2 Corinthians

To defend his apostolic ministry against false apostles, to explain why suffering and weakness are the marks of authentic ministry, and to appeal for complete reconciliation.

Paul defends his apostolic ministry against critics, describes the new covenant ministry of the Spirit, and celebrates the reconciliation that flows from Christ's atoning work.

Second Corinthians' theology of weakness — jars of clay, strength made perfect in weakness — and the ministry of reconciliation provide the New Testament's most complete theology of apostolic suffering.

Paul encourages the Corinthians' promised offering for Jerusalem, defends his apostleship against "super-apostles" through the unexpected credential of weakness, and climactically states that God's grace is sufficient in all weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9 — "my power is made perfect in weakness" — is the theological resolution of the entire letter and one of the most important pastoral promises in Scripture.