unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
v88
2 Corinthians
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unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Literal Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Simplified Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
Table of Contents
2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 1
2 Corinthians 1:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:1ULT:
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, and to all the saints being in the whole of Achaia.
UST:
{I,} Paul, {write this letter to you,} and Timothy, our fellow believer, {is with me}. God chose to send me to represent the Messiah Jesus, because that is what God wanted. {I send this letter} to {you who are part of} the group of believers belonging to God, which is in the city of Corinth. {I} also {send this letter} to all the believers who live throughout the region of Achaia.
Who wrote this epistle?
Paul and Timothy wrote this epistle.
To whom was the epistle written?
It was written to the church of God which was at Corinth and to all the saints in the entire region of Achaia.
2 Corinthians 1:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:2ULT:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
UST:
{May} God, {who is} our Father, and the Lord Jesus the Messiah {continue to be} kind to you and {make you} peaceful.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:3ULT:
Blessed {be} the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort,
UST:
May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Messiah—he is our merciful Father and our God who always comforts us.
How does Paul describe God?
Paul describes God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:4ULT:
the one comforting us in all our affliction so that we are able to comfort the ones in every affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
UST:
God comforts us whenever we suffer. He does that so that we can comfort others who are suffering in any way. God enables us to comfort them in the very same way as he comforts us.
Why does God comfort us in our affliction?
He comforts us so that we are able to comfort those who are in affliction, with the same comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:5ULT:
For just as the sufferings of Christ abound toward us, in the same way also our comfort abounds through Christ.
UST:
You see, the Messiah suffered a lot for us, and now we continue to suffer as the Messiah did because we belong to him. But now the Messiah also comforts us in the same abundant amount.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:6ULT:
But if we are afflicted, {it is} for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, {it is} for your comfort {which} you are experiencing in endurance of the same sufferings that we ourselves also suffer.
UST:
So whenever people cause us to suffer, it is so that God may comfort you and protect you spiritually. Whenever God comforts us, it is so that he may also comfort you. God does this as you patiently endure when people cause you to suffer just as people cause us to suffer.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:7ULT:
And our hope concerning you {is} firm, knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, in the same way, also of the comfort.
UST:
We know that God will also comfort you as you suffer like we suffer. Therefore, we are very confident that you will continue {trusting in Jesus}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:8ULT:
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning the tribulation having happened to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our ability, so that we despaired even of life.
UST:
For example, fellow believers, we want you to know about the bad things that happened to us in the province of Asia. They were so difficult that we felt that we could not endure them. We felt certain that we were going to die.
What trouble did Paul and his companions have in Asia? (1:8-9)
They were burdened beyond what they could bear, so that they expected to die.
2 Corinthians 1:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:9ULT:
Indeed, we ourselves have had within ourselves the sentence of death so that we would not be having become confident in ourselves, but in God, the one raising the dead,
UST:
We felt like a person feels when he has heard a judge say, “I condemn you to die.” But God allowed us to feel that way so that we would learn to not rely on ourselves but, instead, to rely on God. He causes people who have died to live again.
For what reason was the sentence of death on Paul and his companions?
The sentence of death caused them to not put their trust in themselves, but instead to trust in God.
2 Corinthians 1:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:10ULT:
who rescued us from so great a death, and he will rescue {us}—on whom we have set our hope that he will rescue {us} yet again,
UST:
Even though it seemed to us that we would certainly die, God rescued us from the people who wanted to kill us, and he will continue to rescue us {from similar people}. We confidently expect that he will rescue us again
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:11ULT:
you also joining in helping in supplication on our behalf—so that thanks may be given on our behalf from many faces for the gracious gift to us through many.
UST:
as you help us by praying for us. Please do pray for us so that many people will thank God for what he will graciously do for us because many people prayed for us.
How did Paul say that the Corinthian church could help them?
Paul said the Corinthian church could help them by their prayer.
2 Corinthians 1:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:12ULT:
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that we conducted ourselves in the world in holinessand sincerity of God, and not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
UST:
We are proud that we can honestly say that we have behaved toward all people in a holy and sincere way, as God has enabled us to do. We do not behave in the way that unbelievers think is wise. Instead, God graciously guides us, especially {as we interact} with you.
Of what did Paul say that he and his companions were proud?
They were proud of the testimony of their conscience, which is that they had conducted themselves in the world—and especially in dealing with the Corinthian church—with the holiness and sincerity that come from God, not according to earthly wisdom but by the grace of God.
2 Corinthians 1:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:13ULT:
For we write no other {things} to you but than what you read or also understand, but I hope that you will understand to the end—
UST:
To see this, look at my letters. In all of my letters to you I have written only what you can {easily} read and understand. I hope that {soon} you will understand {us} completely
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:14ULT:
just as you also understood us in part—so that we are your boasting, just as you also {are} ours, on the day of our Lord Jesus.
UST:
just as you partially understand us {already}. Then when our Lord Jesus returns, you will be just as proud of us as we will be proud of you.
What was Paul confident would happen on the day of our Lord Jesus?
He was confident that on that day Paul and his companions would be the reason for the pride of the Corinthian saints.
2 Corinthians 1:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:15ULT:
And with this confidence, I was intending to come to you before so that you might have a second grace,
UST:
Because I was confident that you were proud of me, I planned to visit you once on my way to the province of Macedonia, and then to visit you again as I returned from there. In that way, you would benefit twice from having me with you. Also, you could help supply what I would need to go from your city to the province of Judea.
(vv15-16)
How many times was Paul planning to visit the Corinthian saints?
He was planning to visit them two times.
2 Corinthians 1:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:16ULT:
and to pass through you into Macedonia and to come to you again from Macedonia and to be sent ahead to Judea by you.
UST:
Because I was confident that you were proud of me, I planned to visit you once on my way to the province of Macedonia, and then to visit you again as I returned from there. In that way, you would benefit twice from having me with you. Also, you could help supply what I would need to go from your city to the province of Judea.
(vv15-16)
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:17ULT:
Therefore, intending this, I did not then act in fickleness, did I? Or what I intend, do I intend according to the flesh, so that there would be with me “Yes, yes” and “No, no”?
UST:
I intended to visit you those two times{, but then I did not come the second time}. That does not mean that I changed my plan lightly. I do not make or change my plans according to what I might desire at the time. I do not say, “Yes, I will do that” and then quickly say, “No, I will not do it.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:18ULT:
But God {is} faithful, so that our word to you is not “Yes” and “No.”
UST:
Just as God is faithful, we are completely sincere in everything that we say to you. We would never say, “Yes” when we really think, “No.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:19ULT:
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the one having been proclaimed among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but it has been “Yes” in him.
UST:
I and Silvanus and Timothy taught you about the Son of God, Jesus the Messiah. {You know that} he would never say, “Yes” if what he meant was, “No.” Because of who he is, our message about him has also remained consistent and dependable.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:20ULT:
For as many as {are} the promises of God, {they are} “Yes” in him. Therefore, also through him the “Amen” {is} through us to God for his glory.
UST:
Because of Jesus, we can rely on all of the promises of God. Jesus fulfills them all. Therefore, Jesus is also the one who enables us to say, “Yes, it is true” when we praise God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:21ULT:
Now the one establishing us with you in Christ and having anointed us {is} God,
UST:
It is God who causes us, along with you, to keep on believing strongly in the Messiah. God is also the one who has given us his Spirit so that we can serve him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 1:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:22ULT:
the one also having sealed us and having given {us} the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.
UST:
God gave us the Holy Spirit to live within us. That shows both that we belong to him and that he will also do for us everything else that he has promised to do for us.
What is one reason that Christ gave us the Spirit in our hearts?
He gave the Spirit as a down payment or guarantee of what he would later give us.
2 Corinthians 1:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:23ULT:
Now I invoke God as a witness upon my soul that sparing you, I have not yet come to Corinth.
UST:
So now I will tell you why I changed my mind and did not visit you again as I intended to do. May God strike me dead if I am lying, but he knows that what I am telling you is true. The reason that I did not return to Corinth was so that I might not grieve you by having to speak to you severely about the wrong things that you have done.
Why did Paul not come to Corinth?
He did not come to Corinth so that he might spare them.
2 Corinthians 1:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 1:24ULT:
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for you stand firm in the faith.
UST:
When I say that, I do not mean that we are your masters who give you orders about what to believe and do. Instead, everything that we tell you {about living for God} is so that you will be joyful. We do not need to command you, because God himself tells you what to believe and do.
What did Paul say he and Timothy were and were not doing with the Corinthian church?
Paul said they were not trying to control what their faith should be, but they were working with the Corinthian church for their joy.
2 Corinthians 2
2 Corinthians 2:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:1ULT:
For I decided this for myself, not to come to you again in sorrow.
UST:
{I have not visited you} because I have chosen to avoid visiting you if it hurts you and me like it did last time {I visited you}.
What circumstances was Paul trying to avoid by not coming to the Corinthian church?
Paul was avoiding coming to the Corinthian church in sorrow.
2 Corinthians 2:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:2ULT:
For if I myself grieve you, then who {is} the one cheering me up except the one being grieved by me?
UST:
{I chose not to visit you again} because, when I hurt you, I have hurt the only people who can make me glad.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 2:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:3ULT:
And I wrote this same thing so that, having come, I might not have sorrow from {those in} whom it is necessary for me to rejoice, having become confident in all of you that my joy is {the joy} of all of you.
UST:
I already wrote {in my previous letter} what I am now saying {to you}. {I wrote those things} so that, when I next visited you, you would not hurt me, and I would be glad about you as I should. {I wrote those things because} I was sure about all of you that you would be glad when I was glad.
Why did Paul write as he did in his previous epistle to the Corinthian church?
He wrote as he did so that when he came to them he might not be hurt by those who should have made him rejoice.
2 Corinthians 2:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:4ULT:
For I wrote to you out of much tribulation and anguish of heart, through many tears, not so that you would be grieved, but so that you might know the love that I have more abundantly for you.
UST:
I suffered greatly and hurt inside when I wrote {that previous letter} to you. In fact, I wept {while I wrote it}. {I sent it to you} so that you would realize how much I care for you. I did not intend to hurt you.
When Paul wrote to the Corinthians before, what was his state of mind?
He was in great tribulation and anguish of heart.
Why did Paul write this letter to the Corinthian church?
He wrote to them so that they would know the depth of the love that he had for them.
2 Corinthians 2:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:5ULT:
But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved {only} me, but in part—in order that I might not burden all of you.
UST:
However, the person who has hurt others did not really hurt me. Rather, that person hurt some {of you}. {I use the word “some”} so that I do not include all of you {as those whom that person hurt}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 2:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:6ULT:
This punishment on such a {person} by the majority {is} sufficient,
UST:
Most of you together have disciplined that person. {You do not need to do} anything more.
What did Paul say the Corinthian saints should now do for the one they punished? (2:6-7)
Paul said they should forgive and comfort that person.
2 Corinthians 2:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:7ULT:
so that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive and comfort {him} {so that} such a {person} might not be overwhelmed in his excessive sorrow.
UST:
So then, instead {of disciplining that person}, you should now forgive and encourage that person. Otherwise, the person will become very sad and give up.
