I. The obedience of the Corinthians to the instructions of the First Epistle.
Introductory— Address (1, 1, 2). God’s consolations and the sympathy of sorrow (i. 3-7). His recent peril (i. 8-11). His sincerity of purpose— They must acknowledge it (i. 12-14). His change of plan was not due to fickleness (i. 15-22). The real reason of the postponement of his visit (i. 23-ii. 4). The offender has been sufficiently punished (ii. 5-11). He rejoices to hear that his reproof has been loyally received (ii. 12-17). The Corinthians are his “‘ Letter of Commendation” (iii. 1-3). His success, however, is due to God (iii. 4-6). Digression on the Ministry of the New Covenant— It is more glorious than that of the Old (iii. 7-11). It is more open (iii. 12-18). He, accordingly, delivers his message plainly (iv. 1-6).
His bodily weakness does not annul the effects of his ministry (iv. 7-15). He is sustained by a glorious hope (iv. 16-18). His expectation of a glorified body hereafter, and his desire to survive until the Second Advent (v. 1-5). In any case to be with Christ is best (v. 6-8). We must remember the Judgment to come (ν. 9, 10). He reiterates his sincerity of purpose (v. 11-13). The constraining power of his ministry (v. 14-16). In Christ all is new (v. 17-19). As Christ’s ambassador he prays them to be reconciled to God (v. 20-Vi. 3). The conditions and characteristics of his ministry (vi. 4-10). He affectionately declares his sympathy and claims the same from them (vi. 11-13). [Ῥατεπίεῖςα] warning against familiar association with the heathen (vi. 14-Vii. 1).} He claims their sympathy again (vii. 2-4). He repeats his joy that his reproof has been loyally received (vii. 5-12). Titus also rejoiced to bring such tidings (vii. 13-16).
Il. The Collection for the Judzan Christians,
The liberality of the Macedonian Churches (viii. 1-7). He counsels, though he will not command, the imitation of it (viii. 8-15). The mission of Titus and higswo companions (viii. 16-24). Its purpose, that the collection may be made ready (ix. 1-5). Liberal giving is (a) blessed of God (ix. 6-11), and (δ) calls forth the bless- ings of the recipients (ix. 12-15).
{Il. The Vindication of his Apostolic Authority.
He entreats them not to force him to use his authority (x. 1-6). Despite all appearances it is weighty and is Divinely given him (x. 7-18). He begs them to bear with the statement of his claims at length (xi. 1-4). He is in no way inferior to his adversaries (xi. 5-15). His Apostolic labours and trials (xi. 16-33). His vision, of which he could boast, if he chose (xii. 1-6). His “‘ thorn in the flesh "’ (xii. 7-10). This testimony should have proceeded from the Corinthians (xii. 11-13). That he did not claim maintenance was disinterested (xii. 14-18). The purpose of this “' glorying” is their edification (xii. 19-21). If he comes again, he will not spare (xiii. 1, 2). Christ is his strength: let them see to it that He is theirs also (xiii. 3-10). Conclusion— Final exhortations (xiii. 11). Salutations and benediction (xiii. 12, 13).
CHAPTER IV. THE TEXT.
1. The uncial manuscripts whose readings are cited, in all important cases, in the critical notes are the following :—
Ν. Codex Sinaiticus (szc. iv.), now at St. Petersburg, published in facsimile type by its discoverer, Tischendorf, in 1862. The symbol δῆς is used to indicate the corrections intro- duced by a scribe of the seventh century, δ ἢ denoting the autograph of the original scribe.
A. Codex Alexandrinus (sec. v.), at the British Museum, pub- lished in photographic facsimile by Sir E. M. Thompson (1879); it is defective from chaps. iv. 13 to xii. 7 of our Epistle.
B. Codex Vaticanus (szc. iv.), published in photographic fac- simile in 1889 under the care of the Abbate Cozza-Luzi.
C. Codex Ephraemi (sec. v.), the Paris palimpsest, edited by Tischendorf in 1843. The text of our Epistle is wanting from chap. x. 8 to the end.