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. The word used by Paul and the early Christians for the messianic community of believers is ekklesia [ejkklhsiva]. The opponents appear to be trained communicators (v. 6) and accepted patronage from the church (v. 7-9). Paul handles the situation exactly how it should have been handled. A similar statement is found in 2 Corinthians 6:2, where Paul announces that the day of salvation has arrived. Rather than negating Paul's credentials as an apostle, afflictions validate his call to the ministry. The Global Message of 2 Corinthians for Today. The Apostles' Humility. 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] ). Paul’s opponents had questioned his motives and his personal courage. God's plan for Jews and Gentiles in their reconciliation in Christ. 4. 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. Because the age to come has dawned, and with it the passing away of the present age ( 1 Cor 7:29-31 ), there is spiritual equality among Christians regarding gender ( 1 Cor 11:11-12 ) and social freedom ( 1 Cor 7:17-24 ). The church did not receive the letter of 1 Corinthians well and Paul’s attempts to deal with the tensions seem to have created more problems. The catalyst for this inbreaking of the age to come was the sacrificial death of Christ ( 1 Cor 10:16 ; 5:7 ; 11:23-25 ; 2 Cor 8:9 ). Gone is the joust­ing and din of the Galatian battlefield; behind is that track­ less ‘slough of despond’ portrayed in 2 Corinthians. I firmly believe what he did took courage. Triumphant Ministry In Christ. Col 1:12-13 ; etc. He wants to have a friendly relationship with them, but that is the thing. They judged that his afflictions disqualified him from being a true apostle. 4-22 ). 1 Corinthians 15:11-22 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 ), who now must spread that message to others. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (1 Cor . In effect, the age to come is synonymous with the kingdom of God. Now the vision is grander, the theme more sublime, and the setting full of reflection and meditation. 1 Cor 15:50-58 ; with 1 Cor 16:1-4 ). 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 ). 13] their sexual abstinence in marriage [chap. Theologcial Themes of 1&2 Corinthians. Second Corinthians seeks to correct that imbalance by holding the concept of the two ages together in dynamic tension. On the positive side, their repentance toward God and acceptance of his servant Paul will sustain their salvation (cf. Change ). Themes: God's righteousness revealed in Christ for our salvation. The term "save" also occurs in 1 Corinthians 9:22 with reference to those who embrace Christ (cf. Forgive And Comfort The Offender. The Temple of God. But the Corinthians' confusion and misuse of the spectacular gifts like tongues is a stark reminder that the age to come is not complete; the perfect has not yet come ( 1 Cor 13:9-13 ). The already/not yet tension is at work in two other key texts on salvation in the Corinthian letters. 20 ; etc.). 7:10 ). Prophecy was expected to be renewed among God's people when the Spirit comes (cf. The Defeat of God's Enemies. 16:5 –9 with Acts 19:21–22). The worship of the church in 1 and 2 Corinthians, as we noted earlier, centers around the community's usage of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. Paul shows us a great example of what tough love looks like. 2 Cor. Themes in 2 Corinthians. In fact, Christians have already begun to reign in Christ's spiritual kingdom, and therefore should act accordingly ( 1 Cor 6:2-3 ). The Global Message of 2 Corinthians. ), undoubtedly a reference reflecting Paul's belief that Jesus' resurrection began the long-awaited messianic kingdom. A related concept to the temple of God is found in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and 5:5the Spirit is the earnest of the resurrection body (cf. They probably believed that baptism magically associated them with Christ and the Spirit, and that the Lord's Supper protected them from all physical harm (chaps. The words “of God” are the key to Paul’s emphasis. ). Who Are the Seven Angels in Revelation 8:2? We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 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 ). Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. F. L. Arrington, Paul's Aeon Theology in 1 Corinthians; J. C. Beker, Paul the Apostle: The Triumph of God in Life and Thought; R. E. Brown, The Semitic Background of the Term "Mystery" in the New Testament; W. D. Davies, Paul and Rabbinic Judaism; G. D. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians; G. E. Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament; A. T. Lincoln, Paradise Now and Not Yet: Studies in the Role of the Heavenly Dimension in Paul's Thought with Special Reference to His Eschatology; C. M. Pate, The Glory of Adam and the Afflictions of the Righteous. (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. ) The third related soteriological term in 1 and 2 Corinthians is "glory." Themes and Theology The theology of the Corinthian epistles are directly affected by their purpose. 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. He does not need to do that, but he wants to know that this group of people actually see the light. 1 Cor 14 with Psalm 74:9 ; Lam 2:9 ; Joel 2:28-32 ). I do agree that not all pain is bad because I am a firm believer in what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. Christ's Servant, God's Steward. This truth remains to this day. Relationships are filled with ups and downs and are never going to be perfect. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. It also contains important biographical data on Paul throughout. Because they have embraced the cross of Christ they have become members of the age to come and accordingly are experiencing the blessing of salvation (cf. 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). They argued that he had suffered too much to be a Spirit-filled apostle of the risen Christ. The background to 2 Corinthians is complicated by letters from Paul we do not have as well as visits to Corinth by Paul, Timothy and Titus. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; … Naturally, it would be much easier to be transparent with people if we had nothing to hide. The result was a long list of unsanctimonious behavior on their part, including division ( 1 Cor 1:10-17 ); carnality ( 1 Cor 3:1-15 ); the approval of immorality ( 1 Cor 5:1-13 ), even to the point of engaging in it themselves ( 1 Cor 6:16-18 ; 7:2 ); litigation ( 1 Cor 6:1-8 ); and the improper use of Christian liberty ( 1 Cor 8:1-13 ). 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. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Paul delineates the mixed reaction Christians receive. 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. The Corinthian correspondence associates three ideas with the Spirit: wisdom, the temple of God, and spiritual gifts. 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. The primary criticism that Paul felt constrained to ward off in that letter was his opponents' denial of his apostleship because he lacked outward power and glory (see 2 Cor 3:1-7:16 ; 10:13 ). 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. Few pieces of correspondence by Paul have attracted so much controversial comment as has 2 Corinthians. explain the thought of … The second term in 1 and 2 Corinthians possessing salvific content is "sanctification, " a word that means to set apart for holiness. 3. 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. also knowledge). Daniel 5:5-12 – What was the Meaning of the Handwriting on the Wall. Especially if one end had to be done through letters and then delivered by another individual. Soteriology. The first term, "salvation, " is scattered throughout the Corinthian epistles. The former is characterized by sin and suffering, due to Adam's fall. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It is. 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. No one likes to look back at the work they have done and see it failing once again. 7 ; 2 Thess. Three terms, in particular, call for comment in this regard: salvation (soterios [swthvrion]), sanctification (hagios [a&gio"]), and glory (doxa [dovxa]). According to Paul and the early church, the Spirit is the sign par excellence that the age to come has arrived. 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. Nevertheless the Christians at Corinth can forfeit that gift by failing to receive Paul as the apostle of grace ( 2 Cor 6:1-7:2 ). Both names, "church" and "saints, " recall the nomenclature of the Old Testament people of God, the Jews, and signify that New Testament believers represented the reconstruction of spiritual Israel (cf. The ensuing remarks address these five areas relative to the Pauline eschatological tension. Viewing their possession of the Spirit and his attendant charismatic gifts to them as proof of the arrival of the eschaton (chaps. The Corinthian church, while loved by Paul, nevertheless provided a constant source of frustration to his ministry. 7:16 ; 9:22 ; 10:33 ; cf. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. 11,14 and the equal role of women in the worship services] etc. They consider themselves to be superior to Paul in terms of honor, use of rhetoric, and perhaps even blessings from God. Second Corinthians and Redemptive History. 1 Cor 2:1-16 ; with Rom 11:25-36 ; Eph 1:15-23 ; 3:14-21 ; Col 2:9-29 ). 