Why did Paul say the Corinthian saints should forgive and comfort the one they had punished?
This was so that the one they had punished would not be overwhelmed by too much sorrow.
2 Corinthians 2:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:8ULT:
So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
UST:
Therefore, I encourage you to show publicly that you care for that person.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 2:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:9ULT:
Indeed, I also wrote for this reason: so that I might know your proof, whether you are obedient in all things.
UST:
Another reason for which I wrote {that previous letter} was in order that I could find out for sure if you would do everything that I asked {you to do}.
What is another reason Paul wrote to the Corinthian church?
Paul wrote to them to test them and to find out whether they were obedient in everything.
2 Corinthians 2:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:10ULT:
Now to whomever you forgive anything, I also {forgive}—for indeed, the one I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) {is} for your sake in the presence of Christ
UST:
In the end, when you forgive any person for anything, I too forgive that person. In fact, I have forgiven {that person} for what {that person did}, even though it was basically nothing. {I did that} to help you, as the Messiah desires.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 2:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:11ULT:
so that we would not be taken advantage of by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
UST:
{We should forgive others} so that Satan will not control us. Indeed, we know all about his plans {to control us}.
Why was it important for the Corinthian church to know that whoever they had forgiven was also forgiven by Paul and in the presence of Christ?
This was so that Satan would not trick them.
2 Corinthians 2:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:12ULT:
Now having come to Troas and a door for the gospel of Christ having been opened to me in the Lord,
UST:
{To return to how I traveled,} when I arrived in the city of Troas, the Lord Jesus made it possible for me to proclaim the good news about the Messiah effectively.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 2:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:13ULT:
I had no relief in my spirit, as I did not find my brother Titus there. So having said farewell to them, I went on to Macedonia.
UST:
However, since my fellow believer Titus was not {in the city of Troas}, I continued to be anxious about {what happened when he visited you}. Therefore, I said goodbye to the believers there and left to travel to the region of Macedonia.
Why did Paul have no peace of mind when he went to the city of Troas?
He had no peace of mind because he could not find his brother Titus in Troas.
2 Corinthians 2:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:14ULT:
But thanks {be} to God, always leading us in triumphal procession in Christ and making known through us the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place.
UST:
Now we praise God! {He is the one} who, because he has united us to the Messiah, continually includes us as he conquers {his enemies}. Further, he uses us to reveal to people in many places what God is like.
What did God do through Paul and his companions? (2:14-15)
Through Paul and his companions God spread the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.
2 Corinthians 2:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:15ULT:
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among the ones being saved and among the ones perishing—
UST:
In fact, we are like a pleasant smell that comes from Christ and that pleases God. {We are like this smell} when we are with people whom God is rescuing and when we are with people who are passing away.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 2:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:16ULT:
to the ones, indeed, an aroma from death to death, but to the {others}, an aroma from life to life. And for these things, who {is} sufficient?
UST:
Those {who are passing away think that we are like} a smell that comes from a dead body and that causes people to die. On the other hand, those {whom God is rescuing think that we are like} a smell that comes from a living thing and that causes people to live. No one can perfectly {proclaim the good news in that way}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 2:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 2:17ULT:
For we are not like the many peddling the word of God; but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the presence of God in Christ.
UST:
{You can tell that we do not do so perfectly} because we do not sell the message that God has given us for money, like many other people do. Rather, we only want to serve God, not to gain something. Indeed, {we proclaim the good news} because that is what God sent us {to do}. So, as those whom God has united to the Messiah, we proclaim {the good news} to please God{, not people}.
How did Paul say that he and his companions were different from many people who sold the word of God for profit?
Paul and his companions were different in that they spoke with purity of motives, as sent from God, speaking in Christ in the presence of God.
2 Corinthians 3
2 Corinthians 3:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:1ULT:
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or we do not need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we?
UST:
We are not going to prove to you a second time that we are trustworthy. As you know, you do not need to write or receive a note that proves that we are trustworthy, even though {you might need to do those things} for other people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:2ULT:
You yourselves are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men,
UST:
It is you all who function like a note {that proves that we are trustworthy}. When we care for each other, all people realize that we are trustworthy, just as if they read {a note from you}.
What letter of recommendation did Paul and his companions have?
The saints at Corinth were their letter of recommendation, known and read by all people.
2 Corinthians 3:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:3ULT:
making known that you are a letter of Christ having been administered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of hearts of flesh.
UST:
Everyone knows that you are like a note that the Messiah wrote and that we delivered. {The Messiah} did not write {this note} on stone slabs using dye. Rather, {it is as if he wrote it} inside you by working through the Holy Spirit, {who is} the only real God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:4ULT:
Now we have such confidence through Christ toward God.
UST:
I say those things because we are sure about {what} God {thinks of us}. {We are sure} because the Messiah makes {us sure}.
What was the confidence that Paul and his companions had in God through Christ? (3:4-5)
Their confidence was not in their own competence, but in the adequacy that God provided them.
2 Corinthians 3:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:5ULT:
Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to consider anything as from ourselves. Instead, our sufficiency {is} from God,
UST:
Of course, we cannot {proclaim the good news} well on our own, and we do not think that anything we do well is because of us. Rather, God enables us {to proclaim the good news} well.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:6ULT:
who indeed made us competent {as} servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.
UST:
He has also enabled us to act on behalf of the new agreement. The Holy Spirit gives {this new agreement}, so it is not just words that someone wrote down. {This is important} because {people who rely on} the Holy Spirit will live, but {people who rely on} words that someone wrote down will die.
What was the basis of the new covenant of which God had qualified Paul and his companions to be servants?
The new covenant was based on the Spirit, who gives life, not the letter, which kills.
2 Corinthians 3:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:7ULT:
Now if the ministry of this death—engraved in letters on stones—came in glory, so that the sons of Israel were not able to look intently at the face of Moses because of the fading glory of his face,
UST:
Further, when Moses acted on behalf of {the old agreement that condemned people} to die, God carved the words {of the agreement} onto stone slabs. What Moses did was glorious enough that the Israelites could not gaze at his face afterwards because it {reflected how} glorious {God is}, although that would eventually go away.
Why could the people of Israel not look directly at Moses’ face?
They could not look directly at his face because of the glory of his face, a glory that was fading.
2 Corinthians 3:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:8ULT:
how will the ministry of the Spirit not be with much more glory?
UST:
So then, when people act on behalf of {the new agreement that gives} the Holy Spirit, that is even more glorious.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:9ULT:
For if the ministry of this condemnation {had} glory, the ministry of this righteousness abounds much more in glory!
UST:
Indeed, when Moses acted on behalf of {the old agreement that led to God} condemning people, it was glorious. So then, when people act on behalf of {the new agreement that leads to people becoming} righteous, it is even more glorious!
Which will have more glory, the ministry of condemnation or the service of righteousness?
The ministry of righteousness abounds much more in glory.
2 Corinthians 3:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:10ULT:
For indeed, {what} had been glorified is not glorified in this part, because of the surpassing glory.
UST:
In fact, the glorious {old agreement} does not look glorious at all because of how glorious {the new agreement} is.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:11ULT:
For if {what} is fading away {came} with glory, much more {what} remains {will come} with glory!
UST:
Indeed, {the old agreement} that is going away was glorious. So then, {the new agreement} that will last forever is even more glorious!
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:12ULT:
Therefore, having such a hope, we act with much boldness,
UST:
So then, since we confidently expect {to receive} these {glorious} things, we behave very boldly.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:13ULT:
and not like Moses putting a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of {what} was fading away.
UST:
{We are} not like Moses, who wore a cloth that hid his face. That way, the Israelites could not gaze at how his face stopped reflecting how glorious God is.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 3:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:14ULT:
But their minds were hardened, for until the present day, the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant, not being lifted, because in Christ it is fading away.
UST:
In fact, the Israelites did not understand {what God revealed}. Indeed, even now, when someone reads {the Scriptures that contain} the old agreement, {it is as if} the cloth that Moses wore keeps people from understanding {it}. That is because no one can understand {these Scriptures} until God unites them to the Messiah.
How can Israel’s mind be opened and the veil removed from their hearts?
Only when Israel turns to the Lord Christ are their minds opened and the veil lifted away.
2 Corinthians 3:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:15ULT:
But until today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart,
UST:
Indeed, even now, when someone reads the Law of Moses, it is as if that cloth keeps people from understanding it.
What is the problem which remains today for the people of Israel whenever the old covenant of Moses is read?
Their problem is that their minds are closed and a veil lies over their hearts.
2 Corinthians 3:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:16ULT:
but whenever one might turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
UST:
However, when people begin to trust the Lord {God}, God enables them to understand {the Law of Moses}, just as if he removed that cloth.
How can Israel’s mind be opened and the veil removed from their hearts?
Only when Israel turns to the Lord Christ are their minds opened and the veil lifted away.
2 Corinthians 3:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:17ULT:
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord {is}, {there is} freedom.
UST:
When I speak of the Lord {God}, I mean the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who enables {people to understand the Scriptures}.
What is present with the Spirit of the Lord?
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 3:18ULT:
Now we all, with unveiled face reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
UST:
So, all of us {who believe} show how glorious the Lord {God} is, and {we do so} without a cloth covering our faces. God is changing us so that we are like {the Messiah}. In this way, the glorious Lord, who is the Holy Spirit, makes us glorious.
Into what are all those who are seeing the glory of the Lord being transformed?
They are being transformed into the same glorious likeness from one degree of glory into another.
2 Corinthians 4
2 Corinthians 4:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:1ULT:
Therefore, having this ministry, just as we received mercy, we do not become discouraged.
UST:
Because of those things, and because God mercifully enabled us to act on behalf of {the new agreement}, we do not give up.
Why did Paul and his companions not become discouraged?
They did not become discouraged because of the ministry they had and because they had received mercy.
2 Corinthians 4:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:2ULT:
Instead, we have rejected the shameful hidden things, not walking in craftiness, nor distorting the word of God, but by the manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience before God.
UST:
Rather, we refuse to do anything that we would hide because it is disgraceful. We do not try to deceive others, and we do not change the message from God. Instead, we proclaim the true {message}, and we prove to everyone that God considers us trustworthy.
What were the ways that Paul and his companions had renounced?
They had renounced the ways that are shameful and hidden. They did not live by craftiness and did not mishandle the word of God.
How did Paul and those like him recommend themselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God?
They did this by presenting the truth.
2 Corinthians 4:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:3ULT:
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to the ones perishing,
UST:
In fact, the only people who do not understood the good news that we proclaim are people who are passing away.
To whom is the gospel veiled?
It is veiled to those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 4:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:4ULT:
to whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, does not appear {to them}.
UST:
Satan, who rules the world right now, has kept these people who do not believe from understanding. That way, the good news about the glorious Messiah, who shows what God is like, does not change them.
Why is the gospel veiled to those who are perishing?
It is veiled because the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds so they are not able to see the light of the gospel.
2 Corinthians 4:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:5ULT:
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but the Lord Christ Jesus, and ourselves {as} your servants for Jesus’ sake.
