2 Corinthians 1
BSB1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. 7 And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. 8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. 12 And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. 13 For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely, 14 as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus. 15 Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. 16 I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea. 17 When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say “Yes, yes” when I really mean “No, no”? 18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No." 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes." 20 For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, 22 placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come. 23 I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Corinthians 1
- Themes from 2 Corinthians 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Paul's greeting to the Corinthian church, expressing his gratitude for God's comfort in his afflictions. He then explains how he and his companions have suffered greatly, but God has delivered them and will continue to do so. Paul also defends his integrity and explains why he changed his travel plans, emphasizing his desire to spare the Corinthians from another painful visit. The chapter concludes with Paul's expression of confidence in God's faithfulness and his encouragement to the Corinthians to comfort one another. Key verses include 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, where Paul describes God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, and 2 Corinthians 1:20, where he affirms that all of God's promises are yes in Christ.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, which he wrote to address various issues and concerns in the church. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the book, which emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity and faithfulness to God. The chapter also connects to the broader biblical narrative, which highlights God's character as a God of comfort and faithfulness. The book of 2 Corinthians is a key part of the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of living a life of faithfulness and integrity in the face of affliction and suffering.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's comfort and faithfulness, even in the midst of affliction. It also emphasizes the importance of comforting one another, as a key aspect of living out Christ's command to love one another. As believers, we can apply this chapter by seeking to comfort others in their afflictions, and by trusting in God's faithfulness to deliver us from our own struggles.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's comfort in affliction. Paul writes to the Corinthian church about his own experiences of suffering and how God has comforted him. The chapter emphasizes God's character as a God of all comfort, who desires to comfort His people in their afflictions. As believers, we can trust in God's comfort and faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering. For example, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 describes God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's people should be the comforters of one another, for they have all been comforted by the Lord. It is their duty to pass on the comfort they have received, and to be the instruments of comfort to those who are in distress.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The promises of God are not like the promises of men, which are often broken. God's promises are all yes in Christ, and they are the foundation of our hope and comfort in affliction.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction and Greeting (1:1-2) — Paul greets the Corinthian church and expresses his gratitude for God's comfort in his afflictions.
- God's Comfort in Affliction (1:3-7) — Paul describes God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction. He also explains how God comforts him so that he can comfort others.
- Paul's Suffering and Deliverance (1:8-11) — Paul explains how he and his companions have suffered greatly, but God has delivered them and will continue to do so. He also emphasizes the importance of prayer and the role of the Corinthian church in praying for him.
- Paul's Integrity and Change of Plans (1:12-14) — Paul defends his integrity and explains why he changed his travel plans, emphasizing his desire to spare the Corinthians from another painful visit.
- God's Faithfulness and Promises (1:15-22) — Paul affirms that God is faithful and will deliver believers from their afflictions. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises, which are all yes in Christ.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of God's Comfort
- This chapter teaches that God is a God of all comfort, who desires to comfort His people in their afflictions. This comfort is not just emotional, but also spiritual, as God comforts us through His presence and promises.
- The Doctrine of Suffering
- The chapter highlights the reality of suffering in the Christian life, but also emphasizes God's faithfulness and deliverance. Believers can trust that God will use their suffering to comfort and strengthen them.
- The Doctrine of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness, as Paul affirms that God will deliver believers from their afflictions. This faithfulness is a key aspect of God's character, and believers can trust in it.
- The Doctrine of Promises
- The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, which are all yes in Christ. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even in the midst of affliction and suffering.
Lessons from 2 Corinthians 1
- God's Comfort is Available in Affliction — The chapter teaches that God's comfort is available to believers in their afflictions, and that He desires to comfort them through His presence and promises.
- Integrity is Important for Christian Leaders — The chapter highlights the importance of integrity for Christian leaders, as Paul defends his character and explains his change of plans.
