Bad Decisions: We discuss four things the Bible teaches us that we can do when those around us are making bad decisions.2 Corinthians 2
Making a Difference! We talk about making a difference, Paul’s Legacy, and how our legacy can be defined by the development of those around us. 2 Corinthians 3
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying, we must ask the following questions:
What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations, and notice the words that stand out)
Biblegateway (NIV, CSB, NLT) (My choice of all-round site. It is a greatapp, better on computers or on a smartphone)
Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer, especially if you have a Logos account)
OUTLINE AND LINKS TO PERICOPES (considering ebible & Serendipity)
Summarize the main story: Describe the events and context of the chapter in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul addresses the pain caused in the Corinthian community and calls for forgiveness and comfort for the individual responsible. He also shares his own feelings of anxiety and relief, and he ends by discussing the profound and contrasting impacts of his ministry.
Historical Setting of Paul and Corinth
• Paul founded the church around AD 50 (Acts 18).
• After writing 1 Corinthians, he made a “painful visit” (2 Corinthians 2:1) when the church had sided with a prominent offender against him.
• Returning to Ephesus, Paul wrote a “severe letter” (now lost) carried by Titus (2 Corinthians 7:8). 2 Corinthians is written when Paul hears Titus’s report that most of the church has repented (7:6-16), but some tension remains.
• This background explains Paul’s mix of relief, affection, and caution throughout chapter 2.
Suffering And Comfortwe discuss the related subjects of suffering and comfort and how we can experience both in abundance through Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 1
Bad Decisionswe discuss four things the Bible teaches us that we can do when those around us are making bad decisions.2 Corinthians 2
Note: Titus is the one who carried the 2 Corinthians letter to Corinth.
2 Corinthians shows how God's strength is made perfect in weakness. This is seen most clearly in Paul's dealings with the so-called "Super Apostles" that had taken over leadership of the church he planted in Corinth. The Super Apostles boasted in their abilities, connections, and power. But Paul showed that, for those in Christ, true power comes in weakness.
Suffering And Comfortwe discuss the related subjects of suffering and comfort and how we can experience both in abundance through Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 1
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying, we must ask the following questions:
What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations, and notice the words that stand out)
Biblegateway (NIV, CSB, NLT) (My choice of all-round site. It is a greatapp, better on computers or on a smartphone)
Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer, especially if you have a Logos account)
OUTLINE AND LINKS TO PERICOPES (considering ebible & Serendipity)
Summarize the main story: Describe the events and context of the chapter in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul opens his letter by affirming God as the source of all comfort and sharing his personal experiences of affliction. He offers an explanation for his change of travel plans and assures the Corinthians of his integrity and sincerity.
Authorship and Date
• Written by Paul, likely from Macedonia around AD 55-56, a few months after 1 Corinthians.
• Timothy’s inclusion underscores a team ministry and assures the church of continuity.
• The letter follows a “painful visit” (2:1) and a stern letter now lost (2:3-4), explaining the strong emotional tone.
Setting: Corinth and Achaia
• Corinth was a bustling port with wealth, immorality, and diverse religions. Excavations show temples to Aphrodite, Apollo, and the imperial cult—backdrop to Paul’s call to holiness.
• Achaia covered southern Greece. The gospel spread rapidly there (Acts 18:12-17), and second-generation believers were now weathering opposition.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, addresses the church in Corinth, wishing them grace and peace from God. He praises God, the Father of compassion, who comforts believers in their troubles, enabling them to comfort others. Paul shares his own experiences of suffering in Asia, emphasizing reliance on God, who delivers from peril. He expresses confidence in the Corinthians' understanding and integrity in their relationship. Paul initially planned to visit them twice, but questions whether his intentions were fickle. He reassures them that God's promises are always fulfilled in Christ. Paul emphasizes that God strengthens both him and the Corinthians in faith, and he explains that his decision not to return to Corinth was to spare them, highlighting their mutual joy and faith.
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 trialsin 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.
Paul leaves Ephesus and continues his third missionary journey by visiting the churches in Macedonia (Acts 20:1-3). While visiting Philippi, he wrote the book of 2 Corinthians.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians
NOTE:
#Paul
#Apostle Paul
#Corinth
The confrontation with Demetrius and the other craftsmen is undoubtedly not the only reason Paul left Ephesus. Understandably, Paul must be anxious to hear from Titus regarding the Corinthians’ reaction to his previous letter, so it appears that Paul decides to go on to Troas, where he hopes to meet Titus. Perhaps disappointed at not finding Titus there, Paul goes on to Macedonia, where Titus joins him. There, Paul writes his final letter to the Corinthians, probably about AD 56-57.
