Tag: Gospel

Be in Christ… is a New Creature – Part 1

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2Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.’ Therefore, in view of the fact that we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins.

‘In Christ’ – the so-called doctrine of interpenetration, that is, persons entering physical into each other, is false. The Bible does speak of the Corinthians and Philippians being in Paul’s heart (2Cor. 7:3; Php. 1:7); God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19); Christ being in God (John 14:20); God and Christ being in each other (John 14:10-11); men being in both the Father and the Son (1Jn. 2:24); men being in Christ (2Cor. 5:17); men and the Spirit being in each other (Rom. 8:9); Christ being in men (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10); man and Christ being in each other (John 14:20); all creation being in God (Acts 17:28); and satan entering into men (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). However, these passages refer to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. They do not teach the physical entrance of one being into another.

‘In Christ, he is a new creature’ – ten personal gospel blessings are noted: It brings one into Christ (5:17). One is a new creature (5:17). Old things are passed away (5:17). [Greek: archaios, old, ancient, original]. Such things are no more in one. All things are new (5:17). Life is just the opposite of the old life. All things are of God (5:18). The true Christian does not permit anything in his life which is ungodly and unChristlike (Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26). One is reconciled to God (5:18; Rom. 5:10; Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 1:20-21). He has a part in the ministry of reconciliation (5:18-20; 1:18-24). He has been trusted with the Word of reconciliation (5:19; Mark 16:15-20). He is an ambassador of God in Christ’s stead (5:20; Pro. 13:17). He is the righteousness of God in Christ (5:21; Rom. 3:21-31; 8:4). To be continued…

The Judgment Seat of Christ

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2Corinthians 5:9-10 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

‘Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.’ In view of the fact we leave the body at physical death and go with the Lord, let us labour to be accepted by Him whether we live in the body or die and be absent from the body to be with the Lord (5:8-9). ‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.’ The 4th and last New Testament prophecy in 2 Corinthians. This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where, after the resurrection of the saints, we shall be judged for the things done in the body whether they are good or bad (Rom. 2:12-16; 14:10-12; 1Cor. 3:11-15; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Luke 14:14; 2Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23; 22:12). Believers will be judged concerning: Doctrines (Rom. 2:14-16; 14:1-23); Conduct to others (Matt. 18:1-35; Rom. 14:1-23). Carnal traits (Col. 3:1-25; Rom. 1-2; 8:1-13; 14:1-23). Words (Matt. 12:32-37; Rom. 14:1-23). Things that affect others: slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness (folly), dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (Rom. 1:29-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:1-25; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33; Rom. 12:1-21; 14:1-23). Things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (Rom. 2:14-16; Heb. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:1-26; 6:1-10; Col. 3:1-25). Things that affect God: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, etc. (1Cor. 12:1-31; Rom. 12:1-21; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33).

Look Not

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2Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

‘Cause we faint not’ – for the sake of winning souls to glorify God (4:15), we suffer all things without fainting. The outward man is slowly dying through trials and sufferings, but the inward man is being renewed daily.

‘Outward man’ – found only here and refers to the body.

‘Perish’ [Greek: diaphtheiro] corrupted; destroyed (Luke 12:33; 1Tim. 6:5; Rev. 8:9; 11:18).

‘Inward man’ refers to the soul and spirit – the real person in the body (5:8; Jas. 2:26; Heb. 4:12; 12:23; 1Thess. 5:23; Rev. 6:9).

‘Renewed’ [Greek: anakainoo] meaning the whole course of life now flows in a different direction (5:17-18). Be renewed in the attitude of your mind by renouncing its vanity (Eph. 4:17), its darkness and blindness (Eph. 4:18) and learning of Christ (Eph. 4:20-21).

‘Light affliction’ [Greek: elaphros] – from Matthew 11:30 we see it described as a light burden (Ps. 55:22).

‘For a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’ Such is considered momentary lightness compared with the eternal weight of glory one receives for suffering (Rom. 8:17-18).

‘Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.’ We do not strive for things we see, for they are not worthy of the pursuit of an immortal soul. The things not seen are the eternal and important things of life. This current world system will pass away, but the man who does not conform to it will abide forever. This is all summarized in the pride of life as described in James 4:16 and 1John 2:15-17 and the following characteristics: Self-righteousness (Job 32:1); one’s positions in life (Gen. 3:5; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6; 3Jn. 1:9); power (Lev. 26:19); riches (Ps. 39:6; Ezek. 28:5); beauty (Ezek. 28:11,17); strength to war (2Chr. 26:16), and constant boasting of one’s self; glorying in sexual activity; pleasures; and all the vanity of life (1Jn. 2:15; Ps. 24:4; 36:2; Isa. 3:16).

