Author: Paul

Review of Corinth
The most important city in Greece
4th in size among the great cities of the Roman Empire
Located on an Isthmus and was strategically located with a gulf on both sides one leading to Asia and one to Italy
Known for its commerce, culture and corruption
Headquarters for the worship of Venus and Aphrodite, the goddess of love
At the temple of Ahprodite were kept 1000 female Hieroduli (consecrated prostitutes) which were free to all who visited the temple
The Pantheon or temple of All the Gods was located in Corinth

Considered the most autobiographical of all of Paul’s epistles.

Paul bears his heart and life in this little book more than in any other of his writings.

Paul shares what he has endured for the sake of the Gospel in II Cor. 11:18-27

It is the only book of Paul’s writing that has had serious attacks made against it. Some believe it is a compilation of more than one letter.

There is no question the letter is divided into 3 parts. However there is no valid proof to make us question the fact that II Corinthians is one letter.

It is obvious from the last four chapters that there has been increased opposition to Paul’s authority in the affairs at the church in Corinth. What division occurred between I and II Corinthians is not known.

Paul speaks of another letter that was written that was very hard for him. (II Cor. 7:5-9)

Perhaps this was the reason of the 2nd visit of Paul to Corinth. (II Cor. 13:1)

Paul writes this letter from to the Corinthians from Macedonia.

Paul rejoices that some revival is occurring in the church. II Cor. 7:6-7 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

Paul writes because he is so saddened by the persistence of sin within the church. II Cor. 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

A message from II Corinthians
II Cor. 4:5-18

I. Servants of Christ Vs. 5
a. What does it mean to be a servant?
b. doulos – Meaning a slave
c. Ex. 21:5-6
i. Voluntary choosing to be Christ’s slave

II. Suffering for Christ Vs. 8-9
a. As a testimony Vs. 10
b. As a ministry Chapter 1:3-4
c. Suffering will not be enjoyable but God has counted us worthy knowing we can handle it.

III. Submission to Christ Vs. 10-11
a. We live in a world where the idea of submission is considered wrong
b. The feminist movement taught women to fight it.
c. Men have been taught it is not manly.
d. Christ our example I Cor. 15:28

IV. Stability in Christ Vs. 15-16
a. Rebound – superabound or be abundant
b. Faint not – to be weak or weary
c. Do you every feel overwhelmed or feel like a day will be bad?
d. Even to the point of death.
e. It is only for a while Vs. 17-18

Conclusion:
The reality of life is that it will be difficult at times.
There will be pain and sorrow.
But it is nothing to compare with what we have coming in eternity.