UST:
{I say that the good news is about the Messiah} because we do not tell other people about ourselves. Rather, {we tell them} about Jesus the Messiah, the Lord, and about how we serve you because of him.
What did Paul and his companions proclaim about Jesus and about themselves?
They proclaimed Christ Jesus as Lord and themselves as the servants of the Corinthian church for Jesus’ sake.
2 Corinthians 4:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:6ULT:
For God {is} the one who said, “From darkness a light will shine,” who shined in our hearts for the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
UST:
{We do that} because it is God who spoke these words: “What is dark will become bright.” He has enabled us to understand what is true about how glorious he is, just as if he had shined a light on us. {God has revealed this} in Jesus the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 4:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:7ULT:
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that the surpassing greatness of the power might be from God and not from us;
UST:
We experience and proclaim these wonderful things, but we ourselves are weak and worthless. That way, {it is clear that} God causes these things to be so powerful, not we.
Why did Paul and his companions have this treasure in jars of clay?
They had this treasure in jars of clay so that it would be clear that the exceedingly great power belongs to God and not to them.
2 Corinthians 4:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:8ULT:
in every {side} being pressed in, but not being crushed; being perplexed, but not despairing;
UST:
{We experience} many {difficult things}. People persecute us, but they do not overcome us. We are not sure what to do, but we do not give up.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 4:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:9ULT:
being persecuted, but not being forsaken; being thrown down, but not perishing;
UST:
People try to hurt us, but God does not abandon us. People act against us, but they do not defeat us.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 4:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:10ULT:
always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus so that the life of Jesus also might be revealed in our body;
UST:
We continually suffer physically, like Jesus did. That way, God will make us live again, just like he made Jesus live again.
Why did Paul and his companions carry in their bodies the death of Jesus?
They carried the death of Jesus in their bodies so that the life of Jesus might also be shown in their bodies.
2 Corinthians 4:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:11ULT:
for we being alive are always being handed over to death for the sake of Jesus so that also the life of Jesus might be revealed in our mortal flesh.
UST:
Indeed, while we are living, God allows us to suffer continually because of Jesus. That way, even though we will die, God will make us live again, just like he made Jesus live again.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 4:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:12ULT:
So then, death works in us, but life in you.
UST:
As you can see, God allows us to suffer, but he will make you live.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 4:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:13ULT:
But having the same spirit of the faith according to {what} has been written: “I believed; therefore I spoke,” we also believe; therefore we also speak,
UST:
Now we are those who trust {God}, just like the person who wrote {in the psalm}, “I trusted {God}, so I spoke.” We too trust {God}, so we too speak.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 4:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:14ULT:
knowing that the one having raised Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present {us} with you.
UST:
{We do that because} we realize that God made Jesus alive again, so he will also make us alive again. Then we will be with Jesus and with you before God.
Who will be raised and brought into the presence of him who raised the Lord Jesus?
Paul and his companions as well as the Corinthian saints will be brought into the presence of him who raised the Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:15ULT:
For all these {things are} for your sake so that the grace, having increased through more and more {people}, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
UST:
We do each of those things to help you. That way, God will act graciously to more people. Then, people will thank God more, which honors God.
What will happen as a result of grace spreading to many people?
As grace is spread to many people, thanksgiving will increase to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:16ULT:
So we do not become discouraged. Rather, even if our outer man is decaying, yet our inner {man} is being renewed day {by} day.
UST:
Therefore, we do not give up. Instead, even though the part of us that people can see is perishing, every day God is strengthening the part of us that people cannot see.
Why did Paul and his companions have reason to become discouraged?
They had reason to become discouraged because, outwardly, they were decaying.
Why did Paul and his companions not become discouraged? (4:16-18)
They did not become discouraged because inwardly they were being renewed day by day. Also, their momentary, light affliction was preparing them for an eternal weight of glory that exceeds all measurement. Lastly, they were watching for unseen eternal things.
2 Corinthians 4:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:17ULT:
For our momentary, light affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
UST:
{We do not give up,} because when we suffer in temporary and unimportant ways, that will cause us to become glorious forever and in important ways, ways that we cannot even imagine.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 4:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 4:18ULT:
We are not watching the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen {are} temporary, but the things not being seen {are} eternal.
UST:
So, we pay attention to what we do not see rather than to what we see. {That is} because what we do not see will last forever, but what we see will pass away.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5
2 Corinthians 5:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:1ULT:
For we know that if our earthly house of this tent is torn down, we have a building from God, an eternal house in the heavens, not made with hands.
UST:
Indeed, we realize that the bodies we have on this earth will die. They are like tents that people destroy. However, God will give us new bodies that will live forever. They will be like buildings that God creates in the heavenly places.
What did Paul say we still have if our earthly dwelling is destroyed?
Paul said we have a building from God, a house not made by human hands, but an eternal house, in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 5:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:2ULT:
For indeed, in this {house} we groan, longing to be fully clothed with our dwelling {that is} from heaven,
UST:
In fact, we mourn how we live in these bodies. We want God to give us new bodies, just as if he was putting new clothes on us. {These new bodies will be like} buildings {that God gives us} from heaven.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:3ULT:
and if indeed having clothed ourselves, we will not be found naked.
UST:
Whenever we receive our new bodies, they will be like clothes that keep us from being naked.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:4ULT:
For indeed, we, the ones being in this tent, groan, being burdened, because of which we do not want to be unclothed, but to be fully clothed so that the mortal may be swallowed up by the life.
UST:
Even further, while we have these bodies that are like tents, we mourn, and these bodies make living difficult. Because of that, it is not that we want to be without bodies, which would be like having no clothes. Rather, {we want} to receive new bodies, which will be like putting on new clothes. That way, we will live forever instead of expecting to die.
Why did Paul say that we groan while we are in this tent?
Paul said this because while in this tent, we are burdened and want to be clothed so that what is mortal may be absorbed by life.
2 Corinthians 5:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:5ULT:
Now the one having prepared us for this very thing {is} God, the one having given us the down payment of the Spirit.
UST:
God is the one who makes us ready for these new bodies. He gave the Holy Spirit to us, which shows that he will also give us everything else that he has promised.
What did God give to us as a pledge of what is to come?
God gave us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.
2 Corinthians 5:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:6ULT:
Therefore, always being courageous and knowing that being at home in the body, we are away from the Lord—
UST:
So then, we are confident at all times {about what God will give us}. Also, we realize that while we have these bodies, we are not with the Lord {Jesus}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:7ULT:
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
UST:
Indeed, we act as we do because we trust {the Lord Jesus}, not because we see {him}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:8ULT:
Now we are confident and think it good rather to be away from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
UST:
As I said, we are confident {about what God will give us}. Also, we would choose instead to be without our bodies and with the Lord {Jesus}.
Would Paul rather be in the body or at home with the Lord?
Paul said, “We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:9ULT:
And therefore we aspire, whether being at home or being away, to be well-pleasing to him.
UST:
So then, we strive to please the Lord Jesus whether we are with him or not.
What was Paul’s goal?
Paul made it his goal to please the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:10ULT:
For it is necessary for us all to be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ so that each one may receive back the {things done} through the body, with regard to what things he did, whether good or bad.
UST:
{We do that} because all of us will have to appear before the Messiah and he will decide whether each one of us has done what is right or what is wrong. Then, he will give us what we deserve in proportion to what we did while we had these bodies.
Why did Paul make it his goal to please the Lord?
Paul made this his goal because we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for the things done in the body, whether for good or for bad.
2 Corinthians 5:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:11ULT:
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. But we are clearly known by God, and I hope also to be clearly known in your consciences.
UST:
So then, because we experience what it means to fear the Lord {Jesus}, we convince others {to fear him also}. God knows {that we are trustworthy}, and I want you also to know {that we are trustworthy}.
Why did Paul and his companions persuade people?
They persuaded people because they knew the fear of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:12ULT:
We are not again commending ourselves to you, but are giving you an opportunity of boasting on our behalf, so that you may have {an answer} for the ones boasting in appearance and not in heart.
UST:
We are not proving to you a second time that we are trustworthy. Rather, we are enabling you to say great things about us. That way, you can respond to anybody who says great things about how people appear on the outside and not about who those people really are on the inside.
Paul said they were not again recommending themselves to the Corinthian saints. What were they doing?
They were giving the Corinthian saints a reason to be proud of them, so that the Corinthian saints might have an answer for those who boasted about appearances but not about what was in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:13ULT:
For if we are out of our mind, {it is} for God; if we are of sound mind, {it is} for you.
UST:
So, when we seem crazy, we are serving God. When we seem to think normally, we are serving you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:14ULT:
For the love of Christ controls us, having judged this: that one died for the sake of all; therefore, all died.
UST:
{Those things are true} because the Messiah loves us, and that directs us {to act in certain ways}. Here is how we think about it: one person{, the Messiah,} died to rescue all people. Because of that, {it is as if} all people died.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:15ULT:
And he died for all so that the ones living should live no longer for themselves, but for the one having died for them and having been raised.
UST:
Further, {this is why} he died to rescue all people: that way, those who live spiritually will not do whatever they want anymore. Instead, {they will do} what the Messiah wants, since he died to rescue them and God made him alive again.
Since Christ died for all, what should those who live do?
They should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised.
2 Corinthians 5:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:16ULT:
Therefore, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Even if we regarded Christ according to the flesh, yet now we no longer regard him {that way}.
UST:
Because of all that, we do not think about anyone in merely human ways any longer. Indeed, although at one time we thought about the Messiah in merely human ways, we do not think about him in those ways any longer.
By what standards do the saints no longer judge anyone?
The saints no longer judge anyone by human standards.
2 Corinthians 5:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:17ULT:
Therefore, if anyone {is} in Christ, {he is} a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
UST:
So then, whenever God unites people to the Messiah, he makes them new people. What they used to be has disappeared. Look, what they are now is something new!
What happens to anyone who is in Christ?
He is a new creation. The old things have passed away; new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:18ULT:
Now all these things {are} from God, the one having reconciled us to himself through Christ and having given us the ministry of this reconciliation,
UST:
God is the one who gives us every one of these things. By working through the Messiah, he has enabled us to be with him. Further, God empowers us to act so that others can also be with him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 5:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:19ULT:
namely, that God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and having placed in us the word of reconciliation.
UST:
Here is how that works: God works through Christ to enable every person to be with him. In doing so, he forgives people for what they have done wrong. Further, he commissions us to tell others about how they can be with God.
When God through Christ reconciles people to himself, what does God do for them?
God does not count their sinful acts against them, and he entrusts to them the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:20ULT:
Therefore, we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God is appealing through us: We implore {you} on behalf of Christ: “Be reconciled to God!”
UST:
Because {God has commissioned us}, we represent the Messiah. So, God encourages others through us. We speak for the Messiah when we ask you {to believe the good news so that} you can be with God.
As appointed representatives of Christ, what is the plea of Paul and his companions to the Corinthians?
Their plea to the Corinthians is to be reconciled to God for the sake of Christ!
2 Corinthians 5:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 5:21ULT:
The one not having known sin he made sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
UST:
Jesus did not sin. {Despite that,} for our sake God treated him as if he had sinned. As a result, God makes us righteous by uniting us to Jesus.
Why did God make Christ become the sacrifice for our sin?
