Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
2 Corinthians 12

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Visions and Revelations The Vision of Paradise Further Boasting: Strength in Weakness Paul's Vision and Revelations Paul is Driven to Sound His Own Praises 2 CORINTHIANS (11:1-12:18) 2Co_12:1-10 2Co_12:1-10 2Co_12:1-10 2Co_12:1-6 2Co_12:1-6 2Co_12:7-10 2Co_12:7-10 Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church Signs of An Apostle Paul's Concern for the Corinthians 2Co_12:11-18 2Co_12:11-13 2Co_12:11-13 2Co_12:11-13 2Co_12:11-13 Love For the Church Paul's Plans to Visit Corinth Again 2 CORINTHIANS (12:14-13:10) 2Co_12:14-21 2Co_12:14-18 2Co_12:14-15 2Co_12:14-15 2Co_12:16-18 2Co_12:16-18 A Call For Self-Examination and Amendment Paul's Fears and Anxieties 2 CORINTHIANS (12:19-13:10) 2 CORINTHIANS (12:19-13:10) 2Co_12:19-21 2Co_12:19-21 2Co_12:19-21 2Co_12:19-21 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. Paul's special vision and his physical problems are both dealt with in the same context, possibly both occurred 14 years previously in Tarsus (a.d. 42 or 43). This cannot refer to his conversion experience which happened some 20 years earlier, although I think his "thorn" was eye problems, which may have started with the encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (cf. Act_9:22; Act_9:26).



B. Paul continues his biting sarcasm in 2Co_12:11; 2Co_12:13; 2Co_12:15 as he did in 2Co_11:4-5; 2Co_11:7; 2Co_11:19-21. I believe chapters 10-13 are written in a Hellenistic rhetoric style for the purpose of showing the arrogant Hellenistic-trained Jewish false teachers that he, too, knew and could use their preferred literary style.



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 mention his special revelation and then not tell us about it?

2. Why is weakness a key to usability?

3. Does God use evil to accomplish His purpose?

4. Why was Paul so touch about receiving money from this church? (cf. 2Co_12:20-21).