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Bible #47
2 Corinthians
In this second correspondence with the Corinthian church, Paul defends his apostleship against the false 0r “super” apostles who have infiltrated the church. Paul’s apostleship (unlike that of the false apostles) is characterized by God’s power and not persuasive words; by boasting in his weakness so that God and not man would be glorified and by suffering on behalf of the gospel. In a separate section of his letter, Paul asks the Corinthians for a generous offering to help those who are experiencing hardship in Jerusalem.
13 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 58
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* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 21, 2025
Another wonderful epistle by the greatest missionary ever, the Apostle Paul.
November 29, 2025
I feel that 2 Corinthians is seldom read or through of except for well-known verses such as “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” and “he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” Actually, it’s quite a deep, loving letter by Paul to a church that was evidently dealing with certain issues. Paul’s discussion on helping other churches, rebuking yet forgiving church members who act wrongly, glorifying in God despite all the struggles we face, and remembering how we are supposed to live—it’s all a conglomeration of useful, helpful teachings all Christians and Churches ought to ponder over.
March 8, 2018
Grace, comfort, instruction, hope. They're all found in this book. I also discovered encouragement right when I needed it. I love when God's Word comes alive to me as I'm reading, and that happened this time... just as it has in prior readings.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
June 15, 2024
“Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.”
II Corinthians 3:3 NKJV
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM .”
II Corinthians 3:17
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—”
II Corinthians 4:8-9
“while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
II Corinthians 4:18
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
II Corinthians 5:17
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
II Corinthians 9:7
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
II Corinthians 12:9
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
II Corinthians 12:10
II Corinthians 3:3 NKJV
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM .”
II Corinthians 3:17
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—”
II Corinthians 4:8-9
“while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
II Corinthians 4:18
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
II Corinthians 5:17
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
II Corinthians 9:7
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
II Corinthians 12:9
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
II Corinthians 12:10
August 16, 2020
In about 56 or 57 AD, Paul writes to the Corinthians again. Second Corinthians is Paul's most personal letter--or letters. Second Corinthians is personal because Paul between the writing of First Corinthians and Second Corinthians had experienced a painful, humiliating visit to Corinth. Soon after that, other Christians, critical of Paul, came to Corinth and created doubts about his credentials as an apostle. Paul is clear that the messengers of the gospel do not proclaim themselves, yet their lives are inseparable from their message. (Wesley Study Bible)
February 19, 2016
Good of course! This was an encouraging read!
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
November 16, 2019
Loved doing this with my Bible Study group!! It was very enlightening seeing it from other people's perspectives.... :)
December 25, 2022
2 Corinthians contributes greatly to our understanding of ministry and teaches us many key truths about it. Paul reveals so much of his heart in this letter to the Corinthian church, and you can just see how passionate he was. He writes the most about ministry, asserting that genuine ministry is commissioned by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. However, the letter also has his instruction on other topics, including an extensive teaching on stewardship and sacrificial giving (Ch. 8–9).
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
– 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
April 19, 2022
2022:
Read by myself again. This book gives a deeply personal look at Paul and his heart concerning the church. Lots of food for thought, as always. I still found this time that while I've been very familiar with selected verses from it, I haven't seen them as part of a whole very well, because the book as a whole isn't something I've had a great feel for. I hope I've remedied that to some degree and will retain at least some of it after this time through.
2015:
I read NKJV, not ESV, but couldn't find NKJV listed w/2 Corinthians alone. Also, the author is not anonymous, but is God through the apostle Paul.
This was really good for me to read right now, especially the first half or so. I guess I tend to neglect this book. It was good to dwell on it a while, meditate about some of the themes, grow more familiar with it.
Read by myself again. This book gives a deeply personal look at Paul and his heart concerning the church. Lots of food for thought, as always. I still found this time that while I've been very familiar with selected verses from it, I haven't seen them as part of a whole very well, because the book as a whole isn't something I've had a great feel for. I hope I've remedied that to some degree and will retain at least some of it after this time through.
2015:
I read NKJV, not ESV, but couldn't find NKJV listed w/2 Corinthians alone. Also, the author is not anonymous, but is God through the apostle Paul.
This was really good for me to read right now, especially the first half or so. I guess I tend to neglect this book. It was good to dwell on it a while, meditate about some of the themes, grow more familiar with it.
