[DOWNLOAD] "Second Corinthians" by Abe Lincoln # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Second Corinthians
- Author : Abe Lincoln
- Release Date : January 05, 2012
- Genre: Bible Studies,Books,Religion & Spirituality,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 457 KB
Description
Welcome to a study of the great book of 2 Corinthians.
Authorship
Paul refers to himself by name in verse one: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother.” Considering the fact that he has mentioned his name here along with the fact that the letter, style and vocabulary is Pauline, the external evidence for his genuineness is very, very strong. Polycarp, a pupil of the apostle John, lived from A.D. 69 to 156, quotes from the book of 2 Corinthians. Two other early writers also quote from this letter. Timothy joined his beloved brother Paul in the salutation, showing that he was with Paul at the time of writing.
Background
Having sent the first letter to Corinth, Paul became exceedingly anxious as to its effects. It seems that Titus was sent to the church, and he did not return as quickly as Paul desired. So, the apostle, being greatly downcast, crossed the sea from Troas into Macedonia where he met Titus. In 2 Corinthians 2:12, 13 along with chapter 7:5ff and the latter part of chapter 7, we learn about the attitude of Paul and his great care and concern for the spiritual welfare of this congregation.
When Titus arrived he informed Paul about some of the false authorities at Corinth who were attacking Paul's motives, integrity, character and his apostleship. Paul then wrote this letter after having spent some time with Titus. The letter was written to silence this bold and unscrupulous minority by answering all the charges against the apostle. They accused Paul of being changeable, of not being able to make up his mind, of being a yes and no man (1:15ff.). They accused him of self–commendation in chapter 3. Chapter 10 and also chapter 11:6 make reference to some of these accusations against Paul. They said that he had a very insignificant appearance. In 2 Corinthians 10:10 it says, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive . . .” They said Paul was lacking in eloquence, “. . . and his speaking amounts to nothing.” So this epistle expresses in depth Paul's attitudes and strong feelings about his ministry in the Lord.
Purpose
The purpose of the epistle, seen in the first seven chapters, is to explain his ministry. This describes the kind of ministry one has in the new covenant. In this section Paul will clear up some of the misunderstandings about his intended visit, and how he dealt with a penitent man, 2 Corinthians chapter 2. Then his glorious ministry will be discussed. In chapters 8 and 9 there will be the urgent plea for the church to complete their giving. They had purposed to give, and now Paul admonishes them to get on with the completion of what they had willed or purposed to do. In chapters 10 through 13, the last section of the book, there is a defense of Paul’s apostleship and an exposure of these lying or false apostles.
Paul will give at least four proofs of his being an apostle of Christ. First, he will say the Lord appointed him, 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10. Then he will make reference to his successful labors as an apostle, particularly in chapters 3 and 11. Paul will also allude to his special revelation in the first ten verses of chapter 12. Then he will make reference to the signs of an apostle as being his credentials, 2 Corinthians 12:12.
When Paul writes to the church in chapters 1 through 9 he is very tender, loving and affectionate. He refers to the majority of the brethren who were striving to be faithful to Christ. When dealing with the false teachers, beginning in chapter 10 and extending to the end of the book, Paul becomes very strong and even severe. In dealing with different kinds of problems, Paul approached each with a different attitude and disposition, although he was still Christ–like in all his attitudes. In chapter 1 Paul works through the problem of adversity.