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Bible Studies

Beginning the Journey (for new Christians).
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1, 2, and 3 John
1
& 2 Thessalonians
1 & 2 Timothy
1 Peter
2 Peter, Jude
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
7 Last Words of Christ
Abraham
Acts 1-12:
The Early Church
Apostle Paul
Christmas Incarnation
Church
Christ Powered Life (Rom 5-8)
Colossians
Conquering Lamb of Revelation
Daniel
David, Life of
Galatians
Gideon
Grace
Great Prayers
Glorious Kingdom, The
Early Church: Acts1-12
Elijah
Ephesians
Hebrews
Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
Isaiah
James
Jacob
Jesus and the Kingdom
John's Gospel
John's Letters
Joshua
Lamb of God
Listening for God's Voice
Lord's Supper
Luke
Mark
Moses
Names of God
Names of Jesus
Philippians
Psalms
Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
Resurrection
Revelation
Sermon on the Mount
Songs of Ascent
(Ps 120-135)
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![]() Circle of Dutch painter and engraver Lucas van Leyden, "Saint Paul" (c. 1525), oil on panel, 44 x 21 cm, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid. The painter was also known as Lucas Hugensz or Lucas Jacobsz. |
Paul was under overwhelming stress when he wrote 2 Corinthians about 56 AD from Macedonia.
"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." (1:8-9)
He was writing to a church where his reputation had been trashed by his opponents, but that desperately needed the balance and correction that only he could give. The letter contains many nuggets of spiritual insight, such as:
- The anointing and sealing of the Spirit (1:21-22)
- Living letters written on human hearts (3:2-3)
- Unveiled faces beholding the Lord's glory (3:18)
- A treasure in jars of clay (4:7)
- Away from the body but at home with the Lord (5:6-8)
- The new creation, behold the new has come (5:16-17)
- A ministry of reconciliation, ambassadors for Christ (5:18-20)
- Christ was made to be sin for us (5:21)
- Perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (6:14-7:2)
- Sowing generously, reaping generously, and the cheerful giver (9:6-7)
- Rejoicing in weakness despite a thorn in the flesh (12:7-10)
The letter is also the most intimate of Paul's epistles. In his struggle with the church at Corinth he bares his soul, and talks about how God has given him strength in spite of the horrific record of physical abuse, repeated hardship, and crushing pressure for being an apostle who moved the Kingdom forward in faith. As you read, you begin to ask: How can Paul do this? What makes this apostle tick? What can I learn from him? And as you immerse yourself in 2 Corinthians, you'll begin to understand.
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I know that over the past six months that I've been drilling down into this letter, it has brought me both insight and courage to go on when I felt worn out from the struggle. I dedicate this book to my Tuesday morning men's discipleship breakfast group at Denny's -- Steve Dunlap, Steve Winther, Paul Johnson, and John Graham -- who plumbed the depths of 2 Corinthians together with me. My prayer is that it will bless you as much as it has blessed me.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Loomis, California
August 15, 2011
Copyright © 2023, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastorjoyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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In-depth Bible study books
You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format.
- 28 Advent Scriptures
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter & Jude
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Apostle Paul
- Abraham, Faith of
- Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
- Christmas Incarnation
- Colossians and Philemon
- Conquering Lamb of Revelation
- Daniel
- David, Life of
- Early Church: Acts 1-12
- Elijah
- Ephesians
- Galatians
- Gideon
- Glorious Kingdom, The
- Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
- Great Prayers of the Bible
- Hebrews
- Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
- Isaiah
- Jacob, Life of
- James
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
- John's Gospel
- Joshua
- Lamb of God
- Listening for God's Voice
- Lord's Supper
- Luke's Gospel
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Names and Titles of God
- Names and Titles of Jesus
- Philippians
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Sermon on the Mount
- Psalms
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Songs of Ascent (Ps 120-134)
- Revelation
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.
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