Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible

Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2

Verse Commentaries:

Chapter Level Commentary: 2 Corinthians 2

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS⁴ NKJV NRSV TEV NJB The Postponement of Paul's Visit Sparing the Church Recent Relations with the Church The Change in Paul's Plans Why Paul Changed His Plans 2 CORINTHIANS (1:12-2:4) 2 CORINTHIANS (1:12-2:13) 2 CORINTHIANS (1:12-2:4) 2 CORINTHIANS (1:12-2:11) 2Co_1:15 to 2Co_2:2 2Co_1:23 to 2Co_2:4 Forgiving the Offender 2Co_1:23 to 2Co_2:4 2Co_1:23 to 2Co_2:4 Forgiveness for the Offender 2Co_2:3-11 Forgiveness for the Offender 2Co_2:5-11 2Co_2:5-11 2Co_2:5-11 2Co_2:5-11 Paul's Anxiety and Relief Triumph in Christ Paul's Anxiety in Troas From Troas to Macedonia-the Apostolate:

Its Importance 2Co_2:12-13 2Co_2:12-13 2Co_2:12-13 2Co_2:12-13 2 CORINTHIANS (2:12-4:6) Our Ministry 2 CORINTHIANS (2:14-3:6) Victory Through Christ 2Co_2:14-17 2Co_2:14-17 2Co_2:14-17 2Co_2:14-17 2Co_2:12 to 2Co_3:3 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. There is much discussion among the commentators as to how many visits and letters Paul made to this church. This chapter is the crux of this discussion because it seems to refer to a previous letter and a painful visit. There is much ambiguity in both the text and our knowledge of Paul's life. Dogmatism is inappropriate.

B. Another area of contention involving this chapter is whether the offender mentioned in 2Co_2:5-6 is

1. synonymous with the incestuous man of 1 Corinthians 5

2. a leader of one of the factions or house churches spoken of in 1 Corinthians 1-4

3. a ringleader of the false teachers from Jerusalem who confronted Paul personally on this painful visit, 2 Corinthians10-13.

C. The chapter division is obviously inappropriate. Chapter 2 is integrally linked with the discussion of Paul's travel plans mentioned in 2Co_1:15 ff.

D. There is a major digression or parenthesis beginning in 2Co_2:14. Paul does not return to his discussions concerning the meeting with Titus in Macedonia until 2Co_7:5. I thank God for this digression because it shows us the heart of Paul and his intense love for Jesus Christ!

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 discuss his travel plans so extensively?

2. How many letters did Paul write to the Corinthian church?

3. Explain the background of triumph in 2Co_2:14.

4. How does one stand the spiritual pressure involved in 2Co_2:15-16 when we know that sharing the Gospel can mean the difference between heaven and hell?