Outline of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians
The Glory of the Ministry of the Gospel
Salutation, 2 Corinthians 1:1
I. A Career of Triumph in Christ, II Corinthians 1-7
1. Thanksgiving Because of Good News from Corinth, 2 Corinthians 1:3
2. Paul's Deliverance from an Affliction unto Death, 2 Corinthians 1:8
3. His Sincerity in All His Dealings with the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 2:1
4. The Vindication of His Authority, 2 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 3:1
5. The Character of His Ministry, 2 Corinthians 4:1
6. His Good Courage toward the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 7:1
II. The Offering for the Church at Jerusalem, II Corinthians 8-9
1. The Liberality of the Macedonian Churches, 2 Corinthians 8:1
2. “ Complete the Doing, ” 2 Corinthians 8:7
3. Titus and Paul's Other Helpers, 2 Corinthians 8:16
4. The Motive for and Reward of Benevolence, 2 Corinthians 9:1
III. The Apostle's Final Vindication, II Corinthians 10-13
1. His Standing with the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 10:1; 2 Corinthians 11:1
2. His Labors, Sufferings and Spiritual Experience, 2 Corinthians 11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:1
3. Announcement of a Third Visit, 2 Corinthians 12:14; 2 Corinthians 13:1
Conclusion, 2 Corinthians 13:11
Introduction
Titus had been commissioned by the Apostle to go from Ephesus to Corinth to enforce the instructions of the first Epistle. See 2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 7:16; 2 Corinthians 8:6. For some reason his return had been delayed, a circumstance that caused Paul great anxiety. In the meanwhile the tumult at Ephesus had compelled the Apostle to leave that city, and he went to Troas to await his friend. When Titus did not arrive, Paul went on to Macedonia, where they met.
On the whole, the report was encouraging. The majority in the Corinthian church had accepted Paul's instructions and had acted upon them. They were for the most part tenderly attached to him, though a party still resisted his authority, demanded letters of commendation from Jerusalem, accused him of vacillation, and boasted their pure Hebrew descent. It was largely for these that the Epistle was prepared; but we may be thankful for the criticisms which called it into existence. It is an unrivaled revelation of tenderness, self-sacrifice, and triumphant hope.
e-Sword Note: The following material was presented at the end of 2 Corinthians in the printed edition
Review Questions on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians
Outline
(a) Why does Paul in this Epistle reveal personal experiences more fully than elsewhere?
(b) Why was he so much concerned about this offering for the Jerusalem Christians?
Introduction
(c) Why had Titus been sent to the church at Corinth?
(d) What report did Paul receive from him?
(e) For whom was this Second Epistle largely prepared? What qualities does it reveal?
II Corinthians 1-13
Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments.
1. What affliction had befallen Paul in Asia? How had the Corinthians been endeared to him through this affliction?
2. How is Christ the Yea and Amen of all the promises of God?
3. Why had the First Epistle to the Corinthians cost Paul pain and effort?
4. What does the Apostle declare to be his true credentials?
5. What is the only key to the understanding of all Scripture?
6. Where is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God unveiled?
7. How does Paul contrast the inward and the outward man? the seen and the unseen?
8. What is the Christian's portion after death?
9. What is the “ministry of reconciliation”?
10. What sufferings did the Apostle have to endure as Christ's minister?
11. Why does the Christian life forbid all compromise?
12. What work is accomplished by godly sorrow?
13. How did Paul urge the Corinthians to generosity?
14. Why did the Apostle shrink from handling the gifts of the churches himself?
15. Why should all of our giving be done cheerfully and willingly?
16. How are we enriched by our liberality?
17. What are the weapons of the gospel?
18. What special credit could Paul claim as a Christian missionary?
19. What was his fear for the Corinthian church?
20. Why did Paul feel that he had the right to boast of his labors?
21. Through what dangers and sufferings had Paul passed as a Christian missionary? How did they further qualify him?
22. What special revelations had Paul enjoyed? What special affliction was laid upon him?
23. How does he express his tender solicitude for the Corinthian Christians?
24. How does Paul answer the charge that he was weak?
25. How could be rejoice when he was weak? With what benediction does the Epistle close?