Second Corinthians/Introduction/Commentary

With enthusiasm Titus had volunteered to return to Corinth to ensure that the collection would be ready when Paul returned (2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5). The churches in Macedonia, though poor, had given far beyond what Paul had expected (8:1-5) and this should motivate the Corinthians to get busy and gather what they had promised.  Unrepentant members still existed among them: (2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2) “On this visit he will be ready, if necessary, to punish any who are still disobedient (10:6). Nor will he on this visit adjust his principles to suit those who may still be sneering. He will continue to wage war, as in the past, on the party-strife, the petty jealousies and the endless arguments that have such a disintegrating effect on the Christian fellowship (12:20); and he will continue to be wholly uncompromising about immoral practices (12:21). Nor will he lightly pass over insinuations which may still be made against his own character (13:1-2). Before he comes, then, he calls upon each one of them to examine himself again and discover the faults that need to be rectified (13:5)” (Tasker pp. 22-23).

Date of this Letter It was written from Macedonia after Titus had arrived with the good news (7:6;8:1718). The time of year was after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8), and yet before winter (16:6). “The first Epistle was written from Ephesus in the spring of A.D. 57, and this one from Macedonia, probably in September or October of the same year” (McGarvey p. 167).

Themes in the Letter  A self-portrait of Paul: “Dominant motives in Paul's life were gratitude to God and Christ (1:3; 5:14), reverent awe before the Lord (5:10-11) and genuine love for the churches (2:4; 11:11). The churches which he founded were his special joy and concern (2:2,3). As a Christian, Paul willingly suffered with Christ (1:5). Moreover, he gloried in 8