Second Corinthians Cartoons - The Bible book Second Corinthians was also written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, likely around 55-56 AD. It is a deeply personal and emotional letter. It follows up on issues from 1 Corinthians, defends Paul’s apostolic authority, and encourages the church amid ongoing challenges. The letter reflects a mix of relief, rebuke, and reconciliation after a period of tension between Paul and the Corinthians.

Paul opens with a focus on God’s comfort in affliction (chapter 1), explaining that his own sufferings enable him to comfort others. He references a previous “painful visit” and a severe letter (now lost) that grieved the church, but notes their repentance has restored their relationship (chapters 2-7). He urges forgiveness for a repentant offender and expresses joy at their renewed loyalty, as reported by Titus.

In chapters 3-5, Paul defends his ministry, contrasting the fading glory of the Old Covenant with the surpassing glory of the New Covenant through Christ. He portrays himself and his co-workers as ambassadors of reconciliation, transparent in their hardships—poverty, persecution, and weakness—to show God’s power at work. This section includes the famous assurance, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7), and a call to be reconciled to God.

Chapters 6-7 emphasize holiness and separation from idolatry, while Paul reaffirms his affection for the Corinthians, celebrating their response to his earlier correction. Chapters 8-9 shift to practical matters, urging the church to complete a collection for the poor in Jerusalem. Paul praises their generosity and frames it as an act of grace, encouraging cheerful giving.

The tone changes in chapters 10-13, where Paul confronts ongoing opposition from false “super-apostles” who question his authority. He defends his credentials—not with worldly boasting, but by highlighting his sufferings for Christ (e.g., beatings, shipwrecks, hardships) and a mysterious “thorn in the flesh” that keeps him humble (12:7-10). He asserts that his weakness reveals God’s strength, famously stating, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (12:10). Paul warns he will deal sternly with unrepentant sinners during an upcoming visit.

The letter ends with a call to self-examination, a prayer for their restoration, and a benediction invoking grace, love, and fellowship (13:11-14).

In summary, 2 Corinthians is a heartfelt defense of Paul’s ministry and a plea for unity, generosity, and faithfulness. It showcases his vulnerability, celebrates reconciliation, and contrasts human weakness with divine power, urging the church to stand firm in the gospel despite internal and external challenges.