Christ Jesus the Lord

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2Corinthians 4:3-6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

‘Hid’ [Greek: kalupto] to cover or veil (Matt. 8:24; 10:26; Luke 8:16; 23:30; 1Pet. 4:8) and hide (4:3; Jas. 5:20). The gospel is hidden from some people because they have willfully closed their eyes to it, as in 2Corinthians 3:13-16 and Matthew 13:14-16. If the heart of any man who hears the gospel is veiled it is definite that he is lost and fully under the power of sin and satan. Those who refuse to hear the gospel are proper subjects for satan’s work to increase the darkness and hardness of heart (4:3-4).

‘god of this world’ satan is currently the god of this world (Joh. 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph. 2:2; 1Jn. 3:9; 5:18).

‘Lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.’ They are responsible (3:13-16; Matt. 13:14).

‘Glorious gospel’ – Gospel of the glory (cp. 1Tim. 1:11).

‘Image’ [Greek: eikon] a figure; image; likeness. Here it means outward and bodily image. That God has a body, a spirit body, like angels and other spirit beings is clear from Scripture. He is a person with a personal spirit body, a personal soul, and a personal spirit, like that of angels, and like that of man except His body is of spirit substance instead of flesh and bones (Job 13:8; Heb. 1:3). He has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Php. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9). He has physical parts such as back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), loins (Ezek. 1:26-28; 8:1-4), and other physical parts. He has bodily presence (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-22) and goes from place to place in a body like all other persons (Gen. 3:8; 11:5; 18:1-5, 22, 33; 19:24; 32:24-32; 35:13; Zech. 14:5; Dan. 7:9-14; Tit. 2:13). He has a voice (Ps. 29:1-11; Rev. 10:3-4); breath (Gen. 2:7); and countenance (Ps. 11:7). He wears clothes (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); eats (Gen. 18:1-8; Ex. 24:11); rests (Gen. 2:1-4; Heb. 4:4); dwells in a mansion and in a city located on in Heaven (John 14:1-3; Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14; Rev. 21:1-27); sits on a throne (Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-14; Rev. 4:1-5; 22:3-6); walks (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-8, 22, 33); rides (Ps. 18:10; 68:17; 104:3; Ezek. 1:1-28); and engages in other activities.

‘Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness’ – a reference to Genesis 1:3. The light of the gospel shining into our darkened hearts is like the bursting forth of the sun in the darkness of Genesis 1:2. ‘Face of Jesus Christ’ – in the personal presence of Jesus Christ.

Done Away in Christ

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2Corinthians 3:12-18 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remained the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

‘Abolished’ – being done away as in 2Corinthians 3:7, 11, 14 [Greek: katargeo] make of no effect (Rom. 3:3; 4:14; Gal. 3:17; 5:4); come and bring to naught (1Cor. 1:28; 2:6); done away (1Cor. 13:10; 2Cor. 3:7, 11, 14); fail (1Cor. 13:8); cease (Gal. 6:11); vanish away (1Cor. 13:8); make void (Rom. 3:31); cumber (Luke 13:7); deliver (Rom. 7:6); loose (Rom. 7:2); put away (1Cor. 13:11); put down (1Cor. 15:24); destroy (Rom. 6:6; 1Cor. 6:13; 15:26; 2Thes. 2:8; Heb. 2:14); and abolish (2Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:15; 2Tim. 1:10).

It is clear from these passages that whatever is abolished is completely null and void. What is it here that is abolished? It is the law of commandments in decrees or the law of dogmatic commandments. The word for ordinances is dogma translated as “decree” (Luke 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7) and “ordinance” (Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14). The law was made to expose sin (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19-25) and to keep the Jews a distinct people until Christ came. After that, it was no longer needed. This means by His death the law was abolished (Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14-17; 2Cor. 3:6-15).

‘Blinded: for until this day remained the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.’ By resting in the letter and shutting their eyes to the light, they became blind to the fact that the old covenant was abolished and done away with.

