2 Corinthians 6-9
Yesterday, I said that 2 Corinthians is the most autobiographical of all Paul’s letters. We’ve already read something of his situation as he was writing this letter (2 Cor. 1:12-2:4), and we read more about the setting of this letter in today’s reading (2 Cor. 7:2-16). And also today, we read a passage in which Paul summarizes the hardships he has experienced in the work of the gospel (2 Cor. 6:3-13), and another, where he indirectly describes his ministry while asking the Corinthian church to collect a free-will offering for the distressed Christians in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8-9). But the most autobiographical passage awaits us in tomorrow’s reading (2 Cor. 10-12).
Amidst all the references to his own life and ministry, Paul gives us these important words about:
- Salvation: “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (6:2b)
- Holiness: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” (6:14)
- Giving: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (9:6-7)
Tomorrow, we finish 2 Corinthians!
Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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