15.5

Correspondence with the Corinthians (Box 15.1)

Paul made at least two visits to the church at Corinth and wrote at least four letters to the Corinthians.

First visit: Paul founds the church (Acts 18:1–18; 2 Cor. 1:19)

Letter 1 (referred to in 1 Cor. 5:9)

Could it be found in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 (see Explore 15.6)?

• Paul receives distressing reports of problems in Corinth:

            – an oral report from Chloe’s people (1 Cor. 1:11)

            – a written letter from the church (1 Cor. 7:1)

Letter 2 (1 Corinthians)

Second visit: a painful confrontation (2 Cor. 2:5; 7:12; 13:2)

Letter 3 (referred to in 2 Cor. 2:3–4; 7:12)

Could it be found in 2 Corinthians 10–13 (see Explore 15.6)?

• Paul receives Titus’s report of goodwill in Corinth (2 Cor. 7:6–7).

Letter 4 (2 Corinthians, or at least 2 Cor. 1:1–6:13; 7:2–16)

• Was there a Letter 5 (on super-apostles)?

            – Could it be found in 2 Corinthians 10–13?

• Was there a Letter 6 (on fundraising)?

            – Could it be found in 2 Corinthians 8–9 (or just 2 Cor. 8)?

• Was there a Letter 7 (also on fundraising)?

            – Could it be found in 2 Corinthians 9 (separate from 2 Cor. 8)?