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# 2 Corinthians 01 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
The first paragraph reflects a common way to begin a letter in the ancient Near East.
### Special Concepts
#### Paul's integrity
People were criticizing Paul and saying he was not sincere. He refutes them by explaining his motives for what he was doing.
#### Comfort
Comfort is a major theme of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comforts Christians. The Corinthians probably were afflicted and needed to be comforted.
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Rhetorical question
Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### We
Paul uses the pronoun "we". This likely represents at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
#### Guarantee
Paul says the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, which means pledge or down payment, of a Christian's eternal life. Christians are securely saved. But they will not experience all of God's given promises until after they die. The Holy Spirit is a personal guarantee that this will happen. This idea comes from a business term. A person gives some valuable item to another person as a "guarantee" that they will repay money. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 01:01 Notes](./01.md)__
* __[2 Corinthians intro](../front/intro.md)__
__| [>>](../02/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 02 General Notes
### Special Concepts
#### Harsh writing
In this chapter, Paul refers to a letter he previously wrote to the Corinthians. Some scholars believe this refers to the letter known as First Corinthians. Other scholars believe this refers to a letter Paul wrote after the letter known as First Corinthians and before this letter. In either case, Paul had told the church to rebuke an erring member. Paul is now encouraging them to be gracious to that person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Aroma
A sweet aroma is a pleasing smell. Scripture often describes things that are pleasing to God as having a pleasing aroma.
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 02:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../01/intro.md) | [>>](../03/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 03 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Paul continues his defense. Paul views the Corinthian Christians as the proof of his work.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Law of Moses
Paul alludes to God giving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This represents the law of Moses. The law was good because it came from God. But God punished the Israelites because they disobeyed it. This chapter may be difficult for translators to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Metaphors
Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter to explain complex spiritual truths. It is unclear whether this makes Paul's teachings easier or more difficult to understand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### "This is a covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit."
Paul contrasts the old and new covenants. The new covenant is not a system of rules and regulations. Here "Spirit" probably refers to the Holy Spirit. It may also refer to the new covenant being "spiritual" in nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 03:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../02/intro.md) | [>>](../04/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 04 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
This chapter begins with the word "therefore." This connects it to what the previous chapter teaches. How these chapters are divided may be confusing to the reader.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Ministry
Paul ministers to people by telling them about Christ. He does not try to trick people into believing. If they do not understand the gospel, it is because the problem is ultimately spiritual. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Light and darkness
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])
#### Life and death
Paul does not refer here to physical life and death. Life represents the new life a Christian has in Jesus. Death represents the old way of living before believing in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/life]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Hope
Paul uses a repeated pattern in a purposeful way. He makes a statement. Then he denies a seemingly opposite or contradictory statement or gives an exception. Together these give the reader hope in difficult circumstances. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 04:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../03/intro.md) | [>>](../05/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 05 General Notes
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### New bodies in heaven
Paul knows that when he dies he will receive a much better body. Because of this, he is not afraid of being killed for preaching the gospel. So he tells others that they too can be reconciled to God. Christ will take away their sin and give them his righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]], and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])
#### New creation
The old and new creation probably refer to how Paul illustrates the old and new self. These concepts are also the same as the old and new man. The term "old" probably does not refer to the sinful nature with which a person is born. It refers to the old way of living or the Christian formerly being bound to sin. The "new creation" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Home
The Christian's home is no longer in the world. A Christian's real home is in heaven. By using this metaphor, Paul emphasizes that the Christian's circumstances in this world are temporary. It gives hope to those who are suffering. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### "The message of reconciliation"
This refers to the gospel. Paul calls for people who are hostile to God to repent and be reconciled to him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 05:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../04/intro.md) | [>>](../06/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 06 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 2 and 16-18, which are words from the Old Testament.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Servants
Paul refers to Christians as servants of God. God calls Christians to serve him in all circumstances. Paul describes some of the difficult circumstances in which he and his companions served God.
