| Back to Home Page | Back to Book Index |

 

Introduction to 2 Corinthians

 

Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

This summary of the book of 2 Corinthians provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Corinthians.

Author

Paul is the author of this letter (see 1:1; 10:1). It is stamped with his style and contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings.

Date

The available evidence indicates that the year a.d. 55 is a reasonable estimate for the writing of this letter. From 1Co 16:5-8 it may be concluded that 1 Corinthians was written from Ephesus before Pentecost (in the late spring) and that 2 Corinthians may have been written later that same year before the onset of winter. 2Co 2:13; 7:5 indicate that it was probably written from Macedonia.

Recipients

The opening greeting of the letter states that it was addressed to the church in Corinth and to Christians throughout Achaia (the Roman province comprising all of Greece south of Macedonia; see map, 2288).

Occasion

It seems that Paul wrote as many as four letters to the church at Corinth: (1) the letter referred to in 1Co 5:9 (see note there); (2) 1 Corinthians; (3) the "severe" letter (see 2Co 2:3-4; see also below); (4) 2 Corinthians. After writing 1 Corinthians Paul continued his ministry at Ephesus until he heard that his letter had not completely accomplished its purpose. A group of men had come to Corinth who presented themselves as apostles. They were false teachers who were challenging, among other things, Paul's personal integrity and his authority as an apostle (see 11:4; 12:11).

In the face of this serious situation, Paul decided to make a quick trip to Corinth (12:4; 13:1-2) to see whether he could remedy the situation. The visit turned out to be painful and did not accomplish its purpose. So when Paul returned to Ephesus, he wrote the Corinthians a severe letter "out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears" (2:4), probably sending it by Titus (12:8). Some identify this letter with 2Co 10-13. Others think it has been lost.

After writing the severe letter, Paul had second thoughts. He was deeply concerned about how the Corinthians might react to it. So after the riot caused by Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths (see Ac 19:23-41), he left Ephesus and set out for Macedonia by way of Troas. He expected to meet Titus in Troas to get news of the effect of his severe letter on the Corinthian church, but Titus was not there (see 2Co 2:12-13). Still deeply concerned and despite the fact that the Lord had opened up an opportunity to preach the gospel at Troas, Paul said good-by to the believers there and moved on to Macedonia, where he met Titus. To his relief, the news from the Corinthian church was basically good. The severe letter had brought its intended results (7:5-16). The encouraging report of Titus of the improved situation at Corinth is the immediate occasion of the writing of 2 Corinthians.

How, then, does one explain the harsh tone of chs. 10 - 13, which is so different from the rest of the letter? Some think that when Paul had just completed writing the first nine chapters, a report came to him that a strong and vocal minority was still causing trouble at Corinth. So before sending off the letter he added the last four chapters to address this troublemaking group. Others hold that chs. 10 - 13 were written some time after Paul had sent the first nine chapters and that they constitute a separate letter. There is, however, no manuscript evidence that warrants splitting 2 Corinthians into two parts.

Purposes

Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind:

    1. To express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had responded favorably to his painful letter (1:3-4; 7:8-9,12-13).
    2. To let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of Asia (1:8-11).
    3. To explain why he had changed his travel plans (1:12 -- 2:4).
    4. To ask them to forgive the offending party (2:5-11).
    5. To warn them not to be "yoked together with unbelievers" (6:14 -- 7:1).
    6. To explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) and high calling of Christian ministry. This is the so-called great digression, but it turns out to be in some ways the most important section of the letter (2:14 -- 7:4; see note on 2:14).
    7. To teach the Corinthians about the grace of giving and to make sure that they complete the collection for the poor Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8 - 9).
    8. To deal with the minority opposition in the church (chs. 10 - 13).
    9. To prepare the Corinthians for his upcoming visit (12:14; 13:1-3,10).

Structure

The structure of the letter relates primarily to Paul's impending third visit to Corinth. The letter falls naturally into three sections:

    1. Paul explains the reason for the changes in his itinerary (chs. 1 - 7).
    2. Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection in preparation for his arrival (chs. 8 - 9).
    3. Paul stresses the certainty of his coming, his authenticity as an apostle and his readiness to exercise discipline if necessary (chs. 10 - 13).

Unity

Some have questioned the unity of this letter (see above), but it forms a coherent whole, as the structure above shows. Tradition has been unanimous in affirming its unity (the early church fathers, e.g., knew the letter only in its present form). Furthermore, none of the early Greek manuscripts breaks up the book.

Outline

I.           Apologetic: Paul's Explanation of His Conduct and Apostolic Ministry (chs. 1-7)

A.   Greetings (1:1-2)

    • Thanksgiving for Divine Comfort in Affliction (1:3-11)
    • The Integrity of Paul's Motives and Conduct (1:12;2:4)
    • Forgiving the Offending Party at Corinth (2:5-11)
    • God's Direction in Ministry (2:12-17)
    • The Corinthian Believers -- a Letter from Christ (3:1-11)
    • Seeing the Glory of God with Unveiled Faces (3:12;4:6)
    • Treasure in Clay Jars (4:7-16a)
    • The Prospect of Death and What It Means for the Christian (4:16b;5:10)
    • The Ministry of Reconciliation (5:11;6:10)
    • A Spiritual Father's Appeal to His Children (6:11;7:4)
    • The Meeting with Titus (7:5-16)

                    II.        Hortatory: The Collection for the Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8-9)

    • Generosity Encouraged (8:1-15)
    • Titus and His Companions Sent to Corinth (8:16;9:5)
    • Results of Generous Giving (9:6-15)

III.        Polemical: Paul's Vindication of His Apostolic Authority (chs. 10-13)

    • Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority and the Area of His Mission (ch. 10)
    • Paul Forced into Foolish Boasting (chs. 11-12)
    • Final Warnings (13:1-10)
    • Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (13:11-14)

──《New International Version》

 

Introduction to 2 Corinthians

The second epistle to the Corinthians probably was written about a year after the first. Its contents are closely connected with those of the former epistle. The manner in which the letter St. Paul formerly wrote had been received, is particularly noticed; this was such as to fill his heart with gratitude to God, who enabled him fully to discharge his duty towards them. Many had shown marks of repentance, and amended their conduct, but others still followed their false teachers; and as the apostle delayed his visit, from his unwillingness to treat them with severity, they charged him with levity and change of conduct. Also, with pride, vain-glory, and severity, and they spake of him with contempt. In this epistle we find the same ardent affection towards the disciples at Corinth, as in the former, the same zeal for the honour of the gospel, and the same boldness in giving Christian reproof. The first six chapters are chiefly practical: the rest have more reference to the state of the Corinthian church, but they contain many rules of general application.

── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 2 Corinthians》

 
2 Corinthians General Review
                             
AUTHOR:  Paul, the apostle, along with Timothy (1:1)
 
PLACE OF WRITING:  Somewhere in MACEDONIA, while Paul was on his way
to make another visit to Corinth.  This would be during his third 
missionary journey, in a part of which Luke says very little (cf. Ac 
20:1-2).
 
TIME OF WRITING:  Possibly in the fall of 57 A.D., making it but a few
months after writing First Corinthians (likely written in the spring of
57 A.D.).
 
MESSENGER:  Titus, who was accompanied by two others on his journey
(8:16-24)
 
BACKGROUND OF THE EPISTLE:  The church in Corinth began in 52 A.D., 
when Paul visited there on his second missionary journey.  It was then
that he stayed one and a half years, the first time he was allowed to
stay in one place as long as he wished.  A record of this visit and the
establishment of the church is found in Ac 18:1-18.
 
This second letter of Paul to the Corinthian church was occasioned by
the report brought back by Titus, who informed Paul of their reception 
of the first letter, and how they received the rebuke that letter 
contained (2:12-13; 7:5-9).
 
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: Titus' report was encouraging, but evidently
it also brought troubling news that some at Corinth were questioning 
Paul's authority as an apostle.  This doubt may have planted by 
"Judaizing teachers" who seemed to follow Paul and attempted to 
undermine his teaching concerning the Law.  They appear to have 
questioned his veracity (1:15-17), his speaking ability (10:10; 11:6), 
and his unwillingness to accept support from the church at Corinth 
(11:7-9; 12:13).  There were also some people who had not repented of 
their licentious behavior (12:20-21).  Paul's primary purpose, then, in
this epistle is:
 
            TO VINDICATE HIS APOSTLESHIP AND MANNER OF LIFE
 
He hopes that by writing in advance of his visit he can get all of the
necessary rebuke out of the way (1:23-2:3; 13:10).  He also uses the 
opportunity to encourage them to have the collection for the needy 
saints in Jerusalem ready when he comes (9:1-5; cf. 1 Co 16:1-2).
 
