STUDIES

IN

SECOND CORINTHIANS

COMMENTARY BIBLE LESSONS

by DR. D. PAUL TUCK SR.

A BAPTIST PULPIT PUBLICATION

STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS

These studies were first written

by the author and

taught to the students of

Historic Baptist College

Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

and preached from the pulpit of

Landmark Baptist Church

Scarborough

in 1987.

They were rewritten by the author

in 1993-94

DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to the

Missionary/Pastors and Evangelists

in the Republic of the Philippines

those men of God who teach and preach

landmark Baptist principles and the doctrines

of the Sovereign Grace of God.

Many who subsist only on a diet of rice and

sleep on a mat in a nipa hut. Yet they

continue in the faith to win their countrymen

to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

--------------------------------------

All rights to copy or reprint these notes

are reserved by the author and

copy permission will be granted to

missionaries and churches by

writing to-

BAPTIST PULPIT MINISTRIES

48 Cobbler Crescent

North York, Ontario

Canada M3N 2Y7

First Printing

1994

STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LESSON 1.............. Introduction to Second Corinthians....................................................... Pg 4

LESSON 1 ........ Persecuted for the Gospel 1:1-12.......................................................... Pg 5

LESSON 2.............. A Positive Gospel 1:13-24................................................................... Pg 8

LESSON 3.............. Paul's Purpose in Writing...2:1-11...................................................... Pg 12

LESSON 4.............. The Treasure of An Open Door...2:12-17........................................... Pg 15

LESSON 5.............. Living Epistles 3:1-6........................................................................... Pg 19

LESSON 6.............. The Superiority of the New Covenant 3:7-16...................................... Pg 22

LESSON 7.............. Endurance in Ministry 4:1-7................................................................ Pg 24

LESSON 8.............. The Result of Suffering for Christ-4:8-18........................................... Pg 27

LESSON 9.............. Living in the Light of Eternity 5:1-10.................................................. Pg 31

LESSON 10............ Living in View- the Bema of Christ-5:9-21......................................... Pg 35

LESSON 11............ Ambassador's For Christ 6:1-13......................................................... Pg 43

LESSON 12............ Biblical Separation 6:14-16................................................................ Pg 47

LESSON 13............ Encouragement to Practical Holiness-7:1-8........................................ Pg 50

LESSON 14............ The Value of Reproof 7:9-16.............................................................. Pg 54

LESSON 15............ Giving Living! 8:1-15......................................................................... Pg 57

LESSON 16............ Associated in Mission 8:16-24........................................................... Pg 62

LESSON 17............ Ministering to the Saints 9:1-6............................................................ Pg 66

LESSON 18............ Purposed Giving 9:7-15...................................................................... Pg 69

LESSON 19............ Apostolic Authority 10:1-7................................................................. Pg 73

LESSON 20............ Measuring Apostolic Authority 10:8-18.............................................. Pg 77

LESSON 21............ A Bride For Jesus 11:1-13.................................................................. Pg 81

LESSON 22............ The Christian Warfare 11:14-33......................................................... Pg 85

LESSON 23............ The Glory in Infirmities 12:1-10......................................................... Pg 89

LESSON 24............ The Work and Care of the Ministry-12:11-21..................................... Pg 93

LESSON 25............ A Word to Obstinate Sinners 13:1-14................................................. Pg 98

Bibliography........... .......................................................................................................... Pg 103

STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS

LESSON ONE:- CHAPTER 1:1-12-

INTRODUCTION:-

Second Corinthians was written by Paul to the Church in Corinth, likely in the fall of 57 AD. The letter was written from Macedonia (7:5), some think from the city of Philippi.

There are at least three main purposes seen in the letter.

(1) To give instruction in doctrine and practical exhortation.

(2) To give further instruction for the offering being gathered for the poor saints at Jerusalem (e.g. 9:1-5).

(3) To make an extended defense of Paul's apostleship in view of false accusations by some within the Corinth Church (e.g. 10:10; 11:13-15; 13:3).

The two main sources of study of background material for this letter are, the Book of Acts, and Paul's first letter. (Read Acts 18:1-18).

