Home / New Testament / 2 Corinthians

NEW TESTAMENT

2 Corinthians

Web reading editionPDF starts on page 425by Robert D. Price
Open this book in PDFDownload full PDF
Web reading edition: The wording below is drawn from the corrected PDF edition. Formatting has been adapted for easier reading on screens.

2 Corinthians - An In-Depth Overview (KJV)

Part 1 - Chapters 1-7

Second Corinthians is Paul's most personal and emotionally revealing letter. Rather than presenting doctrine in a detached way, Paul opens his heart and shows what faithful Christian ministry looks like in the midst of suffering, misunderstanding, weakness, and opposition. Throughout these chapters, Paul explains that God's servants do not depend on human strength. They are sustained by divine comfort, transformed by the Spirit, and entrusted with the message of reconciliation. The weakness of the messenger only makes the power of Christ more visible.

Key Verse (KJV):

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God,

and not of us."

(2 Corinthians 4:7)

Basic Information

Author:

The Apostle Paul.

Written From:

Macedonia.

Date Written:

Approximately A.D. 55-57.

Recipients:

The church at Corinth and believers throughout Achaia.

Purpose

Paul wrote to:

Main Theme

God's Power Is Revealed Through Weakness and Faithful Ministry

Paul repeatedly contrasts human weakness with God's strength. The Christian life and ministry are sustained not by self-confidence but by the grace, power, and faithfulness of God.

Outline

Chapter 1 - The God of All Comfort

Comfort in Affliction

Paul begins by praising God as:

"the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort."

God comforts believers in their troubles so they can comfort others who suffer. Christian suffering is never wasted when God uses it to make us more compassionate and useful to others.

Delivered From Despair

Paul describes a severe trial in Asia in which he felt pressed beyond his own strength. The experience taught him not to trust in himself, but:

"in God which raiseth the dead."

Lesson

God sometimes allows His servants to reach the end of their own strength so they learn to depend more completely on His power.

Paul's Change of Plans

Some Corinthians had criticized Paul because his travel plans changed. Paul explains that the change was not dishonesty or carelessness. He desired to spare them another painful visit and acted out of pastoral concern.

Chapter 2 - Forgiveness and Triumph in Christ

Restore the Repentant

A man who had been disciplined by the church had now shown sorrow and repentance. Paul urges the believers to forgive, comfort, and restore him so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive grief.

Lesson

Biblical discipline seeks repentance and restoration, not permanent rejection.

Triumph in Christ

Paul gives thanks because God:

"always causeth us to triumph in Christ."

He compares Gospel ministry to a fragrance spreading everywhere. To those who believe, the message brings life. To those who reject it, the same truth exposes their lost condition.

Sincerity in Ministry

Paul refuses to treat God's Word as merchandise. Faithful ministry is carried out with sincerity before God, not for personal profit or popularity.

Chapter 3 - The Glory of the New Covenant

Living Letters

Paul tells the Corinthians that the changed lives of believers are like letters of recommendation for his ministry. They are written:

"not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God."

A transformed life is powerful evidence of the Gospel at work.

The Letter and the Spirit

Paul contrasts the Old Covenant ministry written on stone with the greater glory of the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit. The Law reveals sin and condemns the guilty. The Spirit gives life through the saving work of Christ.

From Glory to Glory

Believers behold the glory of the Lord and are gradually transformed:

"from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Christian growth is the work of the Holy Spirit conforming believers to the likeness of Christ.

Chapter 4 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Christ, Not Ourselves

Paul summarizes faithful preaching:

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord."

The minister is not the message. Jesus Christ must remain the center.

Earthen Vessels

Paul compares believers to fragile clay jars carrying a priceless treasure. The weakness of the vessel makes it clear that the power belongs to God.

Paul describes being:

The Outward and Inward Man

Though the outward body grows weaker, the inward person can be renewed day by day. Paul calls present suffering:

"our light affliction, which is but for a moment."

Eternal glory far outweighs temporary hardship.

Lesson

Faith looks beyond what is seen and temporary to what is unseen and eternal.

