2 Corinthians: An Apostle's Emotional Appeal

I don't know how you picture Paul the apostle, but if you think he was a detached, aloof leader who didn't let the cracks show, 2 Corinthians will shatter that illusion.

Second Corinthians is the most personal and emotional of all Paul's letters. A group of self-styled authoritarian leaders had come into the church at Corinth and were talking bad about Paul, trying to undermine his authority and divide the church. So Paul wrote this letter in part to establish and defend his own authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

But Paul also opened his heart and shared with deep emotion and love how he wrestled for the souls of the people there at Corinth. The keyword of 2 Corinthians is comfort, also translated encourage, walk alongside, or exhort. Paul encouraged the Corinthian church in their walk with the Lord, urging them to open their hearts to him and his apostleship.

What a blessed church Corinth was to receive such affection from such a leader.

Think it Through

What are some of the reasons the Lord allows us to suffer, according to 2 Corinthians 1:3-7?

Second Corinthians 5:21 is the clearest declaration of substitutionary atonement in Scripture. What is substitutionary atonement (see Isaiah 53:5)? How does it relate to you?

Read 2 Corinthians 11:30 and 12:1-10. Why did Paul boast in his infirmities? What weaknesses can you boast in? Why?

A Word of Encouragement

Paul suffered externally from the world who persecuted him, and he suffered internally from Christians who misjudged his motivation. Yet he could still bless the Lord and continue in the work God had for him. That's because Paul was a mature Christian: he knew he was in God's will on earth and would one day be with the Lord in heaven.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for such an openly honest letter from Paul the apostle. I pray that You would protect the spiritual leaders in my life—my pastors, small group leaders, and mentors—and give them the boldness to speak Your truth in love, without fear. Help me also to grow in maturity and learn to suffer well.

Land and Explore

If you want to learn more about Paul's most personal letter, we'd like to offer you a free series from Pastor Skip on 2 Corinthians.