First, the answer to the questions asked above is that Paul realized success. Paul dealt with a number of doctrinal and moral issues in I Corinthians and the report received was news for which he so earnestly hoped:
“For when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season” (II Corinthians 7:5-8).
Proceeding from there, Paul goes on to state his joy in their repentance that they would enjoy only the blessings of God and not His “damage” (vs. 9). Contained therein is a marvelous message of the gospel’s power. Some scoff and claim that scathing reproof and church discipline are outdated, antiquated, ineffective means of overcoming sin. However, if one simply looks at the severity of language Paul used in I Corinthians to make his remarks personal and then notice their response, it is easily recognized that time period has nothing to do with the results, but the gospel’s ability to cut to the heart and convict the soul was the reason these people listened and obeyed. In fact, in response to Paul’s plea for them to withdraw from those guilty of adultery (I Corinthians 5:1ff), the people followed his instructions so adamantly that Paul even had to tell them to back off of them because they had repented (II Corinthians 2:5ff). To sum up Paul’s pride in these brethren’s willingness to correct themselves, Paul stated, “I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things” (II Corinthians 7:16).
The second general purpose of II Corinthians is that Paul might defend his credibility and maintain his trust among the brethren in Corinth and other places. In his absence, a host of false teachers arose in Corinth and began preaching doctrines contrary to the truth taught by the inspired Paul. This issue, in and of itself, caused two problems. First, these false teachers went about spreading their own propaganda with no concern at all for objective, divine truth; and thus caused a confusing situation for brethren who still were relatively young as Christians. Second, these false teachers, in order to substantiate their doctrines, planted the seeds of distrust in the minds of the Corinthians regarding Paul, thereby trying to ruin his credibility among them and disprove his teachings. They could not disprove his message, thus they tried to disrupt the messenger and what influence he had among them. In order to protect the church and himself from these false teachers and false teachings, Paul used a great deal of this book to warn them about these teachers and to restate the qualifications and proof that would solidify his apostleship in their minds (II Corinthians 11-13).
To establish a little more detail regarding the material Paul includes in this book, Dunn provides the following outlined purpose for his writing:
1. Paul’s ministry—his trials, principles, and consolations as a preacher (1:1-7:16).
2. The collection for the saints (8:1-9:15).
3. Paul’s apostolic authority (10:1-13:14).
The book of II Corinthians is a marvelous example of what one’s faith in God, love for the church, and loyalty to Christ can and will do when put to practice. Many of the issues faced today are those faced by the Corinthian brethren almost 2,000 years ago. How can those issues be resolved to the satisfaction of God like they were in Corinth? The simple answer is to rely upon the power of the gospel just as Paul did. By teaching and preaching the pure and simple doctrine provided by God’s word, sin can be defeated and unity and righteousness can reign among the people of God once more. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds…” (II Corinthians 10:4).