2 Corinthians

Background
See 1 Corinthians Background

Occasion
Paul had sent the Corinthians his first letter and was waiting for a response. (1 Corinthians 16:17-18) Later Paul had gotten word that there were still some problems in Corinth and so he made a quick trip to visit and straighten out the problems. He would later speak of the visit bringing sorrow. (2 Corinthians 2:1) Acts does not mentions the trip but Paul speaks of his third trip in 2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1 In some way Paul was offended by someone in the Church. (2 Corinthians 2:5, 10)

Paul wrote a strong letter of rebuke to the Church. Whether first Corinthians or this letter was the third letter is not known with certainty. Paul sent Titus back to Corinthians by sea together with the strong letter. Paul waited for Titus and when he did not return he headed for Corinth by land through Troas and Macedonia.

When Paul finally met Titus at Philippi or Thessalonica, Paul was filled with joy at the report that the Corinthians had repented and were supportive of Paul's ministry. (2 Corinthians 7:6-15) Paul wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia to express his thankfulness for their repentance and to encourage them to continue collecting money for the Jerusalem Church. (2 Corinthians 8-9) There appears to still be a group within the Church who opposed his apostolic authority as Paul must defend it once again. (2 Corinthians 10-13)

Upon Paul's arrival in Corinth he stay three months after which he leaves for Jerusalem with the collection he had gathered. (Acts 20:2-21:17)