2 Corinthians

Book: 2 Corinthians

Background:

Paul started the church in Corinth, and stayed there for a
year and a half (Acts 18:1-18). After being informed, by the
household of Chloe (1 Cor. 1:11), of problems in the church,
he sent the letter of 1 Corinthians, then Timothy (4:17).
Unfortunately, this did not solve the problems, so Paul made a
"painful visit" to Corinth, to confront the offenders (2 Cor
2:1ff). When this was ineffective, he sent "a severe letter"
with Titus (2 Cor. 2:4-9; 7:8-12). Finally, Titus met Paul
with the report that the Corinthians had repented (7:6-16), so
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians.

Contents:

2 Corinthians explains Paul's ministry (1-7) [including his
sufferings in Asia (1:3-11), plans to visit (1:12-2:4), joy
over their repentance (1:24; 2:12-13; 7:6-7, 15-16),
instructions about restoring the disciplined man (2:5-11 cf. 1
Cor. 5), the excellence of a ministry of grace over law
(2:14-6:10), and his urge to separate from false teachers
(6:11-7:16)], encourages the Corinthians to fulfill their
commitment to an offering (8-9), and enforces Paul's authority
as an apostle (10-13).

Purpose:

Perhaps the binding purpose of this letter is to encourage
those who suffer for Christ's glory. This was necessary
because false teachers, who gloried in the flesh rather than
Christ, discredited Paul's ministry and authority as "weak".

Key Verses:

4:7; 10:17

"But we have this treasure [gospel of Christ] in earthen
vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of
God and not from ourselves...LET HIM WHO BOASTS BOAST IN THE
LORD.

Theme:

Glory in Christ, not the flesh.

Outline:

1. By enduring weakness (1-5)

2. By separating from false teachers (6-7)

3. By giving to those in need (8-9)

4. By boasting about Christ (10-13)

Text: 2 Corinthians 1

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh.

Outline:

1. By enduring weakness (1-5)
A. Suffering teaches us to comfort others (1:1-7)
B. Suffering trains us to trust in God (1:8-10)
C. Suffering results in praise to God (1:11)
D. Suffering makes us meek toward others (1:12-24)

Chapter one begins to encourage those who suffer for Christ's
glory. Apparently, false teachers had discredited Paul's
conduct, ministry, and authority as "weak" (cf. 10:10;
11:17-21), since he was often afflicted in various ways, and
seemed to waver in his commitment to visit the Corinthians.
This chapter explains how "weakness" promotes God's glory,
rather than the "flesh"--something the false teachers took
pride in.

Suffering teaches us to comfort others (1-7). As Paul came
under pressures, God comforted him. This, in turn, taught
Paul how to comfort others who are afflicted. Weakness
prepares a person to minister for Christ's glory, rather than
the glory of the flesh.

Suffering trains us to trust in God (8-10). Sometimes, Paul
was afflicted to the point where he thought he would die (cf.
11:23-33). God used this, however, to focus Paul's hope on
Him who raises the dead. Weakness trains God's ministers to
trust Him, and His ability to raise the dead.

Suffering results in praise to God (11). When God responds to
believer's prayers by delivering a minister who is under
extreme pressure, the result is thanks and praise to God. This
seems evident in Acts 12:1-17, where the church met in prayer
for Peter's deliverance from prison. Suffering persuades
people to thank and praise God when He delivers them.

Suffering makes us meek toward others (12-24). Paul
originally planned to spend the winter with the Corinthians
after going through Macedonia (1 Cor. 16:5-7). Later, he
proposed a double stop while going to and from Macedonia (2
Cor. 1:16). False teachers apparently seized this change of
plans to imply Paul was unreliable, or double tongued (17).
The real reason for the change of plans, however, was to
"spare" the Corinthians further sorrow. In the process of
correcting moral problems in the church, he had already sent
Timothy (4:17), written 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:11), made a
"sorrowful" visit to confront the offenders (cf. 2 Cor.
2:1ff), and delivered a "sever letter" by Titus (2:4-9;
7:8-12). He wanted to "spare" the Corinthians any further
rods of discipline. Suffering makes us meek toward others.

