2 Corinthians New Testament

Introduction

Before we study this letter, it is important to understand the historical background of the interlude between 1 and 2 Corinthians.[] In fact, we will look closely at the entire timeline regarding Paul’s ministry to the Corinthians, so that we can understand the issues Paul is referring to in 2 Corinthians. (For an extend introduction on the historical background Corinth, see our earlier article “Introduction to 1 Corinthians.”).

BEFORE 1 Corinthians

Paul planted the church in Corinth in the years between AD 50-52 (Acts 18).[] After Paul left, Apollos served as a leader and teacher in Corinth (Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4-6, 22; 4:6; 16:12). During this time, Paul wrote a lost letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 5:9).

After Paul wrote his lost letter, the Corinthians responded with a letter of their own, asking Paul a number of questions (1 Cor. 7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1). Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus likely brought this letter to Paul, and he sent them back with the letter of 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 16:17-18).

DURING 1 Corinthians

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8), after several people came from Corinth to inform him about what was happening there (1 Cor. 1:11-12; 16:15-18). In 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote that he was going to come and visit (1 Cor. 4:18-19; 16:5). At this time, the Corinthians were already starting to become cynical or suspicious of Paul’s leadership (1 Cor. 4:18-19; 9:3-4; 14:37-38).

BETWEEN 1 and 2 Corinthians

Paul sent Timothy to Corinth (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10-11), and Timothy returned before Paul wrote his second letter (2 Cor. 1:1). Paul visited Corinth between the writing of 1 and 2 Corinthians. We know this because Paul writes that it was the “third time” he would be coming to them (2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1), implying a middle visit not mentioned in Acts. This visit did not go well (2 Cor. 2:1-5), and Paul wanted to visit them again on better terms. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to pave the way for a better meeting with them (2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1-4, 10).

Titus visited Corinth during this time, and reported that false apostles had arisen. These men were accusing Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle, and they were teaching a false gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-20). Titus and Paul met up again in Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:12-13), and Titus revealed that things had only gone from bad to worse in Corinth:

• After Paul’s stern rebuke in 1 Corinthians and his sorrowful visit, the Corinthians began to question if Paul really cared about them, because he changed his travel plans (2 Cor. 1:12, 17).

• The Corinthians continued to fall into immorality and idol worship (2 Cor. 6:14ff).

• The Corinthians criticized Paul for not taking money (1 Cor. 9:1-23; 2 Cor. 11:7-11; 12:13-16). They also may have accused him of taking money after all, because Paul needs to defend his integrity once again (2 Cor. 4:2; 7:2; 12:16-18).

• Worst of all, false teachers had infiltrated this church (2 Cor. 10-13). These men had likely added fuel to the Corinthians’ suspicious fire.

• This resulted in a polarized group: Some were intensely suspicious toward Paul, while others still loved him dearly (2 Cor. 7:6-7).

All of this sets the stage for the writing of 2 Corinthians. Paul picks up his quill pen and parchment to write something that will connect with the readers in Corinth, preparing them for his third visit.