‘It shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in 2 Corinthians. ‘Turn to’ [Greek: epistrepho]. Translated “turn to, return, turn again and converted. When the heart shall turn to God this blindness will be taken away. Conversion is turning again to God, and if it is needful to turn to Him more than once, it can be done, as is clear in these passages.

‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty’ the freedom we have in Christ is that from sin, sickness and satan. It all starts in our spirits (thoughts) through His Spirit that will always remind us of His Word, as well as reprove us of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14). We do not receive liberty to stay in the bondage of sin as some proclaim, but to be free of all bondage (Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3). ‘With open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord.’ The law was veiled in types and shadows of good things to come (Heb. 10:1). The gospel has practically no ceremonies in comparison. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two outward rituals. The gospel is in such simplicity that there can be no confusion as to its terms and blessings.

We Are Not Ignorant

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2Corinthians 2:8-11 Wherefore I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 

‘I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him’ Paul pleads to them to forgive him and confirm their love to him, regardless of the reproach he had brought upon the gospel.

‘To this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you be obedient in all things.’ I wrote to know whether you have obeyed in all things.

‘I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ.’ I forgive whom you forgive. We must all forgive for the sake of all concerned and do so because Christ has forgiven (Eph. 4:32; Matt. 18:21-35). We must also do this lest satan take the advantage (2:11; Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9).

‘Devices’ [Greek: noema] thought (10:5); devices (2:11); and minds (3:14; 4:4; 11:3; Php. 4:7). It includes the idea of purpose and design. The devil will take advantage of every failure of the Christian using it to get into his life and cause his downfall (1Cor. 10:13; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18). In this case, satan could lead the despairing one into apostasy and hell, or the congregation into undue severity and hardness of heart toward guilty members, working untold harm to the cause of Christ.

‘For we are not ignorant of his devices’ the following works of satan is noted for our information: sin-rebellion (Gen. 3:1; 2Cor. 11:3); works of darkness, including moral sedition and sexual perversion (Eph. 5:11; 6:12; Acts 16:18; Rom. 1); works of wickedness (Col. 1:21); spiritual blindness (2Cor. 4:4); stealing the Word of God (Matt. 13:19); deceptions and false religions (2Cor. 11:14; 1Tim. 4; Rev. 12:9); to kill and destroy (John 10:10); sowing tares, tempting, and sifting saints (Matt. 4:3; 13:25; Luke 22:31); promoting counterfeit worship and miracles (2Thes. 2:8-12; 1Cor. 10:20); causing storms (Job 1:18-19; Eph. 2:2); ruling nations (Matt. 4:8-9; Dan. 10); executing death (Heb. 2:14-15); accusing the brethren (Rev. 12:10); hindering prayers (Dan. 10:12-21); opposing the gospel (Eph. 6:1-18); supervising demons (John 12:31), fallen angels (Rev. 12:7-12), and fallen man (Eph. 2:2; 1Jn. 3:8; John 8:44); causing sickness and disease (Matt. 4:23-24; 9:32-33; 15:22; Acts 10:38); causing infirmities (Matt. 8:17; Luke 13:16; John 10:10; Acts 10:38); causing lunacy and mania (Matt. 4:23-24; 17:14-21; Mark 5:1-18); urging suicides (Matt. 17:15; John 10:10); agitating lusts (John 8:44; Eph. 2:1-3); lying and false prophecy (1Kin. 22; Matt. 24:11, 24; 2Cor. 11:13-15); propagating false doctrines (1Tim. 4; 2Tim. 4; 2Thes. 2; Rev. 13); oppressing men (Acts 10:38); persecuting Christians and warring on saints (Eph. 6:10-18; 1Pet. 5:8-9).  Christ died to destroy and cancel all these works of the devil for believers in this age, and to give complete mastery over them (Col. 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24; Luke 10:19; John 14:12; Mark 16:17-18). The only works listed above that will not be put down in this age are: all sin and rebellion among men; satan’s rule of the nations; the reign of death; and the continued opposition of satan to saints. These will be done away in the Millennium (Eph. 1:10; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:1-8; 22:3).

If Any Have Caused Grief

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2Corinthians 2:5-7 But if any have caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise you ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

‘But if any have caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.’ If anyone has caused grief he has not grieved me [Paul] as much as he has caused pain to you (Corinth congregation]. It would not be fair for me to charge all of you with the blame of the few who have gone astray.

