theological themes of 2 corinthians

Paul wanted to gladden those he had pained, but the pain was ultimately necessary. The term probably corresponds to the Old Testament word, qahal [l;h'q], with reference to the Christian community as the continuation of Israel, the people of God. Who Are the Seven Angels in Revelation 8:2? He has Masters degrees in Biblical Exposition and Old Testament from Talbot School of Theology (BIOLA) and a PhD in New Testament from Andrews University. However, the age to come is "not yet" culminated; it exists within the context of this present age, which will be consummated only at the parousia. 8, 10]) and liberation from the body (manifested in such diverse aberrant behavior as libertinism [chaps. Paul probably coined this sarcastic description of his opponents, but it may be based on the attitude of the opponents themselves. In tandem with the aforementioned eschatological frame of reference is another matter that contributes to the theology of 1 and 2 Corinthians: the nature of Paul's opposition at Corinth. This time he emphasizes the importance of humility for maintaining transparency. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It can be demonstrated that such an idea — the overlapping of the two ages is the key to understanding 1 and 2 Corinthians as well. Rather than boast in his accomplishments, Paul choose to boast in his suffering as a servant of Jesus Christ. Phillip J. Second Corinthians seeks to correct that imbalance by holding the concept of the two ages together in dynamic tension. And still the greatest of God's enemiesdeathremains at large ( 1 Corinthians 15:25-27 1 Corinthians 15:53-56 ). The words “of God” are the key to Paul’s emphasis. 2 Corinthians 7 Last Words of Christ Abraham Apostle Paul Christmas Incarnation Church ... it is not a comprehensive or systematic theology of Paul. Nevertheless Paul was also aware that that eventuality may be delayed (cf. is currently being dispensed through Christ, the "life-giving Spirit, " who is the "last" (eschaton [e [scato"]) "Adam" (v. 45). In essence, Paul's opponents mistakenly believed that the age to come, with its visible glory and power, had fully arrived, leaving no place in their theology for the harsh reality of this present age. 7 ; 2 Thess. 5. The Change In Paul's Plans. We delineate that twofold motif by taking note of the following pertinent passages. ), undoubtedly a reference reflecting Paul's belief that Jesus' resurrection began the long-awaited messianic kingdom. First Corinthians 10:11 continues the thought that Christ's death and resurrection inaugurated the age to come when it describes Christians as the ones "on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come." 4:7-11 We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. Combining letters around a similar theme is not surprising, but it is also not necessary to understand the overall theme of the whole letter: the need for reconciliation between Paul and the church. The term "kingdom" (basileia [basileiva]) occurs five times in 1 Corinthians ( 4:20 ; 6:9-10 [twice]; 1 Corinthians 15:24 1 Corinthians 15:50 ). 3. They consider themselves to be superior to Paul in terms of honor, use of rhetoric, and perhaps even blessings from God. It is. In other words, the two ages are now coterminous, and the Christian lives in the intersection of the two. 1 Cor 2:6-8 ). ( Log Out /  Paul handles the situation exactly how it should have been handled. That is, the age to come has already dawned because of the first coming of Christ but it is not yet complete; completion awaits the second coming of Christ. Whereas in 1 Corinthians Paul was dealing with basically an in-house problem, he now had to respond to his audience's demands to supply proof of his apostolic call (no doubt fueled by outside intruders who denied Paul's ministerial credentials). ). Paul, too, suffers for righteousness' sake and in the service of his Lord in this present world ( 1 Cor 4:9-13 ; 15:30-32 ; 2 Cor 4:7-15 ; 6:3-10 ; 11:23-33 ; 12:7-10 ). I am curious to know why the “super-apostles” seemed to think they were superior to Paul and how they went about validating that to the church in Corinth. Its inconsistent behavior and incomplete growth attest to that fact. For the apostle Paul, the death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ inaugurated the glory of the age to come ( 1 Cor 15:42-49 ). Furnish wrote the standard commentary on 2 Corinthians in 1984, so he knows what’s up with the Corinthian Correspondence. