“Be Ye Reconciled to God”

CFM: September 11–17

2 Corinthians 1–7

Videos and Podcasts

Video/ Podcast	​Lesson Extension	​Additional Materials
Scripture Central	2 Corinthians 1-7	Study Guide
Follow Him	2 Corinthians 1-7 Part 1, Part 2	Transcripts
Line Upon Line	2 Corinthians 1-7	​FHE Lesson
Teaching with Power	2 Corinthians 1-7
Don't Miss This	2 Corinthians 1-7
​CFM New Testament	2 Corinthians 1-6
​Unshaken	2 Corinthians 1-7 (Part 1, Part 2)
​The Interpreter Foundation	2 Corinthians 1-7	​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh
​Teaching Helps with John Hilton	2 Corinthians 1-7
​Ponderfun	2 Corinthians 1-7 (not yet posted)
​Talking Scripture	2 Corinthians 1-7	Show Notes
​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class, New Testament	The Epistles of Paul, 2 Corinthians: Notes, Slides, Handout arnt22_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 2.39MB

Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson

This week, we begin Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. This letter was written around 55-56 AD from Macedonia, about a year after his first letter. Be sure to review the Corinthian Cultural Insights in our previous lessons and the Supplemental info for Understanding the Epistles of Paul and Others, as this lesson builds from these foundations.

From Paul's letter (2 Corinthians 2:1; 7:8), we learn that Paul had made a "painful visit" to Corinth, which is not documented in the New Testament. It appears that this visit did not go well, as it resulted in distress both for Paul and the Corinthians. Titus, a trusted associate of Paul, had been sent to Corinth to assess the situation and the Corinthians' response to Paul's first letter (1 Corinthians). Titus's return with news from Corinth was a significant event that influenced the content of 2 Corinthians.

There is a good possibility the 2 Corinthians may be an amalgamation of several letters that Paul sent to the community. These were very emotional letters for Paul, as his authority and credibility was being heavily undermined. Sadly, some of his harshest critics included fellow Christian missionaries. We will encounter these events in more detail when we study chapters 10-13.

If you have not already had an opportunity to watch the Bible Project videos, these are fantastic resources that provide excellent overviews of the accounts that we are studying. Whenever I start a new book, I usually watch these videos early on because these simple animations really help me to grasp a better overall perspective of the materials before diving into the texts. Book of 2 Corinthians Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Overview:

2 Corinthians 1 opens Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, and it serves as both an introduction to the letter and an expression of comfort, encouragement, and gratitude.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
​2 Corinthians 1			​INT
​Verses 1-7	Introduction& Finding Comfort in Affliction	Verse 1-2: Letter introduction Verse 3: Paul begins by praising God as the "God of all comfort" who comforts us in our affliction. Verse 4: The theme of God's comfort is further developed, highlighting that God comforts us so we can comfort others in their tribulations and affliction. (חָזַק , נָחַם "comfort," צָרָה "tribulation" Verses 5-7: Paul shares his personal experiences of suffering and receiving divine comfort and consolation. He relates this to the Corinthians, expressing that as they share in Christ's sufferings, and endure their trials with hope and stedfast faith, they can also partake in His comfort. He explains that the purpose of our trials is for our consolation and our salvation. It is through our trials that we can become partakers and partners with Christ as we gain essential perspective and knowledge.
​Verses 8-14	Trustworthiness of Paul's Apostleship	Verses 8-10: Paul discusses a severe trial he faced in Asia, emphasizing that it brought him to the brink of death and despair, surpassing the measure of his strength, but through that challenge, Paul learned to let go of himself. This allowed him to place his trust solely in the power of God's deliverance. These kinds of experiences forge bonds of trust with our Savior. Verses 11-14: Paul highlights the Corinthians' prayers and his reliance on their support. He reassures them that he conducts himself with integrity, simplicity, and sincerity, aligning his actions with his words.	​Paul's Afflictions in Asia
​Verses 15-24	​Change in Travel Plans	Verses 15-17: Paul explains his initial plans to visit Corinth, expressing his desire for their mutual benefit. Verses 18-22: Paul defends his consistency in keeping his word, explaining that he does not vacillate between "yes" and "no" but remains faithful to his promises. He explains that God has anointed him and his companions to the work, and God will help them to accomplish their duties. Verses 23-24: Paul mentions his decision to postpone his visit to Corinth to spare them pain and to keep the peace. He emphasizes his desire to work together as helpers with the Corinthians for their joy, not as overlords.

