Introduction
2 Corinthians was written at a time when false teachers had infiltrated the church at Corinth and had some success in rallying the church to question Paul’s authority. It is known to be a very personal letter and gives insight into a pastor’s heart and dealing with difficult issues in the church.
Lessons
Lesson 1 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 1
Lesson 2 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 2
Lesson 3 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 3
Lesson 4 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4
Lesson 5 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 5
Lesson 6 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6
Lesson 7 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 7
Lesson 8 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 8
Lesson 9 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 9
Lesson 10 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 10
Lesson 11 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 11
Lesson 12 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 12
Lesson 13 – 2 Corinthians, Chapter 13
2 Corinthians, Chapter 1
Read Acts 18:1-18 to better understand Paul’s connection to Corinth and his experience on his previous trip there.Then read 2 Corinthians 1.
2 Corinthians 1
1. How does Paul describe himself in verse 1a and who, besides Paul, is the letter from?
2. To whom is the letter written? (Verse 1b)
3. As Paul praised the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ in verse 3, what characteristics does he attribute to God?
4. What do you think, and how do you feel, knowing these qualities of God mentioned in verse 3, are applied toward you? Share some ways you have experienced this in your own life.
5. According to verse 4, when are we most likely to know God’s comfort and what does it enable us to do?
6. According to verses 8-9, what did Paul want the Corinthians to know he had experienced? What does he say it resulted in (verse 9b)?
7. In verse 10, Paul explains that he has set his hope on God for deliverance from peril.
a) From verse 11, what is the important part Paul asked the believers to join in, and what did he say it would result in?
b) How have you seen that principle apply in your experience?
8. What did Paul say they (he and Timothy) would boast in (be confident in, exult in), according to verse 12?
9. According to verses 15-16, what had been Paul’s earlier intention?
10. According to verses 17-20, apparently defending himself against accusations, what did Paul want the Corinthians to know about his change in plans? If someone answers “Yes” and “No” at the same time, how reliable is their answer?
11. In verses 21-22, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the guarantee God has given them through the Holy Spirit. Read Ephesians 1:13-14 and explain the guarantee and how believers acquire it.
12. In 2 Corinthians 1:23, Paul more clearly gives the reason for his change of plans to visit them. What is it?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 2
Paul continues to explain his reason for changing his plans to visit the Corinthians. Read 2 Corinthians 2.
2 Corinthians 2
1. Besides what Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 1:23, how did he determine not to go to Corinth, according to 2:1? What did he think his visit would have resulted in?
2. In verse 2, what did Paul think bringing the Corinthians grief would prevent from happening?
3. In verses 3-4, Paul explains further his reason for writing to the Corinthians instead of visiting them. He describes what we might call “tough love”. What does he say about it and what is his ultimate hope for them, rather than grieving them or making them sorrowful? Recall a circumstance from your own life that where you might have had to apply “tough love”.
4. According to verses 5-8, after correction (in other words, helping a believer identify sin in their life), what ought to be done so that sorrow does not overcome or discourage them?
5. According to verses 10-11, why is forgiveness important?
6. Paul references an open door in verse 12. Read Acts 16:7-10. Describe what Paul was referring to.
7. As Paul turns to praise in 2 Corinthians 2:14, he recalls the effect of Christ’s leading in our lives. What is it?
8. From verse 15, how does Paul describe us as the fragrance of Christ?
9. Why would this fragrance of Christ (metaphor) lead to death for some and life for others, as Paul states in verse 16?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 3
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 3
1. In verses 1 and 2, Paul addresses the common practice of a referral letter to introduce or confirm the identity, or authenticity, of the message of a stranger. What does he say constitutes such a letter for him?
2. In verse 3, how does Paul describe that “letter” as being superior to a common letter?
3. What are the tablets of stone Paul refers to in verse 3? See also Exodus 24:12.
4. From where does Paul draw his sufficiency or qualification, according to verse 5?
5. In verse 6, as Paul speaks of himself as a minister of the New Covenant, he refers to the letter (Laws of Moses or Old Covenant) versus the “Spirit” (New Covenant). How does the Spirit of the New Covenant give life, as seen in Luke 22:20? How does this contrast with the letter, or laws, given in the Old Covenant? See Romans 3:20 and 7:7.
