Introduction to 2 Corinthians
Author: The Apostle Paul
Date: Around A.D. 55-56
Audience: The church in Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia (a region of Greece)
Purpose: Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to address several issues within the Corinthian church, defend his apostleship, and encourage generosity in giving.
Key Themes
- Paul’s Apostolic Authority:
- Paul defends his apostolic authority and his conduct. He addresses accusations and criticisms from some in Corinth who questioned his authority and integrity (2 Corinthians 10-13).
- Suffering and Comfort:
- Paul speaks about his own sufferings and the comfort God provides, which enables believers to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-11).
- The New Covenant:
- He contrasts the Old Covenant (the Law) with the New Covenant (the Spirit), emphasizing the surpassing glory of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3).
- Reconciliation:
- Paul emphasizes the ministry of reconciliation, urging the Corinthians to be reconciled to God and to each other (2 Corinthians 5:11-21).
- Generosity and Giving:
- Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem, emphasizing the principles of generous and cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 8-9).
Structure
- Introduction (1:1-11):
- Paul opens with greetings and thanksgiving, sharing about his recent hardships and God's comfort.
- Paul’s Explanation of His Ministry (1:12-7:16):
- Paul defends his integrity, explains his travel plans, and describes his ministry. He emphasizes the glory of the New Covenant and the message of reconciliation.
- The Collection for the Saints (8:1-9:15):
- Paul gives instructions and encouragement regarding the collection for the Jerusalem church, urging generosity.
- Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship (10:1-13:10):
- Paul defends his apostolic authority, addressing his critics and affirming his credentials as an apostle.
- Conclusion (13:11-14):
- Paul gives final exhortations, greetings, and a benediction.
Background
Historical Context:
- Corinth was a major city in Greece, known for its wealth, commerce, and immorality. The Corinthian church was founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18). The church had various issues, including divisions, moral lapses, and challenges to Paul’s authority, which are addressed in both 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians.
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 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
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