September 7, 2025
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV). Paul instructed the Corinthians on how to give toward the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He emphasized that giving must come from the heart. The Greek word translated
September 3, 2025
“For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:5–6 ESV). Paul described how he and his companions entered Macedonia exhausted and troubled. The background for
September 1, 2025
“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.” (2 Corinthians 5:16 ESV). Paul testified that his perspective on Christ and others had been completely transformed. Before his encounter with the risen Lord, he had judged
August 30, 2025
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV). Paul described the gospel as a priceless treasure placed within ordinary and fragile “jars of clay.” In the first century, clay jars were cheap and breakable, yet used to
August 29, 2025
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV). Paul wanted the Corinthians to know that his confidence did not rest in himself. He claimed no self-sufficiency, no self-confidence, and no self-empowerment. His calling, message, and authority all came from
August 28, 2025
“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15–16 ESV). Paul paints a vivid picture of believers
August 27, 2025
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV) Paul wrote these words to assure the Corinthians that God’s Word can always be trusted. Unlike human plans that may shift, God’s promises
September 13, 2024
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV). Paul’s final instructions in his second letter to the Corinthians sought to correct the disharmony he had heard about. They were not submissive to
September 11, 2024
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise” (2 Corinthians 12:2-3 ESV). In the climax of Paul’s “boastings,” he spoke of
September 5, 2024
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV). The example of Christ’s generosity should inspire and empower our own. He took on the poverty of our separation, sin and