Barclay p. 3

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

infirmities (12:9) and was content with weaknesses, insults, persecutions and calamities for the sake of Christ. Although he had been robbed, starved, and imprisoned many times, and although he had to endure the agony of a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (12:7) as well as the ‘care of all the churches’ (11:28), he was a living witness to the power of Christ in his life (12:9). Integrity and faithfulness characterize his ministry, with toil and suffering being indelible marks identifying him as a true apostle (1:12; 6:3-10; 11:23-29)”. 22 Because of the accusations being leveled against him, much of this letter, especially chapters 10-13 comprise a defense of his character. This letter reveals a tremendous amount of "personal feelings". What did Paul feel like when in the midst of persecution? When engaged in church problems? When attacked by professed Christians?

Suffering for Christ: (1:5-10; 4:8-18; 6:5-10; 11:23-28; 12:1-10)

The integrity of God's true servants: (1:17-2:1; 2:17; 3:1-5; 4:2; 5:9-21; 7:1; 8:20-21; 10:3-18; 12:17-18).

The Collection: (Chapters 8-9) The hope Christians have: (4:12-5:8; 1:20) New Covenant and the Old Covenant: (3:6-18) Moral Purity: (5:9,14-17; 6:14-7:1)

Vital Truths Revealed in the Letter

It gives us a definition of true repentance: (7:9-11) It reveals that both the love of God (5:14-15) and the fear of God (5:11) are motivating factors in the lives of mature Christians.

22 Zond. Ency. p. 975

It reveals how a repentant brother is to be treated. (2:6-11). Gives us hope in the face of physical deterioration. (4:16-18). Gives the reasoning behind an unselfish life (5:14-21). Offers valuable principles which assist us in answering the question “how much should I give”? (8-9) Reveals just how much Paul had suffered for Christ. Informs us that set-backs, personal problems, persecution, temptation, trials, hardship, environment, church problems and so on never excuse unfaithfulness. “My grace is sufficient for you” (12:9).

This last statement will condemn many on the day of judgment, even many professed Christians, because when we become unfaithful, seek to blame others or the circumstances, we are saying in effect, “God's grace is not sufficient in my case”, that is, God has failed me.

God can be effectively and faithfully served, even by those with personal limitations:

“Amid all the storm of passion Paul is ever under perfect self-control. He is ever the master of himself, sincere, intelligent, consistent. The great truths of Christian experience are made the more striking because of the surroundings in which they appear; and even the humblest duties are enforced by reference to the highest laws. Whatever the seeming difficultly of statement, whatever the obscurity of historic reference, Paul's majestic personality stands forth in this epistle. His limitations are nowhere more obvious; but his heroic greatness never appears more supreme. Yet all his virtues, his excellencies are evident reflections of an unseen Person in whose presence he is standing. The secret of his life is laid bare, his own impelling purpose is made plain, as we hear him passionately declare, ‘The love of Christ constraineth us’ (2 Corinthians 5:15)”. 23

Outline of the Letter

Introduction: 1:1-2

23 The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. Charles R. Erdman pp. 15-16