The book of 2 Corinthians is one of Paul’s letters written to the church in Corinth. It addresses several issues facing the Corinthian church and provides insight into Paul’s ministry. Here are some common questions people have about 2 Corinthians:
Why did Paul write 2 Corinthians?
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to address concerns in the church at Corinth and defend his apostleship. After writing 1 Corinthians, Paul made another painful visit to Corinth where he encountered further opposition. He then wrote a stern letter expressing his grief and calling the church to repentance. 2 Corinthians is Paul’s follow-up letter after receiving good news from Titus about the church’s change of heart. In 2 Corinthians, Paul aims to:
- Reaffirm his love and concern for the Corinthians
- Encourage and commend them for their repentance
- Explain why he changed his travel plans
- Defend his apostleship against false teachers discrediting him
- Give instructions on the collection for the church in Jerusalem
- Warn against false doctrine
- Call for restoration of obedience among the Corinthians
2 Corinthians provides insight into the heart of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church amidst conflict and restoration.
What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh? (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul describes a “thorn in the flesh” given to him to keep him from becoming conceited due to the revelations he had received. There has been much debate over what exactly Paul’s thorn in the flesh refers to. Suggestions include:
- A physical illness or disability
- Temptation to sin
- Persecution and opposition from others
- Inner turmoil or distress
While the exact nature of the thorn is unknown, Paul emphasizes God’s purpose in allowing it – to keep Paul dependent on God’s grace despite his revelations. God told Paul “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Whatever the thorn was, it drove Paul to find strength and sufficiency in Christ.
What was the nature of Paul’s rivalry in 2 Corinthians? (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul refers to “false apostles” and “deceitful workmen” who were preaching a “different gospel” in Corinth. They tried to discredit Paul and promote themselves as superior ministers. Paul seems to imply these rival missionaries came from a Jewish Christian background and sought to impose Jewish practices like circumcision on the Corinthians (2 Cor 11:22). They likely questioned Paul’s apostolic authority since he was not one of the original twelve disciples. Paul sarcastically refers to these rivals as “super-apostles” (2 Cor 11:5, 12:11) and insists the Corinthians should recognize him as their father in the faith.
What was the purpose of the Jerusalem collection? (2 Corinthians 8-9)
In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul gives instructions for the Corinthians to finish preparing their collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He had begun organizing this collection among his Gentile churches years earlier (Gal 2:10). The offering demonstrated the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers and the Gentiles’ thanksgiving to the Jerusalem church for sharing the gospel. It was also an act of compassion and justice. Paul was careful to protect his integrity in how the gift was handled. He sent Titus and others to accompany whoever the Corinthians chose to carry their gift to Jerusalem (2 Cor 8:16-24).
How should we understand Paul’s claim to apostleship? (2 Corinthians 11-12)
In 2 Corinthians 11-12, Paul strongly defends his authority and credentials as an apostle of Christ in contrast to the “false apostles.” Some key points regarding Paul’s apostleship:
- He was directly appointed by the risen Christ (1 Cor 15:8-10).
- His sufferings for the gospel validated his calling (2 Cor 11:23-29).
- His miracles, revelations, and converts all demonstrated his authenticity (2 Cor 12:12).
- He refused to accept payment from the Corinthians to avoid any improper motive (2 Cor 11:7-12).
- His motivations were pure – he sought their spiritual growth, not personal gain.
Paul did not claim apostleship based on his own authority but on God’s sovereign work in his life. His transformation and calling displayed God’s power and grace.
What does 2 Corinthians teach about generosity? (2 Corinthians 8-9)
2 Corinthians 8-9 contains key principles about generosity:
- Give willingly and sincerely from the heart (2 Cor 8:12, 9:7)
- Give in view of Christ’s sacrificial giving (2 Cor 8:9)
- Give proportionally out of what you have (2 Cor 8:12-15)
- Give joyfully and cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7)
- Trust God will supply abundantly so you can give generously (2 Cor 9:8-11)
- Giving benefits the givers by growing grace in their lives (2 Cor 9:12-15)
Our giving should be marked by eagerness, sincerity, generosity, and faith in God’s provision. We reap spiritual blessings when we sow material blessings through giving.
How does 2 Corinthians portray the ministry of reconciliation? (2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2)
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 provides insight into Paul’s passion for the ministry of reconciliation given to believers in Christ.
- Christ’s love compelled Paul to persuade people to be reconciled to God (5:14-15).
- Through the cross, Christ accomplished reconciliation between God and humanity (5:18-19).
- God has given believers the ministry of reconciliation to bring others to be reconciled to Him (5:18-20).
- Reconciliation involves a change of status before God – from guilty to righteous (5:21).
- There is an urgency to proclaim this message of reconciliation while there is still time (6:2).
As ambassadors for Christ, believers carry out the ministry of reconciliation by calling people to be reconciled to God through repentance and faith in Christ.
How does 2 Corinthians describe the new covenant? (2 Corinthians 3:2-18)
2 Corinthians 3 contrasts the new covenant in Christ with the old covenant of the law. Key points:
- The new covenant brings life and righteousness, not condemnation (3:6-9).
- It provides open access to God through the Holy Spirit, not veiled separation (3:12-18).
- It gives confidence in ministry with unveiled faces reflecting God’s glory (3:12-18).
- It liberates believers from hard hearts through the Spirit (3:17-18).
- It is a permanent, lasting covenant engraved on hearts by the Spirit (3:2-3).
