2 Corinthians was most likely written around 55–56 AD (CE), probably while Paul was in Macedonia, about a year after 1 Corinthians.

Quick Scoop

  • Most scholars place 2 Corinthians in the mid‑first century, around 55–56 AD.
  • It was almost certainly written by the apostle Paul, with Timothy named alongside him, to the church in Corinth and nearby Achaia.
  • The letter likely comes from Macedonia , during Paul’s third missionary journey, after a period of tension and reconciliation with the Corinthian church.

Why that date?

  • Internal clues in the letter match the timeline of Paul leaving Ephesus, traveling through Troas and Macedonia, and planning another visit to Corinth, which fits the mid‑50s AD.
  • When this is lined up with Acts and with the approximate dates of 1 Corinthians and Romans, 2 Corinthians fits neatly between them, about a year after 1 Corinthians and about a year before Romans.

Mini timeline (very short)

  1. Paul spends about 18 months in Corinth on his first visit (early 50s AD).
  1. He later writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus to address serious problems in the church (mid‑50s AD).
  1. After a painful visit and a severe letter, he hears of the Corinthians’ repentance.
  1. From Macedonia , he writes 2 Corinthians around 55–56 AD to repair the relationship and defend his ministry.

A note on slight variations

  • Some scholars suggest late 55 or early 56 AD , and a few propose dates closer to 57 AD, but the mainstream view clusters in the 55–56 AD window.
  • Despite small differences, virtually all place the writing in the mid‑first century , during Paul’s third missionary journey and after a major relational crisis with Corinth.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.