Precision in dating is difficult, if not impossible, by reason of the complicated character of the historical background of the Corinthian correspondence. (1949); F. V. Filson, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (The Interpreters Bible) (1953); R. V. G. Tasker, The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (1958); E. P. Hughes, Pauls Second Epistle to the Corinthians (1962). If this is so, then Paul himself or, more likely, some other editor clearly took care to gather those letters together and impose some literary unity upon the collection, thus producing the document that has come down to us as the Second Letter to the Corinthians. It was because he would "spare" them (2Corinthians 1:23), and not come to them "again with sorrow" (2Corinthians 2:1). Some identify this letter with 2Co 10-13. WebCORINTHIANS, SECOND EPISTLE TO THE $ I. From 1Co 16:5-8 it may be concluded that 1
the last four chapters to address this troublemaking group. The self-portrait of Paul is one of the truly fascinating features of this letter. Second Corinthians is rich and varied in content. The epistle was Its absorbing interest is in events which were profoundly agitating Paul and the Corinthians at the time, straining their relations to the point of rupture, and demanding strong action on Paul's part. Let them prove themselves whether they be in the faith; for surely they must know whether Christ be in them. The severe letter had brought its intended results (7:5-16). 2:14-5:21). While this reply encounters fewer difficulties than the first reply, it provides no data for obtaining any knowledge of the contents of such a letter. God does not write letters of recommendation on paper but into the life of his servant! Value of the Epistle.$ The chief element of value in this epistle is the revelation it gives of the apostle himself. For Paul all Christian giving was to be considered in the light of the immeasurable and constant gifts of God, and the example of the self-giving of Christ (5:18; 8:9; 9:15). 1:23), and while chs. The apostle's cup is full, and "in everything he is of good courage concerning them" (2Corinthians 7:16). In this letter Paul was attempting to relieve the strained relations. How, then, does one explain the harsh tone of chs. They must not imagine that in all this he is excusing himself to them. B.) (3) the letter described as written in tears and for a time regretted (2:4; 7:8). That itself unspeakably deepens the earnestness with which preachers of the gospel seek to persuade men. Purpose. Titus was not there (see 2Co 2:12-13). Yet, this commentary, which follows Barrett's works on Paul sends a third Letter (disappeared), the Letter of Tears (also known as Severe Letter), from Ephesus. One who had offended (2Corinthians 2:5 and 2Corinthians 7:12)--but whose offense is not distinctly specified--had been disciplined by the church; indeed, in the revulsion of feeling against him, and in sympathy for the apostle, he had been punished so heavily that there was a danger of passing to an extreme, and plunging him into despair (2Corinthians 2:7). The key personalities of this book are the Apostle Paul, Timothy, and Titus. It was written from Macedonia (probably from Philippi) either in the autumn of the same year as that in which 1 Corinthians was written, 54 or 55 AD, or in the autumn of the succeeding year. 2 corinthians His opponents suffered a crucial defeat, for after this it was very difficult to undermine the gospel (that is free from works and deeds) in the pagan world. (Let them have no fellowship with iniquity, but perfect holiness in the fear of God, 2Corinthians 6:14-7:1.) Paul wrote 2 Corinthians at a vulnerable time in his life. He tells them of the extraordinary liberality of the Macedonian churches, and invites them to emulate it, and by the display of this additional grace to make full proof of their love (2Corinthians 8:1-8). Tradition has been unanimous
It is generally dated about the autumn of A.D. 57; if it is a compilation, of course, the various parts may have been separated by intervals of at least some months. Corinthians 9 Collection for the poor in Jerusalem, 2. Second Corinthians was occasioned by events and problems that developed after Pauls first letter reached Corinth. Second Epistle to the Corinthians The
He also shows great joy over the restoration of Corinthian loyalty to him. Esp. Even though there be in it occasional indications of strong feeling, there is certainly nothing that we can conceive the apostle might have wished to recall. Purposely veiled as the statements are, it would yet appear that a personal attack had been made on the apostle; and the "many" in Corinth (2Corinthians 2:6), having at length espoused his cause, Paul then deals with the matter in the generous spirit he might have been expected to display. WebWe are aware that some scholars, as f. i. Hausrath, Schmiedel, Kennedy, Baljon, Findlay, Robertson (in Hastings D. Others continue to regard it as a single letter, attributing its inconsistencies to changes of perspective in Paul that may have been occasioned by the arrival of fresh news from Corinth during its composition. Ending soon! WebCorinthians, Second Epistle to The: Shortly after writing his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul left Ephesus, where intense excitement had been aroused against him, the evidence Even if the offender were the same person, which is most improbable, for he can scarcely have been retained in the