2 Corinthians

Paul wrote this second epistle to defend his apostleship and authority against the attacks of Jewish false teachers who infiltrated and stirred up the Corinthian believers to cast doubt on his character and credentials.

Prior to this letter, Paul had sent them a letter of grief written with tears (2:3-4) to express his deep pain and sorrow at their stubbornness in refusing corrections from his first epistle. Instead, they had become critical of his authority and right to discipline them. After reading and realizing Paul's good intentions, there was a change of hearts in the Corinthian believers towards the apostle, leading them to repentance and reproving the errand ones in their midst.

It was in this context that Paul wrote this epistle, which was his third letter to the Corinthian church, with three things in mind: firstly, to clarify his apostleship to those who had opposed his authority; secondly, to bring reconciliation and forgiveness to the disciplined offenders who had repented; lastly, to exhort them to follow the example of Christ and ready them for the collection of relief fund for the poor in Jerusalem.

Faced with the possibility of being denied and disowned by the very people he risked his life to reach with the gospel, Paul had no alternative but to bare himself fully to reveal what kind of man he was. In this very personal letter, we see a father's heart that not only had no reservation in giving the very best (6:11) but was prepared to embrace them in life and death (7:3). Even then, words would not adequately convey the extent Paul was willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel (11:23-33). 

Indeed, if there was ever a man who was so consumed by the love of Christ as to give his utmost, there is no question that it would have to be this apostle to the Gentiles. 

OUTLINE OF 2 CORINTHIANS

1. Introductory Address (1:1-2)
2. Words of Consolation (1:3-6:10)
        a. Clarity of Paul's Conscience (1:3-11)
        b. Clarity of Paul's Conduct (1:12-2:17)
        c. Clarity of Paul's Commission (3:1-6:10)
                His Ministry in the Gospel
                His Manner of Work
                His Manner of Life
3. Words of Exhortation (6:11-9:15)
        a. Paul's Desire for the Church (6:11-7:16)
                Their Purity in Faith and Life
                Their Joy and Consolation
        b. Examples to the Church (8:1-15)
                The Churches in Macedonia
                The Lord's Example
        c. Paul's Representatives to the Church (8:16-9:5)
                Introduction | Mission and Work
        d. Paul's Principles for the Church (9:6-15)
                Man-ward | God-ward
4. Words of Authentication (10:1-13:14)
        a. The Apostle's Authority (10:1-18)
                Purpose of Authority
                Limits and Boundaries of Authority
        b. Paul's Self-Appraisal (11:1-12:13)
                Reason for Boasting—Sufferings and Revelation
                Limits of Boasting—Thorn in the Flesh
        c. Paul's Plan to Visit (12:14-13:10)
                Reasons for the Delay
                Reaffirmation of His Visit
        d. Concluding Words (13:11-14)
                Consolation | Benediction