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Contrasts
Paul uses four pairs of contrasts: righteousness versus lawlessness, light versus darkness, Christ versus Satan, and the temple of God versus idols. These contrasts show a difference between Christians and non-Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]])
#### Light and darkness
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])
#### Rhetorical questions
Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to teach his readers. All of these questions make essentially the same point: Christians should not intimately fellowship with those who live in sin. Paul repeats these questions for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### We
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 6:1](./01.md)__
__[<<](../05/intro.md) | [>>](../07/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 07 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
In verses 2-4, Paul finishes his defense. He then writes about Titus's return and the comfort it brought.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Clean and unclean
Christians are "clean" in the sense that God has cleansed them from sin. They do not need to be concerned with being clean according to the law of Moses. Ungodly living can still make a Christian unclean. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])
#### Sadness and sorrow
The words "sad" and "sorrow" in this chapter indicate that the Corinthians were upset to the point of repenting. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### We
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
#### Original situation
This chapter discusses in detail a previous situation. We can figure out some aspects of this situation from the information in this chapter. But it is best not to include this type of implicit information in a translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 07:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../06/intro.md) | [>>](../08/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 08 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Chapters 8 and 9 begin a new section. Paul writes about how churches in Greece helped needy believers in Jerusalem.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 15.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Gift to the church in Jerusalem
The church in Corinth started preparing to give money to the poor believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia also had given generously. Paul sends Titus and two other believers to Corinth to encourage the Corinthians to give generously. Paul and the others will carry the money to Jerusalem. They want people to know it is being done honestly.
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### We
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
#### Paradox
A "paradox" is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. These words in verse 2 are a paradox: "the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity." In verse 3 Paul explains how their poverty produced riches. Paul also uses riches and poverty in other paradoxes. ([2 Corinthians 8:2](./02.md))
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 08:01 Notes](./02.md)__
__[<<](../07/intro.md) | [>>](../09/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 09 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 9, which is quoted from the Old Testament.
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Metaphors
Paul uses three agricultural metaphors. He uses them to teach about giving to needy believers. The metaphors help Paul explain that God will reward those who give generously. Paul does not say how or when God will reward them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 09:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../08/intro.md) | [>>](../10/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 10 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 17.
In this chapter, Paul returns to defending his authority. He also compares the way he speaks and the way he writes.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Boasting
"Boasting" is often thought of as bragging, which is not good. But in this letter "boasting" means confidently exulting or rejoicing.
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Metaphor
In verses 3-6, Paul uses many metaphors from war. He probably uses them as part of a larger metaphor about Christians being spiritually at war. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Flesh
"Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for a person's sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 10:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../09/intro.md) | [>>](../11/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 11 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### False teaching
The Corinthians were quick to accept false teachers who taught things about Jesus and the gospel that were different from what Paul taught and that were not true. Unlike these false teachers, Paul sacrificially served the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]])
#### Light
Light is commonly used in the New Testament as a metaphor. Paul here uses light to indicate the revealing of God and his righteousness. Darkness describes sin. Sin seeks to remain hidden from God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Metaphor
Paul begins this chapter with an extended metaphor. He compares himself to a father who is giving his daughter, a pure virgin, as a bride to her bridegroom. Wedding practices change depending on the cultural background. But the idea of helping to present someone as a grown and holy child is explicitly pictured in this passage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
#### Irony
This chapter is full of irony. Paul is hoping to shame the Corinthian believers with his irony.
"You tolerate these things well enough!" Paul thinks that they should not tolerate the way the false apostles treated them. Paul does not think they are really apostles at all.
The statement, "For you gladly put up with fools. You are wise yourselves!" means that the Corinthian believers think they were very wise but Paul does not agree.
"I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that." Paul is speaking about behavior he thinks is very wrong in order to avoid it. He is speaking as if he thinks he is wrong for not doing it. He uses a rhetorical question also as irony. "Did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])
#### Rhetorical questions
In refuting the false apostles, who claim to be superior, Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions. Each question is coupled with an answer: "Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am more."
