Last week we examined the themes Paul addresses in the book of 1 Corinthians, so today we will look at what he writes to the church at Corinth in his second epistle. The book of 2 Corinithians was written to the church from Macedonia sometime around A.D. 55. Paul touches on some of the same themes as the first letter, although 2 Corinthians is different in tone. In the majority of the letter, Paul defends his ministry and why he has not been to visit the Corinthians as he said he would.
Apparently some in Corinth believed that Paul’s failure to visit implied that he was going back on his word (1:12-24), essentially undermining his apostolic authority, but Paul affirms the change in his itinerary was for their own good, so they would have time to implement reforms (2:1-4, 12:14-21). He promises to come soon to collect the offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem and to encourage those who have remained faithful to the gospel message and deal severely with those who have spread falsehoods in his absence.
The basic theme of 2 Corinthians is Paul’s defense of his ministry, apostolic credentials, and authority. Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook underscores the theological importance of the book’s focus on Christian ministry by affirming that “Paul marvels at the treasure of the gospel which God entrusts to human servants. Indeed, the weakness of the servant only highlights the message of salvation (4:1-15).”
Structure
Paul’s Explanation of His Ministry (ch.1-7)
After greeting the Corinthian church and giving thanks for God’s comfort in his sufferings and perils (1:1-11), Paul explains why he has not yet come to Corinth. He was not offering them a false promise, but rather giving them time to “clean up their act,” repent and make the reforms he suggested in his first epistle (1:12-2:4). He returns to the matter of the church member who had engaged in incestuous conduct with his father’s wife (see 1 Cor. 5:3-5). Apparently the Corinthians had disciplined the individual as instructed, but had refused to let him back into their fellowship once he had repented. Paul graciously asks them to restore the person to their church (2:5-13) so he would not be overcome by “excessive sorrow.”
Paul offers an extended defense of his ministry in terms of his message, circumstances, motives, and conduct (2:14-6:10). He admonishes the believers to separate themselves from defilement (6:11-7:1), and he expresses joy at Titus’ news of their changes (7:2-16).
Paul’s Collection for the Saints (ch. 8-9)
Chapters 8 and 9 contain instructions about the collection Paul took up at the end of his third missionary journey for impoverished saints in Jerusalem. He cites the example of the generosity of the churches in Macedonia (8:1-6) and urges the Corinthians to give as liberally themselves (8:7-9:15). Biblical scholars have indicated that these chapters represent the most complete instructions in the New Testament about church giving. Although Paul references a charitable gift for the poor, the general principles he espouses serve as guidelines for collecting gifts to support church ministry, missions, and outreach. Paul emphasizes the gifts should be (1) voluntary, (2) proportionate, and (3) systematic. Those handling the gifts should be people of integrity capable of administering funds (8:19-21).
Paul affirms that God will reward those who give liberally (9:1-11) and commends the spirit of brotherly kindness manifested between the churches as the “indescribable gift” (9:15).
Paul’s Vindication of His Apostleship (ch. 10-13)
Paul concludes with a defense of his apostleship and authority, directed at the rebellious minority in the Corinthian church. Though he is meek, his authority as an apostle is in no way diminished (ch. 10). This chapter includes allusions to Paul being weak in personal appearance (10:1, 10), but no one could honestly charge him as having a weak personality.
Paul apologizes for “boasting” about his knowledge, integrity, accomplishments, sufferings, visions and miracles (11:1-12:13), indicating he has been forced to do so by the Corinthians themselves. He challenges his opponents to compare themselves to him (11:22-33), not only by their effectiveness in ministry, but in their suffering for Christ. He refers to an undefined “thorn in the flesh” (12:7), which many scholars believe may have been an eye disease of some kind (see Gal. 4:13-15, 6:11). In referring to his “thorn in the flesh,” Paul seizes the opportunity to speak of the sufficiency of God’s grace in dealing with weaknesses, suffering, and persecution (12:9-10).
Paul reveals his plan to visit Corinth and urges the church to repent so he will not need to be severe when he comes (12:14-13:10). He ends his epistle by exhorting the church to “rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace” (13:11), sending his greetings, and offering a benediction (13:12-14).
Thoughts to Ponder
How do I react to weakness in my life? Do I complain, or give God glory for His grace?
Do I support the ministry of the church with my gifts?
Leave a Reply