Second Corinthians is Paul's most personal and emotional letter. He defends his apostleship against false teachers, reveals his sufferings, and explains true ministry. The letter emphasizes comfort in affliction, the new covenant, generous giving, and power made perfect in weakness.
God's power is displayed through human weakness.
God comforts us in suffering so we can comfort others.
Those in Christ are new creations; the old has passed.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Gospel treasure in weak human vessels.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Transformation in Christ.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
God's power through human weakness.
Before writing 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote a severe letter to the Corinthians 'out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears' after a painful visit. This 'letter of tears' is mentioned in 2 Corinthians but may now be lost to history.
2 Corinthians 2:3-4
