Purpose of Writing:
The church in Corinth began in AD 52 when Paul visited there on his second missionary journey. He stayed one and a half years, accomplishing much for the sake of the gospel. A record of this visit and the establishment of the church is found in Acts 18:1–18.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul expresses his relief and joy that the Corinthians had received his “severe” letter (now lost) in a positive manner. That letter addressed issues that were tearing the church apart, primarily the arrival of self-styled (false) apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13) who were assaulting Paul’s character, sowing discord among the believers, and teaching false doctrine. They appear to have questioned his veracity (2 Corinthians 1:15–17), his speaking ability (2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6), and his unwillingness to accept support from the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:7–9; 12:13). There were also some people in Corinth who had not repented of their licentious behavior, another reason he had sent the “severe” letter (2 Corinthians 12:20–21).
Paul was overjoyed to learn from Titus that the majority of Corinthians had repented of their rebellion against Paul (2 Corinthians 2:12–13; 7:5–9). The apostle encourages them for this in an expression of his genuine love (2 Corinthians 7:3–16). Paul also urged the Corinthians to finish collecting an offering for the poor (chapters 8—9) and to take a harder stance against false teachers (chapters 10—13). Finally, Paul vindicated his apostleship, as some in the church had likely questioned his authority (2 Corinthians 13:3).
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
The Book of 2 Corinthians Summary
Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 1:3–11 contains profound praise to God for His comfort of all in affliction. Paul connects Christian suffering to the sufferings of Christ. This shows the Corinthians how Paul’s suffering and the comfort he has received from God during it have been for their benefit. Paul has experienced grave suffering recently, bringing him and his co-workers to the edge of death. The God who raises the dead has delivered them. Paul invites the Corinthians to participate in the celebration of God’s power by continuing to pray for Paul and his companions and to give thanks for God’s deliverance.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 1:3” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 1:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 1:3
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 2:12–17 briefly continues Paul’s story of deciding not to come to Corinth until learning whether they were ready. He hoped to learn of their response in Troas, but his co-worker Titus did not show up with the news. Feeling unrestful in his spirit, Paul left. He then transitions into powerfully describing Christians as the aroma of Christ on earth: evoking death to those perishing and life to those being saved. Paul insists that he and his co-workers are sent by God.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 2:14” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 2:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 2:14
14 Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 3:1–6 poetically describes the only letter of recommendation Paul needs for his legitimacy as an apostle: the Christians in Corinth. Paul and his friends delivered Christ to them. The Corinthians are a letter written by Christ not with ink but with the Holy Spirit, not on tablets of stone but on human hearts. God is the one who has empowered Paul for the ministry and who sent him and his friends into the world to do it.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 3:5” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 3:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 3:5
5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God,
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 3:7–18 contains Paul’s comparison of the glory of God revealed in two covenants. The first is the Old Covenant with Israel, second is the far greater glory revealed in the new covenant of God’s grace through faith in Christ. The glory of the Old Covenant is fading just as it did on Moses’ face after he had been with God. Those who come to God through faith in Christ are forgiven for their sins and able to look on God’s glory. The veil of unbelief must be removed by the Spirit through Christ. Those who see Him begin to become like Him.
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“2 Corinthians 3:18” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 3:18 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:7–18 explains that the priceless treasure of knowing God’s glory through faith in Christ is kept in the fragile containers of human beings. In this case, this refers to Paul and his co-workers who preach the gospel. Their suffering is enormous, but God keeps them from being wiped out. They don’t quit because even after they die, they know they will be resurrected, as Christ was. Then they will spend eternity with Him in a glory that will far outweigh and outlast the comparatively lightweight and momentary suffering of this life.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 4:10” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 4:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 4:10
10 always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:7–18 explains that the priceless treasure of knowing God’s glory through faith in Christ is kept in the fragile containers of human beings. In this case, this refers to Paul and his co-workers who preach the gospel. Their suffering is enormous, but God keeps them from being wiped out. They don’t quit because even after they die, they know they will be resurrected, as Christ was. Then they will spend eternity with Him in a glory that will far outweigh and outlast the comparatively lightweight and momentary suffering of this life.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 4:13” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 4:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 4:13
13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.”Psalm 116:10 We also believe, and therefore we also speak;
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:7–18 explains that the priceless treasure of knowing God’s glory through faith in Christ is kept in the fragile containers of human beings. In this case, this refers to Paul and his co-workers who preach the gospel. Their suffering is enormous, but God keeps them from being wiped out. They don’t quit because even after they die, they know they will be resurrected, as Christ was. Then they will spend eternity with Him in a glory that will far outweigh and outlast the comparatively lightweight and momentary suffering of this life.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 4:15” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 4:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 4:15
