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Book 47 of 66 · New Testament

2 Corinthians

Paul's most personal letter — a defence of his ministry through weakness, suffering, and comfort.

13 chapters257 versesWritten in GreekSet To the church in Corinth

Overview

2 Corinthians is the most personal of Paul's letters. His relationship with the Corinthians had been strained, and rival teachers were undermining him. He pours out his heart — his sufferings, his weakness, the comfort of God, a defence of his ministry, and an appeal for a collection for the poor in Jerusalem. It is where he writes that God's strength is "made perfect in weakness."

Book facts

Author
PaulWritten by the apostle Paul, after a painful visit and a stern letter.
Date written
c. AD 56Written from Macedonia, months after 1 Corinthians.
Original language
GreekMore emotional and personal than any other letter.
Setting
To the church in CorinthRepairing a strained relationship and answering his critics.

How it came to be

2 Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. It follows a painful visit and a severe letter, and reflects a relationship being mended.

Paul writes partly to defend his ministry against rivals who had turned the church against him.

What is arguedWhether it is one letter or several combined, since its tone shifts sharply between sections.

The whole book, chapter by chapter

ChapterWhat this chapter covers
Comfort and ministry — Paul's ministry and reconciliation, chapters 1–7
Chapter 1The comfort in troubleThe God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.
Chapter 2The forgiven offenderPaul urges forgiveness for one who had been disciplined.
Chapter 3The letter and the SpiritThe new covenant of the Spirit surpasses the old covenant of the letter.
Chapter 4The treasure in jarsWe hold this treasure in earthen vessels; the outward perishes but the inward is renewed.
Chapter 5The ambassadorsWe are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation.
Chapter 6The open heartPaul appeals for an open heart and a life set apart.
Chapter 7The godly sorrowGodly sorrow leads to repentance; Paul rejoices at their change of heart.
The collection — giving for the poor in Jerusalem, chapters 8–9
Chapter 8The Macedonian givingThe generous example of the Macedonian churches.
Chapter 9The cheerful giver"God loveth a cheerful giver."
Paul's defence — answering his critics, chapters 10–13
Chapter 10The weapons of warfareOur weapons are not worldly but mighty to pull down strongholds.
Chapter 11The boastingPaul reluctantly "boasts" — of his sufferings for Christ.
Chapter 12The thornPaul's thorn in the flesh: "my grace is sufficient for thee."
Chapter 13The final warningsA final call to examine themselves, and a closing blessing.

All 13 chapters. Start reading →

Worth knowing

Key people

The apostle who wrote the letter.

Key places

To the church in Corinth.

Known for

Some of the best-known verses in 2 Corinthians — tap the verse to read it.