Page 64 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Study Section 6: Book of 2 Corinthians: A Call to Reconciliation

6.1 Connect

Think of a time you ever said something to anyone, and their response was, “who are you to
say that?” realizing that they considered other people of lower abilities and power than you,
in your filed of expertise. How did you feel? How did you respond? Taking all those feelings
and your response, consider how Paul handles his criticizers and those who undermined his
authority. This is what 2 Corinthians is largely about. Paul has had a rocky relationship with
the Corinthian believers, but he continues to patiently love them like a father (2 Cor 12:14–15). Now, as
some question his authority, Paul preaches a gospel of reconciliation, characterized by making
important but hard decisions. More than any of Paul’s other letters, 2 Corinthians conveys the words of
a pastor. Lat’s see…

6.2 Objectives

1. The student shall be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the author of 2 Corinthians

2. The student shall be able to locate when and where the book was written.

3. The student shall be able to name the recipients of the book.

4. The student shall be able to describe the occasion under which the book was written.

5. The student shall be able to describe the themes and purposes of the book

6. The student shall be able to explain the structure and outline of the book

7. The student shall be able to react to the impact of the book.

8. The student shall be able to name the key passages in the book

9. The student shall be able to recite the key words in the book

6.3 The Second Epistle to the Corinthians

Background

Paul had founded the church of Corinth around AD 51, during his second missionary journey.
After staying about 18 months and some unspecified additional period (Acts 18:11–17), he
continued with other missionary work. Occasionally, he would receive troubling reports about
the Corinthians, prompting him to write them letters. Paul sent at least four letters to Corinth:
an initial letter that is now lost (1 Cor 5:9); the letter we know as 1 Corinthians; another lost letter,
described as Paul’s severe letter to Corinth (2 Cor 2:3–4, 9; compare 7:8, 12); and the letter we know as
2 Corinthians.

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