There is a short introduction available for the book of 2 Corinthians. You can read it here.
Key Themes (2 Corinthians)
The book of 2 Corinthians, written by the Apostle Paul, is a deeply personal and emotional letter in which Paul defends his apostleship, addresses challenges facing the Corinthian church, and provides profound theological insights. The letter reflects Paul’s pastoral concern for the Corinthians and his desire to restore and strengthen his relationship with them. The key themes include:
- The Nature of True Apostleship: A central theme in 2 Corinthians is Paul’s defense of his apostleship. Paul responds to criticisms and challenges from opponents who questioned his authority and legitimacy as an apostle. He emphasizes that true apostleship is not about status, wealth, or outward success, but about servanthood, suffering, and faithfulness to Christ. This theme highlights that true Christian leadership is marked by humility, integrity, and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
- Strength in Weakness: One of the most profound themes in 2 Corinthians is the paradox of strength in weakness. Paul shares his own experiences of suffering, weakness, and reliance on God’s grace, teaching that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. This theme emphasizes that God’s strength is often revealed through human frailty, and that believers can find hope and encouragement in knowing that their weaknesses are opportunities for God’s power to be displayed.
- The Ministry of Reconciliation: Paul emphasizes the ministry of reconciliation, both between God and humanity and among believers. He explains that through Christ, God has reconciled the world to Himself and has entrusted believers with the message of reconciliation. This theme underscores the importance of restoring broken relationships, both vertically (with God) and horizontally (with others), and highlights the role of Christians as ambassadors of reconciliation in the world.
- Generosity and Giving: In 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses the topic of generosity, particularly in the context of a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He encourages the Corinthians to give generously and cheerfully, reminding them that God loves a cheerful giver and that generosity is a reflection of God’s grace. This theme emphasizes that Christian giving is an act of worship and should be motivated by love and a desire to bless others.
- The New Covenant: Paul contrasts the old covenant, based on the Law, with the new covenant, which is characterized by the Spirit and brings life and freedom. He explains that the new covenant, established through Christ’s death and resurrection, surpasses the old in glory and effectiveness. This theme highlights the transformative power of the new covenant and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
- Paul’s Pastoral Concern and Love for the Corinthians: Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul’s deep love and concern for the Corinthians are evident. He expresses his desire for their spiritual growth, repentance, and restoration. Paul’s tone is often tender and compassionate, reflecting his pastoral heart and his longing for reconciliation with the church. This theme underscores the importance of pastoral care, empathy, and the restoration of relationships within the Christian community.
- Endurance in Suffering: Paul shares his personal experiences of suffering and hardship, including persecution, physical ailments, and internal struggles. He teaches that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian life, but that it also produces perseverance, character, and hope. This theme emphasizes the value of enduring suffering for the sake of Christ and the ultimate comfort and reward that God provides.
- Spiritual Warfare and Divine Power: Paul discusses the reality of spiritual warfare, describing the Christian life as a battle against spiritual forces of evil. He emphasizes that believers do not wage war according to the flesh, but with divine power to demolish strongholds and take every thought captive to obey Christ. This theme highlights the need for spiritual discernment, reliance on God’s power, and the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in the face of opposition.
- Integrity and Transparency in Ministry: Paul frequently discusses the importance of integrity, transparency, and sincerity in ministry. He contrasts his own conduct with that of false apostles, who were more concerned with appearances and personal gain. This theme underscores the need for authenticity, honesty, and ethical conduct in Christian leadership and ministry.
- The Glory of God Revealed in Christ: Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul exalts the glory of God as revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that believers, through the new covenant, are being transformed into the image of Christ and reflect His glory. This theme emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel and the ultimate goal of glorifying God in all things.
2 Corinthians is a rich and deeply personal letter that addresses the challenges and complexities of Christian ministry, the reality of suffering, and the transformative power of God’s grace. Through its themes of true apostleship, reconciliation, strength in weakness, and the glory of God, 2 Corinthians offers profound insights into the nature of the Christian life and the centrality of Christ in all aspects of faith and ministry.
