2 Corinthians Overview and Themes

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of 2 Corinthians?

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to defend and protect his Apostleship, and to teach and warn against false teachers who were spreading heresy.

What does Paul describe in chapters 1-7 of 2 Corinthians?

Paul describes the characteristics of an Apostle and emphasizes that his ministry is to preach Jesus Christ alone.

What encouragement does Paul provide in chapters 8-9?

He urges the Corinthians to give generously to the believers in Judea, as they had promised.

What is the main theme of chapters 10-13 in 2 Corinthians?

Paul defends his ministry and addresses attacks on his Apostleship. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul explain about suffering in chapter 12:7-10?

Paul speaks about the nature of his suffering and God's response that 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul teach in chapter 13?

He teaches how to self-test to know if one is a Christian. Signup and view all the answers

What instruction does Paul give regarding forgiveness in chapter 2?

Christians should forgive the brother who had sinned (and repented) among them. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul state about the Gospel in chapter 4?

Paul states that he has not acted with craftiness or deceit and that the Gospel is veiled to those who are perishing. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul convey about accountability in chapter 5?

We will be judged according to our works, both good and bad, and we will be held accountable. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul encourage in chapter 7?

Let us cleanse ourselves from filthiness of body and spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What hope does Paul express in chapter 8?

Paul hopes that the Corinthians will be generous in their giving for the Christians in Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does Paul mention about giving in chapter 9?

Giving should be a matter of generosity rather than obligation. Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Paul give in chapter 11?

Paul warns that Corinthians will be corrupted by those who preach a Christ different from his. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of 2 Corinthians

Paul defends his apostleship to the church in Corinth.
Aims to educate and warn against false teachers spreading heresy.

Chapters 1-7

Characteristics of an Apostle are detailed.
Paul emphasizes preaching Jesus Christ, not himself ("For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord" - 4:5).

Chapters 8-9

Urges Corinthians to fulfill their promise of offering to Judean believers.
Teaches the principle of generosity: giving generously leads to reaping generously (9:6).

Chapters 10-13

Paul defends his ministry amid questioning of his authority.
Warns against accepting those preaching a different Gospel or Jesus, labeling them as false teachers.

Chapter 12:7-10

Discusses personal suffering and God's response to his pleas for relief.
Learns that God's grace is sufficient and power is perfected in weakness.
Embraces suffering as a means to depend on God's strength and mercy.

Chapter 13

Provides guidance for self-examination to confirm one's faith as a believer and follower of Jesus.

Chapter 2

Encourages the forgiveness of a repented brother among the Corinthians.

Chapter 4

Clarifies that Paul’s ministry is not marked by craftiness or deceit.
States the Gospel is veiled to those perishing, emphasizing the exclusive preaching of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 5

Teaches that individuals will be judged by their works, whether good or bad, and highlights personal accountability.

Chapter 7

Calls for cleansing from physical and spiritual impurities.
Paul is encouraged by the Corinthians’ response to a severe letter he wrote, which prompted mourning and zeal.

Chapter 8

Hopes for the Corinthians’ generosity in supporting Christians in Jerusalem.
Illustrates the concept of Jesus’ poverty enabling others to become spiritually rich.

Chapter 9

Emphasizes generosity as a joyful act, rather than an obligation.
Highlights the principle: God loves a cheerful giver; generosity leads to increased righteousness.

Chapter 11

Paul asserts his qualifications and warns against those who misrepresent Christ.
Draws a parallel between false apostles and Satan, who masquerades as an angel of light.
Shares his sufferings to validate his apostolic authority amidst foolish boasting.

Description

Explore the key themes and messages of the book of 2 Corinthians, where Paul defends his apostleship and emphasizes the importance of true teachings. This quiz covers the characteristics of an apostle, the principles of generosity, and the significance of embracing suffering in faith. Test your understanding of Paul's teachings and the challenges faced by the Corinthian church.