The Third Epistle to the Corinthians (M. R. James Translation) 3 Corinthians – Chapter 2

This is a non-canonical book. Only appropriate for knowledge and research

Sep 09, 2025 1 Min Read

I.

  1. Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, unto the brethren which are in Corinth, greeting.

  2. Being in the midst of many tribulations, I marvel not that the teachings of the evil one spread quickly.

  3. For my Lord Jesus Christ shall hasten his coming, and shall bring to nought those who pervert his words.

  4. For I delivered unto you first of all what I received from the apostles before me, who were always with the Lord Jesus Christ:

  5. that our Lord Jesus Christ was born of Mary of the seed of David, the Father having sent him;

  6. and that Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Spirit, and came into the world, and was crucified, and died, and rose again the third day;

  7. and that he was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father, and shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

  8. For he is the Son of God, who was begotten before the morning star, and before the moon and the sun was created, he was begotten of the Father;

  9. and through him were made all things in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible.

  10. He became man, he suffered, and he endured the cross; and he died, and rose again from the dead;

  11. and by the Holy Spirit he hath sanctified his apostles, and sent them into the world to preach the kingdom of God.

Notes on Chapter 2:

  • This section directly refutes docetic and gnostic claims, affirming:

    • True incarnation: Jesus born of Mary, of David’s line, by the Holy Spirit.

    • Real death and resurrection of the flesh.

    • Pre-existence of Christ before creation (v. 8–9).

  • Language such as “begotten before the morning star” echoes early Christological hymns (cf. Psalm 110:3, Proverbs 8:22–25).

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