6. What does Paul say the commandments (written and engraved in stone) bring to us, according to 2 Corinthians 3:7a?
7. What does Paul say happened to the glory of those commandments, according to verse 7?
8. According to verses 8-9, how does the glory of the “Spirit” (New Covenant) compare with the “letter” and what does it result in?
9. According to verse 12, what gives Paul boldness to speak?
10. According to verse 14, what is it that takes away the veil (barrier to understanding the truth)?
11. In verse 15, Paul states that the veil of the Old Covenant remains. What is it that secures the veil (or is the source of it) according to verse 14a?
12. Verse 16 confirms what takes the veil away. What is it?
13. According to verse 18, what does the removal of the veil allow believers to see?
14. What is the desired result of beholding the glory of the Lord? Also see Romans 8:29.
2 Corinthians, Chapter 4
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 4
1. What does Paul say in verses 1-2 in order to distinguish himself and his teaching from the false teachers?
2. According to verses 3-4, whose vision of the gospel is still impacted by the “veil”?
3. According to verses 5-6, where does Paul want the focus to be, rather than on himself?
4. What is the treasure Paul refers to in verse 7a (referring back to verse 6)?
5. The earthen vessels, or jars of clay, Paul refers to in verse 7 were very common and insignificant in Paul’s day.
a. Why do you think Paul refers to himself in those terms?
b. What is the result of the treasure being in such a container? (See verse 7b.)
6. According to verses 8-9, what are the four categories of attack Paul refers to and what expected results do not occur?
7. What is Paul explaining in verses 10-12? See also Colossians 1:24 and 2 Timothy 2:10.
8. What confidence does Paul proclaim in verse 14?
9. In verse 15, what does Paul say is the result of God’s grace of salvation going out to many?
10. How can you identify with what Paul says in verse 16?
11. What is Paul referring to by the “unseen things” and things that are eternal?
12. Reflecting on verses 17 and 18, what do you think the advantage is of focusing on the unseen things of God, rather than the things we see and experience in this life?
13. Describe a personal experience where having a right focus (on the unseen and eternal, instead of seen troubles) has helped or encouraged you.
2 Corinthians, Chapter 5
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 5
1. In verse 1, Paul uses a dwelling place (or tent) as a metaphor for our body. What are some of the differences between a tent (our earthly body) and a building (our heavenly body)?
2. What is Paul’s preference as a dwelling place, expressed in verses 2-4?
3. In contrast to the pagan view that after death there is a disembodied, “spiritual infinity” of some kind, Paul emphasizes our “clothing” after death in verses 3-4. Why do you think he does that? See also Philippians 3:21.
4. According to verse 5, who prepared (or purposed) us for a heavenly body and what is our guarantee?
5. According to verses 6-8, what is the advantage for believers if no longer living in their earthly bodies?
6. According to verse 9, no matter where we are, what should our goal be?
7. According to verse 10, what encourages us in that goal?
8. According to verse 14, what is it that motivates or controls Paul in all he does, and what belief is it based on?
9. Paul notes in verse 14 that Christ died for all and all have died. In what ways have we also died because Christ gave His life for us? See Romans 6:3-11 and Galatians 2:19-20.
10. According to verse 15, for what purpose did Christ die for all?
11. Personalize and restate in your own words the promise of verse 17.
12. What ministry have we all been given, according to verses 18-19?
13. According to verse 20, what role has God given us to fulfill this ministry, and what do we plead on Christ’s behalf?
14. How does knowing you are a representative of Christ in this world motivate you to live your life day by day?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 6
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 6
1. According to verses 1-2, when is the appropriate time to respond to God’s grace and why is it important to not put it off?
2. According to verses 4-5, what are some of the things Paul has had to face, and how does he commend or introduce himself (4a)?
3. According to verses 6-7, what are his resources for enduring these things?
4. As Paul continues in verses 8-10, he lists some paradoxical (seemingly contradictory) experiences that have factored into his ministry. List these (for instance, honor and dishonor).
