I. Salutations and thanksgiving 1:1-11
II. Consolation: comfort in ministry 1:12-7:16
A. Paul's conduct 1:12-2:11
1. Paul's explanation for not returning 1:12-2:5
2. Paul's instruction concerning the disciplined
person 2:6-11
B. The character of Paul's ministry 2:12-6:10
1. Triumph in ministry 2:12-17
2. Credentials for ministry 3:1-3
3. Privilege of the ministry 3:4-18
4. Honesty in ministry 4:1-6
5. Pressures in the ministry 4:7-15
6. Discouragement in the ministry 4:16-5:10
7. Motivations for ministry 5:11-21
8. Conduct in ministry 6:1-10
C. Appeal to the Corinthians 6:11-7:4
1. Appeal for sympathy 6:11-13
2. Appeal to be separated to the Lord 6:14-7:1
3. Second appeal for sympathy 7:2-4
D. Comfort in ministry 7:5-16
1. Obedience of the believer 7:5-12
2. Love of the believers 7:13-16
III. The collection: the ministry of giving 8:1-9:15
A. Arrangements for the collection 8:1-14
B. Arguments for the collection 9:1-15
IV. Correction: vindication of Paul's ministry 10:1-13:10
A. Paul's position 10:1- 12:10
1. Paul's authority 10:1-18
2. Paul's boast about support 11:1-15
3. Paul's boast about service 11:16-33
4. Paul's boast about weakness 12:1-10
B. Paul's purpose 12:11-13:10
1. Paul's ambition: his service 12:11-18
2. Paul's aim: the Corinthians' edification 12:19-13:10
V. Personal greetings, admonition, and closing 13:1-14
