Second Corinthians – Introduction
This chapter presents an introduction to 2 Corinthians. Introductory matters addressed include Paul’s missionary visit to Corinth and his correspondence with the Corinthians, the character of Paul’s letter, the course of events in Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians, critical issues including the history of the text and behind the text, the structure of the letter, and an outline of it.
2 Corinthians – Introduction to 2 Corinthians
This chapter forms an introduction to 2 Corinthians. Introductory matters discussed are the placing of Paul in mid-first century AD, the city of Corinth, the Corinthian context and leadership values, Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians, the form and purpose of the letter, the message and intent of 2 Corinthians, and the outline of the book.
The Setting of 2 Corinthians
This essay wants to place 2 Corinthians in the life of the apostle Paul as a missionary and church leader whose apostoleship was a subject of controversy at Corinth. It sketches the course of apostolic history in outline and indicates the way Paul's vocation was shaped by the flow of events that led to the composition of the letter.
Theological and Ethical Responses to Religious Pluralism – 1 Corinthians 8-10
What were the appropriate Christian responses to the complexity of daily life presided over by the deities in Corinth, as portrayed in 1 Corinthians 8-1 Corinthians 10? This essay responds to this question by first describing the religious pluralism of Roman Corinth, which took for granted the legitimacy of all its many gods and many lords.
The Importance of Roman Portraiture for Head-Coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
This paper explores the issue of head-coverings and hair-styles in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 against the background of Roman portraiture. It is part of a wider project to provide the cultural background to the apostle Paul's correspondence with the church in Corinth.
1 Corinthians 6:4 – "Appoint the Despised as Judges"!
Drawing attention to the cultural and legal situation of Corinth, and to features of Greek grammar, this essay argues that in 1 Corinthians 6:4 Paul calls for the "despised" Christians in Corinth to be arbiters if lawsuits arise.
Imitation of Paul and the Church's Missionary Role in 1 Corinthians
What did it mean for the church in Corinth whom Paul founded to imitate Paul? Was the apostle encouraging the local church in 1 Corinthians to get involved in active missionary work? Did the imitation include a call to his readers to imitate him in evangelism?
Clement's Answer to the Corinthian Conflict in AD 96
The purpose of 1 Clement is to restore order and harmony in the church of Corinth. In addressing the conflict, Clement quotes from 1 Corinthians. This essay reflects on the relevance of the quotation from 1 Corinthians for Clement’s purpose and devotes attention to Clement’s own exhortations to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 11:4-6 - Corinthian Distractions
In Corinth the simplicity of the gospel was undermined. Silver-tongued speakers made promises about the keys to success and happiness. Because they made at least some appeal to Christ, the super-apostles convinced some of the Corinthian believers that they were still bringing the gospel. However, for them the gospel was not enough. They wanted to make Christianity relevant in a pagan commercial center like Corinth.