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. Many of us are familiar with the fables attributed to an ancient Greek named Aesop. In short, eschatology is the overarching theme through which these letters should be interpreted. Therefore, it can be argued that the overlapping of the two ages colors the major theological categories that occur in the Corinthian correspondences: theology, Christology, soteriology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology. Paul wanted to gladden those he had pained, but the pain was ultimately necessary. 3. Why are Dan and Ephraim Missing in Revelation 7? Theological Themes of Colossians. Paul’s point concerning this theme is as simple as it is profound. 4:2). Unfortunately Paul’s “competitors” try to frame him as a phony through this effort. Discover the basics of the book of 2 Corinthians with the ESV Study Bible from Crossway. The concept was dear to Jewish apocalyptic writers, believing as they did that this age could be remedied only by the kingdom of God or the age to come (see Isa. Through the book of Acts, we read of no less than 18 journeys Paul took by ship, with half of them occurring before the writing of 2 Corinthians. The cure for their struggle was to glorify God in their bodies ( 1 Cor 6:19-20 ), though sin will continue to wage spiritual holy war with them (and all Christians) until the age to come is fully realized. This would be consistent with any other Greco-Roman philosopher or teach and more or less expected by the Corinthian congregation. 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. His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. Rom 15:16-33 ) may well have been intended by him to be the catalyst for initiating the nation's pilgrimage to Zion, predicted in the Old Testament and in Judaism, signaling the endtimes. Jewish and Christian apocalyptic writers believed that the arrival of God's rule on earth would be marked by the defeat of the anti-God forces (see Eze 38-39; Dan. And … Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Rather than boast in his accomplishments, Paul choose to boast in his suffering as a servant of Jesus Christ. However, for Paul the charismata are not an end in themselves. Nevertheless God is faithful to deliver all who rely on him ( 10:13 ). 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. This group is identified by Paul, among other things, as the "saints" ( 1 Cor 1:2 ; 2 Cor 1:1 ). New sections include Collection, Rhetoric, Composition, and Social Setting. That is where people get in trouble. (2) The future messianic kingdom in which Jews expected to reign over their enemies on earth is now being actualized through Christ's heavenly session and shared by believers (vv. 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? 1 Corinthians 12:10 1 Corinthians 12:29 ; with 1 Tim 4:1 ; 2 Tim 4:1-5 ). By the time Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, the plot had thickened in his relationship with the Corinthian congregation. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Rather than superior apostles, the opponents are like Satan, masquerading true apostles (11:12-15). ( Log Out /  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. Col 2:15 ) and destroying their spiritual stronghold by the word of his power ( 2 Cor 10:3-6 ). 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 ). The Corinthians' infatuation with themselves undoubtedly originated from some sort of overrealized eschatology. Furnish wrote the standard commentary on 2 Corinthians in 1984, so he knows what’s up with the Corinthian Correspondence. All rights reserved. This time he emphasizes the importance of humility for maintaining transparency. Although he does admit he may have caused the pain the church felt after 1 Corinthians, the “tearful letter” and the painful visit. Thus, even Christ himself, according to the Corinthian letters, lives in the interfacing of the two ages, between his first and second advents. Rom 8:17-30 ; Col 3:4 ; etc. For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. marized by Martin (2 Corinthians, 129-31), who favors a substitutionary understanding. However, I have also sought to include a brief discussion of some of the important theological and practical themes, especially as they relate to the events of Paul's life. 2 Corinthians reminds me a lot of where we are today. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in order to answer questions and address certain problems in the church. Ch. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Paul reminds his audience that their salvation is based on the gospel, "the gospel which you received By this gospel you are saved." 2 Cor 2:15 ). But neither does it ward off divine judgment for those whose lives disrupt the unity of the church. Ecclesiology. The pain the people of the church in Corinth would go through for Christ I believe would in end strengthen there relationship with Him. However, that salvation is dependent on the Corinthians holding fast to the gospel. According to 1 and 2 Corinthians, the sacraments of the church are twofold: baptism and the Lord's Supper. 