What I Noticed Today (2 Corinthians 5-8)
2 Corinthians 5
In verses 1-15, Paul addresses what happens after death. The word “For” in verse 1 connects this passage to the end of 2 Corinthians 4.
Paul reflects on the heavenly body that will house the believer in eternity, in contrast to the temporal body on earth. We groan in this tent (body), but we have the assurance of God through the Holy Spirit (the down payment), who has prepared a body that will last for eternity.
Paul restates his confidence that while we are in this body and are away from the Lord, by faith, we walk knowing in the future, we will be out of this body and at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether at home (with the Lord) or away, we want to please the Lord because we will all face the tribunal (judgment) of Christ.
Paul says his fear of the Lord prompts him to persuade people (present the Gospel in a way that they are reconciled to God).
Christ’s love compels us, says Paul: if One died for all, then all died, and He died for all. So the result is, those who live no longer live for themselves but for Christ.
Note: Christ died for all (see also 1 Timothy 2:6, Hebrews 2:9, and 1 John 2:2).
In verses 16-21, Paul’s focus is on the ministry of reconciliation. Paul says from now on; we no longer know anyone in a purely human way.
Note: The phrase “in purely a human way” is a translation of the Greek, which literally means “according to the flesh.” Paul was saying when Christ was alive, we knew Him in a human way, but now (since his conversion), we know Him in a divine way.
Therefore, if anyone believes in Christ, he is a new creation, the old is passed away, and the new things have come.
Note: The “old” is the old self. “New things” have come refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life and the changes that come as a result.
God reconciled us to Himself through Christ, not counting our past sins against us. Therefore, we are Christ’s ambassadors. Furthermore, God made His Son, who did not know sin to be sin for us so that we might become righteous.
2 Corinthians 6
In verses 1-2, Paul continues from 2 Corinthians 5, saying we work together with God, so do not receive His grace in vain. He quotes Isaiah 49:8; now is an acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.
Note: Paul’s quotation of Isaiah 49:8 refutes Judaizers, who wanted to impose Mosaic Law on believers to obtain righteousness. Paul’s argument is righteousness comes by faith, not by works of the Mosaic Law. The Isaiah verse also suggests there should be no delay between hearing the Gospel and responding to it.
In verses 3-4, Paul says he gives no opportunity to others for stumbling.
Note: Paul’s concern is to defend his ministry, not himself.
In verses 4b-5, Paul lists trials and difficulties he has endured for the sake of the ministry:
- By endurance, by afflictions.
- By hardships, by difficulties.
- By beatings, by imprisonments.
- By riots, by labors.
- By sleepless nights, by times of hunger
In verses 6-7, Paul describes character traits:
- By purity, by knowledge.
- By patience, by kindness.
- By the Holy Spirit, by sincere love.
- By the message of truth, by the power of God, through righteousness, on the right and the left.
In verses 8-10, Paul lists nine conflicting responses to his ministry:
- Through glory and dishonor.
- Through slander and good report.
- As deceivers, yet true.
- As unknown yet recognized.
- As dying, we live.
- As being disciplined, yet not killed.
- As grieving, yet always rejoicing.
- As poor, yet enriching many.
- As having nothing yet possessing everything.
In verse 11, Paul concludes by saying his ministry is an open book to the Corinthians, and he felt the Corinthians should respond in kind.
In verses 14-18, Paul warns the Corinthian believers not to be mismatched with unbelievers.
Note: Paul’s reference to unbelievers includes the false apostles that Paul warned true believers should avoid.
- There is no partnership between righteousness and lawlessness.
- There is no fellowship between light and darkness.
- There is no agreement between Christ and Belial (a Hebrew term for wicked men).
- There is no agreement between God’s sanctuary and idols, for we are the sanctuary of the living God.
Paul answers the rhetorical question from verse 16 by quoting Leviticus 26:12, Isaiah 52:11, and 2 Samuel 7:14. God dwells among His people, will walk among them, and be their God. Therefore, be separate from the world, and I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.