THE SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS
The letter of 2 Corinthians was written perhaps 6 months to a year after Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, possibly in A.D. 55 at the end of his long ministry in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). The Corinthian church required Paul’s continual care. In the letter, he explains why he has not visited them a third time, as he had hoped, and shares with them at great length the sense of fulfillment he has in both his ministry and in them personally. At the end of the letter (10-13), Paul's tone changes abruptly as he once again defends his apostleship and personal character. This letter is sent with Titus and others who are returning to Corinth to receive funds being given for the relief of the brethren in Judea who need financial assistance.
Shortly after his founding mission in Corinth, he sent a letter instructing the church “not to keep company with sexually immoral people” (1 Corinthians 5:9). Later, a delegation from Corinth came to Ephesus asking for Paul’s guidance; they returned, possibly carrying the letter of 1 Corinthians with them (1 Corinthians 16:17–19). Timothy visited Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10, 11) and probably returned to Paul in Ephesus with news of opposition to Paul and continued division in the church.
Such unchristian practices in Corinth required correction. Paul made a “sorrowful” visit (2 Corinthians 1:23–2:1), which did not resolve these problems. He then sent a “severe” letter delivered to the Corinthians by Titus (2 Corinthians 2:3–5). When finally Paul was reconciled to the church, he wrote to them both to celebrate their restored relationship and to have them prepare for yet another visit (2 Corinthians 1:13–16).
Scholars disagree over whether 2 Corinthians is a single letter, or was compiled from several shorter letters. Some think there were four letters: Paul’s “earlier” letter (1 Corinthians 5:9); 1 Corinthians; the “severe” letter (2 Corinthians 2:3); and 2 Corinthians. In this case, 1 Corinthians would have been the second letter Paul wrote to the Corinthian church; and 2 Corinthians, at least the fourth. Thus, one option is to accept that 2 Corinthians was originally written as it now appears in the New Testament, and suppose that the “earlier” letter against sexual immorality and the “severe” letter have been lost.
An alternative is to suppose that the “earlier” letter, warning against sexual immorality, is part of 2 Corinthians (see “Paul’s Authority and Epistle” at 1 Corinthians 5:1). Similarly, the four final chapters (2 Corinthians 10–13) are considered to be the so-called “severe” letter, the letter written “out of much affliction and anguish” (2 Corinthians 2:4). Those favoring this option point to a marked contrast: the positive relationship between Paul and the Corinthians evidenced in the early chapters of 2 Corinthians versus Paul’s harsh attacks on some in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 10–13.
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:11
During this period of time, several things may have happened...
Paul made a short visit to Corinth, his second - cf. 2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1
1) His first visit was during the second journey - Acts 18:1
2) His third visit was later on the third journey - Acts 20:1-3
3) The book of Acts is silent about his second visit, but most place it sometime during his extended stay at Ephesus
Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (now lost), alluded to in 1 Corinthians 5:9
Second Corinthians
IN MACEDONIA...
Paul finds Titus, who brings comforting news from Corinth - 2 Corinthians 7:5-7,13-16
Paul preaches throughout Macedonia- Acts 20:1-2
He had preached in Macedonia on his second journey - Acts 16:11-17:15
Establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
On this trip he appears to have ventured to Illyricum - cf. Romans 15:19
The brethren give generously for the relief of the church in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Timothy rejoins Paul. Then Timothy joins Paul in writing Second Corinthians (fall of 57 A.D.) - 2 Corinthians 1:1
Purpose: To vindicate Paul’s apostleship and manner of life
Theme: Open your heart to us, we have wronged no one
Brief Outline:
Paul explains his ministry of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 1:1-7:16
The collection for the saints in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
Paul defends his apostolic authority - 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:14
Titus and “two brethren” are sent to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Likely taking Second Corinthians
To assist the Corinthians concerning the collection - 2 Corinthians 8:6-8; 9:1-5
IN ACHAIA (GREECE)...
Paul spent three months - Acts 20:2-3
It included his third visit to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 12:14
A visit he hoped would not be sorrowful - 2 Corinthians 2:1
A visit he hoped would not be embarrassing for them - 2 Corinthians 9:3-4
A visit he hoped would not require stern judgment - 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; 13:1-3
NOTES:
Paul sends Titus and “a brother” to Corinth - cf. 2 Co 12:17-18
To bring Paul word as to how the Corinthians received the first letter?
To encourage the Corinthians concerning the collection? - 2 Co 8:6a
Whose delayed return would later give Paul concern - 2 Co 2:12-13
But who would eventually bring Paul good news - 2 Co 7:5-7,13-16
#God #People #Time #Place #Obedient faith #Sin #Key Idea
Acts
19:23-41
A Riot at Ephesus
21Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”22And having sent into Macedoniatwo of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asiafor a while.
23About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.24For a man named Demetrius, a
silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen.25These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.26And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with handsare not gods.27And there is danger not only that this trade
of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great
goddess Artemis may be
counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the
world worship.”