November 26, 2023
This is part of a series where I am reading the Bible in chronological order. I am not doing this for reasons of faith, as I am agnostic, but because of my interest in mythology, ancient literature, and history. I chose the NRSV because I used to be Catholic and still have sympathies there. More importantly, this version seeks a balance between an accurate translation and the literary qualities of the King James Bible. So it seems you get the best of two worlds.
An important book in the development of Christianity, with Paul taking up the mantle of church leader in many ways (he asserts that Christ speaks through him) and Jesus becoming less of a human figure. I did not find the words as powerful as other parts of the New Testament, but a little better than First Corinthians although not enough to earn four stars.
An important book in the development of Christianity, with Paul taking up the mantle of church leader in many ways (he asserts that Christ speaks through him) and Jesus becoming less of a human figure. I did not find the words as powerful as other parts of the New Testament, but a little better than First Corinthians although not enough to earn four stars.
November 12, 2025
Paul follows up a very corrective letter to the Corinthians with a less corrective, but more encouraging one.
He urges them to reconcile with the member whom they excommunicated and encourage him back into the church, since he repented.
He praised them for their zealous repentance.
He encouraged them with more about the resurrection in chapter 5.
If you liked 1 Corinthians, you'll love 2 Corinthians.
He urges them to reconcile with the member whom they excommunicated and encourage him back into the church, since he repented.
He praised them for their zealous repentance.
He encouraged them with more about the resurrection in chapter 5.
If you liked 1 Corinthians, you'll love 2 Corinthians.
August 17, 2021
II Corinthians 12:9-10, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
I need to remember this passage and hide it in my heart!
I need to remember this passage and hide it in my heart!
October 19, 2019
Paul's follow-up letter to the Corinthians. Apparently they were a little upset after he reprimanded them in his first one.
December 5, 2025
Wonderful reading!
December 14, 2025
The second epistle of the Corinthian by St. Paul is one of the most important epistles in the New Testament. At the beginning of the epistle he declared his intention and goal for his services to Christians and how he’s dedicated to serve all of the Christians because so many false preachers and false prophets claimed that St. Paul has no authority and competence as Jesus Christ’s prophet. So he confessed that his only goal was gave the glory to our Heavenly Father and our almighty lord’s name, therefore he didn’t want to prove himself for any kinda power, rank and post but he only wanted to give the glory and splendid to highest authority in the universe. He also justified and explained his true intention and goal for not travelling to Corinth for the second time. Because he wrote an epistle that condemned the church for not following St. Paul’s advices and orders and he didn’t want to visit the Corinthian church in that wrong and disorganised position that the Corinthian church was involved with, so St. Paul explained that’s why he didn’t visit the church because he didn’t wanted to condemn them in such a rough and wrathful manner. He didn’t want to upset them by his words and angry advices. So St. Paul tried to defend his own service by explaining his experiences and how he suffered throughout his journey to serve Jesus Christ as his almighty lord. Then he advices the church to treat Christians who made a mistake or sin, well, because if the priests treated them wrong they could’ve left church for ever and St. Paul advices them that they shouldn’t let them leave the church forever and also they shouldn’t let them visit the church if they committed a huge sin, so they should treat them well and carefully because if they overreact in both of those situations(letting them visit the church or ban them to visit the church), it can rather hurt the person or the church, so the priests should be careful. Then St. Paul advised them to seperate themselves from bad people and also the believers who don’t accept our advices because they can pollute us as well by their stubbornness. He ordered the sinful people to made peace with God and confess their sins to God and priests. They also advised Christians to sustain their purity and faith and also bear the problems and tough situation that the world brought to Christians, so Christians should stay strong and faithful against the sinful world and also the enemies of Christianity. St. Paul thanked the Corinthian Christians who helped him to encourage other Christians to give financial gifts to other churches, especially to the church of Jerusalem. That’s one of the first original traditions that St. Paul established by the help of Corinthians because their gifts encouraged other churches to help as well. Then St. Paul defends himself against the false prophets who claimed that St. Paul has no authority because they accused him that he only show his authority in the epistles and he can’t show his authority personally and presently to the Christians by his own acts and preachings. But St. Paul explained that he didn’t want to upset them because he cares about the Christian live more than anything else and he declared that hurting our divine family is a huge sin. Then he defended himself by informing them about his services and how he didn’t ask them anything and how he worked for living and didn’t ask them money and also how he suffered form a pain in his body. At the end he warned them about the dangers in their spiritual life and how they should aware of false prophets. Thank God for Jesus Christ. Thank Our Heavenly Father For His Divine Plan and Thank Jesus Christ For Performing The God’s Plan. Thank Jesus Christ’s Prophets For Serving Our Almighty Lord, Jesus Christ. God Bless Y’All and God Bless All the Members of Our Divine Family. Amen
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 4, 2025i listen to these books through a podcast. here is my favorite quote from this book: "paul is such a big figure but seems like such a small man."
