Day 338 (2 Corinthians 1-4) - Year 6
The Bible Recap
Deep Dive
Why does Paul start 2 Corinthians by praising the God of mercy and comfort?
Paul starts by praising the God of mercy and comfort because he has experienced these attributes in the midst of his trials, and he believes God provides comfort so that believers can pass it on to others who are suffering.
What does Paul mean by saying the Spirit is our seal?
Paul means that the Holy Spirit is a sign that believers belong to God, similar to how a king's seal marks ownership. The Spirit guarantees our relationship with God, sealing us as His own.
Why did Paul delay his visit to the Corinthians?
Paul delayed his visit to give time for the Spirit to work in the hearts of the Corinthians, especially those who were hurt by his previous letter. He wanted to avoid coming during a time of hurt feelings and grief.
How does Paul describe the role of Christians in spreading the gospel?
Paul describes Christians as God's perfume spritzer, where Christ is the fragrance and believers are the bottle. Some people will be attracted to the fragrance of Christ, while others will reject it.
Why did the Corinthians begin to question Paul's legitimacy as an apostle?
The Corinthians began to question Paul's legitimacy because they were impressed by other wealthy and flashy speakers who had letters of recommendation. By comparison, they found Paul lacking in status and appearance.
What is the difference between the ministry of life and the ministry of death according to Paul?
The ministry of life, which is the gospel, is far more glorious than the ministry of death, which is the law. The law can only name sin, while the gospel offers the solution and transformation through Christ.
Why does Paul say some people's hearts are covered with a veil?
Paul says some people's hearts are covered with a veil because they are blinded by Satan, who has veiled their eyes to the truth of the gospel. This prevents them from seeing the glory of Christ.
What does Paul mean when he says the light of the gospel lives in fragile vessels?
Paul means that the light of the gospel, which is the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, lives in human bodies that are fragile and can be harmed. However, the light itself cannot be extinguished, and every hardship allows the light to shine more brightly.
How does Paul describe the transformation of believers through the gospel?
Paul describes the transformation of believers as a process where, as they behold Christ, they are renewed and transformed by the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is a daily process of becoming more like Christ.
What is the significance of the phrase 'For God, who said, let light shine out of darkness, has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ'?
This phrase signifies that God, who created light in the beginning, has also shone His light into the hearts of believers, giving them the knowledge of His glory through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the transformative power of God's light in the lives of believers.
- Comforting the afflicted, not instructing them
- God's 'no' can be a 'yes'
- Importance of prayer
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