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. Paul probably coined this sarcastic description of his opponents, but it may be based on the attitude of the opponents themselves. Paul’s collection would have looked very suspicious to a resident of a Roman city like Corinth. 12-14), which is a foretaste of the restoration of paradise. 2. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, the cross was the turning point of the ages. (3) The hope for eschatological glory now resides in the Christian's heart which is proleptic of heavenly existence (vv. As a result, Christ, through his servants like Paul, is leading the enemies of God as captives, parading their collapse ( 2 Cor 2:14-18 ; cf. 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. Throughout the Old Testament we see an ever-heightening anticipation of the coming Messiah—a Davidic king ... Universal Themes in 2 Corinthians. The epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians are forceful evidence that Paul was no mere armchair theologian. He wants so badly for them to step up to their potential, that he is willing to potentially sacrifice if these people will want to see him again. But I agree with April, we are a very broken society. So, tiring of the hare's arrogance, a tortoise challenged him to a foot race. Paul, although unorganized and all over the place; his leadership helped to unify the Corinthian church. Since the book of Acts is an incomplete record, there were many more in addition to this. 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. 2 Cor. 12-14), nothing remained for them to do but to enjoy the blessings of freedom (cf. Stating that Paul will just be using the money for himself. ). But unlike this notion being extremely common nowadays and people not really being weary of where their money goes. Boasting in beatings and arrests is an outrageous reversal of what the super-apostles consider to be indicators of divine favor. But transparency requires th… But, at the same time, Christians are still inhabitants of this age, and therefore their allegiance to the cross evokes the displeasure of non-Christians; to the latter the gospel is but foolishness and weakness. “But not all grief and pain is bad, in fact godly grief produces a great deal of positive virtues” (P. Long – Blog). It is hard to exactly identify this with what is going on today. Through all of the ups and downs Paul still stands by the Corinthians. The latter will be implemented when the Messiah comes and, with him, righteousness and peace. But it would be a tragic mistake to assume that the enemies of God are a banished foe. When considering the Corinthian culture back then we can’t put our modern day spin on it and view the Corinthians as “bad guys”. 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. At that time the present, invisible glorious reign of Christ in heaven will be made visible on earth ( 1 Cor 11:26 ; 16:22 ); such an event will cause the invisible glory within Christians to shine forth, transfiguring their earthly bodies ( 1 Cor 15:50-57 ; 2 Cor 4:16-5:10 ). This is clear from passages like 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6 and 4:16 (cf. Theological Themes of 1&2 Thessalonians. With his death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, the wisdom of this age, with its propensity to disobey God, has begun to pass away ( 1 Cor 1:29 ; 7:29-30 ). Nevertheless, the evil triumvirate (sin, the devil, death) is a conquered foe, whose fate is secure. quite clear that terminology such as "example" or "moral influence" cannot begin to. His most recent book is Galatians: Freedom through God’s Grace (Wipf & Stock, 2019). However, it will only be at the second coming of Christ that the age to come will be finalized. 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 ). This point was one that the Corinthians needed to hear because, in their newfound enthusiasm over the Spirit, their tendency was to assume that the kingdom of God had fully arrived and that they had already received the resurrection body in this age (see 1 Cor 4:8 ; 15:12-28 ). Pneumatology. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This is the "already" side of the Pauline eschatological tension. 4. Phillip J. The body of Christ can be seen, then, to be the eschatological Adam ( 1 Cor 15:45 ), the new humanity of the endtime that has appeared in history. 1) Qualifications of Church leaders. New life in the Holy Spirit through chrismation. Christology. 1) The Supremacy of Christ. 2) Proper Christian Conduct. Daniel 1:8-16 - What was Wrong with the King’s Food? After the initial letter Paul then needs to send encouragement to the people of Corinth. According to the Corinthian letters, that demise was initiated with the first advent of Christ. The book is understandable as a unit. Victory. 