Notes & Outlines 2 CORINTHIANS

"By Dr. J. Vernon McGee © Thru the Bible Radio Network,http://www.ttb.org. "

(Audio index:MCGEECOMMENTARYAUDIO 2Corinthians )

2 CORINTHIANS OUTLINE

I. COMFORT of God, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:1—7 (Christian living)

A. Introduction, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:1:1-2

B. God’s comfort for life’s plans, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:1:3-24

C. God’s comfort in restoring a sinning saint, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:2

D. God’s comfort in the glorious ministry of Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:3

E. God’s comfort in the ministry of suffering for Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:4

F. God’s comfort in the ministry of martyrdom for Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:5

G. God’s comfort in all circumstances of the ministry of Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:6

H. God’s comfort in the heart of Paul, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:7

II. COLLECTION for poor saints at Jerusalem, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:8-9 (Christian giving)

A. Example of Christian giving, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:8:1-6

B. Exhortation to Christian giving, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:8:7-15

C. Explanation of Christian giving, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:8:16 — 9:5

D. Encouragement to Christian giving, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:9:6-15

III. CALLING of the apostle Paul, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:10 — 13 (Christian guarding)

A. Authentication of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:10

B. Vindication of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:11

C. Revelation of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:12

D. Execution of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:13:1-10

E. Conclusion of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:13:11-14

COMMENT:

Shortly after Paul had written 1 Corinthians from Ephesus, where he was in grave danger ( kjv@2Corinthians:1:8), he wrote 2 Corinthians from Philippi. Paul was in Ephesus approximately three years. He had sent Titus to Corinth because he could not personally go there at that time. Timothy was with Paul in Ephesus, and these two proceeded to Troas to wait for Titus to bring word from Corinth ( kjv@2Corinthians:2:12-13). When Titus did not come, Paul and Timothy went on to Philippi where Titus brought good news from Corinth ( kjv@2Corinthians:7:5-11). Any breach between Paul and the Corinthian church was healed. This epistle is difficult to outline, as it is less organized than any of Paul’s other letters — but it contains more personal details. In each chapter there is always a minor theme developed (which sometimes seems to take the place of the major theme) and generally expressed in some striking verse. This may explain the seeming difficulty in outlining and organizing this epistle. We will note this as we consider each chapter. First Corinthians deals with conditions and corrections in the church. Second Corinthians deals with conditions of the ministry within the church.

I. COMFORT of God, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:1—7 (Christian living)

A. Introduction, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:1:1-2

B. God’s comfort for life’s plans, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:1:3-24 vv.

kjv@2Corinthians:1:3-7 — “Comfort” and “consolation” are used nine times in five verses. Comfort does not imply the sentimental, but rather sustains and helps. It is the same word used for the Holy Spirit — the Comforter. He comes to the side of a child of God to dispel darkness and relieve loneliness.

kjv@2Corinthians:1:8-14 — Paul had experienced the comfort of God through some crisis in Ephesus — probably sickness unto death (kjv@2Corinthians:1:9). God comforted Paul so that he could comfort others. This is a great Christian principle.

kjv@2Corinthians:1:15-20 — Paul reveals his desire and plan to come to Corinth, and then his change of plan.

kjv@2Corinthians:1:21-24 — This is the second theme introduced. Paul equates the Holy Spirit with God (kjv@2Corinthians:1:21). The Holy Spirit anoints the believer to understand divine truth ( kjv@1Corinthians:2:9-10; kjv@1John:2:27): God the Father is true (kjv@2Corinthians:1:18). God the Son is absolute and positive (kjv@2Corinthians:1:19). God the Holy Spirit is dwelling within (kjv@2Corinthians:1:22).
(1) The Holy Spirit confirms (“establisheth”) the believer (kjv@2Corinthians:1:21);
(2) The Holy Spirit anoints the believer (kjv@2Corinthians:1:21);
(3) The Holy Spirit seals the believer (kjv@2Corinthians:1:22; kjv@Ephesians:4:30);
(4) The Holy Spirit is the earnest — the pledge that there is more to come (kjv@2Corinthians:1:22).

C. God’s comfort in restoring a sinning saint, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:2
kjv@2Corinthians:2:4 — Paul’s motive and method in writing.

kjv@2Corinthians:2:5-13 — This is a reference to the sinning saint ( kjv@1Corinthians:5) for whom Paul had commanded immediate discipline. The believer had repented, and now Paul urges the church to restore him to fellowship. Refusal to restore the believer would give Satan an advantage (kjv@2Corinthians:2:11). Are we ignorant of his devices?

kjv@2Corinthians:2:12 — This is the only report Paul ever made of his ministry in Troas kjv@Acts:20:6-12).

kjv@2Corinthians:2:14-17— Again Paul introduces a second theme which is very important. How does God always cause us to triumph (kjv@2Corinthians:2:14) when so often we feel defeated? The believer is a “sweet savor” (kjv@2Corinthians:2:15) to both lost and saved. Our business is to declare the gospel. The responsibility then rests on the hearer. Our responsibility is to give the gospel, not get results. Our care is that we are faithful in declaring the gospel accurately.

