Bible Gateway passage: 2 Corinthians 2 - New King James Version (2024)

FAQs

What is the main message of 2 Corinthians Chapter 2? ›

Paul urges them now to end the punishment, to forgive and comfort the man, and to reaffirm their love for him. Paul insists that forgiveness must happen in each direction in order to keep them from being tricked by Satan (2 Corinthians 2:5–11). Paul briefly resumes the story of why he was delayed in returning to them.

Its main theme is Paul's gratitude to God for his mercies and for his comfort, in his own life and in the lives of the Christians in Corinth (and in the wider province, Achaia). It is significant that the apostle begins this section by giving thanks to God through a “blessing” upon God.

2 Corinthians 2 1

For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy.

Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Like 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians covers a myriad of issues in addressing a church that is beset by immorality, false teachers, sectarianism, and theological confusion. In this letter, the Apostle Paul's care and concern for the Corinthian church are palpable.

Suffering, endurance, and comfort

In his discussion of general affliction (2 Corinthians 4:7-11) as well as his disclosure of a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), Paul's words provide comfort to readers who are enduring suffering.

This passage includes various warnings (2 Corinthians 12:19—13:10), as well as a closing prayer of blessing on behalf of the Corinthian believers (2 Corinthians 13:11–14). Key Verses (ESV): 2 Corinthians 3:5: "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God."

The central theme of 2 Corinthians is the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit in Paul's apostolic life, ministry, and message. In addition to calling into question Paul's motives in organizing a collection for believers in Judea (2 Cor.

Paul's message to the Corinthians encourages them to live in a new way, embracing the cruciform life of Jesus. Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus' followers can live differently and model generosity, humility, and weakness.

ESV so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. NIV Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

What does the Bible say about rejoice in all circ*mstances? ›

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circ*mstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

In a sense, they were "baptized" into Moses as their head and given spiritual food—manna—and supernaturally-provided water, both symbolic of Christ. Despite all of that, they were unfaithful to God. Paul writes that God was not pleased with most of them and killed many of them (1 Corinthians 10:1–6).

KJV For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: NKJV For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

NKJV: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. TLB: When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore.

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

In 2 Corinthians 2:1-11, Paul addresses a situation where forgiveness was needed. The person in question had offended the whole church. After he repented, some people in the church did not want him back. Paul wrote that they needed to receive him back into fellowship.

Chapter Context

He reminds the Corinthians that he did not make an impressive display of his own speaking skills or knowledge when he first came to them. He wanted their faith to be in God's power, not human wisdom. God's ultimate wisdom can only be understood spiritually, revealed to human beings through God's Spirit.

More. Part of the critique that Paul is responding to in 2 Corinthians is that he is an authoritarian, especially in his letters. Paul certainly expects his letters to be received with as much deference and obedience as his presence would inspire. In this way, his letters are an extension of his apostolic authority.