Second Epistle to the Corinthians

Narrator: Chris Genthree

2CO • 12 min. read • grade level: 7

After the uproar at Ephesus Paul departed to go into Macedonia (Acts 20:1¹And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. (Acts 20:1)); but stopped at Troas, where he expected to meet Titus with news as to the result of the first Epistle. (2 Cor. 2:13¹³I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 2:13).)

This presents a little difficulty: for 1 Cor. 4:17¹⁷For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. (1 Corinthians 4:17) says, “for this cause have I sent unto you Timothy”, and nothing is said of Titus also being sent. When the second epistle was written Timothy was with Paul (2 Cor. 1:1¹Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: (2 Corinthians 1:1)): did he bring no tidings of the effect of the first epistle? Or, though sent by Paul, did anything prevent his reaching Corinth? It is not recorded.

While Paul waited at Troas, his anxiety was such that he had no rest in his spirit, and though a door was opened unto him for the gospel, he left and went into Macedonia. It was a critical moment, for a whole assembly might have refused the messenger of Christ and made shipwreck of faith. He had written to them with “many tears”. (2 Cor. 2:4⁴For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. (2 Corinthians 2:4).)

Titus met Paul in Macedonia and brought the good tidings that the assembly at Corinth was humbled, and had dealt with the wicked person. The guilty one was also repentant and broken down.

Paul's heart was now enlarged towards them, and he was led by the Holy Spirit to give them higher truth than was in the first epistle. You get the superiority and power of life in circumstances of death. "Bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus" is the practice of the truth contained in Rom. 6; and "If one died for all, then were all dead" is the truth as to man's condition taught in Eph. 2 We have also, "If any one be in Christ, there is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."

Paul naturally rejoiced at the effect of the first Epistle; but other parts of this epistle prove that there was still unjudged evil among them, and there were some who despised the apostle and spoke against him.

This epistle is addressed to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia, being a smaller circle than that of the first epistle.

Written about A.D. 57, from Macedonia, but from what city is unknown.

2 Cor. 1.-After the salutation, Paul begins by speaking of comfort and consolation, which was a great relief to his own soul, after having been in doubt as to the Corinthians.

2 Cor. 1:8-11⁸For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: ⁹But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: ¹⁰Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; ¹¹Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 1:8‑11). It is thought by many that Paul alludes to some sore tribulation beyond what is related in Acts 19, because of the strong language here employed: he despaired even of life, and had the sentence of death in himself, held himself as a child of Adam under sentence of death. (The “gift” that was bestowed, in verse 11, was that his life had been spared.)

2 Cor. 1:17-19¹⁷When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? ¹⁸But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. ¹⁹For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. (2 Corinthians 1:17‑19) declare that Jesus Christ the Son of God was preached, and was the same whether proclaimed by Paul, Silvanus, or Timotheus: it was verity and realization.

2 Cor. 1:20-24²⁰For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. ²¹Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; ²²Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. ²³Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. ²⁴Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. (2 Corinthians 1:20‑24). The establishment of all the truth of God is in the Person of Christ: He embodies the fulfillment of all promises.

We are established (or rather bound together with Christ); anointed (1 John 2:20-27²⁰But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. ²¹I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. ²²Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. ²³Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. ²⁴Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. ²⁵And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. ²⁶These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. ²⁷But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:20‑27)); sealed (Eph. 1:13¹³In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)); and have the pledge of the Holy Spirit.

Paul asserts his authority, but with tenderness.

2 Cor. 2.

Paul was sorry that he had been compelled to cause them sorrow; but it had wrought repentance. The discipline had been exercised by the many (2 Cor. 2:6⁶Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. (2 Corinthians 2:6)).

Seeing the guilty brother was repentant, he was to be forgiven administratively: he had been bound and was now to be loosed. (Matt. 18:18¹⁸Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18); John 20:23²³Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (John 20:23).) He was to be forgiven 'in the person of Christ,' as before Him. (2 Cor. 2:10¹⁰To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; (2 Corinthians 2:10).)

Paul rehearses how anxious he had been on their behalf: and though he had left an open door for the gospel, he thanked God who “always leads us in triumph in Christ”. He was led about as in the triumphal procession of a conqueror, and the perfume to God of the gospel message was a token of death to those who refused it, and of life to the believers. He had not dealt deceitfully with (adulterated or 'made a trade of') the word of God.

2 Cor. 3:1-6¹Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? ²Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: ³Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. ⁴And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: ⁵Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; ⁶Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Corinthians 3:1‑6).

