Second Corinthians Introduction
The City of Corinth Geographical Location: “A glance at the map of Greece will show that Corinth was made for greatness. The southern part of Greece is very nearly an island. On the west the Saronic Gulf deeply indents the land and on the east the Corinthian Gulf. All that is left to join the two parts of Greece together is a little isthmus only four miles across. On that narrow neck of land Corinth stands. It was necessary that all the north to south traffic of Greece should pass through Corinth; there was no other way for it to go. All traffic from Athens (56 miles distant) and from the north of Greece to Sparta and the Peloponnese had to be routed through Corinth. But it so happened that not only the north to south traffic of Greece passed through Corinth of necessity, but by far the greater part of the east to west traffic of the Mediterranean passed through her from choice. The extreme southern tip of Greece was known as Cape Malea. It was a dangerous cape, and to round Cape Malea had in ancient days much the same sound and implications as to round Cape Horn had in later times. The Greeks had two sayings which showed what they thought of the voyage round Malea—‘Let him who sails round Malea forget his home’, and, ‘Let him who sails round Malea first make his will’. The consequence was that mariners followed one of two courses. They sailed up the Saronic Gulf, and, if their ships were small enough, they dragged them out of the water, and set them on rollers, and hauled them across the isthmus, and re-launched them on the other side. The isthmus was actually called the ‘Diokos’, the place of dragging across. If that course was not possible because the ship was too large the cargo was disembarked, carried by porters across the isthmus, 1
and re-embarked on another ship at the other side. This four mile journey across the isthmus, where the Corinth Canal now runs, saved a journey of two hundred and two miles. Around Corinth were clustered three other towns, Lechaeum at the west end of the isthmus, Cenchrea at the east end and Schoenus, just a short distance away”. 1 “It was situated on a plateau overlooking the Isthmus of Corinth about two miles from the Gulf. It lay at the foot of Acrocorinth, an acropolis which rises precipitously to 1,886 ft. and was so easily defended in ancient times that it was called one of the ‘fetters of Greece’”. 2 Historical Background: “The city's history is essentially in two parts. As a Greek city-state it flourished both before and after the golden years of Athens (Fifth Century B.C.), but as leader of the Achaean League in the mid-second century B.C., it came into conflict with Rome and was destroyed by the Roman consul Lucius Mummius in 146 B.C. The site lay dormant for one hundred years, until it was refounded in 44 B.C. by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony”. 3 “While it retained its own colonial administration, it was from 27 B.C. the seat of government of the Roman province of Achaia”. 4 “She was a very ancient city. Thucydides, the Greek historian, claims that it was in Corinth that the first triremes, the Greek battleships, were built. Legend has it that it was in Corinth that the Argo was built, the ship in which Jason sailed the seas, searching for the golden-fleece”. 5 The Inhabitants of Corinth: “Corinth, says Farrar, ‘Was the Vanity Fair of the Roman Empire. It was into the midst of this mongrel and heterogeneous population of Greek adventurers and Roman bourgeois, with a tainting infusion of Phoenicians, this mass of Jews, ex-soldiers, 1
The Letters to the Corinthians. William Barclay pp. 1-2
2
Zond. Pictorial Ency. 'Corinth' p. 960
3 1
The First Epistle to the Corinthians. NICNT. Gordon D. Fee p.