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. The term "save" also occurs in 1 Corinthians 9:22 with reference to those who embrace Christ (cf. The latter symbolizes the passion of Jesus and probably adumbrates the future messianic banquet. (4) The promise of the bestowal of the Spirit on all God's people in the age to come ( Ezek 36:25-28 ; Joel 2:28-32 ; etc. ) According to the Corinthian letters, that demise was initiated with the first advent of Christ. 23-28). Rather than superior apostles, the opponents are like Satan, masquerading true apostles (11:12-15). Paul speaks of two basic results of the inbreaking of God's kingdom into this age: (1) the formation of God's people; (2) the defeat of the enemies of God. 1 Cor 15:50-58 ; with 1 Cor 16:1-4 ). However, notwithstanding their exalted position as saints (1:2), the fact that the Corinthians still lived in this present age ( 1 Cor 3:18 ) embroiled them in a deep-seated struggle with sin. The gifts of teaching and preaching were also eschatologically oriented by virtue of the content of their message, which was the kerygma, the basis of which was that the age to come has dawned (cf. Proud member It is the tough love that we do not want that makes the difference. The idea of the kingdom of God in 1 and 2 Corinthians transcends the terminology. Paul expands on this theme in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 which, in the context of the chapter, attests to the truth that Christ's death and resurrection have brought about several endtime blessings for Christians: (1) The general resurrection of the endtime has been projected back into the present period in the resurrection of Christ, the firstfruits of the dead ( 15:12-22 ). Themes: God's righteousness revealed in Christ for our salvation. Paul is the one who strives to strengthen the congregation and the entire Corinthian church. Col 2:15 ) and destroying their spiritual stronghold by the word of his power ( 2 Cor 10:3-6 ). Themes in 2 Corinthians. 1:1) “to the church of God that is in Corinth” (1:2) from Ephesus (16:8), probably near the end of his ministry there early in AD 55 (cf. I would recommend any serious commentary on 2 Corinthians for an overview of these suggestions or an introduction to the New Testament such as Raymond Brown. On the one hand, the Corinthians (and all believers for that matter) are sanctified or set apart for God in Christ ( 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 1:30 ; 6:11 ; 3:16-17] ). 6. Although the crucifixion of Jesus is nonsense and the epitome of weakness to the non-Christian, it is the wisdom and power of God to those who are being saved. The former is characterized by sin and suffering, due to Adam's fall. Many modern interpreters believe that eschatology, the doctrine of the endtimes, is the center of the apostle Paul's thought, beginning with his presupposition of the two-age structure. ( Log Out /  This servant of Jesus Christ had experienced harsh treatment at the hands of both misguided Gentiles and hostile Jews for the sake of Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:23-27; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; cf. According to early Judaism, time is divided into two consecutive periods: this age and the age to come. Now, the hare clearly could have won, but because he was so certain of his victory, so full of pride in his great abilities, he took a nap in the middle of the race. After the initial letter Paul then needs to send encouragement to the people of Corinth. In a number of occurrences its setting is patently eschatological in import. It is not going to be what we want. Luke 20:34 ]; the egalitarian attitudes toward males and females [cf. 4. 1) Qualifications of Church leaders. 4:2). And … We encounter in 1 and 2 Corinthians a certain amount of ambiguity concerning Paul's concept of salvation, which can be explained by the overlapping of the two ages. The second basic result of the inbreaking of God's kingdom into this age by the Christ-event is the defeat of the divine enemies. Paul’s point concerning this theme is as simple as it is profound. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in order to answer questions and address certain problems in the church. In chapter 4 Paul returns to the theme of transparency, as we noted in our discussion of 2 Corinthians 1:12–23. First Corinthians is therefore about how to live as the people of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit in a world which is overwhelming non-Christian. But now that Paul and the church have reconciled, it is now time for the church to participate in this important ministry Paul initiated. Although II Corinthians 13 was apparently unknown to Clement of Rome in a.d. 96, it is quoted by Polycarp in a.d. 105. The gift of discernment of spirits served the purpose of distinguishing truth from error in the last days (cf. Wisdom. They read more into or make assumptions when that is not actually what was meant. 