The Corinth Church was founded on Paul's second missionary journey in AD 50 (Acts 18:1-17). Paul lived at Corinth for about 18 months, living in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. On his third missionary journey in (AD 52) Paul wrote his first letter as he had already come to know the people of the Corinth Church. He made a short visit to Corinth in order to combat opposition to his ministry, and to correct the evils in the church (2 Cor. 2:1; 12:14; 13:1-3) which did not seem to be very effective. Paul also refers to a letter which seems to have become lost and is not included in the New Testament canon. Paul wrote other letters which were no doubt not inspired Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). Paul writes this second letter from Macedonia (probably Philippi) to prepare the way for his third visit. Titus with two companions delivers the letter to the church (2 Cor. 8:6; 16-24).

As you study the text of this epistle (or any other) it is wise to follow the "golden rule of interpretation".

"When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise"- Irving L. Jensen.

One is very much aware in reading this letter, that for Paul, the Christian life is going all out for Christ, or it is no life at all. In Paul's first letter we see "Christian conduct indicated". In this his second letter, we see "Christian conduct illustrated".

In defense of himself, Paul let his ministry stand up or speak up for him. No preacher can be effective in his ministry if he ever takes a personal defensive position. Someone has well said, "the best defense in an offense". Paul's only personal defense was in relationship to his apostleship. In all other, the facts stood up for themselves as he preached the gospel of the sovereign grace of God. The best way to fight the devil, is to preach Christ and Him crucified, buried and risen again.

CHAPTER 1:1-12 PERSECUTED FOR THE GOSPEL

1. SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT:- vs 1-4

A. Apostle of Christ:-

1. By the will of God- a Sovereign God.

2. With other brethren- God's man is not alone!

3. Church of God- visibly located in Corinth.

The New Testament Church is local and visible. Paul is here saying that he is God's apostle to God's visibly located Church in Corinth.

B. Greetings Extended:- vs 2-4

1. Grace- "Unmerited favour" or "God's riches at Christ's expense".

2. Peace- cf John 14:27; 16:33; 20:19.

Christ is called "The Prince of Peace".

3. Lord- The use of the word "Lord" (Gr. Kurios) means Master, owner, and is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word "Jehovah". In this we see the deity of Christ as Paul makes Him equal with the Father in the Godhead.

4. Mercy and comfort- this verse to the Christian, as to Job of old, balances God's justice with His mercy, grace, peace and comfort.

"mercies"- literally-"always has feelings of compassion"

The Father is characterized by mercy or compassion.

"comfort"- means every consolation.

5. "Who comforteth us"- Paul and Timothy were comforted by God the Father. This comfort is not here applied to all Christians- cf vs 6-8.

6. Paul shows God's purpose in tribulation and comfort- vs 4. It is much easier to comfort someone else if you too have had the same or similar trial.

2. SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST:- vs 5-9

A. Christ's Suffering Shared:-

1. Abound in us- vs 5

2. Afflicted- vs 6

3. Partakers- vs 7 The Corinthian Church shared in the sufferings of Paul because they were the sufferings of Christ. Likewise they would share in
the consolation, their own and Paul's together with Christ.

4. Our trouble in Asia- vs 8 cf Acts 19:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:9.

5. "Sentence of death"- vs 9 The word "sentence" is best translated as "answer". It seems sometimes the only answer a guilty conscience can give is one of death. The Jews cried out concerning Jesus "crucify Him". The same type of crowd also wanted to kill Paul many times.

B. Christ's Consolation Shared:-

1. Our consolation aboundeth. vs 5

2. Effectual suffering- (or is wrought) -worked out to given end.

3. Endured suffering- that which is persevered in. They could have gotten out of it if they ceased to preach Christ. However they endured it for the Gospel's sake.

4. Your consolation and salvation:- They were tried but consoled by Christ, they endured it for the consolation of others such as those in
Corinth. In other words, "they set an example in suffering".

The word "salvation" here means deliverance and does not refer to the salvation of the soul, but of the flesh in the sense of deliverance in tribulation and trial.

5. Ye are partakers-partakers of suffering and partakers of consolation.

6. Paul's trouble is not stated, but could be referring to what is mentioned in 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:9; Acts 19:23; 20:18-19.

7. Not trust in ourselves but in God which raiseth the dead.- Trials ought to lead us to a greater measure of faith and trust in God.

Paul ever looked beyond the veil of death.

3. SALVATION IN CHRIST:- vs 10-11

Victory in trial and tribulation!

A. Past Deliverance:-

Paul had often faced persecution for the gospel's sake and been delivered. cf Acts 9:16; 2 Cor. 11:23-28.