Chapter 5 - Reconciliation Through Christ

Our Eternal Home

Paul compares the present body to an earthly tent that will one day be replaced by a permanent dwelling from God. Believers can face death with hope because God has prepared eternal life and resurrection glory for His people.

Walk by Faith

Paul writes:

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Christians live by trusting what God has promised even when they cannot yet see the final outcome.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

Paul reminds believers that each one will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give account for the life lived in the body. This is not about earning salvation, but about accountability and reward for those who belong to Christ.

A New Creature

One of the best-known verses in the letter declares:

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things

are become new."

Salvation brings a new identity and a new direction of life.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

God reconciles sinners to Himself through Jesus Christ and then entrusts believers with the message of reconciliation. Paul calls Christians:

"ambassadors for Christ."

The Gospel appeal is clear: be reconciled to God through Christ.

Christ Our Substitute

Paul gives one of Scripture's clearest summaries of substitution:

"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."

Jesus, though sinless, bore the judgment sinners deserved so that those who trust Him may stand righteous before God.

Chapter 6 - Faithful Ministry and Holy Separation

Now Is the Day of Salvation

Paul urges people not to receive the grace of God in vain. He declares:

"behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

The Gospel calls for a present response.

Marks of Faithful Ministry

Paul describes ministry through many hardships, including afflictions, imprisonments, labors, watchings, and fastings. Yet he continues in purity, patience, love, truth, and the power of God.

Be Ye Separate

Paul warns believers against binding themselves to partnerships that pull them into spiritual compromise. He asks:

"what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"

God calls His people to holiness and wholehearted devotion to Him.

Chapter 7 - Godly Sorrow and Repentance

Perfecting Holiness

Because believers belong to God, Paul urges them to cleanse themselves from sinful defilement and pursue holiness in reverence for Him.

Titus' Encouraging Report

Paul had been deeply concerned about how the Corinthians would respond to his earlier correction. Titus brings good news: the church received the rebuke seriously and desired restored fellowship with Paul.

Godly Sorrow

Paul distinguishes two kinds of sorrow.

Godly sorrow:

Leads to repentance and genuine change.

Worldly sorrow:

Grieves over consequences without truly turning from sin. Paul writes:

"godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of."

Lesson

True repentance is more than regret. It produces a changed heart and a changed direction.

Major People (Chapters 1-7)

Major Doctrines

Lessons for Christians

2 Corinthians in the Bible's Story (Part 1)

The opening chapters of 2 Corinthians reveal the heart of Gospel ministry. Paul shows that God's servants may be weak, afflicted, and misunderstood, yet the power of Christ remains sufficient. Through the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit transforms believers, and through Christ's substitutionary death, God reconciles sinners to Himself. Those who have been made new in Christ are then sent into the world as His ambassadors, called to walk by faith, pursue holiness, and reflect His grace.

Looking Ahead

In 2 Corinthians 8-13, Paul turns to generous giving and then gives an extended defense of his apostolic ministry. He warns against false apostles, explains the spiritual nature of Christian warfare, describes extraordinary suffering and visions, and shares the lesson of his thorn in the flesh. The section reaches its spiritual high point in God's promise: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

2 Corinthians - Continued

Part 2 – Chapters 8–13

The final section of 2 Corinthians centers on two major themes:

Paul demonstrates that true Christianity is seen not merely in correct doctrine but also in sacrificial giving, humble service, and steadfast faithfulness to Christ. As false apostles attempted to undermine his ministry, Paul defended himself—not for personal honor—but to protect the truth of the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church.

Key Verse (KJV):

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Chapter 8 – The Grace of Giving

The Macedonian Churches

Paul points to the churches of Macedonia as an example of generosity. Although they were experiencing poverty and affliction, they gave joyfully and sacrificially to help suffering believers in Jerusalem. Their giving was not motivated by pressure but by love for Christ.

Lesson

Christian generosity is measured more by sacrifice and willingness than by the amount given.

Christ's Example

Paul reminds the Corinthians:

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he

became poor..."

Jesus is the supreme example of self-giving love. Our generosity flows from His generosity toward us.

