:3).
8:20 It is important not only that God sees but also that people see (cf. vv. 19,21) that one is carrying on the Lord’s work in an ethical manner.
8:21 taking pains to do what is right. Paul is the victim of disgraceful slander (implied by 12:17–18; see note on 12:16; see also Introduction: Purposes), but the integrity of his representatives (see v. 23 and note) reflects well on his own integrity.
8:22 our brother. This second brother is also anonymous (cf. v. 18 and note).
8:23 partner and co-worker. See 2:13 and note. representatives of the churches. Duly chosen delegates of the churches at large (so that they could not be dismissed as cronies chosen by Paul alone); see note on Ac 20:4. an honor to Christ. By their outstanding faithfulness.
9:2 Macedonians . . . Achaia. See 1:1 and note.
9:5 generous gift, not . . . grudgingly given. See vv. 6–7,11.
9:8 bless you abundantly . . . all things . . . all times . . . all that you need . . . abound in every good work. Through his abounding grace (see v. 14 and note) God can enable each Christian to abound in generous deeds (v. 11).
9:10 The God who is the ultimate source of the physical food that sustains all human life is the same God who supplies the spiritual nourishment that enables believers to flourish and serve.
9:12 not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people. The effect of generous giving on the part of the Corinthians will extend beyond Jerusalem to the church as a whole, causing widespread prayer and praise to be offered (vv. 11,13–14).
9:14 the surpassing grace God has given you. Displayed in this unselfish demonstration of their loving concern for fellow believers who are in desperate need. Cf. Jas 2:14–17; 1Jn 3:17–18.
9:15 indescribable gift. His own Son (see Jn 3:16 and note). God is the first giver; he selflessly gives himself to us in the person of his Son, and all true Christian giving is our grateful response (cf. 8:9 and note; 1Jn 4:9–11).
10:1—13:14 See Introduction: Occasion. From the mild tone of the first nine chapters of this letter, it appears that most of the Corinthian believers had been won over to Paul (cf. 7:6–16) after having been alienated by his opponents. In this final section, however, Paul deals firmly with the slanders that have been spread against him in Corinth by the remaining opposition. Those who wish to discredit him have been saying that he is bold at a distance, threatening in his letters to take severe disciplinary action (cf., e.g., his warning that, if necessary, he will come “with a rod of discipline” [1Co 4:21]). But they say that he will not dare to be anything but weak and indecisive if he is present with them in person—in short, that he does not have the apostolic authority he claims to have. Paul is ready to prove otherwise, should the occasion demand, when he comes to Corinth for the third time (see 10:6,10–11 and note on 10:10).
10:4 weapons we fight with. Paul is prepared for warfare; his weapons, however, are not the weapons prized by this fallen world and fashioned by human pride but include truth in the face of error (cf. 1:17; 4:2; Eph 6:10–18). strongholds. Of “arguments” and “every pretension” (v. 5) defiantly raised “against the knowledge of God” (cf. Ro 1:18–23), among which are the faulty reasonings by which the false apostles have been trying to shake the faith of the Christians in Corinth (1Co 2:13–14).
10:6 every act of disobedience. On the part of the interlopers and those who sided with them.
10:7 belong to Christ. Probably echoes the claim to superior spirituality by the Christ party (1Co 1:12) and the false teachers in Corinth. Paul, who had dramatically encountered and been commissioned by the risen Lord (Ac 9:3–9; 22:6–11; 26:12–18) and who had received the gospel he preached “by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:12; cf. 2Co 12:2–7), asserts that he belongs to Christ “just as much.”
10:8 authority . . . for building you up. The primary purpose of Paul’s apostolic authority is constructive, not destructive (13:10).
10:10 His letters are weighty and forceful. Paul had already written at least three letters to Corinth (see Introduction: Occasion). his speaking amounts to nothing. See note on 10:1—13:14. Paul’s adversaries used a professional type of oratory designed to extract money from their gullible audiences. But Paul’s manner of speaking was plain, straightforward and free from artificiality—and also “free of charge” (11:7; see note there), which meant that, if his slanderous opponents were to be believed, what he said was worthless. But Paul proclaimed the message of Christ crucified, and the transformed lives of the Corinthian believers testified to the divine power with which he spoke (cf. 1Co 2:1–5 and notes).
10:12 they measure themselves by themselves. The false teachers in Corinth behave as though there is no standard of comparison higher than themselves, but Paul boasts only “in the Lord” (v. 17; cf. 1Co 1:31 [see note there]).
10:13 the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us. The “sphere of service” (cf. “sphere of activity” [v. 15] and “territory” [v. 16]) is analogous to a lane marked out for a runner in an athletic contest. In intruding themselves into Corinth, the false apostles had crossed into Paul’s “lane.” In contrast, Paul recognizes his proper sphere of service.
