Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
2 Corinthians 1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Salutation Greetings Salutation and Thanksgiving Salutation Address and Greetings 2Co_1:1-2 2Co_1:1-2 2Co_1:1 a 2Co_1:1 a 2Co_1:1-2 2Co_1:1 b 2Co_1:1 b 2Co_1:2 2Co_1:2 Paul's Thanksgiving after Affliction Comfort in Suffering Paul Gives Thanks to God Thanksgiving 2Co_1:3-7 2Co_1:3-7 2Co_1:3-7 2Co_1:3-7 2Co_1:3-7 Delivered from Suffering 2Co_1:8-11 2Co_1:8-11 2Co_1:8-11 2Co_1:8-11 2Co_1:8-11 The Postponement of Paul's Visit Paul's Sincerity Recent Relations with the Church The Change in Paul's Plans Why Paul Changed His Plans 2 CORINTHIANS (1:12-2:13) 2 CORINTHIANS (1:12-2:4) 2 CORINTHIANS (1:12-2:11) 2Co_1:12-14 2Co_1:12-14 2Co_1:12-14 2Co_1:12-14 2Co_1:12-14 Sparing the Church 2Co_1:15-22 2Co_1:15-24 2Co_1:15-22 2Co_1:15-22 2Co_1:15-22 2Co_1:23 to 2Co_2:4 2Co_1:23 to 2Co_2:4 2Co_1:23 to 2Co_2:4 2Co_1:23 to 2Co_2:4 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.

In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.

Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. 2 Corinthians was written about six to eighteen months after 1 Corinthians, following Paul's visit in Macedonia with Titus, who reported the response of the church to Paul's overtures (cf. 2Co_2:12-13; 2Co_7:11-16).



B. This is a very intense personal letter. Paul's emotional state can even be observed in the grammar (i.e., lack of conjunctions and incomplete sentences).



C. Paul was being viciously attacked by a minority within the church. The minority seems to be both from the local Corinthian congregation and an itinerant Jewish group. Their charges were:

1. Paul had impure motives, 2Co_1:12

2. Paul was fickle, 2Co_1:15 ff

3. Paul was weak, 2Co_10:10

4. Paul was physically ugly, 2Co_10:10

5. Paul was not a good orator, 2Co_10:10; 2Co_11:16

6. Paul preached for money 2Co_11:7 ff; 2Co_12:13 ff

7. Paul was not a true apostle, 2Co_11:5; 2Co_11:13; 2Co_12:4

8. Paul was not an orthodox Jew, 2Co_11:21 ff

9. they had direct revelation, but Paul did not, 2Co_12:1 ff.