Summary
2 Corinthians is Paul's most personal and emotionally intense letter, defending his apostolic authority while revealing the paradox of power through weakness. It addresses reconciliation, the nature of new covenant ministry, generous giving, and the sufficiency of God's grace.
Outline
- Paul's Affliction and Comfort (1–2)
- The Glory of New Covenant Ministry (3–6)
- The Collection for Jerusalem (7–9)
- Paul's Defense of His Apostleship (10–13)
Key Verses
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Christ in 2 Corinthians
Christ as the image of God (4:4); the new creation in Christ; God reconciling the world to himself through Christ (5:19)