2. 20 ; etc.). Yes, Paul was being the ancient world Robin Hood and collecting money from the rich to give it to the poor. Spiritual gifts serve as visible proof that the Spirit indwells believers and, as such, are a sign that the age to come has dawned. The Ephesian door swings open broadly, and “we step into the hush and stillness of the tem­ple.” God’s strength, Paul argues, is found in what man’s wisdom considers weak. However, for Paul the charismata are not an end in themselves. No one in their right mind likes to be told what they are doing wrong. Ch. That is where people get in trouble. The Corinthians apparently believed that the kingdom of God had fully come and that they, as saints, were already reigning and judging in it (4:5, 8). 1) The Supremacy of Christ. Many of us are familiar with the fables attributed to an ancient Greek named Aesop. Even though people were weary Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 8:1- 9:15 “Paul express his complete confidence that the Corinthian communities of Jesus devotion will partite wholeheartedly in that initiative” (TTP, 157). Especially if one end had to be done through letters and then delivered by another individual. The reason Paul did not return to Corinth is to spare them from another difficult visit (1:23-2:1). This group is identified by Paul, among other things, as the "saints" ( 1 Cor 1:2 ; 2 Cor 1:1 ). According to 1 and 2 Corinthians, the sacraments of the church are twofold: baptism and the Lord's Supper. Paul wants to show people that they are people of God and that even in suffering good things can come from it. 2 Cor. Second Corinthians is the fourth letter that Paul wrote to the Christian ... yet his language is suffused with theological meaning. 4. (2 Cor. The Corinthian letters affirm this fundamental perception of Paul that the church is yet another sign that the age to come has already dawned, though it is not yet complete. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The central theological theme of 2 Corinthians is the relationship suffering and the power of the Spirit in Paul’s apostolic experience. It may be that the church's giving also possesses eschatological significance for Paul. So the question at the end of the day is did this activity help or hurt Paul’s ministry? 7:10 ). In fact, for Paul, participating in this gracious gift is an opportunity to render a service to God. They are the ones upon whom the "fulfillment of the ages has come" ( 10:11 ) and yet their salvation is not finalized ( 1 Cor 9:24-10:13 ). 1) The Nature of the Resurrection Body. 12-14), which is a foretaste of the restoration of paradise. But neither does it ward off divine judgment for those whose lives disrupt the unity of the church. The Temple of God. The same is the case for the rulers of this age ( 1 Cor 2:6 ), however one may define those misinformed culprits (as demons, rulers, or, more likely, both; the former energizing the latter). One thing is stewardship, not only of money, but of time as well. 11,14 and the equal role of women in the worship services] etc. On the positive side, their repentance toward God and acceptance of his servant Paul will sustain their salvation (cf. Best Resources on 2 Corinthians "More than any of Paul’s other letters, 2 Corinthians conveys the words of a pastor. They argued that he had suffered too much to be a Spirit-filled apostle of the risen Christ. Tongues and interpretation of tongues were associated by Paul and the Corinthians with the proleptic restoration of paradise, especially in the worship setting of the church. The Corinthians' infatuation with themselves undoubtedly originated from some sort of overrealized eschatology. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, the cross was the turning point of the ages. He does not need to do that, but he wants to know that this group of people actually see the light. Gone is the joust­ing and din of the Galatian battlefield; behind is that track­ less ‘slough of despond’ portrayed in 2 Corinthians. If Paul had upset them with his strong challenge, that pain is a positive benefit if they are reconciled to him. Each of the gifts in 1 and 2 Corinthians can be understood eschatologically. 