2 Corinthians 2: Group Study Handout

Overview

Paul determined not to visit the Corinthians again in sorrow (vv. 1-2). He wrote to them to avoid causing sorrow and to share joy instead (vv.

Key verse

“But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.”

2 Corinthians 2:5 (WEB)

Outline

1. 2 Corinthians 2:1–2 Paul's Decision Against Visiting
2. 2 Corinthians 2:3–4 Purpose of Paul's Letter
3. 2 Corinthians 2:5–7 Encouragement to Forgive
4. 2 Corinthians 2:8–10 Confirmation of Love
5. 2 Corinthians 2:11–13 Paul's Spiritual Distress
6. 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 Triumph in Christ
7. 2 Corinthians 2:17 Integrity of Paul's Ministry

Discussion questions

1. In v1, why does Paul decide not to come to the Corinthians again in sorrow?
2. What does Paul express about his feelings in v4 when he wrote to the Corinthians?
3. Paul's mention of 'the many' in v6: who is he referring to and what is their role?
4. In v16, what does Paul mean by describing the message as a 'stench from death to death'?
5. When have you felt the need to forgive someone to prevent 'excessive sorrow' (v7)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 2: Ephesians 4, 2 Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5.

Before next time: read 2 Corinthians 3.