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...