B. Present Deliverance:-

1. He does now deliver-

2. Christ helps in time of trouble.

3. By your prayers for us help or work together).

4. The gift (deliverance) hoped for. The word trust in vs 10 could better be translated "hope". Not "hope as in maybe" but "hope as in
guarantee" because of the one in whom we trust. The Christian hope is a sure foundation which leaves the details to Him.

C. Future Deliverance:-

Paul's ultimate trust was "in God which raises the dead" cf Job 19:25-26.

Paul's trust in God looked beyond the veil of flesh.

D. The Result of Prayer:- vs 11

"since you help by your prayers"- Their prayers contributed to the resulted deliverance.

CONCLUSION:-

vs 12 1. Our rejoicing- our boasting or bragging.

2. The witness of our conscience.

3. Simplicity and Godly sincerity-

(Gr. holiness and purity of God).

4. Not fleshly (natural man) wisdom.

5. Grace of God- 1 Cor. 1:3- Grace is the basis of all we ever receive from the hand of God. Let the Christian never reply that he/she
deserved what they received from God, or that by some stroke of goodness within themselves they received from Him.

6. Our conversation- literally- "we behaved ourselves"-

7. More abundantly to you- (in the Corinth Church). We have lived as we have for your sakes.

Thus we see Paul's stand in the face of tribulation. How do we stand, with much less persecution than he had? Let us be encouraged to endure our little hardship as we realize what those who have gone on before us have endured for the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:-

Draw a map of Greece and Macedonia and locate each, as well as the cities of Corinth, Athens, and Philippi.

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STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS

LESSON TWO

2 CORINTHIANS 1:13-24 A POSITIVE GOSPEL

These verses involve Paul's contending for apostolic authority, his missionary journey, and his advocating of a positive gospel of Jesus the Son of God.

1. APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY:- vs 13-14

A. Sincerity of Message:-

1. Paul sought to vindicate his sincerity in writing.

2. There was no double meaning in Paul's writing. He meant exactly what he said. There was nothing he had hidden or written between the
lines.

3. Paul was not a man of double standard.

B. Scope of the Message:-

1. The word "acknowledge" means "to know well"-

cf 1 Corinthians 14:37; 16:18.

2. Paul's authority and the message of the gospel was "known well" in the Corinth Church.

3. Besides his assurance that he is writing to them honestly, they have their own knowledge of how Paul had lived in their midst.

4. "To know to the end"- That is, "never lose sight of what I have taught you".

5. Vs 14- Paul here states that "they had acknowledged in part - or in part know us well".

But the fact Paul had to straighten them out in so many things or areas, they did not know him well enough. Their knowledge of his authority and doctrine was only partial.

6. "We are your rejoicing"- glory or boast.

"You are ours"- The key to the meaning here is in the words "in the day of the Lord Jesus". Because of Paul's work and ministry they will rejoice in judgment at the coming of Christ. Paul will rejoice in the reward of his labour and the partial knowledge of him and his doctrine will then be complete.

7. It appears that Paul always expected the imminent return of Christ, and so lived, as should we.

2. APOSTOLIC OUTREACH:- vs 15-18

Paul herein discusses his previous plan to visit Corinth enroute to Macedonia.

A. Plan of Paul:- vs 15-16

1. "I was minded"- or, "had it in mind" to visit you.

2. This was a solemn wish on Pauls part to visit the Corinth Church.

3. We see here a desire on Pauls part for fellowship, and to labour in further instructing the church in their area of need doctrinally.

4. Even though Paul was an apostle and founder of the Corinth Church he does not push himself upon a sovereign church body. This
underscores the Baptist principle of the sovereignty of the local church congregation. A principle too often neglected today in favour of a form of Baptist popery, boardism and conventionism. There was no popery with Paul.

5. Paul wished to stop over in Corinth enroute to Macedonia, and again, coming from Macedonia enroute to Judea. (vs 16).

B. Purpose of Paul:-

I differentiate between Paul's plan and purpose in that his purpose is the basis or reason for his plan or action.

1. Second benefit - or favour.

This would be a gift of Paul's love in sharing his ministry with them. The true minister of Christ ought to rejoice, not in what he gains for
himself, but what he can give to the spiritual and physical well being of those to whom he ministers. (cf Luke 6:38).

2. The two visits would give Paul more time in Corinth. Time which Paul no doubt thought would be to the greater benefit of the Corinth
Church.