16:5 –9 with Acts 19:21–22). Daniel 1:8-16 - What was Wrong with the King’s Food? Discover the basics of the book of 2 Corinthians with the ESV Study Bible from Crossway. Both of these consequences are stamped by the already/not yet eschatology tension. Broken and sinful congregation of people who don’t really want to listen to anyone. Boasting in beatings and arrests is an outrageous reversal of what the super-apostles consider to be indicators of divine favor. According to the apostle, the person who is in Christ is saved (the age to come is already present) but that salvation is not complete (the age to come is not yet consummated). also knowledge). This time he emphasizes the importance of humility for maintaining transparency. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. The gifts of faith ( 1 Cor 12:9 ; 13:2 ), miracles ( 1 Corinthians 12:10 1 Corinthians 12:28 ), and healings ( 1 Corinthians 12:9 1 Corinthians 12:28 ) continued the powerful ministry of Jesus through his church, and signaled the invasion of the earth by the messianic kingdom. The Defeat of God's Enemies. Sometimes we all need a slap on the wrist. Public works were not funded through taxation or public fundraising, but through wealthy people who want to gain honor from public benefaction. It kind of makes the people think negative thoughts every time they would see him because that is all they are use to with him visiting. If we are going to let everyone see the reality of our life and work, we had better be pre­pared to be humbled. Therefore, for Paul to announce that the Christian and the church now constitute the temple of God's Spirit was nothing short of an eschatological pronouncement the temple of the endtimes had arrived (see 1 Cor 3:16 ; 6:19-20 ; 2 Cor 6:16-18 ). Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. ). Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), What is the Mark of the Beast? In the meantime, because Christians continue to live in this evil age, they will share in the sufferings of this life ( 2 Co 1:1-22 ). Paul, although unorganized and all over the place; his leadership helped to unify the Corinthian church. More than that, the Corinthians' mimicking of the "spirit" of this evil age tended to belie the truth that they were the temple of God's Holy Spirit: they divided, and thereby were destroying it ( 1 Cor 3:12-17 ); they joined themselves to harlots, thereby defiling God's temple ( 1 Cor 6:15-18 ); and, in general, they subjected it to idolatry ( 2 Co 6:14-18 ). Unfortunately Paul’s “competitors” try to frame him as a phony through this effort. Themes and Theology The theology of the Corinthian epistles are directly affected by their purpose. Their present struggle with sin attests to that stark reality ( 1 Cor 6:9-10 ) as does the futurity of their resurrection bodies ( 1 Cor 15:50 ). quite clear that terminology such as "example" or "moral influence" cannot begin to. His tough letter was written to make it possible for him to have a “joyful visit” the next time he came to Corinth (2:3). This is the "already" side of the Pauline eschatological tension. There is no honor in putting money into general fund and sending it off to distant (non-Roman) city to be used to help poor people. explain the thought of … 2 Cor 13:5 ). Paul has had a rocky relationship with the Corinthian believers, but he continues to patiently love them like a father (2 Cor 12:14–15). Ch. The first coming of Christ inaugurated the age to come. The age to come of the kingdom of God was inaugurated within this present age. With regard to theology proper (the study of God) in 1 and 2 Corinthians, one of the major themes developed therein is the kingdom of God. Theology (Proper). But it is remarkable (from a modern Christian perspective) this wealthy Christian church refused to participate in Paul’s collection to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Spiritual Gifts. The Formation of God's People. More likely the super apostles are Greeks in Corinth who have accepted the Gospel but are now behaving like Greek intellectuals. Rom 2:28-29 ; Gal 6:16 ; 1 Peter 2:9-10 ; etc. But it would be a tragic mistake to assume that the enemies of God are a banished foe. Change ). When considering the Corinthian culture back then we can’t put our modern day spin on it and view the Corinthians as “bad guys”. ). All rights reserved. In one of those fables, "The Tortoise and the Hare," a hare constantly boasted that he was the fastest of all the animals. This truth remains to this day. Some suggest chapters 8 and 9 are separate letters dealing with the collection, and chapters 10-12 are yet another letter dealing with the super-apostles. Historical and Theological Themes Second Corinthians complements the historical record of Paul’s dealings with the Corinthian church recorded in Acts and 1 Corinthians. The former marks the entrance into the kingdom of God and the age to come, but it does not magically prevent believers from being judged for their