II Corinthians The Joys and Pains of Ministry

Paul’s Series of Contacts with the Corinthian Church  Establishes the church on his second journey (Acts 18:1-11).  Writes the “previous letter” (now lost) warning the Corinthians not to associate with immoral persons (1 Cor 5:9).  Heard reports of misunderstanding of previous letter and of divisions in the church (1 Cor 1:11); also possibly received a delegation from Corinth with questions on several issues (1 Cor 16:17). First Corinthians is written in response.  Sends Timothy to minister in Corinth after he has gone through Macedonia (1 Cor 16:10,11; Acts 19:22).  Heard reports of adverse developments in Corinth, prompting his “painful visit” from which he had to withdraw in haste; may have written “severe letter” (now lost).  Sent Titus to Corinth to see how the Corinthians were progressing. Titus later re-joined Paul in Macedonia and gave him a good report. Paul wrote Second Corinthians to express his relief over the success of his earlier letter and Titus’ mission.  Later spends 3 months in Corinth, from which he writes Galatians and Romans (Acts 20:2,3).

About the City of Corinth  The city of Corinth was located on the isthmus of land that connected the peninsula of Achaia to the mainland, giving it both an Eastern and a Western seaport.  From the earliest times it was a very wealthy city.  It was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC but was repopulated and rebuilt 100 years later by Julius Caesar c. 46 BC.  Under Roman supervision, Corinth quickly regained its former beauty and wealth, and more than its former size. An estimate of its population at this time is 660,000 people there, a large city for those days.  Along with this growth there was a growth in licentious living. In Paul's day, to live like the Corinthians did was to live in luxury and licentiousness (sexual sin).  The city was also known for its “Isthmian Games” and as a center for Greek philosophy.

Introductory Matters for II Corinthians  Author: The Apostle Paul. He wrote this letter on his third missionary journey, during his time in Macedonia.  Date: It is believed Paul wrote the letter the same year he wrote 1 Corinthians, in about 55 A.D.  Audience: The church at Corinth, which Paul had established during an 18 month stay on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11).  Character of the Book: Very personal, as Paul defends his ministry and apostleship.

Themes in II Corinthians  Apostleship  Ministry  Paul  Giving  The Gospel  Suffering

Purpose Statement for II Corinthians  Paul writes to vigorously defend himself, his ministry, the apostles, and the gospel. He also encourages the Corinthians to fulfill their commitment to give to the church in Jerusalem, and directly confronts his accusers.

Survey of II Corinthians  Salutation (1:1-2)  Paul’s defense of his own life and ministry (1:3 – 7:16)  Thanksgiving for God’s comfort (1:3-11)  Explanation of change in plans (1:12 – 2:4)  Forgiveness of repentant sinner (2:5-11)  Journey to Troas and Macedonia (2:12-13)  Defense of ministry (2:14 – 7:4)  Fragrant aroma (2:14-17)  Living letter of recommendation (3:1-3)  Glory of the new covenant (3:4 – 4:6)  Ministry of the gospel or new covenant (4:7 – 6:13)  Plea for separation from evil (6:14 – 7:4)  Titus’ return (7:5-16)

Survey of II Corinthians Continued  The collection for the saints in Jerusalem (8:1 – 9:15)  Macedonia’s example (8:1-7)  Jesus’ example (8:8-9)  Plea to give (8:10 – 9:15)  Defense of apostolic authority and confrontation of false teachers (10:1 – 13:10)  Paul’s weak physical appearance but spiritual strength (10:1-12)  Paul’s boasting (10:13 – 12:21)  Proper boasting (10:13 – 11:21)  Boast in suffering and weakness (11:22-33)  Boast in vision of heaven (12:1-10)  Care for the Corinthians (12:11-21)  Paul’s coming in power (13:1-10)  Final greeting and Benediction (13:11-14)