II Corinthians

Author: the apostle Paul
Place of writing: probably the city of Philippi
Time of writing: approximately 56 A.D.

Although Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian believers was well-received, and effected commendable changes within the church, a new kind of problem began to surface almost immediately afterwards. Apparently, there had arisen false apostles within the church who denied Paul’s apostolic authority, and used the fact that he had changed his original plans to visit Corinth to suggest that he did not care for the believers there, and that his word could not be trusted. Therefore, the majority of Paul’s second letter is very personal and apologetic, as he defends his ministry against these false charges, and assures the Corinthian believers of his ongoing love for them. This letter was likely written near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, when he was in Macedonia (see 2:13; 7:5), not too long after he had written the first.

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings. It is clear that his primary purpose is to defend his authority as an apostle and affirm his trustworthiness and care for the Corinthian believers, but he also includes instruction on other matters, such as forgiveness and reconciliation for a repentant offender within the church, and an opportunity to send financial help to needy believers in Jerusalem.

Paul begins his letter with thanksgiving for God’s comfort in the midst of affliction, and then gives an explanation of why he changed his plans to visit the Corinthian church. He counsels the believers there to forgive the repentant offender, and proceeds to explain the nature of his new covenant ministry as an apostle, and as such, the nature of his relationship with the Corinthian believers. He then gives a passionate plea for the Corinthian believers to heed his ministry, and warns them against unions with unbelievers, before telling them how overjoyed he was to hear the news of the repentance that his first letter had effected among them. He brings up the practical affair of the collection for the needy brothers in Jerusalem, and exhorts them to give sacrificially, and then reluctantly returns to a more detailed defense of his ministry, relating his humility and genuineness, as well as the visions and revelations which had been given to him, and then exposing and denouncing the false apostles. Finally, he reaffirms his love for the Corinthian believers, and gives them a strong warning to examine the genuineness of their faith, solemnly assuring them that when he came to see them, he would be ready to use his authority to discipline them.

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