# 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.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/about
Section: Letters of Paul · 13 chapters

## 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

- Chapters 1–7: [Paul’s ministry and the new covenant](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/1)
- Chapters 8–9: [The collection for Jerusalem](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/8)
- Chapters 10–13: [Paul answers his critics](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/10)

## Key verses

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

> But we have this treasure in clay jars, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and does not come from us.
> — [2 Corinthians 4:7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/4#7)

> So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old things are gone; look, new things have come into being.
> — [2 Corinthians 5:17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/5#17)

> 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.
> — [2 Corinthians 12:9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/12#9)

## Where to start

Read chapters 4–5, then 12:1–10. [Read 2 Corinthians 4](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/4.md)

Read the whole book: https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-corinthians/1.md
Ask about it: https://www.lumin.faith/ask.md