Below are links to the commentary on the book of 2 Corinthians: Intro & Background 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 2 Corinthians 1:12-22 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:13 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:4 2 Corinthians 7:5-16

After an introduction (1:1-2) and meditation of suffering (1:3-11), Paul launches into the body of his letter, focused on the marks of genuine apostleship for the purpose of reconciling with the Corinthians (1:12-7:16). The overall literary structure of the section seems to be a chiasm: A 1:12-2:13 - Boasting, Letter, Titus B 2:14-4:6 - Genuine…

According to Paul, true apostles have been given a “ministry of reconciliation,” which is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ (5:11-6:2). Paul now wraps up his description of true apostleship by speaking about his integrity in ministry and the various afflictions he endured (6:3-10). He uses the recounting of his suffering as a bridge…

Paul has been implicitly defending his ministry by demonstrating how true apostles conduct themselves (2:14-5:10). They speak with sincerity, confidence and boldness (2:14-3:18). They do not lose heart but persevere despite suffering (4:1-5:10). Now, Paul brings this section to its theological high point explaining that he has received the ministry of reconciliation from God (5:11-6:2).…

After explaining the glory of the new covenant, Paul speaks to why he can endure in ministry despite suffering (4:1-5:10). He had two matching sections that begin with “we do not lose heart” followed by a theological reflection: 4:1-6 “we do not lose heart” 4:7-15 Reflection on how God uses frail ministers 4:16-18 “we do…

Paul defends his ministry by pointing out how real apostles live and speak (2:14-7:4). True apostles speak God’s word with sincerity (2:14-17), with confidence (3:1-6), and with boldness (3:7-18). Because of the power of God’s word, Paul is able to persevere in the midst of suffering (4:1-5:10). He does not lose heart even if some…

Before directly confronting the “super-apostles” who infiltrated the Corinthian church (11:5), Paul shows how real apostles live and conduct their ministry (2:14-7:4). Part of his ministry consists of refusing to be enamored with the old covenant, but instead, preaching the superior new covenant (3:1-18). Because the new covenant is so much better than the old,…

In the face of criticism from the Corinthians, Paul first sought to defend his integrity (1:12-2:13). Now Paul begins a long section defending his ministry, particularly his status as a minister of the new covenant (2:14-7:1). To begin the defense of his ministry, Paul points out that true ministry is carried out by speaking God’s…

In 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:13, Paul had been defending himself against the charge that he didn’t care about the Corinthians because he changed his travel plans. In fact, the opposite was true: he loved them! But he didn’t want to cause them unnecessary grief, because, if he had visited, it would have not gone well. Instead…

The body of Paul’s letter begins with a defense of his change of plans (1:12-17). Despite the charge of being fickle and duplicitous, Paul’s behavior stemmed from God’s faithfulness (1:18-22). He continues a defense of his changed travel plans by arguing that it was actually a good thing he changed his mind about visiting (1:23-2:4).…