Here’s a continuation of the introduction to the 2 Corinthians. 

Author

In order to understand the letter, we must first start with some understanding of the author(s). Apostle Paul was the main author of the letters to the Corinthians, along with Timonty. Given that this letter was written around AD 55, Paul was thought to be in his late 40s or early 50s. Simple fact may this be, it is important for the readers to know the approximate age of the author. 

Paul’s first direct encounter with Jesus occurred when he was on his way to Damascus to further persecute Christians (Acts 9). He was in his early 30s when his supernatural encounter with Jesus took place. Before this, Paul was discipled by Gamaliel the Elder, who was a leading authority in the Sanhedrin in the early first century. He was trained in the word of God (the Old Testament) by the best teacher at that time. After his encounter with Jesus, Paul spent another 14 years in Arabia and Judea, although it is not exactly known what he did during those 14 years, I think Paul started to re-interpret and renewed his understanding of the word of God in reflection of Jesus Christ. After having gone through this rigorous 14 years, he partook in a few missionary journeys. Some of the key concepts in his letters to the Corinthians were a result of both his rigorous reflection of the Old Testament and his numerous missionary trips. Therefore, understanding the full depth of some of the concepts laid out in Paul’s letter is not easy. 

If you as a reader, had a difficult time understanding the full depths and knowledge of Paul’s message, it is OK. It is natural. Don’t be frustrated but keep moving on with the guide of the Holy Spirit. If you think you understood Paul’s letter fully, then you may have dwells on the surface only. 

The City of Corinth 

The city of Corinth was located in the Achaia region, not too far from Athens. As a major trading hub, the city was the center of commerce, attracting people from many other parts of the world. Perhaps, because of the confluence of many cultures, practices, traditions and values from a wide variety of nations and ethic groups, Corinth was a city where a fusion of religious thoughts and practices resided. In some way, the city could be compared to the current Las Vegas in the United States.