​​2 Corinthians 2 continues Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, exploring themes related to forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ministry of the apostles. It delves into the emotional and relational dynamics between Paul and the Corinthians.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Corinthians 2			​INT
​Verses 1-11	​​Forgiveness and Reconciliation	Verses 1-4: Paul describes his decision not to return to Corinth in heaviness, as an effort to spare the Corinthians any additional sorrow. He seeks to avoid causing pain, and expresses the depth of his love and concern. Verses 5-11: Paul addresses a specific disciplinary issue within the Corinthian church. He encourages the Corinthians to forgive and comfort an individual who had caused hostility and opposition. He counsels the community to reaffirm their love for this individual, in their efforts to prevent this individual from being "swallowed up" in sorrow, highlighting that the role of church discipline is ultimately forgiveness and maintaining unity.
​Verses 12-17	​The Ministry of the Apostles	Verses 12-13: Paul explains his arrival in Troas, where he was expected to meet Titus but did not find him. He expresses concern for Titus's welfare and the impact of his ministry. Verses 14-17: Paul discusses the nature of apostolic ministry and the sweet savour of Christ's knowledge they spread. He contrasts those who corrupt the message with those who preach it sincerely.

2 Corinthians 3 delves into the themes of the new covenant, the ministry of the Spirit, and the transformation of believers. It contrasts the old and new covenants, highlighting the superiority of the ministry of the Spirit.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Corinthians 3			​INT
​Verses 1-6	​​Ministry of the New Covenant	Verses 1-3: Paul starts by discussing the Corinthians themselves as a letter of recommendation, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone, but in the fleshy tablets of the heart. Verses 4-6: He contrasts the new covenant, characterized by the Spirit that gives life, with the old covenant of the letter that brought death. Paul emphasizes the sufficiency and competence that come from God.
​Verses 7-18	​The Glory of the New Covenant	Verses 7-11: Paul describes the glory of the old covenant engraved in stone, so great that the children of Israel could not behold it, just as they struggled to gaze upon the countenance of Moses' face shining when he received the law. However, he contrasts this glory with the greater glory of the new covenant, which surpasses the old in righteousness and the Spirit's transformative power, rendering the old law idle and void. Verses 12-16: Paul emphasizes the beauty and plainness of the Law, the boldness and freedom believers have under the new covenant, unlike the veiled hearts of those who still adhere to the old covenant. (2 Nephi 32:3, D&C 84:54-58, The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion Verses 17-18: The chapter affirms the Lord as the Spirit of God, who brings liberty. Like a mirror, the Spirit reflects the transformation of believers into the image of Christ, reflecting his glory, as He progresses theirs. (Moses 1:39)	Hear Him, "​When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do. When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you. And then you will understand the deep meaning of words we sing in the hymn “The Spirit of God”: The Lord is extending the Saints’ understanding. … The knowledge and power of God are expanding; The veil o’er the earth is beginning to burst." -Pres Nelson

​2 Corinthians 4 continues Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, addressing themes related to the ministry of apostles, the glory of the Gospel, and the challenges faced by believers. It emphasizes the enduring nature of faith and the power of God's light.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Corinthians 4			​INT
​Verses 1-6	​The Treasure of Gospel Ministry (service, relief)	Verses 1-2: Paul speaks of the ministry of apostles as a mercy and stewardship, emphasizing the importance of preaching the truth without distortion, craftiness, deceit, or dishonesty. Verses 3-4: Paul acknowledges that the Gospel is veiled (hidden) to those who are lost due to their unbelief, the gods of this world blind their minds (Ephesians 6:12), but Paul proclaims Christ as the light of the Gospel, the image of God. Verses 5-6: Paul emphasizes that their ministry is not about themselves but about proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and themselves as servants.	​In Search of Treasure
​Verses 7-12	​The Fragility of the Human Vessel	Verses 7-10: Paul discusses the troubles and distress faced by apostles on every side, highlighting the paradox of being afflicted yet not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed, feeling the frailties of the body, death bearing down, but also finding life in Christ Verses 11-12: Paul sees the mortal sufferings of the apostles as sharing in the death of Christ, explaining that death (thάnαtοs) is in us; it is part of what it means to be mortal (thenētē), but it is through mortality (the fall) and through Jesus' Atonement that death can be conquered, and life is possible for all.
​Verses 13-18	​The Renewal of the Inner Self	Verses 13-16: Paul uses an analogy of breath becoming speech, in the same way spirit enters a body. The consonants of a word house the breath in the same way a body houses the spirit. A word or mortal body is temporary and fleeting, but through Christ, it can be raised up, becoming continuously present with Him. Paul asserts that faith sustains and renews us in the midst of challenge and adversity, and if one continues to hold fast to God's Word, his Gospel, with confidence, believing in the resurrection of all things, they can be continuously renewed through Christ, even after the outer body perishes. Verses 16-18: Paul contrasts the outward human body, which is temporal, with the inner self, which is not seen but is eternal, renewed day by day through Christ. Paul focuses on maintaining an eternal perspective, emphasizing that one's afflictions represent only a moment in God's grand design. Paul explains that how one embraces these challenging moments works towards the eternal weight of their eternal reward, the glory (light and knowledge) that God can provide them with in this life and the next. (D&C 63:66, D&C 121:7–8)	​The Pleasing Word of God

