Page 58 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

After 1 Corinthians the animus in the church against Paul, focused on one or two leaders, remained
strong (see Carson, Morris, and Moor, 279-81, on the nature of Paul’s opponents). Timothy’s mission to
Corinth (1 Cor 4:17; 16:10-11) proved ineffective and Paul’s own brief visit was “painful” (2 Cor 2:1)
where he was opposed and insulted (2 Cor 2:5-11; 7:12 refer to the ringleader who maligned Paul on
this visit). In the “severe letter” that follows, carried by Titus to Corinth (2 Cor 2:3, 4, 9; 7:8, 12), he
demanded that the church punish the offender who had spoken against him.

Titus also had the responsibility to organize the Corinthian church’s participation in the Jerusalem fund.
They showed a willingness to participate earlier, perhaps during Titus’ first visit (2 Cor 8:10; 9:2; cf. 1 Cor
16:1-4), but at the time of writing of 2 Corinthians had not yet followed through on their pledge (2 Cor
8:10-12).

Titus’ expected return from Corinth was delayed so Paul left Ephesus for Troas to meet Titus and receive
his report on the state of the church (2 Cor 2:13). Titus failed to arrive so Paul headed for Macedonia
(2:13; 7:5) where he found Titus and was thrilled to hear of the church’s return to its apostolic roots and
loyalty to Paul (7:5-16). The first half of 2 Corinthians (Chs 1-9) “breathes an atmosphere of bruised
relations that have recently eased. There is a noticeable sigh of relief that the worst is over.”

However, the tone of 2 Cor 10-13 differs markedly from Chapters 1-9: some self-designated Christian
leaders have invaded the church (“super-apostles” [11:5; 12:11] and “false apostles” [11:13-15]) and are
creating fresh opposition to Paul’s person and message. Are their earlier activities referred to in 2 Cor
2:17; 3:1; 5:12? *See the excellent discussion in V. Furnish, Second Corinthians, 48-54.

Themes

In Second Corinthians, Paul draws the church to reconciliation, admonishing them to making difficult
choices about toxic relationships, and separating from sinful behavior. Paul had a difficulty relationship
with the Corinthians, and some church members had questioned his motives and authority, saying that
a true apostle would act more boldly (chapter 10). These people were being divisive, but Paul was still
hoping for reconciliation with the church—a possibility that existed because Jesus had reconciled these
believers to God (5:17–21). But it seems that this reconciliation meant the Corinthians separating from
the so-called super-apostles—and it meant separating from sinful behavior in general (6:14–7:1; 11:1–
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9).
Paul does not respond to his critics by talking about his importance or influence; instead, he points to his
meekness and suffering—the very things that his opponents were criticizing—as signs that he was
faithfully preaching the message about Jesus (11:16–33). Paul bares his heart to the Corinthians, hoping
that they will recognize his sincere concern for them (6:11–13). Paul’s interest in the collection for
Jerusalem church also is about reconciliation. If God’s people everywhere are brought together in Christ
as the people of God, then they should care about each other. If one group is suffering, the other should
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make sacrifices to meet their needs (8:14).

Purpose(s)

Paul writes to defend his integrity with regard to motives and conduct in the matter of his revised travel
plans (1:12-2:4). By the time of 2 Corinthians the offender who maligned the apostle on his “painful

82 Barry, J. D., et al
83 Ibid

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