What I Noticed Today (2 Corinthians 1-4)
In verses 1-2, Paul opens the letter in typical form, naming the author, the recipients, and a greeting. Then, Paul refers to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by God’s will.
Note: Paul’s emphasis on his apostleship based on God’s will becomes a distinguishing point in the letter as he deals with false apostles in Corinth.
In verses 3-11, Paul offers praise to God and thanksgiving for God’s comfort.
Note: Paul spoke of God using three titles: 1) the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2) the Father of mercies (compassion), and 3) the God of all comfort.
God comforts us so that we might be a comfort to others.
Note: Paul uses the word “comfort” or a form of the word four times in verses 3-4 and five more times in verses 5-7, for a total of nine times in five verses.
Paul related his suffering while they were in Asia (probably Ephesus), to the point they even despaired of their lives. God delivered them then, and they have put their hope in Him again, while the Corinthians join in with their prayers.
In verses 12-16, Paul expresses his clear conscience with respect to the Corinthians. They had been guided by Godly wisdom and purity, not fleshly wisdom (man’s wisdom). He was confident that on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (judgment day), they would boast in Paul as he would of them.
In verses 15-24, Paul explains that he had hoped to visit them twice: to come to Corinth first, go to Macedonia, and then return to Corinth. Paul claimed not to be unstable when he had to announce a change in his plans.
Note: The phrase “yes, yes, no, no” means to vacillate in making a decision.
For every promise of God to Paul is a “yes” (meaning Paul will do whatever God directs).
God has strengthened us with Christ Jesus, anointed us, sealed us, and given us the Holy Spirit as a down payment in our hearts.
Note: Verses 21-22 are a Trinitarian text: God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. God anoints each believer with the Holy Spirit. “Christos” (Christ) means “Anointed One.” He has also sealed us. The seal on a document in these times identified it and the owner of the seal. The giving of the Holy Spirit confirms Christians are in Christ and belong to God.
2 Corinthians 2
In verses 1-4, Paul says he would not come to the Corinthians again on another painful visit. Rather than cause pain, he decided to write another letter (probably one of the lost letters) so that he wouldn’t have pain from those who should provide joy when he came again.
Note: We don’t know what the previous “painful visit” was. It likely occurred after the first letter to the Corinthians (since there is no mention of it in that letter).
Note: If Paul did write a letter between 1 and 2 Corinthians, it seems from verse 4 that it was a severe letter written from a troubled heart but written in love. The occasion of the missing letter may be what Paul refers to in verse 5.
In verses 5-11, Paul refers to a man who has caused pain to him and the brothers in Corinth. The punishment given to the man seemed sufficient to Paul. Now they should forgive and comfort the man and reaffirm their love for him.
Note: Scholars believe the “pain” Paul refers to stems from this man challenging Paul’s authority as an apostle or a false apostle (see 2 Corinthians 11:4). Apparently, the man had repented since Paul now suggests they forgive and affirm him.
Paul says if they have forgiven the man, he does as well. He does this so that Satan might not cause division and disunity in the body.
In verses 12-13, Paul returns to the topic of his changed travel plans first mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:15. He left Ephesus and traveled to Troas, where he had a time of fruitful ministry. He had hoped to meet Titus there but did not find him and left for Macedonia.
Note: Troas is a coastal city on the northern edge of the province of Asia (modern Turkey). Paul went to Troas after the riots in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41).
2 Corinthians 2:14-7:16
Paul interrupts the flow of his letter to provide an overview of the ministry and its description.
In verses 14-17, Paul speaks of God, putting them on display in Christ, and through him, knowledge of Him spread.
Note: Paul’s description in verse 14 matches the description of a Roman triumphal procession. A victory parade would be awarded to a conquering general in which the prisoners would be forced to march. Thus, Paul is describing himself as Christ’s captive marching in his parade.
Paul says they bear the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To those who rejected the Gospel, Paul’s message was like the stench of death.
