Paul opens 2 Corinthians by greeting the church he is writing to (1:1-2) and then moves into a meditation on suffering that serves as the theological foundation for the rest of the book (1:3-11). Paul demonstrates that true power is manifested in weakness, not in the glory of human ingenuity espoused by the "super-apostles" (cf.…

Ever have a complicated relationship with someone? A relationship where you love the person so much but they also drive you crazy? A relationship where you want what's best for them, but they look at your advice suspiciously? If so, you're in luck, because the apostle Paul also had some complicated relationships, especially with the…