II Corinthians 1 Commentary
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
For our rejoicing 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 had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judea.
When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
II Corinthians 1 marks a significant point in Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church. Following the writing of I Corinthians, a period of tension and misunderstanding arose. This chapter reveals Paul's heart as he addresses their concerns, defends his integrity, and offers comfort amidst suffering. It's a powerful testament to God's grace and the apostle's deep love for the believers in Corinth.
Context and Background
Second Corinthians 1 follows about a year after I Corinthians. In the interim, Paul made a "painful visit" to Corinth, and subsequently wrote a severe letter (now lost) addressing issues within the church. He penned this new letter from Macedonia after Titus brought news of the Corinthians' positive response to his previous communication. Paul begins by acknowledging God as the source of all comfort and defends himself against accusations leveled against him.
Paul's Greeting and Thanksgiving (II Corinthians 1:1-2)
Paul identifies himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" (II Corinthians 1:1). This wasn't a self-appointed position, but a divine calling (see Acts 9:1-22). His apostleship wasn't based on his own merit, but on God's sovereign choice. Timothy, his co-worker, is also mentioned, but the letter's content makes it clear that Paul is the primary author. He addresses the church of God at Corinth, located in Achaia, modern Greece.
He greets them with "grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (II Corinthians 1:2). This isn't a mere formality, but a powerful declaration that grace and peace, the foundational blessings of the Christian life, originate solely from God.
The God of All Comfort (II Corinthians 1:3-7)
Paul immediately praises "the God of all comfort" (II Corinthians 1:3). This sets the tone for the entire chapter. He acknowledges God as the source of solace and encouragement, especially in times of affliction. Paul highlights that God "comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (II Corinthians 1:4).
This passage reveals a profound principle: our suffering is not meaningless. God uses our trials to equip us to minister to others. The comfort we receive from Him becomes a resource for comforting those who are experiencing similar difficulties. By experiencing hardship ourselves, we develop empathy and understanding, becoming better equipped to offer genuine support.
Paul connects Christian suffering to Christ's suffering, noting that "as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too" (II Corinthians 1:5). Our trials are not separate from Christ's, but rather a participation in His sufferings. And just as Christ received comfort, so too do we receive comfort through Him.
Paul’s recent experiences of suffering for Christ’s sake were known to the Corinthians. Some questioned why an apostle of Jesus should suffer so much. Shouldn’t he be protected by his connection to God’s power? Paul's response is that his suffering as an apostle made it possible for the Corinthians to receive the gospel. And the comfort he has received from God in his suffering has allowed him to comfort them when they experience suffering as he has (II Corinthians 1:1–7).
If anyone assures you that you can avoid suffering like health problems, mental anguish, relational difficulties, or financial straits—provided that you have enough faith—they’re not telling you the truth. Paul was a visible and verbal follower of Christ who stood head and shoulders above other Christians in terms of faithfulness. And he suffered greatly—not in spite of his faith but because of his faith in and obedience to Christ. Paul’s suffering and ours is directly related to God’s purpose of using us to minister to others. So if you’re suffering, read on.
We must not be so overcome by our suffering that we miss the unlimited comfort that God makes available in every circumstance.
Delivered from Death (II Corinthians 1:8-11)
Paul then describes the severity of his recent ordeal. He and his companions were "burdened beyond our strength, so that we despaired of even life itself" (II Corinthians 1:8). He felt as though he had received a death sentence. This wasn't mere hyperbole, but a genuine expression of the immense pressure he was under.
However, even in the face of death, Paul found hope in God. He realized that the purpose of this overwhelming experience was "that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead" (II Corinthians 1:9). God allows us to reach the end of our own resources so that we will learn to rely solely on Him.
Paul testifies that God "delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us" (II Corinthians 1:10). This declaration is filled with faith and confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness. He has delivered in the past, and Paul trusts that He will continue to deliver in the future.
He then invites the Corinthians to participate in his deliverance through prayer, "as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many" (II Corinthians 1:11). This highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and the communal aspect of faith.
Paul Defends His Integrity (II Corinthians 1:12-22)
The apostle now addresses accusations that he lacked integrity and honesty. Some in Corinth had criticized him for changing his travel plans, suggesting that he was unreliable and insincere.
Paul vehemently defends his character, stating, "For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world, and still more toward you, with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God" (II Corinthians 1:12). He insists that his actions were motivated by genuine love and concern for the Corinthians, not by selfish motives.
He clarifies that his change of plans was not due to fickleness or indecision. "As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No" (II Corinthians 1:18). Paul's "yes" meant "yes," and his "no" meant "no." His consistency stemmed from his unwavering commitment to Christ.
Paul emphasizes that "Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was preached among you by us...was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory" (II Corinthians 1:19-20). Christ is the embodiment of God's faithfulness, and all of God's promises are fulfilled in Him.
He reminds them that God "has established us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (II Corinthians 1:21-22). The Holy Spirit is the seal of God's ownership and the guarantee of our future inheritance.
Spared for Their Sake (II Corinthians 1:23-24)
Paul concludes this section by explaining that he delayed his return to Corinth "to spare you" (II Corinthians 1:23). He didn't want to come in a manner that would be harsh or judgmental. He wasn't seeking to "lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith" (II Corinthians 1:24). His desire was to minister to them effectively and to see them grow in their faith with joy.
Paul didn’t want to lord it over their faith, forcing them to submit to his apostolic authority, but wanted to come to them in joy (II Corinthians 1:23-24). He desired to minister effectively to them rather than simply exercising authority over them.
Conclusion
II Corinthians 1 reveals Paul's heart as a pastor and apostle. He shares his struggles, defends his integrity, and emphasizes the importance of God's comfort in the midst of suffering. This chapter is a powerful reminder that God uses our trials to equip us to minister to others, and that He is always faithful to deliver us. It also teaches us the importance of integrity, transparency, and love in our relationships with fellow believers.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
For our rejoicing 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 had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judea.
When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
II Corinthians 1 marks a significant point in Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church. Following the writing of I Corinthians, a period of tension and misunderstanding arose. This chapter reveals Paul's heart as he addresses their concerns, defends his integrity, and offers comfort amidst suffering. It's a powerful testament to God's grace and the apostle's deep love for the believers in Corinth.
Context and Background
Second Corinthians 1 follows about a year after I Corinthians. In the interim, Paul made a "painful visit" to Corinth, and subsequently wrote a severe letter (now lost) addressing issues within the church. He penned this new letter from Macedonia after Titus brought news of the Corinthians' positive response to his previous communication. Paul begins by acknowledging God as the source of all comfort and defends himself against accusations leveled against him.
Paul's Greeting and Thanksgiving (II Corinthians 1:1-2)
Paul identifies himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" (II Corinthians 1:1). This wasn't a self-appointed position, but a divine calling (see Acts 9:1-22). His apostleship wasn't based on his own merit, but on God's sovereign choice. Timothy, his co-worker, is also mentioned, but the letter's content makes it clear that Paul is the primary author. He addresses the church of God at Corinth, located in Achaia, modern Greece.
He greets them with "grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (II Corinthians 1:2). This isn't a mere formality, but a powerful declaration that grace and peace, the foundational blessings of the Christian life, originate solely from God.
The God of All Comfort (II Corinthians 1:3-7)
Paul immediately praises "the God of all comfort" (II Corinthians 1:3). This sets the tone for the entire chapter. He acknowledges God as the source of solace and encouragement, especially in times of affliction. Paul highlights that God "comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (II Corinthians 1:4).
This passage reveals a profound principle: our suffering is not meaningless. God uses our trials to equip us to minister to others. The comfort we receive from Him becomes a resource for comforting those who are experiencing similar difficulties. By experiencing hardship ourselves, we develop empathy and understanding, becoming better equipped to offer genuine support.
