Bible Introductions

2 Corinthians

Historical situation
Paul had visited Corinth in A.D.52 on his second missionary journey. The city was an important trading centre in Achaia (Greece). He was the first to preach the gospel in the town and a small church formed around the new converts. Acts 18.
During his two-year stay at Ephesus, on his third missionary journey, he made a quick trip to Corinth between 54-55AD. He was disturbed at the behaviour of the new Christians, fornication etc. and so he warned them of possible disciplinary action. Corinth was renowned for its immoral behaviour and so the new Christians must have found it difficult to accept Jesus' teachings. (This visit not recorded in Acts. Ref. 2Cor.13:2).
After the visit he wrote a stern letter (1 Cor.5:9f) denouncing the fornicators etc. (now lost). There was obviously strong resentment in the church because of Paul's words, cf. 1 Cor.1.
In 56AD. Stephanus, Furtunatus etc. visited Paul in Ephesus and reported the continued trouble, and also delivered a letter from the church asking certain questions. In response to the situation he sent Timothy, his right-hand man, to visit the church. He then wrote another letter (1 Corinthians) and sent it off, probably with Titus.
Within weeks of sending Titus, Timothy returned with a bad report of conditions at Corinth, so much so that Paul was not sure if he should have written his letter to them.
Troubles develop in Ephesus (Acts 19) and so Paul left for Macedonia where Titus met him with good news.
i] Paul's apostolic position in the church was recognised (2Cor.7:7).
ii] Appropriate action had been taken against the offender in 1Cor.5 (2Cor.7:12).
iii] The actual criticisms against Paul were clarified.
inconsistency - he said he would visit them but he didn't - he wanted things to cool down.
lowly exterior.
iv] Some anti-Pauline feeling, but not strong.
v] Some unconfessed immorality which needed exhortation.
vi] The collection of money for the Jewish Christians in Palestine was moving ahead slowly.

Paul then penned his third letter to the church (2 Corinthians). On visiting the churches in Macedonia he spent three months in Greece, during which time he probably visited Corinth for the last time. Upon his return to Palestine he was arrested and sent for trial to Rome.

Other possible reconstructions have been put forward. The following is one scenario:
i] Letters
"The Previous Letter" 1 Cor.16:8
1 Corinthians
"The Painful Letter" 2 Cor.7:8, 2:4, written after the painful visit to Corinth.
2 Corinthians written after meeting Titus in Macedonia.
ii] Visits
Second missionary journey
Painful visit made after the report by Timothy of continued trouble in Corinth. Note, visit follows writing of 1 Corinthians (2nd letter).
Visit after writing 2 Corinthians.

In the alternate reconstruction we have Paul's second visit before writing 1 Corinthians rather than before writing the 1st letter (The previous letter), and we have an extra letter between 1 and 2 Corinthians because it is argued 1 Corinthians doesn't fit the description of 2 Cor.2:4, 7:8.

Purpose
On the return of Titus, Paul's fear, as to the state of the Corinthian church, had been greatly allayed. The majority of the Corinthians had again recognised Paul and had dealt with the overt sins of the group. The previous letter (1 Corinthians) had hurt them, but they were now applying its teachings.
In response to this news Paul writes 2 Corinthians.

Three aims are obvious:
i] Thanksgiving. To express his joy for the Corinthians. "I am in good spirits about you at every point."
ii] Exhortation. To encourage them on a number of points.
Beware of false Apostles.
Deal with immoral practices.
Raise finances for the Jewish Christians in Palestine.
iii] Prepare for his visit. To prepare the church for his coming visit. He restates his Apostolic role (primarily mission) and defends himself against recent criticism (fickle, ugly). As apostle to the church he will soon come and deal with those who are affecting the Christian fellowship and therefore the church should examine itself prior to his visit.

Outline

1. Greetings, 1:1-2

2. Thanksgiving, 1:3-11
Paul thanks God for getting him through the troubles of the recent past and asks the Corinthians to pray for his team.

3. Paul defends his integrity, 1:12-2:11
Paul's delay at coming is not a fickle decision - did not wish to cause pain. The immoral member is the one who caused pain and he has been dealt with, therefore forgive him.

4. Paul thanks God for sharing in Christ's triumphs, 2:12-17

5. The character of Paul's ministry.
i] A servant of the New Covenant, 3. A far greater splendour than the Old.
ii] Heavy responsibilities, 4:1-12. Openly show forth Jesus in life-style.
iii] Eternal in dimension, 4:13-5:10. Present pain and corruption is overshadowed by the future glory, therefore we seek to please the Lord.
iv] A work of reconciliation, 5:11-21. Constrained to make Christ known and so reconcile man to God.
v] Filled with suffering, 6:1-13. Therefore valid.

6. Exhortation, 6:11-7:3
"Do not harness yourselves to an uneven team with unbelievers."

7. Paul's meeting with Titus, 7:4-7:16
Paul is overjoyed by the tidings brought by Titus.

8. The collection for the Christians in Palestine, 8:1-9:15
The Corinthians obviously wish to help, but have not acted as yet - Paul identifies the generosity of the Christians in Macedonia and the poverty of Jesus.
Principles:
Jesus' example, 8:9
Equalising, 8:13-14
He who sows bountifully reaps bountifully, 9:6, 9:11
Without compulsion, 9:7
Everything is from God, 9:8-10
Service to God, 9:12
Gives glory to God, 9:13

9. Paul defends his ministry, 10:1-13:10
i] He defends himself against those who question his credentials, ch.10
ii] He denounces his opponents and answers misrepresentations.
iii] He proposes to visit Corinth with some misgivings.

10. Conclusion, 13:11-14.

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