- God's Faithfulness is a Key Aspect of His Character — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness, as Paul affirms that God will deliver believers from their afflictions. This faithfulness is a key aspect of God's character, and believers can trust in it.
- Believers Should Comfort One Another — The chapter encourages believers to comfort one another, as a key aspect of living out Christ's command to love one another.
- God's Promises are All Yes in Christ — The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, which are all yes in Christ. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even in the midst of affliction and suffering.
Themes from 2 Corinthians 1
- God's Comfort — The chapter emphasizes God's comfort as a key aspect of His character, highlighting His desire to comfort His people in their afflictions.
- Suffering and Affliction — The chapter highlights the reality of suffering in the Christian life, but also emphasizes God's faithfulness and deliverance. Believers can trust that God will use their suffering to comfort and strengthen them.
- Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness, as Paul affirms that God will deliver believers from their afflictions. This faithfulness is a key aspect of God's character, and believers can trust in it.
- Promises — The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, which are all yes in Christ. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even in the midst of affliction and suffering.
- Comforting One Another — The chapter encourages believers to comfort one another, as a key aspect of living out Christ's command to love one another.
Questions for Meditation
- How has God comforted you in your afflictions, and how can you pass on that comfort to others?
- What does it mean to trust in God's faithfulness, and how can you apply that trust in your life?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's comfort and faithfulness encourage you to face your own struggles and afflictions?
- What role does prayer play in the chapter, and how can you prioritize prayer in your own life?
- How can you apply the chapter's teaching on comforting one another to your relationships with other believers?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-2)
| 1:1 | Paul greets the Corinthian church, expressing his gratitude for God's comfort in his afflictions. |
| 1:2 | Paul expresses his desire for God's grace and peace to be with the Corinthian church. |
2. God's Comfort in Affliction (1:3-7)
| 1:3 | Paul describes God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction. |
| 1:4 | Paul explains how God comforts him so that he can comfort others. |
| 1:5 | Paul describes the abundance of his sufferings, but also the abundance of God's comfort. |
| 1:6 | Paul explains how his comfort can be a source of comfort for others. |
| 1:7 | Paul expresses his confidence that God will deliver him and the Corinthian church from their afflictions. |
3. Paul's Suffering and Deliverance (1:8-11)
| 1:8 | Paul explains how he and his companions have suffered greatly, but God has delivered them and will continue to do so. |
| 1:9 | Paul affirms that God is faithful and will deliver believers from their afflictions. |
| 1:10 | Paul expresses his confidence in God's deliverance, and encourages the Corinthian church to pray for him. |
| 1:11 | Paul thanks the Corinthian church for their prayers and expresses his desire for their continued prayer. |
4. Paul's Integrity and Change of Plans (1:12-14)
| 1:12 | Paul defends his integrity and explains why he changed his travel plans, emphasizing his desire to spare the Corinthians from another painful visit. |
| 1:13 | Paul affirms that he has always acted with simplicity and sincerity towards the Corinthian church. |
| 1:14 | Paul expresses his desire to visit the Corinthian church again, and to have a joyful visit. |
5. God's Faithfulness and Promises (1:15-22)
| 1:15 | Paul explains why he changed his travel plans, emphasizing his desire to spare the Corinthians from another painful visit. |
| 1:16 | Paul affirms that he has always acted with simplicity and sincerity towards the Corinthian church. |
| 1:17 | Paul defends his character and explains why he changed his plans. |
| 1:18 | Paul affirms that God is faithful, and that His promises are all yes in Christ. |
| 1:19 | Paul explains how God's promises are all yes in Christ, and how that gives him confidence in God's faithfulness. |
| 1:20 | Paul affirms that all of God's promises are yes in Christ, and that gives him confidence in God's faithfulness. |
| 1:21 | Paul explains how God establishes believers in Christ, and anoints them with His Spirit. |
| 1:22 | Paul affirms that God has given believers the Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 2 Corinthians 1?
The main theme of 2 Corinthians 1 is God's comfort in affliction, as Paul writes to the Corinthian church about his own experiences of suffering and how God has comforted him. See 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 for more information.