The Corinthians were living proofs that Paul and his companions had been true new-covenant ministers of Christ: for the saints were epistles of Christ, written by the Spirit of God, in contrast to the covenant of Sinai. The letter (as the law) kills; but the Spirit giveth life.

2 Cor. 3:7-16⁷But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: ⁸How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? ⁹For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. ¹⁰For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. ¹¹For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. ¹²Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: ¹³And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: ¹⁴But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. ¹⁵But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. ¹⁶Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. (2 Corinthians 3:7‑16) contrast the glory attached to the giving of the law, with the abiding glory attached to the ministration of the Spirit. The Israelites could not look at the glory that shone on the face of Moses (contrast with this 2 Cor. 3:18¹⁸But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)), nor could they see the end of the old covenant annulled (God's purpose in it, even Christ). The veil is now on their minds and hearts, but it shall be taken away when Israel turns to the Lord.

2 Cor. 3:7⁷But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: (2 Corinthians 3:7) to end of 16 may be read as a parenthesis: this would connect verse 17 with verse 6. "The Spirit giveth life....Now the Lord is that [or, the] Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," in contrast with the bondage of the law.

2 Cor. 3:18¹⁸But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18) is in contrast with a veiled face: we all with unveiled face behold the glory of the Lord, and thereby are now being transformed into the same image from glory to glory (that is, making progress therein), even as by the Lord the Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 3:6, 17⁶Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Corinthians 3:6)
¹⁷Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)).

2 Cor. 4.

The ministry of Paul and his companions was honest: they preached Christ Jesus the Lord. God had shone into them, for the shining forth from them of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ: and this was in earthen vessels, in order that the power might be all of God.

They endured much persecution and distress. They were always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that is, the cross applied to the flesh's life, and realizing Christ's own dying, in order that the life of Jesus might shine out of those earthen vessels.

As to the Corinthians, life worked in them. The faithful and self-denying service to Christ of the apostle resulted to them in blessing and progress in divine life: they were benefited by his labors. (This was the present result of his affliction; 2 Cor. 4:17¹⁷For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17) speaks of the eternal results.)

In 2 Cor. 4:1¹Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2 Corinthians 4:1) Paul had received mercy, and says, “we faint not”. In 2 Cor. 4:15, 16¹⁵For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. ¹⁶For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:15‑16) all was to redound to the glory of God, therefore he adds, “we faint not”. All resources must come from God. The body might perish, but the inner man is constantly renewed. The light afflictions, though so trying to the flesh, work out an eternal weight of glory; we look at the things not seen, which are eternal.

2 Cor. 5.

The present state of things is contrasted with the future. The tabernacle, in which we groan, may be destroyed; but we have an eternal house in the heavens ready for us, that is, the glorified body.

We have the pledge of the Spirit, and are confident that to be absent from the body is to be at once present with the Lord. If Paul had any choice he preferred to depart.

Till then we labor that we may be (not accepted, but) acceptable, or well-pleasing to God.

We must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of Christ (cf. John 5:24,²⁴Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24) reading “shall not come into judgment”, and Rom. 14:11, 12¹¹For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. ¹²So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:11‑12)), that each may receive the things done in the body, whether it be good or bad. Paul was already manifested to God, and trusted he was in their consciences. Knowing the terror of the Lord, he persuaded men, and preached the gospel to them. (Cf. 2 Cor. 5:20²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20).)

2 Cor. 5:12, 13¹²For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. ¹³For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. (2 Corinthians 5:12‑13). Paul honestly sought their welfare, notwithstanding those who despised him, and who were not true men.

2 Cor. 5:14-17¹⁴For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: ¹⁵And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. ¹⁶Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. ¹⁷Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:14‑17). Paul proves that all were dead, because Christ had died for all. Some of those for whom Christ died now lived: they should not therefore live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them, and rose again.

Then if Christ died for dead sinners, and has been raised, there is an end of the state of things that existed when He was here in the flesh. Christ having been raised into a new place, and the days of His flesh ended, we know Him no more after the flesh but as the glorified Man. His death has separated us from men in the flesh. And if any one be in Christ, it is a new creation; old things have passed away and all things are become new.

2 Cor. 5:18-21¹⁸And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. ²¹For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:18‑21). God had reconciled the apostles to Himself and sent them forth with the gospel of reconciliation. When Christ was here, God was in Christ reconciling the world-was in that attitude, ready to do it, and not reckoning their sins to them. Alas! but few received Him: the world would not be reconciled. But the apostles were ambassadors for Christ, arid the gospel still goes forth, " Be ye reconciled to God." Reconciliation was effected by Christ being made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 1

2 Cor. 6:1-10¹We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. ²(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) ³Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: ⁴But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, ⁵In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; ⁶By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, ⁷By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, ⁸By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; ⁹As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; ¹⁰As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:1‑10).