10:18 the one . . . the Lord commends. The only approval that really matters.
11:1 foolishness. In order to compare his own ministry with that of the false apostles, Paul has to speak about himself, which inevitably seems like foolish boasting.
11:2 godly jealousy. Paul cannot bear the thought that there might be any rival to Christ and his gospel. I promised you to one husband. As their spiritual father (cf. 6:13), Paul has promised the Corinthian believers to Christ, who is frequently depicted in the NT as the bridegroom, with the church portrayed as his bride (see Mt 9:15; Jn 3:29 and note; Eph 5:23–32 and notes; Rev 19:7–9; 21:2). pure virgin. Undefiled by the doctrines of false teachers (vv. 3–4).
11:4 a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached. A Jesus cast in the mold of Judaizing teachings (Paul’s opponents were Jews; see v. 22). different spirit. A spirit of bondage, fear and worldliness (cf. Ro 8:15; 1Co 2:12 and note; Gal 2:4; Col 2:20–23 and note on 2:23) instead of a spirit of freedom, love, joy, peace and power (cf. 3:17; Ro 14:17 and notes; Gal 2:4; 5:1,22; Eph 3:20; Col 1:11; 2Ti 1:7). different gospel. Cf. Gal 1:6–9. you put up with it easily enough. They have been undiscerningly tolerant of these deceivers in their midst.
11:5 “super-apostles.” Paul’s sarcastic way of referring to the false apostles who had infiltrated the Corinthian church and were in reality not apostles at all, except in their own arrogantly inflated opinion of themselves (cf. 10:12 and note).
11:6 I may . . . be untrained as a speaker. Paul did not use the skills, references and flourishes of professional rhetoric (see 10:10 and note). I do have knowledge. As the Corinthian believers well knew, Paul had knowledge of Christ that was true, powerful and God-given.
11:7 free of charge. Another slanderous criticism made by Paul’s adversaries was that his refusal to accept payment for his instruction proved that it was worth nothing. This accusation at the same time helped to cloak their own grasping character, since their method of operation was to demand payment for their “professional” services. Paul, his enemies said, was lowering himself by breaking the rule that teachers should receive payment in proportion to the worth of their performance (cf. 1Co 9:3–14).
11:8 robbed other churches. Accepted freely given support from established congregations.
11:9 burden. A financial liability (see 2:17 and note). This reinforced his teaching that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a free gift (see Ro 6:23 and note). Paul avoided remuneration if there was any risk of discrediting the gospel (cf. 1Th 2:9–10). brothers who came from Macedonia. Silas and Timothy brought gifts from the churches there (Ac 18:5), particularly from the church at Philippi (Php 4:15).
11:12 I will keep on. Paul will not be deterred from presenting the gospel without charge. equal. Especially in financial matters.
11:13 masquerading as apostles of Christ. Now Paul exposes these would-be “super-apostles” (v. 5; see note there) as “false apostles” and servants of Satan (v. 14) who are covering up their true identity.
11:14 as an angel of light. Though in reality he is the prince of darkness (cf. Col 1:12–13 and notes).
11:16 Let no one take me for a fool. See note on v. 1.
11:18 boast. By speaking of the nature of his apostolic ministry.
11:19 You gladly put up with fools. Resumes the implied rebuke of v. 4 and has the same ironic tone. There it was a matter of their readiness to tolerate false teaching; here it is a matter of their willingness to put up with disgraceful treatment by these false teachers.
11:20 enslaves you. By imposing human rules (cf. Gal 5:1 and note). exploits you. See Mk 12:40 and note. takes advantage of you. Thanks to the Corinthians’ lack of discernment and their readiness to be impressed by outward show and clever talk. puts on airs. For the purpose of lording it over the members of the church (cf. 1:24). slaps you in the face. Using physical or verbal violence to cow them into submission.
11:21 too weak for that. Compared with the self-seeking crudeness of the impostors, Paul’s conduct may well be considered weak—but he is probably speaking ironically here.
11:22 Hebrews . . . Israelites . . . Abraham’s descendants. The claims implied here on the part of the false apostles indicate that they were Jews who felt superior to Gentile Christians. Thus it is probable that they were Judaizers, wishing to impose distinctive Jewish practices on Gentile converts. This, of course, was not Paul’s position (see Ro 2:28–29; 1Co 12:13; Gal 3:28–29; Eph 2:11–18; Col 3:11 and note). For Paul’s claim, see Ac 22:3–5; 26:4–5; Php 3:4–8.
11:23 servants of Christ. Paul is not granting their claim to be servants of Christ (cf. vv. 13–15). Indeed, the consideration of the nature of his ministry and its cost to him in suffering will show that he is more a servant of Christ than any or all of them. exposed to death again and again. Cf. 4:8–11.
