The two letters to the Corinthian church that we find in the Bible are very different, with different tones and focuses.
1 Corinthians/Practical
Focuses on the character of the Corinthian church
Deals with questions on marriage, freedom, spiritual gifts, and order in the church
Paul instructs in matters concerning the church’s well-being
Contains advice to help the church combat the pagan influences in the wicked city of Corinth
2 Corinthians/Personal
Focuses on Paul as he bares his soul and tells of his love for the Corinthian church
Deals with the problem of false teachers, whereby Paul defends his authority and the truth of his message
Paul gives his testimony because he knows that acceptance of his advice is vital to the church’s well-being
Contains testimony to help the church combat the havoc caused by false teachers
Fig 1. Life Application Study Bible. Zondervan, 2011. p. 1941.
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