The Purpose of Writing the Second Epistle
The Apostle Paul wrote the first epistle to the Corinthians to correct a number of disorders among them. In the main, it produced positive results, though after writing it he was concerned that it might not have the desired effect (2 Cor. 2:1-3; 7:5-71But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. 2For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? 3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. (2 Corinthians 2:1‑3)
5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. (2 Corinthians 7:5‑7)). Nevertheless, there were good results; the Corinthians mourned over their wrongs and repented and set those things right.
Paul’s reasons for writing this epistle were, firstly, to explain why he didn’t come to Corinth when he said that he would (chapter 1). He shows that his principles of action were not because of carelessness, but were in accord with God’s character and ways, and that there was a very good reason why he didn’t come when he had purposed to.
The second reason for writing the epistle was to exhort the saints in Corinth to show grace and forgive the repentant one who had been excommunicated (chap. 2). His instructions to them regarding this furnish us with the proper way of restoring a person to fellowship who has been put away.
The third reason for writing was a delicate matter that involved Paul himself. A reconstruction of the circumstances attending the writing of the epistle makes it evident that there was an element of detractors among the Corinthians who were bitter against Paul. They sought to discredit his ministry with a barrage of criticisms, opposing him in connection with a number of imaginary faults. The effect of their evil work was to lead the saints at Corinth to distrust the Apostle and question his ministry. This was certainly not good, and they needed to be delivered from that faction.
Paul wisely didn’t address this issue in his first epistle, but left it until now because it involved defending his own character and ministry, as well as his apostleship. Since this element of opposition was deeply ensconced in that assembly, dealing with this problem would require utmost tact. Paul didn’t want to come across as someone who was merely defending himself in a personal quarrel. It could easily be construed as an action of the flesh, and the saints would be inclined to believe that his critics were right. The matter was far more serious than what appeared on the surface; his opposers were “false apostles” and “deceitful workers” who were doing Satan’s work among the Corinthians in turning them away from the Apostle and the truth that God had given him to give to them (2 Cor. 11:1313For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:13)). Hence, handling this problem without directly appearing as though he was defending himself would require wisdom that only the Spirit of God can give.
In chapters 1-7, the Apostle explains to the Corinthians his movements and principles of action. While doing so, in an indirect way, he gives a remarkable outline of what should characterize a true Christian minister. In a sense, he “hits two birds with one stone.” On the surface, it looks like he is giving a simple explanation of his movements in the service of the Lord, but underneath it, he carefully defends against the allegations of his detractors and thus provides grounds for the approval of his own ministry. It is not until the last section of the epistle (chaps. 10-13), assuming at that point that he had gained the confidence of the Corinthians, that he exposes that element openly. He comes out directly and shows that they were false and deceitful men who were doing Satan’s work.
The fourth reason for the writing of the epistle was to encourage the saints at Corinth to be engaged in a ministry of giving (chaps. 8-9). This, too, was somewhat of a delicate subject, because it might have seemed as though he was seeking their money—and especially so after he had told them in his first epistle that he wouldn’t do that (1 Cor. 9:6-156Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 7Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 8Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 9For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. (1 Corinthians 9:6‑15)). Since addressing this subject could be misconstrued, he wisely waited until there was a need among the saints that did not involve the support of labourers such as himself. The poor saints in Jerusalem needed financial help, and in that context, he encourages the Corinthians to give. No one could accuse him of pandering after their wealth because he wasn't asking something for himself. However, the principles he gives in these two chapters have a broad application and can be applied to those who do labour for the Lord in ministering the Word, as well as to any of the Lord’s people who are in some financial need.
The Practical Application
As previously mentioned, this epistle presents a wonderful picture of the characteristics of a true Christian minister, as seen in Paul himself. Its practical application lies in understanding that every Christian is a minister of Christ Jesus—or at least, they should be. Ministry is the exercise of our gift in the service of the Lord (1 Peter 4:10-1110As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10‑11); Rom. 12:5-85So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:5‑8)). It is simply the discharge of our service for the Lord, be whatever it may—teaching, preaching, shepherding, helping, showing mercy, etc. We all have a service to do for Him, and therefore, we are all in the ministry in one sense or another. Since we are all ministers, this epistle has an important practical application to every one of us. It presents a composite profile of a true Christian minister, outlining the moral features and exercises that should characterize all who are in the ministry.
The Three Main divisions In the Epistle
Chapters 1-7 – The characteristics of a true Christian minister and his ministry.
Chapters 8-9 – The support of Christian ministry through the ministry of giving.
Chapters 10-13 – The defence of Paul’s Apostleship and true Christian ministry.
The Christian Minister and Ministry