2 Corinthians Lecture

Background

• Surprise visit to Corinthians
  • Confronted members and members retaliated
• Wrote a tearful letter

Critical Issues: Composition

• Fourth Letter
• Combination of Letters?
• Choppy writing style

Themes: Defense Against the Super Apostles

• Super Apostles - called him plain, judged him, believed they were better than Paul
  • Paul called the Satan in Disguise
• True Apostles - one who has witnessed the risen Lord, can perform miracles, plants churches
  • Paul - may be the last “true apostle”
• Ambiguity of the Word “Apostle”
  • Apostle - “sent out ones” (missionaries)
  • Definition not quite set in stone yet

Themes: Paul’s Boasting

Paul Defend his Apostleship:

• Visions - Third Heaven
• Thorn in the Flesh - Messenger from Satan was sent to torment him
• God chooses to work with the meek

Immaturity of the Super Apostles:

• Believed that they were immature for believing they were great
• Paul was mature for believing he was meek

Themes: Collection

• Jerusalem Collection
  • Agabus - predicted a widespread famine
  • Church responded by creating a fund
• Rationale for Giving - Privilege, responsibility, helps those struggling, promotes unity
  • Giving must be autonomous and given generously
• Reputation - Christians were always helping people (loving, caring, and generous)