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2 Corinthians

by From Virginia Dale Community Church

Purpose
The letter of 2 Corinthians is one of Paul's most personal works. His emotions of anguish, joy, stern anger, and love are clear. Much of what Paul writes about involves his ministry and personal relations with the Corinthian believers. One of Paul’s main purposes in writing this letter was to clarify his first letter. The apostle wanted to reinforce what he had said in his first letter. He also wanted to help his readers understand the spirit of anguished, loving concern in which he intended his remarks (6:11—13).

The collection of money for the relief of the poor in Judea was also a major concern in this letter (8:1—9:15). Judea had undergone a food shortage that had actually been predicted earlier in the reign of Claudius (Acts 11:27-30). A collection was taken then, but this appears to be another relief collection some ten years later. False apostles and their attempts to discredit Paul are addressed in this letter, though their teaching is not (10:1—12:13). Paul offers a passionate defense of his ministry in the face of many attacks—ministry is an important word in the letter. Paul explains in a moving and powerful way what it means to be a servant and ambassador of Christ.

False teachers, who were infiltrating the Corinthian church, question Paul’s authority. Paul writes to defend his position as a true apostle of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes how Christians who love Jesus will be willing to suffer for Jesus. Using himself as an example, Paul describes how he has embraced his own suffering for the sake of the gospel.

Themes

Humility and Power/Authority. The Christian life and whole way of thinking is opposite of the way the rest of the world runs and understands things. True power/authority comes with humility not pride. True success comes with suffering and service, not a life of ease. In fact, true wisdom, the wisdom of God, looks like foolishness to the rest of the world (4:7-18, 10:7-18, 11:16-32, 12:7-10).


Tough Love.

God's love is not mere sentimentalism. God's love actually has a goal of healing, restoring, and transforming people. Being transformed into a follower of Christ can be a painful transformation (3:18, 5:1-4).