2 Corinthians
Paul’s Letters · New Testament · Book 47 of 66- Author
- Paul, with Timothy
- Written
- c. AD 56, from Macedonia
- Time covered
- Written months after the first letter, before a third visit
- Where
- To Corinth, after a painful visit and a severe letter
- Written to
- A church partly restored, partly still listening to Paul’s critics
- Genre
- Letter
- Chapters
- 13
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
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Overview
This is the most personal thing Paul wrote. His authority had been attacked by teachers who were impressive in ways he was not, and he defends himself — reluctantly, and by listing his weaknesses rather than his successes.
Between the defense and the joy at their repentance sits the great passage on the ministry of reconciliation, and two chapters on giving that remain the fullest teaching on it in the New Testament.
Background
After the first letter Paul made a painful visit, then wrote a severe letter now lost. Waiting for news, he found no rest until Titus met him in Macedonia with word that the church had repented.
The "false apostles" behind the trouble commended themselves with letters, oratory and visions. Paul answers with beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and a thorn in the flesh that God would not remove.
Key themes
- Strength is made perfect in weakness.
- Comfort received from God is comfort to be passed on.
- The new covenant surpasses the old in glory, though its ministers are earthen vessels.
- Ministry is done in the open, commended by conduct rather than credentials.
- Generous giving is a grace, given cheerfully and never under compulsion.
Outline
- Comfort and a change of plansChapters 1–2
The God of all comfort, why Paul did not come, and forgiveness for the offender.
- The ministry of the new covenantChapters 3–5
Not of the letter but of the spirit, treasure in earthen vessels, and ambassadors for Christ.
- Open heartsChapters 6–7
The marks of a true minister, a call to separation, and joy at their repentance.
- The collectionChapters 8–9
Macedonia’s example, Christ’s poverty, and God loving a cheerful giver.
- Paul’s defenseChapters 10–13
Boasting in weakness, the thorn in the flesh, and a warning before his third visit.
Key passages
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 The God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation.
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 We have this treasure in earthen vessels.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 God loveth a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 A thorn in the flesh, and grace sufficient.
Christ in 2 Corinthians
Christ is the yea and amen to all God’s promises, the one who was made sin for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him, and the rich Lord who became poor that we through His poverty might be rich. Paul’s weakness is the point: the power is Christ’s, resting on him.
Reading it
- Read it after 1 Corinthians, and the relief in chapter 7 will land properly.
- Note how often Paul lists hardships rather than achievements.
- Chapters 8–9 are worth reading whenever giving is on your mind.