Read the Bible in a Year: Week 34 – 2 Kings 14-25 and 2 Corinthians

Continuing to read through the Bible in a year, we will finish the book of 2 Kings and read the entirety of 2 Corinthians. 2 Kings will continue to chronicle the leadership of both the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Just like last week, we will see plenty of failures to follow God’s commands and will see their struggles with idolatry and other issues.

Transitioning to 2 Corinthians, a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth, we will see Paul address various challenges faced by the Corinthian church. Just as in the time period of 2 Kings, people always seem to fight against God and try to do things their own way! As a followup to his previous letter, he will discuss topics such as comfort in suffering, reconciliation, the nature of true apostleship, and the principles of generosity and giving. The letter will emphasize the transformative power of the gospel, the new covenant in Christ, and the need for unity and reconciliation within the church, topics that are still relevant to us today!

2 Kings 14-25

Likely written in the 6-5 century B.C., in the last half of 2 Kings, the narrative unfolds with a continued exploration of the tumultuous history of Israel and Judah. These chapters delve into the reigns of various kings, revealing a pattern of obedience and disobedience that shapes the destiny of the two kingdoms. Amid political turmoil, the prophets play a crucial role in conveying divine messages and warnings, underscoring the ongoing theme of the nations’ responsiveness to God’s covenant.

The persistent struggle against idolatry and the consequences of unfaithfulness lead both kingdoms to face external threats, particularly from the powerful Assyrian and Babylonian empires. The unfolding events in these chapters showcase the complex interplay between human choices and divine intervention, offering timeless lessons on the importance of faithfulness and the enduring consequences of turning away from God. The ultimate culmination of this historical narrative is the fall of Jerusalem, marking the tragic end of the southern kingdom of Judah and the exile of its people to Babylon.

After you read 2 Kings, take a quiz to check your understanding!

2 Corinthians

Written around 55-56 A.D., 2 Corinthians is a deeply personal and theological letter where Paul engages with the Corinthian church on multiple fronts. The letter is structured as a defense of his apostleship, addressing criticisms and challenges to his authority. Paul tackles issues such as internal divisions, immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts, and disputes over his legitimacy as an apostle.

Throughout the letter, he weaves a narrative of suffering, perseverance, and the sufficiency of God’s grace. Paul emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel, contrasting the old and new covenants, and highlighting the reconciling work of Christ.

The letter also contains practical teachings on Christian living, discussing the principles of generosity and encouraging believers to contribute to the collection for the Christians in Jerusalem. Throughout, Paul’s tone reflects a combination of deep concern, affection, and a pastoral desire for the Corinthians’ spiritual growth and unity in Christ. The overarching theme is the reconciliation of humanity with God through Christ and the call for believers to embody this reconciliation in their lives. We all need this!

After you read 2 Corinthians, take a quiz to check your understanding!

Flexible Plan: Reading for Week 34

If you are following the flexible plan for reading the Bible in a year, here is your reading assignment. You can break up the reading however you like throughout the week!

Passage 1: 2 Kings 14-25
Passage 2: 2 Corinthians

Printable Resource: Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Weekly Assignments