The apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the Corinthian church, in about 60 AD, probably from Philippi, sometime after he was forced to leave his fruitful ministry in Ephesus, due to an uprising fomented by enemies of the Gospel (Acts 19:23- 20:1). While the hasty retreat from Ephesus opened new opportunities for ministry (in Troas and elsewhere, 2Cor 2:12,13), it also postponed his planned second visit to Corinth. Therefore, Paul wrote to explain the change of plans, and also to pursue matters of concern which had been addressed in his previous letter (including disciplinary action against a brother involved in fornication, and the collection of funds for the persecuted saints in Jerusalem).
In this letter, the apostle's heart is revealed, more deeply than in most of his other writings, as he discusses his way of ministry, and his loving concern for his spiritual children. Because the Corinthian believers were being drawn after false teachers, who were undermining Paul's doctrine and questioning his apostolic authority, he found it necessary to present a lengthy defense of his apostleship.
Whereas the first letter to the Corinthians was centered on the health of the local church, this second letter focuses on the character and confidence of the Lord's true servant(s).
1Corinthians theme: Confusion in the Church: met by the Lordship of Christ.
2Corinthians theme: Weakness of God's Servants: met by the Sufficiency of Christ.
I. Introduction (1:1-7)
1. 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 {the southernmost province of Greece}:
2 Grace [be] to you and peace from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.
...an apostle... by the will of God.
Paul's identity as an apostle of Christ, was according to God's determination.
Paul did not appoint himself to be a messenger of the Lord. cp. 1Cor 1:1; Gal 1:1
Grace... and peace...
Most of Paul's epistles open with a similar greeting, always in this order. It is by the saving Grace of God that unworthy sinners may enter into Peace with God, through faith in Christ (Rom 5:1). It is by God's sustaining Grace that His children can enjoy the Peace of God (Heb 4:16; Php 4:6,7). The latter is primarily in view here, since Paul is addressing believers who are facing various kinds of trouble (cp. Isa 26:3).
...from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God, the Father and the Son, are acknowledged equally as the source of Grace and Peace. Joh 10:30
3. Blessed {ie., Praised} [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies {ie., pity, compassions}, and the God of all comfort;
4 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.
...the God of all comfort {GK=paraklesis} who comforteth {GK=parakaleo}...
Throughout this passage, the noun and verb forms of this Greek word are translated as 'comfort', 'consolation' (noun) and 'comforteth', 'comforted' (verb). Literally the word refers to 'calling near' or 'drawing near' to someone for personal counsel, exhortation or encouragement. In v.3-7, all occurrences could be rendered 'encourage' or 'encouragement.'
...who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort...
God encourages His children directly through the Holy Spirit, "the Comforter" {GK=parakletos}, who, being very near, reminds us of our Lord's faithful promises, and assures us of His presence (Joh 14:16-18,26). God also encourages us indirectly, through other believers who have known the Spirit's comfort in their times of distress (eg., 2Cor 7:6,7).
Thus, God was working through Paul and the Corinthian believers to encourage one another, in the midst of their respective difficulties.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound {excel, overflow} in us, so our consolation also aboundeth {excels, overflows} by Christ.
Paul (and his co-workers) were enduring substantial hardship in the service of Christ (eg., 1Cor 4:10-13). Yet, through overwhelming troubles, they grew ever nearer to the Lord, who more than compensated for their sorrows (eg., Joh 14:26,27; Php 3:10; cp. 2The 2:16,17).
6 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.
7. And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation. {cp. Rom 8:17,18}
...whether we be afflicted... it is for your consolation and salvation...
Whatever Paul (and his co-workers) experienced in Christ's service, it was for the benefit of their spiritual children, to encourage them to endure difficulties, and to ensure their final realization of their salvation. For a new believer, 'salvation' refers to deliverence from the penalty of sin (eg., Rom 6:23). Here, regarding established believers, 'salvation' refers to the final deliverance from the power and presence of sin (Rom 13:11; 2Tim 2:10; 1Pet 1:5-9).
...which is effectual {wrought} in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer...
As the Corinthian believers endured similar trials for the Lord's sake, they also would know, for themselves, His encouragement and assurance.
...whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you [is] stedfast...
In observing that the Corinthian believers were indeed enduring trials, Paul was encouraged, with unshakeable confidence, that they would persevere to the end. 2The 1:4-7; Jam 1:2-4,12
II. The Characteristics of Paul's Ministry. 1:8- 7:16
A. Comforted and Comforting.
1. Paul's trouble in Asia, comforted by help from the Corinthian church. 1:8-11
8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, {Acts 19:23- 20:1} that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, {cp. Jer 17:5-7} but in God which raiseth the dead: {2Cor 4:13,14}
10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us]; {Psa 34:19,22}
11 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.
