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Visiting Pastor of Theology
True Christian™
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Posts: 38
Join Date: May 2016
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Day 331: 2 Corinthians 1-3 -
11-07-2016, 04:12 AM
The Second Letter to Corinthians (or Two Corinthians if we adhere to Donald J. Trump’s naming system)
Chapter 1
This chapter is a reply to Corinthians’ whining about Paul postponing his visit to Corinth. Paul begins by restating his credentials as apostle of Jesus Christ and greeting the recipients of his letter, written jointly with Timothy (2 Cor 1:1-2). While Timothy’s voice is present in the early parts of the chapter (expressed in the “we” verb form), it is later dropped and replaced by a single voice of Paul’s authority (expressed in the “I” verb form).
We all should bless God because He comforts us in our tribulation (2 Cor 1:3-7). Then Paul complains about his own tribulations (2 Cor 1:8-9). God saved Paul from a certain death (2 Cor 1:10) and the prayers of True Christians™ have helped as well (2 Cor 1:11).
It was all good, because:
2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Paul and Timothy write to Corinthians what they should know (2 Cor 1:13-14). Paul explains that he had planned to visit Corinth earlier, but the deal fell through (2 Cor 1:15-17). That was not some double talk (2 Cor 1:18), because Jesus would not approve of it (2 Cor 1:19-22). So stop whining, Paul had a good reason not to come earlier (2 Cor 1:23). Have faith, he will come eventually (2 Cor 1:24)!
Chapter 2
Here Paul continues to scorn Corinthians for excessive whining. One of the reasons why he didn’t want to arrive earlier is because he didn’t want to arrive with a punishment (2 Cor 2:1). He wants to be the good cop, not the bad cop (2 Cor 2:2-4). If he caused any grief (with his previous letter), and caused a sinner to repent, that was enough punishment and True Christians™ should forgive that sinner; Paul forgives him, too (2 Cor 2:5-10). Do not be tempted by Satan (2 Cor 2:11).
Then Paul talks about his travels (2 Cor 2:12-13). We should thank God for every success (2 Cor 2:14). God thinks we smell nice (2 Cor 2:15), even if for some we stink like death (2 Cor 2:16).
And remember – only a few are Saved™, most people corrupt the Word of God:
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Chapter 3
This chapter contains one of many Paul’s rants against the Jews.
Do we True Christians™ need to keep being led by Paul through his letters, or can we stand on our own (2 Cor 3:1)? True Christians™ should behave like a letter from Jesus (2 Coe 3:2-3).
One of the most important qualities of a True Christian™ is the inability to think for himself:
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
The Spirit of the Scripture gives life, and the Jews cannot interpret it correctly (2 Cor 3:6-11). Despite his masterful use of language intricacies including many metaphors, Paul says he speaks plainly (2 Cor 3:12), in contrast to Moses (2 Cor 3:13). Jesus took away that veil, but these darned Jews don’t want to listen:
2 Corinthians 3:14-15
14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Even the Jews have a chance of Salvation™ if they decide to turn towards Jesus (2 Cor 3:16). God is the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:17) and we are being changed by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:18).
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