Useful Bible Studies > 2 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 2

Paul describes his experience as he wrote a book of the Bible

2 Corinthians 2:4

This is an extraordinary verse for anyone who studies the Bible. In it, Paul describes his actual experience when he was writing the Book of 1 Corinthians.

Paul did not write that book merely because he wanted to write a book or to be helpful. He was not trying to impress his readers with his skilful choice of words. He was not even trying to convince them that he was right.

Rather, Paul wrote because of the love that God had given him for the Christians in Corinth. He had heard about the serious problems in their church, and those matters upset him deeply.

Paul mentions how he cried tears about their situation. That probably refers to his prayers for them*. Those prayers were desperate, because God had given him such love for them*.

With that love, Paul felt a sense of duty. It was not easy for him to write 1 Corinthians; in fact, it was very difficult. The prophets (holy men) who wrote the Old Testament (the first part of the Bible) often described their work as a ‘burden’*. That is, a heavy weight that they had to carry. Paul’s task also felt like a burden to him, but God gave him the strength to complete it.

Paul was not just writing his own thoughts about the situation at Corinth. During prayer, God showed him what he must write. The authors of the Bible recorded very carefully the words that God gave to them*; therefore, the Bible is the word of God. The first Christians understood that Paul’s letters were part of the Bible*.

Next part: How to deal with someone who turns from wicked behaviour (2:5-8)

 

* See complete article for these Bible references.

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© 2016, Keith Simons.