A. Epistolary prescript (1:1-2)
B. Thanksgiving prayer: God's mercy, our afflictions, God's comfort (1:3-7)

1:8-2:13 II. Narration of afflictions (pathos)

2:14-17 III. Partitio

A. Confidence in God's triumph (2:14)
B. Grace or judgment via the gospel (2:16)
C. True vs. false apostles (2:15, 17)

3:1-6:13 IV. Probatio

C. Character witness and defense of apostolic ministry (ethos) 3:1-6
B. New vs. old covenant = life or death (logos) 3:7-18
C. Defense of ministry (ethos & pathos) 4:1-15
A. Confidence in God (ethos) 4:16-5:10
C. Defense of ministry (logos) 5:11-21

6:1-13, 7:2-16 V. Peroration
 

[6:14-7:1 Interpolation of paraenetic material]

8:1-24 Exhortation re: collection