It is widely thought that 2 Corinthians was written around 55 or 56 CE, while Paul was still in Ephesus and/or in Macedonia while on his third missionary journey (Acts 18:23-21:17). Because of the rough transitions between issues, some scholars believe that this letter is actually a combination of two or more letters written by Paul to the Corinthians that were edited and pieced together over the centuries, but there is no physical evidence to support this theory.
We quickly learn in this second letter to the Corinthians that Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians worsened after his first letter, as he immediately begins by explaining and justifying his actions. In 2 Corinthians, we move from the problem being the Corinthians’ living habits to the problem being Paul himself. Paul’s integrity, legitimacy, and style as an apostle are challenged. The apparent question that he is responding to is “By what right does he do his ministry?”
In the first nine chapters of this letter, Paul’s tone is very conciliatory. In Chapters 1 and 2, he presents his autobiographical information, and then, beginning in Chapter 3, he offers a defense of his ministry. As he brings this letter to a close, his tone changes and he vigorously defends himself against the apparent slanderous and vicious charges that apparently have been levied against him by other missionaries that have followed him in Corinth.
Paul fights passionately to defend the integrity of his gospel and his ministry. He is fighting for his life’s work, so he explains how he believes one can identify a true apostle. There are already criteria for teachers and philosophers, and some want to appeal to these cultural values for apostles, but Paul, in the end, says this is not how one should decide. He says there is one criterion that should be used, and that is a true apostle is one whose life embodies the gospel and is shaped by the cross and resurrection.
The question is what happened in the community between the first letter and the second letter that caused the community to turn on Paul? In 11:4, Paul speaks about others who had come to Corinth claiming “another Jesus.” Paul called these others “super-apostles.” Paul insists that there is only one true Gospel, and if anyone tires to tell us that there is an easier way and that it is easy to be a disciple, then their message is false (11:13).
In addition to these “super-apostles,” Paul speaks of the Jewish Christians who came and tried to tell the new Christians that there was a difference between those who were Jewish followers and the new Gentile followers. Once again, Paul says, No (11:22-23).
Paul ends this letter by offering the signs of a true apostle (12:11-12) and proof that Christ is speaking in him (13:3). As you read this letter, it will become obvious that Paul desperately wants to re-establish a good relationship with the Corinthians, and he defends himself on God’s grace, not his own merits.
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