5. According to verses 11-13, how does Paul describe his attitude and method of communicating with the Corinthians?
6. What is Paul’s request of them in verse 13, and how does this generally improve communication?
7. What is Paul commanding the Corinthians in verse 14a?
8. What examples of incompatibility are given in verses 14b-15?
9. In verses 14b-15, Paul uses such words as (depending on the Bible translation): fellowship, yoked, partnership, harmony, communion, accord, and agreements, as he explains the disconnect between believers and unbelievers. What do you see as the dangers of missing these elements in our relationships with others, and how would you apply these verses to your own life?
10. According to verses 16-18, what is the special relationship we have with God?
Also see 1 Corinthians 3:16.
11. As the spiritual temple of God (1 Peter 2:5), why is it important to be separated from the world? Also see 2 Corinthians 6:17. What does that look like in your own life? What are some examples of how the “world” slips in?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 7
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 7
1. As Paul looks back to the promises he just noted in 6:16-18, what are the two things he encourages us to do in 7:1 to prepare ourselves as a temple of God?
2. In verses 2-4, apparently returning to his own defense of the false accusations of some in Corinth, what does Paul affirm about his attitude and behavior toward them?
3. As Paul recounts his visit to Macedonia, what was his experience, according to verse 5?
4. What encouraged Paul, according to verses 6-7?
5. In verse 8, Paul refers to a letter he had previously sent the Corinthians (We have no other record of it). From what he tells them in verse 8, what do you think the nature of his letter was?
6. From verse 9, what was Paul happy about regarding the letter he mentions?
7. According to verse 10, what is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?
8. In verse 11, which sorrow was produced in the Corinthians and what did it result in?
9. According to verse 12, what does Paul reiterate was his purpose in previously writing a letter of rebuke (the lost letter)?
10. In verses 13-15, how did the Corinthian’s reception of Titus, and his response, confirm the repentance of the Corinthians who had previously joined with those opposing Paul?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 8
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 8
1. Who is it that Paul tells the Corinthians about, beginning in verse 1?
2. What three experiences of the Macedonian churches does Paul mention in verse 2, and what does he say their joy resulted in?
3. In verse 3, Paul gives the aspects of their giving. What are they?
4. What does verse 4 reveal about their attitude in giving to the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ?
5. What does verse 5 indicate is a priority over giving gifts?
6. In verse 7, Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving. What things does he say they are already exceeding in?
7. What does Paul indicate their giving tests or proves, according to verse 8?
8. According to verse 9, how is Christ an example of this for us?
9. What advice does Paul give in verse 10-11?
10. In verses 11-15, Paul lays out some principles of giving. Also read Luke 6:38, Mark 12:41-44, and
1 Timothy 6:17-19. Summarize these basic principles of giving. (We will examine others in the next chapter.)
11. In verses 16-24, who does Paul say will be sent to distribute the gifts?
12. What does it say were some of the factors used in selecting these men?
13. Why do you think it was important to Paul to have the church’s full confidence?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 9
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 9
1. In verses 1-2, what did Paul say he had boasted about, and what effect did it have on the Macedonians?
2. From verses 3-5, why did Paul send some brothers ahead to Corinth?
3. In verse 6, Paul states an obvious farming principle. What is it and how does it relate to our giving back to God? See also Proverbs 11:24-25.
4. According to verse 7, how are we to give?
5. How does 1 Chronicles 29:14 help us better understand why it is important to give back to God?
6. According to 2 Corinthians 9:8-9, what is God’s response to cheerful giving? See also Philippians 4:19.
7. What is Paul’s proclamation in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11?
8. According to verses 12-13, what does this giving result in, besides meeting the needs of other saints?
9. What does verse 14 add as far as the results of giving, and what is seen in you as a result?
10. How do these verses on giving impact your thoughts on giving? In what ways is it different from the requirement of the Law, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:22-23?
11. Can you share an experience where you have been impacted by the faithful obedience of another believer?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 10
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 10
1. In verses 1-3, as Paul returns his focus on those who were opposing him, what was their accusation about the source (or methods) of Paul’s actions?
2. How did Paul clarify the truth in verse 3?
3. What does Paul’s use of the words weapons and warfare, in verses 3-4, communicate about the Christian’s walk in this life? Also see Ephesians 6:10-12.
4. In verses 4-6, what does Paul say the weapons of God accomplish?
5. What is Paul asking his opponents to recognize according to verse 7?
6. In verse 8, for what purpose does Paul say God had given him authority?
7. From verse 12, what was the problem with the way those commending themselves were measuring themselves?
8. How do you sometimes do the same thing? What is to be our standard as believers? See also Colossians 1:10 and Galatians 2:20.
