2 Corinthians Overview and Outline

AUTHOR: Paul

DATE: 56 A.D.

Since the problems Paul adressed in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians) were not corrected (2 Cor. 2:1; 12:14; 13:1-2), he fel it necessary to go there in person. Following his visit, Paul wrote the church a severe and sorrowful letter (2 Cor 2:4), that we do not have. Titus delivered that letter and Paul traveled to Macedonia to meet him on his return. Titus had a good report that the church had repented of their rebelliousness and sin. From Macedonia, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians and followed it up with his final recorded visit to the church (Acts 20:1-4).

The purpose of this letter was threefold: 1) to express joy at the favorable response of the church to Paul’s ministry (2 Cor 1-7); 2) to remind the believers of their commitment to the offering for the Christians in Judea (2 Cor 8-9); and 3) to defend Paul’s apostolic authority (2 Cor 10-13). The letter contains many glimpses into Paul’s life (2 Cor 4:8-18; 11:22-33). The longest discussion of giving in the New Testament is in 2 Cor 8 and 9. Important verses include 2 Cor 5:10, 20-21; 6:14; 8:9; 10:5; 11:14; 12:9; and 13:14.

OUTLINE OF 2 CORINTHIANS

I. Introduction, 1:1-11

A. Salutation, 1:1-2

II. The Apostle’s Conciliation with Respect to the Problem at Corinth, 1:12-2:13

A. The Change in Paul’s Plans, 1:12-2:4
B. The Change in the Offender’s Punishment, 2:5-11
C. The Meeting with Titus, 2 Cor 2:12-13

II. The Apostolic Ministry, 2:14-6:10

A. The Confidence of the Ministry: Victory, 2:14-17
B. The Commendation of the Ministry: Changed Lives, 3:1-3
C. The Covenant for the Ministry: The New Covenant, 3:4-18
D. The Character of the Ministry: Supernatural, 4:1-6
E. The Circumstances of the Ministry, 4:7-18
F. The Compulsions of the Ministry, 5:1-21

1. The assurance of resurrection, 5:1-9
2. The judgment seat of Christ, 5:10-13
3. The love of Christ, 5:14-21

G. The Conduct of the Ministry, 6:1-10

IV. The Apostle’s Exhortations to the Corinthians, 6:11-7:16

A. Be Open Toward Him, 6:11-13
B. Be Separated from Evil, 6:14-7:1
C. Be Assured of His Joy over Their Repentance, 7:2-16

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V. The Apostle’s Solicitation (or Collection) for the Judean Saints, 8:1-9:15

A. Principles for Giving, 8:1-6
B. Purposes for Giving, 8:7-15
C. Policies in Giving, 8:16-9:5
D. Promises in Giving, 9:6-15

VI. The Apostle’s Vindication of Himself, 10:1-12:18

A. The Authority of His Apostleship, 10:1-18
B. The Marks of His Apostleship, 11:1-12:18

1. Paul’s conduct, 11:1-15
2. Paul’s sufferings, 11:16-33
3. Paul’s vision, 12:1-10
4. Paul’s unselfishness, 12:11-18

VII Concluding Remarks, 12:19-13:14

A. Appeal for Repentance, 12:19-21
B. Statement of Plans, 13:1-10
C. Greetings and Benediction, 13:11-14

All 66 Books of the Bible

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Do not be anxious about anything. (Phil 4:6)

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must rightly remember who is in control. Our God is sovereign over all things, including COVID-19. As Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) said, “The sovereignty of God is a soft pillow on which weary people lay their heads.”

Remember also God’s gracious promise, and that it is true and He is faithful to keep it: Hebrews 13:5 …”I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” The next verse remind us of the power that comes in trusting God and how we can live: Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man [or COVID-19] shall do to me.

God loves us, and in Christ we find confidence and calm in times of uncertainty and trouble. When we trust in God, fear is replaced with faith, stress is replaced with strength, anxiety is gone and hope abounds, problems become opportunities, and we are able to receive the blessings God has for us in the midst of difficult circumstances. Turn to Jesus. He will lead you to the still waters and give rest for your troubled soul.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…Hebrews 6:19

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