Bible Studies

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians bible study

Introduction

In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul gives the people of Corinth some well-needed advice. 2 Corinthians is another letter written to them since they decided to rebell against his leadership and teaching. The Corinthians didn't like Paul because he refused to sugar coat things. When he preached, some of what he had to say was hard to hear. As a result, the people decided to ignore Paul and his teaching, pretending that they didn't need to follow his advice. 2 Corinthians is Paul defending his leadership and overall discussing the nature of what it means to be a leader. Let's start with the first chapter in Part 1.

Part 1

Paul starts off 2 Corinthians in a similar fashion to its predecessor 1 Corinthians. He begins by reminding them that it is him (Paul) who is writing this letter to them, then thanks God for who he is. Paul explains to the Corinthians that troubles can be used for good since God gives us comfort. Tough situations that we go through can be used as a lesson to others, and the comfort we receive can be shared with others as well. Everything we go through is for a purpose, so don't give up on God if you're going through something tough. He's got a plan for you and He won't give you more than you can handle.

Paul continues on by telling the people that these hard times actually helped Paul and his fellow leaders. In 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 (MSG version), Paul says, "As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either."

I can't help but think of a song by Elevation Worship called "Do It Again" as I read these verses. I'll make sure to include the lyric video in the media portion of this bible study. Anyway, Paul finishes the first chapter by reminding the Corinthians of some of the things he's heard from them about his leadership. He expresses that he didn't tell them anything they didn't have the ability to understand, and also that everything he told them was the truth. He was going to make a second visit to Corinth but decided that it would be better for the people if he didn't. They needed to rely on their own faith, not his.

The second chapter of 2 Corinthians continues with Paul explaining why he wrote this letter instead of visiting them; he worried that it would cause them too much pain. Even so, Paul expresses that simply writing the letter caused him enough pain, although pain was not his intent. He wrote 2 Corinthians to them as a way to show his love. He also tells them that he wants them to be forgiving of people who wrong them and to not carry around a list of personal grudges. The last thing they need is an opening for Satan to weasel his way in and to spread lies.

Paul ends the chapter by explaining that God leads us, giving us knowledge of Jesus on the journey. Everywhere we go, our actions and overall attitude give off a figurative scent that attracts others. If we stray away from what is good, however, we will give off a stench that smells like death. 2 Corinthians 2:16‭-‬17 MSG says, "This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don't take God's Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ's presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can."