2 Coríntios 2
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 2
Utley - Paul uses two SUBJUNCTIVE VERBS in this sentence because sometimes people do not respond well to correction. God had created all humans with free will, which is both a precious and a dangerous thing. It holds the potential of joy and restoration or embitterment and continuing rebellion. Affliction (2347) thlipsis from thlibo = to crush, press together, squash, hem in, compress, squeeze in turn derived from thláo = to break) originally expressed sheer, physical pressure on a man. Thlipsis may be either external or internal in origin. With the exception of Mark 3:9 the sense is always metaphoric. Thlipsis is a strong term which does not refer to minor inconveniences, but to real hardships. Medically thlipsis was used of the pulse (pressure). It is a pressing together as of grapes. It conveys the idea of being squeezed or placed under pressure or crushed beneath a weight. Thlipsis refers not to mild discomfort but to great difficulty. In the Old Testament there are accounts of the lives of many pious men who endured great tribulation. Joseph was sold as a slave and spent much of his youth in prison (Genesis 39,40). Moses suffered affliction along with the people of God (cf. Hebrews 11:25). Old Testament speaks also of the tribulation which will always be the lot of God’s people in the world because of the hatred of Satan and the cruelty of the world. Trials confront the corporate people of God as well as the individual believer. Numerous Psalms lament the suffering which the faithful must endure. Keyword in 2 Corinthians - 2 Co. 1:4; 2 Co. 1:8; 2 Co. 2:4; 2 Co. 4:17; 2 Co. 6:4; 2 Co. 7:4; 2 Co. 8:2; 2 Co. 8:13. Anguish (4928)(sunoche from sun = with, together + echo = to hold) literally means a "holding together" (compression, prison) but is used only figuratively in the two NT uses, Lk 21:25+ and 2 Cor 2:4, both times to refer to one who is held or gripped by a severe emotional stress. Sunoche describes a state of mental distress which includes acute anxiety. In Lk 21:25+ Jesus prophesied "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay (sunoche) among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,."
2 Coríntios 2
Utley - This verse is very difficult to translate! I believe the sense of the RSV and Phillips translation are probably best: “but if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure (not to put it too severely) to you all.” There is no object mentioned in this sentence; therefore, some relate it to (1) the entire church (cf. NKJV, NJB, RSV, Phillips, NIV, NEB) or (2) the offending person (cf. KNOX translation). But if any has caused sorrow (lupeo - pain, grief), he has caused sorrow (lupeo), not to me - The "IF" introduces a first class conditional statement which assumes this is a true statement, that is that there was a specific offense in the past (see note below). The first caused sorrow is in the perfect tense which indicates action in past time with results (pain, grief, sorrow) that continue into the present. Paul states that the offender did not cause him sorrow, but that he did cause sorrow to the church at Corinth (to all of you). In short, while there seems to have been something in the offense that did offend or potentially could have offended Paul, he chose to "lay down arms," and not to retaliate or seek revenge. Note that in 2Cor 2:10 Paul says "one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also." This also would imply Paul had in some way been offended, but he is clearly choosing forgiveness over vindictiveness. Paul is (in my opinion) exemplifying the response of a Spirit filled man, a man who was depending on the Spirit's enablement to do supernaturally what he could not do naturally. This recalls Paul's instruction to "Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ." (1Cor 11:1+). THOUGHT - Do you need to lay down arms in regard to some personal or church conflict? If so, don't try to do it depending on your natural strength, ability or resolve, but instead resolve to rely wholly on the supernatural enabling power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Coríntios 2
Utley - Who is this “he” who caused trouble? There have been several suggestions: (1) it refers to 1 Cor. 5:9 and the man who married his father’s wife; (2) it refers to a ringleader of one of the factions or house churches; or (2) it refers to the spokesperson for the group of supposed “leaders” from Palestine who confronted Paul on his return to Corinth and apparently the church did not defend Paul as it should have. Garland agrees with MacArthur concluding (after his lengthy discussion of the possibilities -
2 Coríntios 2
