Book Introduction - 2 Corinthians
Read first chapter of 2 Corinthians
WRITER: The Apostle Paul
DATE: A.D. 60; probably from Philippi, after the events of Acts 19:23-20:1-3. THEME: The Epistle discloses the touching state of the great apostle at this time. It was one of physical weakness, weariness, and pain. But his spiritual burdens were greater. These were two kinds--solicitude for the maintenance of the churches in grace as against the law-teachers, and anguish of heart over the distrust felt toward him by Jews and Jewish Christians. The chilling doctrines of the legalizers were accompanied by detraction, and by denial of his apostleship. It is evident that the really dangerous sect in Corinth was that which said, "and I of Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:12). They rejected the new revelation through Paul of the doctrines of grace; grounding themselves, probably, on the kingdom teachings of our Lord as "a minister of circumcision" (Romans 15:8); seemingly oblivious that a new dispensation had been introduced by Christ's death. This made necessary a defence of the origin and extent of Paul's apostolic authority. The Epistle is in three parts: Paul's principles of action, 1:1-7-16. The collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem, 8:1-9:15. Paul's defence of his apostolic authority, 10:1-13:14.
CHAPTER 1
Verse 4
comforteth
encourages; and so also where "comfort," etc., occurs in following verses.
Verse 6
salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").
Verse 12
grace
Grace (imparted). vs. 2 Corinthians 4:15; Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18.
Verse 14
day of
(See Scofield "1 Corinthians 1:8").
CHAPTER 2
Verse 15
saved
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").
CHAPTER 3
Verse 3
tables of
i.e. the ten commandments.
Verse 6
for the letter killeth
(See Scofield "Romans 7:6").
Verse 9
righteousness
(See Scofield "Romans 3:21").
Verse 14
vail
Omit the word italicized "vail".
Verse 18
Lord Jehovah. Exodus 34:34. changed into transformed. The same Greek word is rendered "transfigured" in Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2.
CHAPTER 4
Verse 1
Lord Jehovah. Exodus 34:34. changed into transformed. The same Greek word is rendered "transfigured" in Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2.
Verse 10
dying
Lit. putting to death, i.e. crucifixion. 11 1 Corinthians 15:31.
Verse 15
abundant grace
Grace (imparted). 2 Corinthians 6:1-3; Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18.
CHAPTER 5
Verse 9
labour
(Greek - ἀβαρής).
Verse 10
For we must all appear
The judgment of the believer's works, not sins, is in question here. These have been atoned for, and are "remembered no more forever" Hebrews 10:17 but every work must come into judgment, ; Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:10; Galatians 6:7; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:24,25. The result is "reward" or "loss" (of the reward), "but he himself shall be saved" 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. This judgment occurs at the return of Christ Matthew 16:27; Luke 14:14; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:12. See other judgments: (See Scofield "John 12:31") See Scofield "1 Corinthians 11:31" See Scofield "Matthew 25:32" See Scofield "Ezekiel 20:37" See Scofield "Jude 1:6" See Scofield "Revelation 20:12"
Verse 19
world kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "Matthew 4:8"). tresspasses Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").
Verse 21
sin Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23"). righteous Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 5:21").
CHAPTER 6
Verse 1
sin Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23"). righteous Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 5:21").
Verse 2
salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").
Verse 7
righteousness
(See Scofield "1 John 3:7").
Verse 14
righteousness (See Scofield "Romans 10:10"). unrighteousness Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").
Verse 16
temple
(Greek - ναός," the sanctuary itself).