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2 Corinthians
Words from a Caring Shepherd
By John MacArthur Thomas Nelson
Copyright © 2007 John MacArthur
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-3527-3
CHAPTER 1
Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:1–11
Drawing Near
Think of a time when you were hurting emotionally or struggling with difficulties. What did friends do (or not do) that brought you the most comfort?
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The Context
The major theme in this epistle is Paul's defense of his apostleship against the many attacks of the false teachers in Corinth. In the opening section of 2 Corinthians, Paul defends himself against the false charge that his trials were God's punishment for his sin and unfaithfulness. The apostle makes the point that God was comforting him in his suffering, not chastening him. In so doing, he penned one of the most significant passages on comfort anywhere in Scripture.
Keys to the Text
Tribulation: When talking about troubles and tribulations, Paul used the Greek word that means "pressure." Throughout all the pressures, stress, persecution, and trials, Paul experienced God's comforting, strengthening presence. The apostle's life was thus an amazing juxtaposition of affliction and comfort, a seeming paradox he expressed later in this letter (see 4:7–11). Because God constantly comforted and protected him, Paul was indestructible until the time came in God's sovereign plan for him to die.
Unleashing the Text
Read 1:1–11, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
2 Corinthians 1:1–11 (NKJV)
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
9Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
10who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,
11you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
apostle (v. 1) — This refers to Paul's official position as a messenger sent by Christ.
by the will of God (v. 1) — Paul was saying his mission was not a self-appointed one, or based on his own achievements; rather, his credentials were by divine appointment, and his letter reflected not his own message, but the words of Christ.
Timothy our brother (v. 1) — Paul's cherished son in the faith and a dominant person in Paul's life and ministry, who was with Paul during the founding of the church in Corinth (Acts 18:1–5)
Grace ... peace (v. 2) — This was part of Paul's normal salutation in his letters. "Grace" is God's unmerited favor, and "peace" one of its benefits.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3) — Paul praised the true God who revealed Himself in His Son, who is of the same essence with the Father; He is the anointed one (Christ) and sovereign (Lord) and Redeemer (Jesus).
Father of mercies (v. 3) — Paul borrowed from Jewish liturgical language and a synagogue prayer that called for God to treat the sinful individual with kindness, love, and tenderness.
God of all comfort (v. 3) — An Old Testament description of God (see Isa. 40:1; 51:3, 12; 66:13), who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. The Greek word for "comfort" is related to the familiar word paraclete, "one who comes alongside to help," another name for the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26; Phil. 2:1). "Comfort" often connotes softness and ease, but that is not its meaning here. Paul was saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness (see vv. 4–10).
tribulation (v. 4) — This term refers to crushing pressure, because in Paul's life and ministry there was always something attempting to weaken him, restrict or confine his ministry, or even crush out his life.
that we may be able to comfort (v. 4) — Comfort from God is not an end in itself. Its purpose is that believers also might be comforters.
sufferings of Christ abound (v. 5) — God's comfort to believers extends to the boundaries of their suffering for Christ. The more they endure righteous suffering, the greater will be their comfort and reward.
consolation (v. 6) — comfort
salvation (v. 6) — This refers to the Corinthians' ongoing perseverance to final, completed salvation, when they will be glorified.
partakers of the sufferings (v. 7) — Some in the church at Corinth, perhaps the majority, were suffering for righteousness, as Paul was.
our (v. 8) — an editorial plural, which Paul used throughout the letter; usually a humble reference to Paul himself, but in this instance it could include others as well trouble which came to us in Asia (v. 8) — The details of this situation are not known.
despaired even of life (v. 8) — The Greek word for "despaired" literally means "no passage," the total absence of an exit (see 2 Tim. 4:6). Paul faced something that was beyond human survival and was extremely discouraging because he believed it threatened to end his ministry prematurely.
the sentence of death (v. 9) — The word for "sentence" is a technical term that indicated the passing of an official resolution, in this case the death sentence. Paul was so absolutely sure he was going to die for the gospel that he pronounced the death sentence upon himself.
who raises the dead (v. 9) — A Jewish descriptive term for God, used in synagogue worship language. Paul understood that trust in God's power to raise the dead was the only hope of rescue from his extreme circumstances.
helping together in prayer (v. 11) — Intercessory prayer is crucial to the expression of God's power and sovereign purpose.
thanks may be given (v. 11) — Prayer's duty is not to change God's plans, but to give thanks for them and glorify Him.
the gift (v. 11) — probably better translated "favor" or "blessing," as in God's undeserved favor or the divine answer to prayer Paul would receive in being delivered from death
1) Who are the senders and who are the recipients of this letter?
