2 Corinthians

Paul blesses the God of all comfort, explains that shared afflictions produce consolation, and defends his change of travel plans as integrity driven by faithfulness, not vacillation.

Urging forgiveness and reaffirmed love for the disciplined offender, Paul describes his anxious spirit in Troas and portrays apostles as the ‘aroma of Christ’—life-giving to believers, deathly to the perishing.

Contrasting tablets of stone with tablets of Spirit, Paul presents himself as a minister of the new covenant whose unveiled message of Christ’s glory transforms believers ever more into His likeness.

The gospel treasure is carried in fragile ‘jars of clay,’ so hardships, perplexities, and persecutions display God’s surpassing power while believers fix their eyes on unseen, eternal glory.

Earthly bodies are temporary tents awaiting heavenly dwellings; constrained by Christ’s love, Paul proclaims the message of reconciliation—God made the sinless Christ sin so that we might become God’s righteousness.

Now is the day of salvation: Paul commends his ministry through every hardship and urges the Corinthians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for they are the living temple of God.

Receiving Titus’s good report, Paul rejoices that the Corinthians’ godly sorrow produced earnest repentance, deepened affection, and vindicated them in everything.

Citing the generous Macedonians and Christ’s self-emptying grace, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to excel in the collection for Jerusalem, appointing trusted messengers to handle the gift honorably.

He encourages cheerful, bountiful giving—sowing generously to reap generously—assuring them that God enriches givers for every good work and multiplies thanksgivings to Himself.

Paul contrasts meek personal presence with bold apostolic authority, waging spiritual—not fleshly—warfare and demolishing arguments that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.

To expose false apostles, Paul ‘boasts’ as a fool: recounting his lineage, labors, imprisonments, beatings, dangers, and daily anxiety for the churches, climaxing in his escape from Damascus in a basket.

He reluctantly boasts of visions (caught up to the third heaven) but glories rather in weakness, describing a ‘thorn in the flesh’ given to keep him humble and affirming that Christ’s grace is sufficient.

Paul warns that, if necessary, he will exercise severe authority on his third visit; the church must examine itself, aim for restoration, and live in peace, closing with the Trinitarian benediction of grace, love, and fellowship.