God did this so that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 6
2 Corinthians 6:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:1ULT:
Now working together with {him}, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—
UST:
As those who serve with God, we encourage you to accept fully what God has graciously done {for you}, so that it changes {how you live}.
What did Paul and his companions beg the Corinthians not to do?
They begged the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God to no effect.
2 Corinthians 6:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:2ULT:
for he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now {is} a favorable time. Look, now {is} a day of salvation.
UST:
{You should do that} because God says {in the scripture}: “When I considered it to be the right time, I heard you {and acted}. Indeed, when I was rescuing {people}, I assisted you.” Right now is when God considers it to be the best time! Indeed, right now is when God is rescuing {people}!
When is the favorable time? When is the day of salvation?
Now is the favorable time. Now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:3ULT:
Giving no cause for offense in anything so that our ministry might not be blamed,
UST:
We avoid doing anything that might offend others. That way, no one can criticize how we serve {God}.
Why did Paul and his companions not place a stumbling block in front of anyone?
They did not put a stumbling block in front of anyone, for they did not want their ministry to be blamed.
2 Corinthians 6:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:4ULT:
instead, we commend ourselves in everything as servants of God; in much endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses,
UST:
Rather, we prove that we are trustworthy in every way while we serve God. We always persevere when people hurt and persecute us.
What did the actions of Paul and his companions prove?
Their actions proved they were God’s servants.
What are some of the things that Paul and his companions endured? (6:4-5)
They endured affliction, distress, hardship, beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.
2 Corinthians 6:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:5ULT:
in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in hard labors, in sleeplessness {nights}, in hungers,
UST:
{We persevere} when people strike us, put us in jail, and stir up crowds against us. {We persevere} when we work hard, do not sleep much, and go hungry.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:6ULT:
in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love,
UST:
We are free from evil things, we know {what is true}, and we do not easily become angry. We care {for others}, we have the Holy Spirit, and we love {people} sincerely.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:7ULT:
in the word of truth, in the power of God; through the weapons of righteousness {for} the right hand and the left,
UST:
We proclaim what is true, and God enables us to act powerfully. We are righteous, which is like having a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:8ULT:
through honor and dishonor, through bad report and good report; as deceivers, yet true;
UST:
Some people honor us, and others shame us. Some people say bad things about us, and others say good things about us. Some people think that we tell lies, but really we speak what is true.
Even though Paul and his companions were truthful, of what were they accused?
They were accused of being deceitful.
2 Corinthians 6:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:9ULT:
as being unknown, yet being well known; as dying yet—behold!—living; as being disciplined, yet not being put to death;
UST:
Some people think that nobody acknowledges us, but really, God acknowledges us. Some people think that we are dying, but really, we are alive! Some people think that God is punishing us, but really, he has not decided that we should die.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:10ULT:
as being sorrowful, but always rejoicing; as poor, but making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.
UST:
Some people think that we mourn, but really, we continually rejoice. Some people think that we are needy, but really, we help many people gain what is truly valuable. Some people think that we do not have anything, but really, we have everything.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:11ULT:
Our mouth has been opened toward you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide.
UST:
Fellow believers in the city of Corinth, we have told you what is true, and we care for you greatly.
What exchange does Paul wish to make with the Corinthians? (6:11-13)
Paul said his heart was wide open to the Corinthians and, in fair exchange, Paul wanted the Corinthians saints to open their hearts wide to Paul and his companions.
2 Corinthians 6:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:12ULT:
You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your affections;
UST:
We are not the ones who have stopped {caring for you}. Rather, it is you who have stopped caring {for us}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:13ULT:
and {in} the same exchange—I speak as to children—open yourselves wide also.
UST:
Now I will speak to you {as if you thought in simple ways} like children {do}: since we care for you, it would only be right if you cared for us in return.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:14ULT:
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers, for what partnership {does} righteousness and lawlessness {have}? Or what fellowship {does} light {have} with darkness?
UST:
Do not join in with people who do not trust {the Messiah}. {I say that} because what is right and what is wrong have nothing in common. Further, what is good shares nothing with what is evil.
What reasons does Paul give as to why the Corinthian saints should not be tied together with unbelievers? (6:14-16)
Paul gives the following reasons: What association does righteousness have with lawlessness? Does light have fellowship with darkness? Can Christ agree with Beliar? What share does a believer have together with an unbeliever? Can there be agreement between the temple of God and idols?.
2 Corinthians 6:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:15ULT:
And what harmony {does} Christ {have} with Beliar? Or what share {does} a believer {have} with an unbeliever?
UST:
The Messiah does not agree {about anything} with the devil Beliar. Further, people who trust {the Messiah} do not belong with people who do not trust {the Messiah}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:16ULT:
And what agreement {does} the temple of God {have} with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said: “I will dwell among them, and walk {among them}; and I will be their God, and they themselves will be my people.”
UST:
God’s temple does not go together with other gods. In fact, it is as if we {who believe} were the only real God’s temple. {You can tell that we are God’s temple} because God spoke {these words in the Scriptures}: “I will be with my people. Indeed, I will not leave them. They will consider me to be their God and I will consider them to be my people.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 6:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:17ULT:
Therefore, “Come out from the midst of them, and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch no unclean thing,” and “I will welcome you.”
UST:
So then, {we should do what} the Lord {God} says {in the Scriptures}: “Get away from people {who do not serve me}. Make sure that you are different {than them}. Stay away from anything that defiles you.” {He says,} “Then, I will gladly receive you.”
What does the Lord say he will do for those who will, “Come out from among them and be set apart, and touch no unclean thing…”? (6:17-18)
The Lord says he will welcome them. He will be a Father to them and they will be his sons and daughters.
2 Corinthians 6:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 6:18ULT:
And “I will be to you as a Father, and you will be to me as sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.
UST:
Further, the Lord {God}, who rules all things, says, “I will be your father. You will be my sons and daughters.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 7
2 Corinthians 7:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:1ULT:
Therefore, beloved, having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
UST:
So then, {fellow believers} whom I love, because God has promised these things to us, we should get rid of everything that defiles us on the outside and on the inside. We should become completely holy as we fear God.
Of what does Paul say we are supposed to cleanse ourselves?
We are supposed to cleanse ourselves of everything that makes us unclean in body and spirit.
2 Corinthians 7:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:2ULT:
Make room for us! We wronged no one; we ruined no one; we took advantage of no one.
UST:
{We ask you to} care for us! We have not hurt, cheated, or destroyed anyone.
What did Paul want the Corinthian saints to do for himself and his companions?
Paul wanted them to, “Make room for us!”
2 Corinthians 7:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:3ULT:
I do not speak for your condemnation; for I have already said that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together.
UST:
I am not saying these things to blame you. In fact, as I have already written {in this letter}, we care for you greatly, no matter what happens.
What words of encouragement did Paul have for the Corinthian saints? (7:3-4)
Paul told the Corinthian saints they were in his and his companion’s hearts, to die together and to live together. Paul also told them he had great confidence in them and was proud of them.
2 Corinthians 7:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:4ULT:
Great {is} my confidence in you; great {is} my boasting on your behalf. I have been filled with encouragement. I overflow with this joy in all our afflictions.
UST:
I am very confident {that} you {will do what is right}. {In fact,} I often say great things about you. You encourage me greatly, and I rejoice very much {about you} even while we are suffering.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 7:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:5ULT:
For even having come to Macedonia, our flesh had no relief at all, but {we were} being afflicted in every {way}—conflicts without, fears within.
UST:
Now to return {to how I traveled}, when we arrived in Macedonia, things did not get easier for us. Instead, we suffered in many ways. Other people quarreled with us, and we ourselves were often afraid.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 7:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:6ULT:
But God, the one comforting the humble, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,
UST:
However, God encourages people who feel discouraged. He encouraged us by having Titus join {us}.
What comfort did God give to Paul and his companions when they came to Macedonia and were troubled in every way – conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside? (7:6-7)
God comforted them by the arrival of Titus, by the report of the comfort Titus had received from the Corinthian saints, and by the Corinthian’s great affection and their sorrow and deep concern for Paul.
2 Corinthians 7:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:7ULT:
and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, reporting to us your longing, your mourning, {and} your zeal for my sake, so that I was caused to rejoice even more.
UST:
{God encouraged us} partly by having Titus join {us}, but even more by how what you did encourages Titus. He has told us that you want {to see me}, that you are sorry {for what you did}, and that you strive to honor me. Because of those things, I rejoiced more {than I did before}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 7:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:8ULT:
For even if I grieved you in the letter, I do not regret {it}. Even if I was regretting {it} (I seethat that letter grieved you, if only for an hour),
UST:
I am not sorry {that I wrote the previous letter}, even though I hurt you with what I wrote. In fact, the only reason I would be sorry {that I wrote it} is that I know that the letter hurt you, although only for a little while.
What did Paul’s previous letter produce in the Corinthian saints? (7:8-9)
The Corinthian saints experienced grief unto repentance in response to Paul’s previous letter.
2 Corinthians 7:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:9ULT:
now I rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to {the point of} repentance. For you were grieved with respect to God, so that you would not suffer loss in anything through us.
UST:
However, now {that Titus has told us about you,} I am very happy. {I am happy} not because I hurt you. Rather, {I am happy} because when I hurt you, you became sorry {for what you did} and stopped {doing it}. In fact, you felt hurt in a way that honors God. So, we have not deprived you of anything good.
What did Godly sadness produce in the Corinthian saints?
Sadness brought about repentance in them.
2 Corinthians 7:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:10ULT:
For the sorrow with respect to God works repentance towards salvation without regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.
UST:
{That is} because, when people feel hurt in a way that honors God, it causes them to be sorry {for what they did} and stop {doing it}. They are not sorry {that they felt hurt}, because {God uses how they feel} to rescue them. However, when people feel hurt in the way that most people do, {how they feel} eventually causes them to die.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 7:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:11ULT:
For behold how much earnestness this same thing produced in you, to be made sorrowful with respect to God: what defense, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, {and} what vindication! In everything you proved yourselves to be pure in this matter.
UST:
As for you, when you felt hurt in this way that honors God, it certainly caused you to be very eager {to do what is right}. You argued that you were not guilty. You were upset {about what had happened}. You feared {what might happen}. You wanted {to see us}. You strove to honor {us}. You punished {the person who had done what was wrong}. By doing all {those things}, you have shown that you have done what is right in response to what happened.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 7:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:12ULT:
So even though I wrote to you, {it was} not for the sake of the one having done wrong, nor for the sake of the one having suffered wrong, but so that your earnestness which {is} on our behalf might be revealed to you before God.
UST:
So then, when I sent {the previous letter} to you, I was not primarily dealing with the person who did what was wrong. Also, I was not primarily dealing with the person whom he hurt. Rather, I intended to show you how eager you are {to act rightly} toward us and that God approves {of this}.
Why did Paul say he wrote his previous letter to the Corinthian saints?
Paul said he wrote so that the earnestness of the Corinthians saints for Paul and his companions should be made known to the Corinthian saints in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 7:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:13ULT:
Because of this we have been encouraged.
