Paul has emphasised that the true Apostles are just ordinary men with weaknesses. He was caused much emotional pain by the Corinthians. Apostleship is clarified. Paul had performed miraculous signs which was further proof he was a true Apostle. Despite all the difficulties Paul loved the church and wanted to visit them again even though his visits had been difficult.

Paul was accused of not having a revelation from God but he explained that he had a true vision of Jesus that transformed his life. he described being taken up to the third heaven. The different uses of the word ‘heaven’ is explained. Different understandings of what Paul meant when he spoke of his ‘thorn in the flesh’ are given.

Paul starts to address the problem of the ‘false apostles’ who had confused the Corinthians with a different gospel. paul was preparing for a spiritual battle. The Jewish teachers took away from the work of the cross by saying the Christians had to observe the Jewish laws. These ideas were a stronghold which Paul wanted to break down.

Paul had received God’s mercy and had believed. Not all who hear respond. Some down grade Jesus as a good man or teacher. The real Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Paul experienced much trouble and persecution but counted it as nothing when compared to the future life after resurrection and in eternal life.

Paul makes refernce to a ‘painful visit’ he had made to Corinth which involved church discipline. He teaches that the purpose of discipline is to bring forgiveness and restoration.

Paul clarified his travel plans and his desire to visit the church and overcome the relationship difficulty he was experiencing with the church. He emphasised that in contrast God always keeps his promises and is faithful which he had taught them through the scriptures.

Paul opens his letter by greeting the church at Corinth and explaining that the letter is in response to a letter from Chloe expressing concern for the church. Problems with leadership and baptism are addressed in this episode.

Paul explains that the only foundation a church should be built upon is the gospel of Jesus. There can be false teaching which is the responsibility of the leaders of the church. If what they have built is wrong it will be destroyed; if it is good they will receive a reward.

Paul defends himself from accusations made by some members of the Corinthian church. He has authority as an Apostle and did not ask for payment from the church for preaching the gospel.

This is the earliest recorded account of the resurrection of Jesus, given by Peter to Paul and now given by Paul to the Corinthian church to give them hope. These are the historical facts.