4 The New Century Bible Commentary I & II Corinthians. F.F. Bruce p. 18 5
Barclay p. 3 2
philosophers, merchants, sailors, freedmen, slaves, trades-people, hucksters, and agents of every form of vice’. It was a city, says Moffat, where ‘Greeks, Latins, Syrians, Asiatics, Egyptians and Jews bought and sold, labored and revelled, quarreled and hob-nobbed, in its cities and its ports, as nowhere else in Greece’”. 6 “Men called her The Bridge of Greece, someone called her The Lounge of Greece. Corinth was the Piccadilly Circus of the Mediterranean world”. 7 Its Fame and Fortune: “As the description by Strabo some fifty years later (6 A.D.) makes abundantly clear, prosperity returned to the city almost immediately. Since money attracts people like dead meat attracts flies. Corinth quickly experienced a great influx of people from both West and East, along with the attendant gains and ills of such growth”. 8 Someone accurately called Corinth a "boom town". “Its wealth was derived from its commercial traffic by sea and by land, its pottery and brass industries, and its political importance as the capital of Achaia. At its height it probably had a population of 200,000 free men and 500,000 slaves”. 9 “Corinth was the place where the Isthmian Games were held, and these games were second only to the Olympic Games in the ancient world. Corinth was a rich and populous city with one of the greatest commercial trades in the ancient world”. 10 Hence the appropriate illustration in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Its Reputation: “As often happens in such centers, vice and religion flourished side by side. Old Corinth had gained such a reputation for sexual vice that Aristophanes (ca. 450-385 B.C.) coined the verb ‘korinthiazo’ (to act like a Corinthian, that is, to commit fornication)”. 11 “In Roman times the city was notorious as a place of wealth and 6
McGuiggan pp. 5-6
7
Barclay p. 2
8
Fee p. 2
9
Zond. Ency. p. 961
10
Barclay p. 2
11
Fee p. 2 3
indulgence. ‘To live as a Corinthian’ meant to live in luxury and immorality”. 12 “Aelian, the late Greek writer, tells us that if ever a Corinthian was shown upon the stage in a Greek play he was shown drunk. Above the isthmus there towered the hill of the Acropolis, and on it there stood a great temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. To that temple there were attached one thousand priestesses who were sacred prostitutes, and at evening time they descended from the Acropolis and plied their trade upon the streets of Corinth, until it became a Greek proverb, ‘It is not every man who can afford a journey to Corinth’”. 13 “Corinth is equally remembered for venereal disease (‘the Corinthian sickness’). Unger notes, ‘Two vices plagued the town--greed for material gain and lust.’ Paul will speak again and again about thievery, covetousness and extortion. n a town of big business, where property and money would be changing hands, where contracts were being made--in a town like that, court cases couldn't be a surprise”. 14 Therefore we better understand the warnings against greed and immorality (1 Corinthians 6:1-11,13-20; 10:6,8; 2 Corinthains 7:1; 12:20-21). Its Religious Atmosphere: “Corinth was a worshiping city. The most prominent, of course, was Aphrodite, but there were many others, the sea-god Poseidon was specially honored. Corinth paid respect, in Paul's words, to many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’ (1 Corinthians 8:5). Archaeology has un-covered shrines to Apollo, Asclepius and other gods in this city”. 15 “The religious expression of Corinth was as diverse as its population. Pausanias describes at least 26 sacred places devoted to the ‘gods many’”. 16 In summation, Fee notes, “All of this evidence together suggests that Paul's Corinth was at once the New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas of the ancient world” (p. 3). The Church in Corinth Paul's second preaching tour had started by strengthening established 12
Zond. Ency. p. 961
13
Barclay p. 3
14
McGuiggan p. 7
15
McGuiggan p. 7
16
Fee p. 3 4
congregations in Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:41). Timothy joined Paul and Silas in Lystra (16:1-3), Luke joined the group in Troas (16:8-9 “they”, “us”). He converted Lydia and her household in Philippi (16:14-15), and was also arrested and imprisoned for a short time. The gospel message found good response initially in Thessalonica (17:4), but Paul had to flee to Berea (17:10). Success was also found in Berea (17:11-12) and yet he had to flee again, this time to Athens (17:13-14). In Athens the gospel message found only a few honest hearts (17:34), such must have been somewhat discouraging to Paul, to preach in the intellectual capital of the Roman Empire and to be given only a lukewarm response by many. After Athens he comes to Corinth. While the philosophy of Athens was the "worship of philosophy" (Acts 17:21); the Corinthian ideal was the "worship of bodily pleasure". “The ideal of the Corinthian was the reckless development of the individual, the man who recognized no superior and no law but his own desires”. 17 Having come to Corinth, Paul meets a Jewish man named Aquila and his wife Priscilla, who had very recently come from Rome, due to a decree given by Claudius Caesar (c. A.D. 49). Paul will stay in Corinth for at least 18 months (Acts 18:11) longer than in any other city, with the exception of Ephesus. “On July 1, A.D. 51, Lucius Junius Gallio (Acts 18:12) arrived in Corinth as proconsul of Achaia (this we knew from a rescript of Claudius to the Dephians)”. 18 “Gallio was famous for his charm and his gentleness. The Jews tired to take advantage of Gallio's newness and good nature and brought Paul to trial before him” 19 (Acts 18:12-17). Paul would later sail away from Corinth (18:18) in the spring of 52 or 53 A.D. Order of events since the First Corinthian Letter Timothy had visited Corinth and was now with Paul: (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:1). A quick visit by Paul to Corinth? 17
