For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. - 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 (ESV)

2 Corinthians is written well into Paul's ministry as an apostle. This is the third letter he writes, although only the first and third letters are included in the canon. Paul writes this letter in the course of his ministry as an apostle establishing churches among Gentiles in the New Testament. In the letter, Paul is upset with the Corinthians due to their sinful attitudes and misperceptions of him and his companions. The letter describes how they demean and fail to appreciate Paul even though he has shown himself to be a man of integrity among them. The letter is also concerned to demonstrate Paul's innocence, to expose the Corinthians' shame, and to unify Paul and the Corinthians in living for God through Christ.

The Big Idea of 2 Corinthians

I have taught the big idea of 2 Corinthians as the following: Share Christ's Sufferings, Share Christ's Comfort. Paul wants the Corinthians to share his sufferings for Christ so that they may share his comfort in Christ. 

An Outline of 2 Corinthians

They Have Ministered with Integrity and in Love (1-7)

Paul’s main contention in the first seven chapters is that he has ministered with integrity and love to the Corinthians. He tells them in chapter seven that they have wronged no one, but that the Corinthians are restricted in their own affections (7:11-13). Paul opens by talking about the comfort they have in Christ despite the afflictions they are experiencing. Paul emphasizes the sincerity and integrity that has characterized their ministry, telling them that he is intent on not making a next visit any more painful than necessary. His goal is to speak in Christ the words they are commissioned to speak. They are in themselves a sufficient testimony to Paul’s sincerity and legitimacy, since the Spirit is working in them as a result of the gospel that they heard from Paul and believed. Thus, Paul reassures them that they do not lose heart, since the ultimate destination is set and they will be with Christ in immortal glory. They appeal to people to accept the grace of God, and there is nothing that ought to create relational distance between the Corinthians and Paul. His affection for them is deep and sincere, and there is no reason it cannot be reciprocated.

Paul Wants Them to Excel in the Grace of Giving (8-9)

Chapters 8-9 focus on the importance of generosity in giving for the relief of the saints (8:4). Paul does not urge them to give despite not wanting to, but he does remind them that their abundance ought to spill over in generosity to those who lack. Paul tells them he sending Titus because Titus wanted to go and because he will collect their gift in accordance with his other duties. Paul explains that he sent the letter ahead so that they could prepare in advance. He closes the section by reminding them that they ought not to give as under compulsion but from cheerfulness, reassuring them of God’s delight in cheerful givers and of his grace to supply them with what they need to abound in good works.  

Paul’s Apostleship Is Validated by His Difficulties, not Weakened by Them (10-13)

As Paul rounds out his letter, he returns to the theme of his difficulties and sufferings. He defends himself from the charge that he is walking according to the flesh, emphasizing his obedience to Christ and his focus on fulfilling the mission given to him by God. Their commendation does not matter to him as much as God’s. Paul goes on in chapter eleven to describe his jealousy for the Corinthians. He wants them to be marked by a sincere and pure devotion to Christ and not drawn away by any other influence. His humility toward them is not a sign of inferiority to the other apostles. His suffering for the gospel in the course of ministry is second to none. Not only that, but he has received visions of heaven and seen things that cannot be repeated. These visions were so exalted that God gave Paul a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him humble. Ultimately, Paul is not speaking to defend himself to the Corinthians so much as to build them up. Paul closes the letter with a final warning to the Corinthians to examine themselves in preparation for his coming. His goal is that they would be restored and that they would be ready to submit to Christ so that Paul can use his authority to build them up rather than tear them down.

Benefits of 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians is fascinating as a tour de force defense by Paul of his apostolic ministry. Paul demonstrates a tenacity toward the Corinthians that is animated by affection for them and zeal for Christ. Their accusations of Paul are an unnecessary and unwanted distraction from the kinds of things that Paul wants to occupy their attention. It is worth asking whether and to what extent we would be similarly innocent of charges of corruption, duplicity, and self-serving in our relationships with others. Sometimes, we find in ourselves a tendency to discover excuses for ourselves, blaming circumstances and situations that make right and loving treatment of others impossible. If anyone could plead that excuse, Paul could. But he refuses. 

Paul’s letter oozes a fierce love toward the Corinthians that challenges the kind of love that is often praised in the world and perhaps among Christians. There seems to be a general tendency to see loving people as accepting them as they are and not expecting any change. The implicit principle is that if we love someone, we will not demand that they change anything. If we love them as they are, we should be content to leave them as they are. But Paul’s love for the Corinthians is not like that. Paul’s love for the Corinthians oozes a fierce discontentment with how things are. Paul is committed to seeing the Corinthians grow and mature in godliness and holiness, and we should live the same way with each other.