159. Where does the Power of God Establish its “Living Quarters”? (episkēnoō) 2 Corinthians 12.9

In this section of 2 Corinthians 12 Paul confesses his “weakness,” some physical condition, it seems (“thorn in the flesh” (12.7),  presuming ‘flesh’ here has its literal meaning) that apparently is causing some in the Corinthian context to question his … Continue reading

155. Paul’s Role as “Ambassador” (presbeuō (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Within Paul’s letters and Luke’s Gospel we encounter the verb presbeuō (2 Corinthians 5:20 and Ephesians 6:20; it also appears in a textual variant at Ephesians 3:1), the noun presbeia (Luke 14:32; 19:14), and the noun presbeutēs (Philemon 9). The verb and the nouns … Continue reading

119. The Messiah’s Triumph in the Cross (thriambeuō) (2 Cor. 2:14; Col.2:15)

While there is debate in the case of Col. 2:15, it seems most probable that in both the Colossians passage and 2 Cor. 2:14 God is the subject of this verb thriambeuō in Paul’s letters. These are the only contexts … Continue reading

117. God’s work that “Makes us Qualified” (hikanoun) — Colossians 1:12

The verb hikanoun occurs only two times in the New Testament and in both cases Paul was the author (2 Corinthians 3:6; Colossians 1:12). Paul incorporates the cognate noun hikanotēs once into the 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 context. The Gospels of … Continue reading

92. Reflecting and/or Contemplating Jesus’ Glory (2 Corinthians 3:18 katoptrizomai)

In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul considers the significant and awesome changes that Jesus’ followers experience because of their relationship with the risen Messiah. “We are being transformed (metamorphoumetha)!” Paul exhalts. This present reality enables believers to enjoy in their current … Continue reading