D. God’s comfort in the glorious ministry of Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:3

kjv@2Corinthians:3:1-3 — Those who accept the gospel and are converted become, in turn, the gospel to the unsaved. The gospel is written a chapter a day By deeds that you do and words that you say. Men read what you say, whether faithless or true. Say, what is the gospel according to you? —Author unknown

kjv@2Corinthians:3:6-17 — The ministry of the gospel is more glorious than the ministry of Moses, for the glory of Christ does not pass away. Moses placed a veil over his face because the glory was passing away (kjv@2Corinthians:3:13). The veil now is over the hearts of those who follow the Law (kjv@2Corinthians:3:14-15). “It” (kjv@2Corinthians:3:16) means heart (see kjv@2Corinthians:3:15). Those who are led by the Spirit are not under the Law (kjv@2Corinthians:3:17).

kjv@2Corinthians:3:18 — Here is another great theme. Only the Spirit of God can develop Christian character. It is something solid that must be developed, like the putting down of a sturdy and stable foundation of a building and the growing of a great tree like an oak or redwood. The word for “changed” is from the Greek metamorphosis, which is the same word used in speaking of the transfiguration of Christ. The ultimate goal of humanity is seen in the transfiguration of Christ.

E. God’s comfort in the ministry of suffering for Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:4

kjv@2Corinthians:4:1-2 — Suffering tests the genuineness of the ministry. Paul presents a series of contrasts to show that the suffering of the ministry is not the defeat of the ministry.

kjv@2Corinthians:4:3-4 — There are two secondary themes in this chapter. Satan is the god of this world who tries to blind men at only one point — the gospel. The lost world is like a prison house of sin. There is only one way out. Christ is the way kjv@John:14:6). At this point Satan blinds men.

kjv@2Corinthians:4:7 — “Earthen vessels” is the Greek word ostrakinos — “clay pitchers,” reminding us of Gideon’s 300 kjv@Judges:7). The vessels must be broken for the light to shine out.

kjv@2Corinthians:4:8 — “Troubled” is pressed for room. “Not distressed” is still having room. “Perplexed” is unable to find a way out.

kjv@2Corinthians:4:9 — “Persecuted” is pursued by an enemy. “Not forsaken” is not overpowered by the enemy.

kjv@2Corinthians:4:17-18 — Suffering in this life is light in weight compared to the eternal weight of glory. Unseen things are real, for they are eternal. Things that are seen are temporary.

F. God’s comfort in the ministry of martyrdom for Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:5

kjv@2Corinthians:5:1 — Physical death means the departure from the body, labeled a tent (“tabernacle”) by Paul.

kjv@2Corinthians:5:2-5 — These bodies are suffering bodies and temporary.

kjv@2Corinthians:5:6-8 — Death means to leave these fragile bodies and go home to be with the Lord.

kjv@2Corinthians:5:9-13 — Believers appear before the judgment seat (bema) of Christ to see if they receive a reward or not. The works of believers are judged.

kjv@2Corinthians:5:14-21 — The secondary subject seems to be the major subject in this chapter. The theme is reconciliation. Believers are joined to the glorified Christ at God’s right hand (kjv@2Corinthians:5:14-17). They are there because of Christ’s work of reconciliation. God is reconciled by what Christ has done. We can do nothing to reconcile God, for He is already reconciled to us in Christ. The message of the gospel is not asking us to do something to reconcile God, but to accept God’s message and method of reconciliation (kjv@2Corinthians:5:20-21).

G. God’s comfort in all circumstances of the ministry of Christ, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:6

kjv@2Corinthians:6:4-7 — Paul lists nineteen trying experiences of the ministry.

kjv@2Corinthians:6:8-10 — He lists nine contrasts which cover the total life.

kjv@2Corinthians:6:11-18 — The minor theme here is a personal appeal of Paul. He calls upon the Corinthian Christians to make a clean break with idolatry.

H. God’s comfort in the heart of Paul, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:7 Paul refers to his personal relationship to the Corinthian Christians. He refers to the comfort of God again (kjv@2Corinthians:6:4, kjv@2Corinthians:6:6-7, kjv@2Corinthians:6:13).

kjv@2Corinthians:6:10 — This is God’s definition of repentance. It means a change of mind. In turning to Christ by faith, sinners turn from their sin. This is repentance for salvation (the secondary theme).

II. COLLECTION for poor saints at Jerusalem, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:8-9 (Christian giving)

A. Example of Christian giving, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:8:1-6 Giving is a grace. God wants the person before He asks for his gift. The Macedonian Christians first gave themselves (kjv@2Corinthians:8:15).

