New Testament Book Study: 2 Corinthians

This course presents an introduction, exposition, and application of 2 Corinthians, among Paul’s most deeply personal and theologically rich letters. The course probes especially the nature of a theologically sound, deeply integrated, and sacrificial form of Christian life and work, and will be applicable to those engaged in lay or full-time forms of ministry. We will address questions such as, “What lies at the heart of Christian ministry?;” “How might we endure suffering in ministry?;” “How might we think carefully about our interface with toxic approaches to leadership stemming from the broader culture?;” and How should we approach conflict resolution in times of relational stress in the church?” After an introduction, the lectures work through 2 Corinthians passage-by-passage, treating the purpose, the process, and the main message of each. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the book’s background, strategy, and theology, in order that the truth of 2 Corinthians might be lived and communicated more effectively through a Christ-follower in the modern church and the world.