This chapter explains how "weakness" promotes God's glory,
rather than the "flesh"--something the false teachers took
pride in.

Text: 2 Corinthians 2

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh.

1. By enduring weakness (1-5)
D. Suffering makes us meek toward (1:12 - 2:11)
E. Suffering magnifies God's adequacy (2:12 - 5)

Paul's sorrow when writing the "severe letter", only
demonstrated his concern that they purge evil from among them
(cf. 1 Cor. 5*). Since they finally punished the man, he
could change his plans, and come to them in joy, rather than
with a rod of discipline. Since the offender repented, he
encouraged them to forgive him, lest he (the offender) be
overwhelmed by sorrow, and Satan take advantage of the
situation. Paul's "weakness" made him meek toward the
Corinthians.

Suffering reveals God's adequacy (12-17). Although God opened
a door of ministry for Paul in Troas, Paul had no peace of
mind when he didn't hear from Titus about the Corinthian's
response to his "severe letter". As a result, he went on to
Macedonia, and eventually received the good news from Titus.
Credit for such results goes to "God, who leads us in His
triumph in Christ" (14).

Apparently, the illustration, here, is of a Roman march of
triumph, in which the commanding victor led the conquering
troops, who were followed by the captives. The whole party
carried incense. For the victors, this was the sweet savor of
triumph. For the captives, it signified the stench of death.
In the same way, true christian ministry--conducted in
weakness--is an aroma of life to those who are saved, but of
death to those who are perishing. Only God could make someone
adequate for such a ministry (cf. 3:5). Paul's weakness
revealed sincere (17) motives (why else would someone endure
such hardships without pay?), and God's adequacy.

Text: 2 Corinthians 3

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh.

1. By enduring weakness (1-5)
E. Suffering magnifies God's adequacy (2:12 - 5)

In contrast to the false teachers, who apparently boasted
letters of commendation, and taught salvation based on one's
ability to keep the OT Law, Paul's ministry magnified God's
adequacy.

Whereas the false teacher's commendation came only from
letters, Paul's came from God, as seen in the Corinthian's
changed lives (1-4).

His ministry was based on the New Covenant in Christ; theirs
on the Old Covenant of the Law. Since God gave Law to show man
he cannot meet God's standards, deserves death, and needs a
substitute sin bearer (Christ), the "letter" of the false
teacher's ministry, written on tablets of stone, killed (cf.
Romans 7). On the other hand, Paul's ministry, based on the
Spirit, and written in the hearts of believers, resulted in
eternal life. False teacher's ministry of the OT Law results
in condemnation, but the NT ministry of the Spirit results in
righteousness (9).

The glory of the OT Law was such that the people could not
look intently on Moses' face. Nevertheless, he veiled it from
the people, because the glory faded. Those who seek salvation
through their own adequacy, by trying to keep the OT Law,
remain "veiled" to God's glory, as they did in the day of
Moses. By contrast, the surpassing glory of the ministry of
the Spirit is such that believers, with an unveiled face,
increasingly behold and are transformed by the glory of Christ
(18).

The ministry which acknowledges man's weakness and inability
to save himself is the one which results in salvation, and
magnifies God's adequacy.

Text: 2 Corinthians 4

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

1. By enduring weakness (1-5)
E. Suffering magnifies God's adequacy (2:12 - 5)

Chapter four gives several reasons to glory in Christ, not the
flesh: 1) Because God saves the lost (1-6), 2) uses the weak
(7-12), 3) raises the dead (13-15), and 4) rewards the
faithful (16-18). Our physical weakness magnifies God's power
in salvation, and this should encourage us to glory in Christ,
not the flesh.

God saves the lost (1-6). Unlike false teachers who tried to
discredit him, Paul commended himself to men's consciences by
proclaiming the truth (1-2). The reason some do not believe,
is because they are perishing (3), Satan is blinding them (4),
and only God can cause the light of the gospel to dawn on a
person's heart (5-6). Our inability to make people believe
magnifies God's power to save the lost, and should encourage
us to endure unbelief for Christ's glory.

