Introduction 31

occupied with the reflections which are suggested by the report brought by Titus as to the response of the Corinthian Church to the injunctions of the First Epistle in the matter of the incestuous man. In this section there is a digression of great doctrinal import- ance on the Ministry of the New Covenant (iii. 7-iv. 15), followed by some profound thoughts about the life after death (iv. 16-v. 10) ; and a minor digression (vi. 14-vii. 1) about the dangers of inter- marriage with the heathen; but the main topic of these chapters is his thankfulness at the news he has received, which consoles him in his many troubles. Again and again he bids them be sure of his sincerity and single-mindedness. (2) Chapters viii. and ix. deal with the collection which was being made for the poor Chris- tians in Judza, a subject which had been much in his thoughts during the preceding year. (3) The last four chapters are taken up with a vindication of his apostolic authority, which was neces- sary to put forward plainly before his next visit to Corinth. There was a party in that city calling themselves by the name of Christ (x. 7), who made light of St. Paul’s apostolic claims and were trying to undermine his authority. The Church as a whole had acquiesced in St. Paul’s directions given in 1 Cor. v.; but a minority of malcontents were troublesome and calumnious, and needed re- pression. A detailed analysis of the letter is subjoined.