Now in addition to our own encouragement, we rejoiced even more abundantly at the joy of Titus, because his spirit had been refreshed by all of you.
UST:
Since you responded in these ways, you have encouraged us.
In fact, although you did encourage us, we are even more happy about how you made Titus happy. {You did that} when you all comforted and strengthened him.
Why was Titus joyful?
He was joyful because his spirit was refreshed by all the Corinthian saints.
2 Corinthians 7:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:14ULT:
For if I had boasted anything to him about you, I was not ashamed, but as we spoke everything to you in truth, in the same way also our boasting became the truth to Titus.
UST:
{We were this happy} because you did not disgrace me after I had said great things about you to Titus. Instead, Titus found out that the great things we said about you were actually true. {This is} just like how everything we told you was also true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 7:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:15ULT:
And his affections towards you are more abundant, remembering the obedience of all of you, how you received him with fear and trembling.
UST:
Titus recalls how you all obeyed us, particularly how you feared him when he arrived. {Because of that,} he cares about you even more now.
Why did Titus’ affection for the Corinthian saints grow even greater?
Titus’ affection for the Corinthian saints grew even greater as he remembered the obedience of all the Corinthian saints as they welcomed him with fear and trembling.
2 Corinthians 7:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 7:16ULT:
I rejoice that in everything I am confident in you.
UST:
I am happy that I am completely sure that you {are doing what is right}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8
2 Corinthians 8:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:1ULT:
Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
UST:
My fellow believers, we want to tell you about what God has graciously enabled the groups of believers {here} in Macedonia province to do.
What did Paul want the Corinthian brothers and sisters to know?
Paul wanted them to know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 8:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:2ULT:
that during a severe trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
UST:
Even though they suffered very much, which tested {how they would respond}, they were extremely generous. They were very joyful {as they did this}, even though they had very little.
What did the churches of Macedonia do during a great test of affliction, and even though were extremely poor?
They produced great riches of generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:3ULT:
For I testify that {they gave} according to their ability, and beyond their ability, of their own accord,
UST:
In fact, I can tell you that {they offered} as much as they could afford, and even more than they could afford. They were the ones who chose to do this.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:4ULT:
with much urging they pleaded with us {for} the favor and the fellowship of this ministry {that is} to the saints.
UST:
They were very insistent when they urged us to accept {what they were giving}. They wanted to share in serving God’s people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:5ULT:
And not as we hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and then to us, by the will of God.
UST:
Further, they did even more than what we had expected. They dedicated themselves primarily to {serving} the Lord {Jesus} and then also to {serving} us. {That is} just what God wants.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:6ULT:
So we urged Titus that, just as he began, in the same way he would also complete for you this grace as well.
UST:
Because of that, we encouraged Titus to finish accepting what you are giving, especially since he had already started {doing so}.
What did Paul urge Titus to do?
Paul urged Titus to bring to completion this act of grace on the part of the Corinthian saints.
2 Corinthians 8:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:7ULT:
But even as you abound in everything, in faith and in speech and in knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love from us in you,so also you should abound in this act of grace.
UST:
As for you, you are already doing well in so many ways. {This includes} how you trust {God}, what you say, how much you know, how you are always eager {to do what is right}, and how much we love you. So, you should also do well in giving {money for fellow believers}.
In what else did the Corinthian believers abound?
They abounded in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in their love for Paul.
2 Corinthians 8:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:8ULT:
I say this not according to a command, but also proving the genuineness of your love through the earnestness of others.
UST:
I am not ordering you {to give money}. Rather, I want to show that you really care {for fellow believers} by comparing {what you do} with how other people are always eager {to give money}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:9ULT:
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he became poor for your sake {though} being rich so that by the poverty of that one, you might become rich.
UST:
{You should be eager to give money} because you realize that our Lord, Jesus the Messiah, kindly gave up everything he had to help you. {He did that even though} he had very many things. He wanted to give you many things by himself giving up what he had.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:10ULT:
And I give my opinion in this, for this is profitable for you, who not only began to do this a year ago, but also to desire {to do it}.
UST:
I am telling you what I think about giving money, because hearing what I think helps you. Last year, you both wanted to and did start {giving money}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:11ULT:
But now also complete {what you began} to do, so that just as {there was} the readiness of the desire, so also {there may be} the completion from what you have.
UST:
Right now, you should finish what you started. That way, what you finish doing matches what you eagerly wanted {to do}, {which is to give some} of what you have.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:12ULT:
For if the readiness is already there, {it is} fully acceptable according to whatever one might have, not according to what he does not have.
UST:
Now God approves of {what people give} based on what they have, not based on what they do not have. {This is true} as long as they are eager {to give}.
What does Paul say is a good and acceptable thing?
Paul says it is a good and acceptable thing for the Corinthian saints to have a readiness to do that work.
2 Corinthians 8:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:13ULT:
For {this is} not so that {there is} relief for others {but} tribulation for you, but out of equality.
UST:
So, it is not that I want you to suffer while other believers do well. Rather, I want {believers to share what they have} equally.
Does Paul want this task to be done so others may be relieved and the Corinthian saints may be burdened? (8:13-14)
No. Paul said the Corinthians’ abundance at that current time would supply what they (the other saints) needed, and so that their abundance might also supply the Corinthian saints’ need, and so that there might be fairness.
2 Corinthians 8:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:14ULT:
At the present time, your abundance {is} for the lack of those ones, so that also the abundance of those ones may be for your need, so that there may be equality,
UST:
Right now, how much you have can help people who do not have much. Then, when those people have much and you have little, they can help you. That way, believers share {what they have} equally.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:15ULT:
just as it is written: “The one {gathering} much did not have too much, and the one {gathering} little did not have too little.”
UST:
{We want it to be} like what someone wrote {when God powerfully gave food to the Israelites}: “The people who had much did not have more than they needed. The people who had little did not have less than they needed.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:16ULT:
But thanks {be} to God, the one placing the same earnestness on your behalf into the heart of Titus.
UST:
We thank God for causing Titus to be eager {to care} for you, just like we are.
What did Titus do after God put into his heart the same earnest care that Paul had for the Corinthian saints? (8:16-17)
Titus accepted Paul’s appeal, and being very earnest about it, he came to the Corinthian saints of his own free will.
2 Corinthians 8:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:17ULT:
For he not only accepted our appeal, but being very eager, he has gone to you of his own accord.
UST:
Indeed, he is visiting you partly because he listened to us urging him {to do so}. Mostly, however, {he is visiting you} because he is so eager {to care for you} that he himself chose {to visit you}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:18ULT:
Now we have sent together with him the brother of whom is the praise throughout all of the churches in the gospel,
UST:
We have chosen a fellow believer to go with Titus. Many groups of believers commend him {because of what he does} for the sake of the good news.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:19ULT:
And not only this, but he also was chosen by the churches as our traveling companion, along with this grace that is being administered by us to the glory of the Lord, and {to show} our readiness;
UST:
More than that, the groups of believers selected him to travel with me. He is helping us as we work to accept {money for the believers in Jerusalem}. {Accepting this money} honors the Lord {God} and demonstrates how eager we are {to care for fellow believers}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:20ULT:
avoiding this, that no one might blame us concerning this generosity being administered by us.
UST:
So, we are doing what we can to keep others from criticizing us for what we do {with this money} that people have generously given.
What was Paul careful to avoid in his actions concerning this act of generosity?
Paul was careful to avoid giving anyone reason to complain about his actions.
2 Corinthians 8:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:21ULT:
For we consider beforehand {what is} good, not only before the Lord, but also before men.
UST:
As you can see, before {we started to collect this money}, we planned how to do it well. {We considered} what the Lord {God} thinks, but we also {considered} what other people think.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:22ULT:
Now we sent our brother with them, whom we proved in many ways, {and} often being eager. But now he is even more eager {because of his} great confidence that {he has} in you.
UST:
We have chosen another fellow believer to go with Titus and the other man {I have been speaking about}. We have tested him and know for sure that he is eager {to serve God}. In fact, because he is very confident that you {will do what is right}, right now he is particularly eager {to serve with you}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:23ULT:
As for Titus, {he is} my partner and fellow worker for you. As {for} our brothers, {they are} messengers of the churches, a glory of Christ.
UST:
{I recommend these men.} Titus joins me {in what I do} and works with me to help you. The groups of believers send the other two fellow believers, and they honor the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 8:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 8:24ULT:
Therefore, prove to them to the faces of the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting about you.
UST:
So then, show these three men and also the groups of believers that you really do care {for fellow believers} and that the great things we say about you really are true.
What did Paul tell the Corinthian saints to do concerning the brothers that were sent to them by the other churches?
Paul told the Corinthian church to show them their love and to show them why Paul had boasted about the Corinthian church among the other churches.
2 Corinthians 9
2 Corinthians 9:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:1ULT:
For concerning the ministry {that is} to the saints, it is excessive for me to write to you.
UST:
Really, though, I do not need to say anything to you about how we are serving God’s people {in Jerusalem}.
About what does Paul say it is not necessary to write to the Corinthian saints?
Paul says it is no necessary to write to them concerning the ministry for the saints.
2 Corinthians 9:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:2ULT:
For I know your readiness, {of} which I boast to the Macedonians concerning you, that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal stirred up most {of them}.
UST:
{That is} because I recognize how eager you are {to give}. In fact, I say great things about you to the believers in Macedonia province. {I tell them} that you believers in Achaia province were already preparing {to give} last year. How eager you were {to give} has encouraged most of them {to give also}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 9:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:3ULT:
But I sent the brothers so that our boasting which {is} about you might not be futile in this matter {and} so that you might be ready, as I was saying.
UST:
However, {although we know that you are eager}, we have chosen these {three} fellow believers to visit you to make sure that the great things we say about how you are eager {to give} prove true. {They are visiting you} so that you can finish preparing {to give} and in this way match what I have told {the Macedonians about you}.
Why did Paul send the brothers to Corinth?
He sent the brothers so that his boasting about the Corinthian saints might not be futile, and so that the Corinthian saints would be ready, as Paul said they would be.
2 Corinthians 9:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:4ULT:
Otherwise, if Macedonians might come with me and might find you unprepared, we would be ashamed—not to mention you—by this situation.
UST:
On the other hand, {think about what would happen} were some believers from Macedonia province to visit you with me and discover that you had not finished preparing {to give}. How you had acted would shame even us, and {it would} most definitely {shame} you.
Why did Paul think it necessary to urge the brothers to go to the Corinthian saints and make arrangements in advance for the gift the Corinthians had promised? (9:4-5)
Paul thought is necessary so that Paul and his companions would not be put to shame in case any Macedonians came with Paul and found the Corinthians unprepared. Paul wanted the Corinthians to be ready with the gift as one freely offered and not because the Corinthians were forced to give it.
2 Corinthians 9:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:5ULT:
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers that they should go to you beforehand and prepare in advance this promised blessing of yours, to be ready in this way as a blessing and not as something forced.
UST:
Because of that, I decided that I needed to ask these {three} fellow believers to visit you before {I do} and help you with what you said you would give. That way, you will have already prepared what you are giving, and {you will offer it} because you want to and not because we are making you do it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 9:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:6ULT:
Now this {I say}: the one sowing sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one sowing in blessings will also reap in blessings.
