2 Corinthians

Definition and Meaning

Second Corinthians is the eighth book of the New Testament, a letter that Paul, together with Timothy, sent to the church in Corinth, Greece, and to the saints throughout the province of Achaia (2 Corinthians 1:1). It has thirteen chapters and belongs to the Pauline epistles. In this letter Paul defends the office he received as an apostle, and in doing so he is known to reveal more of his sufferings and emotions than in any other of his letters.

Biblical and Historical Background

After Paul sent 1 Corinthians, conflict arose between him and the Corinthian church. Paul states that around that time he wrote a letter "with many tears" (2 Corinthians 2:4). Many scholars hold that he later met Titus in Macedonia, heard that the church had repented, and then wrote this letter (2 Corinthians 7:5-7). It is thought to date from roughly the mid-50s A.D. Chapters 10–13 differ markedly in tone from the earlier chapters, so scholars are divided between the view that the work was a single letter from the outset and the view that several letters were later combined into one.

Its main contents are as follows:

• The ministers of the new covenant and the ministry of reconciliation (chapters 3–5): the treasure "in earthen vessels" (4:7) and "a new creature" (5:17)
• The collection to aid the saints in Jerusalem (chapters 8–9): "a cheerful giver" (9:7)
• The defense of Paul's apostleship against false apostles, and the "thorn in the flesh" (chapters 10–13): "My grace is sufficient for thee" (12:9)

Practice in the Korean Church

In the New Korean Revised Version, 2 Corinthians 13:13 corresponds to the KJV's "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all." In many English Bibles, including the KJV, the same verse is numbered 13:14. The benediction pronounced at the close of worship in Korean churches is in most cases based on this verse. In most denominations the benediction is given by a pastor; when no pastor is present, the service is often closed with the Lord's Prayer. Whether the benediction ends with "be with you" (isseuljieoda) or with "I pray and bless you" (chugwonhaomnaida) varies by denomination and minister.

Chapters 8–9 are frequently used in sermons on offerings and relief for the needy. Verse 5:17 is often cited at baptisms, when welcoming new believers, and at New Year's Eve watch-night services, while 12:9 is widely memorized as a verse of comfort in times of suffering.