The second epistle to the Corinthians was evidently written not very
long after the first. In the closing chapter of the first, Paul
intimates that he wrote from Ephesus, where an effectual door of
service had been opened to him of the Lord, and where adversaries
abounded. In the opening chapter of the second he alludes to the great
riot in the Ephesian theatre which closed his service of over two years
in that great city; and later in the epistle he indicates some of his
subsequent movements. It may be well to trace these at the outset as
they throw light on some of the remarks he makes.
Before the riot occurred the purpose of the Apostle was to pass
through Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem, and later to go
to Rome. Acts 19: 12, proves this, and there is confirmation of the
first part of the plan in 1 Corinthians 16: 5, and in verses 15 and 16
of our chapter. However he had been diverted from what he had planned.
First of all the riot led to a hurried departure for Macedonia. He got
as far as Troas, where again the Lord opened a door before him (see 2
Cor. 2: 12, 13). As yet he was too disturbed in mind about the
Corinthians, and the possible effect on them of his first epistle, so
instead of passing by them into Macedonia (2 Cor. 1: 16) he sailed for
Macedonia direct. When he got into Macedonia things were even more
disquieting, but presently he was cheered by Titus with good tidings as
regards the Corinthians. This gave him great relief and prompted the
second epistle which we are now to consider.