Utley has an interesting note on the majority - The mention of “the majority” shows how Paul viewed church polity. He felt himself called as an Apostle to the Gentiles, but this did not remove the congregational aspect of responsibility to lead. Paul has a great balance in his letters between authoritative commands (Galatians and 1 Cor. 5), and the need for local leadership. The NT has all three forms of polity: apostolic (Episcopal); local leaders (Presbyterian); and congregational (every believer). Acts 15 has all three levels involved in the ecclesiastical process. It is not an issue of which one is biblical; they all are. It is an issue of godly believers leading within biblical priorities, not personal agendas! Warren
2 Coríntios 2
Utley on forgive - Paul asks the majority to forgive in 2Co 2:7 (aorist middle infinitive); in 2Co 2:10 he repeats the ongoing request (present middle indicative); in 2Co 2:10 he assures them of his (personal pronoun, egō) gracious and ongoing forgiveness of the offender (two perfect middle indicatives) ("I have forgiven, if [since] I have forgiven") Derek Brown, et al on the Relationship between Paul’s and the Corinthians’ Forgiveness - There are two interpretations of what Paul says here, respectively reflected in the ESV and NIV. The first interpretation is that Paul says he forgives the offender because the Corinthians do: “Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive” (ESV; compare LEB, NASB, KJV). The second interpretation is that Paul’s forgiveness was conditional on the Corinthians’ forgiveness of the offender: “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him” (NIV; compare NET). This translation requires understanding a conditional sense that is not explicit in the Greek. (Lexham Research Commentary - 2 Corinthians) ESV 2 Corinthians 2:10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, NIV 2 Corinthians 2:10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, Charles Hodge - The apostle had exhorted the Corinthians to forgive their repentant brother, and now says he was ready to join in that forgiveness. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. Although this is stated generally, as though he meant to say that he would forgive anyone whom they were ready to forgive, yet it is obvious from the context that he intended to be understood as referring to that particular case. He was satisfied with their course and also with the evidence of the repentance of the offender, and therefore he was ready to sanction his restoration to their communion. His reason for this is stated in what follows: he did it for their sake. His forgiving, however, was dependent on theirs. He would not interfere to restore the person in question unless they were satisfied to receive him. He therefore says, what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—that is, if the forgiveness mentioned in the previous clause is to take effect and to be considered as already done, I have forgiven … for your sake. He was influenced by no personal consideration either in his original censure or in his present course, but solely by a desire to promote their best interests. (2 Corinthians Commentary on one Pdf) In the presence of Christ - Literally "in the face of Christ." Coram Deo, before the face of God, the way Paul always lived his Christian life which is a good model for all Christ followers to imitate (cf 1Cor 11:11+)! We see Paul's frequent allusion to his awareness of God's omnipresence and presence - as in 2Co 2:17 and 2Co 4:2 (cf 2Ti 4:1). He was also ever aware of Christ's full forgiveness, a truth which motivated his forgiveness. Some writer's see this as a description of Christ looking on as a "Witness" (so to speak) approving of the forgiveness by Paul and the Corinthians. Hodge - "He means that in this matter he acted as though Christ were looking on....are to act as in his presence, for nothing is more likely to incline us to mercy.” No one can be severe in his judgment if he feels that the mild eyes of Christ are fixed on him." (2 Corinthians Commentary on one Pdf)
2 Coríntios 2
Utley on Satan - Paul calls him by several titles in II Corinthians: (1) Satan in 2:11; 11:14; 12:7; (2) “the god of this age” in 4:4; (3) “Belial” in 6:15; and (4) “the serpent” in 11:3. The “us” could refer to Paul himself, or to Paul and the Corinthian church. It is interesting to know that Satan tempts both by inclination to evil and by the perversion of the good. An inappropriate, unforgiving, angry, or prideful attitude on the part of the church could open the door for Satan to disrupt the fellowship....Human thinking and language skills are part of the image of God. These wonderful gifts can be used for good or evil. Believers must guard their thoughts and words. Our mind can be tricked, blinded, and manipulated by Satan. They can also be wonderfully energized by God to His glory and for His Kingdom. We are stewards of our thoughts, plans, and motives! John
