2 Corinthians

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It is widely agreed that the Apostle Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthians, and not many would argue.

However, there have been several theories put forward suggesting that 2 Corinthains is in fact a combination and possibly also a rearrangement of multiple letters.

It seems that these suggestions are an attempt to reconcile a seemingly inexplicable difference in tone between chapters 1-9 and 10-13, and also to explain a few other idiosyncrasies of the letter. But there is simply no historical evidence for these suggestions, and it isn't too hard to imagine the (possibly exagerrated) difference in tone as resulting from simpler circumstances.

Examples given could include the possibility that the Apostle had a sleepless night between composing 1-9 and composing 10-13; or that he had previously been "holding in" his true feelings on the subjects addressed, and was now being more open.

Nevertheless, it remains that the Apostle Paul is seen as the author of 2 Corinthians.

Date:  (top)

55 to early 56 AD.

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• 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, to the Church of God in Corinth, and all of the Saints in Achaia: Grace and peace to you.
• 1:3-11 Praise be to God who comforts us and delivers us from deadly peril.
• 1:12-2:4 According to the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in holiness and sincerity. It was in order to spare you that I did not return to you for another painful visit - but I wrote you out of anguish - not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
• 2:5-11 Forgive and comfort the sinner who had punishment inflicted upon him by the majority. Whoever you forgive, I also forgive.
• 2:12-3:6 We are to God the aroma of Christ in this world: to one we're the smell of death, to another, the fragrance of life. And we are not competent in ourselves, but competence comes from God.
• 3:7-18 Now, if the ministry that brought death came with glory, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
• 4:1-18 We do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ our Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this power is from God and not from us.
• 5:1-10 Though we are burdened in this life, we can look forward to an eternity with Christ - but as long as we are at home in these bodies we are away from the Lord - live by faith, not by sight.
• 5:11-6:2 Since then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. Be reconciled to God.
• 6:3-10 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
• 6:11-13 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.
• 6:14-18 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
• 7:1 Let's purify ourselves from ungodliness.
• 7:2-7 Make joy for us in your hearts - though we were harassed, we were comforted by the coming of Titus and his news of you.
• 7:8-16 Even though my last letter brought you grief, I am happy because it also brought you repentance - and Titus has been encouraged by you as well.
• 8:1-15 Just as you excel in everything, see also that you excel in the grace of giving.
• 8:16-9:5 I thank God that Titus is coming to you with much enthusiasm, and we are sending other brothers also, to help you prepare your gift for God's people - and the administration of this gift must be above criticism.
• 9:6-15 Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, but whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
• 10:1-18 Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
• 11:1-33 Some are speaking against me, putting themselves above me and preaching a gospel other than mine. Such men are false apostles. Was it wrong of me to preach the gospel to you free of charge? You put up with those who boast, but I have more to boast of!
• 12:1-10 God has greatly blessed me - yet I still have a thorn in my side - but my weakness is made perfect in Christ's power!
• 12:11-21 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time. Have you been thinking that we are defending ourselves? Everything we do is for your strengthening for I fear that when I come I may not find you as I wish.
• 13:1-10 I warn you that I will not spare those who sinned earlier. Test your lives to make sure you are in the faith. I write these things so that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority.
• 13:11-14 Finally brothers, rejoice. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal and live in unity. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The saints send their greetings. Grace be with you.