Occasion and Purpose.—Paul was quite anxious about the reception of his first letter by the Corinthian church. Not long after its dispatch he sent Titus (2 Cor. 2:13) to see how it was received and to note whether the strife of parties had ceased, the incestuous person had been dealt with, and other matters properly adjusted. While Titus was absent on this mission Paul left Ephesus on account of the riot made by Demetrius and his fellows (Acts 19:23-41; 20:1) and went over into Macedonia (Acts 20:1). On the way, at Troas, he expected to meet Titus and was greatly disappointed in not seeing him (2 Cor. 2:12-13). It is evident that he met Titus in Macedonia and received from him the report of the condition of the Corinthian church and the manner in which his first letter had been received and acted upon (2 Cor. 7:5-16). Again it is evident, from the Epistle, that Titus brought back the encouraging news to the Apostle that the incestuous person had been dealt with and had repented, and that, as a whole, the church stood loyally by him, but still there were some who were making trouble. It was this report that was the occasion of the Second Epistle. Prof. G. B. Stevens says in regard to this letter, It reflects the mingled joy and grief of the Apostle. The earlier chapters are predominately cheerful and commendatory, the latter mainly sorrowful and severe. In the light of these facts the letter may be described as threefold: First, to encourage and instruct the church (1-7). Second, to induce the Corinthians to make a collection for the poor Judean churches (8-9). Third, to defend the writer's apostolic authority against the calumnies of his enemies (10-13).
Place and Time.—There are a number of references by the Apostle which show that this Epistle was written in Macedonia (1:15, 16; 2:12, 13; 8:1; 9:2) and shortly after Paul came out of Asia (1:8, compare Acts 20:1, 2). The time probably 57 A.D., the same year in which the First Epistle was written.
Principal Divisions and Chief Points.
1. Salutation (1:1, 2)
2. Paul's principles and ways of working (1:3-7:16). In these chapters the Apostle endeavors to remove any feeling of bitterness which may have been produced in the Corinthian church by his dealing with a certain evil in the previous Epistle. He also vindicates his spiritual ministry. He declares his love for the church and its spiritual advancement. He also declares that he has put off his visit to Corinth that he might not come in sorrow. He rejoices in the good news brought by Titus. While he is weak in body, the power is of God and the ministry is a communication of the Spirit. He asserts that he is sustained by the hope of the future life. He earnestly exhorts the church to receive and live the gospel which he preached to them, for separation from the world and unity with God. In chapter seven he rejoices that they have received his words so well.
3. The collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (8-9). Paul here speaks of the liberality of the Macedonian churches and the work of Titus who is sent to forward the contributions.
4. Paul's vindication of his authority as an apostle (10:1-13:10). He has been attacked in his person, character, and teaching by parties in the Corinthian church who would overthrow his authority and ruin the church. These four chapters are a magnificent setting forth of his apostolic claims. (a) His power and glory are not in his bodily presence or his letters but in the spiritual might of God. (b) His preaching is the pure gospel of Christ. In bodily labor, trials, and persecutions he has excelled them all (ch. 11). (c) He has the highest qualifications (in visions and revelations) but he will glory only in his infirmities. His object is not to boast but to put an end to the disorders in the church. (d) The Apostle declares his intention to visit the church. By the power of Christ he will not spare the evil. His desire is only for righteousness.
5. Farewell greetings and messages (13:11-14).
THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS
The Church at Rome.—When and by whom this church was founded it is not known. It is thought that the "strangers of Rome" (Acts 2:10), who were present at the day of Pentecost when the great manifestation of the Holy Spirit took place, carried back the good news and that this was the beginning of the church. It was composed of both Jews and Gentiles for Paul addresses both classes (Rom. 1:13; 9:24; 11:13; 2:17; 4:1; 9:13; 7:1; 9:1-5). This church seems to have made rapid progress (1:8). Paul was evidently acquainted with some of the Roman Christians (16:3-15).