McGuiggan p. 6
18
F.F. Bruce p. 19
19
Barclay p. 5 5
At the end of this letter Paul tells the Corinthians to prepare themselves, for he is coming to see them, and this visit will constitute the "third time I am coming to you" (2 Corinthians 13:1). Prior to the writing of the First Corinthian letter, we have only one recorded visit by Paul to Corinth in the book of Acts (Acts 18). In the First Corinthian letter Paul is intending to come to Corinth (4:18-19; 16:3-7), and yet, according to this second letter, Paul said he was coming to them a third time (2 Corinthians 12:14). Since we only have two recorded visits of Paul to Corinth (Acts 18, 20), this makes some think that Paul visited Corinth after the first letter, a visit that did not seem to help the situation at all. Two other lines of evidence can be cited for a short visit between these letters: A change in travel plans had taken place and certain members in Corinth had criticized Paul for this change (2 Corinthians 1:15-17). “The words of 1:23 ‘To spare you I came not as yet to Corinth’, and of 2:1 ‘I determined that I would not come again to you in heaviness’ implying a recent and a painful visit, for the original visit to Corinth when the church was founded could scarcely be said to have been undertaken in sorrow”. 20 Intense persecution had hit Paul in Asia (2 Corinthians 1:8-10: Evidently the opposition that Paul had mentioned at the close of the first letter had erupted in a very severe persecution (16:9). Titus had been sent to Corinth: (2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:6) Apparently, before dispatching Titus, the arrangement had been that Titus would go to Corinth (by sea) and Paul would head north towards Troas (by land) to preach, and that they would meet in Troas. Paul was so concerned about the situation in Corinth, that he wanted the most reliable and up to date information possible. Not to mention the fact, that he had sent his best men to try to improve the situation. Paul cannot wait for Titus at Troas: (2 Corinthians 2:12-13)
20 The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. R.V.G. Tasker p. 17 6
Even though Troas contained many opportunities to preach, the situation in Corinth is such a heavy load upon Paul's mind that he just can't wait for Titus. He decided to travel on so that he might meet Titus even sooner. In Macedonia Paul meets Titus and the news is good: (2 Corinthians 7:5-16) The Corinthians had exercised discipline upon the incestuous man (2:6ff). “They had been genuinely grieved by the letter, but their grief was not born of personal annoyance or wounded pride; it was not the sorrow of the world, but a godly sorrow productive of good works (7:9)” (Tasker p. 21). The bulk of the congregation had demonstrated that Paul's confidence in them had been a correct judgment (7:14), and Titus had formed close bonds with many of them (7:15). The Condition of the Church False teachers were among them: (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) While we are not sure where these false brethren had come from, this letter does reveal the accusations which they had made against Paul. “This minority was alleging that Paul's word was not to be trusted--that he wrote or promised one thing, but did another (2 Corinthians 1:15-17). It was being said further that Paul's genuineness as an apostle was suspect because he had not come to Corinth with letters of commendation (3:1). They were suggesting that Paul was brave from a distance, writing impressive letters, but, when present, was the opposite of impressive both in authority and in oratory (10:10; 11:6). They asserted that the message preached by Paul was not worth listening to because, unlike the Greek rhetoricians, he made no charge for proclaiming it (11:7ff). They had even whispered that Paul's unwillingness to allow the Corinthians to contribute to his material needs was an indication that he had no love for them (11:11, 12:13ff), and had invented the shocking calumny that his financial independence was to be explained by the supposition that he was lining his own pockets with the money which he was collecting for the relief of the Christians in Jerusalem (8:20; 12:17)”. 21 The contribution for the poor saints was in jeopardy: 21 NICOT. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Philip E. Hughes p. xix. 7
