Galatians - Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was written from Macedonia, a province of northern Greece, in approximately 56 A.D., one or two years after his first letter.

Some time after writing his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul heard that the situation in the Corinthian church had become worse. Therefore, Paul, who was in Ephesus at the time, wrote a severe letter to the Corinthians, and sent it with his colleague Titus (2 Corinthians 2:3-4). This second letter has been lost; no copies of it exist.¹ When Titus did not return from Corinth promptly, Paul became worried and traveled to Macedonia to look for him (2 Corinthians 2:1214). There Paul finally found Titus, and learned from him that the Corinthians had realized their mistakes and had repented of their sins. After hearing that good news, Paul wrote the Corinthians a third letter, which we now know as “2 Corinthians.”²

2 Corinthians is the most personal of all Paul’s New Testament letters. Here Paul opens his heart to the Corinthians—and to us. From this letter we can find out a great deal about what kind of man Paul was inwardly.

For further information about Paul’s life, see Romans: Introduction.

OUTLINE

1. Paul’s Recent Trials and Travels (1:1-2:11).
   1. Paul’s Trials and Comfort (1:1-11).
   2. Paul’s Change of Travel Plans (1:12-2:4).
   3. Advice Concerning the Former Offender (2:5-11).
2. The Nature of the Christian Ministry (2:12-7:16).
   1. The Greatness of the Gospel (2:12-4:6).
   2. The Suffering and Glory of Ministry (4:7-5:10)
   3. The Work of Ministry (5:11-6:13).
   4. The Joy of Ministry (6:14-7:16).
3. The Collection for the Poor (8:1-9:15).
   1. The Need for Generosity (8:1-15).
   2. Arrangements for the Collection (8:16-9:5).
   3. Principles of Christian Giving (9:6-15).
4. Paul’s Authority as an Apostle (10:1-13:14).
   1. The Rights of an Apostle (10:1-11:15).
   2. Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship (11:16-12:10).
   3. Paul’s Love and Concern (12:11-13:14).