2 Corinthians - Introduction

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NEXT I. Introduction (2 Corinthians 1:1-11)

Introduction

Author

VIRTUALLY NO BIBLICAL SCHOLAR questions the authenticity of 2 Corinthians as a Pauline letter. It contains more personal information about him than any of his other letters.

Historical Background

On Paul’s initial ministry among the Corinthians, see the discussion of historical background for 1 Corinthians. It appears that Paul wrote at least four letters to the church in Corinth: (1) a letter that has been lost (see 1 Cor 5:9), (2) 1 Corinthians, (3) a tearful letter (see 2 Cor 2:3-4, 9; 7:8, 12), and (4) 2 Corinthians.

Between the penning of 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul made a visit to Corinth that proved to be “painful” (2 Cor 2:1; 13:2). Perhaps this was because Timothy, who had visited the church (see 1 Cor 16:10-11), had reported to him that they didn’t respond well to 1 Corinthians. Later Paul sent his tearful letter (2 Cor 2:3-4, 9; 7:8, 12), probably by means of Titus, who returned and reported that the majority had corrected someone in the church who had sinned against Paul (2:6; 7:6-16). At some point, some “super-apostles”—better known as “false apostles”—had infiltrated the church in Corinth, seeking to undermine Paul (11:5, 12-15, 20-23). In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his ministry and encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection for the relief of the believers in Jerusalem.

Message and Purpose

This is Paul’s most intimate letter to a church; it expresses his heart and his passion. False teachers had entered the church in Corinth, and they were receiving a hearing even though they were undermining Paul’s message. They also questioned his kingdom calling and responsibility as an apostle of Jesus Christ. So Paul offered a defense of his ministry because the gospel was being undermined by Jewish teachers who were trying to put Christians back under the law of Moses.

Paul also called the Corinthians to show concern for the poor. He wanted the Jewish and Gentile Christians to understand that they are one people in Christ. What better way to show this than for Gentile believers to help Jewish believers in need?

The apostle appealed to the Corinthians’ hearts and minds, showing them that truth without love is damaging, while love without truth is deceptive. Paul even spoke of his personal experience of a heavenly vision. If Paul could humble himself after receiving such a privilege, surely the Corinthians could see that he was not operating with pride but with a servant’s heart.

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