What's 2 Corinthians about?
First Corinthians is largely Paul’s call to the Corinthians to shore themselves up doctrinally and ethically. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostolicity against “superapostles” who claim that his apparent weakness and lack of fruit are signs of illegitimacy. The “superapostles” (as Paul mockingly calls them in 2 Cor. 11:5) argue that he cannot be a legitimate apostle of Jesus—he’s not smart enough, rhetorically effective enough, or impressive enough to be the real thing. He suffers too much and lacks the flash and bang of other, more noteworthy apostles.
Paul argues that this is exactly the point: God makes His strength known through weakness. The “treasure” (the glories and hope of salvation) is housed in these “jars of clay” (weak, mortal bodies).
What sets 2 Corinthians apart?
Dane Ortlund argues the central thread running throughout the book is this:
“In the new realm that was inaugurated when Jesus ascended and the Spirit descended, life and ministry are flipped upside down such that God’s strength interlocks not with human strength and sufficiency but with human weakness and pain.” (8)
The End is both already and not yet. As such, ministry in our day and age is likewise already/not yet: we already have access to tremendous blessings in Christ, though they remain veiled and not yet fully realized, as they will be when Christ returns. Appearances, therefore, can be deceiving—what may look like weakness, suffering, or evil will one day be revealed as strength, glory, and good.
Ortlund offers four distinct features that distinguish 2 Cor. from Paul’s other letters:
It’s Autobiographical – It contains a good bit of personal information about Paul found nowhere else in the New Testament. Pay attention to how much he shares about his calling and life as an apostle of the Lord Jesus.
It’s Raw – It’s very human, including Paul expressing a full range of emotions. Pay attention to Paul’s emotional life throughout the book; his joys, frustrations at the “superapostles,” and his earnest desire to see the Corinthians remain faithful to Jesus.
It’s Interpersonal – It contains numerous references to his colleagues and relational network. Take note of how connected Paul is with so many different people and how much Paul loves the Corinthians –and how his love for them translate into urgency in calling them to repent and live in obedience.
It’s Defensive – Paul recognizes the gospel is at stake if his legitimacy is eroded by these “superapostles,” thus he vigorously defends himself. This is not petty defensiveness; this is about ensuring the Corinthians are not being misled by servants of Satan (2 Cor. 11:15).
Fall Preaching Calendar
Aug. 31 – 2 Cor. 1:1–11
Sept. 7 – 2 Cor. 1:12–24
Sept. 14 – 2 Cor. 2:1-11
Sept. 21 – 2 Cor. 2:12–17
Sept. 28 – 2 Cor. 3
Oct. 5 – 2 Cor. 3:12–18
Oct. 12 – 2 Cor. 4:1–6
Oct. 19 – 2 Cor. 4:7–18
Oct. 26 – 2 Cor. 5:1–10
Nov. 2 – 2 Cor. 5:11–21
Nov. 9 – 2 Cor. 6:1–13
Nov. 16 – 2 Cor. 6:14–7:1
Nov. 23 – 2 Cor. 7:2–16