Grace Redefined in 2 Corinthians 12:9a

Abstract

I argue in this thesis that charis, in 2 Corinthians 12:9a was not unmerited favour, nor a form of power that God infused into the believer. Dunamis was not some form of energy or divine gifting. Astheneia was not a conduit for the power of God and believers are not made perfect through personal weakness. Teleo was not the end of a long process of soul-making thought affliction. Instead, Paul redefined charis in 2 Corinthians 12:9a as the powerful (dunamis) message of Christ crucified. The power of this message to transform lives in Corinth would be fully (teletai) accomplished in Paul's willingness to face persecution (astheneia) for the sake of Christ and his church.