B. Exhortation to Christian giving, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:8:7-15 These are principles for Christian giving — not rules. The tithe is not demanded. Giving is a grace (kjv@2Corinthians:8:7-8). Christ gave all — not a tenth (kjv@2Corinthians:8:9).

C. Explanation of Christian giving, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:8:16-9:5
(1) They were to give to a specific cause — poor saints in Jerusalem;
(2) They were to give to reputable messengers — Titus and those with him;
(3) They were to give in reality and not merely promise.

D. Encouragement to Christian giving, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:9:6-15

kjv@2Corinthians:9:6 — Give generously.

kjv@2Corinthians:9:7 — Do not give grudgingly; give hilariously!

kjv@2Corinthians:9:8 — God gives the grace to give.

kjv@2Corinthians:9:9-11 — Give bountifully, probably more than a tithe.

kjv@2Corinthians:9:12-14 — Give according to the need.

kjv@2Corinthians:9:15 — We can never out-give God.

III. CALLING of the apostle Paul, Chapters kjv@2Corinthians:10-13 (Christian guarding)

A. Authentication of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:10

kjv@2Corinthians:10:3 — Our warfare is spiritual. We don’t measure succes by numbers, money, or outward growth.

kjv@2Corinthians:10:4 — Our weapons are secret, so secret that they are not mentioned here. They are mighty. The Word of God is the hush-hush weapon. The Holy Spirit is the General. Prayer is the ammunition.

kjv@2Corinthians:10:5 — The warriors are successful, not victorious. The victory is Christ’s, and we enter into it (kjv@2Corinthians:10:2:14).

B. Vindication of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:11 (Very personal)

kjv@2Corinthians:11:9 — Paul pays his own way.

kjv@2Corinthians:11:13-15 — This is the secondary subject. Ministers of Satan are attractive and winsome. They teach false doctrine for material benefit.

kjv@2Corinthians:11:16-33 — Paul’s life vindicates his ministry.

C. Revelation of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:12

kjv@2Corinthians:12:1-3 — This is Paul’s experience (see kjv@2Corinthians:12:7). He was stoned to death at Lystra (see kjv@Acts:14:19). Paul was caught up into the presence of God. 1st heaven — where are the “birds of heaven.” 2nd heaven — where are the “stars of heaven.” 3rd heaven — where is the abode of God.

kjv@2Corinthians:12:7 — God put a zipper on the mouth of Paul. He was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.

kjv@2Corinthians:12:10 — The man who went to heaven and returned is going to Corinth for the third time in weakness — also in dread (kjv@2Corinthians:12:20). This is the subsidiary subject.

D. Execution of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:13:1-10 Paul is going to Corinth for the third time to exercise his office as an apostle. They will see the proof of his apostleship through the power of Christ working in Paul’s weakness ( kjv@2Corinthians:13:3-4). Believers should take a regular inventory to see if they are in the faith (kjv@2Corinthians:13:5). We should declare the Word of God, not defend it (kjv@2Corinthians:13:8 — this is a great verse for today).

E. Conclusion of Paul’s apostleship, Chapter kjv@2Corinthians:13:11-14 Paul returns where he began — to the comfort of God.

These notes, prepared by J. Vernon McGee, are for the purpose of giving assistance to the listeners of the THRU THE BIBLE RADIO program. They are to be used with the Bible and will be more meaningful as you look up all the Scripture references. Due to the necessary brevity of both notes and broadcasts, a list of recommended books is included for those wanting a more detailed study. These books may be obtained from a Christian library or bookstore or ordered from the publishers.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS Gromacki, Robert G. Stand Firm in the Faith. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1978. Hodge, Charles. An Exposition of First and Second Corinthians. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1869. (For advanced students.) Hughes, Philip E. Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1962. (A comprehensive study.) Ironside, H. A. Addresses on Second Corinthians. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1939. ( A fine survey.) Kelly, William. Notes on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Addison, Illinois: Bible Truth Publishers, 1882. Kent, Homer A., Jr. The Epistle of Second Corinthians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1981. (Excellent.) Luck, G. Coleman. Second Corinthians. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1960. (Good survey.) Morgan, G. Campbell. The Corinthian Letters of Paul. Westwood, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1946. Moule, Handley C. G. The Epistle of Second Corinthians. Fort Washington, Pennsylvania: Christian Literature Crusade, n.d. Robertson, A. T. The Glory of the Ministry. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1911. (Deals with kjv@2Corinthians:2:12 — 6:10 and should be read by every Christian worker.) Tasker, R. V. G. The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1958.

Thru the Bible Radio Network Pasadena, CA 91109 #16208-AACADg

Comment Board:McGee2Corinthians

Return to: McGee

Child Threads: