Study 2 Corinthians 2

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1. What had Paul determined?

Not to come again bringing grief to the saints in Corinth.

2. Who was it that was to make Paul glad?

The believers in Corinth, whom he had rebuked previously concerning incest, drunkenness at the Lord's Table, and confusion in the assembly.

3. Why did Paul write as he did in his first letter?

So when he came to them their behavior in the Lord would make him rejoice.

4. What was Paul's confidence concerning them?

That all the saints would share his joy in the Lord.

5. What was Paul's attitude when he wrote the first letter?

He wrote from much tribulation and distress of heart, shedding many tears while writing.

6. What was Paul's motive in writing to them as he did?

Not to make them sorrowful but so they might know how strong his love was for them.

7. To whom did the sinning believer cause grief?

Not so much to Paul, but to a certain extent to the entire church in Corinth.
Perhaps Paul was referring here to the man who had been committing incest (I Corinthians 5:1).

8. What had happened to this sinner as a result of Paul's letter?

Many members of the church had rebuked him.

9. What did Paul state concerning the punishment that had been administered?

It was sufficient.

10. What does Paul direct to be done now concerning this individual?

He should be forgiven and comforted. Otherwise he would be swallowed up in an excess of grief. They should affirm their love toward him.

11. What other reason did Paul have for writing to them?

He wished to test them to see if they would be obedient in all matters.

12. What became true when the believers in Corinth forgave a transgression?

For their sakes, Paul forgave it also as Christ's representative.

13. Why was Paul quick to forgive a sinner who repented?

So that Satan would not be able to cause trouble and confusion in the church.

14. What happened when Paul, having left Ephesus, arrived in Troas?

He found an open door to preach the Gospel.

15. Why was Paul restless in Troas?

He did not find Titus there.
Paul was fond of Titus. He refers to him as "mine own son after the common faith"

(Titus 1:4). The fact that Paul could find no rest in his spirit because of the absence of Titus reveals that this greatly used servant of Christ had a deep concern for other people.

16. What did Paul do as a result of not finding Titus?

He left the "open door" and went to Macedonia.

17. For what did Paul thank God?

That he was marching in Christ's victory procession, and that wherever God led him there was a fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.

18. What was Paul "unto God"?

The incense of Christ being offered to God among those who were being saved and those who were perishing.

19. What does the Presence of Christ do to those who are sinning against God?

It convicts them and illumines their spiritually dead condition.

20. What does the Presence of Christ do to those who are serving God?

It blesses them and renews their spiritual life.

21. What does Paul mean by the question, "Who is sufficient for these things"?

We believe Paul meant that death and life are matters that only God can decide. When we, in sincerity, walk in the Presence of Christ in the world, all mankind is brought into judgment before God. Those who reject Christ, die; those who receive Christ, live. We are not competent to make such decisions. Our responsibility extends only as far as presenting Christ. The rest is the responsibility of the Father in Heaven.

22. What were many preachers of Paul's day doing?

They were peddling the Word of God in order to make a profit.
Making material profit from the Gospel is the "error of Balaam" (Jude 1:11).

23. What was Paul doing?

He was preaching and teaching in sincerity what God was giving him. He was speaking in Christ in the sight of God.