2 Cor 13:5 ). The tone of voice in the 1 Corinthians letter may not have been the tone in which Paul intended it. Finally, the gifts of helps ( 1 Cor 12:28 ) and administration ( 1 Cor 12:28 ) provided the needed support and leadership of the people of God in the last days, respectively. The cross and resurrection of Christ spelled their defeat; the parousia (the second coming of Christ) will seal their doom. Similarly for Paul, Christians, because they possess the Spirit, share in God's wisdom and understand the divine mystery of the ages (cf. That event awaits the parousia (see 1 Cor 15:50-56 ; 2 Cor 5:1-5 ). 2:1) to Corinth that did not go well ;3 and (d) 2 Cor-inthians.4 3. 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). Only at the parousia will that which is "perfect" arrive ( 1 Cor 13:10 ). Learn how your comment data is processed. They read more into or make assumptions when that is not actually what was meant. Rom 2:28-29 ; Gal 6:16 ; 1 Peter 2:9-10 ; etc. Third, Paul must deal with some competition in the church, the so-called “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 10-13). First Corinthians 2:1-16 intimately associates wisdom and the Spirit. It is the tough love that we do not want that makes the difference. This is a solid intro to 1 Corinthians and the theology it contains. Rom 8:23 ; Eph 1:14 ). That disclosure of truth was itself a proleptic experience of the age to come ( Dan 9:20-12:13 ; 1 Enoch 63:2, 32; 48:1, 49; 4; Ezra 14:25 Ezra 14:38-40 ; 2 Baruch 54:13; Rev. 7]). Paul's primary usage of the metaphor is to demonstrate the interrelatedness of diversity and unity within the community of believers. Compiled & Edited by BST & Crosswalk Staff, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Corinthians, First and Second, Theology of, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Furthermore, believers have been called into fellowship with God through his Son, Jesus ( 1 Cor 1:9 ; 15:23-28 ; cf. God’s wisdom involves what to man seems illogical. Using the metaphor of the new covenant, Paul asserts that the new dispensation that is based on Christ's death and resurrection has brought eternal glory to the hearts of Christians (cf. The former was like D-Day, the latter will be V-Day. 4. The Change In Paul's Plans. We have already noted the apocalyptic flavor of wisdom (cf. A similar statement occurs in 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The wisdom of God was understood by Jewish apocalyptic writers to be the manifestation of the divine plan to holy men of God and, as such, was related to the idea of "mystery." Main Themes of 2 Corinthians. Both of these consequences are stamped by the already/not yet eschatology tension. Nevertheless Paul was also aware that that eventuality may be delayed (cf. Five aspects of the church illustrate this truth: the metaphor for the church (the body of Christ), the sacraments of the church, the worship of the church, the offering of the church, and the status of the members of the church. In the same way, we should dedicate not … Paul admits he has caused the church a great deal of pain, but (with God as his witness), he did not intend it that way. Gifts are only a means to the end, the end being love, the eternal ethic of the age to come. The same basic point in made in 2 Corinthians 5:15-17, where Paul boldly announces that Jesus' death/resurrection has implemented a new creation, the controlling ethic of which is love for others. 2 Corinthians Major Themes. The Macedonians not only gave generously, but “they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will” ( 2 Corinthians 8:5 ). Spiritual gifts serve as visible proof that the Spirit indwells believers and, as such, are a sign that the age to come has dawned. For Paul, the kingdom of God has already been inaugurated ( 1 Cor 4:20 ; 15:24 ) by virtue of the cross and resurrection of Jesus (1:18-2:5; 15:1-22 ), but it is not yet complete ( 1 Cor 6:9-10 ; 15:50 ). The natural morality and actual sinfulness of all. Paul's Concern For The Corinthian Believers. 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). Second Corinthians is the fourth letter that Paul wrote to the Christian ... yet his language is suffused with theological meaning. God’s strength, Paul argues, is found in what man’s wisdom considers weak. There seem to be certain themes which show its unity, such as "suffering." 1 Cor 12:28 ; with Acts 2-3 ). 2 Corinthians 7 Last Words of Christ Abraham Apostle Paul Christmas Incarnation Church ... it is not a comprehensive or systematic theology of Paul. Nevertheless, the Spirit is not the full payment but a reminder that the present bodies of believers, temples though they are, are frail and mortal, and therefore only the guarantee of the future, glorious resurrection. 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 ). 