God uses the weak (7-12). Trials and physical pain can
discourage those who minister for Christ. However, "We have
this treasure [gospel of Christ] in earthen vessels, that the
surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from
ourselves" (7). Afflictions, pressures, and persecutions of
believers magnify God's power in saving the lost, and this
should encourage us to endure weakness for Christ.

God raises the dead (13-15). Perhaps one of the greatest
discouragements a believer might face in proclaiming the
gospel, is the fear of dying. But when one believes God will
raise them with Christ, even death has no sting. The hope of
resurrection should encourage believers who face death for
Christ's glory.

God rewards believers (16-18). Even though our physical
bodies are decaying, God renews our "inner man" "day by day"
(i.e., conforms us, more and more, to the knowledge, attitude
and conduct of Christ; cf. Colossians 3:8-10), and will use
our "momentary, light affliction" to "produce for us an
eternal weight of glory" (cf. 1 Peter 1:3-9). The hope of
inward renewal and eternal glory should encourage believers to
endure weakness for Christ.

Our physical weakness magnifies God's power in salvation, and
this should encourage us to glory in Christ, not the flesh.

Text: 2 Corinthians 5

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

1. By enduring weakness
F. Suffering results in eternal reward (4:16 - 5:11)
G. Suffering reflects God's love (5:12-21).

Chapter five continues the thought of 4:16-18, that hope of
resurrection and eternal reward should encourage believers to
endure weakness for Christ's glory. Though false teachers
apparently tried to discredit Paul's ministry as "weak",
"insincere", and "insane", chapter five shows how suffering
can result in eternal reward (1-11), and reflect God's love
(12-21).

Suffering results in eternal reward (1-11). Since death, only
ushers them into the presence of the Lord and an immortal
state, it is preferable for a believer (8). The awesome
prospect of standing before Christ at the judgment seat (lit.
"bema": a place where the judge of Greek games issued
rewards) motivated Paul to "be pleasing" (9) to Christ. Since
salvation is entirely by grace, through faith, apart from
human deeds (cf. Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 3-4; Galatians,
etc.), and Christ bore the judgment penalty of all sin of all
time (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 10:1-18), the
"bema" seat judgment will not affect a believer's salvation.
Rather, it will determine reward or loss of reward, based on a
person's deeds (10; cf. 1 Cor. 3:12-15; 4:1-5). Even our good
works, though, are the gracious work of God in our lives, so
that all glory goes to God (Ephesians 2:9, 10; Philippians
2:13). Awe of standing before Christ for eternal reward should
motivate believers to endure weakness for His glory.

Suffering reflects God's love (5:12-21). Apparently the false
teachers also labeled Paul's ministry "insincere", and
"insane". In contrast to "those who take pride in outward
appearance" (12), however, Paul's service was motivated by awe
of Christ (11), and controlled by the "love of Christ" Christ"
(14). Christ demonstrated God's love by dying for all men's
sins (14b -15; cf. Romans 5:8). It is only fitting, then,
that "those who live [believers] should no longer live for
themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their
behalf" (15). Since salvation depends on this work of Christ,
Paul no longer recognized men on the basis of their merits or
appearance. Rather, he saw believers as new creatures in
Christ (17), and served as God's ambassador to the world
(18-21). God is able to harmonize believers with Himself,
since He placed their sin on Christ, and Christ's
righteousness to their account (21). Christ's suffering and
Paul's ministry of reconciliation reflect God's love for
sinners.

Text: 2 Corinthians 6

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

1. By enduring weakness
H. Suffering commends God's servants (6:1-13)
2. By separating from unbelievers (6:14 - 7:16)

False teachers apparently labeled Paul's message and ministry
"weak", thereby estranging the Corinthians from both. Paul's
main concern, however, was that they not receive the gospel of
grace in vain. To this end, chapter 6 shows how outward
weakness commends a minister as a servant of God (1-13), and
calls upon believers to separate from unbelievers (14-18).

