Jonathan and Nanette came to
pick me up about noon so that we could start our classes at 1:00pm as
scheduled. After passing out the booklets prepared, we were able to get started
shortly afterwards. As always, we began with singing several hymns. Jonathan
then spoke about what was expected of those in attendance. I then welcomed them
to the studies and introduced 2nd Corinthians with some introductory
material.
Our studies of the text began
with the first verse and went through 2 Cor. 2:13. We gave attention to the
number of times in this book where Paul refers to suffering and tribulation for
the cause of Christ. We then noted the good brought as a result of that
suffering in purifying the saints as well as giving evidence to outsiders about
the sincerity of those suffering. We also spent a great deal of time talking
about the forgiveness of the brother on whom they had brought the discipline
demanded in the first epistle. We noted how forgiveness was the only means to
make possible the best end for our working together in the Lord.