Note:- This was Paul's original plan, one which in fact did not take place. He instead went directly to Macedonia and then to Corinth, enroute to Judea. (1 Cor. 16:5).

3. "Sent forward to Judea"- (vs 16).

Here we see the principle of church association in Paul's mission. This visit was to carry the contributions of the churches to Jerusalem

(Acts 24:17; Rom. 15:25; 1 Cor. 16:4).

The words "brought forward" means, with full support and blessing.

4. "Thus minded"- had a desire (to come to you).

"lightness"- fickleness as to speak without a real and proper desire to visit you.

This no doubt had to do with his change of original plan. However, Paul did keep to his priority of original purpose in visiting them.

5. "According to the flesh"- a desire only of myself.

6. "Yea yea, and nay nay- a figure of speech showing double mindedness. Paul did not wish to appear this way to the Corinth Church.

7. Vs 18- "Our word to you"- the word (of Christ) preached.

- was not "yea and nay"- is not changeable, first yes, and then no. Paul now proceeds to talk about his message.

3. APOSTOLIC MESSAGE:- vs 19-24

A. Positive Message: vs 19

1. Paul's message was of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

2. Paul preached a "Person". By the term Son of God he advocates Christ's deity. Jesus is GOD!

cf 1 Cor. 1:1-4; 2 Cor. 1:1-2.

3. Paul in this verse places himself as the channel whereby the unchanging Word was sent to them. With the use of the term "Son of God", we
see the slight change in subject as Paul makes a point of application.

4. Paul may find it necessary to change his plans on occasion, but the Word of Christ is not yea and nay. Christ is the same yesterday, today
and forever. (Hebrews 13:8).

5. Paul was not alone in preaching this positive gospel. Silas and Timothy shared with him in ministry.

6. All of God's promises are positive and established (vs 20). The purpose of God's promises is to bring glory to Himself first of all.

"Amen"- a positive expression in claiming something from God. It literally means "so be it".

"by us"- means in and through us the apostles.

Note:- I am sure God also receives glory as we individual believers lay claim to His promises (2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 6:12; 2 Peter 1:4) but Paul is here laying claim to his apostolic ministry.

B. Powerful Message:- vs 21-24

1. We see in the remaining verses, some of God's positive, powerful promises (P.P.P.)-

a) stablisheth- establish, confirm, strengthen. God makes us strong in Christ. This is the continuing work of sovereign grace within the
believer. It is part of the progressive sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. cf Titus 2:11-15; 1 Thess. 5:23; 3:13.

The Holy Spirit conforms believers into the image of, or likeness of Christ. (Romans 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 John 3:2).

b) annointed us- This refers directly here to the apostolic calling.

However, all born again believers are annointed-(1 John 2:20,27 cf Acts 10:38).

c) sealed us- Making the believer as God's own. This is done by the Holy Spirit when one comes to Christ in repentance and faith
(Eph. 1:13; 4:30).

The seal is inward, it is the renewing Spirit.

d) earnest of the Spirit- earnest is literally "earnest-money", something in hand as a down payment or guarantee of the full payment for the purchased possession.

Ephesians 1:4- "the earnest of our inheritance for the redemption of the purchased possession".

Those elect in Christ in eternity past (Eph. 1:4) are regenerated (Eph. 2:1) by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, brought to repentance
and faith in Christ (Rom. 2:4; Hebrews 6:1), indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19-20), are annointed, sealed, and given the downpayment (earnest) of what they will then receive at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Note:- This is the purpose of Calvary and nowhere should be thought to effect anyone but God's elect. Only "believers" are efficiently

effected by the shed blood of Christ.

"The cross of Christ is sufficient for all men. It is efficient for all who believe"- John Calvin.

We can believe in eternal security or security of the believer because of election.

Also vs 22 shows us-

1. That the believer has already received the earnest of his inheritance which assures us that what the Spirit has begun, He will complete.

2. The place of established promise is "in our hearts", the seat of our being, our soul.

3. The power that binds God's promises is faith-Greek- "in your God given faith you stand."

CONCLUSION:-

This section of Paul's letter (vs 22-24) is closed out with a directive as to why they were spared by a second visit. This no doubt refers to what he says in chapter two about his displeasure about the incestuous person whom he had (in his first letter) wished excluded from the church roll.

