- Paul writes to the church of God in Corinth, consoling them for their afflictions & suffering, & rejoicing in the promise of Jesus Christ. Our rejoicing is not with fleshly wisdom, but as God is true, all promises of God in him are yea, & in him amen, unto the glory of God. #2Cn1
- Paul says he will not return to Corinth, & hopes that this does not cause his followers to grieve, as he receives joy from their joy. God leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession, and uses us to spread the savor of his knowledge in every place. #2Cn2
- We do not need letters of recommendation, as we are the epistle of Christ, the ministers of the new testament; not of the letter but of the spirit. The glory of the new covenant shines through the faces of believers, taking away the veil that covered Moses’s face. #2Cn3
- We, who minister the word of God, must shine as a light in the darkness, without guile or deceit. Neither should we be troubled or despair, having the spirit of faith. We look not at the temporal things that are seen, but at the eternal things which are unseen. #2Cn4
- We live in an earthly tent while longing to be clothed in our heavenly dwelling. As long as we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. We persuade others by being confident in the Lord. We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God makes his appeal through us. #2Cn5
- Working together with Him, we seek God’s favor. We give no offense to anyone, but endure great difficulties with patience & kindness. Do not be yoked with the unbelievers, as there is no concord between Christ & Belial (the devil). You are the temple of the living God. #2Cn6
- Paul sent Titus to the Corinthians with a letter defending himself and answering their complaints, a rebuke that he once regretted. This made them sorrowful, but now he rejoices, as godly sorrow leads to repentance & salvation, whereas earthly sorrow leads to death. #2Cn7
- Paul notes how generous the Macedonians were—exceeding expectations—and appeals to the Corinthians for a collection to the Lord, which Titus will receive. Anticipating the Marxist slogan, Paul says the goal is equality: those with plenty will supply those with need. #2Cn8
- Paul exhorts the Corinthians to give, saying that he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly. God loves a cheerful giver. He who gives seed to the sower provides bread to be eaten, more seed to be sown, and furthermore increases the fruit of righteousness. #2Cn9
- Our weapons of war are knowledge of God and obedience to Christ. What we are in our letters when absent, let us be in deed when present. Do not boast of other’s labor, but give glory to the Lord. Boast in the Lord. #2Cn10
- Paul says he has a godly jealousy over the Corinthians. Beware those who masquerade as apostles to Christ, for Satan masquerades as an angel of light. Paul tells of the sufferings that he has endured for Christ—beatings, stonings, hunger, cold, shipwreck & more. #2Cn11
- Paul boasts of his weakness, his desire for glory in his infirmities. He was given a thorn in his flesh to keep from becoming conceited. The Lord tells him that his strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul expresses concern for and berates the Corinthians. #2Cn12
- We are weak, as Christ was weak and was crucified, but we are strong through God’s power. Christ Jesus is within you as a believer, but not as a reprobate. Greet one another with a holy kiss. #2Cn13