Faith, Reason & Scripture

Letter 3 of 14 · Overview available

2 Corinthians

God's power is made perfect in weakness; true ministry carries the dying and life of Jesus.

2 Corinthians is Paul's most personal letter. Between 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul made a "painful visit" (2:1) and wrote a "letter of tears" (2:3–4). The Corinthian correspondence therefore involved at least four letters (cf. 1 Cor 5:9) and several visits — more complex than simply two letters.

Rivals whom Paul sarcastically calls "super-apostles" (11:5) questioned his credentials, his unimpressive presence, and his refusal of payment. Paul answers by boasting in his sufferings and weakness (11:23–12:10).

Many scholars believe chapters 10–13, with their sharp tone, were originally a separate letter; others defend the letter's unity. The theme throughout is ministry shaped by the cross: treasure in jars of clay (4:7), the ministry of reconciliation (5:18–21), and grace that is sufficient (12:9).

Date
c. AD 56
Written from
Macedonia (Philippi)
Recipients
The church in Corinth and all the saints in Achaia
Chapters
13
Stage
Third journey (Macedonia)
Author
Paul the Apostle

Written from Macedonia after Titus brought news from Corinth (2 Cor 7:5–7).

Scholarly note: Some modern scholars propose that 2 Corinthians joins more than one letter; no manuscript survives in any other form. Sources

Why Paul wrote it

Titus brought news that the church had responded to Paul's severe letter (7:6–16), but opposition remained and the collection had stalled.

Why it matters today

It redefines strength and success in ministry and shows Paul's heart as a pastor.

Related Acts passages

  • Acts 20:1–3

The World Behind the Letter

Itinerant teachers in the Greco-Roman world were judged by eloquence and presence; patronage bound teachers to wealthy supporters. Paul's self-support (11:7–9) offended some.

Purpose and Problems

Questioned apostleship

Paul's letters are weighty, but his presence weak (10:10).

Reconciliation

Restoring an offender and the relationship itself.

2 Cor 2:5–112 Cor 7:2–16

The collection

Generosity modeled on Christ who became poor.

2 Cor 8–9

Literary Structure

  1. 1

    Comfort in affliction; travel plans · 1:1–2:13

    Paul explains his change of plans.

  2. 2

    The new covenant ministry · 2:14–7:16

    Glory, jars of clay, reconciliation.

  3. 3

    The collection · 8:1–9:15

    Generous giving.

  4. 4

    Defense against the "super-apostles" · 10:1–13:14

    Boasting in weakness; the thorn in the flesh.

Key passages

Passage-by-Passage

A passage-by-passage commentary for 2 Corinthians is in progress. For now, use the structure and key passages above.

Theological Themes

Strength in weaknessReconciliationGenerosity

Explore across letters

The Mosaic Law and the New Covenant →The Holy Spirit and Sanctification →Resurrection and the Life to Come →Suffering and Perseverance →

My Notes

Sources

  • Murray J. Harris, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (NIGTC, 2005)