In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua]
was in the beginning with God.
SECOND CORINTHIANS
The second book of Corinthians is the third of Paul’s thirteen
letters referred to as the Pauline epistles. The apostle Paul wrote the
letter in Philippi (ancient ruins near present day Kavala, Greece) in AD 56 during his third missionary journey. This was the second letter
addressed to the church at Corinth (present day Korinth, Greece). Paul
later traveled to Corinth where he wrote his letter to the
Romans.
In the first book of Corinthians, Paul wrote a letter of rebuke
and instructions to the Corinthians because of divisions in the church
brought on by false apostolic leadership. He later rejoiced in hearing
that the majority of Corinthians had repented. However, a minority in the
church still rejected Paul’s apostolic credentials and authority. Paul
wrote his second letter in response to these events.
Paul begins his second letter by expressing his joy in the victory
the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, had given to the church at Corinth. He explains the
reason for his delay in visiting them and then reminds
them of the life changing power of Christ’s ministry and the proper
motivations for staying steadfast in Christ. Paul instructs the
Corinthian believers to separate themselves from partaking with the
unbelievers because there is nothing common between them. He advises
them on proper giving and its righteous significance. Paul then defends
himself of the accusations by false apostles who are leading a minority
against him. Although they considered his writings strong, they accused
him of being weak in appearance and speech. Paul made it clear that his
words and deeds were the same. While the false apostles boasted in
themselves, Paul boasted in his accomplishments only to demonstrate his
authority in Christ. Finally, Paul instructed believers to examine themselves
so that the God of love and peace may be with them.
Second Corinthians 1-7: Paul’s thanksgivings; Paul’s plans; the
apostolic ministry of Christ
Second Corinthians 8-9: Example of the Macedonians; the principles in
giving
Second Corinthians 10-13: Paul answers his accusers; Paul
demonstrates his apostleship; his conclusions