Let's see how far the power of the soul, which is located in the heart and mind, extends. Philosophers generally maintain that our reasoning ability is in our mind. They argue that, like a lamp, it illuminates all of the minds thoughts. They also liken reason to a queen who governs our will. They think…
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…
2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6 (Paul’s Picture of True Apostleship)
In 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:13, Paul had been defending himself against the charge that he didn’t care about the Corinthians because he changed his travel plans. In fact, the opposite was true: he loved them! But he didn’t want to cause them unnecessary grief, because, if he had visited, it would have not gone well. Instead…
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:13 (Reasons for Paul’s Absence)
The body of Paul’s letter begins with a defense of his change of plans (1:12-17). Despite the charge of being fickle and duplicitous, Paul’s behavior stemmed from God’s faithfulness (1:18-22). He continues a defense of his changed travel plans by arguing that it was actually a good thing he changed his mind about visiting (1:23-2:4).…
Raising Lazarus 