Paul's 2nd Corinthian Letter - Week 4

Chapter 11

Paul and the False Apostles

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 11:2

• Paul is in the role of an earthly father who has engaged the saints to be married to Christ. 
• The church cannot follow anyone except Christ in order to remain a pure virgin. 

Paul was concerned that the church's minds could be led astray from their sincere and pure devotion to Christ, as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning. 11:3

Paul wasn't a "Super-apostle" 11:5

• Paul wasn't a trained speaker, but he had knowledge.
• Paul reassured the Corinthian church he wasn't wanting their money.
• Paul's sole desire was that they know Jesus.

Because Satan can hide himself as an angel of light, so can his servants. 11:13-11:15

• Paul points out that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
• It shouldn't be surprising that Satan's servants masquerade as servants of righteousness, but their end will be what they deserve.
• The followers of Jesus shouldn't be surprised to find Satan's servants hiding themselves among the righteous. What better way to cause strife and disharmony than to masquerade as a faithful believer? 
• Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15
• For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Acts 20:29

"Hypocrisy may be looked for especially when we consider the great power which Satan...has upon the minds of many.Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately" Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

 The law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit is the test of every false system.  Matthew Henry

Paul shares about his sufferings and service as a minister of Jesus Christ. 11:16-11:30

• Paul endured the following situations to the honor of God:

1. received 40 stripes 5 times save 1
2. beaten with rods 3 times
3. stoned once
4. shipwrecked 3 times
5. adrift at sea a night and a day

• Paul faced many perils during his journeys.

1. waters
2. robbers
3. his own countrymen
4. from the heathens
5. in the city
6. in the wilderness
7. in the sea
8. among false brothers

Even though Paul was in peril and endured great hardship, he still considered the care of all the churches.

"It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials."  Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Chapter 12

 Paul's Revelation 12:1-12:5

• The church is built on the foundation of Paul's revelation
• Paul is about to tell, or show the greatest of his infirmities and he didn't want to tell more of his revelation because it might encourage them to focus more on him than on his teachings. 12:6

Paul's Thorn and God's Grace 12:7-12:10

• No one knows what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was.
• Paul's attitude about it shows he accepted it as a way for him to remain humble.
• He asked, in prayer, to be relieved of his "thorn in the flesh," but accepted that this was not God's plan.
• God told Paul that his grace was sufficient.
• God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

When we continue to praise God and accept his plan, as Jesus accepted his Father's plan, we are made strong in our weakness because we rely on God through Jesus Christ.

"Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer." Matthew Henry

Concern for the Corinthian Church 12:11 - 12:21

• These verses show the character of a faithful minister of the gospel.
• These verses also show the excesses the false teachers had taken their deluded followers to.
•  Christians should be sad that evils should be found among teachers of the gospel. 
• Evils have been found in teachers of the gospel too often, but it has been so since the days of the apostles.  

Chapter 13

Examine Yourselves 13:1 - 13:10

• Paul addressed the church at Corinth 3 times and by the third time he was losing his patience with the sinners. 
• Those who continued to question Paul's authority were those who had the least reason to question him. They had seen the signs and wonders of his apostleship.
• In verse 13:3, the church members wanted and demanded proof that the voice and power of Christ was in Paul. Paul directs them to self examination, to try, prove, and recognize their own souls. If things were right, they'd find proof of Christ's speaking in him. 

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Cant you see for yourselves the Jesus Christ is in you-unless you actually fail the test? 13:5

• Paul desired that the body of the church be kept from sin and they would grow in grace and holiness.
• They should know if Christ was in them, but the indwelling of His spirit.
• We are either true Christians, or we are deceivers.
• Unless Christ is in us by his Spirit and power of his love, our faith is dead.

Final Greetings and Blessings  13:11 - 13:14

Do these things and the God of love and Peace shall be with you:

• Be perfect
• Be of good comfort
• Be of one mind
• Live in peace

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

My hope is that you have prospered spiritually during this 4 week bible study. Thank-you for joining me. SalleeB