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2) How does Paul describe God in the opening sentences of this epistle?
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3) List the various words and phrases Paul uses to describe his dire situation.
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4) What "positive" results can come from times of suffering?
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5) What is the role of prayer during hard times?
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Going Deeper
To get another perspective on suffering and God's comfort, read Romans 8:31–37.
31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
34Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
37Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Exploring the Meaning
6) What is the primary lesson or spiritual truth found in Romans 8:31–38?
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7) Paul says the hardships he endured were the sufferings of Christ. In what way?
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8) How would you answer a new believer who inquired, "Why does God allow His most devoted servants to suffer? It seems like He would shield them from such trouble."
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9) Paul models an attitude of praise (v. 3) and thankfulness (v. 11). How can a Christian develop this character trait, despite his or her circumstances?
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Truth for Today
A believer's spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal his joy. Joy is a fruit of a Spirit-controlled life (Gal. 5:22). We are to rejoice always. In all circumstances the Holy Spirit produces joy, so there ought not to be any time when we are not rejoicing in some way. Change, confusion, trials, attacks, unmet desires, conflict, and strained relationships can throw us off balance and rob us of our joy if we're not careful. It's then we should cry out like the psalmist, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Ps. 51:12 NKJV). Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NKJV); and James said, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2 NKJV). God has His own profound purpose in our afflictions, but He never takes away our joy. To maintain our joy we must adopt God's perspective regarding our trials. When we yield to the working of His Spirit in our lives, our difficulties will not overwhelm us.
Reflecting on the Text
10) What hardships or trials are you currently experiencing? Learning from Paul's example, how can you develop a new perspective on suffering?
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11) Think back over your life, especially over the darkest times. List the positive things that God has brought out of those situations.
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12) In another epistle Paul wrote, "In everything give thanks" (1 Thess. 5:18 NKJV). Take a few minutes to express your gratitude to God for ten specific things in your life.
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Personal Response
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
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Additional Notes
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CHAPTER 2
Paul's Ministry Plans
2 Corinthians 1:12–2:11
Drawing Near
In his desire to spread the gospel, Paul made many plans, but God oft en changed them. When was the last time you made specifi c plans only to have them change in ways you never anticipated?
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How did you see God's hand in that circumstance, or in other unplanned events of your life?
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The Context
The letter of 2 Corinthians is Paul's defense of his ministry against slanderous attacks. In chapter 1, he gives a general defense of his personal integrity. He replies to the specific charge that he was not trustworthy. Because Paul had made a change in his travel plans, his opponents charged him with being dishonest, unfaithful, fickle, and vacillating. But rather than engage in a battle of "he said/ they said," Paul elevated the whole discussion to the motives and attitudes of his heart. By so doing, he provides a priceless look at a noble man of God.
Then he shift ed gears, urging the Corinthians to forgive a man who had apparently assaulted Paul (verbally and publicly) during the apostle's "painful visit." Following Paul's prior instructions, the Corinthian church had disciplined this member, putting him out of the fellowship. Because the man eventually repented, Paul forgave him, and he instructed the Corinthians to do likewise.
Keys to the Text
Conscience: This word in the Greek conveys the idea of the soul reflecting on itself or knowing oneself. Even those without God's written law have an innate moral sense of right and wrong. The conscience either affirms right behavior or condemns sinful behavior. It is not infallible, however, as it holds people only to their highest perceived standard. Thus believers need to set that standard to the highest possible level by submitting to God's Word. As they continually fill their minds with the truths of Scripture, their consciences will then call them to live according to that law.
Unleashing the Text
Read 1:12–2:13, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
2 Corinthians 1:12–2:13 (NKJV)
12For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
13For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end
14(as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit —
16to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.
17Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?
18But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us — by me, Silvanus, and Timothy — was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
20For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
21Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
22who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
23Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.
24Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
2:1But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?
3And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.
4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from 2 Corinthians by John MacArthur. Copyright © 2007 John MacArthur. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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