Reconciliation of the Corinthian Letters
Dr. Jay A. Quine
While based in Ephesus for three years (Acts 18:23; 19:1—20:1, 31) it appears that Paul made an unrecorded visit to Corinth (comparing Acts 20:1-2 with 2 cor 12:14, and 13:1 which makes that visit the third visit). Paul wrote a letter now lost following this unrecorded visit (1Cor 5:9-11). He sends Timothy with this letter. Meanwhile, Paul receives news from Corinth (from Cleo’s household, 1Cor 1:11, and Apollos, 1Cor 16:12), receives a letter from them (1Cor 7:1) and writes a “sorrowful letter” (2Cor 7:8). This is likely the letter we call 1 Corinthians. Paul sent Titus to carry 1 Corinthians (2Cor 7:12-14). In his anxiety, Paul heads off for Corinth, but meets Timothy(?) and Titus in Macedonia (2Cor 2:12-13; 7:6-16). They report good news about the Corinthians. Paul then writes a letter which we call 2 Corinthians from Macedonia. He sends the letter with Titus and the two brethren (2cor 7:16-24) and visits Corinth himself sometime soon thereafter, staying for three months (Acts 19:21; 20:3).
Related articles
- How did the Apostles Die? by Jay A. Quine (houstontheology.blogspot.com)
- Concern for the Corinthians — comments by Jay A. Quine (houstonchurchsigns.blogspot.com)
- Paul’s Third Missionary Journey by Dr. Paul Quine (jayquine.wordpress.com)
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