“Be Ye Reconciled to God”

All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “Be Ye Reconciled to God” CFMCorner Sep 8, 2023 13 min read Updated: Jun 24, 2025 CFM: September 11–17 2 Corinthians 1–7 Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central 2 Corinthians 1-7 Study Guide Follow Him 2 Corinthians 1-7 Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line 2 Corinthians 1-7 ​FHE Lesson Teaching with Power 2 Corinthians 1-7 ​ Don't Miss This 2 Corinthians 1-7 ​ ​CFM New Testament 2 Corinthians 1-6 ​Unshaken 2 Corinthians 1-7 ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation 2 Corinthians 1-7 ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton 2 Corinthians 1-7 ​ ​Ponderfun 2 Corinthians 1-7 ( not yet posted ) ​Talking Scripture 2 Corinthians 1-7 Show Notes ​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , New Testament The Epistles of Paul, 2 Corinthians: Notes , Slides , Handout arnt22_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 2.40MB Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson This week, we begin Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. This letter was written around 55-56 AD from Macedonia, about a year after his first letter. Be sure to review the Corinthian Cultural Insights in our previous lessons and the Supplemental info for Understanding the Epistles of Paul and Others, as this lesson builds from these foundations. From Paul's letter (2 Corinthians 2:1; 7:8), we learn that Paul had made a “painful visit” to Corinth, which is not documented in the New Testament. It appears that this visit did not go well, as it resulted in distress both for Paul and the Corinthians. Titus, a trusted associate of Paul, had been sent to Corinth to assess the situation and the Corinthians' response to Paul's first letter (1 Corinthians). Titus's return with news from Corinth was a significant event that influenced the content of 2 Corinthians. There is a good possibility the 2 Corinthians may be an amalgamation of several letters that Paul sent to the community. These were very emotional letters for Paul, as his authority and credibility was being heavily undermined. Sadly, some of his harshest critics included fellow Christian missionaries. We will encounter these events in more detail when we study chapters 10-13. If you have not already had an opportunity to watch the Bible Project videos, these are fantastic resources that provide excellent overviews of the accounts that we are studying. Whenever I start a new book, I usually watch these videos early on because these simple animations really help me to grasp a better overall perspective of the materials before diving into the texts. Book of 2 Corinthians Summary: A Complete Animated Overview Overview: 2 Corinthians 1 opens Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, and it serves as both an introduction to the letter and an expression of comfort, encouragement, and gratitude. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes ​Summary ​Cross-References, Videos & Resources ​2 Corinthians 1 ​ ​ ​INT ​ Verses 1-7 Introduction& Finding Comfort in Affliction ​ Verse 1-2: Letter introduction Verse 3: Paul begins by praising God as the “God of all comfort " who comforts us in our affliction. Verse 4: The theme of God's comfort is further developed, highlighting that God comforts us so we can comfort others in their tribulations and affliction . ( חָזַק , נָחַם “comfort,” צָרָה “tribulation” Verses 5-7: Paul shares his personal experiences of suffering and receiving divine comfort and consolation . He relates this to the Corinthians, expressing that as they share in Christ's sufferings, and endure their trials with hope and stedfast faith, they can also partake in His comfort. He explains that the purpose of our trials is for our consolation and our salvation . It is through our trials that we can become partakers and partners with Christ as we gain essential perspective and knowledge . ​ ​ Verses 8-14 Trustworthiness of Paul's Apostleship ​ Verses 8-10: Paul discusses a severe trial he faced in Asia, emphasizing that it brought him to the brink of death and despair , surpassing the measure of his strength, but through that challenge, Paul learned to let go of himself. This allowed him to place his trust solely in the power of God's deliverance . These kinds of experiences forge bonds of trust with our Savior. Verses 11-14: Paul highlights the Corinthians' prayers and his reliance on their support. He reassures them that he conducts himself with integrity, simplicity , and sincerity , aligning his actions with his words. ​Paul's Afflictions in Asia ​ Verses 15-24 ​ Change in Travel Plans ​ Verses 15-17: Paul explains his initial plans to visit Corinth, expressing his desire for their mutual benefit. Verses 18-22: Paul defends his