Important Themes
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Defense of apostolic authority
What was the attitude between Paul and the Church of Corinth and why?
Had written a severe letter and a painful visit before 2 Cor - felt that their relationship already broken because they were annoyed of Paul rebuking and Paul couldn't bear to see them continue like that
2 Cor 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
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Reconciliation and forgiveness
What was the purpose of the letter?
Restore harmony and reaffirm apostolic authority
2 Cor 2:14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
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The new covenant
Why did some of the members look down on Paul?
They compared him to other "super-apostles" that were famous, honored, eloquent, influential, people-pleasing and Paul seemed pretty mild when compared to the supers-apostles
2 Cor 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
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Strength in weakness
What does the "fragrance of Christ" and "aroma of life/death" mean?
Fragrance is a pleasing aroma to God and those who have been saved but is a fragrance of death to those who are perishing - distinction between those who see it as life and death
2 Cor 6:4
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses
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Generosity and stewardship
What does the "treasure in earthen vessels" mean?
Paul is saying that the people/apostles are the jars of clay as they don't look good, uneducated, no background, but what makes him precious is the treasure, which is the ministry
2 Cor 1:21-22
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.