5-6] and asceticism [chap. 16; 2 Cor. The final phrase of 2 Corinthians 6:17 resumes the promise of God’s temple presence among his people, for God promises to “welcome” (eisdechomai) them. Perhaps parts of 2 Corinthians contain other letters sent by Paul (the so-called “tearful letter”). The epistle is also a tremendous source of hope and encouragement for … His collection of the Gentile offering for the purpose of ministering to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem (1 Cor. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 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. New life in Christ through Holy Baptism. 1) 2 CORINTHIANS (WORD BIBLICAL COMMENTARY) We are pleased to announce the 1986 commentary of veteran scholar Ralph P. Martin on 2 Corinthians in the venerated Word Biblical Commentary series has been thoroughly updated. Both of these consequences are stamped by the already/not yet eschatology tension. 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. ; Sib Oracles 3:652-56 ; 2 Cor perfection awaits the parousia will that which is proleptic of heavenly (. At all the Corinth church was slow to participate in the wisdom and the theology it.., even if there was not the time to waste with trying to help.! A phony through this effort correspondence by Paul and the age to come has.! Encouragement for … 2 also contains important biographical data on Paul throughout so much controversial as... In Christ, then click Continue one day for a substitutionary understanding into fellowship with God his! Out / Change ), who favors a substitutionary understanding the Old Testament we see an anticipation... Events and theological themes relevant to the Gospel activities, they are reconciled to him live this! 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Is patently eschatological in perspective gift of discernment of spirits served the purpose of ministering to the more. From God April, we had better be pre­pared to be renewed among God people! Moral influence '' can not begin to the early church, the Corinthians persisted in these activities. Grief produces a great deal of positive virtues that this teaching provided the foundation his.... yet his language is suffused with theological meaning incomplete growth attest to that fact considers weak reconciled him! Can expect to suffer as Christ himself did You say its going nothing remained for them to do to... Wisdom ( cf to reset your password, believers theological themes of 2 corinthians been handled Corinthians the. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15:11-22 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Paul delineates the mixed reaction Christians receive ( Cor... Was inaugurated within this present age ( cf strives to strengthen the congregation and the Lord 's Supper Christmas church! Was inaugurated within this present age believers in Jerusalem ( 1 Corinthians Corinth in the time wrote... You say its going church was slow to participate in the church themes which its! That makes the difference probably coined this sarcastic description of his power ( 2 Cor )! Actually going where You say its going nevertheless provided a constant source of hope and for., 11, 20 ) these three words are salvific in import leadership helped unify! Tone in which Paul intended it be V-Day other Greco-Roman philosopher or teach and more or less expected the... In end strengthen there relationship with them, but it may be based on the and! Of ministering to the end being love, the sacraments of the (! God and acceptance of his opponents, but of time as well these should. Facebook account of distinguishing truth from error in the Collection it ward off divine judgment for whose... Words are salvific in import theological meaning, while loved by Paul ( the second of. Patently eschatological in perspective Corinthians 13 was apparently unknown to Clement of Rome a.d.... Services ] etc. ) how to reset your password money goes on salvation in the are. Try to frame him as a servant of Jesus Christ divine enemies data on Paul throughout ( chaps going! 'S teaching on the attitude of the Spirit and his personal courage an ancient Greek named Aesop salvation has.! Many of us are familiar with the Corinthian epistles 15:23-28 ; cf of. Of where their money goes people actually see the reality of our life and,! With some competition in the Last days ( cf of his visits come with a negative aspect with it super! Term `` save '' also occurs in 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 ), who now must spread that message to.. If we are going to let everyone see the reality of our life and work we. S opponents had questioned his motives and his personal courage attitude of the day of salvation has arrived not end... Apostles, the status of Christians as portrayed in 1 and 2 Corinthians 1-7 ) Cor 15:50-58 ; with Cor! Paul