Two people seen from behind sit side by side on a low stone wall above a calm gulf at dawn, one with an arm around the other’s shoulders.

The Book of

2 Corinthians 1

Paul has come through deep trouble, and the church he loves is doubting him. He begins with the God of all comfort.

24 verses≈ 5 min3 peopleBSB

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In this chapter

Where we are

1–2:13ComfortWhy Paul changed his plansChapter 1
2:14–5:10Treasure in clayThe glory of the new covenant
5:11–7Be reconciledOpen your hearts; joy restored
8–9Generous givingThe gift for the saints
10–13Strong in weaknessPaul's defence of his ministry

Paul Greets the Corinthians

From PaulTo the church of God in Corinth

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:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:1–2

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In this chapter

The God of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3–4

For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

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. 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.

Comfort passed on

Whiteboard

God’s comfort is not meant to stop with us. He comforts us “in all our troubles,” so that we can comfort others “with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Suffering for Christ comes in full measure, and so does comfort, and the church that shares the one will share the other.

Pray

The God of all comfort

Paul calls God “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” Bring Him one trouble you are carrying today and ask for His comfort. Then ask Him to show you one person “in any trouble” whom you could comfort this week with what He has given you.

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia.

A lone traveler seen from behind sits by a dusty road in bare hills at dusk, his staff across his knees, under a wide darkening sky.

We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 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.

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us.

0:28

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, 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.

that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead

2 Corinthians 1:9

Question

Quick question

Paul opens his letter by telling the Corinthians about a time when he thought he would die.

Where did Paul face the hardships that made him despair even of life?

Paul’s Change of Plans

For 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.

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, as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

The plan that changed

Paul’s plan was to sail from Ephesus to Corinth, go north to Macedonia, come back to Corinth, and then go on to Judea with the church’s help: two visits, “a double blessing.” It did not happen that way. The return visit from Macedonia never came (1:23), and some in Corinth wondered whether Paul could be trusted.

Paul

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” 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.”

For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20

Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.

I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 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.

Reflect

Yes in Christ

Paul’s plans changed, but God’s word did not. In Christ, “all the promises of God” are Yes. Which of God’s promises do you most need to lean on right now? Write it down, and next to it write one way you have already seen Him keep His word to you.

You’ve experienced

2 Corinthians 1

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A verse to carry with you

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 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.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4

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