I. Introduction 1:1-11
A. Salutation 1:1-2
B. Thanksgiving for comfort in affliction 1:3-11
1. Thanksgiving for comfort 1:3-7
2. Thanksgiving for deliverance 1:8-11
II. Answers to insinuations about the sincerity of Paul's commitment to the Corinthians and to the ministry 1:12-7:16
A. Defense of his conduct with regard to his promised visit and the offender 1:12-2:17
1. The postponement of the intended visit 1:12-2:4
2. The treatment of the offender and the result of the severe letter 2:5-17
B. Exposition of Paul's view of the ministry 3:1-6:10
1. The superiority of Christian ministry to Mosaic ministry 3:1-11
2. The great boldness of the new ministers 3:12-4:6
3. The sufferings and supports of a minister of the gospel 4:7-5:10
4. The life of a minister of Christ 5:11-6:10
C. Appeal for restoration of the Corinthians' confidence in him 6:11-7:16
1. An appeal for large-heartedness and consistency 6:11-7:4
2. The encouraging response of the Corinthians so far 7:5-16
III. Instructions concerning the collection for the poor saints in Judea 8:1-9:15
A. The example of the Macedonians 8:1-7
B. The supreme motive for giving 8:8-15
C. The delegates of the churches 8:16-24
D. The anticipated visit of Paul 9:1-5
E. The benefits of generous giving 9:6-15
IV. Appeals concerning Paul's apostolic authority 10:1-13:10
A. Replies to charges made against Paul 10:1-18
1. Reply to the charge of cowardice 10:1-6
2. Reply to the charge of weakness 10:7-11
3. Reply to the charge of intrusion 10:12-18
B. Claims made by Paul 11:1-12:18
1. Paul's reasons for making these claims 11:1-6
2. Freedom to minister without charge 11:7-15
3. Paul's service and sufferings 11:16-33
4. Special revelations Paul received 12:1-10
5. Paul's supernatural miracles and paternal love 12:11-18
C. Exhortations in view of Paul's approaching visit 12:19-13:10
1. Paul's concerns 12:19-21
2. Paul's warnings 13:1-10
V. Conclusion 13:11-14
A. The exhortation 13:11-12
B. The salutation 13:13
C. The benediction 13:14
