FocusCorrection aimed at restoration
Connection to the wholePaul explains the painful circumstances and urges the church to reaffirm love toward the disciplined person rather than allow sorrow to overwhelm him.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 2:10
KJVTo whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
Read it in context
Sorrow and forgiveness
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 2:1 (2 Corinthians 2:1 to 2 Corinthians 2:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul explains the painful circumstances and urges the church to reaffirm love toward the disciplined person rather than allow sorrow to overwhelm him.
- 2:1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
- 2:2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
- 2:3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
- 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
- 2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
- 2:6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
- 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
- 2:8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
- 2:9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
- 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
- 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Sorrow and forgiveness. Read 2 Corinthians 2:1 through 2 Corinthians 2:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul explains the painful circumstances and urges the church to reaffirm love toward the disciplined person rather than allow sorrow to overwhelm him. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Sorrow and forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:1 to 2 Corinthians 2:11). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 2:1, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- whom ye 2 Cor 5:20 Matt 18:18 John 20:23 1 Cor 5:4
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 2
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
The burden and character of ministry
2 Corinthians 2:12–17FocusSincere witness before God
Connection to the wholePaul's concern over Titus leads into a description of ministry as testimony before God, raising the question of sufficiency developed in chapter 3.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation The ministry entrusted to Paul
2 Corinthians 2:14–7:16FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.