STUDY QUESTIONS FOR 2 corinthians lesson 8 (Chapters 12-13)

  1. In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul said he “knew a man” who had been “caught up to the third heaven” and who had been able to visit “Paradise.” Who was that man? What was Paul’s point in this discussion?

  2. Paul said he had a “thorn in the flesh.” What was it?

  3. Paul commented in 2 Corinthians 9:10 that “when I am weak, then I am strong.” That sounds like a paradox. Explain the apostle’s statement in light of the teaching in 1 Peter 5:7.

  4. In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul wrote, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” In Romans 8:28, he said, ““All things work together for good to them that love the Lord.” Explain the importance of these two passages when considered together.

  5. While he was writing to the Corinthians, Paul told them that he would “gladly spend and be spent” on their behalf” (2 Cor. 12:15). What was his point?

  6. Paul said in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Explain his meaning (incorporate into your answer Revelation 2:10).

  7. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33). In 2 Corinthians 13:4, Paul wrote, “For we also are weak in Him [Christ], but we shall live with Him [Christ] by the power of God.” Discuss these two passages as they relate to one another.

  8. Paul wanted the Christians in Corinth to know that everything he did was for their “edification” (2 Cor. 12:19). What does that mean? How does the principle apply to us today?

  9. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul told the Corinthians, “Test yourselves.” Why?

10. Paul said that some of the Corinthian Christians were no longer “in the faith.” What did he mean by that?

11. Can a person, once he or she has been saved, be lost? In your answer, discuss Galatians 5:4 and 2 Corinthians 13:5.

12. There are two parts to salvation. What are they? Who is involved in them?

13. Jesus said that He had to “be about His Father’s business” (Lk. 2:49). Does that same principle apply to us? If so, how? What is the implication of such a concept?

14. In 2 Corinthians 13:8, Paul urged Christians not to do anything “against the truth.” Explain his statement.

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