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:7–18 explains that the priceless treasure of knowing God’s glory through faith in Christ is kept in the fragile containers of human beings. In this case, this refers to Paul and his co-workers who preach the gospel. Their suffering is enormous, but God keeps them from being wiped out. They don’t quit because even after they die, they know they will be resurrected, as Christ was. Then they will spend eternity with Him in a glory that will far outweigh and outlast the comparatively lightweight and momentary suffering of this life.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 4:16” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 4:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 4:16
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:7–18 explains that the priceless treasure of knowing God’s glory through faith in Christ is kept in the fragile containers of human beings. In this case, this refers to Paul and his co-workers who preach the gospel. Their suffering is enormous, but God keeps them from being wiped out. They don’t quit because even after they die, they know they will be resurrected, as Christ was. Then they will spend eternity with Him in a glory that will far outweigh and outlast the comparatively lightweight and momentary suffering of this life.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 4:17” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 4:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 4:17
17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 5:1–10 continues Paul’s teaching from the previous chapter. The glory of eternity with Christ is far weightier than any suffering experienced in our temporary bodies in this life. Paul longs to occupy his eternal body, described as a permanent house built by God Himself. Knowing that is coming, Paul has the courage to risk even more suffering in order to continue the mission to preach the gospel. His one goal in this life is to please Christ. He knows that every Christian will face judgment by Christ, not to decide one’s eternal destiny, but to receive what is due for our works while living in these temporary bodies.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 5:6-7” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 5:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 5:6-7
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 5:11–21 describes an appeal to those in Corinth who know Paul. It’s important they understand he is not crazy for continuing to preach the gospel, even though it leads to so much suffering for him. Christ’s love compels Paul to continue to tell all people that they be reconciled to God through faith in Christ, just as he was. In Christ, God is not counting people’s sins against them, but instead giving them credit for Christ’s righteous life. As Christ’s ambassador, Paul begged all people to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 5:17” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold,[a] all things have become new.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 5:11–21 describes an appeal to those in Corinth who know Paul. It’s important they understand he is not crazy for continuing to preach the gospel, even though it leads to so much suffering for him. Christ’s love compels Paul to continue to tell all people that they be reconciled to God through faith in Christ, just as he was. In Christ, God is not counting people’s sins against them, but instead giving them credit for Christ’s righteous life. As Christ’s ambassador, Paul begged all people to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 5:21” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 6:14–18 begins with Paul’s command to the Corinthians not to be ”unequally yoked” with unbelievers. Light and darkness cannot be in fellowship. Christ and Satan cannot work together. Christians are God’s temples on earth since His Spirit lives in them. That’s why they must separate themselves from any kind of formal, binding relationship with unbelievers. Paul references several Old Testament Scriptures to show that believers in Jesus must separate themselves from being ”yoked” to unbelievers since God is their Father and lives among them.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 6:15” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 6:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 6:15
15 What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 6:14–18 begins with Paul’s command to the Corinthians not to be ”unequally yoked” with unbelievers. Light and darkness cannot be in fellowship. Christ and Satan cannot work together. Christians are God’s temples on earth since His Spirit lives in them. That’s why they must separate themselves from any kind of formal, binding relationship with unbelievers. Paul references several Old Testament Scriptures to show that believers in Jesus must separate themselves from being ”yoked” to unbelievers since God is their Father and lives among them.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 6:16” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 6:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 6:16
16 What agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk in them. I will be their God and they will be my people.”
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 6:14–18 begins with Paul’s command to the Corinthians not to be ”unequally yoked” with unbelievers. Light and darkness cannot be in fellowship. Christ and Satan cannot work together. Christians are God’s temples on earth since His Spirit lives in them. That’s why they must separate themselves from any kind of formal, binding relationship with unbelievers. Paul references several Old Testament Scriptures to show that believers in Jesus must separate themselves from being ”yoked” to unbelievers since God is their Father and lives among them.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 6:18” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 6:18 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
17 Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. 18 I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 7:2–16 begins with Paul urging the Corinthians to make room in their hearts for him and his co-workers for the gospel. He then describes the great affliction they were under until Titus returned from a visit to Corinth. Titus’ report that the Corinthians had responded to a severe rebuke from Paul with sadness and repentance brought Paul great comfort and caused him to rejoice. Titus, too, expressed affection for the Corinthians after seeing their obedience and humility. Paul concludes by declaring his complete confidence in the Corinthians, though he will discuss other difficult issues in the following chapters.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 7:10” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 7:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 7:10
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 8:1–15 begins with Paul’s praise for the churches in Macedonia. These believers begged to be included in giving to a collection for the suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their own commitment to do the same thing of their own free will as an act of grace. In doing so, they will also be following the example of Jesus’ sacrifice for them. They should give proportionally, using their abundance to meet the need of other believers so that all may have enough.
