Introducing our new series in 2 Corinthians - Strength through Weakness
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Cor 4:7)
Perhaps the best way you can prepare for and engage with this series is to read Paul’s letter for yourself. After all, it is a letter and was intended to be read to the church in its entirety. In this recording I have done my best to try and capture something of Paul’s heart and tone behind his words. Before or after you listen you may wish to read on below to gain something of the context of the letter.
Paul’s second (or fourth - more of that later!) letter to the Corinthians is deeply pastoral. He pleads with them, he forgives them, he rebukes them, he inspires them and he loves them. Most of all he shows them the surpassing glory contained in the person, message and mission of Jesus.
Paul wants to demonstrate to the church that just as his life and ministry is modelled on the Lord Jesus, so should theirs be. To believe the Gospel is to receive the blessings of a scorned, crucified Saviour. Just as the power of the cross and resurrection is made available to us through the apparent weakness and humility of Christ, so our own lives are to follow this ‘upside down’, cruciform way of life. As we scorn worldly definitions of success and strength, embracing weakness, so we unleash the mighty power of God in and through us.
This power brings about such joyous things as comfort (1:3-5), forgiveness (2:7), freedom (3:17), perseverance (4:7-13), generosity (ch 8 & 9) and the reaching of new people and planting of new churches (4:15, 5:19-20; 10:15-18).
So, as we teach this series from September to March, let us first allow this profound letter to to penetrate and soften our own hearts. May it free us of all that so easily entangles and enable us to do the same for others. May we face and repent of our desire for comfort and for the approval of man. May we find that the abundant life we so yearn for is found in becoming ‘new creations’ (5:17) and then living as ‘ambassadors’ (5:20) - whatever the cost - for the Saviour who made it all possible and whose sweet ‘aroma’ (2:15) we carry with us. May we be joyfully content to be a mere ‘jar of clay’ when it is ‘treasure’ that we carry within (4:7).
Context and structure
It seems that Paul’s second letter - written AD 55/56 - may in fact be his 4th!
1 Corinthians 5:9 mentions a previous letter
1 Corinthians itself
The severe, tearful letter mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2: 3-4
2 Corinthians itself
Having founded the church in Corinth (Acts 18) and moved on, things begin to go badly and so Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to correct things, both in theology and practice. But it seems many had rejected his authority and teaching so he came in person on a ‘painful visit’ (referenced in 2 Cor 2:1) and wrote a third anguished letter (2 Cor 2:3-4), since lost.
Rather than visiting again on his way to Macedonia, he decided ‘not to make another painful visit to you’(2:1) for fear of further inflaming things. Instead, he carried on to Macedonia where, reunited with Titus, who gives him an encouraging report, he writes 2 Corinthians. He also wants to exhort the church to contribute generously to the gift to the impoverished Jerusalem church; something he will collect when he does then visit Corinth on his way back.
By now, most of the church had apologised to reconcile with Paul and he wants to assure them of his forgiveness and his love for them. Nevertheless, a minority remain rebellious and continue to challenge his credentials, influenced it seems by some apostolic rivals. To this group, Paul is bullish in his defence, whilst repeatedly demonstrating his humility and willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ, His church and His mission.
I would highly recommend The Bible Project’s 8 min video summarising 2 Corinthians, and the recording of 2 Corinthians.