28Whenthey heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”29So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into
the theater, dragging with themGaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s
companions in travel.30But when Paul wished to go in
amongthe crowd, the disciples would not let him.31And even some of the Asiarchs,who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not
to venture into the theater.32Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know
whythey had come together.33Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd.34But when they recognized
that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one
voice, “Great is Artemis of
the Ephesians!”
35And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who
does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that
fell from the sky?36Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.37For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious
nor blasphemers of our goddess.38If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges
against one another.39But if you seek anything further,it shall be settled in the regular
assembly.40For we really are in danger of being
charged with riotingtoday, since there is no cause that we can
give to justify this commotion.”41And when he had said these
things, he dismissed the assembly.
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
Demetrius’s concern was not really with theology but economics. Explain.
What threat did Demetrius bring to Paul’s ministry at Ephesus?
Why were the Ephesian silversmiths against Paul?
Why would Demetrius rally people against Paul in Acts 19:25-27 (see 17:24-29)? Since this temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, what businesses would Paul be affecting?
Consider the crowd in Acts 19:32-34. What do they see and hear? Why are they there? Why are the Jews trying to get a speaker to represent them? Why would Alexander be shouted down?
Do you think economic issues ever drive religion in our times? Can you cite an example?
Compare the spiritual motives of Paul and Demetrius. How did Paul keep himself free of allowing money to become a central issue?
Why would Paul want to “appear before the crowd”?
How do the concerns of the city clerk and Demetrius compare?
Why do you think the gospel so often conflicts with people’s economic interests? What kind of businesses does it threaten? How should Christians deal with people whose livelihoods are threatened by the gospel?
In light of this episode and the one in Corinth (18:12-17), explain why Paul and Peter considered it so important that Christians carefully obey the civil laws (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17).
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
Success, money and independence are some cultural idols. What others come to mind? How has your faith affected your relationship to idols?
How do people you know attempt to gain health, money, love, success, and security? Are any of these methods similar to magic?
Could Demetrius have become a Christian and kept his business? Can you think of situations today where someone in a respectable trade would be forced to choose between that trade and Christ? How have your business dealings been affected by your faith?
Many people, even believers, would find it difficult to do what Paul did. Do you think Paul was happy? Why or why not?
What began as Artemis worship became Artemis-business. How can Christians fall into the same trap and make Jesus-worship into Jesus-business?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
PAUL VERSUS THE GODDESS DIANA — In Acts 19:24–28 we read about opposition to the gospel. In the great cosmic conflict for the souls of men, every intrusion of good is met by the fierce resistance of evil. Such was the case in Ephesus. A silversmith named Demetrius, who manufactured small idols of the Greek goddess Artemis, became alarmed by the mass conversion of Ephesians to Christianity.
The Ephesian silversmith incited a riot against Paul at the city's amphitheater for preaching in Ephesus that gods “made with hands” are not really gods (Acts 19:26).Gathering his fellow tradesmen, he convinced them that Paul and his message were a serious threat to their livelihood.
Ephesus had as many as a quarter million inhabitants, making it the largest city in the province of Asia. Its size was reason enough for Paul to found a church in Ephesus, but another significant factor was religion: Ephesus was the cult center for the worship of Artemis or Diana.
Artemis was a very popular Greek goddess. In Greek religion she was the virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon, and the daughter of the Greek god Zeus. In Roman religion she was identified as the goddess Diana.
Part of what made Artemis important to Ephesus was her temple. It was the largest temple in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The top of the platform it was built on (that would be the floor of the temple) was 168 feet, 9 inches wide by 365 feet, 9 inches long. The columns were 6 feet in diameter and almost 58 feet tall. By comparison, the floor of the Parthenon at Athens was only about two-thirds the size of the temple at Ephesus, and the Parthenon’s columns were only a little more than 34 feet high.
The temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Its size and magnificence made it an attraction for tourists and pilgrims. For Ephesus, it was a place for worship, but also a treasury and a storehouse.
Paul stood up to a sizeable opponent in Diana or Artemis. She had become the guardian deity of Ephesus. She influenced the politics, culture, and economy of the city. The people of Ephesus were prepared to defend Artemis against any who would threaten her, and Paul’s proclamation of God’s good news threatened to destroy the profit of the craftsmen who made silver shrines of the goddess.
At the riot, it took a soothing plea from the mayor to rescue Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions.
Hashtags
# the Spirit
#Paul
#Timothy
#Erastus
#Demetrius, a silversmith (craftsmen)
#Artemis
#Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions
#the crowd
#the disciples
#Asiarchs
#Alexander
#town clerk
#proconsuls
#the assembly
#the Way (23)
#gods made with hands are not gods (26)
