February 5, 2022
[This is copied from my book Searching for the Pattern, pp. 90-104. Due to a recent bout with COVID-19, I have not had the energy or time to do any original writing on 2 Corinthians 8-9. However, I think the following captures the essence of Paul’s theological interests in this section of the letter. Two […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Economics, Exodus 16, Generosity, Giving, Grace, Incarnation, Macedonians, Manna, Money |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
December 4, 2021
Ministry involves struggle, wounds, and hardships. Yet, Paul refuses to lose heart; he won’t give up. What drives this perseverance? It is because he keeps his eyes fixed on what is unseen rather than on what is seen. He keeps his eyes on eternal glory rather than temporary affliction. He keeps his focus on the […]
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Biblical Texts, Uncategorized | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Body, Eschatology, Eternal, Hope, Platonism, Resurrection |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
November 20, 2021
If the ministry of the new covenant mediates the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Messiah, why is Paul’s ministry so filled with suffering? The gospel, epitomized in the death and resurrection of Jesus, calls its ministers—all believers—to give themselves for the sake of others. When we follow Jesus into his ministry, […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Death, Glory, Gospel, Hope, Jesus, Ministry, Resurrection, Suffering |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
November 6, 2021
Paul’s “new covenant” ministry is life-giving, hopeful, and glorious. This contrasts with the glory of Moses’ “old covenant” ministry which was hidden to Israel in the wilderness but is fully revealed in Christ. The movement from “old covenant” to “new covenant” is not so much an abolition of the “old covenant,” or a sense that […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Glory, Hope, Moses, New Covenant, Old Covenant, Pneumatology, Spirit |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
October 28, 2021
Paul asks, who is sufficient (competent, qualified, or adequate) for the ministry of reconciliation? This question begins a lengthy digression (if that is an appropriate description; 2 Corinthians 2:14-7:4) where Paul describes the significance, practice, and meaning of the ministry of reconciliation in which he is engaged for the sake of the Corinthians and others. […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6, Competence, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Letters of Recommendation, Ministry, New Covenant, Pneumatology, Spirit, Tablets of stone |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
October 15, 2021
Sometimes somethings are more important than an open door. That is the upshot of these two fascinating sentences in 2 Corinthians 2:12-13. Earlier Paul had intended to visit Corinth, then go to Macedonia, and then return to Corinth before he left for Jerusalem. However, the circumstances in Corinth led Paul to change that travel plans. […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 2:12-13, anxiety, care, Macedonia, Paul, Titus, Troas |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks