2 Corinthians
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians is the eighth book of the New Testament and is classified among the Pauline Epistles. Written by the Apostle Paul, the letter addresses misunderstandings within the church in Corinth, defends Paul’s apostleship, and affirms the authenticity of his gospel ministry.
| 2 Corinthians | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | 2 Co |
| Class. | New Testament |
| Category | Pauline Epistles |
| Chapters | 13 Chapters |
| Record Related | |
| Writer | Apostle Paul |
| Date (Approx.) | c. AD 55–56 |
| Location | Macedonia |
Paul the Writer
Paul is universally recognized as the author of 2 Corinthians,[1][2] and most scholars agree that he wrote the letter shortly after sending his first epistle (1 Corinthians) to the Corinthian church.
Record Background
In his earlier correspondence, Paul sought to correct various problems within the church. However, some members misunderstood his sincere concern for the church. To avoid causing further distress by making an immediate visit, Paul chose instead to send Titus as his representative while continuing his missionary journey.[3]
While in Macedonia, Paul met Titus, who brought encouraging news that many in Corinth had repented. This report brought Paul great comfort amid the hardships he endured during his travels. Nevertheless, opposition persisted among those who continued to challenge his apostleship. It was under these circumstances that Paul composed 2 Corinthians, both to defend his apostleship and to express his desire for reconciliation with the Corinthian believers.
Features
- The letter clearly reveals the experiences and sufferings the apostle Paul endured while preaching the gospel.
Composition of 2 Corinthians
| Chapters | Content | |
| Chapters 1-2 | Greeting and Change of Travel Plans | |
| Chapters 3-6 | Authenticity of His Gospel Ministry | Paul’s Defense of His Gospel Ministry |
| Chapter 7 | Paul’s Commendation of the Corinthians | |
| Chapters 8-9 | Appeal for the Collection for the Church in Jerusalem | |
| Chapters 10-12 | Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship | |
| Chapter 13 | Final Exhortations and Conclusion | |
Paul’s Defense of His Gospel Ministry (Chapters 3–7)
Authenticity of His Gospel Ministry (Chapters 3–6)
In these chapters, Paul responds to critics who questioned his apostleship, pointing to his lack of formal letters of recommendation and what some perceived as his limited rhetorical skill. In doing so, they misled the believers and hindered their understanding of the true gospel. (In the early Church, it was customary to provide letters of commendation when sending ministers to churches in other regions. For example, the church in Jerusalem sent such a letter with Judas and Silas to the church in Antioch,[4] and Paul himself also provided letters when commissioning fellow workers to serve elsewhere.[5][6][7])
Paul asserts that the Corinthian believers themselves are his letter of recommendation, since their faith is the fruit of his ministry. He emphasizes that true qualification for ministry comes from God rather than from human endorsement. As a minister of the new covenant, Paul declares that he serves with the hope of the resurrection and the kingdom of heaven, striving to please God in all things.
Paul’s Commendation of the Corinthians (Chapter 7)
After receiving Titus’s report, Paul rejoices over the Corinthians’ repentance. He praises them for their sincere efforts to align themselves with God’s word.
Appeal for the Collection for the Church in Jerusalem (Chapters 8–9)
At the time, the church in Jerusalem was experiencing financial hardship due to famine. Paul urges the Corinthian believers to take part in the relief offering, pointing to the example of the Macedonian churches, which gave generously despite their poverty. He encourages the Corinthians to give willingly and cheerfully in order to support the members in Jerusalem.
Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship (Chapters 10–12)
Paul warns the Corinthians against false apostles who masqueraded as servants of Christ while proclaiming a different gospel. He defends his apostleship by pointing to his unwavering dedication, the sufferings he endured for the sake of Christ, and his genuine concern for the churches. Rather than boasting in visions or revelations, Paul boasts in his weaknesses, asserting that hardship and frailty are marks of a true servant of Christ.