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)