A. Ralph Johnson
THEME: Paul's defense of his conduct and apostleship in response to opposition stirred up by the Judaizers.
"The Sandwich Book" –Middle section was encouragement to prepare the offering for Jerusalem.
Written around fall of A.D. 57 from Macedonia (2Cor. 9:2) on Paul’s 3rd missionary journey (Acts 20-21)
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CHAPTERS & KEY WORDS |
OUTLINE |
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1: Comfort |
INTRODUCTION (1:1-2) Greeting (1) Blessing (2) Thanksgiving for God’s comfort in afflictions. (1:3-7)
I. DEFENSE OF PAUL’S MINISTRY (1:8--7:16) A. Paul’s confidence in the face of death. (1:8-11) B. Nature of Paul's ministry (1:12--6:10) 1. Not in fleshly wisdom (1:12-14) 2. Not fickle but sincere concern for them. (1:15--2:13) a. God's promises not fickle (1:18-22) b. Coming delayed for them to solve the problem to avoid sorrow (1:23--2:4) |
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2: Restoration
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c. Desire for restoration of the offender (2:5-11) d. Concern to hear of them (2:12-13) 3. Not corrupting the word of God (2:14--4:6) a. Following God's leading (2:14-17) |
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3: Covenants |
b. Well known to you in love (3:1-5) |
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4: Treasure |
d. Our gospel not hidden or deceitful (4:1-6) 4. Acceptance of suffering (4:7--5:19 a. Confidence in the resurrection (4:7-15) b. Things not seen are eternal (4:16-18) |
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5: Tabernacle |
c. The heavenly tabernacle (5:1-10) d. Fear of the Lord (5:11-13) e. Love of Christ (5:14-15) f. New creature in Christ (5:16-17) g. Reconciled to God (5:18-19) C. Appeal for acceptance (5:20--7:4) 1. Paul -ambassador of Christ a. Be reconciled to God (5:20-21) |
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6: Yoked |
b. Now is the day (6:1-2) c. Faithfulness in their behalf (6:3-10) 2. Call for demonstration of sincerity (6:11--7:4) a. Reciprocal affection (6:11-13) b. Separated living (6:14--7:1) |
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7: Sorrow |
c. Plea for open hearts (7:2-4) D. Comfort in them (7:5-16) 1. News from Titus (7:5-7) 2. Joy for godly sorrow unto repentance (7:8-12) 3. Joy that his confidence in them was justified (7:13-16)
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II. JERUSALEM OFFERING (chap. 8 & 9) |
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8: Giving |
A. Joy over the nature of their giving (8:1-24)
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9: Cheerful |
B. Providence of God's giving (9:1-15) |
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III. DEFENSE OF PAUL’S APOSTLESHIP (10:1--13:10) |
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10: Defense |
A. Earnest appeal (10:1-18) |
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11: Foolish |
B. Ironic appeal (11:1--12:1) 1. Foolish (11:1-15) 2. Boastful (11:16 -29) 3. Weakness (11:30--12:13) |
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12: Paradise |
(continued 12:1-13) C. Explanation of delayed third visit (12:14--13:10) 1. Not to be a burden (12:14-18) 2. To avoid disappointment (12:19-21) |
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13: Coming |
3. Charge to resolve problems (13:1-10)
CONCLUSION (13:11-14)
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