Bible Overview 2 Corinthians
Mike Ervin
2nd CORINTHIANS STUDY OVERVIEW
1. AUTHORSHIP AND DATE
Traditional View:
• Authorship: The Apostle Paul is identified as the author in 2 Corinthians 1:1
and 10:1.
• Date: Written around A.D. 55–57, likely from Macedonia, after receiving
Titus’s report about the Corinthian church. 
Modern Scholarly View:
• Authorship: The majority of scholars affirm Pauline authorship, noting the
letter’s personal tone and consistent theological themes.
• Composition: Some propose that 2 Corinthians may be a compilation of multiple
letters due to its abrupt shifts in tone and content.
2. INTENDED AUDIENCE
• Recipients: The church in Corinth, a diverse and affluent city known for its
commerce and immorality.
• Context: The letter addresses issues such as challenges to Paul’s authority,
internal conflicts, and moral lapses within the congregation.
3. MAJOR THEMES
1. Defense of Apostolic Authority: Paul defends his ministry against critics,
emphasizing his sincerity and divine commission.
2. Strength in Weakness: Highlighting that God’s power is perfected in human
frailty.
3. The New Covenant: Contrasting the old covenant of the law with the new
covenant of the Spirit.
4. Generosity and Giving: Encouraging the Corinthians to contribute to the
collection for the Jerusalem church.
5. Reconciliation: Urging believers to be reconciled to God and to one another.
4. SEQUENTIAL CHAPTER REVIEW
I. Introduction and Thanksgiving (Ch. 1)
• Ch. 1: Paul offers comfort in affliction and explains his change of travel
plans.
Key Takeaway: God provides comfort in all troubles, enabling believers to
comfort others.
II. Defense of Ministry and Apostolic Authority (Ch. 2–7)
• Ch. 2: Forgiveness for the repentant offender.
• Ch. 3: Ministers of the new covenant.
• Ch. 4: Treasure in jars of clay; perseverance amidst trials.
• Ch. 5: The ministry of reconciliation.
• Ch. 6: Paul’s hardships and call to holiness.
• Ch. 7: Joy over the Corinthians’ repentance.
Key Takeaway: Authentic ministry is marked by integrity, endurance, and a focus
on reconciliation.
III. The Collection for the Saints (Ch. 8–9)
• Ch. 8: Encouragement to give generously, citing the Macedonians’ example.
• Ch. 9: Principles of cheerful and bountiful giving.
Key Takeaway: Generosity reflects God’s grace and results in thanksgiving to
Him.
IV. Paul’s Defense Against False Apostles (Ch. 10–13)
• Ch. 10: Paul asserts his authority and confronts opposition.
• Ch. 11: Paul’s sufferings as an apostle; warning against false teachers.
• Ch. 12: Paul’s vision, thorn in the flesh, and strength in weakness.
• Ch. 13: Final warnings, exhortations, and benediction.
Key Takeaway: True apostleship is evidenced by humility, suffering for Christ,
and reliance on God’s strength.
CONCLUSION
• 2 Corinthians offers profound insights into the nature of Christian ministry,
highlighting themes of suffering, authenticity, and divine strength in human
weakness.
• The letter serves as a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient, and His power
is made perfect in our weaknesses.