2 Corinthians

Service of the Ministry (5:11-6:13). Now the apostle claimed that the motivation for service is the love of Christ. No one should live for himself or herself but for Christ. Paul's job, like ours, was to proclaim the reconciliation accomplished by Christ. We who are the recipients of divine reconciliation have the privilege, like Paul, to be heralds to minister God's message throughout the world. Reconciliation is the removal of human enmity toward God. This was accomplished by Christ, who "had no sin" but was made to "be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Following this train of thought, Paul stated that from his side he was reconciled to the Corinthians. Paul had nothing against the Corinthians. If there was any blockage in the relationship with him, it must have been on their side.

Separation of the Minister (6:14-7:1). Paul seemed to suspect the block in the relationship was brought about by the Corinthians' love of the world. Paul pointed out that the light cannot be a part of the darkness. Christians must not be bound to unbelievers in a way that will affect their moral purity.

Concluding Explanation (7:2-16). This section of the letter concludes with one more appeal to the Corinthians and another explanation of his ministry and motives. Paul was not criticizing them but appealing to them in love. Thus he asked them to "make room for us in your hearts."

In the context of restored relationships Paul turned to the topic of the collection for the church in Jerusalem. These two chapters deal exclusively with the subject of the church's need for renewed stewardship. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Paul had appealed for help in the Jerusalem relief fund. Jerusalem had been impoverished through the famines in Judea in the 40s. The collection was both an act of charity as well as a symbol of unity between the Gentiles and Jews in the church (see Acts 11:27-30; Gal. 2:10). The Corinthians had promised to give and had failed to participate. Paul now appealed for the Corinthians to complete what they said they would do.

Paul taught that believers should give sacrificially and spontaneously, with spiritual motives. Paul taught that they should give freely, for God values the eagerness to give, not necessarily the amount of the gift.

Paul explained that Titus and two men from the Macedonian churches would handle the money. Paul would have nothing to do with money himself. The handling and administration of the money is as important as the giving of the money. It is important for the church and the world to see the honesty with which the church handles its finances.

Paul then reminded them of the extent of God's giving for them. Out of appreciation for God's gift, believers should give joyfully.

Accusations against Paul (10:1-11). There is not only a subject change at this point but an abrupt change in tone. Paul's apostleship had been attacked. Here he vigorously defended it.

Paul was accused of being two-faced and worldly. Paul's opponents claimed to have a closer relationship with Christ than Paul had. These accusers said Paul's presence was contemptible.

God's Commendation (10:12-18). Paul would not enter the game of comparing himself with these other ministers. He noted that God had used him, not the interlopers, to plant the Corinthian church. Whatever ministry his opponents might have had was dependent on his work. Paul's concern was not with the commendation of others. In the end only God's commendation counts.

Credentials (11:1-33). The Corinthian rebellion was serious enough to force Paul into the corner of self-defense.

The apostle was shocked at how quickly they had turned away from apostolic teaching. Paul's pastoral concern was evidenced by his godly jealousy for the church.

Paul proclaimed the gospel in Corinth without payment, although he had the right to receive their support. He refused payment to avoid suspicion concerning his motives. The critics judged Paul for refusing payment, for they quickly received it. Paul was surprised that the Corinthians could not see through the hypocrisy of the opponents.

The irony is that his tenderness and pastoral concern was used against him as a supposed weakness. They claimed Paul was a false apostle and knew it; thus he did not receive their money. Paul turned the argument around and suggested the true sign of an apostle was a form of weakness, for true apostles suffer. Paul then chronicled his experiences of suffering. This was repulsive to Paul, so he related one particular experience of weakness. Yet that weakness was indeed his glory.

Ecstasy and Agony (12:1-10). The opponents' criticisms forced Paul to say what he did in this chapter. They claimed true apostles had special revelations. Paul knew this boasting was senseless, but he related a time around a.d.. 42 when he experienced the inside of heaven. Paul disliked sharing this account, for he knew that God's strength is more easily seen in the apostle's weakness. In fact, God allowed Satan to afflict Paul to keep him humble and to demonstrate the power of God in his life. If vulnerability revealed God's power, Paul gladly accepted the weakness.

Concern (12:11-21). Paul found this all distasteful. His ministry was not validated by special experiences but by his concern for the church. Paul planned to come to them again. He would again refuse their money. Paul's ministry was characterized by constant concern for people and a consistency in actions and motives.

Conclusion (13:1-14). Paul claimed he would without fail make another trip to visit them. He warned them at this time that he would have to deal with their sin. He would do so firmly with the power of God. He admonished them to examine their faith and to restore fellowship with him and with one another. The letter concludes without the usual greetings but with a beautiful benediction. The benediction is Trinitarian in form and has played an important role in the worship of God's people through the centuries.

Theological Significance. In this letter we learn of the importance of restoring relationships in ministry. An important lesson on dealing with opponents and appealing to God for confirmation of one's ministry is contained herein. The most important aspect of this letter is Paul's inspired insights regarding the nature of ministry. Ministry involves suffering, joy, comfort, and hard work. Primarily ministry is the power of God working in and through us to accomplish God's purposes.

We learn of the importance of sacrificial and spontaneous giving. These important principles regarding Christian stewardship need to be expounded in every congregation. Believers are to follow Christ in giving freely with joy and love.

Finally, we learn of the significance of Christ's reconciling work in restoring our broken relationship with God. Because of what He has done for us, we are a new creation, participants in the new covenant, and His ambassadors to proclaim the message of reconciliation. Because we have been reconciled to God, we should be reconciled to other believers. The importance of the unity of the church cannot be neglected.

Bruce, F. F. 1 and 2 Corinthians. New Century Bible. London: Oliphants, 1971.

Harris, Murray J. "2 Corinthians." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Vol. 10. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976.

Hughes, Philip E. Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians. New International Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962.

Robertson, A. T. The Glory of the Ministry. New York: Revell, 1911.