November 24, 2021
2 Corinthians encourages believers to embrace and follow the way of Jesus that transforms lives and values generosity, humility, and weakness.
January 28, 2021
1/27/21 Update: If I remember nothing else about the TPT translation of 2 Corinthians, I'll remember the footnote on 2 Corinthians 11:33 for being the first Biblical footnote I've ever come across that features a pun:
"This was a large, braided wicker basket. Humiliated by this ordeal, one could say that Paul was a 'basket case.'"
(Referring to Paul being lowered down the walls of Damascus by basket to escape)
HA!
5/12/20 Review: Reading 1 and 2 Corinthians back-to-back in quick succession is a revealing exercise.
Paul certainly had a mixed relationship with this church. The first letter has a stark tone to it, and it's clear the church is struggling with some deep-rooted issues.
In the sequel, some of those issues have been resolved--or are on their way to being resolved--but then it sounds like they've picked up some new problems too . . . one of the more obvious being the "super apostles" (as Paul sarcastically calls them) who were bad-mouthing Paul, puffing their own ministries up, and apparently CHARGING people for their "services."
It makes about as much sense as an expert plumber coming along and fixing your toilet for free, and then another plumber comes along, charges you $2,000, and slams the first guy for being a loser since he didn't charge you (even though you received better service from the first guy).
Go figure. But I guess that's human nature.
"This was a large, braided wicker basket. Humiliated by this ordeal, one could say that Paul was a 'basket case.'"
(Referring to Paul being lowered down the walls of Damascus by basket to escape)
HA!
5/12/20 Review: Reading 1 and 2 Corinthians back-to-back in quick succession is a revealing exercise.
Paul certainly had a mixed relationship with this church. The first letter has a stark tone to it, and it's clear the church is struggling with some deep-rooted issues.
In the sequel, some of those issues have been resolved--or are on their way to being resolved--but then it sounds like they've picked up some new problems too . . . one of the more obvious being the "super apostles" (as Paul sarcastically calls them) who were bad-mouthing Paul, puffing their own ministries up, and apparently CHARGING people for their "services."
It makes about as much sense as an expert plumber coming along and fixing your toilet for free, and then another plumber comes along, charges you $2,000, and slams the first guy for being a loser since he didn't charge you (even though you received better service from the first guy).
Go figure. But I guess that's human nature.
March 9, 2017
p. 2025. These consideration have convinced many scholars that 2 Corinthians is a composite of different letters, eve it their precise extent and relative chronology are uncertain.
p. 2029. 4:4. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is in the image of God.
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4...
p. 2033. 8:8. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others.
p. 2038. 12:14. . . . . for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have--I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4...
There are seven undisputed Pauline Epistles: Romans; 1 & 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; 1 Thessalonians; and Philemon. -- From "The History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon," by Bart D. Ehrman.
p. 2029. 4:4. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is in the image of God.
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4...
p. 2033. 8:8. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others.
p. 2038. 12:14. . . . . for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have--I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4...
There are seven undisputed Pauline Epistles: Romans; 1 & 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; 1 Thessalonians; and Philemon. -- From "The History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon," by Bart D. Ehrman.
September 24, 2021
The book of 2 Corinthians is the forty-seventh book of the Bible and the eighth book of the New Testament. The author of this book is agreed to be the apostle Paul. This is the fourth letter Paul wrote to this church, but it is the second letter to the Corinthians to be preserved and put in the New Testament.
There is so much about Paul’s personal life in this letter, more than in any other book. Paul also talks about generous giving in this letter, focusing on giving cheerfully, keeping promises, and giving no matter nationality and race. Overall, Paul encourages the church to remain united in spite of quarrels and divisions.
Paul discusses his life in this letter, and it is a good example of the difficulties and persecutions that Christians should expect in our service to God. And his call to unity is something that we could use in today’s divided culture. And forgiveness is something we could use more of, for our friends, family, and leaders.
There is so much about Paul’s personal life in this letter, more than in any other book. Paul also talks about generous giving in this letter, focusing on giving cheerfully, keeping promises, and giving no matter nationality and race. Overall, Paul encourages the church to remain united in spite of quarrels and divisions.
