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New Testament · Epistle · Book 47 of 66

Book of 2 Corinthians

A letter of comfort, reconciliation and defense: strength in weakness, the ministry of the new covenant, and generous giving.

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13 Chapters

2 Corinthians 1–13

Author

Paul (with Timothy)

Written

c. A.D. 55 – 56

Written From

Macedonia

Summary
Title
Author
Date
Outline
Ministry
Giving
Defense
Overview

Book of 2 Corinthians Summary

Second Corinthians is Paul’s most personal letter. Things had been difficult between Paul and the church at Corinth. He had made a painful visit and written a stern letter (2:1–4; 7:8), and then waited anxiously for news. When Titus met him in Macedonia with good word of their repentance, Paul wrote to restore the relationship (7:5–7).

The first part of the letter explains Paul’s ministry: comfort in suffering, the glory of the new covenant, the treasure of the gospel carried in fragile jars of clay, and the ministry of reconciliation. Chapters 8 and 9 encourage the Corinthians to complete their generous gift for the poor believers in Jerusalem.

In the last four chapters Paul defends his apostleship against false teachers who had won a hearing in Corinth. He boasts only in his weaknesses, and he learns that God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness (12:9).

About the Name

Title

Like 1 Corinthians, the letter is named for its recipients, the church at Corinth. The early Greek title is Pros Korinthious B, “To the Corinthians, second.”

“Second” marks its place in the New Testament. Paul wrote at least four times to this church: an earlier letter mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9, 1 Corinthians, a stern letter referred to in 2 Corinthians 2:3–4 and 7:8, and then 2 Corinthians.

Who Wrote It

Author Details

The letter begins with Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, with Timothy named as a co-sender (1:1). Paul’s authorship is accepted by virtually all scholars. He speaks more openly about his own sufferings and weaknesses here than in any other letter (see 11:21–12:10).

Some scholars have wondered whether chapters 10–13 were once a separate letter, but there is no manuscript evidence for that, and the letter has been read as a single unit from the beginning.

When It Was Written

Date of Writing

The letter was probably written about A.D. 55–56, within a year or so of 1 Corinthians. Paul was in Macedonia, where Titus met him with news from Corinth (2:12–13; 7:5–7; 9:2–4).

Paul was preparing for his third visit to Corinth (12:14; 13:1), which Luke records as a three-month stay in Greece (Acts 20:2–3).

Study Guide

2 Corinthians Outline

13 chapters in three parts. Tap any section to expand it, and tap a verse reference to read it at BibleGateway.

Read 2 Corinthians at BibleGateway
Part I

Paul’s Ministry Explained

Chapters 1–7 · Comfort, reconciliation and the new covenant

  1. Greeting from Paul and Timothy to the church and all believers in Achaia · 1:1–2
  2. The God of all comfort · 1:3–7
  3. Despair in Asia and deliverance by God · 1:8–11
  1. Paul’s clear conscience and sincerity · 1:12–14
  2. The changed travel plans and God’s “Yes” in Christ · 1:15–22
  3. Why Paul did not return: the painful letter · 1:23–2:4

Read this passage · 2:5–11

  1. No rest in Troas; Paul goes on to Macedonia · 2:12–13
  2. Led in triumph: the fragrance of Christ · 2:14–17
  1. The Corinthians as Paul’s letter of recommendation · 3:1–3
  2. Competence comes from God · 3:4–6
  3. The glory of the old and new covenants · 3:7–11
  4. Unveiled faces, being transformed · 3:12–18
  1. The light of the gospel of Christ’s glory · 4:1–6
  2. Treasure in jars of clay · 4:7–12
  3. Do not lose heart: eternal glory · 4:13–18
  1. The earthly tent and the building from God · 5:1–5
  2. At home with the Lord; the judgment seat of Christ · 5:6–10
  1. The love of Christ compels us · 5:11–15
  2. A new creation in Christ · 5:16–17
  3. Ambassadors for Christ: be reconciled to God · 5:18–21
  4. Now is the day of salvation · 6:1–2

Read this passage · 6:3–13

Read this passage · 6:14–7:1

  1. Make room in your hearts · 7:2–4
  2. Titus brings comforting news · 7:5–7
  3. Godly sorrow leads to repentance · 7:8–12
  4. Titus’s joy and Paul’s confidence in the church · 7:13–16
Part II

The Collection for Jerusalem

Chapters 8–9 · The grace of giving

  1. The example of the Macedonian churches · 8:1–7
  2. Christ’s example; finish what you began · 8:8–15
  3. Titus and the brothers sent to Corinth · 8:16–24
  1. Preparing the gift ahead of time · 9:1–5
  2. A cheerful giver; God’s supply · 9:6–11
  3. Thanksgiving to God for His indescribable gift · 9:12–15
Part III

Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship

Chapters 10–13 · Strength in weakness

  1. Paul’s appeal and the weapons of spiritual warfare · 10:1–6
  2. Appearances and Paul’s real authority · 10:7–11
  3. Boasting only within the limits God assigns · 10:12–18
  1. Paul’s godly jealousy for the church · 11:1–6
  2. Preaching the gospel free of charge · 11:7–11
  3. False apostles disguised as servants of righteousness · 11:12–15
  1. Boasting “as a fool” · 11:16–21
  2. Paul’s hardships for Christ · 11:22–29
  3. Escape from Damascus · 11:30–33
  1. Visions and revelations from the Lord · 12:1–6
  2. “My grace is sufficient for you” · 12:7–10
  1. The signs of a true apostle · 12:11–13
  2. Paul’s coming third visit; he will not burden them · 12:14–18
  3. Paul’s fears about what he may find · 12:19–21
  1. Warning before the third visit · 13:1–4
  2. Examine yourselves · 13:5–10
  3. Final greetings and benediction · 13:11–14

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