UST:
Here is an example {that illustrates how you should give}. When farmers plant only a few seeds, they harvest only a little food. When farmers plant many seeds, they harvest much food. Much like that, when you help other people, someone will help you in return.
What example does Paul use to explain why believers should give generously?
Paul says that people who sow only a little will reap only a little, but those who sow generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:7ULT:
{Let} each one {give} just as he has decided beforehand in his heart, not from sorrow or from compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
UST:
Each of you should choose for yourself {how much to give}. Do not {choose how much to give} because you feel hurt or because you have to. {I say that} because God cares for people who give gladly.
How is each one to give?
Each one is to give as he has planned in his heart—not out of compelling obligation or so as to have sorrow when he gives.
2 Corinthians 9:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:8ULT:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in everything, always, having all sufficiency, you may abound in every good work.
UST:
God can graciously give you more than you need. That way, because you always have everything you need in every situation, you can always do everything that is right.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 9:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:9ULT:
Just as it is written: “He distributed {alms}, he gave to the poor, his righteousness endures to eternity.”
UST:
{You can tell that is true} because someone wrote {about this kind of person} in the Scriptures, “They give to many people. Yes, they help those who have very little. They will do what is right forever.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 9:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:10ULT:
Now the one supplying seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and will increase the fruits of your righteousness,
UST:
God provides the seeds for the one who plants them, and {he provides} food for people to eat. So, he will also provide what you need and give you more of it. Further, when you do what is right, he will use that to accomplish good things.
What was the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food going to do for the Corinthian saints? (9:10-11)
That one was going to supply and multiply their seed for sowing and increase the harvest of their righteousness. They were going to be enriched in every way so they could be generous.
2 Corinthians 9:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:11ULT:
in every way being enriched for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us,
UST:
God consistently gives you more than you need so that you can always generously {give to others}. When you give generously and we send your gifts {to fellow believers}, they thank God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 9:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:12ULT:
because the ministry of this service not only is fully supplying the needs of the saints but is also abounding with many thanksgivings to God.
UST:
In fact, when you serve God’s people {in Jerusalem} by giving {to them}, it provides what they need. Even more, though, it causes them to thank God very much.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 9:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:13ULT:
Through the proof of this ministry, they are glorifying God on the basis of the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ and the generosity of the fellowship toward them and toward everyone,
UST:
You prove yourselves by serving God’s people {in Jerusalem}. So then, they will honor God because you actually do what the good news about the Messiah requires, {which is the same good news} that you say you believe. {They will honor God} also because you generously share {what you have} with them and with all {believers}.
For what reason were the saints in Jerusalem glorifying God?
They were glorifying God because of the Corinthians‘ obedience to their confession of the gospel of Christ and because of the generosity of the Corinthians‘ gift.
2 Corinthians 9:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:14ULT:
and in their prayer on your behalf, longing for you because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
UST:
Further, they will want {to see} you as they pray for you, since you give very graciously as God enables you to.
Why did the other saints long for the Corinthian saints as they prayed for them?
They longed for them because of the exceedingly great grace of God that was upon the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 9:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 9:15ULT:
Thanks {be} to God for his indescribable gift!
UST:
We thank God for giving us these things that are more wonderful than we can say!
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10
2 Corinthians 10:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:1ULT:
Now I, Paul, myself—who {am} meek {when} face to face among you, but being absent, am bold toward you—appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
UST:
Now I {will speak about} myself, Paul. I am humbly and reasonably urging you {to do what is right}, just like the Messiah {was humble and reasonable}. {Some people say that} when I was with you in person, I was gentle with you, but now, when I am away, I am forceful with you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:2ULT:
Now I am pleading that, being present, {I will} not {need} to be bold with the confidence with which I plan to be courageous against some of the ones regarding us as walking according to the flesh.
UST:
I do intend to be forceful when I boldly act against these people who think that I and those {who serve} with me act in merely human ways. So, I ask you {to do what is right} so that I will not need to be forceful with you too when I visit you.
What did Paul beg of the Corinthian saints?
Paul begged of them that when he was present with them, he would not have to be bold with self-confidence.
For what occasion did Paul think he would have to be bold with self-confidence?
Paul thought he would have to be bold with self-confidence when he opposed those who supposed that Paul and his companions were living according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:3ULT:
For {though} walking in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.
UST:
In fact, although we act as humans, we do not defend ourselves in merely human ways.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:4ULT:
For the weapons of our warfare {are} not fleshly, but {are} powerful to God for the tearing down of strongholds, tearing down strategies
UST:
In fact, what we use to defend ourselves is not what humans normally use. Rather, God empowers {what we use to defend ourselves} so that we can defeat what other people powerfully argue.
When Paul and his companions waged war, what kind of weapons did they not use?
Paul and his companions did not use fleshly weapons when they waged war.
What did the weapons that Paul used have the power to do?
The weapons Paul used had divine power to destroy strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:5ULT:
and every high thing raising itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive into the obedience of Christ;
UST:
{We} also {defeat} anything that people claim is greater than knowing God. Further, we work to influence everything that people think so that they obey the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:6ULT:
and being in readiness to avenge every act of disobedience, when your obedience would be complete.
UST:
At the time when you fully obey {the Messiah}, we will be ready to punish anyone who disobeys {him}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:7ULT:
Look at the things according to appearance. If anyone is confident in himself that he is of Christ, let him consider this again concerning himself: that just as he {is} of Christ, so also {are} we.
UST:
Think about what is obvious. Suppose that people are sure that they represent the Messiah. Those people need to remember that we too represent the Messiah, just like they do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:8ULT:
For even if I might boast somewhat excessively about our authority, which the Lord gave for building up and not for your tearing down, I will not be ashamed,
UST:
Indeed, I do not disgrace myself when I say many great things about how the Lord {Jesus} has empowered us to represent him. {He did that} so that we could encourage and help you {to trust God more}, not so that we could discourage you {from trusting God}.
For what reason did the Lord give Paul and his companions authority?
The Lord gave Paul and his companions authority so they could build up the Corinthian saints and not destroy them.
2 Corinthians 10:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:9ULT:
so that I would not seem as if to terrify you through my letters.
UST:
So, {you can tell that} I am not trying to scare you when I send {forceful} letters to you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:10ULT:
For {someone} says, “Indeed, his letters {are} weighty and forceful, but his bodily presence {is} weak, and his speech is despised.”
UST:
{I write that} because some people say {about me}, “He sends severe and powerful letters to us, but he is feeble and speaks very poorly when he is with us.”
What were some people saying about Paul and his letters?
Some were saying Paul’s letters were serious and powerful, but physically he was weak and his speech was not worth listening to.
2 Corinthians 10:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:11ULT:
Let such {a person} consider this, that such as we are in our word through letters being absent, such {we are} also in our deed being present.
UST:
People who say those things need to realize that what we write in our letters {to you} when we are not with you is also how we act when we are with you.
What did Paul say to those who thought he was much different in person than his letters indicated?
Paul said that what he said by letter when he was away would be the same as he would do when he was there with the Corinthians saints.
2 Corinthians 10:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:12ULT:
For we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of the ones commending themselves. But these—measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves with themselves—do not understand.
UST:
We are too humble to say that we are as good as people {you know} who say that they are trustworthy. Those people are foolish. {When they say that they are great,} they are looking only at themselves.
What did those who praised themselves do to show they had no insight?
They showed they had no insight because they measured themselves by one another and compared themselves with each other.
2 Corinthians 10:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:13ULT:
We, however, will not boast to the immeasurable things, but according to the measure of the limit that God has assigned to us, a measure that reached even as far as you.
UST:
In contrast, we do not say great things about ourselves beyond what we actually do. Rather, {we say great things about ourselves} that match with what God has given us to do. That includes what we do whenever we are with you.
What were the limits of Paul’s boasting?
Paul said his boasting would stay in the area that God had assigned to them, even reaching as far as the Corinthians. Paul said they would not boast about the labor of others, about the work being done in another’s area.
2 Corinthians 10:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:14ULT:
For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach to you, for we came even as far as you with the gospel of Christ,
UST:
In fact, only if we had not actually visited you would {what God has given us to do} not include you. Of course, we really have already visited you {and told you} the good news about the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:15ULT:
not boasting to the immeasurable things in the labors of others, but having hope, {as} your faith increases, to be enlarged among you according to our limit to abundance
UST:
We do not say great things about ourselves because of what others do but because of what we actually do. In fact, we confidently expect that God will give us even more to do with you. {That will happen} when you trust {God} more.
What were the specific limits of Paul’s boasting? (10:15-16)
Paul said their boasting would stay in the area that God had assigned to them, even reaching as far as the Corinthians. Paul said they would not boast about the labor of others, about the work being done in another’s area.
2 Corinthians 10:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:16ULT:
to preach the gospel in the {places} beyond you—not to boast in the things accomplished in another’s area.
UST:
That way, we can tell the good news to people who live even further away from us than you do. {That is what we plan to do} instead of saying great things about ourselves because of how other people have done what God has given them to do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:17ULT:
But “let the one boasting, boast in the Lord.”
UST:
{Everyone should do what the prophet Jeremiah wrote,} “Anyone who says great things should say them about the Lord {God}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 10:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 10:18ULT:
For that one commending himself is not approved, but whom the Lord commends.
UST:
{Everyone should do that} because the Lord {Jesus} recommends those whom he says are trustworthy, not those who say that about themselves.
Who is the one who is approved?
The one who is approved is the one the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 11
2 Corinthians 11:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:1ULT:
I wish that you would bear with me in a little bit of foolishness, but you are indeed bearing with me!
UST:
{Next,} I hope that you will be patient with me as I say a few things {that I consider} foolish. I know that you are patient with me!
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:2ULT:
For I am jealous {for} you with a godly jealousy, for I joined you to one husband, to present {you} {as} a pure virgin to Christ.
UST:
{I will say foolish things} because I am protective of you as God is protective of you. In fact, when I told you the good news, I was like a father who promised to give you to a man as his wife. Just like this father wants his daughter to be with only this one man, so I want you to trust only in the Messiah.
Why did Paul have a godly jealousy for the Corinthian saints?
He was jealous for them because he had promised them in marriage to one husband, to present them as pure virgins for Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:3ULT:
But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds might be corrupted from the sincerity and the purity {that are} to Christ.
UST:
However, I fear that someone {will trick you}, just as Satan cleverly tricked Eve{, the first woman}. {I fear that such a person} will ruin how you think in ways that are completely loyal to the Messiah.
What was Paul afraid of concerning the Corinthian saints?
Paul was afraid their thoughts might be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:4ULT:
For if indeed one coming proclaims another Jesus whom we did not proclaim, or you receive a different spirit which you did not receive or a different gospel which you did not accept, you are bearing with {it} well!
UST:
{I fear for you} because {I know that} people visit you and tell you about Jesus, but it is not the same Jesus we told you about. Others offer you a spirit, but it is not the Holy Spirit that we offered to you. Others proclaim good news to you, but it is not the same good news that you first believed. Despite that, you are very patient {when people tell you about these things}.
What did the Corinthian saints tolerate?