He also uses a series of rhetorical questions to empathize with his converts: "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who has been caused to stumble, and I do not burn?"
#### "Are they servants of Christ?"
This is sarcasm, a special type of irony used to mock or insult. Paul does not believe these false teachers actually serve Christ, only that they pretend to do so.
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Paradox
A "paradox" is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 30 is a paradox: "If I must boast, I will boast about what shows my weaknesses." Paul does not explain why he would boast in his weakness until 2 Corinthians 12:9. ([2 Corinthians 11:30](./30.md))
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 11:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../10/intro.md) | [>>](../12/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 12 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.
When Paul was with the Corinthians, he proved himself to be an apostle by his powerful deeds. He had not ever taken anything from them. Now that he is coming for the third time, he will still not take anything. He hopes that when he visits, he will not need to be harsh with them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Paul's vision
Paul now defends his authority by telling about a wonderful vision of heaven. Although he speaks in the third person in verses 2-5, verse 7 indicates that he was the person who experienced the vision. It was so great a vision that God gave him a physical handicap to keep him humble. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])
#### Third heaven
Many scholars believe the "third" heaven is the dwelling place of God. This is because Scripture also uses "heaven" to refer to the sky (the "first" heaven) and the universe (the "second" heaven).
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Rhetorical questions
Paul uses many rhetorical questions as he defends himself against his enemies who accused him: "For how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that I was not a burden to you?" "Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same way? Did we not walk in the same steps?" and "Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you?" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])
#### Sarcasm
Paul uses sarcasm, a special type of irony, when he reminds them how he had helped them at no cost. He says, "Forgive me for this wrong!" He also uses regular irony when he says: "But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit." He uses it to introduce his defense against this accusation by showing how impossible it was to be true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-irony]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Paradox
A "paradox" is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 5 is a paradox: "I will not boast, except about my weaknesses." Most people do not boast about being weak. This sentence in verse 10 is also a paradox: "For whenever I am weak, then I am strong." In verse 9, Paul explains why both of these statements are true. ([2 Corinthians 12:5](./05.md))
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 12:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../11/intro.md) | [>>](../13/intro.md)__

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# 2 Corinthians 13 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
In this chapter, Paul finishes defending his authority. He then concludes the letter with a final greeting and blessing.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Preparation
Paul instructs the Corinthians as he prepares to visit them. He is hoping to avoid needing to discipline anyone in the church so he can visit them joyfully. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Power and weakness
Paul repeatedly uses the contrasting words "power" and "weakness" in this chapter. The translator should use words that are understood to be opposites of each other.
#### "Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves."
Scholars are divided over what these sentences mean. Some scholars say that Christians are to test themselves to see whether their actions align with their Christian faith. The context favors this understanding. Others say these sentences mean that Christians should look at their actions and question whether they are genuinely saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
## Links:
* __[2 Corinthians 13:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../12/intro.md) | __

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# Introduction to 2 Corinthians
## Part 1: General Introduction
### Outline of the Book of 2 Corinthians
1. Paul thanks God for the Corinthian Christians (1:1-11)
1. Paul explains his conduct and his ministry (1:12-7:16)
1. Paul speaks about contributing money for the Jerusalem church (8:1-9:15)
1. Paul defends his authority as an apostle (10:1-13:10)
1. Paul gives final greetings and encouragement (13:11-14)
### Who wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?
Paul was the author. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.
Paul started the church in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.
### What is the Book of 2 Corinthians about?
In 2 Corinthians, Paul continued to write about the conflicts among the Christians in the city of Corinth. It is clear in this letter that the Corinthians had obeyed his previous instructions to them. In 2 Corinthians, Paul encouraged them to live in a way that would please God.
Paul also wrote to assure them that Jesus Christ sent him as an apostle to preach the Gospel. Paul wanted them to understand this because a group of Jewish Christians opposed what he was doing. They claimed Paul was not sent by God and that he was teaching a false message. This group of Jewish Christians wanted Gentile Christians to obey the law of Moses.
