2 Corinthians

Paul opens by praising God as the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so we can comfort others. He describes his severe suffering in Asia and explains why he delayed his visit to Corinth—not from fickleness but from care.

Paul writes about restoring a repentant offender with forgiveness and comfort, lest Satan gain a foothold through unforgiveness. He describes the spread of the gospel as the aroma of Christ—a fragrance of life to those being saved and of death to those perishing.

Paul contrasts the old covenant written on stone with the new covenant written on hearts by the Spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Believers with unveiled faces reflect the Lord's glory, being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.

Paul describes carrying the gospel as treasure in jars of clay, showing that the surpassing power belongs to God, not human vessels. Though hard pressed, he is not crushed. He fixes his eyes on what is unseen and eternal, declaring that our light and momentary troubles achieve an eternal weight of glory.

Paul teaches that believers long for their heavenly dwelling and live by faith, not by sight. If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come—the old has gone, the new is here! God has given us the ministry of reconciliation, making us Christ's ambassadors to the world.

Paul appeals to the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain. He describes his ministry's hardships and paradoxes—sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich. He urges believers not to be yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship has light with darkness?

Paul expresses joy at the Corinthians' repentance following his severe letter, delivered by Titus. He distinguishes between godly sorrow that leads to repentance and worldly sorrow that leads to death. His confidence in them is fully restored.

Paul holds up the Macedonian churches as models of generosity—out of severe trial and extreme poverty, they gave beyond their ability. He reminds Corinth of Christ's example: though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that through His poverty you might become rich.

Paul encourages generous giving for the Jerusalem collection. God loves a cheerful giver, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. God is able to make all grace abound so that in all things you always have everything you need, abounding in every good work.

Paul defends his authority against opponents who judge by outward appearances. He declares that the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but divinely powerful—pulling down strongholds, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Paul reluctantly boasts to match his opponents' claims, listing his sufferings: beatings, shipwrecks, dangers, sleepless nights, hunger. He has been whipped five times, beaten with rods three times, stoned once, and shipwrecked three times. He also experienced a dramatic escape in a basket over a wall.

Paul recounts being caught up to the third heaven—paradise—hearing inexpressible words. To keep him humble, he was given a thorn in the flesh. Three times he pleaded for its removal, but God replied: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Paul therefore boasts gladly in his weaknesses.

Paul warns the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith. He prays for their maturity and restoration. He closes with one of Scripture's most beloved benedictions: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.