consistency in keeping his word, explaining that he does not vacillate between “yes” and “no” but remains faithful to his promises. He explains that God has anointed him and his companions to the work, and God will help them to accomplish their duties. Verses 23-24: Paul mentions his decision to postpone his visit to Corinth to spare them pain and to keep the peace. He emphasizes his desire to work together as helpers with the Corinthians for their joy, not as overlords . ​ ​​ 2 Corinthians 2 continues Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, exploring themes related to forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ministry of the apostles. It delves into the emotional and relational dynamics between Paul and the Corinthians. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes ​Summary ​Cross-References, Videos & Resources 2 Corinthians 2 ​ ​ INT ​ Verses 1-11 ​​ Forgiveness and Reconciliation ​ Verses 1-4: Paul describes his decision not to return to Corinth in heaviness, as an effort to spare the Corinthians any additional sorrow. He seeks to avoid causing pain, and expresses the depth of his love and concern. Verses 5-11: Paul addresses a specific disciplinary issue within the Corinthian church. He encourages the Corinthians to forgive and comfort an individual who had caused hostility and opposition . He counsels the community to reaffirm their love for this individual, in their efforts to prevent this individual from being " swallowed up " in sorrow, highlighting that the role of church discipline is ultimately forgiveness and maintaining unity. ​ ​ Verses 12-17 ​ The Ministry of the Apostles ​ Verses 12-13: Paul explains his arrival in Troas, where he was expected to meet Titus but did not find him. He expresses concern for Titus's welfare and the impact of his ministry. Verses 14-17: Paul discusses the nature of apostolic ministry and the sweet savour of Christ's knowledge they spread. He contrasts those who corrupt the message with those who preach it sincerely . ​ 2 Corinthians 3 delves into the themes of the new covenant, the ministry of the Spirit, and the transformation of believers. It contrasts the old and new covenants, highlighting the superiority of the ministry of the Spirit. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes ​Summary ​Cross-References, Videos & Resources 2 Corinthians 3 ​ ​ ​INT ​ Verses 1-6 ​​ Ministry of the New Covenant ​ Verses 1-3: Paul starts by discussing the Corinthians themselves as a letter of recommendation , written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone , but in the fleshy tablets of the heart . Verses 4-6: He contrasts the new covenant , characterized by the Spirit that gives life , with the old covenant of the letter that brought death . Paul emphasizes the sufficiency and competence that come from God. ​ ​ Verses 7-18 ​ The Glory of the New Covenant ​ Verses 7-11: Paul describes the glory of the old covenant engraved in stone , so great that the children of Israel could not behold it, just as they struggled to gaze upon the countenance of Moses' face shining when he received the law. However, he contrasts this glory with the greater glory of the new covenant, which surpasses the old in righteousness and the Spirit's transformative power, rendering the old law idle and void. Verses 12-16: Paul emphasizes the beauty and plainness of the Law, the boldness and freedom believers have under the new covenant, unlike the veiled hearts of those who still adhere to the old covenant. ( 2 Nephi 32:3 , D&C 84:54-58 , The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion Verses 17-18: The chapter affirms the Lord as the Spirit of God, who brings liberty . Like a mirror , the Spirit reflects the transformation of believers into the image of Christ, reflecting his glory, as He progresses theirs. ( Moses 1:39 ) Hear Him , “​When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do. When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you. And then you will understand the deep meaning of words we sing in the hymn “The Spirit of God”: The Lord is extending the Saints’ understanding. … The knowledge and power of God are expanding; The veil o’er the earth is beginning to burst.” -Pres Nelson ​ 2 Corinthians 4 continues Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, addressing themes related to the ministry of apostles, the glory of the Gospel, and the challenges faced by believers. It emphasizes the enduring nature of faith and the power of God's light. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes ​Summary ​Cross-References, Videos & Resources 2 Corinthians 4 ​ ​ ​ INT ​ Verses 1-6 ​ The Treasure of Gospel Ministry (service, relief) ​ Verses 1-2: Paul speaks of the ministry of apostles as a mercy and stewardship, emphasizing the importance of preaching th