Author : Paul

Time : A.D. 55

Summary :

Written to the church at Corinth by the apostle Paul. He deals with a series of problems, sins and false teachings that were present in the newly formed church. Most members were from a promiscuous pagan background and were exhorted to put away their previous ways. Paul's purposes for writing were (1) to instruct and restore the church in its areas of weakness, correcting erroneous practices such as divisions, immorality, litigation and abuse of the Lord's supper; (2) to correct false teaching concerning the resurrection; and (3) to give instruction concerning the offering for the poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem.

Key verse :

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1:10).

1. Introduction 1:1–9

2. Responses to their letter 1:10–6:20

a) The problem of division in the church 1:10 – 4:21
b) The problem of the incestuous man 5:1–13
c) The problem of lawsuits 6:1–11
d) The problem of sexual immorality 6:12–20

3. Instruction about marriage 7

4. Instruction on questionable practices 8:1–11:1

a) The principles involved 8
b) The principles illustrated 9
c) A warning from Israel's history 10:1–22
d) The principles applied 10:23 – 11:1

5. Instruction on public worship 11:2 – 14:40

a) Women in the church 11:2–16
b) The Lord’s supper 11:17–34
c) Spirit gifts 12:1 –14:40

6. Instruction on the resurrection 15

7. Conclusion: practical and personal matters 16

(RH)

Author : Paul

Time : A.D. 55

Summary :

This second letter to the church at Corinth was penned by Paul also. It was written after he made a "painful" and unsuccessful visit to the small church in an attempt to give instruction and guidance on several divisive issues. Upon learning that a majority of members had repented, he wrote the letter of 2nd Corinthians. It gives encouragement, yet teaches of the suffering that each member must face for the Lord Jesus’ sake. He concludes by surmising when he is weakest, then God is able to work through him most powerfully. This letter was, in all likelihood, written about six months after the first letter to the Corinthians.

Key verse :

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God" (5:20).

1. Greeting and thanksgiving 1:1–11

2. Paul's explanation of his conduct and ministry 1:12 – 7:16

a) His motives 1:12–2:4
b) Forgiving the offender at Corinth 2:5–11
c) God's direction in his ministry 2:12–17
d) The Corinthian believers: a letter from Christ 3:1–11
e) Seeing the glory of God 3:12–4:6
f) Treasure in clay jars 4:7–16a
g) The prospect of death for a Christian 4:16b–5:10
h) The ministry of reconciliation 5:11–6:10
i) A spiritual father's appeal to his children 6:11–7:4
j) The meeting with Titus 7:5–16

3. The collection for the Christians at Jerusalem 8–9

a) Generosity encouraged 8:1–15
b) Titus and his companions sent to Corinth 8:16–9:5
c) Results of generous giving 9:6–15

4. Paul's vindication of his apostolic authority 10–13

a) Paul's defence of his authority 10
b) Paul forced into foolish boasting 11–12

5. Final warnings and conclusion 13

a) Final warnings 13:1–10
b) Conclusion 13:11–14

(RH)