What is the basic premise for studying a portion of Scripture?
The basic premise is to determine to whom a portion of Scripture is written, what the circumstances were, and who is writing it. In Corinthians, this means recognizing Paul is following up his first letter of reproof and correction with a second letter, while defending his apostleship.
Les explains that the basic premise for studying any portion of Scripture is to always determine to whom it is written, what the circumstances are, and who is writing it. In 2 Corinthians, Paul is following up his first letter, which was mainly a letter of reproof and correction rather than commendation. This second letter continues that line of thinking, and Paul is first and foremost defending his apostleship because of snide remarks coming out of Corinth that attacked the apostles. Les notes that Paul was heartbroken by some of the things being spoken about him.