9. What reason did Paul give, in verses 13-14, that he had authority over the Corinthians?
10. According to verses 17-18, what is the appropriate action and standard, rather than self-commendation?
11. Give an example of what it might look like to “boast in the Lord”, rather than yourself.
2 Corinthians, Chapter 11
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 11
1. What is Paul’s desire and concern, expressed in verses 2-3?
2. According to verse 4, what had the people apparently done wrong?
3. According to verses 5-6, why would some have thought Paul to be inferior to the false prophets or apostles who were misleading the Corinthians? (Paul did not consider himself inferior.)
4. What principle is Paul referring to in verse 7? Also see 1 Timothy 5:17.
5. In what way would Paul’s teaching the Corinthians without receiving support from them have been considered robbery, as stated in verse 8?
6. Rather than “being a burden” or accepting support from the Corinthians, how was Paul’s need met, according to verse 9?
7. According to verse 12, what impact would Paul’s continuing to receive no support from the Corinthians have in regard to the false teachers/apostles, and what does that imply they were doing which Paul was not?
8. In verse 13, Paul turns to a direct description of those who were opposing him and leading the Corinthians astray. What does he say about them?
9. How does what Paul says about the false apostles relate to what he says of Satan in verses 14-15?
10. According to verse 16, what is it that Paul considers foolishness, yet feels it necessary to do under the circumstances, as he is addressing the Corinthians?
11. According to verses 17-18, what does Paul attribute the practice of boasting to, and what does he clearly say it is not according to?
12. In verses 19-20, as Paul becomes sarcastic to make his point, under what conditions does he say the Corinthians put up with foolishness?
13. Paul begins his boasting in verse 22 to describe what the life of a true apostle is really like (versus those the Corinthians were following after). What are the components he describes? Don’t miss his points in verses 28-30.
2 Corinthians, Chapter 12
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 12
1. According to verse 1, what experiences does Paul go on to describe, as he continues his
“unprofitable” boasting?
2. In verses 2-3, what is it that Paul says he does not know about the experiences he is about to describe? Note: Paul is clearly referring to himself, though he says, “I know a man”.
3. According to verse 6, Paul knows his boasting of these experiences he describes would be legitimate and true, but why does he say he refrains?
4. According to verse 7, what happened to Paul to keep him in check that he should not boast?
5. What was Paul’s response to it, according to verse 8?
6. From verse 9, what was God’s answer to his prayer to have the “thorn” taken away, and what was Paul’s response to this?
7. Most of us have difficulty joining with Paul in his statement in verse 10. However, describe an example from your life, or someone you know, where God has used difficulties and/or weaknesses in a special way.
8. According to verses 11-12, why should the Corinthians have known that Paul was a legitimate apostle?
9. According to verse 13, what did Paul not do in Corinth that he often did in other congregations?
10. As Paul prepares for his third visit to Corinth, what are his final hopes and fears, as recorded in verses 14-21?
2 Corinthians, Chapter 13
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each question.
2 Corinthians 13
1. As Paul prepared to visit the Corinthians for the third time, he repeats his warning. What does he say about his response to those still found in sin? (See verses 1-2)
2. Rather than question his authenticity as an apostle, what does Paul encourage the Corinthians to do in verse 5?
3. In Paul’s first letter, he also recommended that the Corinthians examine themselves.
a. What were the circumstances in 1 Corinthians 11:29-32?
b. What was the consequence of God’s judgement for those found lacking in obedience? (See verse 30)
4. How can we judge that we have true faith? See James 2:14-20.
5. According to 2 Corinthians 13:10, rather than tearing them down, what is Paul’s preference in dealing with the Corinthians?
6. This building up, or strengthening, the church continues today. Read Ephesians 4:11-14. How does this happen and what is the result?
7. In 2 Corinthians 13:11, Paul turns to encourage the Corinthians in right living. What does he tell them to do?
8. As Paul closes his letter in verse 14 with a blessing, he calls on the three Persons of the Trinity. What does it say each contributes?
9. In what ways have you experienced each of these qualities of the Trinity in your own life?