which present to the reader the scope of each passage.  (Near the end of the

article on Interpretation2, structures are explained).  As a concluding note,

let us consider the fact that it is Paul, not Peter, James or John, who

claims to have received `the ministry of reconciliation'.

The space at our disposal will not allow us to review the whole of this

epistle, nor to enter into the questions that have been raised with regard to

its composition.  We must leave untouched the revelations of the apostle's

own heart and sympathetic nature, and focus our attention upon the two great

features contained in the words, `the ministry of the reconciliation'.

Ministry (diakonia) runs through this epistle as part of its structure.

Speaking of the new covenant as contrasted with the old, he speaks of one as

`the ministration of death' (3:7), and `the ministration of condemnation'

(3:9); and of the other in strong contrast as `the ministration of the

spirit' (3:8) and `the ministration of righteousness' (3:9).  God had made

the apostle and his associates `able ministers of the new covenant' (3:6).

Closely connected with the ministry of the New Covenant is that of the

reconciliation, which is referred to in chapter 5.  We observe in 1

Corinthians 16:1 that the collection for the saints at Jerusalem had the

reconciliation as its basis, and here in this second epistle the word

diakonia is used of this service (8:4; 9:1,12,13).  The last reference

(9:12,13) contains a statement which is luminous in the light of the

`For the ministry of this service not only supplieth the want of the

saints, but also aboundeth through the many thanksgivings to God, for

they, through the proof of this ministry, are glorifying God for your

avowed subjection to the gospel of Christ' (Author's translation).

At the end of this article we give the structure of the epistle as a

whole for the benefit of any who desire to carry these studies further.  Here

we consider one member only.

A

2:17 to 4:7.

The ministry of the new covenant

`No need of commendation'.

B

4:8 to 5:11.

Resurrection power in great tribulation.

A

5:12 to 7:3.

The ministry of the reconciliation

`Commendation of sufferings'.

B

Exceeding joyful in tribulation.

It is not accidental that the subject of ministry is alternated with

the apostle's experiences, for these experiences emphasize the utter failure