2 Corinthians

Lore & Background

Paul's role in these passages is that of an apostle who has faced great affliction and even a 'so great a death' from which God delivered him (2 Corinthians 1:10). He writes with deep emotion, having written previously with many tears out of love (2 Corinthians 2:4), and expresses his care for all the churches as a daily burden (2 Corinthians 11:28). He defends his conduct, insisting he has wronged, corrupted, or defrauded no one (2 Corinthians 7:2), and responds to critics who say his letters are weighty but his bodily presence weak and speech contemptible (2 Corinthians 10:10). The letter also shows Paul's concern for the Corinthians' spiritual state. He urges them to be reconciled, noting that the love of Christ constrains him (2 Corinthians 5:14), and he appeals to them with open heart and enlarged mouth (2 Corinthians 6:11). He discusses the collection for the saints, encouraging cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) and sending trusted brothers to handle the gift (2 Corinthians 8:22). Paul also shares a personal vision of being caught up into paradise (2 Corinthians 12:4), and he announces his intention to visit them a third time (2 Corinthians 13:1).

Reader's Guide

The sampled passages portray 2 Corinthians as a letter of apostolic defense, pastoral care, and theological reflection. Paul emphasizes that his sufficiency is from God, not himself (2 Corinthians 3:5), and that he preaches Christ Jesus the Lord, not himself (2 Corinthians 4:5). He contrasts the old covenant, where a veil remains in reading the old testament, with Christ who removes that veil (2 Corinthians 3:14). The resurrection is a key hope: God who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us up (2 Corinthians 4:14). Paul also speaks of the earnest of the Spirit given by God (2 Corinthians 5:5) and declares that now is the accepted time, the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). The letter includes strong emotional appeals, such as asking the Corinthians to bear with him in what he calls folly (2 Corinthians 11:1), and he boasts of his care for the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28). The tone shifts from affectionate pleading to stern warning, as he prepares to come with authority (2 Corinthians 13:1).

Did You Know?

• Paul mentions that he was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words (2 Corinthians 12:4).
• Paul states that he wrote a previous letter with many tears out of affliction and anguish of heart (2 Corinthians 2:4).
• Paul quotes a scripture saying 'now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2).
• Paul notes that some critics say his letters are weighty and powerful but his bodily presence is weak and his speech contemptible (2 Corinthians 10:10).