2 Coríntios 2
Utley adds that the Greek word noema "is used by Paul five times in II Corinthians and only one other time in Phil. 4:7. It is from the root nous, which means mind or thoughts. Paul develops this in two ways. (A) evil or destructive thinking - (1) schemes of Satan, 2 Cor. 2:11, (2) minds hardened and veiled in unbelief, 2 Cor. 3:14, (3) minds blinded by Satan (the god of this world), 2 Cor. 4:4, (4) minds deceived by Satan (like Eve) and led astray, 2 Cor. 11:3. (B) godly thinking - (1) taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. 10:5 (2) the peace of God which passes all comprehension (nous) will guard your hearts and your minds (noemata) - Php 4:7. He hides the hook! (Brooks "Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices") "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11 Satan has his several devices to deceive, entangle, and undo the souls of men. Satan has . . . snares for the wise, and snares for the simple; snares for hypocrites, and snares for the upright; snares for brave, and snares for the timorous; snares for the rich, and snares for the poor; snares for the aged, and snares for youth. Happy are those souls which are not captured and held in the snares that he has laid! Satan's first device to draw the soul into sin is, to present the bait—and hide the hook; to present the golden cup—and hide the poison; to present the sweet, the pleasure, and the profit that may flow in upon the soul by yielding to sin— and to hide from the soul the wrath and misery that will certainly follow the committing of sin! By this device he deceived our first parents, "And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die —for God knows, that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened; and you shall be as gods." Your eyes shall he opened, and you shall be as gods! Here is the bait, the sweet, the pleasure, the profit. Oh—but he hides the hook—the shame, the wrath, and the loss that would certainly follow! So Satan cheats them—giving them an apple in exchange for a paradise! Satan with ease pawns falsehoods upon us, by his golden baits, and then he leads us and leaves us in a fool's paradise. He promises the soul honor, pleasure, profit—but pays the soul with the greatest contempt, shame, and loss that can be! Alas! Many have fallen forever by this vile strumpet, the world, who, by showing forth her two fair breasts of PROFIT and PLEASURE, has wounded their souls, and cast them down into utter perdition! She has, by the glistening of her pomp and preferment, slain millions! Enemy Tactics We are not ignorant of [Satan's] devices. —2 Corinthians 2:11 Today's Scripture: Acts 6:1-15 Satan uses many methods to hinder the work of the Lord. Chapters 6 through 8 of Acts contain three illustrations of how he does his evil work through people and circumstances. 1. Satan creates dissension within the church. “In those days . . . there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists” (Acts 6:1). When a church becomes known for its bickering and backbiting, its witness in the community will be damaged. 2. The enemy tries to divert ministers and teachers from their main purpose of preaching the gospel. The apostles were feeling pressured to “leave the Word of God and serve tables” (6:2). Satan employs a similar tactic today by getting a pastor so involved in church programs that he has little time for prayer and the study of the Word. 3. In every age Satan seeks to destroy God’s people. In Acts 7 and 8 we read that Stephen was martyred, and that Saul “made havoc of the church” (8:3). I want to live above the world, Though Satan's darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground. —Oatman Know satan's strategy to avoid sin's tragedy. Ray
2 Coríntios 2
Utley on peddling - This is a term from the wine industry. It was used in two ways: (1) to water down wine so as to make more money (adulterate) or (2) to hawk one’s product for profit (a huckster) Paul did not change his message (the gospel) for different audiences (Greeks, Jews), but he did customize his approach (see Paul’s sermons in Acts). Broomall on the word of God. Paul’s sincerity is evident in its (1) origin—of God; (2) manifestation—in the sight of God; (3) sphere of action—speak we in Christ (cf. 2 Cor 13:3). (2 Corinthians 2) Gromacki says these peddlers "were like vendors suspected of putting the best fruit on the top of a basket full of immature and bruised fruit. In a sense, they were men pleasers (Gal. 1:10+)." (2 Corinthians - Stand Firm in the Faith) But (term of contrast) as from sincerity - The Message = "but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap." Paul brings forth an immediate contrast of his preaching with that purveyed by these "unholy hucksters." Paul's motives were sincere (sine = without + cera = wax!) pure, unadulterated, without guile, etc (see list of synonyms for sincere). Utley on sincerity - It conveys the concept of unhidden, pure motives (cf. 1 Cor. 5:8; 2 Cor. 1:12; 2:17; Phil. 1:10; 2 Pet. 3:1). Notice the parallel between “but as from sincerity” and “but as from God.” But as from (ek = out of) God, we (present tense - continually) speak in Christ in the sight of God - As from God is "ek Theou," literally "out of God," the Source of his message. Writing to the Galatians Paul testified that "the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man for I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Gal 1:11-12+). Paul was a God sent man like John the Baptist (Jn 1:6+). His speaking was in Christ (locative of sphere - see notes on in Christ) with His authority and power (enabled by the Spirit of Christ - 1Pe 1:11+), reflecting his new spiritual position described in 2Cor 5:17+. As an aside the implication is clear that his opponents were "outside" of Christ! In the sight of God indicates Paul's preaching was always carried out as if he had an audience of One Who He sought to please. Paul was an "open book" before God and therefore also before those to whom he preached. He understood the command he would later give to Timothy in 2Ti 2:15+ that to be diligent (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) to rightly divide the Word of Truth for one day he would be held accountable for how had handled the Word from God (cf 2Co 5:10+). Writing to the saints at Thessalonica (in Macedonia) he said "just as we have been approved (dokimazo in perfect tense - examined and passed the test) by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines (dokimazo - present tense - an ongoing examination of) our hearts." (1Th 2:4+, see also 1Co 4:1-5+ especially the phrase "disclose the motives of men’s hearts!") Homer Kent - Objectively, the source of his commission was from God. Furthermore, he and his companions had carried on their ministry "in the sight of God," that is, with full consciousness that they were responsible to him and were being watched by him. Finally, they had spoken "in Christ," being fully aware of their 'position as members of Christ's Body and drawing power from their vital union with Him. Such a ministry left little room for suspicion.(Ref) The wonderful truth in Christ occurs 8x in 8v in 2 Corinthians - 2Cor 1:21 2Cor 2:14 2Cor 2:17 2Cor 3:14 2Cor 5:17 2Cor 5:19 2Cor 12:2 2Cor 12:19 Sincerity (1505)(eilikrineia from eilikrines from heíle = shining of sun + krino = judge) literally means judged by sunlight, and then figuratively to that is tested as genuine, pure, sincere, uncontaminated, unmixed by seductive influences of world, the flesh, devil. BDAG - the quality or state of being free of dissimulation. Purity of motive. In ancient times the finest pottery was thin. It had a clear color, and it brought a high price. Fine pottery was very fragile both before and after firing. And … this pottery would [often] crack in the oven. Cracked pottery should have been thrown away. But dishonest dealers were in the habit of filling cracks with a hard pearly wax that would blend in with the color of the pottery. This made the cracks practically undetectable in the shops, especially when painted or glazed; but the wax was immediately detectable if the pottery was held up to light, especially to the sun. In that case the cracks would show up darker. It was said that the artificial element was detected by “sun-testing.” Honest dealers marked their finer product by the caption from heíle, the shining or splendor of the sun, and krino, to judge, discern. sine cera = “without wax.” Even as it was wise for customers in the ancient marketplaces to give all pieces of pottery the “sunlight test,” so it is wise and necessary for all believers to test their lives for the wax of hypocrisy. When held up to the light of God’s Word ("the Son light" test), the presence or absence of sinful cracks will be apparent. That’s why it is so important for us to feed daily on Scripture (Ps 119:9-11) and to allow our lives to be shaped by its power (Heb 4:12). Eilikrineia 3x in NT - 1 Co. 5:8; 2 Co. 1:12; 2 Co. 2:17 and not in Lxx. THOUGHT - Would my life pass the test of being held up to the light of the Son? Or would my life show "cracks" I have tried to cover over and conceal from others (cf Pr 28:13+, Nu 32:23b+)? As