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 teaches that Christians have an intimate relationship with Christ which he compares to engagement and marriage made possible by the Holy Spirit dwelling in the Christian. He strongly opposed those who taught that people could earn their salvation by adhering to rules. He outlined his sufferings for the gospel and their benefit.

Paul continues to explain his life as an Apostle and justifies his approach to the gospel and the church in Corinth. he wants to re-build his relationship with them. He then went on to teach them not to be ‘yoked’ with unbelievers which in that context meant not to be involved with temple worship and other gods.

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 explains the reason for the delay in his visit. He uses an image of a Roman victory procession to show how Christians are part of God’s Kingdom. He compares his ministry and motivation to that of the false teachers who have gone to Corinth.

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 tackles a case of incest in the Corinthian church. He explains the need to deal with sin within the church. Jesus had taught how to put church discipline into action. The man in Corinth needed to be put out of the church although there would always a way back into the church.

Paul answers specific questions from the Corinthian church about pagan worship and the culture that surrounded it. The importance of Christians being separate to the pagan culture around them was, and is, important for the benefit of all.

Paul continues his teaching about idolatry and specifically eating food offered to idols. He teaches that there is no power in the food itself but in participating in the worship of idols by eating food known to have been offered for sacrifice. It is important to consider the witness to others.

Having outlined the historical fact of the resurrection, Paul now explains the importsnce of the resurrection for the Christian faith and how those who are saved will also be raised back to life.