2 Corinthians - Books of the Bible Laminated Outlines

The Outline of 2 Corinthians

This chart outlines the main characteristics of the
Apostle Paul’s Second Letter to the church of Corinth.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: That the man of
God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Introduction, 1:1—7
A.                Formal opening, 1:1–2
B.                Thanksgiving, 1:3–7

I.        Explanation of events: clarification of misunderstanding, 1:8—2:13
A.                The Trouble in Asia, 1:8–11
B.                Dealings with the Corinthians, 1:12–2:13
             1.        Paul’s clear conscience about his ministry at Corinth (1:12–13)
             2.        Defense of his change of plans (1:15–2:2)
             3.        The severe letter (2:3–4)
             4.        Paul’s anxious search for Titus (2:12–13)

II.        The character of Christian ministry, 2:14—7:1
A.                The glory of the ministry, 2:14–4:4
             1.        The triumph of the gospel (2:14–16a)
             2.        The living attestation of the minister of the gospel (2:16b–3:5)
             3.        The superiority of the new covenant ministry (3:6–18)
             4.        The confident openness of the gospel ministry (4:1–6)
B.                The frailty of the minister, 4:7–5:8
             1.        The minister as an earthen vessel (4:7)
             2.        The mingling of death and life in experience (4:8–15)
             3.        The daily renewal of the inner man (4:16–18)
             4.        The expectation of a new body (5:1–8)
C.        The responsibilities of the minister, 5:9–7:1
             1.        In light of the judgement seat, to please the Lord (5:9–10)
             2.        In light of the fear of God, to persuade men (5:11–13)
             3.        In light of Christ’s love, to minister reconciliation (5:14-21)
             4.        As God’s co-worker, to plead with the Corinthians (6:1–7:1)

III.        Explanation resumed: the joy of reconciliation, 7:2—16

IV.        The collection for Jerusalem, 8:1—9:15
A.        The example of the Macedonians (8:1–6)
B.        Reasons for a generous response (8:7–15)
C.        The mission of Titus in this matter (8:16–9:5)
D.        More reasons for generous giving (9:6–15)

V        .        Paul’s defense and warning, 10:1—13:10
A.                Paul’s response to his critics, 10:1–18
             1.        Concerning his boldness and weakness (vv. 1–11)
B.                The question of apostleship, 11:1–2:13
             1.        Paul versus the false apostles (11:1–21a–12:13)
             2.        Evidences of Paul’s apostleship (11:21b–12:13)
C.        Admonition in light of Paul’s impending visit, (12:14–13:10)
             1.        Paul’s self sacrificing spirit toward the Corinthians (12:14–19)
             2.        Fears about the visit (12:20–21)
             3.        A warning about discipline (13:1–6)
             4.        A prayerful desire (13:7–10)

Conclusion, 13:11–14

The theme of 2 Corinthians

Like most of Paul’s letters, this one is not organized around a single theme. Even so, it is helpful to note that
one very important theme is the ministry. Paul’s trials with the Corinthians evidently made him think deeply
about the nature of the ministry: its victories and defeats, its motives and appeals. Especially does the
section from 2:14–6:18 deal with this.

The Events that led to the writing of 2 Corinthians

When Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (16:3–9), he planned to stay longer at Ephesus, then go through Macedonia to
Corinth in Achaia and perhaps spend the winter there, and finally journey on to Jerusalem with the collection.
After Paul sent 1 Corinthians he must have got word that the
situation there was worse rather than better. He concluded that it needed further attention. Therefore Paul
changed his previously announced plan. He decided to go directly to Corinth, expecting afterward to visit
Macedonia (the reverse of his original plan) and then return to Corinth,
(2 Cor. 1:15–16).

Paul’s purposes in writing 2 Corinthians

This letter is forged in the heat of trying circumstances, has been called the greatest preacher's book ever
written. From the furnace comes gold. Paul was forced to think deeply about his ministry and writes about the
perspective gained from the trails and the soul-searching. In many ways 2 Corinthians is the most personal of
all his letters; it is sometimes painfully so.