Paul connects Christian suffering to Christ's suffering, noting that "as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too" (II Corinthians 1:5). Our trials are not separate from Christ's, but rather a participation in His sufferings. And just as Christ received comfort, so too do we receive comfort through Him.
Paul’s recent experiences of suffering for Christ’s sake were known to the Corinthians. Some questioned why an apostle of Jesus should suffer so much. Shouldn’t he be protected by his connection to God’s power? Paul's response is that his suffering as an apostle made it possible for the Corinthians to receive the gospel. And the comfort he has received from God in his suffering has allowed him to comfort them when they experience suffering as he has (II Corinthians 1:1–7).
If anyone assures you that you can avoid suffering like health problems, mental anguish, relational difficulties, or financial straits—provided that you have enough faith—they’re not telling you the truth. Paul was a visible and verbal follower of Christ who stood head and shoulders above other Christians in terms of faithfulness. And he suffered greatly—not in spite of his faith but because of his faith in and obedience to Christ. Paul’s suffering and ours is directly related to God’s purpose of using us to minister to others. So if you’re suffering, read on.
We must not be so overcome by our suffering that we miss the unlimited comfort that God makes available in every circumstance.
Delivered from Death (II Corinthians 1:8-11)
Paul then describes the severity of his recent ordeal. He and his companions were "burdened beyond our strength, so that we despaired of even life itself" (II Corinthians 1:8). He felt as though he had received a death sentence. This wasn't mere hyperbole, but a genuine expression of the immense pressure he was under.
However, even in the face of death, Paul found hope in God. He realized that the purpose of this overwhelming experience was "that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead" (II Corinthians 1:9). God allows us to reach the end of our own resources so that we will learn to rely solely on Him.
Paul testifies that God "delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us" (II Corinthians 1:10). This declaration is filled with faith and confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness. He has delivered in the past, and Paul trusts that He will continue to deliver in the future.
He then invites the Corinthians to participate in his deliverance through prayer, "as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many" (II Corinthians 1:11). This highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and the communal aspect of faith.
Paul Defends His Integrity (II Corinthians 1:12-22)
The apostle now addresses accusations that he lacked integrity and honesty. Some in Corinth had criticized him for changing his travel plans, suggesting that he was unreliable and insincere.
Paul vehemently defends his character, stating, "For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world, and still more toward you, with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God" (II Corinthians 1:12). He insists that his actions were motivated by genuine love and concern for the Corinthians, not by selfish motives.
He clarifies that his change of plans was not due to fickleness or indecision. "As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No" (II Corinthians 1:18). Paul's "yes" meant "yes," and his "no" meant "no." His consistency stemmed from his unwavering commitment to Christ.
Paul emphasizes that "Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was preached among you by us...was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory" (II Corinthians 1:19-20). Christ is the embodiment of God's faithfulness, and all of God's promises are fulfilled in Him.
He reminds them that God "has established us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (II Corinthians 1:21-22). The Holy Spirit is the seal of God's ownership and the guarantee of our future inheritance.
Spared for Their Sake (II Corinthians 1:23-24)
Paul concludes this section by explaining that he delayed his return to Corinth "to spare you" (II Corinthians 1:23). He didn't want to come in a manner that would be harsh or judgmental. He wasn't seeking to "lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith" (II Corinthians 1:24). His desire was to minister to them effectively and to see them grow in their faith with joy.
Paul didn’t want to lord it over their faith, forcing them to submit to his apostolic authority, but wanted to come to them in joy (II Corinthians 1:23-24). He desired to minister effectively to them rather than simply exercising authority over them.
Conclusion
II Corinthians 1 reveals Paul's heart as a pastor and apostle. He shares his struggles, defends his integrity, and emphasizes the importance of God's comfort in the midst of suffering. This chapter is a powerful reminder that God uses our trials to equip us to minister to others, and that He is always faithful to deliver us. It also teaches us the importance of integrity, transparency, and love in our relationships with fellow believers.