Pauline Epistles · New Testament
2 Corinthians
c. AD 56
- Section
- Pauline Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 56
- Written
- c. AD 56, from Macedonia (in modern-day northern Greece)
- Author
- Paul the Apostle
In his most personal letter, Paul defends his apostleship against rivals in Corinth. He speaks of the comfort God gives in affliction, the glory of the new-covenant ministry, generous giving, and God's power made perfect in weakness: “my grace is sufficient for thee.”
Historical setting: The church in Roman Corinth; the Second Temple still standing, well before the Jewish revolt.
Key themes
- Comfort in affliction
- The new-covenant ministry
- Generous giving
- Strength in weakness
- Defending true apostleship
The letter's message
- God comforts us in all our affliction so that we can comfort others
- The surpassing glory of the new-covenant ministry of the Spirit
- "Be ye reconciled to God" — the ministry of reconciliation
- Paul appeals for generous, cheerful giving to the poor believers in Jerusalem
- Paul defends his apostleship and recounts his many sufferings for Christ
- God's power is made perfect in weakness; Paul's thorn in the flesh
Key lessons
- God comforts us in our afflictions so that we can comfort others; suffering becomes a channel of ministry rather than only a burden. 2 Cor 1:3–4
- God treasures his gospel in “earthen vessels” so the power is seen to be his and not ours; weakness is where his strength shows most clearly. 2 Cor 4:7
- Giving is to be generous and cheerful rather than grudging; “God loveth a cheerful giver,” and he supplies those who give to supply others. 2 Cor 9:6–7
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”