2 Corinthians is book 8 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the Paul's Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · Paul's Letters
- Genre
- Letter (epistle): personal and pastoral
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle Paul, writing with Timothy (1:1).
- Other views on authorship
- Paul's authorship is universally accepted; many scholars think the letter as we have it may combine two or more of Paul's letters to Corinth, especially chapters 1–9 and 10–13.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 56, written from Macedonia some months after 1 Corinthians.
- Other views on dating
- Usually dated AD 55–57, with possible stages if the letter is composite.
- Chapters
- 13
- Verses
- 257
- Reading time
- About 30 minutes (5,995 words in the BSB)
What is 2 Corinthians about?
After writing 1 Corinthians, Paul's relationship with the church grew strained. He made what he calls a painful visit, then sent a tearful letter. When Titus brought news that many had repented, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians with relief — but also with concern, because outside teachers were undermining him.
This is often called Paul's most personal letter. He speaks of being crushed beyond his strength in Asia, of carrying the treasure of the gospel in fragile clay jars, and of a thorn in the flesh that God would not remove. He presents believers as a new creation and as ambassadors through whom God appeals to the world to be reconciled to him.
Chapters 8–9 urge the Corinthians to finish their gift for poor believers in Jerusalem, holding up the generosity of Christ who became poor for our sake. Chapters 10–13 change tone sharply as Paul confronts the so-called super-apostles. Reluctantly he boasts — not of achievements, but of beatings, shipwrecks, sleepless nights and weakness, because that is where Christ's power shows.
Outline of 2 Corinthians
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Comfort and changed plans God comforts in affliction; Paul explains why he did not visit and urges forgiveness. |
| 3–5 | The glory of new-covenant ministry Treasure in clay jars, hope beyond death, and the ministry of reconciliation. |
| 6–7 | Open hearts Paul appeals for restored trust and rejoices at Titus's report. |
| 8–9 | The collection for Jerusalem Principles of cheerful, generous giving. |
| 10–13 | Paul's defence Against false apostles; boasting in weakness and a final warning before his visit. |
Key themes
- Strength in weakness. God's power is shown most clearly not in impressive leaders but in frail people who depend on him.
- Comfort in suffering. God comforts his people in trouble so they can comfort others. Suffering shared becomes a bond.
- New creation and reconciliation. Anyone in Christ is a new creation. God has reconciled the world to himself and sends believers to carry that message.
- Generous giving. Giving is a response to grace, done willingly and in proportion to means, not under pressure.
- True and false ministry. Paul measures leadership by faithfulness and love for people, not by polish, payment or self-promotion.
Key people and places
- Paul — Author, defending his ministry with deep feeling.
- Titus — Paul's trusted envoy who carried news and organized the collection.
- Timothy — Co-sender of the letter.
- Moses — Contrast between the fading glory on his face and the lasting glory of the new covenant.
Places: Corinth, Macedonia, Troas, Jerusalem, Damascus.
Key verses in 2 Corinthians
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
“Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.”
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!”
“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”
“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
How 2 Corinthians fits the big story
2 Corinthians contrasts the old covenant given through Moses at Sinai with the new covenant promised in Jeremiah 31, written on hearts by the Spirit. It shows that the pattern of Jesus — life through death, glory through suffering — becomes the pattern of his followers. The letter continues the story begun in 1 Corinthians and gives some of the most vivid personal detail about Paul found anywhere, filling gaps in Acts. Its call to reconciliation looks ahead to the renewed creation of Revelation.
How to read 2 Corinthians
At 2 chapters a day you can read 2 Corinthians in 7 days. Read it as a letter between friends recovering from a rift. Notice the sudden change of tone at chapter 10 and ask what Paul is trying to protect.