EVANGELISM

AND

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL

TO THE CORINTHIANS

On receiving the first epistle some of the Corinthians became in touch with the fiery heart of St. Paul. Others considered him very weak in his presence and very tough in his letter while he was absent. They attacked not only his epistle but also his apostleship. Their attack could not make him upset but on the contrary it was a good chance to have the experience of the spiritual joy and to work more hard for evangelism.

The main line in his second epistle to the Corinthians emphasized his ministry as a very joyful journey to heaven. He felt that he was supported by God’s strength, which was made perfect in his weakness (12:9). He asked believers to share with him this journey as if they share in a procession of victory.

St. Paul was an ambassador for Christ, who hoped that all men might imitate him.

1. St. Paul starts the epistle with a hymn, for he believed that the language of preaching and evangelism is giving hymns and presenting joy (1:3 etc.). Through the divine joy we overcome death (1:8-10). He says, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (6:10).

2. His pleasure was actualized by the mutual joy among the missionaries and the congregation (2:1-13).

3. Procession of victory (2:14-17). The missionaries are incense-bearers, and scattering fragrant perfume. Their lives are in itself the perfume of Jesus Christ. The evangelizer has to open the inner eyes of men by the work of the Holy Spirit to see the Church as the victorious procession. She has the divine power and authority to challenge the world, bad circumstances, unknown future, death, sin and even Satan and all his angels. Through our faith we have the spirit of strength, and hope.

4. The glory of preaching the Gospel: St. Paul acknowledged that he was a minister of the new covenant, which is more glorious than the old one. Moses’ countenance was glorious, how much more who is involved in the ministry of the Spirit.

(3:1-18).

5. Evangelism is a treasure (4:1-18).

- The gospel is the light of divine knowledge that shines on the hearts of those who are in darkness.

- Bearer the strength of God and not of us.

- Through daily mortification (troubles, perplexities, persecution, and cast down) evangelizers have the experience of the risen life, bearing the scars of the Crucified Jesus.

6. The evangelizer considers his life a journey to heaven (5:1-19). He is aware that his earthly house is destroyed while the heavenly one is at his hand.

7. Constrained by the love of Christ (5:11-19).

8. Ambassadors for Christ (5:20-21).

9. As poor yet making many rich (6:1-13).

10. Separated from uncleanness to be united with the Holy One (6:14-18).

11. The Joyous effect of God’s sorrow (7:8-16).

12. Urging for generosity (8).

13. God loves a cheerful giver (9:1-15).

14. Mighty and spiritual weapons (10: 1-18).

15. Godly Jealousy (11:1-9).

16. Pemineutin labor and suffering (11-10-33).

17. Enlightened eyes as the source of divine strength (12:1-10).

18. I seek not yours but you (12:11-21).

19. Prove you own selves (13:1-6).

20. How to be built up (13:7-14).