This letter is the most biographical and least doctrinal of Paul's
epistles.  It tells us more about Paul as a person and as a minister
than any of the others.  Those who would be ministers of the gospel
would do well to carefully study it (along with Paul's epistles to
Timothy and Titus).
 
KEY VERSE:  2 Corinthians 7:2
 
"Open your heart to us.  We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no 
one, we have defrauded no one."
 
BRIEF OUTLINE:
 
SALUTATION AND THANKSGIVING (1:1-11)
 
I. PAUL EXPLAINS HIS MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION (1:12-7:16)
 
   A. HE DEFENDS HIS INTEGRITY
      1. The Changed Plan (1:12-22)
      2. The Delayed Visit (1:23-2:4)
      3. The Penitent Offender (2:5-11)
 
   B. HE DESCRIBES HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY
      1. Triumphant (2:12-17)
      2. Accredited (3:1-3)
      3. Glorious (3:4-18)
      4. Honest (4:1-6)
      5. Suffering (4:7-18)
      6. Hopeful (5:1-10)
      7. Devoted (5:11-17)
      8. Reconciling (5:18-21)
      9. Approved (6:1-10)
 
   C. HE MAKES HIS APPEAL TO THEM
      1. To Open Their Hearts (6:11-13)
      2. To Be Separate From The World (6:14-7:1)
      3. The Comfort And Confidence They Have Given Him (7:2-16)
 
II. THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS IN JERUSALEM (8:1-9:15)
 
   A. THE EXAMPLE OF MACEDONIA (8:1-5)
 
   B. THE BASIS FOR HIS EXHORTATION (8:6-15)
 
   C. THE MESSENGERS FOR THIS MINISTRY (8:16-9:5)
 
   D. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO GIVE LIBERALLY (9:6-15)
 
III. PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY (10:1-13:10)
 
   A. EXPLANATION CONCERNING HIS CONDUCT
      1. He Uses Weapons Mighty In God (10:1-11)
      2. The Contrast Between Him And His Opponents (10:7-18)
 
   B. SOME FOOLISH BOASTING
      1. The Necessity For Boasting (11:1-21)
      2. The Grounds For His Boasting (11:22-12:10)
      3. His Rebuke For Compelling Him To Boast (12:11-13)
 
   C. HIS FINAL WARNINGS
      1. Motivated By Love, He Seeks Their Edification (12:14-19)
      2. His Fear Of What He Will Find (12:20-21)
      3. His Coming Will Be In Judgment If Necessary (13:1-6)
      4. But He Hopes To Avoid Sharp Words By Writing In Advance 
         (13:7-10)
 
CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS AND BENEDICTION (13:11-14)
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
 
1) On which journey did the apostle Paul establish the church in 
   Corinth?
   - His second journey
 
2) Where does one read about the establishment of the church in 
   Corinth?
   - Ac 18:1-18
 
3) On which journey did Paul write both of his epistles to the 
   Corinthians?
   - His third journey
 
4) From where did Paul write his FIRST epistle to the Corinthians? (cf.
   1 Co 16:8)
   - Ephesus
 
5) From where did Paul write his SECOND epistle to the Corinthians?
   (cf. 7:5; 8:1; 9:2-4)
   - Somewhere in Macedonia (perhaps Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea?)
 
6) What is the approximate date of writing?
   - The fall of 57 A.D.
 
7) Whose arrival likely prompted Paul's writing of this epistle? 
   (7:5-7)
   - Titus
 
8) What sorts of things about Paul were questioned by those challenging
   his apostolic authority? (cf. 1:15-17; 10:10; 11:6; 11:7-9; 12:13)
   - His veracity
   - His speaking ability
   - His refusal to accept financial support
 
9) What is the purpose of this epistle?
   - To vindicate Paul's apostleship and manner of life
 
10) What other topic does Paul discuss in this epistle? (9:1)
   - The collection for the saints

 

－－《Executable Outlines》