Paul again refers to the ministry of the apostles: they were ministers of God, and were fellow-workers; and he then gives a list of their afflictions and exercises of soul in their labors and their trials.

2 Cor. 6:11-13¹¹O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. ¹²Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. ¹³Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. (2 Corinthians 6:11‑13). The Corinthians were now in a better state, and Paul could in some measure open out his heart to them; he exhorts them to be expanded.

2 Cor. 6:14-18¹⁴Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ¹⁵And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ¹⁶And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ¹⁷Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, ¹⁸And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14‑18). Separation from unbelievers is enforced; and then relationship with God as a Father would be realized: they should be to Him for sons and daughters.

2 Cor. 7.

Suited individual holiness is called for, as collective holiness had been in 2 Cor. 6.

Paul refers to his love for the Corinthians, and to the great anxiety he had had for their spiritual welfare. He had regretted that he had made them sorry, but could now rejoice that the sorrow had wrought repentance. In verse II he gives them credit for the zeal they had shown to clear themselves of the defilement.

Paul did not write in view of the one that injured, nor of the one that was injured; but in view of the assembly, that they might witness his apostolic care for them in the sight of God. 2 Cor. 7:12¹²Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. (2 Corinthians 7:12).

Paul was comforted in the result, and Titus also rejoiced at their obedience.

2 Cor. 8.

This chapter treats of the collection for the poor saints in Judæa. They were reminded how the Lord, who was rich, had become poor for them, that they might be rich. Titus and trustworthy brethren would be sent for this service.

2 Cor. 9.

The subject of the collection for the saints continued. Paul was anxious that his boasting of them should not be to their shame. "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver."

2 Cor. 10.

The apostleship of Paul enforced. He speaks of his authority. (2 Cor. 10:8⁸For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: (2 Corinthians 10:8).) He was ready to avenge all disobedience when their obedience was fulfilled, that is, he desired to have the assembly with him in any action. (2 Cor. 10:6⁶And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:6).) Yet he besought them by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. He had their welfare really at heart.

2 Cor. 11.

Paul had espoused them individually, as a chaste virgin, to Christ. But there was danger from false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ, after the manner of Satan, who transformed himself into an angel of light.

Because the false teachers pleased them they allowed them to bring them into bondage, exact from them, and even to strike them! (2 Cor. 11:20²⁰For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. (2 Corinthians 11:20).)

All that the false teachers claimed for themselves was also true of Paul: yea, he exceeded them in his labors, and in his sufferings and trials. Added to these things he cared for all the churches. He could appeal to God that what he said was true. His ministry began with persecution, but the Lord delivered him: cf. Acts 9:24²⁴But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. (Acts 9:24).

2 Cor. 12.

Paul had had wonderful revelations: he had been caught up to the third heaven-to Paradise-and heard things he was not permitted to repeat. The visions were so real that he knew not whether his spirit was carried out of his body or not. He could glory of such things, but of himself he would not glory.

When the revelations were over, lest he should be exalted, a thorn for the flesh was given him-a messenger of Satan to buffet him (cf. Job 1; Heb. 12:1-11¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ⁴Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. ⁵And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: ⁶For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ⁷If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? ⁸But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. ⁹Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. ¹¹Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:1‑11). It shows that the flesh in the most advanced saint is never improved, and has to be judged as long as he is in the body.)

The sufficiency of God's grace enabled him to bear the thorn, and he could glory in infirmities that the power of Christ might rest upon him.

He was ready to come to them, but he would receive nothing from them for himself. His love was such that their want of love to him would make no difference.

Paul feared that when he arrived at Corinth he should find ' many' who had sinned and had not repented. Their great pretensions might be associated with the allowance of evil.

2 Cor. 13.-It was the third time he was ready to come, though his visit would he but the second time. (Cf. 2 Cor. 1:15¹⁵And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; (2 Corinthians 1:15).) If he found evil he would not spare.

Christ had been crucified in weakness, but lived again in the power of God: so Paul, though weak also, would be found to live towards them by the power of God.

If they sought for a proof of Paul's being a minister of Christ, let them examine themselves. If they were Christians, were they not such through his ministry? unless indeed they were not Christians at all.

Paul hoped to use his authority for edification, and not for casting down: he sought their perfection.

The salutation is from all the saints; but none at Corinth are greeted by name.

1. In 2 Cor. 5:20²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20) the word 'you,' added twice by the translators, should be omitted. It is a declaration of the message, not an appeal to the Corinthians.

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