With enthusiasm Titus had volunteered to return to Corinth to ensure that the collection would be ready when Paul returned (2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5). The churches in Macedonia, though poor, had given far beyond what Paul had expected (8:1-5) and this should motivate the Corinthians to get busy and gather what they had promised. Unrepentant members still existed among them: (2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2) “On this visit he will be ready, if necessary, to punish any who are still disobedient (10:6). Nor will he on this visit adjust his principles to suit those who may still be sneering. He will continue to wage war, as in the past, on the party-strife, the petty jealousies and the endless arguments that have such a disintegrating effect on the Christian fellowship (12:20); and he will continue to be wholly uncompromising about immoral practices (12:21). Nor will he lightly pass over insinuations which may still be made against his own character (13:1-2). Before he comes, then, he calls upon each one of them to examine himself again and discover the faults that need to be rectified (13:5)” (Tasker pp. 22-23). Date of this Letter It was written from Macedonia after Titus had arrived with the good news (7:6;8:1718). The time of year was after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8), and yet before winter (16:6). “The first Epistle was written from Ephesus in the spring of A.D. 57, and this one from Macedonia, probably in September or October of the same year” (McGarvey p. 167). Themes in the Letter A self-portrait of Paul: “Dominant motives in Paul's life were gratitude to God and Christ (1:3; 5:14), reverent awe before the Lord (5:10-11) and genuine love for the churches (2:4; 11:11). The churches which he founded were his special joy and concern (2:2,3). As a Christian, Paul willingly suffered with Christ (1:5). Moreover, he gloried in 8
infirmities (12:9) and was content with weaknesses, insults, persecutions and calamities for the sake of Christ. Although he had been robbed, starved, and imprisoned many times, and although he had to endure the agony of a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (12:7) as well as the ‘care of all the churches’ (11:28), he was a living witness to the power of Christ in his life (12:9). Integrity and faithfulness characterize his ministry, with toil and suffering being indelible marks identifying him as a true apostle (1:12; 6:3-10; 11:23-29)”. 22 Because of the accusations being leveled against him, much of this letter, especially chapters 10-13 comprise a defense of his character. This letter reveals a tremendous amount of "personal feelings". What did Paul feel like when in the midst of persecution? When engaged in church problems? When attacked by professed Christians? Suffering for Christ: (1:5-10; 4:8-18; 6:5-10; 11:23-28; 12:1-10) The integrity of God's true servants: (1:17-2:1; 2:17; 3:1-5; 4:2; 5:9-21; 7:1; 8:20-21; 10:3-18; 12:17-18). The Collection: (Chapters 8-9) The hope Christians have: (4:12-5:8; 1:20) New Covenant and the Old Covenant: (3:6-18) Moral Purity: (5:9,14-17; 6:14-7:1)
Vital Truths Revealed in the Letter It gives us a definition of true repentance: (7:9-11) It reveals that both the love of God (5:14-15) and the fear of God (5:11) are motivating factors in the lives of mature Christians. 22
Zond. Ency. p. 975 9
It reveals how a repentant brother is to be treated. (2:6-11). Gives us hope in the face of physical deterioration. (4:16-18). Gives the reasoning behind an unselfish life (5:14-21). Offers valuable principles which assist us in answering the question “how much should I give”? (8-9) Reveals just how much Paul had suffered for Christ. Informs us that set-backs, personal problems, persecution, temptation, trials, hardship, environment, church problems and so on never excuse unfaithfulness. “My grace is sufficient for you” (12:9). This last statement will condemn many on the day of judgment, even many professed Christians, because when we become unfaithful, seek to blame others or the circumstances, we are saying in effect, “God's grace is not sufficient in my case”, that is, God has failed me. God can be effectively and faithfully served, even by those with personal limitations: “Amid all the storm of passion Paul is ever under perfect self-control. He is ever the master of himself, sincere, intelligent, consistent. The great truths of Christian experience are made the more striking because of the surroundings in which they appear; and even the humblest duties are enforced by reference to the highest laws. Whatever the seeming difficultly of statement, whatever the obscurity of historic reference, Paul's majestic personality stands forth in this epistle. His limitations are nowhere more obvious; but his heroic greatness never appears more supreme. Yet all his virtues, his excellencies are evident reflections of an unseen Person in whose presence he is standing. The secret of his life is laid bare, his own impelling purpose is made plain, as we hear him passionately declare, ‘The love of Christ constraineth us’ (2 Corinthians 5:15)”. 23 Outline of the Letter Introduction:
1:1-2
23 The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. Charles R. Erdman pp. 15-16 10
I.
II.
III.
PAUL'S ACCOUNT OF HIS MINISTRY: A.
As to the Motive: 1-2
B.
As to the Message: 3-5
PAUL'S APPEAL TO HIS CONVERTS: A.
Concerning things spiritual: 6-7
B.
Concerning things material: 8-9
PAUL'S ANSWER TO HIS CRITICS: A.
The critics and their pretensions.
B.
The apostle and his credentials.
Conclusion: 13:11-14
24
Chapters 1-4
Chapters 6-9
Chapters 10-13
24
Explore The Book. J. Sidlow Baxter p. 126 11