Paul refers to the many false apostles who market God’s message for profit, saying we are not like them. Rather, Paul speaks with sincerity in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3
In verses 1-3, Paul seems to anticipate an objection from false apostles (“Are we beginning to commend ourselves again?”). He says they never asked for letters of recommendation (as some of the false apostles had). Instead, their lives were their “letters of recommendation” read by everyone. Christ had produced these letters in them with the Spirit of God.
Note: The spiritual transformation of the Corinthian believers were spiritual letters written on Paul’s heart.
In verses 4-6, Paul explains his confidence is not based on himself but on God through Christ. God made them competent to be ministers of the new covenant through the Holy Spirit.
Note: The root of the word translated “ministers” in verse 6 is the word for deacon, which is a broader term for those engaged in ministry beyond paid professionals.
In verses 7-18, Paul compared the Old Covenant of Moses with the New Covenant through Christ.
Paul describes the Old Covenant as the ministry of death chiseled on stone (the Ten Commandments). It came with God’s glory, but its glory was fading (made irrelevant by the New Covenant). What endures (the New Covenant) will be even more glorious. The ministry of the Old Covenant through the Law condemned men while the ministry of the New Covenant, by the power of the Holy Spirit, brings men to Christ and the imputation of His righteousness.
Paul compares the veil that Moses wore after being in the presence of God to the veil over the Old Covenant. Paul says the people’s minds were closed. They had a spiritual veil over their hearts. The veil remains and is only set aside by Christ. The same is true now whenever the Old Testament is read; there is a veil over their hearts that is only removed when a person turns to Christ.
Note: The metaphor of the veil suggests people cannot see clearly to understand until the veil is removed.
Note: Verse 17 is an important Trinitarian verse emphasizing the relationship between the Lord and the Spirit.
Paul concludes, saying all the unveiled faces (believers) look at the glory of the Lord as they are being transformed into His image.
Note: The phrase “from glory to glory” in verse 18 is also translated as “ever-increasing glory,” suggesting the ongoing transformation of believers into Christ’s likeness (sanctification).
2 Corinthians 4
In Chapter 4, Paul focuses on the power of God that sustains him against the physical and spiritual demands of the ministry.
In verses 1-6, Paul claims their ministry comes from God's mercy, so they do not give up. They renounce shameful things; they do not walk in deceit or by distorting God’s word.
If the Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, and God has blinded them so they cannot see the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, they are not proclaiming themselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord because they are slaves to Jesus.
In verses 7-18, Paul says he has the treasure from God (the Gospel, the New Covenant) in clay jars (human bodies).
- We are pressured but not crushed.
- We are perplexed but not in despair.
- We are persecuted but not abandoned.
- We are struck down but not destroyed.
Note: In these four pairs of opposites (vv. 8-9), the first element describes human frailty; the second element provides evidence of God’s power.
Paul says they always carry the death of Jesus in their bodies, so Jesus’ life will also be revealed.
Note: “Jesus’ life being revealed” demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit, transforming the believer to be more like Christ.
Paul quotes Psalm 116:8 to explain how he can endure the difficulties of the ministry: we believe, therefore, we speak. Paul speaks confidently of the One (God) who raised the Son will also raise us with the Lord.
Note: Paul is referring to the rapture of the church at Christ’s second coming.
Paul concludes by saying everything is for your benefit so that grace will extend to more people and increase God’s glory. Therefore, he does not give up even as the outer body is being destroyed; the inner body is being renewed daily. His light and momentary troubles are nothing compared to the eternal glory of being with Jesus. So he does not focus on what is seen but on what is unseen because what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.
Note: The temporal is the glory that will fade away (1 Peter 5:4) and be replaced by the eternal light of Christ (1 Peter 5:10).
Some thoughts for further consideration:
- In the midst of serving God, we are likely to encounter many trials and difficulties, perhaps even suffering. Know that our God is a God of comfort who is with us always.
- There will be those who come against God, rejecting both the messenger and the Message. Jesus knew that better than anyone, yet, He persevered. Paul knew it, yet he also persevered, knowing that his eternal home was in heaven with Jesus.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
