Tag: 2 Corinthians

Introduction to 2 Corinthians

Here’s a continuation of the introduction to the 2 Corinthians. 

Author

In order to understand the letter, we must first start with some understanding of the author(s). Apostle Paul was the main author of the letters to the Corinthians, along with Timonty. Given that this letter was written around AD 55, Paul was thought to be in his late 40s or early 50s. Simple fact may this be, it is important for the readers to know the approximate age of the author. 

Paul’s first direct encounter with Jesus occurred when he was on his way to Damascus to further persecute Christians (Acts 9). He was in his early 30s when his supernatural encounter with Jesus took place. Before this, Paul was discipled by Gamaliel the Elder, who was a leading authority in the Sanhedrin in the early first century. He was trained in the word of God (the Old Testament) by the best teacher at that time. After his encounter with Jesus, Paul spent another 14 years in Arabia and Judea, although it is not exactly known what he did during those 14 years, I think Paul started to re-interpret and renewed his understanding of the word of God in reflection of Jesus Christ. After having gone through this rigorous 14 years, he partook in a few missionary journeys. Some of the key concepts in his letters to the Corinthians were a result of both his rigorous reflection of the Old Testament and his numerous missionary trips. Therefore, understanding the full depth of some of the concepts laid out in Paul’s letter is not easy. 

If you as a reader, had a difficult time understanding the full depths and knowledge of Paul’s message, it is OK. It is natural. Don’t be frustrated but keep moving on with the guide of the Holy Spirit. If you think you understood Paul’s letter fully, then you may have dwells on the surface only. 

The City of Corinth 

The city of Corinth was located in the Achaia region, not too far from Athens. As a major trading hub, the city was the center of commerce, attracting people from many other parts of the world. Perhaps, because of the confluence of many cultures, practices, traditions and values from a wide variety of nations and ethic groups, Corinth was a city where a fusion of religious thoughts and practices resided. In some way, the city could be compared to the current Las Vegas in the United States.

Intro to the Corinthians

The Start of Fall 2019

The first and second Corinthians and Joshua make up the main curriculum of the Korean Bible Study group for the year 2019-2020. What stands out is a unique order proposed by The Korean Bible Study Committee: 2 Corinthians, Joshua, then 1 Corinthians. The obvious question is why 2 Corinthians is placed before 1 Corinthians. Furthermore, what is the relation between the book of Joshua and the letters to the Corinthians? I believe that some part of the fun associated with this year’s bible study would be a slow unfolding of the reason for this “eccentric” study curriculum order.

The Overall Impression of the first and second Corinthians

Long. Compared to the other letters written by the apostle Paul, two letters to the Corinthians are significantly longer. In reference, most other letters have fewer than six chapters and the second lengthiest letter, the book of Romans, has sixteen chapters. The total chapters written for the Corinthians, including both the first and second letters, amount to twenty nine. Besides, some scholars believe that there could be up to two additional letters written by Paul to the Corinthians. If two addition letters are included, the total length of the Corinthians could have been close to fifty chapters. Compared to this volume, many other letters (Galatians, Philippians, Colossians and others) are significantly shorter, usually fewer than six chapters. 

Why such a long letter?

My hypothesis is that the length of the letter is positively correlated to the degree of trouble that the recipients of the letter caused. The book of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel contain long prophetic message most of which were warning, to the people in northern Israel and southern Judah. In His love, God continued to reach out to His people with many, lengthy words because His people were not listening and causing many troubles.

What God was to the Israelites in the Old Testament, Paul to the Corinthians in the New Testament. Paul’s long letter reflects both his love and heartbreak toward the Corinthians. As God continued to pursue His people, Paul continued to reach out to the Corinthians. Church in Corinth suffered from an internal division, sexual immorality, deception from false teachers, rebellious attitude toward Paul, and false idea of Jesus Christ. Because of Paul’s relentless love toward the Corinthians, Paul’s letters had become lengthy, consisting of exhortation, firm rebuke, and warning.

Never, Never, Never Give up

Some chapters in the second Corinthians clearly demonstrate Paul’s resolute determination not to lose the Corinthians to the false teachings of the false teachers. Paul deployed all of his arsenals to protect his people – rebuke, his credentials as an apostle, his extraordinary visions and revelations – from false teachings. He was fully engaged in this war for the sake of the Church of Corinth. In fact, I found many references to spiritual warfare in the second Corinthians.

Instead of looking all chapters of the second Corinthians, I plan to share my thoughts on the first, second, fourth and twelfth chapters of the second letter to the Corinthians.