Aspect Detail
Author The Apostle Paul
Date Written Approximately 55-57 AD
Audience The Christian community in Corinth, as well as believers throughout Achaia
Historical Context The city of Corinth was a major commercial hub in the Roman Empire, famous for its wealth, diversity, and moral decadence. Paul had established the church there during his second missionary journey (Acts 18). However, the church faced numerous challenges and conflicts both internal and external.
Purpose Paul wrote this letter to address various issues including defending his apostolic authority, resolving conflicts, and encouraging generosity among the believers. It also serves as a follow-up to address matters that arose after his first epistle, 1 Corinthians.
Main Themes
  • Defense of Apostolic Authority
  • Reconciliation and Forgiveness
  • Suffering and Comfort
  • Generosity and Giving
  • Spiritual Strength in Weakness
Key Verses
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
  • 2 Corinthians 4:7 – "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 – "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Structure
  1. Introduction (1:1-11)
  2. Explanation of Paul's Ministry (1:12-7:16)
  3. Encouragement to Give Generously (8:1-9:15)
  4. Paul's Defense of His Apostleship (10:1-13:10)
  5. Conclusion and Final Greetings (13:11-13)
Significance 2 Corinthians provides deep insights into the nature of Christian suffering, the need for unity and reconciliation, and the way God's power is manifest in human weakness. It also emphasizes the importance of stewardship and generosity.


Chapter Key Events/Themes
1 Introduction, comfort during trials, Paul's change of plans.
2 Forgiveness for the offender, Paul's ministry of life and death.
3 The glory of the New Covenant over the old Mosaic Covenant.
4 Treasures in jars of clay, perseverance through hardship.
5 Assurance of the resurrection, ministry of reconciliation.
6 Paul's sufferings, call to holiness and separation.
7 Paul's joy over the Corinthians' repentance and reconciliation.
8 Generosity in giving, example of the Macedonians' giving, exhortation to complete the collection for the saints.
9 Benefits of generous giving and the cheerful giver.
10 Paul's defense of his apostleship and spiritual authority.
11 Paul’s sufferings for Christ, warning against false apostles.
12 Paul's vision and thorn in the flesh, further defense of his ministry.
13 Final warnings and exhortations, encouragement for self-examination, closing greetings.