Scripture Readings - II Corinthians

II Corinthians
Relations between Paul and the Corinthian Church had deteriorated, and having made a painful visit to the Church (2:1), he refrained from making a second trip, knowing that it too would be painf

II Corinthians

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians was written during a difficult period in the relationship between the Apostle Paul and the Christian Church in Corinth. Their relationship had deteriorated considerably, and after making a painful visit to the Church (2:1), Paul decided not to make another immediate visit because he knew it would cause further sorrow.

Instead, Paul wrote a severe and sorrowful letter, describing the great affliction, anguish, and tears with which he had written to them (2:4). This letter, which appears to have been sent through Titus, one of Paul’s fellow workers, is no longer preserved for us.

Paul was deeply concerned about how the Corinthians would respond to this difficult letter. Unable to wait for Titus to return, he left Ephesus and traveled to Troas, hoping to meet Titus there. When Titus did not arrive, Paul continued on to Macedonia (2:12–13). There, Titus eventually joined him and brought the encouraging news that the Corinthian Church had repented of its rebellion and renewed its relationship with Paul (7:13–16).

With great relief and gratitude, Paul then wrote this letter. He addresses the difficulties that had affected their relationship and expresses his joy over the Corinthians’ repentance and renewed faithfulness.

Paul also takes the opportunity to speak at length about the collection being taken for the Church in Jerusalem (8:1–9:15), which was nearing completion. He encourages the Corinthians to complete their offering as an expression of Christian love, generosity, and fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Chapters 10–13 contain a strong and vigorous defense of Paul’s apostolic authority, ministry, and work. Throughout the letter, Paul also provides many personal and autobiographical glimpses into his life and ministry, including the hardships, suffering, and trials he experienced for the sake of the Gospel (4:8–18; 11:22–33).

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians therefore gives a deeply personal picture of Paul as an Apostle who endured suffering for Christ while remaining committed to the Church. It emphasizes reconciliation, forgiveness, Christian generosity, faithful ministry, and the strength of God working through human weakness.

ul, for which cause he had written to that Church a severe and sorrowful letter out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears (2:4) now lost to us sending it to Corinth by means of Titus, one of his fellow workers. Not able to wait for Titus’ return, so anxious was he about the effects of this painful letter, Paul left Ephesus and went to Troas, hoping to meet Titus there. Disappointed there, he went on to Macedonia (2:12-13), where Titus rejoined him, bringing the good news that the Church in Corinth had repented of its rebelliousness against Paul (7:13-16). In relief and gratitude, Paul wrote this letter.
In the letter Paul speaks about the above problems and takes the opportunity to speak at length about the offering for the Church at Jerusalem (8:1-9:15), which was now almost complete. Chapters 10-13 contain a vigorous defense of Paul and his work and throughout the letter we are given many personal and autobiographical glimpses into Paul’s life (4:8-18; 11:22-33).