One of Paul’s biggest problems with the church in Corinth was his concern that they viewed him as no more than a blustering preacher; thus, they were not taking seriously his advice in his letters and on his visits. Paul addressed this attitude in the letter of 2 Corinthians, pointing out his credentials as an apostle of Christ and why the Corinthians should take his advice.
| 1:1, 21; 4:1 | Commissioned by God |
| 1:12 | Acted in holiness, sincerity, and dependence on God alone in his dealings with them |
| 1:13, 14 | Was straightforward and sincere in his letters |
| 1:18; 4:2 | Spoke truthfully |
| 1:22 | Had God’s Holy Spirit |
| 2:4; 6:11; 11:11 | Loved the Corinthian believers |
| 2:17 | Spoke with sincerity and Christ’s authority |
| 3:2, 3 | Worked among them and changed their lives |
| 4:1, 16 | Did not give up |
| 4:2 | Taught the Bible with integrity |
| 4:5 | Had Christ as the center of his message |
| 4:8-12; 6:4, 5, 9, 10 | Endured persecution as he taught the Good News |
| 5:18-20 | Was Christ’s ambassador, called to tell the Good News |
| 6:3, 4 | Tried to live an exemplary life so others would not be kept from God |
| 6:6 | Led a pure life, understood the gospel, and displayed patience with the Corinthians |
| 6:7 | Was truthful and filled with God’s power |
| 6:8 | Stood true to God first and always |
| 7:2; 11:7-9 | Never led anyone astray or took advantage of anyone |
| 8:20, 21 | Handled their offering for the Jerusalem believers in a responsible, blameless manner |
| 10:1-6 | Used God’s weapons, not his own, for God’s work |
| 10:7, 8 | Was confident that he belonged to Christ |
| 10:12, 13 | Would boast not in himself but in the Lord |
| 10:14, 15 | Had authority because he taught them the Good News |
| 11:23-33 | Endured pain and danger as he fulfilled his calling |
| 12:2-4 | Was blessed with an astounding vision |
| 12:6 | Lived as an example to the believers |
| 12:7-10 | Was constantly humbled by a “thorn” in the flesh that God refused to take away |
| 12:12 | Did miracles among them |
| 12:19 | Was always motivated to strengthen others spiritually |
| 13:4 | Was filled with God’s power |
| 13:5, 6 | Passed the test |
| 13:9 | Was always concerned that his spiritual children become mature believers |