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2 CORINTHIANS
Have you been a victim of personal attacks? Has anyone put your reputation into a question because of unfair
accusations? Second Corinthians paints in very clear terms Pauls ordeal in the face of unforgiving and painful
criticisms and his choice to provide a mature response as a servant of Christ.

WHAT MAKES 2 CORINTHIANS SPECIAL?

The letter helps readers come to terms with the harsh reality of criticisms and attacks on ones person in
spite of doing what is good and right. At the same time, it provides encouragement that there is always a choice
available to respond to criticisms and attacks as a follower of Christ. Likewise, 2 Corinthians challenges readers
to hold in careful balance the virtues of humility to see ourselves as Christ sees us and the honesty to recognize
the credentials and qualifications God has blessed us with.

WHY WAS 2 CORINTHIANS WRITTEN?

Second Corinthians came right after Pauls recent painful letter to the community in first century Roman
Corinth and his painful visit there as well (2:1-4). Unfortunately, the situation in Corinth had gone from bad to
the worse. Thereafter, those who oppose Paul took advantage of the crisis and went around trying to turn the
community against him (10:1-18) over the issue of his alleged indecisiveness in making visitation plans (1:12-
2:4), his lack of letters of recommendation (3:1-3; 10:12-18), and his decision to engage in manual labor while
doing mission work (11:7-12). In response, Paul builds a case for his integrity and legitimacy as an apostle of
Christ. He does this by talking about his suffering for the gospel (1:8-11; 2:12-17; 4:7-18; 6:3-10; 11:16-29), the
transformation of the Corinthians through his ministry (3:1-3), the accountability of his preaching (4:1-6), and his
authority to speak on behalf of Christ (10:1-6; 13:1-10). In between, Paul took the time to encourage the
Corinthians to follow the example of the Macedonians who gave generously for the benefit of other
communities outside Corinth (chs. 8-9).

WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF 2 CORINTHIANS FOR TODAY?

Leadership and positions of influence come with the temptation to discredit others for the benefit and
advancement of oneself. Second Corinthians shows us in disturbing ways leaders on both sides of the fence.
Paul chose to honor Christ with his life as one entrusted with authority for the sake of others and with fellow
leaders. The letter reminds us that situations in leadership may get tougher and hurtful, but the choice to honor
Christ in response to situations is solely for us to make.