​​2 Corinthians 5 continues to address themes related to the believer's new identity in Christ, reconciliation, and the ministry of reconciliation. It also delves into the concept of the future resurrection and judgment.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Corinthians 5			INT
​Verses 1-10	​Our Heavenly Dwelling and the New Creation	Verses 1-5: Paul discusses the earthly house/ family/ tabernacle (physical body), סֻכָּה, מִשְׁכָּן, אֹהֶל) and the longing for a heavenly dwelling/ building (temple for edification, resurrected body, a house not made with hands) that God has prepared for believers (סֻכָּה, מִשְׁכָּן, אֹהֶל). Paul emphasizes that while in the body, we groan under the burden of being unclothed and naked, and we earnestly desire to be clothed with the house of heaven. Verses 6-8: Paul asserts that while home in the mortal body, we are absent (ekdēmēsai) from the Lord, but when we walk by faith. We express our desire to be present (endēmēsai) with the Lord. Verses 9-10: Paul underscores the aim of those who are faithful, whether in the body or away from it, to please the Lord. Through our labors dedicated to him, we strive for acceptance. Paul speaks of the judgment seat of Christ, where all will receive compensation for their deeds, whether good or bad.	​Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore Walk with Me
​Verses 11-21	​The Ministry of Reconciliation	Verses 11-15: Paul explains the motive behind their ministry—the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ compel them to persuade others to be reconciled to God through Christ. Verses 16-17: Paul speaks of the new creation in Christ, where old things have passed away, and all things have become new. Verses 18-21: Paul details the ministry of reconciliation, emphasizing that God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ. Believers are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, and they serve as ambassadors for Christ, imploring others to be reconciled to God.	​The Ministry of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 6 continues Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, addressing themes related to the nature of Christian ministry, the call to holiness, and the hardships faced by apostles. It emphasizes the need for separation from idolatry and worldly influences.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
​2 Corinthians 6			​INT
​Verses 1-2	​Co-Workers with God	​Verses 1-2: Paul encourages the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain. He emphasizes that they are co-workers with God and that "now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
​Verses 3-13	​The Nature of Apostolic Ministry	Verses 3-10: Paul discusses the nature of his ministry and the hardships faced by apostles. He highlights the paradox of suffering and yet remaining faithful (patience in afflictions, necessities, distress, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watchings, fastings, dishonor, evil report, deceivers, the unknown, dying, living, chastisement, sorrow, not put to death (survivor's guilt), poverty, wealth. By pureness in knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, love unfeigned, by the Holy Ghost, word of truth, power of God, armour of righteousness, honor, good report truth, well known, rejoicing) Verses 11-13: Paul expresses his affection for the Corinthians and calls them to open their hearts to him as he has opened his heart to them.
​Verses 14-18	​Separation from Unbelievers and Idolatry	Verses 14-16: Paul urges the Corinthians not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, emphasizing the need for separation from idolatry and ungodly influences. Paul reminds us that we are the temple of God, and if worthy, God will dwell in us, and walk with us. He will be our God, and we shall be his people. Verses 17-18: Paul speaks of the believer's being set apart in Christ and the promise of God's presence among them, highlighting their relationship to him as sons and daughters.	​Followers of the Prince of Peace