Why did Paul change his travel plans?
Paul changed his travel plans to spare the Corinthians from another painful visit. He wanted to visit them in joy and not in sorrow, as he had previously written to them in 2 Corinthians 1:15-17.
What does it mean to trust in God's faithfulness?
Trusting in God's faithfulness means believing that God will deliver believers from their afflictions, as Paul affirms in 2 Corinthians 1:9-10. It also means trusting that God will fulfill His promises, which are all yes in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 1:20.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 1:3 → Psalm 103:13 | Both passages describe God as a God of comfort, who desires to comfort His people in their afflictions. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 1:5 → Romans 8:18 | Both passages describe the abundance of suffering and the abundance of God's comfort. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 1:9 → Psalm 34:19 | Both passages affirm that God will deliver believers from their afflictions. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 1:10 → 1 Peter 5:7 | Both passages encourage believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to cast their cares on Him. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 1:15 → 1 Corinthians 10:13 | Both passages describe God's faithfulness and His desire to deliver believers from temptation and affliction. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 1:17 → 1 Corinthians 10:13 | See 1 Corinthians 10:13 for a similar passage on God's faithfulness. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 1:20 → Hebrews 13:8 | Both passages affirm that God's promises are all yes in Christ, and that He is faithful to fulfill them. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 1:21 → Ephesians 1:13 | Both passages describe how God establishes believers in Christ, and anoints them with His Spirit. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 1:22 → Ephesians 1:14 | Both passages describe how God has given believers the Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 1:3 → Isaiah 40:1 | Both passages describe God's comfort in affliction, and His desire to comfort His people. |
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Receiving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker, Pastor Dave, shares a story about a farmer who toiled his whole life on a rocky piece of land, only to die in poverty and discouragement. However, afte |
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Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi |
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(Poland) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in Broadway and as a preacher. He talks about a show on Broadway that received terrible reviews and onl |
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(2 Corinthians) ch.1:1-1:19 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically chapter 1. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God has called Chr |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 3. Israel the Suffering Servant - Part 2 by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the profound significance of Israel's suffering as a means to reveal the true church and the true God to the nations. He highlights that only the righteous are |
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Helpers in Prayer by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the need for believers to seek God's help and intervention in their lives. He highlights the example of the apos |
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God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w |
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(2006 Conference) 9. Seven Wonderful Promises by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle to let go of earthly desires and embrace the promises of the New Covenant. It encourages be |
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Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of understanding the word of God. He shares that many people miss the great truths of the Bible because they overcomplicate i |
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Be a Blessing by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promises made by God to Abraham in Genesis. The four promises mentioned are: making Abraham into a great nation, blessing him, making his |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1
In this chapter, Paul writes to the Corinthian church about his own experiences of suffering and how God has comforted him. He describes God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction. Paul also defends his integrity and explains why he changed his travel plans, emphasizing his desire to spare the Corinthians from another painful visit. The chapter concludes with Paul's expression of confidence in God's faithfulness and his encouragement to the Corinthians to comfort one another. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter teaches us to trust in God's comfort and faithfulness, even in the midst of affliction and suffering. We can apply this chapter by seeking to comfort others in their afflictions, and by trusting in God's faithfulness to deliver us from our own struggles. See 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and 2 Corinthians 1:20 for more information. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Suffering and Comfort
The chapter reveals a pattern of suffering and comfort, where God comforts Paul in his afflictions so that he can comfort others. This pattern is evident in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, where Paul describes God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
Importance of Integrity
The chapter highlights the importance of integrity, as Paul defends his character and explains his change of plans. This is evident in 2 Corinthians 1:15-17, where Paul explains why he changed his travel plans.
Emphasis on God's Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness, as Paul affirms that God will deliver believers from their afflictions. This is evident in 2 Corinthians 1:9-10, where Paul expresses his confidence in God's faithfulness.