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Authorship, date, and setting
The greeting names Paul and Timothy and addresses the church in Corinth and the saints of Achaia (1:1). Paul recalls a painful visit, a letter written in tears, and news brought by Titus (2:1–4; 7:5–16). The letter is commonly placed in Macedonia around AD 55–56; the precise sequence of earlier visits and letters remains disputed. The shift of tone in chapters 10–13 has led some scholars to suggest that the present form combines more than one letter, but this is not a consensus.
Structure of the thirteen chapters
Chapters 1–7 address reconciliation with the community and the nature of apostolic ministry. In 8–9 Paul arranges the collection for needy believers. Chapters 10–13 answer criticisms of his authority and close with an appeal to self-examination and restored relationships.
Themes and key passages
Comfort received in affliction is to reach others (1:3–7). Treasure in fragile vessels (4:7) explains why suffering does not cancel the ministry. In 5:17–21 reconciliation with God grounds the mission; in 8:13–15 the collection seeks fairness between communities. The answer to weakness in 12:9 moves confidence from personal strength to grace.
Summary by parts
1–7: After explaining his postponed visit, Paul urges forgiveness for the person who caused grief, contrasts his mission with letters of recommendation, and describes hope in the face of mortality. His meeting with Titus closes the initial tension.
8–9: The example of the Macedonian churches and the sending of coworkers aim to make the gift for Jerusalem voluntary, transparent, and ready in advance.
10–13: Paul challenges judgments based on appearance and eloquence, lists sufferings instead of triumphs, and recounts the 'thorn in the flesh.' He ends by announcing another visit and urging peace.
Reception, canon, and manuscripts
2 Corinthians belongs to the New Testament collection of Pauline letters. John Chrysostom devoted a series of homilies to it and discussed the criticism of Paul's physical presence and speech in 10:10. Its canonical transmission does not settle the modern question whether its present form joins earlier correspondence.
Sources
- Paulo, 2 Coríntios (séc. I).
- Catholic Encyclopedia, Epistles to the Corinthians (1908).
- João Crisóstomo, Homily 1 on Second Corinthians (séc. IV).