They tolerated someone coming and proclaiming another Jesus, a different gospel than the one Paul and his companions preached.
2 Corinthians 11:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:5ULT:
For I consider {myself} not to fall short of the “super-apostles.”
UST:
{I want you to believe what we first told you} because I think that the Messiah acts through me as much as through those who say that they represent him the best.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:6ULT:
But even if I am untrained in this speech, yet not in this knowledge, but in everything having made this clear to you in all things.
UST:
Although I have not learned how to speak very well, despite that, {I have learned} to know {what is true}. I show you that this is true whenever I say or do anything.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:7ULT:
Or did I commit a sin, humbling myself so that you yourselves might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without payment?
UST:
You know that I did not sin against you when I did not ask you to pay me for proclaiming to you the good news from God. {By doing that,} I made myself less important to make you more important.
How did Paul preach the gospel to the Corinthians?
Paul preached the gospel freely to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 11:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:8ULT:
I robbed other churches, having accepted a wage for the ministry {to} you.
UST:
{In fact,} I received money from other groups of believers. I accepted their money so that I could serve you.
How did Paul “rob” other churches?
He “robbed” them by accepting support from them so he could serve the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 11:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:9ULT:
And being present with you—and having lacked—I did not burden anyone. For the brothers having come from Macedonia completely met my need, and in everything I kept and will {continue to} keep myself {from being} a burden to you.
UST:
Further, when I was with you, I did not have everything that I needed. However, I did not bother any of you {by asking for money}. {I could do that} because our fellow believers who traveled {with me} from Macedonia province gave me everything that I needed. Indeed, in every situation, I did not and never will bother you {by asking for money for myself}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:10ULT:
The truth of Christ is in me, that this boasting will not be shut to me in the regions of Achaia.
UST:
No one who lives in any part of Achaia province will be able to keep me from saying great things {about how I did not bother you}. What I am saying is as true as if the Messiah were saying it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:11ULT:
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows {I do}!
UST:
My reason for {not bothering you} is not that I do not care for you. God can testify {that I do care for you}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:12ULT:
But what I do I will also {continue to} do so that I may cut off the opportunity of the ones desiring an opportunity that in what they are boasting about they may be found just as we also {are}.
UST:
Rather, {here is my reason for why} I will continue not to bother you. That way, I can prevent anyone from being able to say such great things about themselves as we {say about ourselves}. {I know that} some people want to do this.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:13ULT:
For the ones of such kind {are} false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves {as} apostles of Christ.
UST:
Those people are not really those whom the Messiah sent to represent him. They deceive people with what they do, and they can only pretend to represent the Messiah.
How does Paul describe those who wish to be found equal to Paul and his companions in the things about which they boast?
Paul describes such people as false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:14ULT:
And no wonder, for Satan himself disguises himself {as} an angel of light.
UST:
That should not surprise us. The devil also pretends to be a glorious spiritual being.
How does Satan disguise himself?
He disguises himself as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:15ULT:
Therefore, {it is} no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
UST:
So then, we should expect those who serve him also to pretend to help people become righteous. God will eventually give them what they deserve in proportion to what they have done.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:16ULT:
I say again: Let no one think me to be foolish. But if not, receive me at least as a fool so that I too may boast a little bit.
UST:
I repeat what I said earlier: I do not want anyone to think that I am foolish. However, if you do {think that I am foolish}, you should at least allow me to act in foolish ways. That way, I too can say a few great things about myself.
Why did Paul ask the Corinthian saints to receive him like a fool?
Paul asked them to receive him like a fool so he could boast a little.
2 Corinthians 11:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:17ULT:
What I am saying, I am not saying according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this situation of boasting.
UST:
What I am about to say is not how I speak when I am representing the Lord {Jesus}. Rather, I am about to speak foolishly as I prove that I can say great things about myself.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:18ULT:
Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
UST:
Many other people say great things about themselves in merely human ways. So, I too will say great things about myself.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:19ULT:
For gladly you bear with the foolish, being wise.
UST:
{I know that you will listen to me,} because you consider yourselves to be wise people, so you are happy to be patient with other people who act foolishly.
With whom did Paul say the Corinthian saints gladly put up? (11:19-20)
Paul said they gladly put up with the foolish, with someone who enslaved them, with someone who caused divisions among them, with someone who took advantage of them, with one who put on airs, or one who slapped them in the face.
2 Corinthians 11:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:20ULT:
For you bear with {it} if anyone enslaves you, if anyone devours {you}, if anyone takes advantage {of you}, if anyone exalts {himself}, if anyone hits you in the face.
UST:
In fact, you are patient {when people treat you badly}. They may force you to obey them. They may use up what you have. They may cheat you. They may say they are better than you. They may insult you. {However, you are still patient with them.}
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:21ULT:
According to dishonor I speak, namely that we ourselves have been weak! However, in whatever {way} anyone might be bold—I am speaking in foolishness—I too am bold.
UST:
{If that is the right way for powerful people to treat you, then} I admit {that how we acted when we were with you} shames us and proves that we are weak. On the other hand, whatever other people dare to do, I too can dare to do. Of course, I say these things only because I am acting foolishly.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:22ULT:
Are they Hebrews? I {am} also. Are they Israelites? I {am} also. Are they offspring of Abraham? I {am} also.
UST:
Those people say they are Jews who speak Hebrew, but I also {am a Jew and speak Hebrew}. They say they are Israelites, but I also {am an Israelite}. They say they are descendants of Abraham, but I also {am a descendant of Abraham}.
What are Paul’s boasts comparing himself to those who wish to be found equal with Paul in what they boasted about? (11:22-23)
Paul boasted that he was a Hebrew, an Israelite and a descendant of Abraham just like those who claimed to be equal to Paul. Paul said he was more a servant of Christ than they were–in even more hard work, in far more prisons, in beatings beyond measure, in facing many dangers of death.
2 Corinthians 11:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:23ULT:
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak {as} being insane.) I {am} more so: more abundantly in hard work, more abundantly in imprisonments, in beatings beyond measure, often in {danger of} deaths.
UST:
They say they serve the Messiah, but I {serve the Messiah} even more. {Of course,} I am talking like a crazy person. {However,} I have worked harder {than they have}. People have put me in jail more {than them}. People have struck me very many times. I have almost died many times.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:24ULT:
Five times I received from Jews 40 {lashes} minus one.
UST:
Five different times Jewish leaders had someone strike me {the maximum number of times:} 39.
What were some of the specific dangers Paul endured? (11:24-26)
Paul received five times the “40 lashes minus one” from the Jews. Three times he was beaten with rods. Once he was stoned. Three times he was shipwrecked. He spent a night and a day in the open sea. He was in danger from rivers, from robbers, from his own people, from the Gentiles. He was in danger in the city, in the wilderness, in the sea and in danger from false brothers.
2 Corinthians 11:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:25ULT:
Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the deep;
UST:
Three different times leaders had someone repeatedly hit me with a stick. One time people threw stones at me {to kill me}. Three different times the ship {I was sailing in} sank. I have survived for 24 hours in the middle of the ocean.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:26ULT:
often on journeys, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from {my own} countrymen, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers;
UST:
I travel frequently. I go through dangerous places, including rivers, towns, deserts, and oceans. There are always people who could hurt me, including thieves, Jewish people, non-Jewish people, and people who pretend to be fellow believers.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:27ULT:
in hard work and hardship, often in sleeplessness, in hunger and thirst, often in fasting, in cold and nakedness;
UST:
I work very hard. I frequently do not sleep much. I do not have enough to eat or drink. I frequently go hungry. I sometimes freeze and do not have enough clothing.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:28ULT:
apart from the other things, {there is} the care for me every day, the concern of all the churches.
UST:
Besides everything else {that I could mention}, I anxiously think daily about all the groups of believers.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:29ULT:
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I am not inflamed?
UST:
When a fellow believer is feeble, I am feeble. When someone causes a fellow believer to sin, I become very angry.
According to Paul, what caused him to burn within?
One causing another to fall into sin made Paul burn within.
2 Corinthians 11:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:30ULT:
If it is necessary to boast, I will boast {about} the things of my weakness.
UST:
Since I need to say great things about myself, I intend to say great things about how feeble I am.
What did Paul say he would boast about, if he had to boast?
Paul said he would boast about what showed his weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 11:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:31ULT:
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, the one being blessed to eternity, knows that I am not lying!
UST:
We all will forever honor the God and Father of the Lord Jesus. He can testify that what I am saying is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 11:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:32ULT:
In Damascus, the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of Damascenes to arrest me.
UST:
When I was in Damascus city, the local ruler who served King Aretas had soldiers looking for me in the city to capture me.
What danger afflicted Paul at Damascus?
The governor of Damascus guarded the city to arrest Paul.
2 Corinthians 11:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 11:33ULT:
But I was lowered in a basket through a window through the wall, and I escaped from his hands.
UST:
However, fellow believers helped me get away from the local ruler. {They put me} in a large basket, {attached it to a rope, and} let it down through an opening in the city wall.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12
2 Corinthians 12:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:1ULT:
It is necessary to boast. {It is} not profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
UST:
I need to say great things about myself. {So,} although it is not helpful, I am moving on to {speak about} how the Lord {Jesus} specially shows things {to specific people}.
About what did Paul say he would now boast?
Paul said he would go on to boast about visions and revelations from the Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:2ULT:
I know a man in Christ—whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know, God knows—such a {man} having been caught up to the third heaven 14 years ago.
UST:
Fourteen years ago, God took a certain Christian to the third {level of} heaven. I am not sure whether {God took him there} physically or in a dream or spiritually. Only God can be sure {how it happened}.
What happened to the man in Christ 14 years ago?
He was caught up into the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:3ULT:
And I know that such a man—whether in body, or out of the body, I do not know, God knows—
UST:
Now {I will tell you more about} that specific Christian. {Again,} I am not sure whether {God took him to the third level of heaven} physically or in a dream or spiritually. Only God can be sure {how it happened}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:4ULT:
that he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which are not permitted for a man to speak.
UST:
God took that person into Paradise{, the place in heaven where dead believers are}. There, he heard amazing things that he cannot repeat to anyone.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:5ULT:
On behalf of such a {man} I will boast. But on behalf of myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.
UST:
I could say great things about that{, since the person I have been talking about is me}. However, I will only say great things about how feeble I am.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:6ULT:
For even if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain, {so that} no one would think more of me than what he sees {in} me or hears from me.
UST:
In fact, suppose that I did want to say great things about myself. Since I am speaking truthfully, I would still not be acting foolishly. However, I decide not to {say great things about myself}. {That way,} people can only characterize me by what they observe me saying and doing.
Why does Paul say it would not be foolish if he boasted?
Paul said it would not be foolish for him to boast because he would be speaking the truth.
2 Corinthians 12:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:7ULT:
And because of the surpassing {nature} of the revelations, therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me—a messenger of Satan—so that he might buffet me, so that I would not become arrogant.
UST:
So then, in order that I might not become proud because God revealed such great things to me, he allowed me to suffer. Specifically, a spiritual being whom Satan sent made me suffer. That way, I might not become proud.
What happened to Paul to keep him from becoming puffed up?
Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to harass him.
2 Corinthians 12:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:8ULT:
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that he would remove {it} from me.
UST:
I asked the Lord {Jesus} three different times to make me stop suffering in that way.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:9ULT:
But he has said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is being made perfect in weakness.” So I will most gladly boast even more in my weaknesses so that the power of Christ might reside upon me.
UST:
He responded by saying to me, “When I act kindly to you, that is all you need. In fact, I make people fully powerful when they are feeble.” Therefore, I will most happily say more great things about how feeble I am. That way, the Messiah will always enable me to act powerfully.
What did the Lord tell Paul after Paul asked the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh?
The Lord told Paul, “My grace is enough for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”
Why did Paul say it was preferable to boast about his weakness?
Paul said it was preferable so that the power of Christ might reside in him.
2 Corinthians 12:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:10ULT:
Therefore, I take delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions and distresses for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am powerful.
UST:
So then, I am happy {when bad things happen to me} because {I serve} the Messiah. This includes when I am feeble, when people say bad things about me, when people hurt me, when people persecute me, and when I struggle. {I am happy} because {God} empowers me when I am feeble.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:11ULT:
I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. For I ought to be commended by you, for I lacked nothing of the “super-apostles,” even if I am nothing.
UST:
I have been speaking foolishly, which is what you forced me to do. {You forced me} because you should be saying that I am trustworthy, {but you are not saying that}. {You should be saying that} because I am just as great as any people who say that they represent the Messiah the best. {That is true} even though I am not great at all.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:12ULT:
Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with all endurance—both signs and wonders and miracles.
UST:
I persevered in acting in the ways that prove to you that I really am one whom the Messiah sent to represent him. I did powerful and amazing things.
What was performed among the Corinthians with all patience?
Signs wonders and mighty deeds, the true signs of an apostle, were performed among them with all patience.
2 Corinthians 12:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:13ULT:
For what is {the way} that you were {treated} worse than the remaining churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this injustice!
UST:
Further, I did not treat you like you were less important than any other group of believers. The only way {I acted differently with you} was that I did not bother you {by asking you for money}. If that was actually wrong, please forgive me for doing it!
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:14ULT:
Behold! I am ready to come to you this third time, and I will not burden you. For I do not seek the things of yours, but you. For the children should not store up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
UST:
Pay attention! I am about to visit you for the third time. Yet again, I will not bother you {by asking for money}. {That is} because I want you {to trust me and the Messiah}. {I do not want} the things that you have. In fact, since I am like your parent, I should be saving money for you. Further, since you are like my children, you should not be saving money for me.
Why did Paul tell the Corinthians he would not be a burden to them?
Paul told them this to show them that he did not want what was theirs. He wanted them.
2 Corinthians 12:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:15ULT:
Now I will most gladly spend and be completely spent for the sake of your souls. If lovingyou more abundantly, am I to be loved less?
UST:
I will most happily do and experience anything to help you. When I love you more {than I did before}, you should not love me less {than you did before}.
What did Paul say he would most gladly do for the Corinthian saints?
Paul said he would most gladly spend and be spent for their souls.
2 Corinthians 12:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:16ULT:
But let it be {so}, I myself did not burden you, but being crafty, I caught you by deceit.
UST:
You can agree, then, that I personally did not bother you {by asking for money}. However, perhaps I am a clever person. {Maybe} I somehow tricked you into giving me {money}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:17ULT:
{There is} no one whom I have sent to you, that through him I took advantage of you, is there?
UST:
{However,} I have not had anyone visit you who has acted for me by cheating you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:18ULT:
I urged Titus {to go} and sent the {other} brother with {him}. Unless Titus took advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? {Did we} not {walk} in the same footsteps?
UST:
{For example,} I asked Titus {to visit you}, and I had a fellow believer go with him. {You know that} Titus did not cheat you. He and I live the same way and do the same things.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 12:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:19ULT:
Do you think all of this time that we are defending ourselves to you? Before God in Christ we are speaking. But all these things, beloved, {are} for the sake of your building up.
UST:
You should know that the reason why we have said these things is not to explain to you that I and those who serve with me are trustworthy. Rather, as those whom God has united to the Messiah, we have been saying what pleases God. Of course, {fellow believers} whom we love, we intend everything we say and do to help you grow.
For what purpose did Paul say all these things to the Corinthian saints?
Paul said all these things to build up the Corinthian saints.
2 Corinthians 12:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:20ULT:
For I fear that somehow, having come, I might find you not such as I wish, and I might be found by you not such as you wish; that somehow {there may be} quarreling, jealousy, ragings, rivalries, slanders, gossips, inflated egos, {and} riots,
UST:
{I have said these things} because I am concerned about {what will happen} when I visit. {I am concerned that} I will discover that you are not acting as I want {you to act} and that you will discover that I am not acting as you want {me to act}. {I am concerned} that you may be fighting {with each other}, being jealous {of each other}, being angry {with each other}, trying to control {each other}, saying bad things {about each other}, telling false stories {about others}, saying great things about yourselves, or stirring up crowds {against each other}.
What was Paul afraid he might find when he went back to the Corinthian saints?
Paul was afraid that among them he would find arguments, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, gossip, pride, and disorder.
2 Corinthians 12:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 12:21ULT:
that when I come again, my God might humble me before you, and I would mourn over many of the ones having sinned before and not having repented from the impurity and sexual immorality and debauchery that they did.
UST:
{I am concerned} about {what will happen} when I visit you this third time. God may make me ashamed about you. Further, I may feel very sad about many people who have previously done what is wrong and have not stopped having improper sex.
What was Paul afraid that God might do to him?
Paul was afraid God might humble Paul before the Corinthian saints.
For what reason does Paul think he might mourn for many of the Corinthian saints who previously sinned?
Paul was afraid they might not have repented of the impurity and sexual immorality and lustful indulgence which they previously practiced.
2 Corinthians 13
2 Corinthians 13:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:1ULT:
This {will be} the third {time} that I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established on the basis of the mouth of two or three witnesses.”
UST:
{The scripture says:} “At least two or three witnesses must say the same thing {about someone} before we can believe that it is true.” {Be aware that} the next time that I visit you will be the third time {that I will be a witness to what you are doing}.
How many times had Paul already come to the Corinthian saints at the time 2 Corinthians was written? (13:1-2)
Paul had already come to them twice at the time 2 Corinthians was written.
2 Corinthians 13:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:2ULT:
I have previously said when being present the second {time}, and {though} being absent, I also say now—to those who sinned before and to all the rest—that if I come again, I will not spare {anyone},
UST:
When I visited you the second time, I warned all of you that I was going to punish everyone among you who had been sinning. And now I am warning you again while I am still away from you. When I visit you this third time, I will punish everyone who has been sinning.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 13:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:3ULT:
since you are seeking proof of the Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but is powerful among you.
UST:
I tell you this because you have demanded that I prove to you that the Messiah is speaking to you when I speak to you. {You will know this when he disciplines you.} He will not be weak with you; instead, he will work powerfully among you.
Why did Paul tell the Corinthians saints who had sinned and all the rest that if he came again, he would not spare them?
Paul told them this because the Corinthian saints were seeking evidence that Christ was speaking through Paul.
2 Corinthians 13:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:4ULT:
For he was also crucified as a result of weakness, but he lives as a result of God’s power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him as a result of God’s power toward you.
UST:
You see, {as a man,} the Messiah allowed himself to be weak when people nailed him to a cross. But God is powerful, and he has made him alive again. We, too, are weak human beings, as he was. But God also works powerfully in us to make us live as the Messiah does, so we will work powerfully among you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 13:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:5ULT:
Test yourselves, whether you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you not fully realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ {is} in you—unless you are unapproved?
UST:
Each of you should ask yourself: “Do I trust the Messiah and live as he directs me?” Each of you should test yourself {in this way}. Then you will know that you truly live as one with Jesus the Messiah. That is true unless, of course, you fail this test.
For what did Paul tell the Corinthian saints to examine and test themselves?
Paul told them to examine and test themselves to see if they were in the faith.
2 Corinthians 13:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:6ULT:
And I hope that you will realize that we ourselves are not unapproved.
UST:
As for us, I am certain that you will understand that we have passed the test.
What was Paul confident the Corinthian saints would find concerning Paul and his companions?
Paul was confident the Corinthian saints would find that they were not unapproved, but approved by God.
2 Corinthians 13:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:7ULT:
Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we ourselves might be seen {as} approved, but so that you yourselves might do the good, even if we ourselves might be as unapproved.
UST:
We pray to God that you may not be doing any bad things. We pray for this, not because we want people to consider that we have been successful {in disciplining you}, but so that you would be doing good things. We want this for you even if it means that people consider that we have failed {because you did not need us}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 13:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:8ULT:
For we are not able {to do} anything against the truth, but only on behalf of the truth.
UST:
We want you to do good things {even if then we cannot discipline you and appear to be powerful} because we must obey God’s true message. We cannot do anything that contradicts God’s true message.
What did Paul say that he and his companions were not able to do?
Paul said they were not able to do anything against the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:9ULT:
For we rejoice whenever we ourselves are weak but you yourselves are powerful. We also pray for this: for your restoration.
UST:
We are happy when {people think that} we are weak, because you are strong {in obeying God} {without needing discipline from us}. This is the very thing that we pray for, that you may decide to trust and obey God completely.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 13:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:10ULT:
Because of this, I write these things being absent so that, being present, I would not treat {you} harshly according to the authority which the Lord gave to me for building up and not for tearing down.
UST:
It is because I want you to trust and obey God completely that I am writing to you about these things while I am apart from you. Then when I come to you, I will not have to discipline you severely. The Lord has empowered me to represent him, but he did that so that I could encourage and help you {to trust God more}, not so that I could discourage you {from trusting God}.
Why did Paul write these things to the Corinthian saints while he was away from them?
Paul did this so that when he was with them, he would not have to act harshly toward them.
How did Paul want to use the authority the Lord gave him with regard to the Corinthian saints?
Paul wanted to use his authority to build up the Corinthian saints and not tear them down.
2 Corinthians 13:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:11ULT:
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be restored, be encouraged, think the same, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
UST:
Here are the last things that I want to say to you, my fellow believers. Be joyful! Live in the way that God wants you to live. Let the things that I have said to you encourage you {to trust God more}. Agree with each other {about the important things}. Live peacefully with each other. {If you do these things,} God will be with you. He is the one who enables you to love and to be peaceful with others.
In concluding, what did Paul want the Corinthians to do? (13:11-12)
Paul wanted them to rejoice, to work for restoration, to agree with one another, to live in peace, and to greet each other with a holy kiss.
2 Corinthians 13:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:12ULT:
Greet each other with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
UST:
Greet each other affectionately in a way that is appropriate for those who are members of God’s family. All of God’s people {here} send greetings to you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
2 Corinthians 13:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:13ULT:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit {be} with all of you.
UST:
May the Lord Jesus the Messiah act kindly toward you, may God love you, and may the Holy Spirit be with you and join you all together.
What did Paul want all the Corinthian saints to have with them?
Paul wanted them all to have the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 13:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 2 Corinthians 13:14
(There are no questions for this verse)