The Background: How can you look so weak, but be so bold?
Second Corinthians is like a legal brief, an attorney presenting a case. First was a short, conciliatory introduction (1:1-11) expressing common interests, then a section on what caused the misunderstanding (1:12–2:13). The lion’s share of the book (2:14–9:15) is “The Apology,” an explanation of why Paul and the true apostles do things the way they do. The answer is in their message. In contrast to the ways of the world and claims of false teachers, the New Covenant assures victory. This means we can keep an eternal perspective, serve with abandon, and sacrifice generously because God, and not man, is validating their work. The Cross changes everything.