Paul again disclaims lordship over their faith. The preacher cannot make people live right or believe right. They can only preach the word and leave it with the Holy Spirit. Too often pastors try to play the role of the Holy Spirit, and do His work. Paul wished to be but a "helper of their joy" (Phil. 1:25-26).

Their faith was not affected but some of its accompaniments and fruits were neglected.

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:-

Begin your own Word Study by looking up in at least two other sources, the meaning of-

1. stablisheth. 2. anointed. 3. sealed by the Spirit. 4. the earnest of the Spirit. 5. By faith ye stand.

STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS

LESSON 3 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

PAUL'S PURPOSE IN WRITING:-

In these verses we have Paul's purpose in writing his "first" letter explained.

1. SOLICITUDE:-

Paul took great care in the welfare of others, particularly in the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A. Cheerfulness:-

Paul was concerned that, he not come to Corinth as with a rod, or provoked to deal with their divisions.

1. He wished to come in a cheerful manner, not with a spirit of heaviness or sorrow.

2. If Paul were to come and deal with their divisions they would be sorry (grieved) but so would Paul. The scene would be as a father chastening a son.

3. Paul realizes that in grieving them, he would cut off the source of his own joy.

B. Confidence:- vs 3

1. Paul's confidence in their rejoicing over his joy was that this would cause them to do those things which would bring him joy.

2. Paul felt that his care for them would result in their doing what was right.

C. Concern:- vs 4

1. "Out of much affliction"-

This was the source of his own feelings. Having to write and reprove them, Paul considered it an affliction. It brought him anguish of soul.

2. "Anguish of heart"-

Paul's reproof was not in anger, but in deep rooted sorrow.

3. "Many Tears"- weeping

How deeply Paul cared for the Lord's churches!

4. "Not to grieve you but to show my love for you all"- The object of all true love is the concern for the welfare of others. (cf 1 Cor. 13).

5. Paul would rather grieve the church than have it given over to sin. The scene is one of a parent, in that while it hurt him to discipline his child, the outcome of not doing so would grieve him more.

D. Cause:- vs 5

"If anyone has caused grief, he has caused it only in part to me.

"overcharge"- refers to the offender. Paul regards the wrong done as not to him, but to the whole church (in a modified sense).

2. SUFFICIENT:- vs 6

A. Punishment:-

1. The punishment referred to was the exclusion of the incestuous man- 1 Corinthians 5.

2. "Inflicted of many"-

This may only refer to the majority of the membership who would not associate with him. To the minority it appears as a dereliction of duty.

3. The word "sufficient" is in reference to time, not to quantity of punishment. It has lasted long enough.

B. Personal Responsibility:- vs 7-10

1. They were to take personal responsibility in-

a) forgiveness- vs 7

b) comfort - vs 7

c) confirmed love. Love that is strong. vs 8

2. They were to take heed lest-

a) he be overcome with grief for his sin. To feel like he was without hope. Too many Christians have felt this way due to the reaction of church members (even pastors) following sin or even some misfortune.

b) "he thinks the church had no care for him"-

Churches in discipling members should take care that the individual disciplined not misconstrue their intentions. This is also necessary in our maintaining certain standards. Let our purpose be always clear, and let no one ever think we do not have personal concern for their welfare. God hates sin, but the sinner can find forgiveness in Christ. We must be prepared to forgive and forget.

c) They not regard the forgiveness Paul himself displayed toward them. We are to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us-Eph. 4:32; Matt. 6:14-15.

3. SATAN'S WORK:- vs 9-11

Care should always be taken, not to leave a door open to Satan.

A. Duty of the Christian:- vs 9-10

1. Proof:-

Paul sought to prove their faith and obedience.

cf 2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4; 1 Thess. 5:21.

Our perseverance in the faith is the proof of it.

To be sure we are not "all talk and no action".

2. Forgive:-

Matthew 6:12-14; 1 John 2:12.

Paul says, "I have forgiven him in the person (margin- sight) of Christ.

One who ceases from sin should enjoy full fellowship in the church.

(The full sense here is that Paul forgives any personal offense against him. The offense against the church, he forgives, if the church does. Paul in no sense infringes upon the sovereignty of the church, in making her decision for her. -and no pastor should ever be guilty of this, although I have known some who have).

B. Devices of Satan:- vs 11

1. He seeks to gain an advantage (as he sought with Job- Job 1:6-12).

2. An unforgiving spirit gives Satan advantage.

3.