2 Corinthians 13

1 - 10 Further Warning

I like verse 5: "Examine yourselves to see wheter you are living in faith. test yourselves. . . "

11 - 13 Final Greetings and Benediction

"Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace."

See y'all at A.T.!

2 Corinthians 12

1 - 10 Paul's Visions and Revelations


To keep Paul from being too boastful, a messenger of Satan has given him a thorn in his flesh. Paul appealed to God, but God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." This is a good lesson for when we feel that we don't have this or that. (I get caught up in this every day).

11 - 13 The Signs of a True Apostle


"The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works." (12)

14 - 21 Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church

Paul is concerned about quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. Also that folks haven't repented from impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced. (My notes give references to other "vice lists" in the Bible)

2 Corinthians 11

1 - 15 Paul and the False Apostles

Paul begins by giving an analogy of a wedding. (the church is the husband & the Corinthians are the "chaste virgin"). Then he says a "serpent" deceived the Eve, and they began to subsribe to "another gospel" (it is unfortunate that Paul doesn't tell us specifically what that teaching is . . . )
Paul states how he will work against "false boasters" and their "deceitful gospels" (Even Satan disguises himself as and angel of light).

16 - 33 Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle

Paul goes over his credentials again. (He even mentions the time he escaped from the governor via a basket from the window!)

2 Corinthians 10

1 - 18 Paul Defends His Ministry

Paul defends the criticsim that he is boasting. He's simply telling it like it is. I like the quote from Jeremiah: (17) "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

2 Corinthians 9

1 - 15 The Collection for Christians at Jerusalem

Another "minute for mission." 6. ". . . the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully."

My notes say this chapter might have been a separate letter (to Achaia).

2 Corinthians 8

1 - 15 Encouragement to Be Generous

Paul talks about the importance of being generous, especially in sharing the gospel. My notes state that when he mentions "sharing" in verse 4, it can be used to describe Christ, his body and blood, and his sufferings.

Later (14) Paul talks about a "fair balance" - that we shouldn't have too much abundance when there are others in need.

16 - 24 Commendation of Titus

Good old Titus!

2 Cornithians 7

2 - 4 The Appeal Resumed

Paul continues his appeal for the Corinthians to open their hearts.

5 - 16 Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance

Paul states that he is not sorry his letter brought sadness because it caused the church to repent. He tells how grief and sorrow can lead to repentance (and therefore joy)

2 Cornithians 6

1 - 10 The Ministry of Reconciliation (continued)

Now is "an acceptable time" to accept the grace of God!

11 - 13 An Appeal to the Heart

Since Paul is speaking from the heart, he asks the Corinthians to open their hearts to him.

14 - (7:1) The Temple of the Living God

Paul warns about being "mismatched" with unbelievers. It is hard to be a Christian when around unbelievers. Paul asks that we "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God."

2 Corinthians 5

(4:16) - 10 Living by Faith

"Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day." Paul insists that even though we are getting older and will die, there is the promise of a greater life in God later. "5. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."

Paul states that we walk by faith and not by sight.

11 - 21 Ministry by Reconciliation

We must preach the gospel and (16) "regard no one from a human point of view"

Good line for memorization: (17) "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"

God conconciled himself through Christ - that in is Christ He reconciled the world. Here it is - the line that states that Jesus died for our sins!