Book introduction
The book of 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians is Paul’s most personal letter. Hurt by the Corinthians and attacked by rivals, he defends his work by pointing to weakness, not strength: a treasure in clay jars, and grace that is enough.
Read 2 Corinthians 4Start at chapter 1
Who wrote 2 Corinthians?
Paul, with Timothy. Scholars agree it is Paul’s. Many think it joins two or more of his letters, since the tone shifts sharply at chapter 10.
When was it written?
About AD 55–56, from Macedonia.
Main themes
- Strength in weakness
- “My grace is enough for you.”
- A new creation
- Anyone in Christ is a new creation, given the work of reconciliation.
- Generous giving
- Chapters 8–9 ask for a gift to the poor in Jerusalem.
Outline of 2 Corinthians
Key verses
But we have this treasure in clay jars, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and does not come from us.
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old things are gone; look, new things have come into being.
But he has said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for power is made complete in weakness.” So I will be all the more glad to boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may settle on me.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Read chapters 4–5, then 12:1–10.
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