Kevin's Kommentary: Life of Paul - Paul's Letter of 2 Corinthians

Life of Paul - Paul's Ministry to Christians at Corinth

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 57 A. D.

Paul leaves Ephesus and continues his third missionary journey by visiting the churches in Macedonia (Acts 20:1 - 3). While visiting Philippi he writes the book of 2 Corinthians.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians

NOTE:

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The confrontation with Demetrius and the other craftsman is undoubtedly not the only reason Paul left Ephesus. Understandably, Paul must be anxious to hear from Titus regarding the Corinthian’s reaction to his previous letter, so it appears that Paul decides to go on to Troas, where he hopes to meet Titus. Perhaps disappointed at not finding Titus there, Paul goes on to Macedonia, where Titus joins him. There Paul writes his final letter to the Corinthians, probably about AD 56-57.

THE SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

The letter of 2 Corinthians was written perhaps 6 months to a year after Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, possibly in A.D. 55 at the end of his long ministry in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). The Corinthian church required Paul’s continual care. In the letter, he explains why he has not visited them a third time, as he had hoped, and shares with them at great length the sense of fulfillment he has in both his ministry and in them personally. At the end of the letter (10-13), Paul's tone changes abruptly as he once again defends his apostleship and personal character. This letter is sent with Titus and others who are returning to Corinth to receive funds being given for the relief of the brethren in Judea who need financial assistance.

Shortly after his founding mission in Corinth, he sent a letter instructing the church “not to keep company with sexually immoral people” (1 Corinthians 5:9). Later, a delegation from Corinth came to Ephesus asking for Paul’s guidance; they returned, possibly carrying the letter of 1 Corinthians with them (1 Corinthians 16:17–19). Timothy visited Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10, 11) and probably returned to Paul in Ephesus with news of opposition to Paul and continued division in the church.

Such unchristian practices in Corinth required correction. Paul made a “sorrowful” visit (2 Corinthians 1:23–2:1), which did not resolve these problems. He then sent a “severe” letter delivered to the Corinthians by Titus (2 Corinthians 2:3–5). When finally Paul was reconciled to the church, he wrote to them both to celebrate their restored relationship and to have them prepare for yet another visit (2 Corinthians 1:13–16).

Scholars disagree over whether 2 Corinthians is a single letter, or was compiled from several shorter letters. Some think there were four letters: Paul’s “earlier” letter (1 Corinthians 5:9); 1 Corinthians; the “severe” letter (2 Corinthians 2:3); and 2 Corinthians. In this case, 1 Corinthians would have been the second letter Paul wrote to the Corinthian church; and 2 Corinthians, at least the fourth. Thus, one option is to accept that 2 Corinthians was originally written as it now appears in the New Testament, and suppose that the “earlier” letter against sexual immorality and the “severe” letter have been lost.

An alternative is to suppose that the “earlier” letter, warning against sexual immorality, is part of 2 Corinthians (see “Paul’s Authority and Epistle” at 1 Corinthians 5:1). Similarly, the four final chapters (2 Corinthians 10–13) are considered to be the so-called “severe” letter, the letter written “out of much affliction and anguish” (2 Corinthians 2:4). Those favoring this option point to a marked contrast: the positive relationship between Paul and the Corinthians evidenced in the early chapters of 2 Corinthians versus Paul’s harsh attacks on some in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 10–13.

2 Corinthians 1:1–2:11

During this period of time, several things may have happened...

Paul made a short visit to Corinth, his second - cf. 2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1

1) His first visit was during the second journey - Acts 18:1
2) His third visit was later on the third journey - Acts 20:1-3
3) The book of Acts is silent about his second visit, but most place it sometime during his extended stay at Ephesus

Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (now lost), alluded to in 1 Corinthians 5:9

Second Corinthians

IN MACEDONIA...

Paul finds Titus, who brings comforting news from Corinth - 2 Corinthians 7:5-7,13-16
Paul preaches throughout Macedonia- Acts 20:1-2

He had preached in Macedonia on his second journey - Acts 16:11-17:15
Establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
On this trip he appears to have ventured to Illyricum - cf. Romans 15:19

The brethren give generously for the relief of the church in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Timothy rejoins Paul. Then Timothy joins Paul in writing Second Corinthians (fall of 57 A.D.) - 2 Corinthians 1:1

Purpose: To vindicate Paul’s apostleship and manner of life
Theme: Open your heart to us, we have wronged no one
Brief Outline:

Paul explains his ministry of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 1:1-7:16
The collection for the saints in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
Paul defends his apostolic authority - 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:14

Titus and “two brethren” are sent to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Likely taking Second Corinthians
To assist the Corinthians concerning the collection - 2 Corinthians 8:6-8; 9:1-5

IN ACHAIA (GREECE)...

Paul spent three months - Acts 20:2-3
It included his third visit to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 12:14

A visit he hoped would not be sorrowful - 2 Corinthians 2:1
A visit he hoped would not be embarrassing for them - 2 Corinthians 9:3-4
A visit he hoped would not require stern judgment - 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; 13:1-3