11:24–25 lashes . . . rods. Eight floggings are mentioned here, five at the hands of Jewish authorities (cf. Dt 25:3; Mk 15:15 and notes) and three at the hands of Roman authorities. On these occasions the Romans used rods (Ac 16:22). The three beatings with rods took place despite the fact that Paul, a Roman citizen, was legally protected from such punishment (cf. Ac 16:37; 22:25 and notes).
11:28–29 Paul felt the weakness of any Corinthian believer who was weak. If any of them was led into sin, Paul burned with indignation against the person responsible but also experienced the shame of the offense and longed for the restoration of the one who had stumbled.
11:30 I will boast of the things that show my weakness. His weakness opens the way for him to boast about the strength of God’s grace in his life (see 12:9–10 and notes).
11:32–33 Paul relates this incident here because it was another example of the humiliation (“weakness,” v. 30) he suffered.
12:2,4 caught up to the third heaven . . . caught up to paradise. Paul is unsure whether this remarkable experience included his body or took place in separation from it (cf. Eze 8:3 and note). The “third heaven” in Jewish tradition designates a place beyond the earth’s atmosphere and beyond the planets and stars to the presence of God himself. Thus the risen and glorified Lord Jesus is said to have passed “through the heavens” (see Heb 4:14; see also note and NIV text note there), and now, having “ascended higher than all the heavens” (Eph 4:10), to be “exalted above the heavens” (Heb 7:26). The term “paradise” (see Ne 2:8; Lk 23:43; Rev 2:7 and notes) is equivalent to the third heaven, where believers who have died are “at home with the Lord” (5:8 [see note there]; cf. “with Christ,” Php 1:23).
12:7 revelations. See v. 1. thorn in my flesh. The nature of this affliction is unknown. Psychological anxiety, opposition to his ministry, and a physical malady of some kind (the most likely) have all been suggested. messenger of Satan. A further description of Paul’s thorn (cf. Job 2:7 and note).
12:9 My grace is sufficient for you. A better solution than to remove Paul’s thorn. Human weakness provides the ideal opportunity for the display of divine power. “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.”
12:10 Cf. Php 4:13 and note. The classic example of power in weakness is the cross of Christ (cf. 13:4).
12:11 made a fool of myself. See note on 11:1. you drove me to it. The Corinthian Christians have put Paul under pressure to write about himself as he did because they had accepted the claims of the “super-apostles” (see 11:5 and note) who had invaded their ranks, challenging Paul’s apostolic authority.
12:12 signs, wonders and miracles. See Heb 2:4 and note. By implication, false teachers had come to Corinth without these apostolic signs.
12:13 never a burden to you. See 11:9 and note; see also notes on 11:7,12. Forgive me this wrong! Irony—resuming the line of discussion in 11:7–12.
12:14 third time. See 2:1 and note; 13:1. children. Cf. 6:13. Paul is their spiritual father.
12:16 I caught you by trickery! Sarcastically echoes another of the slanders being made against Paul by the false apostles: that he was exploiting them by the trick of organizing a collection for the poverty-stricken Christians in Jerusalem—contributions that would never reach their intended destination because they went into Paul’s own pocket (v. 17).
12:19 speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ. See 1Co 4:3–4 and note on 4:3. everything we do . . . is for your strengthening. See 10:8 and note.
13:2 those who sinned earlier. See 12:21 and note. any of the others. Probably the Corinthians who had sided with the false teachers.
13:3 demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. See note on 10:10.
13:7 do what is right. Then there will be no need for Paul to give evidence of his authority by taking disciplinary action when he comes to them.
13:8 we cannot do anything against the truth. Paul can exercise his apostolic authority only in a way that supports the truth.
13:9 are weak. Paul has no need to give proof of his apostolic strength (cf. 12:9–10 and notes). strong. In the truth.
13:10 building you up, not . . . tearing you down. See 10:8 and note.
13:11–13 These concluding exhortations and greetings exhibit a note of confidence.
13:14 This benediction is Trinitarian in form and has ever since been a part of Christian worship tradition (see Mt 28:19 and note). grace of . . . Christ. See 8:9 and note. love of God. See Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:8–10 and notes; see also Ro 5:8. fellowship of the Holy Spirit. See note on Php 2:1. with you. This phrase or its equivalent (“with your spirit” [Php 4:23; see note there; see also Gal 6:18; 2Ti 4:22; Phm 25]) occurs near the end of all of Paul’s letters except Ephesians. Its OT counterpart is the Immanuel theme—“God with us”—and its equivalents (see Ge 26:3; Isa 7:14; Rev 21:3 and notes).