disobedience. However, it will only be at the second coming of Christ that the age to come will be finalized. To look back at the end, the end being love, the evil triumvirate ( sin, age... Truth from error in the church 's giving also possesses eschatological significance for Paul that of! Words are salvific in import and impacted by the time of Paul to the Corinthian church exactly identify with... Visits come with a pagan worldview in the wisdom of the Corinthian letters, 2 Corinthians is a of! Returns to the Christian lives in the intersection of the coming Messiah—a Davidic king... Universal in... Swings open broadly, and spiritual gifts Corinthians conveys the words of a.. Resides in the Last days ( cf this sarcastic description of his opponents, but time! So the question at the end, the Spirit is the defeat of Spirit. Encouragement for … 2 nevertheless, the evil triumvirate ( sin, the so-called “ tearful letter ”.. Power ( 2 Cor 6:1-7:2 ) Christians as portrayed in 1 and 2 Corinthians 10-13.... Please read the Baker book House Copyright statement at Grace Christian University since 1998, in! Temple of God ” are the key to Paul and the age to come will finalized! Baruch 39-40 ; 4 Ezra 7 ; etc. ) and Biblical languages description of his opponents but. Corinth is to spare them from another difficult visit ( 1:23-2:1 ) told what they are divinely approved and in... Need to do that, but it may be delayed ( cf to it! Confident the church to Corinth that did not go well ; 3 and d. Christ, they could jeopardize their salvation ( 1 Cor 16:1-4 ) of,... And then delivered by another individual as well eventuality may be that the follower Christ... Purpose in parallel to what the world would be much easier to transparent. The epistle is also stamped by theological themes of 2 corinthians time of Paul ’ s “ ”. Recent book is Galatians: Freedom through God ’ s strength, Paul choose to boast in accomplishments! Things to make them feel bad giving also possesses eschatological significance for Paul that each of the Spirit is overarching. Revealed in Christ, they are people of God in 1 and 2 Corinthians `` more any! In effect, the age to come is synonymous with the first term, `` scattered! Eschatological significance for Paul means to the church 's giving also possesses eschatological significance Paul. This notion being extremely common nowadays and people not really being weary of where we are going let. By failing to receive Paul as the `` already '' side of the Spirit comes (.... Of ministering to the poor Cor 13:10 ) and ourselves as your slaves Jesus! In the worship services ] etc. ) with them, but he to! That we do not want that makes the difference heart which is proleptic of heavenly existence ( vv that... Lord 's Supper undoubtedly a reference reflecting Paul 's credentials as an apostle afflictions! Thessalonians are forceful evidence that Paul will just be using the money that You ’ re is! Log Out / Change ), You are commenting using your WordPress.com account opponents are like Satan, true! Messianic banquet wrote to the Gospel message to others was ultimately necessary 2:28-32 ) some competition in the of... To boast in his relationship the Corinthian church ( v. 6 ) and accepted from... The terminology with theological meaning through for Christ I believe would in strengthen! Central theological theme of transparency, as we noted in our discussion of 2 Corinthians is also stamped the! End, the theme of 2 Corinthians transcends the terminology duties and privileges of pastor... Paul as the apostle of the two ages are now coterminous, and perhaps even blessings from God done! Death ) is a solid intro to 1 Corinthians 15:53-56 ) an additional problem 2... The already/not yet eschatological tension apostle Paul Christmas Incarnation church... it is quoted by in! Terminology in Paul 's teaching on the attitude of the divine enemies Galatians: Freedom through God ’ wisdom! More into or make assumptions when that is the body ( manifested in such diverse aberrant as. Grief produces a great deal of positive virtues want to gain honor from benefaction... Or public fundraising, but of time as well is to demonstrate interrelatedness. ( sin, the Corinthians, despite having the wisdom and the age to come the greatest of God 1. Address certain problems in the church ( v. 6 ) and liberation from the rich to give to! Might cause them pain click Continue nevertheless Paul was no mere armchair theologian the return of Christ can expect suffer... For those whose lives disrupt the unity of the arrival of the book of 2 Corinthians 1:12–23 the thing by... Notion being extremely common nowadays and people not really being weary of where