Apologetic: Paul’s Explanation of His Conduct and Apostolic Ministry (chs. 1–7)
Greetings (1:1–2)
- Paul’s Salutation: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy, his brother, greet the church of God in Corinth, along with all the saints throughout Achaia. He prays that grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be upon them.
Thanksgiving for Divine Comfort in Affliction (1:3–11)
- Praise for God’s Comfort: Paul begins by praising God, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the comfort we have received. He recounts the afflictions he and his companions experienced in Asia, which were overwhelming, yet God delivered them and gave them hope.
The Integrity of Paul’s Motives and Conduct (1:12—2:4)
- Paul’s Conduct: Paul defends the integrity of his motives and conduct, explaining that his behavior was sincere, guided by God’s grace, and not influenced by worldly wisdom.
- Paul’s Change of Plans: Paul addresses the misunderstanding regarding his change of travel plans, affirming that it was not due to fickleness but to avoid causing the Corinthians additional grief. He had written a painful letter, which he did not want to repeat in person. He encourages the Corinthians to forgive and restore the one who had wronged them.
Forgiving the Offending Party at Corinth (2:5–11)
- The Call for Forgiveness: Paul urges the Corinthians to forgive the man who had caused grief, to reaffirm their love for him, and to restore him in the spirit of gentleness. He emphasizes that forgiveness is crucial for avoiding Satan’s schemes and preserving unity within the church.
God’s Direction in Ministry (2:12–17)
- Paul’s Ministry in Christ: Paul speaks of his ministry as a triumph in Christ, where God uses him and other apostles to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere. He compares their ministry to spreading the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
The Corinthian Believers—a Letter from Christ (3:1–11)
- Paul’s Confidence in the Corinthians: Paul addresses the Corinthians as his letter of recommendation, pointing out that they are a living epistle, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, on human hearts. He contrasts the ministry of the new covenant with the old covenant, showing the superiority of the new covenant, which brings life.
Seeing the Glory of God with Unveiled Faces (3:12—4:6)
- The Veil Removed: Paul explains that, unlike Moses who wore a veil to cover the glory of God, Christians have unveiled faces and are being transformed into the image of God with ever-increasing glory.
- The Ministry of the New Covenant: Paul explains that the ministry of the new covenant, though it involves suffering, is a ministry of glory. He encourages the Corinthians to remain faithful to this ministry, as it brings light to those who are blind to the gospel.
Treasure in Clay Jars (4:7–16a)
- Jars of Clay: Paul describes the apostles as vessels of the treasure of the gospel, fragile and human, yet filled with the power of God. He speaks of the hardships and sufferings they face for the sake of the gospel, but affirms that these sufferings are not to be compared with the eternal glory that awaits.
The Prospect of Death and What It Means for the Christian (4:16b—5:10)
- Living with Eternity in Mind: Paul encourages the Corinthians not to lose heart in the face of affliction, because their inner being is being renewed daily. He explains that the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are eternal.
- The Christian’s Hope in Christ: Paul speaks about the believer’s future body, awaiting a new, eternal home in heaven. He urges believers to live with the understanding that they will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for their actions.
The Ministry of Reconciliation (5:11—6:10)
- Reconciliation with God: Paul describes the ministry of reconciliation, emphasizing that God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, and now believers are entrusted with this ministry. He stresses that in Christ, God made the one who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
- Appeal to Be Reconciled: Paul urges the Corinthians to accept God’s offer of reconciliation and not to receive God’s grace in vain. He recounts the hardships he has faced for the sake of the gospel, as proof of his authenticity as a minister of Christ.
A Spiritual Father’s Appeal to His Children (6:11—7:4)
- Paul’s Personal Appeal: Paul speaks openly and affectionately to the Corinthians as his spiritual children, urging them to open their hearts to him as he has done to them. He appeals to them to live with purity and to avoid being yoked with unbelievers, as their relationship with God demands a separate and holy life.
The Meeting with Titus (7:5–16)
- Titus’ Report: Paul shares the encouraging news brought by Titus about the Corinthians’ response to his previous letter. He rejoices in their repentance and renewed commitment to the gospel, which brings him comfort and joy.
Hortatory: The Collection for the Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8–9)
Generosity Encouraged (8:1–15)
- The Macedonian Example: Paul commends the generosity of the Macedonian churches, who gave beyond their ability despite their own poverty. He encourages the Corinthians to give generously for the relief of the saints in Jerusalem, using the example of Christ, who, though rich, became poor for their sake.
Titus and His Companions Sent to Corinth (8:16—9:5)
- Titus’ Role: Paul speaks highly of Titus and his companions, who were entrusted with the task of collecting the offering for the Jerusalem church. He encourages the Corinthians to be ready with their contribution, to avoid embarrassment when Titus arrives.
Results of Generous Giving (9:6–15)
- Principle of Generosity: Paul emphasizes the principle that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, but those who sow generously will reap generously. He encourages the Corinthians to give cheerfully, as God loves a cheerful giver. Paul reassures them that God will provide for their needs and that their generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Polemical: Paul’s Vindication of His Apostolic Authority (chs. 10–13)
Paul’s Defense of His Apostolic Authority and the Area of His Mission (ch. 10)
- Spiritual Warfare: Paul defends his apostolic authority, explaining that his weapons are not of the flesh but of divine power to demolish strongholds. He urges the Corinthians to align with his ministry and to not compare themselves to others in terms of outward appearances, but to focus on the work of God.
Paul Forced into Foolish Boasting (chs. 11–12)
- Boasting in Weakness: Paul reluctantly engages in boasting to defend his apostolic authority. He recounts his hardships, sufferings, and miraculous experiences, including his visions and revelations. He speaks of his “thorn in the flesh,” a messenger of Satan, and how God’s grace was sufficient for him, for His power is made perfect in weakness.
Final Warnings (13:1–10)
- Final Admonition: Paul warns the Corinthians that his upcoming visit will be a time of judgment for any unrepentant sin among them. He encourages them to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith and to be obedient to Christ’s commands.
Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (13:11–14)
- Final Exhortations: Paul concludes by exhorting the Corinthians to rejoice, aim for restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, and live in peace. He gives a final blessing of peace and grace, acknowledging the fellowship they have in the Holy Spirit.