Book Study: Second Corinthians

Book Overview

2 Corinthians is Paul’s most personal and emotionally transparent letter. Written after a painful visit and a severe letter of correction, Paul expresses relief that the Corinthians have responded with repentance. He defends his apostleship against critics who questioned his authority, motives, and suffering. Paul explains that true ministry is marked not by outward impressiveness but by weakness empowered by God’s strength. He describes the glory of the new covenant, the hope of resurrection, and the call to walk by faith. Paul urges generosity in giving, using the Macedonians as an example of joyful sacrifice. He confronts false apostles who boast in worldly credentials, contrasting them with his own hardships. The letter reveals Paul’s heart for the church and his desire for reconciliation, holiness, and steadfast devotion to Christ.

Brief Chapter Summaries

2 Corinthians 1

Paul praises God as the Father of mercies and comfort. He explains his recent hardships in Asia and clarifies why he changed his travel plans, emphasizing sincerity and integrity in his ministry.

2 Corinthians 2

Paul explains his earlier severe letter and expresses joy over the Corinthians’ repentance. He urges forgiveness for the disciplined offender and describes his ministry as spreading the fragrance of Christ.

2 Corinthians 3

Paul contrasts the old covenant of the Law with the new covenant of the Spirit. The new covenant brings righteousness, freedom, and transforming glory.

2 Corinthians 4

Paul describes the treasure of the gospel in jars of clay, showing that God’s power works through human weakness. He encourages perseverance despite suffering, focusing on eternal glory.

2 Corinthians 5

Paul teaches about the believer’s future heavenly dwelling and the ministry of reconciliation. He urges believers to live for Christ, who died and rose for them.

2 Corinthians 6

Paul appeals for the Corinthians’ affection and warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers. He urges holiness as God’s people.

2 Corinthians 7

Paul rejoices over the Corinthians’ godly sorrow that led to repentance. He expresses comfort and renewed confidence in them.

2 Corinthians 8

Paul encourages generous giving, using the Macedonians as an example. He commends Titus and urges the Corinthians to excel in grace-filled generosity.

2 Corinthians 9

Paul teaches that cheerful giving brings abundant blessing. God supplies and multiplies generosity, resulting in thanksgiving and glory to Him.

2 Corinthians 10

Paul defends his authority, explaining that spiritual warfare requires divine weapons. He contrasts true apostolic authority with outward boasting.

2 Corinthians 11

Paul exposes false apostles and reluctantly “boasts” in his sufferings to defend his ministry. He recounts hardships endured for Christ.

2 Corinthians 12

Paul describes his heavenly vision and his “thorn in the flesh.” God tells him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Paul boasts in weakness so Christ’s power may rest on him.

2 Corinthians 13

Paul urges self-examination and calls the church to maturity. He closes with a blessing of grace, love, and fellowship.

Key Verses

2 Corinthians 1:3–4

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble…”

2 Corinthians 3:17

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

2 Corinthians 4:7

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

2 Corinthians 4:17–18

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen…”

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“And 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.”