Reference: Corinthians, Second Epistle To
Hastings
CORINTHIANS, SECOND EPISTLE TO
1. Circumstances of the Epistle.
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After this he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He went to see them, read more. and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked, for by trade they were tentmakers. And every Sabbath he was reasoning in the synagogue, and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
When he had gone through those parts and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. He was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: a man has his father's wife.
It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to have mourned? Let the one who has done this be removed from your midst. read more. For though I am absent in body, I am present in spirit, and have already passed judgment on the one who has committed this, as if I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;
Now concerning the matters about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you must also do.
But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you with nothing to fear, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Give recognition to such men.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are throughout Achaia: grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. read more. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings that we suffer. read more. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. read more. He delivered us from so deadly a peril, and he will deliver us; on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to the prayers of many. For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with holiness and godly sincerity, not in worldly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and still more toward you.
For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with holiness and godly sincerity, not in worldly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and still more toward you.
For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with holiness and godly sincerity, not in worldly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and still more toward you.
Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a double benefit. I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. read more. When I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a fleshly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, Yes" and "No, No"? But as surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No.
And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I had confidence in all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.
Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. read more. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,
Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, in order that Satan might gain no advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
in order that Satan might gain no advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. Now when I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord,
Now when I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord,
Now when I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I still had no rest in my mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took my leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
I still had no rest in my mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took my leave of them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
always carrying about in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, yet our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
We are confident, I say, and would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. read more. We are not again commending ourselves to you, but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you may have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died.
For the love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a fleshly point of view; even though we once regarded Christ from a fleshly point of view, we regard him thus no longer.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a fleshly point of view; even though we once regarded Christ from a fleshly point of view, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.
Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Working together with him, then, we urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.
I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. I have great confidence in you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. With all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. read more. For even when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turnconflicts on the outside and fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret itfor I see that my letter hurt you, though only for a little while
For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret itfor I see that my letter hurt you, though only for a little while
For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret itfor I see that my letter hurt you, though only for a little while
For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret itfor I see that my letter hurt you, though only for a little while now I rejoice, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance; for you became sorrowful as God intended, so that you suffered no loss through us.
now I rejoice, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance; for you became sorrowful as God intended, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly sorrow produces death.
For godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly sorrow produces death. For behold what this very thing, godly sorrow, has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what readiness to see justice done! At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
For behold what this very thing, godly sorrow, has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what readiness to see justice done! At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your zeal for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.
So although I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your zeal for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting before Titus has proved true.
For if I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting before Titus has proved true. And his affection goes out all the more to you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.
And his affection goes out all the more to you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. I rejoice, because I have perfect confidence in you.
Now, brethren, we want you to know about the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,
Now, brethren, we want you to know about the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,
Now, brethren, we want you to know about the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. read more. For I testify that according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, they gave of their own free will, urgently pleading with us for the privilege of sharing in the relief of the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, he would also complete in you this work of grace.
and not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work which we are carrying on, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.
for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so that it may be ready not as an exaction but as a willing gift. The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. read more. Each one must give just as he has purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He has scattered abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will multiply the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the test of this service, you will glorify God by your obedience in your confession of the gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others; while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
I, Paul, myself urge you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold to you when I am away!
I, Paul, myself urge you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold to you when I am away!
For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is weak, and his speech of no account."
I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me.
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better oneI am talking like a madmanin far more labors, in far more imprisonments, with more beatings, and often in danger of death. read more. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the open sea. I have been on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, in danger from robbers, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the wilderness, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Besides such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
I must go on boasting, though there is nothing to be gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
And to keep me from being too elated because of the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.
And to keep me from being too elated because of the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should depart from me. read more. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden to you, for I seek not what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?
I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and walk in the same steps? Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you what I wish you to be, and you may not find me what you wish me to be; I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. read more. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will have to mourn over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and lewdness which they have practiced.
I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will have to mourn over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and lewdness which they have practiced.
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
I write these things while I am absent, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord gave me for building you up, and not for tearing you down.
I write these things while I am absent, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord gave me for building you up, and not for tearing you down.
I write these things while I am absent, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord gave me for building you up, and not for tearing you down. Finally, brethren, farewell. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. read more. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.