Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 11

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 11


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
2 Corinthians 11

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Paul and the False Apostles Concern for Their Faithfulness Paul's Reply to Opponents Paul and the False Apostles Paul is Driven to Sound His Own Praises 2 CORINTHIANS (11:1-12:18) 2Co_11:1-6 2Co_11:1-4 2Co_11:1-6 2Co_11:1-4 2Co_11:1-6 Paul and False Apostles 2Co_11:5-15 2Co_11:5-6 2Co_11:7-11 2Co_11:7-11 2Co_11:7-11 2Co_11:7-15 2Co_11:12-15 2Co_11:12-15 2Co_11:12-15 Paul's Suffering As an Apostle Reluctant Boasting Paul's Suffering As an Apostle 2Co_11:16-29 2Co_11:16-21 2Co_11:16-21 a 2Co_11:16-21 a 2Co_11:16-21 a Suffering for Christ 2Co_11:21-29 2Co_11:21-29 2Co_11:21-29 2Co_11:22-33 2Co_11:30-33 2Co_11:30-33 2Co_11:30-33 2Co_11:30-33 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 10-13 form a literary unit. In this section that is so different from the previous chapters in 2 Corinthians , Paul defends himself against the attacks of false teachers. They had made Paul himself the object of ridicule in their attempt to discredit his gospel.



B. Paul answers the charges of his critics in chapter 2Co_11:4; 2Co_11:8; 2Co_11:12-15; 2Co_11:18-20.



C. Paul uses irony and sarcasm to jog the memory of the Corinthian Christians concerning his ministry (cf. 2Co_11:5; 2Co_11:7; 2Co_11:19-21).



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

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.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why does Paul defend himself against these false teachers?

2. Does 2Co_11:3 refer to falling from grace or seduction away from apostolic authority?

3. Why would Paul not accept money from the Corinthian Church?

4. Who were these false apostles?

5. Describe the theology of these false teachers?

6. Why was Paul's life of such brutal treatment a sign of his apostolic authority? (cf. 1Co_4:9-13 : 2Co_4:8-12; 2Co_6:4)