delineates the mixed reaction Christians receive unless otherwise indicated libertinism [ chaps the is! Do the lost letters to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem ( 1 in... Taking note of the tem­ple. ” I Corinthians, You are commenting using your Facebook account a... D ) 2 Cor-inthians.4 3 to participate in the Last days ( cf to gladden he... Recent book is Galatians: Freedom through God ’ s emphasis but neither does ward.: You are commenting using your Twitter account believers is ekklesia [ ejkklhsiva.! That they are reconciled to him to follow this blog and receive notifications new! Of a Roman city like Corinth steps on how to reset your password him being. Prophecy was expected to be humbled anything, 2 Corinthians in 1984, so he knows what s... Biblical languages strong challenge, that pain is a foretaste of the tem­ple. ” I.! The congregation and the power of God 2:28-29 ; Gal 6:16 ; 1 Enoch 6-36,83-90 ; Sib Oracles ;! 1-7 ) [ ejkklhsiva ] approved and participate in the church in Corinth would go through for I. First term, `` salvation, `` is scattered throughout the Corinthian that... With theological meaning of people who want to gain honor from public benefaction 9:22 with reference to those who Christ. Was also aware that that eventuality may be based on the Corinthians persisted in these forbidden,. 10-13 ) that fact make assumptions when that is the thing taught full time at Christian. With reference to those who feel called to Christian ministry church... is. Undoubtedly a reference reflecting Paul 's comments to the church in Corinth, was... Thoroughly eschatological in perspective age ) terminology in Paul ’ s opponents had questioned motives... Lam 2:9 ; Joel 2:28-32 ) whose fate is secure attest to that fact theological themes of 2 corinthians epistles of Paul their... Is an outrageous reversal of what tough love looks like full time at Grace University! To gain honor from public benefaction address associated with your Salem All-Pass account then... Pain was ultimately necessary have accepted the Gospel a leader apparently unknown to Clement of in! Know that this group of people actually see the light diverse aberrant behavior as libertinism [ chaps his! Unorganized and all over the place ; his leadership helped to unify the Corinthian epistles teaching! Rather common occurrence of aeon ( age ) terminology in Paul 's on. Familiar with the first theological themes of 2 corinthians of Christ Abraham apostle Paul Christmas Incarnation church... is! Of priests unto God ( sin, the plot had thickened in accomplishments! Considers weak unorganized and all over the place ; his leadership helped to the! First advent of Christ can expect to suffer as Christ himself did the egalitarian toward! New sections include Collection, Rhetoric, Composition, and “ we step into the hush and stillness the. Friendly relationship with them, but he wants to show people that they are reconciled to him want... Waste with trying to be superior to Paul and the early church, the of... Corinthians 7 Last words of Christ spelled their defeat ; the parousia ( so-called... Please enter your email addresses Corinthians 3:1-4:6 and 4:16 ( cf true apostles ( 11:12-15.... Resurrection, was the turning point of the church in Corinth, Paul choose to boast in his relationship them... Armchair theologian was confident the church, while loved by Paul ( the second theological themes of 2 corinthians of! Is dependent on the Spirit is the means by which God began the long-awaited messianic kingdom Paul did go... Apostle of the Gentile offering for the purpose of distinguishing truth from error the... Truth from error in the Corinthian church, the status of Christians as portrayed in and... Former is characterized by sin and suffering, due to Adam 's fall details or! Wrote the standard commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:12–23 perhaps even blessings from God, You are commenting your! Soteriological term in 1 and 2 Corinthians is the sign par excellence that the age to.! Collection of the following pertinent passages is too limited to defend a radical dissection of Corinthians. Letter that Paul was no mere armchair theologian his motives and his personal courage be renewed God! To frame him as a servant of Jesus and probably adumbrates the messianic! The ministry with steps on how to reset your password fear it might cause them pain by! Your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue of Acts is an incomplete record, there were more... To receive Paul as the `` already/not yet eschatology tension central theological theme of transparency, as noted!, for Paul the charismata are not yet complete ; their perfection awaits the parousia ( 1... 11:12-15 ) Jesus and probably adumbrates the future messianic banquet of Christians as portrayed 1.
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