### How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Second Corinthians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Second Letter to the Church in Corinth." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names]])
## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
### What was the city of Corinth like?
Corinth was a major city located in ancient Greece. Because it was near the Mediterranean Sea, many travelers and traders came to buy and sell goods there. This resulted in the city having people from many different cultures. The city was famous for having people who lived in immoral ways. The people worshipped Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. As part of the ceremonies honoring Aphrodite, her worshipers had sexual intercourse with temple prostitutes.
### What did Paul mean by "false apostles" (11:13)?
These were Jewish Christians. They taught that Gentile Christians had to obey the law of Moses in order to follow Christ. Christian leaders had met in Jerusalem and decided on the matter (See: Acts 15). However, it is clear that there were still some groups that disagreed with what the leaders in Jerusalem decided.
## Part 3: Important Translation Issues
### Singular and plural "you"
In this book, the word "I" refers to Paul. Also, the word "you" is almost always plural and refers to the believers in Corinth. There are two exceptions to this: 6:2 and 12:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you]])
### How are the ideas of "holy" and "sanctify" represented in 2 Corinthians in the ULB?
The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULB uses the following principles:
* Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULB uses "holy," "holy God," "holy ones," or "holy people."
* The meaning in most passages in 2 Corinthians is a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULB uses "believer" or "believers." (See: 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13)
* Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULB uses "set apart," "dedicated to," "reserved for," or "sanctified."
The UDB will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.
### What did Paul mean by the expressions "in Christ," "in the Lord," and others like them?
This kind of expression occurs in 1:19, 20; 2:12, 17; 3:14; 5:17, 19, 21; 10:17; 12:2, 19; and 13:4. Paul used these phrases to express the idea of a very close union between Jesus Christ and believers--that believers belong to Christ. Belonging to Christ means the believer is saved and is made a friend with God.
These phrases also have specific meanings that depend on how Paul used them in a particular passage. Depending on the the context, the word “in” can mean “because of,” “by means of,” “that agrees with,” “in submission to,” “in the manner of,” or “in regard to.” See, for example, "A door was opened for me in the Lord," (2:12) where Paul specifically meant that a door was opened for Paul by the Lord. The translator may represent those more immediate senses. But, if possible, it would be good for the translator to choose a word or phrase that represents both the immediate sense and the sense of “in union with.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inchrist]])
### What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ (5:17)?
Paul's message was that God makes Christians part of a "new world" when a person believes in Christ. God gives a new world of holiness, peace, and joy. In this new world, believers have a new nature that has been given them by the Holy Spirit. Translators should try to express this idea.
### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Corinthians?
* "and in your love for us" (8:7). Many versions, including the ULB and UDB, read this way. However, many other translations read, "and in our love for you." There is strong evidence that each reading is original. Translators should probably follow the reading preferred by other versions in their region.
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-textvariants]])

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# Galatians 01 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Paul started this letter differently than his other letters. He adds that he was "not an apostle from men nor by human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ones." Paul probably included these words because false teachers were opposing him and trying to undermine his authority.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Heresy
God eternally saves people only through the true, biblical gospel. God condemns any other version of the gospel. Paul asks God to curse those who teach a false gospel. They might not be saved. They should be treated as non-Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])
#### Paul's qualifications
Some people in the early church were teaching that Gentiles needed to obey the law of Moses. To refute this teaching, in verses 13-16 Paul explains how he was formerly a zealous Jew. But God still needed to save him and show him the true gospel. As a Jew, and the apostle to Gentile people, Paul was uniquely qualified to address this issue. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### "You are turning so quickly to a different gospel"
The Book of Galatians is one of Paul's earliest letters in Scripture. It shows that heresies troubled even the early church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
## Links:
* __[Galatians 01:01 Notes](./01.md)__
* __[Galatians intro](../front/intro.md)__
__| [>>](../02/intro.md)__

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# Galatians 02 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Paul continues to defend the true gospel. This began in [Galatians 1:11](../../gal/01/11.md).
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Circumcised and uncircumcised
The law of Moses required Jewish males to be circumcised. The Jews called Gentiles "the uncircumcised."
#### Slavery and freedom
Paul introduces these ideas in Galatians 2:4. He uses the metaphor of slavery for people who are obligated to obey the law of Moses. He uses the metaphor of freedom, or liberty, for people who are not obligated to obey the law of Moses because they trust in Jesus Christ to make them righteous.
#### The false brothers
When Paul says that false brothers wanted to make the believers slaves, he is referring to Jews who claimed to be Christians and who wanted to convince Gentile Christians to obey the law of Moses.
#### The hypocrisy of Cephas
Jews normally did not eat with Gentiles because Gentiles did not obey the law of Moses. Cephas knew that Gentile Christians are not obligated to obey the law of Moses, and because of this, he knew that it was permissible to eat with them. However, when some men came saying that Gentile Christians are obligated to obey the law, Cephas stopped eating with the Gentiles Christians, as if he, too, believed that they need to obey the law of Moses. Paul rebuked Cephas for treating the Gentile Christians like that.
## Links:
* __[Galatians 02:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../01/intro.md) | [>>](../03/intro.md)__

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# Galatians 03 General Notes
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Equality in Christ
All Christians are equally united to Christ. Ancestry, gender, and status do not matter. All are equal with each other. All are equal in the eyes of God.
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Rhetorical Questions
Paul uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to convince the Galatians of their sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Flesh
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. "Flesh" is used in this chapter to contrast with that which is spiritual. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])
#### "Those of faith are children of Abraham"
Scholars are divided on what this means. Some believe Christians inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham, so Christians replace the physical descendants of Israel. Others believe Christians spiritually follow Abraham, but they do not inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham. In light of Paul's other teachings and the context here, Paul is probably writing about the Jewish and Gentile Christians sharing the same faith as Abraham did. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
## Links:
* __[Galatians 03:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../02/intro.md) | [>>](../04/intro.md)__

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# Galatians 04 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 27, which is quoted from the Old Testament.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Sonship
Sonship is a complex issue. Scholars have many views on Israel's sonship. Paul uses sonship to teach how being under the law differs from being free in Christ. Not all of Abraham's physical descendants inherited God's promises to him. Only his descendants through Isaac and Jacob inherited the promises. And God only adopts into his family those who follow Abraham spiritually through faith. They are children of God with an inheritance. Paul calls them "children of promise." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/adoption]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Abba, Father
"Abba" is an Aramaic word. In ancient Israel, people used it to informally refer to their fathers. Paul "transliterates" its sounds by writing them with Greek letters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-transliterate]])
## Links:
* __[Galatians 4:1](../../gal/04/01.md)__
__[<<](../03/intro.md) | [>>](../05/intro.md)__

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# Galatians 05 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
Paul continues writing about the law of Moses as if it were something that traps or enslaves a person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### Fruit of the Spirit
The phrase "the fruit of the Spirit" is not plural, even though it begins a list of several things. Translators should keep the singular form if possible. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])
### Important figures of speech in this chapter
#### Illustrations
Paul uses several metaphors in this chapter to illustrate his points and help explain complicated issues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### "You are cut off from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you no longer experience grace."
Some scholars think Paul teaches that being circumcised causes a person to lose their salvation. Other scholars think Paul means that obeying the law to try to get right with God will keep a person from being saved by grace. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]])
## Links:
* __[Galatians 05:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../04/intro.md) | [>>](../06/intro.md)__

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# Galatians 06 General Notes
### Structure and formatting
This chapter concludes Paul's letter. His final words address some issues that do not seem to be connected to the rest of his letter.
#### Brothers
Paul writes the words in this chapter to Christians. He calls them "brothers." This refers to Paul's Christian brothers and not his Jewish brothers.
