![]() Following this, in chapters 8 and 9, he turns to the topics of generosity and timely fulfillment of obligations as he exhorts the Corinthians to contribute to the relief of Christians in Jerusalem, which they had promised to do. In these chapters he models the kind of transparency, joy, attention to relationships, integrity, reputation, service, dependence on God, ethical conduct, character, and encouragement that God calls all Christians to embody. In response to that news, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, or more precisely the first seven chapters, to express his joy and gratitude both to God and to the Corinthians for the restored relationship between them. The believers in Corinth who had been the cause of so much sorrow were truly grieved about the rupture in their relationship with Paul, and their sorrow had led to repentance (2 Cor. Paul’s severe letter had, in fact, proven to be remarkably beneficial. ![]() ![]() When Titus finally arrived in the autumn of 55 he brought good news from Corinth. The unresolved conflict with the church in Corinth made Paul restless as he waited to hear back from them (2 Cor. He sent it off to the Corinthians with Titus in the hope it would bring about a change of heart among his antagonists in Corinth. At one point he wrote them what has come to be known as the “severe letter” 1-that apparently was quite harsh (see 2 Cor. Nonetheless, Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth was strained. We know from Romans 16:1 that Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans during one of his stays in Corinth. He also visited the church three times (2 Cor. 5:9) and one letter that does-our 1 Corinthians. Later he wrote one letter to the Corinthian church that no longer exists (it is mentioned in 1 Cor. In the introduction to 1 Corinthians we noted that Paul established the church of Corinth during his first sojourn there (winter 49/50 through summer 51). Paul’s Interactions With the Church in Corinth (2 Corinthians) All those who want to learn how to be more effective in their work-and who are willing to trust God for the ability to do so-will find a practical model in Paul and his teachings in 2 Corinthians. ![]() As a result of this adversity, Paul became a more effective leader and worker. These clearly left their mark on him, and the result is a letter like no other in the New Testament-intensely personal, exhibiting a full range of emotions from anguish and agitation to exuberance and confidence. ![]() During the period leading up to the composition of 2 Corinthians, Paul faced any number of “disputes without and fears within,” as he describes them (2 Cor. These workplace topics arose because of the daily struggles and opportunities Paul encountered in his own work as an apostle. We see Paul at work, teaching and exemplifying transparency, joy, good relationships, sincerity, reputation, service, humility, leadership, performance and accountability, reconciliation, working with nonbelievers, encouragement, generosity, timely fulfillment of obligations, and the proper use of wealth. If 1 Corinthians gives us unparalleled insight into the everyday life of a New Testament church, 2 Corinthians offers us a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the apostle whose work founded and built that church. Introduction to 2 Corinthians Back to Table of Contents Back to Table of Contents Learning From the Psalms How to Pray Through Your Work.Beyond Rank and Power: What Philemon Tells Us About Leadership.Evangelism - Sharing the Gospel at Work.10 Key Points About Work in the Bible That Every Christian Should Know. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |