Chapter 2

2:15 - Saved people smell good to God.

* This can better be understood by remembering a few things.  First, the Old Testament sacrifices where a "sweet smelling sacrifice" to God.  This is literally true, but it is also symbolically true.  God accepted these sacrifices and He was pleased by them.

* Jesus Christ was a sweet smelling sacrifice to God.  Therefore, He was pleasing to God and God accepted this sacrifice.

* Paul takes these things a step further, yet shows a linear connection.  He says that God accepts our sweet smelling sacrifice when we devote our life to Him.

2:15 - Does Hell exist? No.

* This verse does not confirm or deny Hell's existence.

Chapter 3

3:14-16 - All non-Christians are blind.

* The phrase here is "their minds were blinded."  Paul is referring to the Israelites who did not trust God.  Reading verses 13, 14, and 15 indicate that this verse was directed to the unbelieving Israelites.  

Chapter 4

4:3-4 - "The god of this world" has blinded the minds of nonbelievers.

* This is correct and it correlates with many other passages of scriptures.

Chapter 5

5:10 - We will be judged according to what we do, not what we believe. But will we be judged by Jesus?

* Everyone's works will be judged.  The believers will receive eternal rewards for their works (Psalm 37:18, Mark 9:41, etc.).  The unbelievers will receive damnation for theirs (Revelation 20:11-15).

* This verse indicates that everyone will appear before the "judgment seat of Christ."  It does not indicate exactly who will or won't be judging in Heaven.

* This verse never says that our beliefs (about Jesus Christ, in particular) will not be judged.  However, since this passage omits the possibility of our beliefs being judged, this indicates that God desires more than a nominal "belief."  God wants us to be fully devoted to Him; in truth, mind, soul, spirit, and deed.

5:10 - What must you do to be saved? Do the right things.

* This verse isn't talking about salvation.  It's talking about our works being weighed and being rewarded for good deeds.

5:10 - Has anyone ever done anything good? Yes.

* Yes, people can be good.  They can also be bad.

5:21 - Jesus, who was without sin, was made into sin. This made the real sinners sinless.

* Everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23).

* Like the Old Testament sacrifices became the Israelites' payment for their sins (it became their sin), Jesus did the same.  Like their sins were "put on" the animal, our sins are "put on" Christ and we are forgiven.

Chapter 6

6:14-17 - Keep away from unbelievers. Neither marry nor be friends with them. 

* This passage uses the phrase "unequally yoked" and it warns against being too close to unbelievers and marrying them.

* An unbeliever has an entirely different world view than a believer.  God knows how hard it is for a believing spouse to be wholeheartedly dedicated to Him when their partner in marriage is not interested in Him or the things of Him.  On the surface, there is a simple difference in beliefs.  In reality, there is an enormous gap and difference in world views, heart desires, priorities, etc.

Chapter 7

7:1 - Should we fear God?

* This verse indicates that we are to have fear (respect) for God.  It correlates with many other passages of scripture.  

* Incidentally, God has not given us the "spirit of fear (or timidity)."  This means we are not supposed to fear other humans, especially when it comes to spreading the gospel.  This is obvious from the context of 2 Timothy 1:7.

* See "Special Questions" for more on this.

Chapter 10

10:5 - Christians cannot be freethinkers, since all their thoughts and imaginings must be brought into captivity in obedience to Christ.

* Is free thinking being indoctrinated with the theory of the evolution of species, every school year, from 1st grade through post-graduate studies?  It seems that "freethinking" about God and the Bible (especially creation and the foundational book of Genesis) would be very hard for a public school student who isn't a truly, deeply, genuine freethinker.

* This passage tells us to "bring every thought into captivity through obedience to Christ."  Everyone has sinful thoughts.  God knows this and His plan for us is to take these thoughts captive before they manifest themselves in evil actions.

* Incidentally, there is no shortage of art and music from Christians.  Like in days past, Christians produce some of the richest and most beautiful art and music in the world.  When one is not worried about death and the cares of this world, they are truly free to think, love, and live.

Chapter 11

11:8 - Paul set an example for televangelists by robbing some churches.

* This verse is better understood by reading verse 7, too.  2 Corinthians 11:7 and 8 read, "Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?  I robbed (received money from) other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you."

* Paul never literally robbed these other churches.  Paul used the term "robbing" other churches to make a point.  He was preaching to the Corinthians for free and was paid by other churches to do this.

11:15 - Is salvation by faith alone?

* This verse is better understood by reading 14, too.  2 Corinthians 11:14 and 15 read, "And no wonder!  For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works."  This passage correlates with many other scriptures.  Paul is talking about Satan's ministers and how they will be judged according to their works.

* See "Special Questions" for more on this.

11:15 - What must you do to be saved? Do the right things.

* This verse only tells us that sinners will be punished.

Chapter 12

12:2-3 - There were these guys that Paul once knew, but he just can't remember whether it was in or out of the body. It was sort of an out of body experience. Anyway, one of these guys was way up in the third heaven and the other guy was in paradise. Cool, eh?

* Paul is stating that he knew two people that had an awesome experience.  They even had a vision of being in Heaven.  Paul's point is that he doesn't want to boast about his spiritual experiences.  He says that God has talked to others and given visions to others.  Verses 5 and 6 indicate Paul's desire for humility.

12:16 - In First Thessalonians (2:3), Paul claims to be without guile. but here he says, "being crafty, I caught you with guile."

* This epistle was written to the Corinthians.  1 Thessalonians was written to the Thessalonians.  Therefore, according to the text, Paul has a multi-faceted character (like every other person on the planet).