The Gospel in 2 Corinthians: Key Bible Verses & Commentary

A short resource on the Gospel in 2 Corinthians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.

Penned by the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians serves as a comprehensive theological treatise. It addresses the trials faced by both Paul and the Corinthian church, while also offering continued insight into the nature of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Central to Paul's letter is the theme of God's grace made perfect in weakness, showcasing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.

Paul vividly describes this in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, which we'll see below, where he speaks of the new creation in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation. He tells us that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people's sins against them, and has committed to us the message of reconciliation. This passage underscores the radical change brought about by the Gospel, transforming believers into new creations and ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians also dives into the paradox of strength in weakness, a key aspect of the Gospel's message. Paul recounts his own sufferings, culminating in the declaration that God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness.

In this guide to the Gospel in 2 Corinthians, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman's terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how 2 Corinthians presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Gospel in 2 Corinthians Showcased in Scripture

• 2 Corinthians 1:9-10: "But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us."

2 Corinthians 1:9-10 speaks of a time when Paul and his companions were under great pressure, far beyond their ability to endure, and despaired of life itself. They felt they had received the sentence of death but relied on God, whose power is made clear through the fact that he raises the dead.

• 2 Corinthians 3:5-6: "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

These Scriptures clarify that Paul and his companions' competence comes not from themselves but from God. God has made them competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter (law) but of the Spirit.

• 2 Corinthians 4:5-6: "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 explains that Paul and his companions do not preach themselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and themselves as servants for Jesus' sake.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

Paul explains that anyone in Christ is a new creation, with their old sinful life replaced by a new, reconciled relationship with God through Jesus. God, through Christ's sacrifice, no longer counts people's sins against them, and He has given believers the ministry of sharing this message of reconciliation.

• 2 Corinthians 8:9: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

This verse highlights the self-sacrificial nature of Christ’s incarnation and crucifixion, where He gave Himself up to offer spiritual riches, including salvation and eternal life, to all who call on His name.

• 2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."

Paul assures believers that God is able to provide all grace in abundance, so they will always have everything they need and can excel in every good work. This verse emphasizes God's generosity and His ability to supply believers with both material and spiritual resources. The purpose of this abundance is not just for personal benefit but to enable believers to do good and be generous to others, reflecting God’s grace in their lives.

• 2 Corinthians 12:9: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Here Paul shares God's response to his struggles. This means that God's grace is enough to sustain believers, even in their weakness.

These verses from 2 Corinthians powerfully convey the message of the Gospel. Paul speaks of the "treasure in jars of clay," illustrating how the Gospel's glory shines through our fragile human existence: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." This metaphor reflects the reality that believers carry the light of the Gospel despite their frailty.

It's clear that 2 Corinthians not only conveys the fundamental truths of the Gospel but also provides a highly nuanced understanding of how God's grace operates in the midst of human weakness.