Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 23-25
Paul’s Second Letter
to the Corinthians: DAY 20
READ 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 and
if your Bible has an Introduction to
the letter of 2 Corinthians, read that as well.
In your journal, write
down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to
what God shows you as you feel led.
A tumultuous year had passed between the writing of 1st
and 2nd Corinthians. Paul had sent Timothy Corinth on his behalf,
but when Timothy got there, he saw a church in chaos and rebellion against
Paul, as Paul’s opponents from the east had arrived and evoked resistance
against him. Paul journeyed to Corinth immediately to assess the situation, but
was met with much rebellion as the people had turned against him. Showing
mercy, he chose not to respond at the time and left Corinth. Soon after he sent
Titus back with a heavy letter (now lost) inciting the people to repent or
suffer God’s judgement. Most of the church accepted the rebuke and repented,
but a minority continued to reject Paul.
2 Corinthians is Paul’s response to the rejection of the
minority. He spends most of the letter defending his legitimacy as an apostle
in order to strengthen the faithful believers in the church and to offer the
rebellious few a final chance to repent before he comes in judgement.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1.
Don’t Paul’s classic words, “Grace and
peace to you from God…” take on so much greater depth when you know the context
in which they are spoken? What does this greeting reveal about Paul’s heart and
attitude towards the church?
2.
Paul is able to praise God for the
suffering he has experienced at the hand of his opponents and the rebels at
Corinth. Through suffering he experiences comfort and is better equipped to
give Christ-like comfort to others. In what current suffering do you need the
comfort of God? Ask Him for it.
3.
In prayer, ask God to use your
afflictions and troubles for His glory. Ask Him to pour His love and comfort
over you so that you can pour it out onto others. Ask God who He would have you
comfort today.
4.
Verse 9 is a great encouragement. God
allows our sufferings so that we will stop relying on ourselves and turn to Him
who raised Christ from the dead! Wow. Meditate on this.
