What is the basic premise Les Feldick says we should use when studying any portion of Scripture?
When studying any portion of Scripture, the basic premise is to determine to whom it was written, what the circumstances were, and who is writing it. This approach keeps the reader focused on the original audience and setting so the text is understood in its proper context.
Les teaches that the basic premise for all Bible study is to always determine to whom a portion of Scripture is written, what the circumstances are, who is writing it, and so on. He applies this in 2 Corinthians by recognizing that Paul is following up his first letter, which was largely a letter of reproof and correction rather than commendation. In 2 Corinthians, Paul is first and foremost defending his apostleship because of snide remarks coming out of Corinth that attacked the apostles and left him heartbroken.