Who wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians and who did they write it to?
The book 2 Corinthians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth.
When did the events of the Book of 2 Corinthians happen?
Paul wrote this letter in approximately the Fall of 56 AD, only a few months after writing 1 Corinthians.
What is the setting of the Book of 2 Corinthians?
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians while traveling to Macedonia revisiting churches he had established.
What is the purpose of the Book of 2 Corinthians?
- Clarification of Paul’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 1-6)
- Repentance and Reconciliation of the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7)
- Encouragement, Management and Results of Generosity (2 Corinthians 8-9)
- Paul’s Authority versus False Apostles (2 Corinthians 10-12)
- Conclusion and Benediction (2 Corinthians 13)
How does the Book of 2 Corinthians apply to my life?
- After writing the letter of 1 Corinthians, a strong appeal for the Corinthians to correct their immoral conduct, the Corinthians were swayed by false apostles to reject Paul, who later wrote to rebuke them. This letter of 2 Corinthians is in response to their repentance after having rejected him.
- Reaffirms Paul’s authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
- Teaches correct intentions and motives for serving Jesus Christ.
- Teaches that obedience to Christ includes respecting and submitting to His messengers;
- Instructs how to discern between true and false messengers of the Lord.
- Teaches the importance of generous giving.
Summary
2 Corinthians is an incredibly autobiographical, personal, and harsh letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. He wrote this letter as he was traveling in Macedonia revisiting the churches he had established. After Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to the Corinthian church, Paul made a second trip to Corinth.
Some of the Corinthians rebelled against and rejected Paul, who then left Corinth discouraged, humiliated, and sorrowful. Paul mentions another letter sent to the Corinthians between the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians that was disciplinary in nature. It was also regarding the rebellion and misconduct of the Corinthian church. After sending this letter with Titus to the church at Corinth, Paul later met back up with Titus who confirmed that most of the Corinthians were repentant but that some still opposed Paul.
His third letter, 2 Corinthians, was sent in response to Titus’ update and to prepare the Corinthians for Paul’s third visit to the church. He begins his letter in love and abruptly changes tone to an uncomfortable and harsh rebuke stressing the intention was to win their affection and devotion for Christ. He spends much of the letter defending his conduct, teaching correct motives for following Christ, stressing his example as a faithful servant, reminding about obedience to Christ, and driving home the importance of selfless giving and generosity.
