Historical context of 2 Corinthians

Who wrote 2 Corinthians, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Paul

Date written

c. AD 56

Original audience

Church in Corinth.

Genre

Epistle

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

13

Background and setting

Strained relationship with the Corinthian church.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world 2 Corinthians was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of 2 Corinthians or jump into chapter 1.