2 Corinthians

About 2 Corinthians

Second Corinthians is Paul's most personal letter, written after a painful stretch in his relationship with the church at Corinth. He defends his ministry against critics who thought he was weak and unimpressive, and he turns that charge upside down: God's power shows up best in human weakness. The letter opens a window into what Christian leadership shaped by the cross really looks like, and it calls the church to reconciliation and generous giving.

Written by

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians; his authorship is broadly accepted, though some scholars think the letter may combine more than one of his messages to Corinth.

When

It was written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia, roughly a year after 1 Corinthians.

Themes

• Strength in weakness
• Comfort in suffering
• Ministry of the new covenant
• Reconciliation
• Cheerful generosity

Key verses

• 2 Corinthians 4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.