A summary of 2 Corinthians
Paul begins this Epistle with encouraging words and assurance of
God’s mercies and comfort available to all.
2 Corinthians 1 
:2 “Grace to you and peace [inner calm and
spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Vs.3 Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all
comfort, Vs.4 who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so
that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any
kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are
comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11, gives us great insight into the trials and
difficulties that the Apostle Paul experienced on his missionary
endeavors. Paul shares about their extreme hardships in Asia Minor
that led them to despair for their lives, and said that these trials
forced them to rely completely on God. He expresses his hope and
faith that God will continue to deliver them from such perilous
circumstances.
In 2 Corinthians 1:12-13, Paul assures the Corinthians of their
pure motives and godly sincerity in their actions, both in the world
and towards the Corinthians, not with human wisdom but through
God's grace. He assures them that their messages carry no double
meaning. Vs13 “For we write you nothing other than what you read
and understand [there is no double meaning in what we say]”.
Paul emphasizes the importance of the Corinthian church's prayers
for them on the mission field and shares how they contributed to the
success of the mission. 2 Corinthians 1:11 "while you join in
helping us by your prayers. Then thanks will be given by many
persons on our behalf for the gracious gift [of deliverance] granted to
us through the prayers of many [believers]."
2 Corinthians 2:2 - Paul states “But I made up my mind not to
grieve you with another painful visit, [by a well-deserved rebuke]”
and explains why he decided not to visit Corinth, acknowledging the
sorrow that his first letter caused.
In his first letter he addressed issues and errors in the Corinthian
Church. These topics explain the “well-deserved rebuke”
1. Divisions in the Church - 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
2. Sexual Immorality - 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
3. Lawsuits Among Believers - 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
4. Marriage and Singleness - 1 Corinthians 7
5. Food Sacrificed to Idols - 1 Corinthians 8
6. Use of Spiritual Gifts - 1 Corinthians 12-14
7. The Superiority of Love - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
He urges the Corinthians to forgive and comfort an individual who
caused grief, thus reaffirming love. "But one whom you forgive
anything, I too forgive also … " 2 Corinthians 2:10 AMP.
2 Corinthians 3:17 - Ministers of a New Covenant
Paul discusses the glory of the ministry of the new covenant,
comparing it to the old covenant. He writes about the transformative
power of the Holy Spirit and the freedom that comes from the Spirit
of God. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord
is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]," 2
Corinthians 3:17 AMP.
In 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, Paul explains that, driven by God's mercy,
they persist in their ministry without losing heart due to God's mercy.
They renounce deceptive and shameful behaviors, choosing to plainly
and honestly present God's word. Their gospel, while hidden to those
who are perishing under Satan's influence, God, the source of light,
illuminates believers' hearts with His glory, seen in the face of Christ.
Paul concludes by stating that they carry this precious treasure of
salvation in their imperfect human selves, that their ministry gifting
comes solely from God, not from themselves.
2 Corinthians 5 - Ambassadors for Christ
Paul explores the hope of resurrection, the judgment of God, and the
ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers. He encourages the
Corinthians to view people from a spiritual perspective rather than a
worldly one.
Key verse: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined
to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and
renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and
spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come
[because spiritual awakening brings a new life]" 2 Corinthians 5:17
AMP.
2 Corinthians 6 - Workers with God
Paul presents himself as a servant of God, describing the hardships
and joys of his ministry. He appeals to the Corinthians not to receive
God's grace in vain and to open their hearts to him.
Key verse: "Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do
not make mismatched alliances with them inconsistent with your
faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with
lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
2 Corinthians 6:14 AMP.
2 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance
Paul writes about his joy over the Corinthians' repentance after his
severe letter. He is comforted by their desire to make things right,
and he expresses his love for them.
Key verse: "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to
salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death"
2 Corinthians 7:10 AMP.
:2 “Grace to you and peace [inner calm and
spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Vs.3 Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all
comfort, Vs.4 who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so
that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any
kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are
comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11, gives us great insight into the trials and
difficulties that the Apostle Paul experienced on his missionary
endeavors. Paul shares about their extreme hardships in Asia Minor
that led them to despair for their lives, and said that these trials
forced them to rely completely on God. He expresses his hope and
faith that God will continue to deliver them from such perilous
circumstances.
In 2 Corinthians 1:12-13, Paul assures the Corinthians of their
pure motives and godly sincerity in their actions, both in the world
and towards the Corinthians, not with human wisdom but through
God's grace. He assures them that their messages carry no double
meaning. Vs13 “For we write you nothing other than what you read
and understand [there is no double meaning in what we say]”.
Paul emphasizes the importance of the Corinthian church's prayers
for them on the mission field and shares how they contributed to the
success of the mission. 2 Corinthians 1:11 "while you join in
helping us by your prayers. Then thanks will be given by many
persons on our behalf for the gracious gift [of deliverance] granted to
us through the prayers of many [believers]."
2 Corinthians 2:2 - Paul states “But I made up my mind not to
grieve you with another painful visit, [by a well-deserved rebuke]”
and explains why he decided not to visit Corinth, acknowledging the
sorrow that his first letter caused.
