Category:2 Corinthians (text)

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The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians (see Online Text) is a New Testament document.

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Overview

2 Corinthians is reckoned among the seven authentic letters of Paul. It was probably written by Paul to the Christian community of Corinth from Macedonia. There are some indications however that the letter may contain fragments from previous correspondence. The tone of chs 10-13 is so different from the rest of the letter, that many scholars believes that this is a fragment of the severe letter mentioned in 2:4 and 7:8.

As usual in Paul the address is binitarian: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:2). Only in the blessing we have a reference to the Holy Spirit, which is from the Father and is the manifestation of the power of the Father on earth (13:13; cf. 1 Cor 12:4-6)

In Christ, God is reconciling the world to himself. The apostles have the ministry of reconciliation, 7:9 (we are the ambassadors of Christ, 6:17-21), as Moses had the ministry of condemnation). The action of Jesus as the new Adam reverses the fall of Adam and leads humankind to a new beginning. This is the course of history, from creation to the new creation, according to Paul:

• Creation: This world (God ruled over creation)
  • Original Sin (Satan ruled over Adam)
    • Spreading of Evil (Adam)
      • Ministry of Condemnation (Moses)
        • Justification (Jesus as the Forgiver)
      • Ministry of reconciliation (the Apostles)
    • Spreading of Mercy (Jesus, the New Adam)
  • Defeat of Satan (Jesus will rule over Satan)
• New Creation: the World to Come (God will rule over the new creation)

The central problem, as in 1 Corinthians, is the preservation of the holiness of the those who have been justified.

Paul is aware that "All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil" (5:10). We will receive a spiritual body (5:1)

In the meantime, Christians must remain separated from evil. The Christian preaching has created a new separation within humankind, no longer between Jews and Gentiles, but between believers and non-believers. With words that echo those of Qumran, Paul invites his followers to separate from evil: "Don't be mismatched with unbelievers" For what partnership between Christ and Beliar ... We are holy (6:14--7:1)

In 2 Corinthians Paul clarifies why evil exists. This is the most original contribution of the letter.

Satan is in action. Satan is not only the one responsible for evil; Satan is the enemy of Christianity and continue to tempt them. "I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (11:2-3).

Paul does not hesitate to compare its (Christian) opponents to Satan! He defends himself against other Christian preachers, those whom he calls "super-apostles". Paul remained a very controversial figure within the Church. There were Christians who disagreed with Paul.

Such fellow Christians, such boasters are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (11:13-14). "We are not ignorant of his designs" (2:11). Satan is the god of this world (4:4).

Paul claims to be "better" than his opponents: Are they Hebrews. So am I, etc. (11:22)

In spite of the strong criticism of his Christian opponents, Paul stresses the value of unity among the Churches. The collection for the Jerusalem Church (chs 8-9) is a sign of unity and a sign of recognition of the authority of the mother Church of Jerusalem.

External links

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