Who Wrote This Book: Traditionally Paul is believed to be the author, as substantiated by internal proof.
Date of Writing: 55 - 56 A.D. probably from Phillipi.
Written To: It was written to the Jewish and Gentile believers at the church in Corinth.
Why It Was Written: 2nd Corinthians was written to convey joy over the faithfulness of the Corinthians in response to his "severe letter".
Background: Corinth was situated in an extremely advantageous location owing to the fact that all East and West land travel passed through it, and it was also the confluence point for many sea routes into its two harbors. As a result, it became a city of great diversity with most of its population comprised of Romans, Greeks, Orientals and Jews. The city became quite powerful and influential and known for its licentiousness. This reputation may arise from the fact that the city was the center of immoral worship of the goddess Aphrodite. As the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul found this city to be a very strategic center for the Gospel but not without its trials.
Obviously from the content of this epistle, Paul’s first letter was ultimately of good effect. However it appears that in between the first epistle and this one was another letter frequently referred to as the "severe letter" (2 Corinthians 2:4) where Paul wrote strong emotional words. Certainly, the first letter to the Corinthians contained much criticism which included the use of spiritual gifts, behavior at the Lord’s table, the collection for famine relief in Jerusalem, marital relations and sexual purity. There is much debate as to whether this "severe letter" was a missing letter or if it in fact is the letter of 1 Corinthians. Some even contend that it could be the last three chapters of 2 Corinthians. Regardless, it appears that his letter was delivered to the Corinthians by the hand of Titus. Upon Titus’ return, Paul was pleased to receive a good report.
This letter is very personal and is primarily broken into three general sections. The first, covering chapters 1-7 describes Paul’s thankfulness for divine comfort and for the manner of response from the Corinthians. The second, covering chapters 8 and 9, deals with generosity and the care for the afflicted in Jerusalem. Finally, the third portion (generally attributed to chapters 10-13) marks a change in tone where Paul appears to rebuke the Judaizers who continue to plague his ministry and he defends his ministry in the light of their accusations.
Key Verses:
2 Corinthians 1:3-53 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. NKJV
