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.
BRIEF CONTEXTUAL OUTLINE
A. Presentation of the message, 2Co_4:2
B. Opposition to the message, 2Co_4:3-4 a
C. The message veiled, 2Co_4:4-6
D. Paradox of the message, 2Co_4:7-13
E. Results of the message, 2Co_4:14-18
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. How does 2Co_4:1 speak of the methods of the false teachers?
2. Were the early church fathers justified in changing the Greek text of 2Co_4:4 to meet the problem of their day?
3. What does it mean that Satan is the "god" of this world?
4. Why is Paul drawing such attention to his physical problems versus his spiritual strengths?