A few years ago, theologian Albert Mohler popularized the idea of "theological triage." Just as hospitals prioritize patients in an Emergency Room, Mohler argues that Christians need to prioritize which doctrines are the most important, and which ones, while still important, are not the core truths of the Christian faith. While Mohler captures well the…
2 Corinthians Commentary
Below are links to the commentary on the book of 2 Corinthians: Intro & Background 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 2 Corinthians 1:12-22 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:13 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:4 2 Corinthians 7:5-16
Better than Boring: How to Deliver Engaging Christ-Centered Sermons. Pt. 3: Preaching the Text
Engaging preaching is the kind of preaching that stays true to the Scriptural text, connects the passage to the person and work of Jesus and speaks to the heart of the audience with sincerity and authenticity. The "base" of every sermon, then, must be attention to the passage itself, gleaning from the passage its meaning.…
2 Corinthians 7:5-16 (Godly Sorrow; Apostolic Joy)
After an introduction (1:1-2) and meditation of suffering (1:3-11), Paul launches into the body of his letter, focused on the marks of genuine apostleship for the purpose of reconciling with the Corinthians (1:12-7:16). The overall literary structure of the section seems to be a chiasm: A 1:12-2:13 - Boasting, Letter, Titus B 2:14-4:6 - Genuine…
2 Corinthians 6:3-7:4 (Paul’s Appeal: Open Your Hearts!)
According to Paul, true apostles have been given a “ministry of reconciliation,” which is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ (5:11-6:2). Paul now wraps up his description of true apostleship by speaking about his integrity in ministry and the various afflictions he endured (6:3-10). He uses the recounting of his suffering as a bridge…
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 (The Ministry of Reconciliation)
Paul has been implicitly defending his ministry by demonstrating how true apostles conduct themselves (2:14-5:10). They speak with sincerity, confidence and boldness (2:14-3:18). They do not lose heart but persevere despite suffering (4:1-5:10). Now, Paul brings this section to its theological high point explaining that he has received the ministry of reconciliation from God (5:11-6:2).…
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 (Courage & Confidence)
After explaining the glory of the new covenant, Paul speaks to why he can endure in ministry despite suffering (4:1-5:10). He had two matching sections that begin with “we do not lose heart” followed by a theological reflection: 4:1-6 “we do not lose heart” 4:7-15 Reflection on how God uses frail ministers 4:16-18 “we do…
2 Corinthians 4:7-15 (Jars of Clay)
Paul defends his ministry by pointing out how real apostles live and speak (2:14-7:4). True apostles speak God’s word with sincerity (2:14-17), with confidence (3:1-6), and with boldness (3:7-18). Because of the power of God’s word, Paul is able to persevere in the midst of suffering (4:1-5:10). He does not lose heart even if some…
2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (Blinded Minds and Shining Light)
Before directly confronting the “super-apostles” who infiltrated the Corinthian church (11:5), Paul shows how real apostles live and conduct their ministry (2:14-7:4). Part of his ministry consists of refusing to be enamored with the old covenant, but instead, preaching the superior new covenant (3:1-18). Because the new covenant is so much better than the old,…
2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (Unveiled Glory: The Superiority of the New Covenant)
In the face of criticism from the Corinthians, Paul first sought to defend his integrity (1:12-2:13). Now Paul begins a long section defending his ministry, particularly his status as a minister of the new covenant (2:14-7:1). To begin the defense of his ministry, Paul points out that true ministry is carried out by speaking God’s…
Raising Lazarus 