Questions for Research and Discussion

1. Discuss in some detail Paul’s understanding of the new, incorruptible body found in 2 Corinthians 5. How does this argument fit with that found in 1 Corinthians 15? Also, are there similarities in the language here and in Romans 8?
2. How does Paul make a case for the offering for Jerusalem in 2 Corinthians 8–9? How does this passage mesh with the information found in Acts about Paul gathering an offering for the followers of Jesus in Palestine?
3. What are the various theories concerning the opponents in 2 Corinthians? Which one do you find most probable and why?
4. Are there common elements in 1 and 2 Corinthians? If so, what are they?
5. Explain why some people feel that 2 Corinthians 5:18–21 “captures the very center of Paul’s theology”?

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