READ THE BIBLE

            Introduction to Chapter 6 Paul is writing to people he cares deeply about. He helped to establish the church in Corinth and led many people there to faith in Christ. Now he seems concerned that some among them who have heard the clear message of the gospel from him have not come to full faith in Christ alone for their salvation. This may be based on continued association with idol worship, or false teachers among them distorting the gospel of Jesus and accusing Paul of being a false apostle.  This chapter appeals to those in Corinth not to receive God's grace in vain, insisting that the day of salvation has come. That "day," however, will not last forever. Eventually, Christ will return and the opportunity to receive God's free gift will pass ( 2 Corinthians 6:1–2 ). Paul insists that he and those who work with him have not done or said anything that would keep anyone from believing in Jesus. He commends their ministry to the Corinthia...

           Introduction to Chapter 5 The previous chapter ended with references to the great suffering experienced by Paul and those working with him to preach the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul says he and his fellow workers had been "afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." In other words, the God who had allowed them to experience the great burden of suffering had also kept them from being physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually destroyed by it. Paul acknowledges that he may eventually be killed for preaching about Jesus. He is prepared for that. In fact, he longs for what will come after that moment. He describes our bodies in this fallen world as a temporary dwelling place, like a tent. It is not built to last forever. Waiting in eternity, for all who are in Christ, is a dwelling place that will last forever.  Jesus used similar lan...

           Introduction to Chapter 4 2Corinthians 4 follows Paul's teaching in the previous chapter about the transformation that happens for those who see God's glory in Christ. Some are blinded to it by sin and by the god of this world. Paul knows that he and his co-workers are fragile containers for the priceless message of God's grace through faith in Jesus. They won't quit, though, because God sustains them and will eventually resurrect them. Once in eternity, all the suffering in this life won't be worth comparing with sharing God's glory forever.     ( https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/4/2-Corinthians-chapter-4.html) An Introduction, Verses  1-6 ,  TEANNIE 1 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, [ a ]  we never give up.   2  We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest kn...

           Introduction to Chapter 3 Earlier chapters described the Corinthians' response to Paul's earlier instructions. Here, Paul once again defends the legitimacy of his role as an apostle of Christ. He then compares the old covenant of the law of Moses with the new covenant of faith in Christ. The old covenant revealed human sinfulness, God's condemnation, and the death required to pay for sin. The new covenant brings God's forgiveness for sin to all who trust in Christ, making it possible to look on His glory and to begin to be changed by it into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This launches Paul into a description of the value of the gospel, in contrast to the struggles of earthly life.   ( https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/3/2-Corinthians-chapter-3.html) An Introduction, Verses  1-6 ,  TEANNIE 1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommenda...