Author
Paul
Apostle
Written
c. 55–56 AD
Chapters
13
Audience
The church at Corinth and believers throughout Achaia
Paul's comfort in suffering and his explanation for changing his travel plans
Chapter 1 → Chapter 2Read in Bible
The glory of the new covenant ministry and the treasure of the gospel in jars of clay
Chapter 3 → Chapter 4Read in Bible
The ministry of reconciliation and Paul's appeal for the Corinthians to open their hearts
Chapter 5 → Chapter 6Read in Bible
Paul's joy over the Corinthians' repentance and Titus's encouraging report
Chapter 7Read in Bible
Instructions and encouragement regarding the collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem
Chapter 8 → Chapter 9Read in Bible
Paul defends his apostolic authority against the boasts of false apostles
Chapter 10 → Chapter 11Read in Bible
Paul's vision of paradise, his thorn in the flesh, and his final warnings to the church
Chapter 12 → Chapter 13Read in Bible
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
2 Corinthians 4:17"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2 Corinthians 5:17"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:9Second Corinthians is Paul's most personal and emotionally charged letter, written to defend his apostolic ministry against false teachers who had undermined his authority in Corinth. Paul expounds on the nature of true Christian ministry, rooted in suffering, weakness, and the power of God rather than worldly credentials. The letter is theologically rich in its treatment of the new covenant, reconciliation, resurrection hope, and the transforming grace of Christ.