New Testament 101: Second Corinthians

In the beginning of this letter, Paul answers the concerns of the Christians in Corinth who accused him of not living up to his promise to visit them.  Paul had changed his mind for a good reason.  He had stayed along from Corinth so that he would not seem to be too hard and demanding (1: 23).  He also wanted to see if they would follow his instructions about forgiving and comforting people who had sinned (2: 5-11).

Paul reminds the Corinthians that God is generous and wants them to be just as generous in their giving to help God’s people in Jerusalem and Judea (8: 1-5, 15).

Paul is a servant of God’s new agreement (3: 1-7).  He is faithful in trying to bring people to God, even if it means terrible suffering for himself (4: 1-6, 13 and 10: 1-12).

And, what has God done to make it possible for us to come to him?

God has done it all!  He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.  What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world.  And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. (5: 18, 19).

A Quick Look at This Letter

Paul Gives Thanks to God (1: 1-11)
The Work of an Apostle for God’s People (1: 12-2: 17)
Guided by the Love of Christ (3:1-7, 16)
Gifts for the Poor (8:1-9, 15)
Paul is a True Apostle (10: 1-13, 10)
Final Greetings (13: 11-13)

Beryl

Quickening  by Bob Holmes

When your heart opens
like petals embracing the light,
and the chirping of birds
kisses your ears.

When the mist rises
and the winds quieten,
There in the stillness
as the dawn cradles your soul,
stirring you
to walk in dew-laden fields,

There I will greet you
in the center of your being,
to awaken you,
and to walk with you
in the splendor of light
that has always been your home.