Book of 2 Corinthians — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 13 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 55–56 · Theme: Comfort & Jehovah's Strength
Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians
Paul's most personal letter defends his apostleship and ministry amid intense suffering, teaching that Jehovah's power is made perfect in weakness and that endurance through trials produces lasting spiritual fruit.
Why the Book of 2 Corinthians Matters Today
Second Corinthians is Paul's most personal letter — a sustained defense of his ministry against opponents who attacked his credentials. For Witnesses today facing similar attacks on theocratic appointments or on the legitimacy of the congregation, Paul models how to respond: with humility, scripture, and personal example rather than self-promotion. The book also contains the most extensive scriptural treatment of generous giving (chapters 8–9) — 'God loves a cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7) — and the famous reminder that 'we are walking by faith, not by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Key Verses in 2 Corinthians
- 2 Cor 4:17
- 2 Cor 5:17
- 2 Cor 12:9
Notable Passages in 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 4:17
Paul's perspective that momentary 'light and temporary tribulation is producing for us a surpassing great eternal weight of glory' reframes suffering as purposeful and temporary.
2 Corinthians 5:17
The declaration that 'if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation' describes the transformation Jehovah's spirit produces in those who accept the good news.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Jehovah's assurance 'my power is being made perfect in weakness' teaches that apparent human limitations are the ideal context for Jehovah's strength to be displayed.
Study Questions for 2 Corinthians
As you read the book of 2 Corinthians, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does Paul's description of his sufferings (chapters 4–6; 11) and his continued ministry despite them teach about finding strength in Jehovah?
- How does Paul's statement 'when I am weak, then I am powerful' (12:10) redefine what spiritual strength looks like?
- What does Paul's teaching about the 'new creation' (5:17) mean for those who come into a relationship with Jehovah through Christ?
- How does Paul's appeal for generous giving to the saints (chapters 8–9) — including 'Jehovah loves a cheerful giver' — apply to how we view contributions and sacrificial giving?
- What does Paul's warning about being 'unevenly yoked with unbelievers' (6:14) mean practically for Jehovah's Witnesses in friendships, marriage, and business?
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians
- Who wrote the book of 2 Corinthians?
- Paul the apostle wrote 2 Corinthians around 55 CE in Macedonia, shortly after the first letter.
- When was the book of 2 Corinthians written?
- Second Corinthians was written approximately 55 CE in Macedonia during Paul's third missionary journey, after he had received Titus' report on the Corinthians' response to the first letter.
- What is the main theme of 2 Corinthians?
- Second Corinthians is Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry, his discussion of Christian giving, and his call for the Corinthians to walk by faith and not by sight.
How to Study 2 Corinthians with JW Study
Track your progress through all 13 chapters of 2 Corinthians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include 2 Corinthians
The book of 2 Corinthians is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Read all 13 letters of the apostle Paul, from Romans to Philemon, in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
- Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures
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