Summarize the main story: Describe the events and context of the chapter in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
2 CORINTHIANS 2
Paul writes about forgiveness and about the effect the gospel is having on those he witnesses to.
I. The Tears (2:1–4): Paul refers to his previous letter to the believers in Corinth—namely, 1 Corinthians.
A. The purpose of this letter (2:1–3): He wrote hoping the church would get some matters straightened out before he visited them.
B. The pain behind this letter (2:4): He penned it in great distress and anguish.
II. The Transgressor (2:5–11)
A. The individual (2:5–6): The church previously ousted an immoral and unrepentant believer (see 1 Corinthians 5).
B. The instructions (2:7–11): The man repented, and Paul commands the church to restore him, lest Satan take advantage of their unforgiving spirit.
III. The Triumph (2:12–17)
A. Paul’s concern (2:12–13): He experiences some initial unrest when he does not find Titus in Troas.
B. Paul’s confidence (2:14–17): Whatever his lot, Paul has the assurance of ultimate victory.
1. The fragrance of the gospel message (2:14–16)
a. To the saved, it has the smell of life (2:14–15, 16b).
b. To the lost, it has the smell of death (2:16a).
2. The faithfulness of the gospel messenger (2:17): Paul does not preach the gospel for profit but in the power of God.
Paul opens by explaining his decision to avoid another painful visit to Corinth, clarifying that his previous severe letter—written with tears and deep distress—was motivated by love rather than a desire to cause grief. This establishes a central concern: Paul’s communication with the Corinthians had been disrupted by a distressing visit and by hostile missionaries, making the restoration of his relationship with the church the letter’s central focus. The passage then shifts to address an offender within the community, noting that the congregation’s punishment of this person was sufficient and calling them instead toward forgiveness and comfort. Satan’s designs aim to destroy the mutual forgiveness and unity that characterizes God’s reconciled people, ultimately dishonoring God’s glory. This theme of reconciliation—both with the offender and with Paul himself—reflects one of Paul’s main reasons for writing: to emphasize the importance of believers reconciling with estranged brothers and with Paul himself. The passage concludes with Paul’s account of his travel to Troas and his anxiety over Titus’s absence. Despite an open door for gospel ministry, Paul introduces the metaphor of believers as “the aroma of Christ”—producing either the fragrance of life or death depending on the hearer’s response. This suffering and weakness in gospel service echoes the story of Christ’s suffering, reminding the world of the cross. Paul also emphasizes financial integrity in ministry, contrasting his own conduct with those who exploit the gospel for personal gain, stressing that gospel work should be oriented toward divine accountability rather than personal benefit.
Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
Summarize the main story: Describe the events and context of the chapter in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
2 CORINTHIANS 1
Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthian church with consolation amid suffering and an explanation of his recent experiences.
I. Consolation (1:1–7)
A. The person of consolation and comfort (1:1–3): Paul describes the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as “the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us.”
B. The purpose of consolation and comfort (1:4–5)
1. The root (1:5): The more we suffer, the more God comforts us.
2. The fruit (1:4): The more he comforts us, the more we can comfort others.
C. The pattern of consolation and comfort (1:6–7): Paul offers his own experiences as an example of this tremendous principle.
II. Explanation (1:8–24)
A. Paul writes about his recent trip to Asia (1:8–14).
1. The apostle’s trials in Asia (1:8): He suffered much hardship.
2. The apostle’s testimony in the hour of death (1:9–11)
a. He depended upon the God of life (1:9).
b. He was delivered by the God of life (1:10–11).
B. Paul speaks of his planned trip to Macedonia (1:12–24): Apparently, the Corinthians accused Paul of lying when he failed to visit them as promised. Paul declares both his and the Savior’s truthfulness.
1. Paul’s truthfulness (1:12–18): Paul has always been straightforward with them.
2. Jesus’ truthfulness (1:19–24): Jesus is always truthful.
Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
