THIS IS NOW. See note on 2 Corinthians 12:14. TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. Deuteronomy 19:15. This is best understood in view of the fact that he mentions this is the third time he comes. Each visit is A _witness._ If they still have not repented when he comes the third time, he must take harsh measures!... [ Continue Reading ]
I WANT TO TELL YOU. Because Paul had not taken harsh measures against those who sinned in the past, they may think he will not do it now. I SAID IT BEFORE. "I told you that if I had to come again, I would punish the guilty (compare 2 Corinthians 1:23 and note). NOBODY WILL ESCAPE. Paul is a true apo... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE PROOF. The false teachers said Paul had no power from the Spirit! They want some _sign_ as proof. WHEN HE DEALS WITH YOU. Paul does not boast about himself, but says the Lord working through him is not weak!!! As the Lord showed his power through the gifts from the Spirit, he would also show... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR EVEN THOUGH. The world sees the _cross_ as evidence of weakness. From a human point of view, the whole idea of a crucified Savior is _"offensive to the Jews and nonsense to the Gentiles"_ (1 Corinthians 1:23). IT IS BY GOD'S POWER. The _resurrection_ of Christ shows God's power. See 1 Corinthian... [ Continue Reading ]
PUT YOURSELVES TO THE TEST. "You have tested me! Now put yourselves to the test! Measure yourself by the Good News, and see if you are really following what Christ taught! Does He approve of the sin in your lives???" THAT CHRIST JESUS IS IN YOU. Christ lives in the "people of God" through the Holy S... [ Continue Reading ]
I TRUST. "When you put yourself to the test of faith, you will discover that what we have been telling you is true! The weakness you despise is really proof that Christ is in us!" [_Reprobate_ means _one who has failed the test._]... [ Continue Reading ]
WE PRAY TO GOD. "It is important that you do no wrong, and that you may do what is right. If your obedience leaves me without an opportunity to show the Lord's power through me, I will be happy!... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT ONLY FOR IT. To act against the truth would be to act from worldly motives and selfish goals. "We apostles do not use our supernormal power to oppose the truth, but always to support it!!!" The _Expositor's Greek Testament_ says: "It is a _general_ principle, which Christian theology has not alw... [ Continue Reading ]
WE ARE GLAD. "Even though we will not need to demonstrate supernormal powers and show that we are strong, we will gladly appear weak to you. The important thing is that you be strong!!!" THAT YOU WILL BECOME PERFECT. _MacKnight_ says the literal meaning of_ perfect_ here is: _"to set a dislocated jo... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT IS WHY. This is the reason for Paul's strongly worded letter, and for what he writes in this Second Letter. It would be no pleasure to him to punish them, and in effect _show off his_ authority as a true apostle! The whole purpose behind the Lord's gift of authority to him is to build up! Autho... [ Continue Reading ]
GOOD-BYE! This is his benediction and conclusion. STRIVE FOR PERFECTION. _Perfection_ is the same word used in 2 Corinthians 13:9. LISTEN. "Do what I asked you to do." AGREE. "Live in peace and avoid division!... [ Continue Reading ]
A BROTHERLY KISS. See note on Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20. This was a standard form of greeting. ALL GOD'S PEOPLE. The Christians in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 7:5-7). [_Saint:_ see note on 1 Corinthians 6:11.]... [ Continue Reading ]
THE GRACE. This is Paul's most complete benediction. GRACE is the undeserved salvation which comes through Christ-on-the-cross. Love is what God showed in acting through Christ while we were still enemies. FELLOWSHIP is the joint sharing of the church in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).... [ Continue Reading ]