membership, the language is not language that could have been applied to the earlier case. Corinthians 2 In the Triumphal Procession of Christ, 2. Past Relationships (1:122:13) But in addition to this offender there were others, probably following in his train, who had carried on a relentless attack against the apostle both in his person and in his doctrine. TEXT, AUTHENTICITY AND DATE$ 1. If it be felt that the interval between spring and autumn of the same year is too brief for these events, the two epistles must be separated by a period of nearly 18 months, 1 Corinthians being referred to the spring of 54 or 55, and 2 Corinthians to the autumn of 55 or 56 AD. The period of Pauls contacts with the Corinthians is indicated in Acts (Acts 18:1-18; 20:2, 3). As that earlier letter, however, must have contained references to the personal offender, the present section, which omits all such references, can be regarded as at most only a part of it. by Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths (see Ac 19:23-41), he left Ephesus
IV. The alternative has generally been to regard this as another case of a lost epistle Just as the writer of Ac appears to have been willing that the deplorable visit itself should drop into oblivion, so doubtless neither Paul nor the Corinthians would be very anxious to preserve an epistle which echoed with the gusts and storms of such a visit. This is the paradox of the ministry. To deal with the minority opposition in the church (chs. What Is the Abomination of Desolation Mentioned in Bible Prophecy? CORINTHIANS, SECOND EPISTLE TO THE (, ; the second of two books or epistles in the New Testament addressed by St. Paul to the Christian community at Corinth). WebThe Second Epistle of Clement (Ancient Greek: , romanized: Klmentos pros Korinthious, lit. The principal divisions of the Second Letter to the Corinthians are the following: Departing from Philippi, Paul arrived in Jerusalem in time for Pentecost (20:16). The Second Letter to the Corinthians is the most personal of all of Pauls extant writings, and it reveals much about his character. Who would not long for it, that this mortal may be swallowed up in immortality? (, The Integrity of Paul's Motives and Conduct
It was his most personal and it gives a closer picture about Paul than his other Letters. Background. The date for this is presumed to be a.d. 58. Either the visitors themselves or some of the local church members appear to have sown confusion among the Corinthians with regard to Pauls authority or his style, or both. Unity. in mind: The structure of the letter relates primarily to Paul's impending third visit
With the coming of Titus reporting upon a greatly-improved situation, Paul writes from Macedonia of his joy and of his plans to come to Corinth shortly. Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes
Ah! In 2 Corinthians where he gives strikingly intimate glimpses into his own person, the self-portrait is that of a man in Christ (12:2). WebHome Resources Insights on the Bible The Pauline Epistles Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of 2 Corinthians in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. 1-9 and to identify it with parts of the severe letter has not yet been validated in the light of MS evidence supporting the unity of the epistle; (4) the uncertainty of assertions which indicate that portions of the severe letter are extant. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. In addition, these false apostles had shown to the Corinthians letters of recommendation from the church in Jerusalem (2 Cor 3:1) to show that they were representing greater and more important people than Paul. Add to Wishlist. The letter was written prob. It contributes significantly to our knowledge of Paul by providing much autobiographical material and revealing glimpses into his personality, including his emotions, his personal sense of integrity and his incisive grasp of what it meant to be a genuine apostle of the Lord. However, this effort to prepare the church should not obscure the influence of the critical situation through which Paul had just passed in his relations with the Corinthians. He was so distressed and agitated that he wrote it "with many tears"; after it was written he repented of it; and until he knew its effect he endured torture so keen that he hastened to Macedonia to meet his messenger, Titus, halfway. Many judge, therefore, that this letter as it stands incorporates several briefer letters sent to Corinth over a certain span of time. At this early date, the epistle was recognized without question as Pauline. Can it be that he really sinned in preaching the gospel to them without fee or reward? This grace blesseth him that gives and him that takes. I. The first part reveals a deep emotional outpouring of grateful thanksgiving over the easing of the tense situation. Second Corinthians could have been written in October prior to his arrival in December to spend the winter months with the Corinthians. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. The other reply is that the letter has been lost, just as the letter alluded to in 1 Corinthians 5:9 is regarded lost. It is impossible by any stretch of interpretation to refer this language to 1 Corinthians, which on the whole is dominated by a spirit of didactic calm, and by a consciousness of friendly rapport with its recipients. Pauls Defense of His Ministry (10:113:10) met Titus. The confrontation with these problems caused him to reflect deeply on his relationship with the community and to speak about it frankly. In 1 Corinthians Paul had intimated his intention of visiting the Corinthians and wintering with them, coming to them through Macedonia (1Corinthians 16:5-7; compare also Acts 19:21). (. fact that the Lord had opened up an opportunity to preach the gospel at Troas,