Giving Willingly

Paul emphasizes that giving should be voluntary. God desires willing hearts rather than reluctant obligation. He also stresses integrity and accountability in handling the collection so that no one can question the honesty of those administering it.

Chapter 9 – Cheerful Giving

Sowing and Reaping

Paul compares giving to sowing seed. Those who sow generously can expect a generous harvest—not necessarily in material wealth, but in God's gracious provision and the fruit that results from faithful stewardship.

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

One of the Bible's most well-known statements about giving is found here:

"God loveth a cheerful giver."

Christian giving should be:

Thanksgiving to God

The generosity of the Corinthians would meet real needs and also cause many believers to glorify God. Biblical giving results in worship and thanksgiving.

Chapter 10 – Spiritual Warfare

Paul now addresses those challenging his apostleship.

Weapons of Our Warfare

Paul explains that the Christian battle is spiritual.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God..."

These weapons are used:

Lesson

Christians fight spiritual battles through God's truth and power, not worldly methods.

True Authority

Paul reminds the Corinthians that his authority was given by Christ to build them up, not to dominate or destroy them. Spiritual leadership is exercised for the benefit of God's people.

Boasting Only in the Lord

Paul refuses to measure success by worldly standards. The only approval that ultimately matters is the Lord's.

Chapter 11 – False Apostles

Paul's Concern

Paul fears that the Corinthians may be deceived, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. False teachers were presenting:

Paul urges discernment and faithfulness to the true Gospel.

False Apostles

Paul warns:

"For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

Therefore, believers should not be surprised that Satan's servants disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. Outward appearance is not a reliable test of truth. Doctrine must be measured by God's Word.

Paul's Sufferings

Instead of boasting in achievements, Paul lists the hardships he endured for Christ:

He concludes by mentioning the daily burden of caring for the churches.

Lesson

Faithful ministry is often marked by sacrifice rather than worldly success.

Chapter 12 – Strength in Weakness

The Heavenly Vision

Paul briefly describes being caught up into the "third heaven." He hears things too wonderful to express.

Rather than boasting about this extraordinary experience, Paul quickly shifts attention away from himself.

The Thorn in the Flesh

To keep Paul humble, God allows him a "thorn in the flesh." Scripture does not identify exactly what this thorn was. Paul prays three times for it to be removed. God answers:

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Instead of removing the trial, God provides sustaining grace.

Boasting in Weakness

Paul concludes:

"When I am weak, then am I strong."

His strength comes not from personal ability but from dependence on Christ.

Paul's Love

Although some questioned him, Paul continued to love the Corinthians deeply. Like a faithful father, he was willing to spend and be spent for their spiritual good.

Chapter 13 – Final Warnings

Examine Yourselves

Paul exhorts the believers:

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."

He calls them to honest self-examination and genuine obedience.

Restoration

Paul's desire is not punishment but restoration. He prays that the Corinthians will mature in the faith so that discipline will not be necessary when he visits.

Final Exhortations

Paul closes with several commands:

These reflect the unity and holiness that should characterize Christ's church.

Benediction

Paul ends with one of the New Testament's best-known blessings:

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,

be with you all. Amen."

This beautiful benediction highlights the gracious work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

Major People (Chapters 8–13)

Major Doctrines

Lessons for Christians

2 Corinthians in the Bible's Story

Second Corinthians reveals the heart of faithful Christian ministry. Paul shows that authentic servants of Christ are characterized not by worldly prestige but by humility, integrity, sacrificial love, and dependence on God's grace. Through teachings on generosity, spiritual warfare, discernment, and suffering, the letter demonstrates that God's power shines brightest through weak people who trust Him completely. It reminds believers that faithfulness—not earthly success—is the true measure of ministry.

Looking Ahead to Galatians

The next book, Galatians, is Paul's passionate defense of the Gospel of justification by faith alone. False teachers had persuaded many believers that faith in Christ must be supplemented by keeping the Law of Moses, especially circumcision. Paul responds with urgency, declaring that salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law. Galatians also contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, calling believers to walk in the freedom that Christ has secured for them.

Share this 2 Corinthians summary with someone.