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The Apostle Paul wrote two letters to the "church"
(assembly) at Corinth. After sending his 1st Epistle, Paul
was anxious to hear the result of his stern warnings. Titus,
a disciple, brought news that the Corinthians had responded
well to the first letter.
Paul wrote his 2nd epistle from Macedonia. He was much happier
about the church at Corinth, though he still had to teach
them as if they were "children" (6:13). Now he shows
them that it isn't easy to be a real Christian, opposition
to the true gospel of Christ can still be expected.
There was still opposition to Paul from some in Corinth,
despite some response to his first letter. Some had leanings
towards Judaism - that is, they said that the Law of Moses
must still be kept. Nor did they accept Paul as an authority
in the matter. So Paul had to remind the church that he was
an "Apostle" - one specially sent and appointed
by Christ. He lists some of his sufferings as a follower of
Jesus in chapter 11, and warns true Christians that they,
too, must expect to suffer.
Paul shows that the Christian faith was more wonderful than
the Law of Moses even though both came from God (chapters
3-4). He compares the temporary reflection of God's
glory in the face of Moses (Exodus 34:29-35) with the eternal
reflection of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Similarly, the Law was written visibly on stone tablets but
the Word of God can be written in our hearts and minds - you
can't see it, but its effect is more lasting. Moses'
face was veiled (covered) when he came down from Mount Sinai
with the Law. Paul says there is still a veil over some people's
minds. Open your mind to God's Word and His promises and begin
to reflect His ways and become more like Christ (3:18)
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