Suffering commends God's servants (1-13). Paul urged the
Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain (1). If
the false teachers were Judaizers, they taught a gospel of
salvation at least partly through human strength or merit. If
the Corinthians thought Paul's suffering meant his message of
salvation by grace apart from works was weak, they were in
danger of believing a "vain" or empty gospel, since adding a
single human merit to that of faith dooms one to hell
(Galatians 1:9). Thus, Paul showed how "afflictions",
"hardships, distresses" (as well as other "weaknesses") and
virtues (such as "purity" and "patience") characterize a true
servant of Christ. Suffering commends God's servants, and the
message of salvation by grace apart from human strength or
merit.

Believers should separate from unbelievers (14-18). 1
Corinthians chapter 5 clarifies that believers do not have to
avoid all association with immoral people of this world, "for
then you would have to go out of the world" (10). Rather, they
were to avoid partnership with them in immorality (cf.
Ephesians 4-5), association with "so called believers" who
practiced immorality, and, as the context of 2 Cor. 6 seems to
indicate, separate from anyone who taught a gospel of human
strength or merit.

Text: 2 Corinthians 7

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

2. By separating from unbelievers (6:14 - 7:16)

Apparently the false teachers attacked Paul's character and
message, and promoted glorying in the flesh (cf. chapters
10-12). For the Corinthians to glory in christ, not the
flesh, they had to separate from these evil influences, and
embrace the truth of Paul's message again.

7:1 expands the call for separation (cf. 6:16-18) to include
cleansing "ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God." A person does not
get saved, or stay saved by avoiding sin (justification,
sanctification, and glorification are assured to all believers
by the power of the indwelling Spirit, through faith in
Christ, apart from human merit [cf. Romans 3-4; 6-8]), but
separation affects our fellowship with God (1 Cor. 6:16-18;
cf. 1 John 1:5-10). Christians should and will (because of
God's gracious work in them [cf. Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians
2:13]) separate from sin if they are a child of God (1 Cor.
6:16-18; cf. James 2:14-17; 1 John 1:5 - 2:29), and this
glorifies Christ rather than the flesh.

7:2-16 encourages the Corinthians to embrace the truth again.
Though he had been "afflicted" ("our flesh had no rest",
"conflicts without, fears within" [5], depression [6]), God
comforted Paul, with Titus' report of the Corinthian's
repentance. God, using Paul's "severe letter", had worked in
them a godly sorrow which led them to change their minds and
conduct. As a result, they became indignant against sin,
avenged wrongdoing in the church (11), and confirmed their
loyalty to sound doctrine (12). This caused Paul to rejoice
with the Corinthians. Embracing Bible truth in the heart
results in a repentance and godliness which glorifies Christ
rather than the flesh.

Text: 2 Corinthians 8

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh.

2. By giving to those in need (8-9).
A. Because giving proves your love (8:1-12)
B. Because giving promotes equality (8:13-15)
C. Because Giving prevents shame (8:16 - 9:5)

Chapters 1-7 showed how weakness glorifies Christ rather than
the flesh. Now, chapters 8-9 reveal why giving does the same.
1. Because giving proves your love (8:1-12). The Corinthians
had promised to send a love offering to needy saints in
Jerusalem (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-5). For whatever reason,
they were not yet prepared to fulfill it. To encourage them,
Paul set forth the example of Macedonian believers and Christ.
The Macedonians gave even though they were in poverty, and
gave first of themselves, then their money (1-6). Christ,
though He is equal to God, yielded His rights, and came to
earth in the form of a servant, so that we, through His
poverty (death on the cross), might become spiritually rich
(9; cf. Philippians 2:6-11). Since the Corinthians abounded
in other spiritual gifts and love, they should "abound in this
gracious work [of giving] also (7). Fulfilling their
commitment would prove the sincerity of their love (8).

2. Because giving promotes equality (8:13-15). The purpose of
this gift was not to afflict the Corinthians, while making
life easy for the Jerusalem saints, but to promote equality in
times of need (13). As such, one only gives willingly (10,
12) according to his ability (12). This makes christian
giving different from socialism or communism.

3. Because giving prevents shame (8:16-9:5). Paul had been
boasting about the Corinthian's desire to demonstrate their
love toward Jerusalem Saints (24), and sent brethren of
honorable regard to prepare and administer the gift
(8:16-23). By fulfilling their offering, the Corinthians
would prevent the shame which would occur if they failed to
meet the commitment Paul had bragged about to others (cf.
9:4).