Thanksgiving for Divine Comfort in Affliction
Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. In a vivid series of four contrasts, Paul declared that a constant succession of serious crises afflicting him never defeated him (4:8, 9). Titus, who had gone as his representative to Corinth, was to return with a report of how this severe letter had been received, and when Titus failed to meet him at Troas 2Corinthians 2:13, he had "no relief for his spirit," but pushed on eagerly to Macedonia to encounter him the sooner. This is significant for it indicates that it is to make a major contribution in the relations between Paul and the Corinthians. The apostle was very human, and nowhere are his kindred limitations more obvious than in these present incidents. was still causing trouble at Corinth. Copyright 2002 Zondervan. Yea, even if one be called to die in this ministry, that is but another light and momentary affliction. The encouraging
The Crisis between Paul and the Corinthians (1:127:16) Dictionaries :: Corinthians, Second Epistle to The - Blue Letter Bible There he excels them- in labors, in perils, in persecutions; in burdens, anxieties, sympathies; in visions and revelations of the Lord; in infirmities and weaknesses that have made more manifest in him the strength of Christ 2Corinthians 11:22-12:10. Second Epistle to the Corinthians It is the ministry of reconciliation (5:18). Identical or similar topics, moreover, seem to be treated several times during the letter (compare 2Cor 2:147:4 with 2Cor 10:113:10, and 2Cor 8:124 with 2Cor 9:115). To prepare the Corinthians for his upcoming visit (. Internal Evidence 2. One reply is that such a letter has been preserved, at least in part, in 2 Corinthians 10-13. Upon realizing how serious the deterioration really was, Paul sent Titus to Corinth with the painful letter (cf. Received as Divine, this vocation is accepted with supreme devotion. To his relief, the news from the Corinthian church was basically
10-13 chronologically earlier than chs. 1. 10 - 13, which is so different
Paul sends his fourth Letter to Corinth (called the 2nd Letter to Corinthians). II. visit turned out to be painful and did not accomplish its purpose. External evidence attests his authorship, for it has been a well-documented fact that 2 Corinthians was circulated throughout the churches as early as a.d. 140. It may be that some progress can be made toward a partial understanding of the contents of the letter by correlating Pauls probable second visit to Corinth and the strained relations involved with the painful letter which he wrote in an attempt to alleviate the tense crisis. There as well the Judaizers pursued to deny the apostleship of St. Paul and accused him of teaching only the basics of the gospel. Authority (chs. Second Epistle to the Corinthians - C. K. Barrett - Google Books (. concerned about how the Corinthians might react to it. , . The opening phrase, "Now I Paul" (2Corinthians 10:1), is regarded as indicating a distinctive break from the previous section with which Timothy is associated (2Corinthians 1:1), while the concluding verse, 2Corinthians 13:11 to end, seem fittingly to close that section, but to be abruptly out of harmony with the polemic that ends at 2Corinthians 13:10. The wants of the needy are supplied, men's hearts are drawn affectionately to one another, thanksgivings abound, and God himself is glorified (2Corinthians 9:6-). Yet when he comes again he will take no other course (2Corinthians 12:11-18). The most likely explanation is that Paul has more of an emotional rather than a logical order for the letter. The present arrangement of the epistle is found in all the MSS. Paul sends Titus to Corinth (possibly with the Letter of Tears, 2 Cor 12:18). It is not possible to regard such references as applying to the crime dealt with in 1 Corinthians. And present we shall all ultimately be before Him on the judgment throne (2Corinthians 5:10). According to Acts it seems that St. Paul visited Corinth only two times: First on his second Mission trip (Acts 18:1-17) and second on his third Mission trip (Acts 20:1-16). Moreover, he gloried in infirmities (12:9) and was content with weaknesses, insults, persecutions and calamities for the sake of Christ. Ministers of Christ! In view of such an interpretation, we may with considerable probability trace the course of events in the interval between 1 and 2 Corinthians as follows: After the dispatch of 1 Corinthians, news reached the apostle of a disquieting character; probably both Titus and Timothy, on returning from Corinth, reported the growing menace of the opposition fostered by the Judaizing party. In the second section, 2Corinthians 8-9, the apostle, now abundantly confident of their good-will, exhorts the Corinthians on the subject of the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem. Assuming that Paul wrote such a letter after such a painful visit to Corinth, he may well have written concerning matters which distressed him greatly and which had occasioned his hurried and humiliating departure from Corinth. The chief purpose of 2 Corinthians is to prepare the church at Corinth for Pauls visit which he is soon to make. Some boast of being "Christ's," but that is no monopoly; he also is Christ's. Far from harboring any resentment against the man who had caused so much trouble, he sincerely pleads that his punishment by the majority should go no farther, but that forgiveness should now reign, lest the Adversary should gain an advantage over them (2Corinthians 2:5-11). Their attacks are vehemently repelled in an eloquent apologia (chapters 11 and 12), and he declares that when he comes the third time they will not be spared (2Corinthians 13:2). Next, Paul discusses the work of the ministry in connection with the predicament of trial. The Letter of Tears and the visit of Titus to Corinth had settled the biggest problems, but Paul still saw things where he needed to guide them to repentance. 