The next book after 1 Corinthians in the New Testament is the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, commonly known as 2 Corinthians. It is another letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. Below is the summary of 2 Corinthians chapter by chapter.
This book of 2 Corinthians summary by chapter offers a quick glance through the book in the Bible.
(Read Also: The Book of 1 Corinthians Summary by Chapter)
Table of Contents
The Book of 2 Corinthians Summary by Chapter
This heartwarming letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians is filled with encouragement, admonition, and Paul’s personal reflections on his ministry.
Chapter 1 – Paul’s Thanksgiving and Encouragement
Paul starts this epistle with greetings and a heartfelt thanksgiving to God, who comforts us in our afflictions. He shares with the Corinthians how he and his companions faced hardships in Asia, but were comforted by God.
He also speaks about his change of plans regarding his visit to Corinth, explaining that it was to spare them that he postponed his visit. He affirms his sincerity and the reliability of his message.
Chapter 2 – Reaffirming Love for the Offender
Paul continues by expressing his distress over a previous letter he sent which caused sorrow to the Corinthians. He urges them to forgive and reaffirm their love for a certain individual, probably the offender mentioned in his first letter.
He shares his own relief and joy in knowing that the Corinthians were led to repentance and ends by describing the triumph and sincerity through which he spreads the knowledge of Christ.
Chapter 3 – The Glory of the New Covenant
Paul talks about the New Covenant in Christ, comparing and contrasting it with the Old Covenant. He describes the latter as a ministry of death, engraved on stones, while the New Covenant is the ministry of the Spirit, bringing righteousness and freedom.
He explains that Moses’ face was veiled to keep the Israelites from gazing at the glory that was fading away, but through Christ, the veil is taken away and believers behold the glory of the Lord.
Chapter 4 – Treasure in Jars of Clay
Paul discusses the trials and persecutions faced by the apostles, describing them as jars of clay carrying a treasure. He emphasizes that despite being afflicted, they are not crushed, as the power of God is with them.
He talks about always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested. He encourages the Corinthians not to lose heart, as their momentary afflictions are achieving an eternal glory.
Chapter 5 – The Ministry of Reconciliation
Paul reflects on the earthly body as a tent and the longing for the heavenly dwelling. He talks about living by faith and not by sight, and the aim to please God, as all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
He speaks passionately about the ministry of reconciliation that has been entrusted to him, emphasizing that in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself. He concludes by calling the Corinthians to be ambassadors for Christ.
Chapter 6 – The Marks of an Apostle
Paul continues by exhorting the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain. He presents himself as an apostle of Christ and enumerates the hardships and trials he has endured.
He appeals to the Corinthians to open their hearts and not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for righteousness has no fellowship with lawlessness, and light has no communion with darkness.
Chapter 7 – Joy Over the Church’s Repentance
Paul speaks of the need for holiness and mentions his joy regarding the Corinthians’ response to his previous letter. He was initially regretful for having caused them sorrow but rejoiced seeing their earnest repentance.
He recounts how Titus was also comforted by the Corinthians and rejoiced over their eagerness to clear themselves of wrongdoing. Paul ends the chapter by expressing his joy and encouragement from seeing the Corinthians’ positive response.
Chapter 8 – Encouragement to Give Generously
In this chapter, Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in giving. He shares the example of the Macedonian churches, who despite their poverty, gave generously to the collection for the Jerusalem church.
He sends Titus to them to ensure that they complete their collection, as they had started earlier. He emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and according to one’s means.
Chapter 9 – The Cheerful Giver
Paul continues his discourse on giving, emphasizing that the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, but the one who sows generously will reap generously. He encourages them to give cheerfully, not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
He assures them that God is able to bless them abundantly, enabling them to share generously with others. He concludes by saying that their service not only meets needs but also overflows in expressions of thanksgiving to God.
Chapter 10 – Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
Paul defends his ministry against accusations that he is bold in letters but timid in person. He affirms that he will not be ashamed to be bold when he comes to them if that is what is needed.
He explains that he fights spiritual battles with divine weapons, tearing down strongholds and arguments against the knowledge of God. He concludes by stating that it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Chapter 11 – Paul and the False Apostles
Paul continues his defense by expressing his concern for the Corinthians, as they are being led astray by false apostles. He speaks with irony, calling himself foolish for boasting, but feels the need to do so because of the false apostles.
He talks about his own sufferings and trials for the sake of the gospel, emphasizing his sincerity and commitment to Christ.
Chapter 12 – Paul’s Vision and His Thorn
Paul speaks of an extraordinary vision he had 14 years ago, where he was caught up to the third heaven. He is unsure whether this was in the body or out of the body, but he heard things that cannot be expressed in words.
He also shares about a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan, given to keep him from becoming conceited. He pleaded with the Lord to remove it, but God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul concludes by embracing his weaknesses for the sake of Christ.
Chapter 13 – Final Warnings and Exhortations
In the concluding chapter, Paul warns that he will not spare those who have sinned when he comes to Corinth for the third time. He urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith.
He speaks of praying for their restoration and urges them to strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, and live in peace. He ends the epistle with greetings and a benediction.
(Also Read: The book of Galatians Summary by Chapter)
Conclusion
Thank you for being a part of this summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians chapter by chapter. May the grace, comfort, and wisdom of God’s Word fill your heart as you continue to grow in your faith.
