en_bc/48-2co/intro.md

Introduction to 2 Corinthians

Overview

Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth. These Chrsitians had many problems. Paul wanted to help them. They were listening to false teachers. They did not want to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem even though they promised to do this. They also thought evil things about Paul. Paul wanted to help these Chrsitians to live in a way that honored God.

See: False Teacher

See Map: Corinth; Jerusalem

Who wrote 2 Corinthians?

The apostle Paul wrote this letter (see: 1:1). Timothy was with Paul but he did not write this letter.

See: Apostle

To Whom did Paul write 2 Corinthians?

The letter was sent to the church of Corinth and also to other Christians near Corinth (see: 1:1, 9:2). Corinth was a large city. Many ships went in and out of Corinth. It was a Roman colony, meaning that many of the Corinthians were people who moved there from Rome. They did many of the same types of things the Romans did. While there were Jews in this church, there were more Gentiles. Paul founded the church of Corinth on his second journey (see: Acts 15:40–18:23).

See: Church; Gentile; Paul's Missionary Journeys

See Map: Rome

Why did Paul write 2 Corinthians?

Paul wrote many letters to the Christians in Corinth. , including many letters (at least one from Corinth to Paul, 1 Corinthians 7:1; and between two and six from Paul to Corinth). Paul wrote this letter to help resolve the problems the Christians were having. He rebuked them for sinning. He wanted them to know he was an apostle. He also wanted them to give to Christians in Jerusalem as they promised to do.

See: Sin; Apostle

Outline of 2 Corinthians

1. Paul greeted the church and gave thanks to God (1:1-11)
2. Paul defended his travel plans (1:12-2:13)
3. Paul defended the things he did (2:14-7:16)
4. The Corinthians needed to complete their donation for the believers in Jerusalem who were poor (8:1-9:15)
5. The false teachers were from Satan, but Paul was a true apostle (9:1-12:18)
6. Paul called on the Corinthians to reject evil (12:19-13:10)
7. Conclusion (13:11-14)

See: False Teacher; Satan (The Devil); Apostle