‘Sufficient to such a man is this punishment’ – this refers to the fornicator of 1Corinthians 5:1-13 who had his punishment inflicted by the congregation. This had brought him to repentance, and the people, like those of most congregations, were not so willing to forgive him and receive him back. Paul now writes the second letter instructing them to forgive him and to confirm their love to him, lest he should be overwhelmed by too much sorrow (2Cor. 2:6-8).

‘Punishment’ [Greek: epitimia] censure. The word really means full rights and privileges. The punishment consisted of taking away these rights and privileges which he had in the congregational group (1Cor. 5:1-13).

‘Many’ – the majority. This suggests that some in the Corinth congregation, perhaps relatives did not take part in such punishment.

‘Lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.’ The specific man had already suffered sufficiently. The purpose of the punishment was to bring him to repentance. This had been accomplished and now there was danger of him destroying his life if other believers would not forgive him. This example cannot be used as an example to anyone who chooses to remain in sin and then demands that everyone forgives him but there is no repentance. Without repentance, there can be no forgiveness. Most people, when caught in a sinful act, will demand forgiveness but mostly with the intent to stay in sin. One of the modern fallacies is that men are not required to seek the Lord; that they are not required to repent, pray, call upon God, confess, or do anything else besides belief in order to be saved from sin. The truth is that all these terms are used many times in Scripture to tell people what they must do to find God, as in the following: [1] Seek (Isaiah 55:6; Deut. 4:29; 1Chron. 16:11; 28:9; 2Chron. 7:14; 15:2; Amos 5:6; Matt. 6:33; Acts 15:17; 17:27; Heb. 11:6); [2] Repent (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; 6:12; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 26:20; 2Cor. 7:8; Rev. 2:5, 16); [3] Call upon God (Isa. 55:6; Joel 2:32; Zeph. 3:9; Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:9-14); [4] Confess (Prov. 28:13; Matt. 3:6; Mark 1:5; Rom. 10:9-10; 1Jn. 1:9); [5] Pray (2Chron. 7:14; Luke 18:10-14; Acts 8:22); [6] Humble self (2Chron. 7:14; Matt. 18:3-4; 23:12; Luke 14:14; Jas. 4:10); [7] Hear (Matt. 10:14; 11:15; 13:13-15; John 12:47; Rom. 10:9-14); [8] Obey (Rom. 2:4-8; Gal. 3:1; 5:7; 2Thess. 1:8; Heb. 5:9; 1Pet. 4:17). When one truly believes it means that he does these and all the other things required by the gospel (Rom. 10:9-10).

God Is True

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2Corinthians 1:18-24 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith you stand. 

‘God is true’ – true in contrast with false gods (2Chr. 15:3; Jer. 10:10; John 3:33; 17:3; 8:26; 1Thess. 1:9; 1Jn. 5:20; Rev. 6:10).

‘Preached’ [Greek: kerusso] to announce, or proclaim as a herald, without reference to the matter proclaimed, and without including the idea of teaching. It is translated “proclaim” (Luke 12:3; Rev. 5:2); “publish” (Mark 1:45; 5:20; 7:36; 13:10; Luke 8:39); and “preach” 52 times (2Cor. 1:19; 4:5; 11:4).

‘Yea’ – all God’s promises are yes and so be it, or yes and truth. In Him, they are always yes, and in Him, they are always truthful. Not one promise of God is no to the one who will believe and meet the conditions.

‘Amen’ – this word means truly or truth – so it shall be then as we proclaim in Jesus’ name.

‘Unto the glory of God by us’ – the promises of God were confirmed by Paul and the apostles to His own glory. God backed them up in their preaching.

‘He which stablishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God.’ Four great blessings of God (1:21-22): He confirms people in the faith (Rom. 15:8). He anoints with power (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; Heb. 1:9; 1Jn. 2:27). He seals with the stamp of ownership (Rom. 4:11; 2Tim. 2:19; Eph. 1:13; 4:30). He gives His Spirit of sonship (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:4-7).

‘I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.’ Here Paul returns to his subject of 2Corinthians 1:16. I call God to be witness that it was because I was afraid that I would have to use my power to judge you if I came, so I thought it best not to come at the time proposed (1:23-24).

‘Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy.’ Not that we want to come to lord it over your faith, but to help you.

