Who is the author of 2 Corinthians?

Overview

Second Corinthians is widely regarded as an epistle written by the apostle Paul. Early Christian writers, modern scholars, and internal textual evidence all affirm this conclusion. The letter itself begins with a greeting that explicitly names the apostle as author: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother” (2 Corinthians 1:1). This introductory statement, combined with supporting evidence from the historical acceptance of the letter and the manuscript tradition, has led the vast majority of interpreters to embrace Pauline authorship.

Self-Identification in the Letter

The second Epistle to the Corinthians frequently references the personal experiences, ministry challenges, and distinct style of the missionary journeys of Paul. Passages such as 2 Corinthians 11:23–28 detail hardships—imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks—that coincide with known events from Paul’s own missionary activity recorded in Acts and alluded to in other Pauline letters. These reflections lend credibility to Paul being the real author, as the detail and emotion are undeniably personal and specific.

Internal Evidence of Language and Style

1. *Vocabulary and Rhetoric:* The letter’s vocabulary, pastoral tone, and rhetorical style align with the undisputed letters of Paul. Terminology such as “grace,” “sincerity,” “test yourselves,” and “weakness” are thematic in Paul’s writings (cf. Romans, Galatians, and 1 Corinthians).

2. *Doctrinal Emphases:* The emphasis on Christ’s resurrection, the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19), and the importance of generosity resound with Paul’s teachings in Romans (notably Romans 5–6) and Galatians (Galatians 2–3).

3. *Autobiographical Insights:* The references to “visions and revelations of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 12:1) and to a personal “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7) point distinctly to Paul, as these experiences are unique to him in the New Testament record.

External Evidence and Early Church Writings

1. *Recognition by Early Church Fathers:* Clement of Rome (late first century), in his writings to the Corinthian church, reflects knowledge of and respect for Pauline authority. Although he does not directly quote 2 Corinthians in the earliest preserved letter, traces of Pauline theology to Corinth are evident. Later church fathers, including Irenaeus (late second century) and Tertullian (late second/early third century), clearly point to the apostle Paul as the author of both Corinthian letters.

2. *Canonical Acceptance:* Early canonical lists, such as the Muratorian Canon (late second century), include 1 and 2 Corinthians among the recognized Pauline writings. This acceptance arose from widespread consensus in the early church regarding Paul’s authorship, thereby strengthening authenticity through church tradition.

Manuscript Evidence

1. *Early Greek Manuscripts:* Among the oldest and most significant manuscripts of Paul’s epistles is Papyrus 46 (commonly referred to as P46), which dates to around the end of the second century or early third century. It contains large portions of the Pauline corpus, including sections of 2 Corinthians.

2. *Consistency in Transmission:* Textual critics, using a variety of manuscript witnesses, find remarkable unity in the text of 2 Corinthians. Scholars such as Dr. James White and Dr. Dan Wallace have analyzed these manuscripts in detail, demonstrating the letter’s stable transmission over time.

3. *Archaeological Discoveries:* Excavations in and around ancient Corinth confirm the city’s prominence in the first-century Roman Empire, corroborating New Testament accounts of Paul’s visits. These findings, including inscriptions and architectural remains, do not specifically name Paul’s epistle but lend general support that Corinth was a bustling urban center receiving multiple letters from Paul (evident in 1 and 2 Corinthians).

Theological Cohesion with Other Pauline Epistles

1. *Christ-Centered Focus:* The emphasis on Christ’s resurrection in 2 Corinthians stands in seamless continuity with the overarching theme of Paul’s writings: salvation through faith in the risen Messiah, as also declared explicitly in Romans 10:9–10.

2. *Defense of Apostleship:* In 2 Corinthians 10–13, the author defends his apostolic credentials. This theme parallels the narratives in Galatians 1–2 where Paul defends his authority and message against critics.

3. *Suffering and Consolation:* The letter presents the suffering of the apostle as a reflection of Christ’s own suffering for believers, echoing Romans 8:17–18. This hallmark of Pauline theology underscores the consistency of 2 Corinthians with Paul’s broader doctrinal teachings.

Historical and Archaeological Context

1. *Location of Corinth:* Ancient Corinth was strategically located on the isthmus connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese, rendering it a significant trade city. The letter’s address and references to Corinthian life make sense in light of the city’s known prosperity and cultural mixing.

2. *Corroborating New Testament References:* The narrative in Acts 18 portrays Paul’s year-and-a-half stay in Corinth. This aligns with the level of deep personal knowledge and concern exhibited in the first and second Corinthian epistles.

3. *Date of Writing:* Many scholars place 2 Corinthians in the mid-50s AD, shortly after 1 Corinthians. This timeline fits the historical route of Paul’s missionary travels, during which he wrote letters to address pressing issues within the congregation.

Conclusion

All lines of evidence strongly affirm that the apostle Paul authored 2 Corinthians. The letter’s self-declaration, internal continuity of style and theology, external corroboration from early church testimonies, and manuscript support collectively establish its Pauline origin. Early church recognition and ongoing scholarly consensus bolster this conclusion even further.

From the personal insights woven throughout its chapters to the consistency observed in the manuscript tradition, 2 Corinthians displays the unmistakable mark of Pauline authorship. It remains a foundational text within the biblical canon, offering profound insights into Christian faith, ministry, and perseverance in the face of trials.