2 Corinthians 1 Footnotes

1:15 The major theme within 2 Corinthians is Paul’s defense of his ministry under the new covenant. Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians was now quite strained for three reasons. First, Paul didn’t return as promised. Instead, he sent a severe letter (1:15–2:4; 10:10; 12:13-15). Second, a face-to-face visit only deepened the conflict between Paul and the Corinthians (10:1-10; 13:3-4). Third, Paul refused to accept payment for ministry (11:8-9), and some Corinthians believed that Paul had been duplicitous in this matter. He made much of declining payment, but (his detractors said) his coworkers received money for him anyway (12:16-18).