The Profile of the Corinthian Church in Light of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians

Abstract

The life of the Corinthian church was accompanied by a series of trials. As a result, the apostle Paul had to endure many painful moments. For Paul, two things in particular caused disappointment. One was the simple fact that the earlier problems had still not been resolved. The other was that, alongside the existing challenges, new ones had emerged. All signs indicate that, in addition to the previous internal tensions, the source of the problems this time came from outside the community. It is difficult to determine precisely which movement or group these attacks can be attributed to. What seems certain is that we are most likely not dealing with a homogeneous 
group. It is probable that Jewish Christians arriving from outside (perhaps from Palestine) found allies among some believers in Corinth, with whom they could turn against Paul. The apostle Paul, therefore, had to remedy the situation that had arisen. Consequently, he devoted great effort to fostering a community of love and peace. The apostle had to recognize that he could not accomplish this alone, which is why he needed his co-workers. Finally, the Church of every age can truly serve the cause of the Lord only if it embraces its mission—the proclamation of the gospel—with an obedient and authentic heart.