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This Epistle (as the First) is written to the assembly, so that it also has in view the proper functioning of the body of Christ in unity. The questions of order and government are not so prominent here, however, but that of ministry for the building up of the body. Paul is seen as a lovely example of proper and fruitful ministry, an example intended to affect every believer in diligently seeking to serve in similar unselfish devotion. Being a Second Epistle, it contemplates a state, not of lack of knowledge simply, but of departure in spite of knowledge. Corinth had less excuse for failure after Paul had written his First Epistle; yet in spite of some good effects of this, there were things still not corrected, and his patient, serious, faithful ministry of the word is instructive for us in dealing with a too unresponsive condition.