Paul discusses his life in this letter, and it is a good example of the difficulties and persecutions that Christians should expect in our service to God. And his call to unity is something that we could use in today’s divided culture. And forgiveness is something we could use more of, for our friends, family, and leaders.
September 17, 2020
Sidenote: The reason for such vague and short and "eh" words on each of these books, is because I wasn't challenging the study of the Bible when I read these. I was challenging myself to read the whole Bible in a year because I knew it would be discipline to keep at it daily. I do, however, plan to pick up a book and study what it is saying. Those will be longer reads and more notes.
So here is my review from my "Read the Bible in a Year" challenge. Usually just snippets of thoughts and random things I liked about the book itself. Nothing in-depth.
So here is my review of 2 Corinthians!
Another letter and another one to help evaluate my life and soak in the greatest of God.
So here is my review from my "Read the Bible in a Year" challenge. Usually just snippets of thoughts and random things I liked about the book itself. Nothing in-depth.
So here is my review of 2 Corinthians!
Another letter and another one to help evaluate my life and soak in the greatest of God.
October 28, 2019
I found this work of immense interest and importance.
The compilation of historical accounts, wisdom & proverbial insights, and thought provoking texts, along with descriptive and informative footnotes, are of great value.
Explanations, including varying scholarly views depicting the material related in this book, are available for each of the 66 individual books of the Bible.
This book is but one of the individual 66 books/letters which were written by forty different authors over at least 1500 years in three different languages on three different continents, which comprise the Bible.
Read for life-related reasons and personal research.
Overall, a great resource for the researcher, enthusiast, and devotee.
The compilation of historical accounts, wisdom & proverbial insights, and thought provoking texts, along with descriptive and informative footnotes, are of great value.
Explanations, including varying scholarly views depicting the material related in this book, are available for each of the 66 individual books of the Bible.
This book is but one of the individual 66 books/letters which were written by forty different authors over at least 1500 years in three different languages on three different continents, which comprise the Bible.
Read for life-related reasons and personal research.
Overall, a great resource for the researcher, enthusiast, and devotee.
July 2, 2020
I’m working on Reading the Bible through in a year and today I finished reading 2 Corinthians. This seems to not necessarily be the 2nd time Paul had visited the Corinthian church, because there is some level of rejection from the Corinthians towards Paul. Paul shares that his suffering is as Christ suffered and he forgives the Corinthian church for rejecting him but also challenges those who are false teachers. Altogether this is a great book of the restoration and grace if God and how that should be displayed!
December 10, 2020
A year or two after his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes his second one. It's shorter and of a different character. Paul doesn't have to sternly correct the Corinthians; he praises them for their repentance and urges that the excommunicated man be welcomed back.
Paul provides instruction about the resurrection and the second coming and defends his apostolic authority against false apostles. Paul intends to visit them for the third time, but his arrest in Jerusalem prevents that.
Paul provides instruction about the resurrection and the second coming and defends his apostolic authority against false apostles. Paul intends to visit them for the third time, but his arrest in Jerusalem prevents that.
December 22, 2020
MY BIBLE CHALLENGE:
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
January 30, 2021
I cannot say enough about how much I enjoy these individual book journals of the Holy Scriptures. The size motivates me to finish the book. The journaling pages allow me to respond and write out what I am processing, learning, and praying for. Sometimes, I even read along as I allow the Bible App to read for me. Love it!
February 4, 2021
Paul was not playing when he wrote 2 Corinthians. Paul loved these people so much that he was able to be hard with them.
Tough Love in its purest form.
I absolutely loved this book, it's personally spoken to me. Which always feels amazing.😉
Also, exciting announcement, I have officially read the entire New Testament!😊Woohoo!
#goals
Anyway, I highly recommend 2 Corinthians and God Bless!
Tough Love in its purest form.
I absolutely loved this book, it's personally spoken to me. Which always feels amazing.😉
Also, exciting announcement, I have officially read the entire New Testament!😊Woohoo!
#goals
Anyway, I highly recommend 2 Corinthians and God Bless!
August 16, 2015
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved.
BLESS THE NAME OF JESUS!
BLESS THE NAME OF JESUS!
July 16, 2018
The reading of God's Word is so remarkable that there is nothing that I can say to make it any better. Please, if you are a lost soul, turn to God! He can heal you and give you the greatest peace that you will ever know!
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