Summary
Weakness, comfort, and a ministry defended with surprising honesty.
by Dr. David Silver3 min read
Read the Summaryby Dr. David Silver3 min read
2 Corinthians is Paul’s second available letter to the Corinthians which he wrote about 57 A.D. After a difficult visit with them and false apostles attacking his credentials and ministry, he wrote this most vulnerable epistle. The book can be divided into three sections: chapters 1-7 cover a defense of his ministry; chapters 8-9 deal with the collection for the church in Jerusalem; chapters 10-13 are preparation for his next visit.
In the introduction, the praise and prayer section, Paul mentions the themes of the defense of his ministry, comfort for the Corinthians, and another trip to visit them is planned. He had a painful visit with them (2:1) and decided to wait until the right time to follow up with them. This letter was to be a help in paving the way.
Paul intercedes for the one who had been excommunicated, for them to forgive him and accept him back into fellowship (2:5-11). He shares about preaching the gospel and how we are the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ (2:14). The Corinthians are his letter of recommendation, and his competence comes from God (3:2,5). Paul’s ministry brings righteousness (3:9) and it is no longer veiled as Moses was coming down the mountain.
It is through God’s mercy that Paul has this ministry (4:1). He does not use deception or distort the word of God. He sets forth the truth plainly (4:2). He shares the challenges of being an apostle in 4:8-12 and then explains an eternal perspective. We long for our heavenly dwelling and God has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (5:5). We live by faith, not by sight (5:7). God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and has given the ministry of reconciliation to believers (18). We are Christ’s ambassadors (5:20).
After reviewing his hardships as an apostle, he asks the Corinthians to open their hearts to him (6:3-13). Titus had encouraged Paul that the Corinthians responded to his tearful letter (2:4; 7:7). Paul explained what true repentance was and that even though his previous letter made them sorry, it was godly sorrow (7:10-11).
Paul encouraged the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving (8:7). He wants them to be ready to give to the collection for the Jerusalem church (9:3,5). They should give generously and with a cheerful heart (9:6-7).
Paul began to tell the Corinthians that he planned to come to them (10:2). Paul shared that the Lord commends him, he does not commend himself (as the false apostles do). He is not in the least inferior to the super-apostles (the false ones-11:13). Paul boasted in his weaknesses (11:16-33). He was caught up in heaven and heard inexpressible things. But God gave him a thorn in the flesh to keep him from becoming conceited (13:7). God told him his grace was sufficient and his power is made perfect in weakness (12:9).
He was getting ready to visit Corinth for the third time (12:14; 13:1). Paul confessed he is weak in him, yet by God’s power he will live with him to serve them (13:4). The Lord gave Paul authority to build them up (13:10). So, he ends the letter doing just that- he bestows a trinitarian blessing on them.
Structure
Chapters 1–7
Comfort in affliction, the glory of the new covenant, treasure in jars of clay, the ministry of reconciliation, and relief that the painful letter produced godly sorrow.
Chapters 8–9
The generosity of the Macedonians held up as an example; give cheerfully, not reluctantly, and God supplies the giver.
Chapters 10–13
Paul answers the false apostles by listing his beatings and shipwrecks, describes a vision and a thorn in the flesh, and prepares for a third visit.
Key Themes
01
God comforts us so that we can comfort others with what we received.
02
The power belongs to God, which is why it comes in jars of clay.
03
God reconciled us to Himself and made us ambassadors of that message.
04
Giving as a grace to excel in, not a tax to pay.
05
Paul refuses to peddle the word of God for profit.
The Challenge We Face
The heart of the letter is one sentence: God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
And Paul’s picture of Christ’s generosity is just as direct — though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Apply Scripture
The comfort you have received is meant to be passed on.
God’s strength shows most clearly where you are weakest.
Godly sorrow leads to repentance; worldly sorrow just leads to regret.
Give cheerfully, and decide in your own heart what to give.
You are Christ’s ambassador wherever you already are.
Study guides
You've seen the big picture. Now explore the book verse by verse with our practical Bible Study Guide.
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