Introduction to 2 Corinthians

More than any of Paul’s other letters, 2 Corinthians conveys the words of a pastor. Paul has had a rocky relationship with the Corinthian believers, but he continues to patiently love them like a father (2 Cor 12:14–15). Now, as some question his authority, Paul preaches a gospel of reconciliation, characterized by making important but hard decisions.

Background

Paul had founded the church of Corinth around ad 50–51, during his second missionary journey. After staying about 18 months and some unspecified additional period (Acts 18:11–17), he continued with other missionary work. Occasionally, he would receive troubling reports about the Corinthians, prompting him to write them letters. Paul sent at least four letters to Corinth: an initial letter that is now lost (1 Cor 5:9); the letter we know as 1 Corinthians; another lost letter, described as Paul’s severe letter to Corinth (2 Cor 2:3–4, 9; compare 7:8, 12); and the letter we know as 2 Corinthians.

Sometime after writing 1 Corinthians, Paul likely sent Timothy to Corinth (1 Cor 16:10–11). Paul was on his third missionary journey at the time and had originally intended to travel from Ephesus to Macedonia and then head south to Corinth (1 Cor 16:5–8). Instead he made a short visit directly to Corinth, only to have a sorrowful visit there (2 Cor 2:1; 12:21; 13:2). This painful visit prompted him to write his severe letter (2:3–4). From Corinth, he went to Macedonia, where he wrote 2 Corinthians (2:13; 7:5; 9:2)—likely sometime during ad 55–57. In Macedonia, Paul had received a positive report from his associate Titus about the Corinthians—his severe letter had essentially worked (7:6–10). However, 2 Corinthians shows that Paul’s attempts to persuade the Corinthians to follow Jesus’ ways, instead of the ways of their culture, were still very much in progress (see the “Introduction to 1 Corinthians”).

Later in Paul’s life he returned to Greece for three months—likely to Corinth (Acts 20:2–3); it is during this time that Paul probably wrote Romans (Acts 20:3–21:16).

Structure

Second Corinthians reflects the standard form of a Graeco-Roman letter, with an introduction (2 Cor 1:1–11), a body (1:12–13:10), and a conclusion (13:11–14). The first part of the body (1:12–2:11) contains Paul’s defense of his conduct toward the Corinthians—specifically, his reason for having not visited them again after his painful visit. Paul then explains the nature of his ministry (2:12–7:16). He also brings up the issue of his collection for the impoverished Jerusalem church (8:1–9:15): In light of God’s generosity toward the Corinthians, Paul wants them to exercise generosity in supporting their fellow believers financially. Finally, Paul defends his authority as an apostle against people in Corinth who were questioning it (10:1–13:10).

Outline

• Introduction and benediction (1:1–11)

• Paul’s personal defense (1:12–2:11)

• Paul’s defense of his ministry (2:12–7:16)

• The collection for the Jerusalem church (8:1–9:15)

• Preparation for Paul’s visit (10:1–13:13)

Themes

Second Corinthians is about reconciliation, making difficult choices about toxic relationships, and separating from sinful behavior. Paul had a strained relationship with the Corinthians, and some church members had questioned his motives and authority, saying that a true apostle would act more boldly (ch. 10). These people were being divisive, but Paul was still hoping for reconciliation with the church—a possibility that existed because Jesus had reconciled these believers to God (5:17–21). But it seems that this reconciliation meant the Corinthians separating from the so-called super-apostles—and it meant separating from sinful behavior in general (6:14–7:1; 11:1–9).

Paul does not respond to his critics by talking about his importance or influence; instead, he points to his meekness and suffering—the very things that his opponents were criticizing—as signs that he was faithfully preaching the message about Jesus (11:16–33). Paul bares his heart to the Corinthians, hoping that they will recognize his sincere concern for them (6:11–13). Paul’s interest in the collection for Jerusalem church also is about reconciliation. If God’s people everywhere are brought together in Christ as the people of God, then they should care about each other. If one group is suffering, the other should make sacrifices to meet their needs (8:14).

Like Paul and the Corinthians, modern-day Christians are no strangers to conflict. We often can be deceived into thinking that worldly wisdom and power are the way to accomplish anything of value. Instead, Paul tells us to look to the example of Jesus, who is light shining in darkness (4:1–6).

Further Reading

Paul the Apostle CLBD

Corinth CLBD