In his first letter he addressed issues and errors in the Corinthian
Church. These topics explain the “well-deserved rebuke”
1. Divisions in the Church - 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
2. Sexual Immorality - 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
3. Lawsuits Among Believers - 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
4. Marriage and Singleness - 1 Corinthians 7
5. Food Sacrificed to Idols - 1 Corinthians 8
6. Use of Spiritual Gifts - 1 Corinthians 12-14
7. The Superiority of Love - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
He urges the Corinthians to forgive and comfort an individual who
caused grief, thus reaffirming love. "But one whom you forgive
anything, I too forgive also … " 2 Corinthians 2:10 AMP.
2 Corinthians 3:17 - Ministers of a New Covenant
Paul discusses the glory of the ministry of the new covenant,
comparing it to the old covenant. He writes about the transformative
power of the Holy Spirit and the freedom that comes from the Spirit
of God. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord
is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]," 2
Corinthians 3:17 AMP.
In 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, Paul explains that, driven by God's mercy,
they persist in their ministry without losing heart due to God's mercy.
They renounce deceptive and shameful behaviors, choosing to plainly
and honestly present God's word. Their gospel, while hidden to those
who are perishing under Satan's influence, God, the source of light,
illuminates believers' hearts with His glory, seen in the face of Christ.
Paul concludes by stating that they carry this precious treasure of
salvation in their imperfect human selves, that their ministry gifting
comes solely from God, not from themselves.
2 Corinthians 5 - Ambassadors for Christ
Paul explores the hope of resurrection, the judgment of God, and the
ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers. He encourages the
Corinthians to view people from a spiritual perspective rather than a
worldly one.
Key verse: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined
to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and
renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and
spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come
[because spiritual awakening brings a new life]" 2 Corinthians 5:17
AMP.
2 Corinthians 6 - Workers with God
Paul presents himself as a servant of God, describing the hardships
and joys of his ministry. He appeals to the Corinthians not to receive
God's grace in vain and to open their hearts to him.
Key verse: "Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do
not make mismatched alliances with them inconsistent with your
faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with
lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
2 Corinthians 6:14 AMP.
2 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance
Paul writes about his joy over the Corinthians' repentance after his
severe letter. He is comforted by their desire to make things right,
and he expresses his love for them.
Key verse: "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to
salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death"
2 Corinthians 7:10 AMP.
2 Corinthians 8 - Generosity Encouraged
Paul encourages the Corinthians to be generous, using the
example of the Macedonian churches that gave out of their
poverty. He explains the value of generosity as a reflection of
their faith.
Key verse: "For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity,
His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake
He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich
abundantly blessed" 2 Corinthians 8:9 AMP.
2 Corinthians 9 - The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem
Paul encourages the Corinthians to be ready to give generously
to the Christians in Jerusalem. He explains that God blesses
those who give generously for the right reasons.
Key verse: "Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will
also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings
may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]"
2 Corinthians 9:6 AMP.
2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Defense of His Ministry
Paul defends his ministry, his authority, and his actions, pointing
out that he relies on the power of Christ. He argues that while he
is humble when present, he is bold when absent because of his
confidence in the Gospel.
Key verse: "We are destroying sophisticated arguments and
every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the
[true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and
purpose captive to the obedience of Christ" 2 Corinthians 10:5
AMP.
2 Corinthians 11 - Paul's Concern for the Corinthians
Paul expresses his concern over the Corinthians being led astray
from the simplicity of the Gospel. He defends his apostolic
authority, discussing his sufferings and hardships for Christ's
sake.
Key verse: "And I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to
undercut those who want an opportunity to be considered our
equals in the things they boast about" 2 Corinthians 11:12
AMP.
2 Corinthians 12 - Paul's Visions and His Thorn
Paul describes an extraordinary vision he received from the Lord
and his request for relief from a "thorn in the flesh." He
expresses that God's power is made perfect in weakness.
Key verse: "And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for
you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than
enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My]
power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most
effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more
gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may
completely enfold me and] may dwell in me" 2 Corinthians
12:9 AMP.
2 Corinthians 13 - Final Warnings and Exhortations
Paul concludes his letter with warnings to those who have not
repented and with a call for self-examination. He ends with an
exhortation to rejoice, mend their ways, and live in peace.
Key verse: "Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are
in the faith and living your lives as [committed] believers.
Examine yourselves [not me]! Or do you not recognize this about
yourselves [by an ongoing experience] that Jesus Christ is in
you—unless indeed you fail the test and are rejected as
counterfeit?"
2 Corinthians 13:5 AMP.
The Author, Where it was written and the date.
Author: The author of the Second Epistle to the
Corinthians is the Apostle Paul, along with Timothy, who
is referred to as a brother in the faith in the salutation of
the letter
2 Corinthians 1:1. Paul was a central figure in the early
Christian church and a prominent author of many of the
New Testament letters.
Date Written: 2 Corinthians was likely written in AD
55–57. This is deduced based on the historical and
biographical information in Acts and Paul's letters,
particularly his journeys, imprisonments, and interactions
with different church congregations.
Where it was penned: The letter was probably written
from Macedonia, after Paul had left Ephesus, en route to
Corinth. This is concluded from references in the letter
itself and the geographical information provided in Acts
about Paul's missionary journeys.
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