2 Corinthians 7
In verse 1, Paul concludes by saying, therefore, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of flesh and spirit, completing our sanctification in fear of God.
Note: Paul exhorts believers to purify themselves from everything that contaminates the body and soul so that we become more like Christ (sanctification).
In verses 2-15, Paul returns to his discussion of joy and repentance from 2 Corinthians 6:11-13.
Paul reminds the Corinthians of his integrity: he has wronged no one, corrupted no one, and defrauded no one. As a result, he has great pride and confidence in them; he is encouraged and has great joy despite his afflictions.
Note: The Corinthians continued to vacillate between false apostles, so Paul felt the need to emphasize his integrity and heart for the Corinthians.
Paul refers to his time in Macedonia when Titus joined him with news from Corinth. He told Paul of the Corinthian’s longing, sorrow, and zeal for Paul. He was grieved when he heard his letter grieved them but only for a little while because their grief produced repentance, leading to salvation. Theirs was not a worldly sorrow that led to death. Instead, their diligence in their sorrow produced a desire to clear themselves, to be pure in every matter.
So Paul wrote the harsh letter directing discipline so that their diligence might be made plain in the sight of God, and that was a great comfort to Paul.
In addition to their comfort, they rejoiced because they had refreshed Titus. Titus’ affection for the Corinthians has increased because of their obedience and how they received him in fear and trembling.
Note: Ultimately, Paul is thrilled that the Corinthians received Titus in a way that demonstrated their zeal for carrying out Paul’s previous instructions.
2 Corinthians 8-9
Having explained his change of plans and defended his ministry, Paul now turns his attention to the importance of gracious giving.
2 Corinthians 8
In verses 1-9, Paul discusses the generosity of the churches in Macedonia.
Note: The churches of Macedonia include Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.
Despite the affliction and limited resources of the churches in Macedonia, they gave joyfully and generously. They gave beyond their ability and begged for the privilege of sharing in the ministry.
Paul then exhorts the Corinthians since they excel in faith, speech, knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us, to excel also in giving. Giving is not a command but a test of the genuineness of their love.
In verses 8-15, Paul refers to the example of Jesus, who though He was rich, He became poor so that they might become rich.
Note: Paul’s use of Jesus as an example is to illustrate the self-sacrifice of Jesus as the highest standard of giving. Jesus had exchanged the wealth of His deity to live among men.
Paul exhorts them to finish the task (complete the offering) eagerly. Paul is not suggesting the offering for the sake of equality but that by helping their brothers now while they have a surplus, their brothers will help them in a time of need (the principle of reciprocity). Paul quotes Exodus 16:18 to reinforce how God met people’s needs individually during the Exodus: those who gathered much did not have too much, and those who gathered little had just enough.
In verses 16-24, Paul discusses the administration of the collection for the believers in Jerusalem.
Paul expresses his gratitude to the Corinthians that, like Titus, they have the heart for helping the brothers in Jerusalem. Furthermore, Titus was praised throughout the churches for his gospel ministry and has been appointed by the churches to accompany them with the gift.
Note: Paul wanted to make it clear that while he was eager to help with the collection, he did not profit from it. Having Titus administer the collection and transport the gift with the Corinthians to Jerusalem made it clear that Paul wasn’t involved in the ministry for the money.
Titus is Paul’s partner in the ministry and coworker with the Corinthians. Naturally, therefore, they should show proof of their love for the churches.
Note: Only those selected and appointed by the churches were allowed to collect and administer the collection. Paul stresses the integrity of himself, Titus, and an unknown messenger who are all diligent in their ministry.
Some thoughts for further consideration:
- We are a new creation in Christ; the old is passed away replaced by the new through the Holy Spirit's power.
- Despite the trials and afflictions and despite the vacillation that existed in the Corinthian church, Paul remained committed to building up the spiritual lives of the Corinthian believers. He remained true to God’s call on his life.
- Our offerings to support the ministry are not compulsory but are given from an open heart. Yet, the intentions of our hearts mean nothing unless they lead to completion.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