...we despaired even of life... God which raiseth the dead... delivered us...
(See the references with the Bible text above.) At Ephesus (in Asia Minor, modern Turkey), the riot fomented by the silversmiths was life threatening. The angry mob was dead set on killing Paul. But the Lord had delivered him from certain death, with the same supernatural power by which He is able to raise the dead.
...and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us].
Absolutely sure of the Lord's presence and power to deliver, Paul could 'trust' {confidently expect} Him to preserve His servant's life, until the appointed work was done (cp. 2Tim 4:17; 2Pet 2:9). The Lord had comforted him in distress (v.3-5).
...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.
The Corinthian believers had also comforted Paul, through faithfully supporting him in prayer (cp. Rom 15:30-32; Eph 6:18,19). The word 'gift' {GK=charisma, gift of grace} is used elsewhere of the diverse spiritual enablements which the Holy Spirit bestows upon believers (eg., 1Cor 12:4). The gift, which Paul has in mind, is the answer to prayer by which he was delivered, and for which many would offer thanksgiving to the Lord.
II. The Characteristics of Paul's Ministry. 1:8- 7:16
A. Comforted and Comforting.
2(a). Paul's postponement of his planned visit -- unexpected, unavoidable. 1:12-22
12. For our rejoicing {glorying, boasting} is this, the testimony of our conscience, {cp. Acts 24:16; 1Joh 3:19-21} that in simplicity {ie., single mindedness} and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation {ie., manner of life} in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read {know certainly} or acknowledge {know thoroughly}; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
14 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.
The Corinthian church was offended that Paul had not returned to visit them, as he had proposed in his previous letter (1Cor 16:5-9). Therefore, Paul prefaces his explanation of the changed plans, with a reminder that he served the Lord Jesus Christ with single-minded sincerity. In doing so, the godly apostle's relationship and communication with the church had always been open and honest.
They could be sure that Paul had written with the same sincerity. He would never attempt to mislead or deceive them (cp. 2Cor 4:2).
and I trust {hope, am confident} ye shall acknowledge {recognize} even to the end...
Paul hoped they would always recognize that his motives were pure.
As also ye have acknowledged us 'in part' {partly}, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
While Paul's heart was open toward them, it seemed to him that their affections toward him had partly cooled. He reminds them that they shared a common hope, and would rejoice together, in the Lord's presence, at His coming. 1Cor 1:7-9; 1The 2:19,20
15. And in this confidence I was minded {ie., purposed} to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit {GK=charis, grace, favor; cp. Rom 1:11,12; Php 1:25,26};
16 And to pass by {GK=dia, through} you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness {ie., flippancy}? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
18 But [as] God [is] true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
19 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.
20 For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God;
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
...[as] God [is] true, our word toward you was not yea and nay {'yes' and 'no' at the same time}.
Paul had honestly purposed to visit them. But the crisis at Ephesus had unexpectedly upset his plans, and unavoidably altered his travel itinerary.
Paul and his co-workers, being the servants of Christ, would not speak or conduct themselves in a way which would misrepresent Him (v.19).
For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
All of God's promises are affirmed and accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ. God receives glory, as the gospel of Christ is proclaimed by His servants, and as He reveals Himself through His people (v.19; 2Cor 4:6; Eph 1:12-14).
'Amen' {faithfulness, truth, so be it}, a Hebrew word, is transliterated into Greek & English.
Hebrew example: In Isa 65:16, it is twice rendered 'truth.'
Greek example: In Joh 3:5 (and throughout John's Gospel), 'verily, verily' is 'amen, amen.'
The Lord Jesus Christ identifies Himself as 'the Amen' of God, in Rev 3:14.
'Yea' {GK=nai, yes, an affirmation of certainty}
'Yea' is translated 'surely' in Rev 22:20, where the Lord is speaking:
"Surely {Yea} I come quickly. Amen {'Thus it shall be'}."
To which believers reply: "Amen {'Let it be so'}. 'Even so' {Yea} come Lord Jesus."
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.
Here, we see the saving work of the Triune God in our behalf:
fulfilled God's promise of salvation by Grace, accessed through faith in the Savior,
and became the only foundation upon which to stand (be established) before God. 1Cor 3:11; Rom 5:1,2
God (the Holy Spirit) - is the 'anointing' believers receive from the Father. 1Joh 2:20,27
- seals believers as belonging to Christ. Eph 1:13,14
- indwells believers as the 'earnest' {guarantee, assurance} that the things 'hoped for' will be realized, in His time. Rom 8:9,14-17,22-25
A. Comforted and Comforting.
2(b). Paul's postponement of his planned visit -- delayed to avoid discomfort. 1:23- 2:4
1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
[NOTE: To avoid interruption of this section by the chapter break, the last two verses of ch.1 and the related notes are included, in the notes for ch.2.]