2 Corinthians Introduction
Introduction
In 1 Corinthians Paul writes about his personal struggles with the believers in Corinth. That relationship was not easy and sometimes unpleasant. In 2 Corinthians Paul continues to speak to these believers about their problems and struggles.
In this letter Paul tells them they are part of God’s new world. But they live in the old world that is still fighting against God. So they will have problems as followers of Jesus. Paul writes about many practical issues. Paul tells them why he must change his plans to visit them. He tells them how to collect money as a gift for the very poor people in Jerusalem. Finally, Paul tells them to not believe false teachers. He tells these believers that he has been true to them. And that he brought the true message of good news to them.
As Paul writes this book, he sees himself in different places. In each setting Paul thinks about his relationship with the people in Corinth. Paul either recalls or looks forward to something in his relationship with them. There is a main theme connecting all the parts of the book. The theme is that God will bring comfort in the time of trouble. So believers everywhere must also offer this comfort to each other. Jesus’ life was an example of this. Jesus suffered first and then was comforted. And so his life is an example for us. We are weak and suffer. But we live in the power of God through Jesus Christ. And that is our comfort.
In the final section of the book, Paul challenges the people in Corinth. They must not believe the false teachers who have come there. Then Paul ends the letter with hope. He asks the people to rejoice in God’s grace, love and fellowship.
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2 Corinthians Introduction: NIrV
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