Name
The title “2 Corinthians” comes from the intended audience designated in 1:1, “To God’s church at Corinth, with all the saints who are throughout Asia.” The opening description and the body of the epistle make it clear that Paul’s intended audience in Corinth is both Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Author
Paul claims authorship in 2 Corinthians 1:1, and 10:1. Internal evidence is in the personal nature of the letter.
External sources also acknowledge Paul as the author of the epistle to the Corinthians. Among them are Polycarp, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Cyprian.
Genre
Epistle
Literary Form
The epistle to the Corinthians is an “apology,” an argument for his authority and ministry.
Time Frame
The epistle of 2 Corinthians was written during the last year of Paul’s third missionary journey while he was in Macedonia (probably Philippi). In all likelihood, this was in the fall of A.D. 56 (about six months after the letter to 1 Corinthians).
Emphasis
2 Corinthians is the most personal and the least doctrinal of all of Paul’s letters. Paul’s emphasis in 2 Corinthians is on 1) the nature of the apostolic ministry and his authority, 2) the new covenant, and 3) sacrificial gracious giving.
Outline
- Introduction and Thanksgiving (1:1-1:11)
- Paul’s Apostolic Ministry (1:12-7:16)
- Sacrificial Giving for the needy (8:1-9:15)
- The Issues of False Apostles (10:1-13:10)
- Final salutation and benediction (13:13-14)
