2 Corinthians 1

This chapter provides an introduction to Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, aiming to affirm his relationship with the believers and address the complexities of Christian ministry. He shares his personal experiences and hardships, illustrating the comfort and deliverance provided by God, reinforcing his apostolic authority, and explaining his change in travel plans.

2 Corinthians 1:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This passage opens with Paul addressing the church, affirming his apostleship through the will of God and extending grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The absence of a greeting from the Holy Spirit suggests a distinct role rather than separate personhood, highlighting that the Spirit is the active presence and power of God and Christ, working in harmony with them rather than being an independent being. This understanding aligns with the biblical emphasis on the Father and Son as the central figures in the divine plan of salvation. The passage emphasizes unity and divine authority in Paul's ministry and the church's calling.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NKJV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Paul praises God as the source of all mercy and comfort, emphasizing that the comfort believers receive from God equips them to comfort others. He connects their sufferings to those of Christ, suggesting a shared experience that binds the community together. The sufferings and consolations are not just personal but serve a communal and salvific purpose, building hope and endurance among believers.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (NKJV)
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,
11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through the prayers of many.

Paul shares a severe trial he and his companions faced in Asia, emphasizing their utter despair to highlight their reliance on God, who delivers from death. His mention of deliverance serves to reinforce God's ongoing protection and the power of communal prayer, suggesting that the Corinthians' prayers play a crucial role in the ministry's successes and challenges.

2 Corinthians 1:12-14 (NKJV)
12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end,
14 as also you have understood us in part, that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Paul speaks of his clear conscience and integrity in his dealings, attributing his conduct not to worldly wisdom but to God’s grace. This transparency aims to strengthen his relationship with the Corinthians, assuring them that his words and actions are consistent and straightforward. He hopes that as they fully understand his motives and actions, they will take pride in him as he does in them, especially when Christ returns.

2 Corinthians 1:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit—
16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.
17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be “Yes, Yes” and “No, No”?

Paul explains his initial travel plan, which was to visit Corinth twice, providing them with double the benefit of his presence. He defends the seriousness with which he made these plans, questioning if his intentions might be perceived as fickle or insincere. This defense addresses accusations of unreliability, asserting that his decisions are made with sincerity and under divine guidance, not capricious or human whims.

2 Corinthians 1:18-22 (NKJV)
18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Sylvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Paul emphasizes the consistency of his message and his faithfulness, mirroring the faithfulness of God. He clarifies that his teachings about Jesus Christ are steadfast, reflecting the certainty of God’s promises. This passage underscores the role of God in confirming and anointing Paul and the believers, sealing them with the Holy Spirit, who acts as a deposit, guaranteeing their inheritance and the authenticity of their apostolic mission.

2 Corinthians 1:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.
24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

Paul explains his decision not to return to Corinth immediately, stating it was to spare them from further pain. After his first visit to establish the church during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18), Paul wrote a now-lost letter (mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9) and then wrote 1 Corinthians to address divisions, immorality, and other issues. Later, he made a second visit—the painful visit—marked by confrontation and unresolved problems (2 Corinthians 2:1). To address these further, Paul wrote a severe letter (referred to as the third letter) instead of making another immediate visit. This severe letter, now lost, was delivered by Titus and strongly rebuked them while calling for repentance. Paul’s decision to delay his return showed pastoral wisdom, allowing the Corinthians time to reflect, repent, and reconcile, rather than risk further strain on their relationship. 2 Corinthians, then, is the fourth letter, written after hearing of their positive response to his severe letter.