2. The commendation of the ministry (3:1–6)
who will raise believers as well (1:9). Jesus Christ is the One who suffered (1:5), who fulfilled God's promises (1:20), who was the proclaimed Lord (4:5), who manifested God's glory (4:6), and the One who in his incarnation became poor for believers (8:9; cf. Phil. 2:5–8). The letter portrays the Holy Spirit as God (2 Cor. 3:17–18) and the guarantee of believers' salvation (1:22; 5:5). Satan is identified as the "god of this world" (4:4; cf. 1 John 5:19), a deceiver (2 Cor. 11:14), and the leader of human and angelic deceivers (11:15). The end times include both the believer's glorification (4:16–5:8) and his judgment (5:10). The glorious truth of God's sovereignty in salvation is the theme of 5:14–21, while 7:9–10 sets forth man's response to God's offer of salvation—genuine repentance. Second Corinthians also presents the clearest, most concise summary of the substitutionary atonement of Christ to be found anywhere in Scripture (5:21; cf. Isa. 53) and defines the mission of the church to proclaim reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18–20). Finally, the nature of the New Covenant receives its fullest exposition outside the book of Hebrews (3:6–16).
Interpretive Challenges
The main challenge confronting the interpreter is the relationship of chs. 10–13 to chs. 1–9 (see note on 10:1–13:14). The identity of Paul's opponents at Corinth has produced various interpretations, as has the identity of the brother who accompanied Titus to Corinth (8:18, 22). Whether the offender mentioned in 2:5–8 is the incestuous man of 1 Cor. 5 is also uncertain. It is difficult to explain Paul's vision (2 Cor. 12:1–5) and to identify specifically his "thorn in the flesh," the "messenger of Satan [sent] to harass [him]" (12:7). These and other interpretive problems will be dealt with in the notes on the appropriate passages.
Outline
I. Paul's Greeting (1:1–11) II. Paul's Ministry (1:12–7:16)
A. Paul's Plans (1:12–2:4)
B. The Offender's Punishment (2:5–11) C. Titus's Absence (2:12–13) D. The Ministry's Nature (2:14–6:10)
1. The triumph of the ministry (2:14–17) 2. The commendation of the ministry (3:1–6)