Text: 2 Corinthians 9

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh.

2. By giving to those in need (8-9).
D. Because giving yields a return (9:6-11).
E. Because giving results in God's glory (9:12-15).

4. Because giving yields a return (6-11). Giving is like
sowing seed for a harvest. The one who sows sparingly will
reap sparingly, while the one who sows bountifully will reap a
bountiful harvest. In the same way, one who gives generously
will reap generously. God supplies the one who gives with "an
abundance for every good deed" (8). The thought seems to be
that the more you give, the more God will enable you to give
to others (cf. 9-11a).

5. Because giving results in God's glory (12-15). In addition
to supplying those who give with an increased ability to help
others, giving results in God's glory (9:12-15). "For the
ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs
of the saints, but is also overflowing through many
thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this
ministry they will glorify god for your obedience to your
confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of
your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by
prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing
grace of God in you" (12-14; NAS). Giving to those in need
results in praise and thanksgiving for God's glory.

Text: 2 Corinthians 10

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

4. By boasting Christ (10 - 13)
A. Meekness shows God's power and love (10:1-11)
B. God's commendation is all that counts (10:12-18)

What a person brags about is what they believe in. The false
teachers bragged about fleshly accomplishments and outward
appearances. As ministers of Satan who looked like righteous
men (11:13-15), they taught a false gospel (11:4), and
discredited Paul's ministry as "weak", "unimpressive", and
"contemptible" (cf. 10:10). In chapters 10-13, Paul more
directly defends his ministry as one which glories in Christ,
not the flesh.

1. Meekness shows God's power and love (1-11). The false
teachers accused Paul of writing strong letters, but being
weak and unimpressive in his personal appearance and speech.
Paul's "weakness" in dealing with the Corinthians, however,
was 1) a demonstration of the gentleness and meekness of
Christ (1), 2) because he waged spiritual wars in the strength
of the Spirit, not the flesh (3-5; cf. Ephesians 6, which
describes spiritual armor and the offensive weapon of the
Sword of the Spirit, "which is the Word of God"), 3) being
judged by the outward appearance rather than spiritual reality
(7), 4) because he wanted to build them up, rather than tear
them down (8), and 5) because he would actually perform, "in
deed", those things he spoke about, if they did not repent
(cf. 1:23, 24, where Paul delayed a future visit to spare the
Corinthians a "strong" personal confrontation). Meekness
shows God's power and love, rather than confidence in the
flesh.

2. God's commendation is all that counts (12-18). In contrast
to the Judaizers, Paul was "not bold to class or compare "
himself "with some of those who commend themselves" (12a).
This was because "when they measure themselves by themselves,
and compare themselves with themselves, they are without
understanding" (12b). The false teachers sought to build upon
ministries which other people started. They sought to
establish their authority by bragging about themselves, and
comparing themselves with one another. By contrast, Paul
sought to preach Christ where others had not, and boasted only
about the fruit which God bore through the gospel of Christ
(13-16). His statement, "But HE WHO BOASTS, LET HIM BOAST IN
THE LORD" (17), was because, "not he who commends himself is
approved, but whom the Lord commends" (18).

Showing meekness, and bragging only about that which God
accomplishes through the power of the gospel (cf. Romans
1:16), glorifies Christ rather than the flesh.

Text: 2 Corinthians 11

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

4. By boasting about Christ (10 - 13)
C. Boasting about the flesh leads you astray from Christ
(11:1-15)
D. Boasting about the flesh is folly (11:16-33)

Boasting about the flesh leads you astray from Christ
(11:1-15). Why did the Corinthians "beautifully bear" these
false teachers, who exalted themselves and discredited Paul
(4)? The gospel of Christ is one of salvation by grace,
through faith, apart from human strength or merit (1 Cor.
15:3-4; Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 3 - 4). Relying on anything other
than, or in addition to Christ's merit results in eternal
damnation (Galatians 1:9). It was from the simplicity of this
gospel that false teachers, by boasting of human merit and
attacking Paul as "weak", were leading the Corinthians astray
(2 Cor. 11:1-4).

