Book 8 of 27 in the New Testament — Paul's ministry & reconciliation.
2 Corinthians is Paul's most personal and emotionally raw letter, written after a painful conflict with the Corinthian church to defend his ministry and character against critics. He discusses his own suffering and weakness as the context in which God's power is displayed, famously noting that God's grace is ‘sufficient’ and made perfect in weakness. The letter also includes an extended appeal for the Corinthians to follow through on a promised financial gift for suffering believers in Jerusalem. It offers a uniquely candid look at the cost of Paul's apostolic ministry.
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”King James Version
Though outwardly wasting away, believers are inwardly renewed day by day.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”King James Version
Anyone in Christ is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
“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.”King James Version
God made Christ sin for us so we might become his righteousness.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”King James Version
God loves a cheerful giver.
“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.”King James Version
God's grace is sufficient, and his power is made perfect in weakness.