In This Confidence

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2Corinthians 1:13-17 For we write none other things unto you, than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end; As also you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that you might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 

‘Than what you read or acknowledge.’ Than what you read or acknowledge in the first epistle to you.

‘As also you have acknowledged us in part.’ We hope that you will always acknowledge the truths in the first epistle to you. Some of you acknowledge us, even as we acknowledge that you are ours (1:13-14).

‘We are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.’ We are the cause of your rejoicing because we have won you to Christ and you believe we are His ministers. You also will be our rejoicing in the day of Christ when we present you as our converts before Him (1Thess. 2:18-20; 3:13).

‘Day of the Lord Jesus’ this is the first New Testament prophecy in 2Corinthians (1:14). Will be fulfilled at the Rapture of the body of Christ for the Christians from Corinth in Paul’s day as well as all Christians who are not ignorant of the six things noted in 2Corinthians 1:8: God’s faithfulness in trouble (1:8-10); Gospel responsibility (Rom. 1:11-18); Spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:1-31); God’s purpose for Israel (Rom. 11:25-32); The resurrection and future life (1Thess. 4:13-18); God’s judgments on backsliders (1Cor. 10:1-13).

‘In this confidence I was minded to come unto you before.’ Under the conviction that you rejoice in us as ministers of Christ, and we rejoice in you as our converts.

‘Benefit’ [Greek: charis] grace or favour. It refers to the benefits of grace that Paul’s ministry would naturally bring to them on his second visit. It does not and could not refer to a second work of grace to sanctify them or take out the old man, as taught by some. They were already sanctified (1Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11).

‘Come again out of Macedonia unto you’ – it appears that Paul fulfilled this second ministry before he finished writing this epistle, for in 2Corinthians 12:14 and 13:1 he speaks of coming to them a third time. ‘Do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay.’ Do I act as carnal people, who change their minds from day to day and falsify their engagements to suit their own secular interests? They say yea, yea, and nay, nay, or say one thing one day and change it the next day if it is to their advantage. All our promises have been true and God has confirmed them to you (1:20-22).

Grace and Peace

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2Corinthians 1:1-4 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 

‘Apostle’ a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16).

‘Timothy’ associated with Paul in the address of the epistles to Philippians and Colossians, and with Paul and Silas in the two epistles to the Thessalonians.

‘Achaia’ Greece. This epistle was sent to all the congregations in that country.

‘Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Note that grace and peace come equally from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort’ God is called: The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:3; 11:31; Eph. 1:3; 3:14; Col. 1:3); the Father of Mercies (1:3); the God of all Comfort (1:3); the Father of Glory (Eph. 1:17); the Father of All (Eph. 4:6); the Father of Spirits (Heb. 12:9); the Father of Lights (Jas. 1:17); the God of Peace (Php. 4:9).

‘Comfort’ [Greek: paraklesis] translated “intreaty” (8:4); “comfort” (1:3-4; 7:4, 13; Acts 9:31; Rom. 15:4;); “exhortation” (8:17; Acts 13:15; Rom. 12:8; 1Cor. 14:3; 1Thess. 2:3; 1Tim. 4:13; Heb. 12:5; 13:22); and “consolation” (1:5-7; 7:7; Luke 2:25; 6:24; Acts 4:36; 15:31; Rom. 15:5; Php. 2:1; 2Thess. 2:16; Phm. 1:7; Heb. 6:18)

‘Comforted’ [Greek: parakaleo] to call to the aid of one. Used 15 times in this epistle, but translated 4 ways: “beseech” (2:8; 5:20; 6:1; 10:1; 12:8); “desire” (8:6; 12:18); “exhort” (9:5); and “comfort” (1:4, 6; 2:7; 7:6, 7, 13).

‘Tribulation’ [Greek: thlipsis] burdened (8:13); anguish (John 16:21); affliction (2:4; 4:17; 6:4; 8:2; Mark 4:17; 13:19; Acts 7:10-11; 20:23; Php. 1:16; 4:14; Col. 1:24; 1Thess. 1:6; 3:3, 7; Heb. 10:33; Jas. 1:27); tribulation (1:4; 7:4; Matt. 13:21; 24:21, 29; Mark 13:24; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom. 2:9; 5:3; 8:35; 12:12; Eph. 3:12; 2Thess. 1:4, 1:6; Rev. 1:9; 2:9, 10, 22; 7:14); persecution (Acts 11:19); and trouble (1Cor. 7:28).