their goes. Pain the people of Corinth to participate in the Corinthian church that continues... Of correspondence by Paul, participating in this age wisdom considers weak [ cf 2 6:1-7:2. Already noted the apocalyptic flavor of wisdom ( cf ' death, the. Despite having the wisdom and the early church, the two ages in. Cor 2:1-16 ; with 1 Cor 13:10 ) with some competition in the 1 Corinthians 12:29 with... Was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012 shameful things that one hides ” 2. Of II Corinthians are salvific in import and impacted by the Christ-event is the overarching theme through which these should. Book is Galatians: Freedom through God ’ s wisdom considers weak any of Paul humility for maintaining.! ) and destroying their spiritual stronghold by the already/not yet eschatology tension the rich to give it the... Son, Jesus ( 1 Cor 15:50-58 ; with 1 Tim 4:1 ; 2 Cor ). That, but through wealthy people who don ’ t really want to listen to anyone... his! And ( d ) 2 Cor-inthians.4 3 Wipf & Stock, 2019 ) a tragic mistake to assume that church... As has 2 Corinthians contain other letters are the key to Paul the... Work, we are today that terminology such as `` example '' ``... One end had to be transparent with people if we had better be pre­pared to be perfect delivered! The wisdom and the equal role of women in the Corinthian church ( 2 Corinthians `` more any! ) and destroying their spiritual stronghold by the already/not yet tension is at work in two other texts! Stamped by the Christ-event is the one who strives to strengthen the congregation and the early Christians for purpose. Other letters sent by Paul have attracted so much controversial comment as 2! Apostles are Greeks in Corinth impact the interpretation and exegesis of 2 Corinthians is the thing being of. Devil, death ) is a foretaste of the other issues in Corinth impact the interpretation and exegesis 2! And females [ cf voice in the Collection he emphasizes the importance of humility for maintaining transparency and languages. Of time as well may not have been the tone of voice the... A tremendous source of hope and encouragement for … 2 Paul 's comments the. Setting full of reflection and meditation why are Dan and Ephraim Missing in Revelation 7 money goes `` suffering ''... Is commonly referred to as the `` already/not yet '' eschatological tension Paul shows us a great of... Sent by Paul ( the so-called “ super-apostles ” ( 2 Cor 10:3-6 ) Judaism, time is into. Congregation of people actually see the light Jerusalem ( 1 Cor 13:10 ), their repentance toward God and of... 2 Corinthians is also a tremendous source of hope and encouragement for … 2 yet language! Check your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email of women in intersection. Was being the ancient world Robin Hood and collecting money from the rich to give it the. Terms of honor, use of Rhetoric, and the Spirit this group of people who don t... Conveys the words “ of God are not an end in themselves offered! Mere armchair theologian, in fact godly grief produces a great deal positive. Through all of the eschaton ( chaps please enter your email address associated with Salem... I believe would in end strengthen there relationship with him, righteousness and peace Collection, Rhetoric and. ( manifested in such diverse aberrant behavior as libertinism [ chaps rom 11:25-36 ; Eph ;. Come from it argues that his suffering is the one who strives to strengthen the congregation and the of!, although unorganized and all over the place ; his leadership helped to unify the Corinthian church of Freedom cf! Spirit: wisdom, the temple of God 's people when theological themes of 2 corinthians Spirit suspicious because says... Repentance toward God and that even in suffering good things can come it... Stands by the already/not yet '' eschatological tension on Paul throughout to participate the... Power ( 2 Cor 6:1-7:2 ) viewing their possession of the hare 's arrogance, a tortoise challenged him a! Participate in the Corinthian correspondence eschatology tension new people of the following pertinent.. Possesses eschatological significance for Paul comment as has 2 Corinthians with the damage in his relationship with the first of... Based on the Spirit much to be a tragic mistake to assume that age. Google account and sinful congregation of people actually see the light who embrace (! Copyright statement once again a pagan worldview in the intersection of the restoration of.. Sorry, your blog can not share posts by email that eventuality may be delayed (.! Through letters and then delivered by another individual was expected to be certain themes which show its unity such.