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“2 Corinthians 8:9” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 8:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
1 Corinthians 8:9
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 9:6–15 contains Paul’s explanation of benefits and opportunities tied to generous giving. The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. God does not intend giving to be done as an obligation, or under a cloud of legalism. Rather, it should be inspired and driven by a willing and cheerful heart. Giving is an opportunity for believers to participate with God in meeting the needs of the poor. God increases the ability of believers who give generously to give even more. This results in increasing His righteousness on earth, as well as in causing thankfulness to Him to overflow. He will be glorified by those who receive the gift and pray for those who give.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 9:7” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 9:7
7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 9:6–15 contains Paul’s explanation of benefits and opportunities tied to generous giving. The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. God does not intend giving to be done as an obligation, or under a cloud of legalism. Rather, it should be inspired and driven by a willing and cheerful heart. Giving is an opportunity for believers to participate with God in meeting the needs of the poor. God increases the ability of believers who give generously to give even more. This results in increasing His righteousness on earth, as well as in causing thankfulness to Him to overflow. He will be glorified by those who receive the gift and pray for those who give.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 9:8” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 9:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 9:8
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 9:6–15 contains Paul’s explanation of benefits and opportunities tied to generous giving. The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. God does not intend giving to be done as an obligation, or under a cloud of legalism. Rather, it should be inspired and driven by a willing and cheerful heart. Giving is an opportunity for believers to participate with God in meeting the needs of the poor. God increases the ability of believers who give generously to give even more. This results in increasing His righteousness on earth, as well as in causing thankfulness to Him to overflow. He will be glorified by those who receive the gift and pray for those who give.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 9:10” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 9:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 9:10
10 Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 10:1–18 contains Paul’s response to charges against him from critics in Corinth. They claim that though his letters are potent, he is pathetic in person. Paul does not argue either point. However, he issues a stern warning: that he will arrive prepared for boldness in Christ in punishing every disobedience. He describes the conflict with the false apostles as a spiritual war. He and his associates plan to win that battle by capturing the thoughts of the Corinthians again so they will obey Christ. He will not boast to defend himself except in the Lord.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 10:4” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 10:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 10:4
4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 10:1–18 contains Paul’s response to charges against him from critics in Corinth. They claim that though his letters are potent, he is pathetic in person. Paul does not argue either point. However, he issues a stern warning: that he will arrive prepared for boldness in Christ in punishing every disobedience. He describes the conflict with the false apostles as a spiritual war. He and his associates plan to win that battle by capturing the thoughts of the Corinthians again so they will obey Christ. He will not boast to defend himself except in the Lord.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 10:5” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 10:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 10:5
5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 11:16–33 includes Paul’s long list of ways he has suffered in his service to Christ. He describes this as crazy talk, mocking the arrogant style of the false apostles. In truth, the Corinthians probably would have thought of these as signs of failure, weakness, and loss. Paul is shocked that they are so willing to be mistreated by the false apostles. This abuse was something Paul was ”too weak” to do in his Christlike service for them. Paul’s discussion of his weakness will lead to his conclusion in the following chapter that Christ is strongest in him when he is weak.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 11:31” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 11:31 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 11:31
31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, he who is blessed forever more, knows that I don’t lie.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 12:1–10 contains Paul’s description of an astonishing experience. He was transported, in some sense, to the third heaven or paradise, where he received an unspeakable revelation from God. To keep him humble afterwards, God gave him a ”thorn in the flesh” and refused to remove it despite Paul’s pleas. Instead, God told Paul His grace was more than enough, and that His power was made perfect in Paul’s weakness. Paul declares once again that he will boast in his weakness and be content in his suffering—because when Paul is weak, it more clearly proves that Christ is powerful.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 12:9” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 12:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 12:9
9 He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 12:1–10 contains Paul’s description of an astonishing experience. He was transported, in some sense, to the third heaven or paradise, where he received an unspeakable revelation from God. To keep him humble afterwards, God gave him a ”thorn in the flesh” and refused to remove it despite Paul’s pleas. Instead, God told Paul His grace was more than enough, and that His power was made perfect in Paul’s weakness. Paul declares once again that he will boast in his weakness and be content in his suffering—because when Paul is weak, it more clearly proves that Christ is powerful.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“2 Corinthians 12:9” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 12:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 12:9
9 He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 13:11–14 contains Paul’s closing farewell to the Corinthians. He urges them to rejoice, to strive for restoration, and to comfort and encourage each other in like-minded unity. He assures them that the God of love and peace will be with them, reminds them to greet each other with a holy kiss, and offers greetings from believers in other churches. Finally, Paul offers a prayer of specific blessing for them from each of the three members of the Trinity.
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“2 Corinthians 13:14” Bibleref.com
What does 2 Corinthians 13:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
2 Corinthians 13:14
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