### Special concepts in this chapter
#### New Creation
People who are born again are a new creation in Christ. Christians have been given new life in Christ. They have a new nature in them after they come to faith in Christ. To Paul, this is more significant than a person's ancestry. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bornagain]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
#### Flesh
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is contrasted with "spirit." In this chapter, flesh is also used to refer to the physical body. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])
## Links:
* __[Galatians 06:01 Notes](./01.md)__
__[<<](../05/intro.md) | __

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# Introduction to Galatians
## Part 1: General Introduction
### Outline of the Book of Galatians
1. Paul declares his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ; he says that he is surprised by the false teachings that the Christians in Galatia have accepted from other people (1:1-10).
1. Paul says that people are saved by trusting in Christ alone, not by keeping the law (1:11-2:21).
1. God puts people right with himself only when they trust in Christ; the example of Abraham; the curse which the law brings (and not a means of salvation); slavery and freedom compared and illustrated by Hagar and Sarah (3:1-4:31).
1. When people are joined to Christ, they become free from having to keep the law of Moses. They are also free to live as the Holy Spirit guides them. They are free to refuse the demands of sin. They are free to bear each other's burdens (5:1-6:10).
1. Paul warns the Christians not to trust in being circumcised and in keeping the law of Moses. Instead, they must trust in Christ (6:11-18).
### Who wrote the Book of Galatians?
Paul from the city of Tarsus was the author. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he began to trust in Jesus Christ, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.
It is uncertain when Paul wrote this letter and where he was when he wrote it. Some scholars think Paul was in the city of Ephesus and wrote this letter after the second time he traveled to tell people about Jesus. Other scholars think Paul was in the city of Antioch in Syria and wrote the letter soon after the first time he traveled.
### What is the Book of Galatians about?
Paul wrote this letter to both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians in the region of Galatia. He wanted to write against the false teachers who said that Christians need to follow the law of Moses. Paul defended the gospel by explaining that a person is saved by believing in Jesus Christ. People are saved as result of God being kind and not as a result of people doing good works. No person can perfectly obey the law. Any attempt to please God by obeying the law of Moses will only result in God condemning them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/works]])
### How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Galatians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Letter to the Church in Galatia." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names]])
## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
### What does it mean to "live like Jews" (2:14)?
To "live like Jews" means to obey the law of Moses, even though one trusts in Christ. The people among the early Christians who taught that this was necessary were called "Judaizers."
## Part 3: Important Translation Issues
### How did Paul use the terms "law" and "grace" in the Book of Galatians?
These terms are used in a unique way in Galatians. There is an important teaching in Galatians about Christian living. Under the law of Moses, righteous or holy living required a person to obey a set of rules and regulations. As Christians, holy living is now motivated by grace. This means that Christians have freedom in Christ and are not required to obey a specific set of rules. Instead, Christians are to live a holy life because they are thankful that God has been so kind to them. This is called "the law of Christ." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])
### What did Paul mean by the expressions "in Christ," "in the Lord," and others like them?
This kind of expression occurs in 1:22; 2:4, 17; 3:14, 26, 28; 5:6, 10. Paul used these phrases to express the idea of a very close union between Jesus Christ and believers--that believers belong to Christ. Belonging to Christ means the believer is saved and is made a friend with God.
These phrases also have specific meanings that depend on how Paul used them in a particular passage. Depending on the the context, the word “in” can mean “because of,” “by means of,” “that agrees with,” “in submission to,” “in the manner of,” or “in regard to.” See, for example, "when we seek for God to justify us in Christ" (2:17), where Paul spoke of being justified by means of Christ. The translator may represent those more immediate senses. But, if possible, it would be good for the translator to choose a word or phrase that represents both the immediate sense and the sense of “in union with.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inchrist]])
### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Galatians?
* "Foolish Galatians! Who has put a spell on you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly displayed as crucified" (3:1). The ULB and the other modern versions have this reading. However, older versions of the Bible add, "[so] that ye should not obey the truth." Translators are advised not to include this expression. However, if in the translators' region there are older Bible versions that have the passage, the translators can include it. If it is translated, it should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that it is probably not original to Galatians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-textvariants]])