Paul was in no way inferior to the other apostles, as his
critics claimed. Even if he was unskilled in speech, his
message was according to true knowledge of Christ. The
content of a person's message is more important than the way
they speak it (6). Neither was Paul's practice of not living
off his ministry to the Corinthians a sign of inferiority.
Rather, in love, he sought only to make himself no burden to
the Corinthians, or do anything which might hinder the gospel
influence among them (7-11). Besides, he was being helped by
churches in Macedonia (12), something he thought "robbery"
(8). The false teachers tried to gain an equal standing with
the authority of the other apostles, by exalting themselves,
and judging Paul according to fleshly standards (12b). Those
who would lead one astray from the gospel of grace in Christ
are "servants of Satan", "disguised as ministers of
righteousness" (13-15). Boasting about the flesh leads you
astray from Christ.

Boasting about the flesh is folly (11:16-33). The word "Fool"
and "folly", in this passage, comes from "aphron" and means
"stupid"--someone who acts rashly, without reason or
reflection (Strong's). Paul's use of sarcasm and satire shows
the folly of boasting about one's fleshly achievements. Were
the Judaizers Hebrews, descendants of Abraham? So was he!
Were they servants of Christ? Paul was more of a servant!
While sarcastically bragging like the false teachers, Paul
notes in parenthesis, "I speak as if insane" (NAS). Rather
than boast about his strength, the very "weakness" the false
teachers attacked was something Paul would brag about, since
it magnified Christ's strength (28-30). Boasting about the
flesh is "folly".

Text: 2 Corinthians 12

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

4. By boasting about Christ (10 - 13)
E. Weakness shows Christ's power (12:1-10)
F. Meekness shows Christ's love (12:11 - 13:14)

Weakness shows Christ's power (1-10). Though, in Christ, he
had received visions, revelations of the Lord, and been caught
up to the third heavens, Paul refused--except in a sarcastic,
satirical way, to show the folly of it (cf. 6]--to boast about
anything but his weaknesses (12:1-5). This was so no one
would credit him with more than they saw or heard from him
(6). To keep Paul from exalting himself over the great
revelations, God gave a "messenger of Satan to buffet" him
(7-8). Whatever this was, it resulted in "weakness". Paul
was content with this, as well as "insults", "distresses",
"persecutions", and "difficulties", because they magnified the
power of Christ in his ministry (9-10).

Meekness shows Christ's love (12:11 - 13:14). Since he
performed "signs", "wonders", and "miracles" among them, the
Corinthians should have commended Paul against the charge he
was an "inferior" apostle. Not because he was lower, but to
avoid becoming a burden to the Corinthians, Paul yielded his
right to take their money (11-13). That neither he nor anyone
he sent took advantage of them, showed the meekness of
Christ's love (14-18; cf. Philippians 2:6ff.). This
explanation of Paul's ministry was intended to build up the
Corinthians, rather than "defend" himself (19), and may
prevent mutual disappointment on his return visit (20-21).
Meekness magnifies Christ's love.

Text: 2 Corinthians 13

Theme: Glory in Christ, not the flesh

4. By boasting about Christ (10 - 13)
F. Meekness shows Christ's love (12:11 - 13:14)

False teachers accused Paul of sending weighty and strong
letters, but being weak and unimpressive in his personal
presence (cf. 10:10). Since strong warnings gave the
Corinthians a chance to avoid "severe" correction upon his
arrival (13:10), however, this pattern, showed both the power
and meekness of Christ's love.

If the Corinthians were seeking proof of Christ's resurrection
power (4) in Paul (3), they would get it if he came on a third
visit, when he would "not spare anyone" (2). Paul wanted to
avoid "severity" in correcting them (10), however, and asked
them to examine themselves, to see if they were in the faith
(5). Rather than searching for sin, and afflicting one's self
with guilt over it, this evaluation seems to regard their
ability to recognize that Christ was indeed in them and Paul.
The Corinthians should acknowledge that Paul was authorized by
the Lord to build the them up, rather than tear them down
(10), and that this "weakness" showed the meekness of Christ's
love.

--
Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and
gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,
not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.
1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the
glory (Eph. 2:8-9).
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