2 Corinthians - Second Epistle to Corinthian Church On the other hand a strong tendency has set in to regard this intermediate epistle as at least in part preserved in 2Co 10-13, whose tone, it is universally admitted, differs from that of the preceding chapters in a remarkable way, not easily accounted for. Did he injure them by declining to be burdensome? He shared the weakness of humanity and felt the gusts of emotion, whether in affectionate love or vehement indignation. The Letter [ change Consequently the reconstruction of the letters background is an uncertain enterprise about which there is not complete agreement. Furthermore, apparently because there remained residual elements of unrepentant minorities, Paul wrote with extraordinary vigor and vehemence concerning his authority as an apostle. The opposition was strong and full of effrontery, and the whole trend of things was against him. Before Titus could return, events took a disastrous form in Ephesus, and Paul was forced to leave that city in peril of his life. This summary of the book of 2 Corinthians provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme,
Paul managed to win both churches, those in Corinth and in Ephesus, back to his side. This disunity is borne out by the difference in the tone of chs. C. Resolution of the Crisis (7:516) Corinthians 13 Weak people and powerful Christ, First visit to Corinth in Pauls second Mission trip (Acts 18:1-18), First Letter to Corinth (see 1 Cor 5:9, this Letter has disappeared), The Corinthians reply to Paul (see 1 Cor 7:1), A second Letter to Corinth (called the 1st Letter to Corinthians) sent from Ephesus (1 Cor 16:8), Adversaries of Paul arrive in Corinth (2 Cor 3:1) and Paul receives information difficulties in the church. In it he deals with one or more crises that have arisen in the Corinthian church. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It is indeed wonderful that ministers of this grace should be creatures so frail, so subject to pressure and affliction, but it is not inexplicable. So after the riot caused
false teachers who were challenging, among other things, Paul's personal integrity
This painful letter was taken by Titus to Corinth. To the list there given should be added Moffatt's Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament, 1911; valuable for its critical presentation of recent views, and for its references to the literature. of As to the genuineness internal evidence very vividly attests it. It was not without significance that Paul urged the Corinthians to have the larger outreach in their giving. Great difficulty exists as to the circumstances in which the epistle was written, and as to the whole situation between 1 and 2 Corinthians. and that they constitute a separate letter. Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority
2 Corinthians Summary - Bible Hub Salem Media Group. Courage, therefore, is ours to the end, for that end only means the cessation of our separation from Christ, whom it is a joy to serve absent or present. In passages of great rhetorical power (2Cor 4:715; 6:310; 11:2129; 12:510; 13:34) he enumerates the circumstances of his ministry and the tribulations he has had to endure for Jesus and the gospel, in the hope of illustrating the pattern of Jesus existence in his own and of drawing the Corinthians into a reappraisal of the values they cherish. (, Forgiving the Offending Party at Corinth
Pauls discussion of the collection in chs 89 contains a theology of sharing of possessions, of community of goods among Christian churches, which is both balanced and sensitive. In the light of this improbability and also in the light of the impossibility of limiting Pauls visits to Corinth to two, there is a decided shift to the hypothesis that Paul made another visit. There indeed we have a spirit of faction, associated with unworthy partiality toward individual preachers, but nothing to lead us to suspect the presence of deep and radical differences undermining the gospel. God, who in the beginning said, Let there be light, has spoken the same words to the hearts of the Corinthians (4:6). The most likely time for Paul to have written 2 Corinthians during this period would be October of a.d. 57. Corinthians 8 The shared wealth and need of believers, 2. In keeping with this date 2 Corinthians is variously dated from as few as six months to as many as eighteen months later. He trembles lest when they meet again they should be disappointed in each other; lest they should be found in unworthy strife and tumults, and lest he should be humbled of God before them, having cause to mourn over some who are hardened and impenitent in their sins (2Corinthians 12:19-21). 2 Corinthians Since sources date the beginning of Gallios proconsulship in a.d. 51 or 52, the first visit of Paul to Corinth can be dated with confidence. Paul travels from Ephesus to Troas, where he was supposed to meet Titus (2 Cor 2:12-13). The importance of the issues at stake between them calls forth from him an enormous effort of personal persuasion, as well as doctrinal considerations that are of great value for us. Dominant motives in Pauls life were gratitude to God and Christ (1:3; 5:14), reverent awe before the Lord (5:10, 11) and genuine love for the churches (2:4; 11:11). Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians | EWTN 3. It has been a ministry of sorrow, of strain and suffering, of hairbreadth escapes with the bare life; with its thorn in the flesh, its buffering of Satan. WebThe book of 2nd Corinthians is a Pauline Epistle (letter from Paul). "Second Corinthans is one of the most difficult writings in the New Testament to interpret. 1-9; (5) later, 2 Corinthians was put in its present form by the Corinthian congregation and then circulated among the churches. 7 Things the Bible Says You Can Know for Sure, 15 Amazing Attributes of God: What They Mean and Why They Matter. Authorship, date and origin. We have no information about these circumstances except what is contained in the letter itself, which of course supposes that they are known to the readers. This is the heart of the apostolic gospel ministry engaged in proclaiming reconciliation. The letter is remarkable for its rhetoric. In addition, it appears that Paul might have sent a total of four Letters to the Corinthians of which two, the second and fourth, have survived. Although the genuineness of the various parts of the epistle is scarcely disputed, the homogeneity is much debated. He also shared the risen life of Christ (4:10, 11) and his ministry was a continuing triumph in Christ (2:14). The Gnostics thought that only the soul is important and that the soul only is saved. 10-13 were written some time before chs. Scholars have noticed a lack of continuity in this document. Grudging and compulsory benevolence is a contradiction, but God loveth and rewardeth a cheerful giver. Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Encyclopedia of The It is manifest that we are in the presence of a new and unexpected situation, whose development is not clearly defined, and concerning which we have elsewhere no source of information. This probability rests upon data gleaned from 2 Corinthians. Accordingly, some attempt is necessary to include all of Pauls known activities during this period. They think his letters are mere "sound and fury, signifying nothing"; by and by they will discover their mistake. Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. Israelites! In this part Paul reveals his delicate sensitiveness to the strained relations. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, To express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had
This reply is subjected to strong criticism because of the insufficient evidence upon which it is based. The whole of Pauls communication with the church of Corinth can be constructed as follows: The most important theme of the 2nd Letter to Corinthians is whether St. Paul is an apostle and what is the value of his teachings and writings. He returned to Ephesus, and poured out his indignation in a severe epistle, which he sent on by the hands of Titus. Let it be forgiven! (. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Apr 17, 1997 - Religion - 692 pages 2 Reviews Reviews aren't verified, but It is motivated by love (8:8) and by faith that God will provide (9:8). Mans most important gift is that of himself to the Lord (8:5). The Second Epistle to the Corinthians - Google Books He has never wronged them; they are enshrined in his heart, living or dying; he glories in them, and is filled with comfort in all his affliction (2Corinthians 6:11-13; 7:2-4). 1. Could they but believe it, their perfecting is the aim of all his labors (2Corinthians 13:1-10). Pauls ability to produce profound theological foundations for what may at first sight appear to be rather commonplace circumstances is perhaps nowhere better exemplified than in Second Corinthians. The arguments for the unity of the epistle are: (1) there is no evidence of MS disturbance which would permit the supposition that 2 Corinthians was originally two letters, or parts of two letters, incorporated into one letter; (2) while chs. and contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings. Hebrews! After writing 1 Corinthians Paul continued his ministry at Ephesus until he
Paul said good-by to the believers there and moved on to Macedonia, where he
was written in the aftermath of a serious crisis between Paul and the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 1:12 Many manuscripts holiness 2 Corinthians 1:19 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas 1 Corinthians 16 2 Corinthians 2 New International Version (NIV) Will the adepts - Corinthians bear with him in a little of this foolish boasting? His appeal to the Corinthians to complete the collection has three grounds: (1) since the Macedonian churches were so liberal in their giving, the Corinthians should know of this; (2) since Jesus Christ so willingly gave Himself, the Corinthians should emulate Him (8:9); (3) since they had earlier pledged, Paul urges them to fulfill their pledge as a matter of integrity and conscience (8:10-12).