Lesson 1 — The Story Behind 2 Corinthians: Grace in the Midst of Struggle
Primary Texts: Acts 18:1–18; 1 Corinthians 1:1–9; 2 Corinthians 1:1–11
Theme: The God of All Comfort
Time: ~45 minutes
I. Introduction: Paul’s Most Personal Letter
Before diving into the text, help your group feel Paul’s humanity.
2 Corinthians is not a detached theological essay — it’s a window into the apostle’s heart.
He writes this letter after years of tension, tears, and reconciliation. If Romans is Paul’s mind, 2 Corinthians is his soul.
Opening Thought:
“Sometimes, the greatest revelations of God’s grace come not when everything is working, but when everything is breaking.”
That’s the world of 2 Corinthians — light shining through cracked vessels.
Discussion Prompt:
Can you think of a time God’s comfort or grace became most evident in a season of brokenness?
II. The City of Corinth: Setting the Story
1. Rebuilt and Prosperous
• Destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC, rebuilt in 44 BC by Julius Caesar as Colonia Laus Julia Corinthiensis.
• By Paul’s day, Corinth was a thriving commercial hub, strategically located on the Isthmus, with ports on both the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
2. Cosmopolitan and Corrupt
• Corinth was home to Romans, Greeks, Jews, and freed slaves — a melting pot of wealth, luxury, and vice.
• “To Corinthianize” meant to live indulgently.
3. Religious Diversity
• Temples and shrines to Apollo, Poseidon, Isis, and others.
• A Jewish community with a synagogue where Paul reasoned every Sabbath (Acts 18:4).
• Corinth was a competitive spiritual marketplace, making the gospel’s claim, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” radical and countercultural.
III. Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthian Church
1. Paul’s First Visit — Founding the Church (Acts 18:1–18)
• Paul arrived ~A.D. 50–52, met Aquila and Priscilla, stayed in the synagogue, then Titius Justus’ house.
• Crispus and many others believed.
• The Lord encouraged Paul: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you.” (Acts 18:9–10)
• Paul stayed 18 months — one of his longest early ministries.
2. Paul’s Subsequent Contact
a. Lost “Previous Letter”
• 1 Corinthians 5:9 refers to an earlier letter warning them against immorality — lost to history.
b. 1 Corinthians (~A.D. 54–55, from Ephesus)
• Addresses division, immorality, lawsuits, spiritual gifts, and love.
c. The “Painful Visit” (2 Corinthians 2:1)
• Paul visited again but was opposed publicly, leaving in sorrow.
d. The “Severe Letter” (2 Corinthians 2:4; 7:8–9)
• Written in anguish and tears to call for repentance — also lost but effective.
e. 2 Corinthians (~A.D. 55–56, from Macedonia)
• Written after Titus reports good response, to:
• Express gratitude for their repentance (chs. 1–7)
• Encourage completion of the Jerusalem offering (chs. 8–9)
• Defend his apostleship (chs. 10–13)
Discussion Prompt:
How does Paul’s pattern of ministry — letters, visits, encouragement, correction — show pastoral care amid conflict?
IV. Purpose and Themes of 2 Corinthians
1. To Reconcile and Reaffirm His Ministry
• Thanksgiving for God’s comfort in affliction (1:3–7).
• Emotional tone defending motives, calling, and suffering.
2. To Teach the Power of Weakness
• Heart of the letter: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (12:9)
3. To Renew Confidence in God’s Glory
• Contrasts fading glory of old covenant with surpassing glory of the new (ch. 3).
• Spirit as evidence of new creation (ch. 5).
• Church called to be ambassadors of reconciliation.
Reflection Question:
How does God’s power in weakness challenge your understanding of strength in ministry or daily life?
V. Outline of 2 Corinthians
I. Comfort in Affliction — 1:1–7:16 — Paul’s ministry of reconciliation and defense of his sincerity
II. Generosity in Giving — 8:1–9:15 — The grace of giving and partnership in ministry
III. Power in Weakness — 10:1–13:14 — Defense against “super-apostles” and final appeals
VI. Theological Highlights
1. God of All Comfort (1:3–7) — suffering trains us to comfort others; God’s comfort overflows through His people.
2. New Covenant of the Spirit (3:6–18) — Spirit gives life and transforms believers.
3. Treasure in Earthen Vessels (4:7–18) — divine power shines through human weakness.
4. Reconciliation and New Creation (5:17–21) — gospel transforms enemies into ambassadors.
5. Power Perfected in Weakness (12:9–10) — God’s strength revealed in human frailty.
VII. Application: Learning from Corinth
• Corinth mirrors our world — pluralistic, proud, morally confused.
• Paul models redemptive leadership — truth with tears, correction with compassion.
• Gospel shines brightest in weakness — God fills cracked vessels.
Reflection Prompt:
In what ways might God be using your weaknesses to comfort or bless others?
VIII. Closing Reflection
Quote (John Chrysostom, 4th century):
“Paul’s body was weak, his speech contemptible, his presence unimpressive. But his words were thunder, and his soul shone brighter than the sun.”
That’s the story of 2 Corinthians: the radiance of Christ in fragile humanity.
Transition to Next Week:
Next week, we’ll open chapter 1 — “The God of All Comfort.”
