Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Corinth to meet some problems. Church members were having disputes over such ques­tions as sex and marriage, church order, and the gifts of the Spirit.

Naturally, Paul wanted to know how his advice was received. His information came from Titus, a Greek pastor, and the news was good. The church at Corinth had accepted Paul’s counsel, and reconciliation was taking place.

Paul’s second letter is personal; he often expresses his feelings in very emotional terms. Second Corinthians also contains some of Paul’s better-known comments, like these:

• “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7).
• “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (5:17).
• “Now then, we are ambassadors of Christ” (5:20).
• “God loveth a cheerful giver” (9:7).
• “My grace is sufficient for thee” (12:9).

These and many other verses in 2 Corinthians make this book well worth reading. The book is only about nine pages long, and the letter can easily be read in one sitting.