2 Corinthians

Chapters

⊕ Chapters in bold are among the most frequently read and studied passages. 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13

Introduction

2 Corinthians is an epistle (letter) in the New Testament written to address specific circumstances, challenges, and questions in the early Christian church. The letter combines theological instruction with practical exhortation, demonstrating the connection between Christian doctrine and everyday living.

Like other New Testament epistles, 2 Corinthians addresses particular situations while establishing principles with broader application. The letter reflects the apostolic authority of its author and the normative teaching of the early church, contributing to the development of Christian theology and practice.

Throughout 2 Corinthians, readers can observe the practical outworking of the gospel in community life, personal ethics, and spiritual development. The letter demonstrates how Christ's finished work transforms individual believers and reshapes their relationships and priorities.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians was written during the first century CE, within the context of the early Christian church developing under Roman imperial rule. The book reflects the historical circumstances, cultural influences, and theological concerns of this formative period.

Roman Imperial Context

The Roman Empire provided the overarching political structure for the New Testament world, with its system of provinces, client kingdoms, and military presence. The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) enabled travel and communication throughout the Mediterranean world, facilitating the spread of Christianity while also presenting challenges through imperial ideology and occasional persecution.

Religious Environment

The religious landscape included Judaism with its various sects (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes), Greco-Roman polytheism, mystery religions, and philosophical schools. Early Christianity emerged within this complex environment, defining its identity in relation to Judaism while addressing Gentile converts from pagan backgrounds.

Archaeological discoveries, historical documents, and cultural studies have illuminated many aspects of daily life, religious practices, and social structures in the first-century world, providing valuable context for understanding 2 Corinthians.

Major Themes

The book develops several significant theological themes:

Christology

Jesus Christ's person and work form the foundation for Christian faith and practice.

Soteriology

Salvation through Christ involves justification, reconciliation, redemption, and sanctification.

Ecclesiology

The church as Christ's body has both unity and diversity.

Ethics

Christian behavior flows from gospel transformation rather than mere rule-keeping.