Differences Between 1 and 2 Corinthians

The two letters to the Corinthian church that are found in the Bible are very different, with different tones and focuses.

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Practical

Personal

Focuses on the character of the Corinthian church

Focuses on Paul as he bares his soul and tells of his love for the Corinthian church

Deals with questions on marriage, freedom, spiritual gifts, and order in the church

Deals with the problem of false teachers, whereby Paul defends his authority and the truth of his message

Paul instructs in matters concerning the church's well-being

Paul gives his testimony because he knows that acceptance of his advice is vital to the church's well-being

Contains advice to help the church combat the pagan influences in the wicked city of Corinth

Contains testimony to help the church combat the havoc caused by false teachers