Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in 2 Corinthians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in 2 Corinthians.
The Book of 2 Corinthians, penned by the Apostle Paul, serves as both a deeply personal letter and a robust theological treatise. It addresses the challenges and trials faced by Paul and the Corinthian church, while also offering profound insights into the nature of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Central to Paul’s message is the theme of God’s grace and strength made perfect in weakness, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
One of the central themes of 2 Corinthians is the nature of God’s grace and the transformative power of the Gospel. Paul vividly describes this in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, where he speaks of the new creation in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation. He emphasizes that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them, and has committed to us the message of reconciliation. This passage underscores the radical change brought about by the Gospel, transforming believers into new creations and ambassadors for Christ.
2 Corinthians also delves into the paradox of strength in weakness, a key aspect of the Gospel’s message. Paul recounts his own sufferings and weaknesses, culminating in the declaration that God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This revelation highlights the sufficiency of God’s grace and the reality that true strength comes from reliance on God rather than human abilities or achievements.
The Gospel in 2 Corinthians
The Gospel in 2 Corinthians Showcased in Scripture
- 2 Corinthians 1:9-10: “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.”
2 Corinthians 1:9-10 speaks of a time when Paul and his companions were under great pressure, far beyond their ability to endure, and despaired of life itself. They felt they had received the sentence of death but relied on God, who raises the dead. God delivered them from such a deadly peril and will continue to deliver them, as they have set their hope on Him.
- 2 Corinthians 3:5-6: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 clarifies that Paul and his companions’ competence comes not from themselves but from God. God has made them competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter (law) but of the Spirit. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
- 2 Corinthians 4:5-6: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:5-6 explains that Paul and his companions do not preach themselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and themselves as servants for Jesus’ sake. God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, has shone in their hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 explains that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come. This transformation is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them, and He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We urge people to be reconciled to God. God made Christ, who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 explains that though Jesus Christ was rich, for our sake He became poor, so that through His poverty, we might become rich.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 states that God is able to make all grace abound to us so that, having all sufficiency in all things at all times, we may abound in every good work.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 records God’s response to Paul’s plea for the removal of his thorn in the flesh. God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, Paul would boast in his weaknesses so that Christ’s power might rest upon him.
These verses from 2 Corinthians powerfully convey the message of the Gospel, highlighting themes of reconciliation through Christ, the transformative power of being in Christ, and the sufficiency of God’s grace in salvation and daily living.
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Moreover, the epistle emphasizes the transformative effect of the Gospel on believers’ lives. Paul speaks of the “treasure in jars of clay,” illustrating how the Gospel’s glory shines through our fragile human existence (2 Corinthians 4:7). This metaphor reflects the reality that believers carry the light of the Gospel despite their human frailties, demonstrating God’s power and glory through their lives.
As we delve into these pivotal verses, it becomes clear that 2 Corinthians not only conveys the fundamental truths of the Gospel but also provides a rich, nuanced understanding of how God’s grace operates in the midst of human weakness and suffering. The epistle challenges believers to embrace their identity in Christ, live out the ministry of reconciliation, and trust in God’s sufficiency. Through its blend of personal testimony and theological depth, 2 Corinthians offers a profound exploration of the Gospel’s transformative power and enduring hope.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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