The Book of 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians is Paul's most personal letter — on weakness, comfort in suffering, and the grace that is made perfect in our weakness.
- Testament
- New (13 chapters)
- Type
- Epistle
- Date
- About 55-56 AD, from Macedonia.
Strength in weakness
Paul describes a 'thorn in the flesh' — some unspecified ongoing affliction — and God's answer: 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness' (12:9). The book reframes weakness as the place where God's power shows up.
Ministry as treasure in clay jars
'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us' (4:7). The gospel does not require impressive vessels; it requires honest ones.
Key verses (KJV)
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
How to read 2 Corinthians
Chapter 4 (treasure in clay jars), 5 (the new creation), and 12 (Paul's thorn) are the pastoral high points. Read when you feel insufficient — this letter is for you.
Read 2 Corinthians on your iPhone
Read the full book of 2 Corinthians in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
Read 2 Corinthians free on iPhone.
Download on the App StoreMore New Testament books
- The Book of Galatians
- The Book of Ephesians
- The Book of Philippians
- The Book of Colossians
- The Book of 1 Thessalonians
From the blog
Frequently asked questions
What is the Book of 2 Corinthians about?
2 Corinthians is a book of Epistle, running to 13 chapters. Its main threads: Strength in weakness; Ministry as treasure in clay jars.
Who wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?
Paul, with co-author Timothy.
Where does 2 Corinthians come in the Bible?
2 Corinthians is one of the 27 books of the New Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Epistle books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.