2 Corinthians
Corinth and its troubled church
Review last week’s introduction to 1 Corinthians.
Theme to watch for
The relationship between Spirit and suffering.
About the Author of 2 Corinthians
The author of this letter is Paul. The opening line in verse 1 says:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother…” – 2 Corinthians 1:1a (ESV)
We know Paul made at least three visits to Corinth to be with the church there. His relationship with them lasted several years (probably 50-57 A.D.), but some scholars deem it a “very complex affair.” Paul sent emissaries to visit Corinth and when he was ministering in Ephesus, some of the members from the congregation came to him.
When and where did Paul write it?
“He arrived in Corinth for his first visit early in ad 50. After spending eighteen months there, he was arraigned before Gallio (latter half of ad 51). He stayed on in Corinth’ many days longer’ after the arraignment‚ then sailed for Antioch. After spending ‘some time’ there Paul travelled through Galatia to Ephesus, where he spent two years and three months (ad 52–55). After leaving Corinth, and quite possibly during his stay in Ephesus, the apostle wrote the ‘previous’ letter. Towards the end of his time in Ephesus (ad 55) he wrote 1 Corinthians, made the ‘painful’ visit, and wrote the ‘severe’ letter. Paul then left Ephesus, travelling [SIC} via Troas to Macedonia, where he met Titus and from where he wrote 2 Corinthians 1–9, and shortly afterwards 2 Corinthians 10–13 (ad 56). He then made his third visit to Corinth and spent three months in Greece before setting out with the collection to Jerusalem, hoping to arrive there in time for Pentecost ad 57.”
About the Audience and Background
“We know that Paul ministered to the people in Corinth for about eighteen months (Acts 18:11), but even that was not enough time to encounter all the possible situations that vexed the Corinthian congregation in that culture. So, what happened after Paul left them? It appears that the congregation was still uncertain, not so much about doctrine but about proper behavior. As a group of believers, they were neither assured nor in agreement with one another about acceptable actions and conduct for Christ-followers. Thus, confused and divided, they were trying to engage their prevailing culture while still adapting to the truths of Paul’s gospel message.”
Keep in mind that there were three significant changes that affected the lives of Christians in Corinth during this time.
The location of the Isthmian Games.
These games were one of three athletic festivals (Olympic, Nemean, and Isthmian Games) that were put on annually by the Roman Empire. The Roman emperor and his family attended these events, and local elites would compete for the best venue to host a civic dinner. The entire city of Corinth was invited to participate in the festivities.
The “Federal” imperial cult was created in AD 54.
Although worshipping the emperor as divine was not legally mandatory, it was socially unacceptable to not. This conflict can definitely be seen within the Corinthian church and its wavering allegiance.
Three severe grain shortages
During the church’s early years, there were a few grain shortages.
“Such a shortage resulted in poverty and famine for the common person in the region (see 2 Cor 8:1–2). An imperial official superintendent was assigned by the government to distribute the grain supply in local areas, and most often, he was able to manipulate the market for the benefit of those with wealth and power at the expense of the lower-class population.”
Review last week’s introduction to 1 Corinthians for more details.
Why did Paul write this letter?
Colin Kruse said that in order to truly comprehend 2 Corinthians, one should understand the sequence of events in Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians church. I am using his suggested timeline below:
Paul’s first contact with Corinth
Contacts with Corinth during the Ephesian ministry
Paul’s “previous” letter
Visitors from Corinth
The Corinthians’ letter to Paul
Tension between Paul and the Corinthians
The writing of 1 Corinthians
Timothy’s visit to Corinth
Paul’s “painful” visit
Paul’s severe letter
Contacts with Corinth while in Macedonia
Titus’ arrival in Macedonia and Paul’s letter of relief
Titus returns to Corinth
Paul’s final letter to Corinth
Paul’s third visit to Corinth
