By Gabe Hall

Audio of 2 Corinthians (1 hour, 5 min)

Introduction

  • The second of Paul’s epistles (letters) to the church (believers) in the Greek city of Corinth recorded for us in the Bible.  Likely written from Ephesus, around 56 A.D.  
  • Paul is the author of at least 13 books in the New Testament.  
  • Paul wrote this letter (like his previous) as a spiritual father correcting improper behavior and corrupt understanding of the gospel.  
  • Paul reminds his readers that our strength comes from Christ, not from ourselves.  
  • Why 2 Corinthians? (Personal account)  

A Quick Warning to Ourselves

  • 1 Corinthians 5:9 mentions an earlier epistle which Paul wrote to the church in Corinth.
  • Temptation “to think beyond what is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6)
  • Scripture (“what is written”) is infallible, not the human authors (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16)
  • Be careful not to stray from the gospel of Christ.  (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11; Gal. 1:6-10)
  • “More” doesn’t mean “missing.” (John 20:30, 31; 21:25)
  • Learn from Eden. (cf. Genesis 3:1-6)

Comfort in Tribulation

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-9; 2:4; 4:8-10; 6:4-10; 7:4; 11:23-12:10

Understanding the Gospel

  • 1 Corinthians 15
    • Death, burial, resurrection (15:1-4)
    • True (15:5-19)
    • Eternal hope (15:20-58)
  • 2 Corinthians 3:4-5:21
    • The Old Testament is veiled without Christ (3:4-15) [See 1 Cor. 10:1-12 for example]
    • Transformation (3:16-4:15)
    • Eternal outlook and walking by faith (4:16-5:11)
    • Reconciliation and living for Christ (5:12-21)
  • Spiritual Warfare
    • “Casting down arguments…bringing every thought captive…” (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5)
    • “Another Jesus…different spirit…different gospel…” (2 Corinthians 11:1-15)
    • “O foolish Galatians…” (Galatians 1:6-9; 3:1-9)

Roses and Thorns

  • 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

The Cost of Discipleship (cf. Luke 14:28) 

  • 2 Corinthians 11:24-33; 12:12
  • Is it worth it?
    • JESUS makes it worth it! 
    • (Hebrews 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8) 

Your Embrace

Song and Lyrics by Ross Reynolds, Summer 2025

I’m bent under the weight of these burdens
I’m wrapped up by the chains of defeat
Still You whisper life to me, louder than the enemy
Grace multiplied all the more
Let Your grace multiply all the more

Step out of the darkness and into the light
Covered by the blood of Your sacrifice
Set free from the shame, captured by Your embrace
You paid it all when You stood in my place
Jesus, You took my place

Wearied on this road that I’m walking
Longing for Your easier yoke
I see You running after me, Your love is overpowering
Grace multiplied all the more
Let Your grace multiply all the more

Step out of the darkness and into the light
Covered by the blood of Your sacrifice
Set free from the shame, captured by Your embrace
You paid it all when You stood in my place
Jesus, You took my place

Your grace is a river that never runs dry
You fill up my cisterns from water to wine
Your love will not leave me when sorrow abides
Your cup overflowing, Your mercies now mine

Your grace is like a river, it’s deep and it’s wide
I tread up to the edges, not daring the tide
Your love will not abandon me when sorrow’s beside
Your cup is overflowing, Your mercies now mine

Step out of the darkness and into the light
Covered by the blood of Your sacrifice
Set free from the shame, captured by Your embrace
You paid it all when You stood in my place
Jesus, You took my place