2 Corinthians 1–9 and 10–13 are often regarded as two different letters. The arguments usually forwarded in support of this view are observations about the personal relationship between Paul and the Corinthians or about the circumstances reflected in the two parts of the letter. A close examination of the text reveals clear hints of a change in the personal relationship, but we do not find corresponding hints of a change of circumstances. This article suggests that one can account for continuity on the situational level and for discontinuity in the relationship between Paul and the Corinthians on the grounds that both parts of the letter have different aims. Chapters 1–9 and 10–13 do not contradict each other but are complementary. Thus 2 Corinthians can be viewed as an original unity.