2 Corinthians 7 continues Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, addressing themes of repentance, godly sorrow, and reconciliation. It underscores the importance of a healthy relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
​2 Corinthians 7			​INT
​Verses 1-16	​Godly Sorrow and Repentance	Verses 1-4: Paul urges the Corinthians to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit as a means of perfecting (fulfilling/ maturing) our holiness and reverence before God. Paul reassures the people of his love for them, explaining that the boldness of his speech is not intended to condemn but to express his confidence in them, which brings him great comfort and joy amid all the tribulations. Verses 5-7: Paul shares his joy in the arrival of Titus, who brought the good news of the Corinthians' response to his previous letter. He highlights the consolation he felt when he learned of the earnest desire of the members, who had expressed mourning and fervently penitent minds. Verses 8-13: Paul explains the effects of his previous letter on the Corinthians, which led to their feelings of Godly sorrow and repentance. He expresses his joy and comfort not in their sorrow but in their response to improve, for that is the nature of repentance unto salvation. Verses 14-16: Paul commends the Corinthians for their obedience and the comfort they gave Titus, emphasizing the reconciliation and renewed relationship between them.	​Repentance: A Joyful Choice, Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance

Church Videos & Resources

• Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance

• Reconciled to God

Scripture Central

• Study Guide

Reading Guide

2 Corinthians 1–7

Lynne Hilton Wilson, "2 Corinthians 1-7," Come Follow Me: The New Testament, 2019.

Background to the Pauline Epistles:

• Frank F. Judd Jr., “The Epistles of the Apostle Paul: An Overview,” in New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament, ed. Lincoln H. Blumell (Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2019), 419-445.

• Eric D. Huntsman, “The Occasional Nature, Composition, and Structure of Paul’s Letters,” in How the New Testament Came to Be: The Thirty-fifth Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, ed. Kent P. Jackson and Frank F. Judd Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006), 190–207.

The Purpose of Trials

• Henry B. Eyring, “Try, Try, Try,” General Conference October 2018.

• Jeffrey R. Holland, “Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You,” General Conference April 2016.

• Elder Evan A. Schmutz, “God Shall Wipe Away All Tears,” General Conference October 2016

• Quentin L. Cook, “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time,” General Conference October 2008.

• Robert D. Hales, “Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure,” General Conference April 1998.

• Neal A. Maxwell, “Enduring Well,” Ensign April 1999.

• Dallin H. Oaks, “Adversity,” BYU Speeches January 1995.

• Truman G. Madsen, “Joseph Smith and Trials,” BYU Speeches August 1978

Reconciliation with God

• Gaye Strathearn, “‘Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified’: Paul’s Testimony of Christ,” in Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior, ed. Paul H. Peterson, Gary L. Hatch, and Laura D. Card (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2002), 334–357.

• Matthew O. Richardson, “We Have Now Received the Atonement,” in Shedding Light on the New Testament: Acts–Revelation, ed. Ray L. Huntington, Frank F. Judd Jr., and David M. Whitchurch, (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2009), 30–45.

• Terence M. Vinson, “Reconciled to God,” Ensign, October 2014.

Godly Sorrow and Repentance

• D. Chad Richardson, “Forgiving Oneself,” Ensign, March 2007.

• Dallin H. Oaks, “Sin and Suffering,” BYU Speeches August 1990.

• J. Richard Clarke, “The Healing Power of Christ,” BYU Speeches March 1984.

• Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Can Do It Now!” General Conference October 2013.

The Bible Project

• Book of 2 Corinthians Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

BYU’s RSC

• The Epistles of the Apostle Paul

• “Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified”: Paul’s Testimony of Christ

• "We Have Now Received the Atonement"

Additional Videos & Insights

• What is the Story of Ancient Corinth?

• Paul: Ministry in Corinth

• Ancient Corinth in 3-D

• Paul, Apostle of Christ (full movie available for purchase or rental on YouTube)

• New Testament History, Culture, and Society

• Early Church History Timeline 0 to 500 AD (PDF version, download)

• Truman G. Madsen, “The Temple and the Restoration,” in Temple in Antiquity: Ancient Records and Modern Perspectives, ed. Truman G. Madsen (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010), 12.

• BYU Studies; Richard D. Draper; Michael D. Rhodes. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (p. 1129). BYU Studies. Kindle Edition.