The new covenant fulfills what the old covenant could not. It establishes a new basis for relating to God – a spiritual, personal relationship written on transformed hearts.
What role does suffering play in 2 Corinthians? (2 Corinthians 1:3-11, 4:7-18, 11:23-29)
Suffering is a major theme in 2 Corinthians:
- Paul suffered greatly as part of his missionary work (11:23-29).
- He viewed suffering as part of participating in Christ’s death (4:7-12).
- Suffering teaches reliance on God’s power rather than self (4:7-9).
- Momentary afflictions produce eternal glory (4:17-18).
- God comforts believers in their sufferings (1:3-7).
- Comfort equips believers to comfort others also (1:3-7).
For Paul, suffering produced perseverance, character, hope, reliance on God, and compassion for others. It had purpose and meaning.
What warnings are given in 2 Corinthians?
Paul gives several warnings in 2 Corinthians:
- Avoid being yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14-7:1).
- Do not receive God’s grace in vain (2 Cor 6:1-2).
- Guard against unforgiveness and deception by Satan (2 Cor 2:5-11).
- Beware of false apostles teaching a different gospel (2 Cor 11:1-15).
- Avoid foolish boasting as some have done (2 Cor 11:16-12:10).
Paul lovingly alerts the Corinthians to dangerous teachings and practices that could shipwreck their faith. He calls them to spiritual discernment.
How was Titus associated with 2 Corinthians? (2 Corinthians 2:13, 7:5-16)
Paul’s coworker Titus played a key role related to 2 Corinthians:
- Paul sent him to Corinth with the “severe letter” calling for their repentance (2 Cor. 7:8-9).
- Titus brought good news back of the Corinthians’ change of heart (2 Cor. 7:5-7).
- Paul was comforted by Titus regarding the Corinthians (2 Cor. 7:13).
- Titus had strong affection and loyalty toward the Corinthians (2 Cor. 8:16-17).
- Titus and two others were sent to encourage the collection (2 Cor. 8:6, 16-24).
Titus was a trusted intermediary between Paul and Corinth during their strained relationship who facilitated reconciliation and restoration.
What does 2 Corinthians teach about repentance? (2 Corinthians 7:8-13)
2 Corinthians 7 provides key insights into biblical repentance:
- Repentance involves mourning over sin, not just regret (7:9-10).
- It leads to zeal and eagerness to make things right (7:11).
- It motivates a desire to clear oneself from wrongdoing (7:11b).
- It produces sincerity and godly sorrow that lead to life change (7:10-11).
- It is more blessed than avoiding the pain of discipline (7:8-9).
- It yields comfort, joy, and reconciliation in relationships (7:13).
True repentance is a gift from God that restores us to Himself and others. It renews holiness, hope, and spiritual vitality.
What portrait of ministry emerges in 2 Corinthians?
Several key themes about ministry arise in 2 Corinthians:
- Ministers suffer willingly for Christ’s sake (2 Cor. 1:5-7; 4:8-12).
- Ministers renounce deception and trickery, commending themselves by speaking truth (2 Cor. 4:2).
- The only valid “boasting” for ministers is boasting in their weaknesses so that God gets the glory when He displays His power through them (2 Cor. 11:30-12:10).
- Ministers sacrificially serve others, pouring themselves out, not peddling or profiting from the gospel (2 Cor. 12:14-18).
- Ministers gently discipline and restore, forgiving and affirming the repentant (2 Cor. 2:5-11; 7:8-16).
- The standard for ministry is faithfulness, not outward success or comparisons to others (2 Cor. 10:12-18).
Second Corinthians provides a sobering and liberating model of patient, transparent, sacrificial ministry centered on commending Christ’s sufficiency.
What main themes and ideas emerge in 2 Corinthians?
Here are some key themes in 2 Corinthians:
- The centrality of the cross of Christ (2 Cor. 2:14-17, 5:14-21).
- Ministers as “earthen vessels” who carry the glory of God amid sufferings and trials (2 Cor. 4:7-12).
- Authentic Christian ministry characterized by truth, integrity, and renouncing deception (2 Cor. 4:1-7).
- Generosity, cheerfulness, and grace in giving to meet needs (2 Cor. 8-9).
- The contrast between the new and old covenants (2 Cor. 3).
- A portrait of godly repentance leading to reconciliation (2 Cor. 7:8-13).
- A model of gentle, loving restoration of the fallen (2 Cor. 2:5-11).
- The vital role of the Holy Spirit in ministry (2 Cor. 3:17-18).
- A window into tensions in Paul’s relationship with Corinth.
Second Corinthians weaves together numerous important ideas into a rich, theologically profound letter.
How does 2 Corinthians reveal Paul’s heart as a pastor?
As a pastor, Paul’s heart shines through 2 Corinthians in many ways:
- His deep affection and bond with his flock (2 Cor. 2:4, 6:11-13, 7:3).
- His intense concern for their spiritual purity and protection from false teaching (2 Cor. 11:2-4).
- His joy and comfort in their repentance and obedience (2 Cor. 7:6-16).
- His desire for unity and restoration of broken fellowship (2 Cor. 6:11-13).
- His grief and anger at deception infiltrating the church (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
- His willingness to sacrifice personally for their benefit (2 Cor. 12:15).
- His tenderness in exhorting and urging rather than commanding (2 Cor. 8:8-9).
- His transparency about his suffering and reliance on God (2 Cor. 1:8-11).
Second Corinthians reveals Paul’s heartfelt shepherding rooted in the cross, guided by integrity, and marked by both affection and accountability.
