Occasion and Purpose of Writing the Epistle
In the Corinthian church, disturbances and disorders arose, as noted in the First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:10 et seq.). To address these issues, Apostle Paul wrote his First Epistle to the Corinthians from Ephesus. Titus, whom Paul sent to Corinth, reported that the epistle had a beneficial effect on the Corinthians (2 Cor. 7:5 et seq.). The decision regarding the Christian involved in incest was applied, leading to the sinner’s repentance. However, Titus informed Paul that his opponents, the Judaizing Christians, continued to challenge his authority. They claimed Paul was weak in spirit and unstable in decisions. To counter these attacks, Paul wrote the Second Epistle to the Corinthians.
Paul states the purpose of the Epistle in chapter 13 (v. 10). He aims to bring the Corinthian church to a state where he wouldn’t need to exert severe apostolic authority in person. His primary goal is to restore his authority among the Corinthians, with everything else serving as a means to that end.
Content of the Epistle
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, apart from the greeting and introduction, comprises three parts. The first seven chapters describe Paul’s apostolic activity, emphasizing his love for the Corinthians and the significance of the New Testament ministry. Chapters 8 and 9 focus on aid collection for poor Christians. Chapters 10 to 13 see Paul countering his opponents and rejecting accusations, while also stating his demands for the Corinthians.
Place and Time of Writing the Letter
From the letter (2 Cor. 2:13; 2 Cor. 7:5; 2 Cor. 8:1; 2 Cor. 9:2; cf. Acts 20:1), it’s evident that Paul was in Macedonia when he wrote it, where Titus found him after returning from Corinth. The letter likely dates to 57, the same year as the First Letter to the Corinthians (cf. Acts 18:1).
Authenticity and Unity of the Epistle
No serious objections have been raised against attributing the Second Epistle to the Corinthians to Apostle Paul. A careful reading affirms it was written by the apostle to the Gentiles, the founder of the Corinthian church.
However, some critics claim the epistle might not be a single work but composed of two or three separate letters combined. They argue the last four chapters don’t align with the first nine, citing differences in tone. In the first part, Paul’s mood is calm and elevated, whereas the second part is intense and animated. The Corinthians’ condition also appears differently between the parts (cf. 2 Cor. 7:14 and 12:20).
These reasons are insufficient to suggest different writing times for the two parts. The first part contains both praises and reproofs, such as in chapter 6 (vv. 11–16), which notes the Corinthians’ lack of love and moral shortcomings. Furthermore, when Paul praises their obedience, he refers specifically to their response to the incest issue (2 Cor. 7:11, 14).
If the tone in the second part differs, it may be because Paul addresses his spiritual children in the first part, but shifts focus to his enemies, the Judaizers, in the second. This shift justifies his more excited approach.
It’s possible the epistle wasn’t written in one sitting. New information from Corinth might have prompted Paul to change his tone. His insistence on alms collection and later defense against personal benefit suspicions might illustrate this. Paul might have learned of such suspicions after drafting the first nine chapters. He chose not to revise this section, prioritizing the needed aid for poor Christians. He might have thought, “Better I am suspected than the poor are left without expected alms.”
Finally, the first part does hint at such suspicions (2 Cor. 8:16–22).
Character of the Epistle
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, like the Epistle to the Philippians, offers insights into Apostle Paul’s character. It highlights his humility, meekness, and indulgence towards spiritual children, juxtaposed with his strong defense of apostolic dignity against Judaizing Christians.
In terms of style, the epistle is notable for its expressive power, irony, and rhetorical beauty.
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