Book of 2 Corinthians — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of 2 Corinthians is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 13 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 55–56. The central theme running throughout 2 Corinthians is comfort & jehovah's strength — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

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:

  1. What does Paul's description of his sufferings (chapters 4–6; 11) and his continued ministry despite them teach about finding strength in Jehovah?
  2. How does Paul's statement 'when I am weak, then I am powerful' (12:10) redefine what spiritual strength looks like?
  3. What does Paul's teaching about the 'new creation' (5:17) mean for those who come into a relationship with Jehovah through Christ?
  4. 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?
  5. What does Paul's warning about being 'unevenly yoked with unbelievers' (6:14) mean practically for Jehovah's Witnesses in friendships, marriage, and business?

How to Study 2 Corinthians with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 13 chapters of 2 Corinthians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading 2 Corinthians as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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)
  • New Testament 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into 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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